Menlo Horse Show Celebrates 40 Years

Online, July 23, 2010 (Newswire.com) - While the economy has seriously reduced the number of entries at many horse shows nation-wide, equestrians, demonstrating their support for the event's 40th anniversary, are flocking to the 2010 Menlo Charity Horse Show. Riders and their horses (over 100 more than last year) are scheduled to participate in the difficult and arduous, nationally-rated competition which will take place August 10th through August 15th at the Menlo Circus Club, 190 Park Lane in Atherton from 7:30 AM to 6PM.

Forty years ago Betsy Glikbarg of Atherton, in an attempt to promote equestrian activities at the Circus Club, staged a Saturday afternoon, unranked, family horse show. The event was well attended by about 50 of the competitors' families and friends. Since then, the show has evolved from its original ½ day format into a 2 day "C" ranked competition, a 5 day "A" horse show, and finally into the current 6 day, "AA" (the highest designation possible) rating. The 5 member committee which consisted of Mrs. Glikbarg, Nancy Parker of Redwood City, Nan Chapman and Nancy Robinson of Woodside, and Jane Yates of Portola Valley (all of whom still actively participate) has grown to one of 150 members, and during all of this time, Founder Betsy Glikbarg has stayed at the helm, either as Chairman or Co-Chairman. In the ensuing years, the show has received countless accolades from the equestrian community. It was named "Best in the West" by the members of the Pacific Coast Hunter/Jumper Association for over 15 years, "One of the Best Horse Shows in North America" by the international subscribers to Phelps Sports.com. in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and "Horse Show of the Year"" by the National Hall of Fame for the last 2, consecutive years. It has recently been nominated as a "Heritage" Horse Show, and in 2009, the event was featured in Japan's only equestrian magazine.
Focusing on Hunters and Jumpers competing in Olympic-style, open-field jumping in 3 on-going arenas, the Menlo Charity Horse Show has raised millions of dollars for the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Palo Alto, as well as for other local, non-profit agencies. In 2009, $440,000 was raised for the Center. This year, over 90 supportive community individuals and corporations have assisted in the fund raising by becoming sponsors. In recognition of the show's 40 years, several local retailers have hosted celebratory events, among them: Kiehl's and Emmengildo Zegn's, at the Stanford Shopping Center. The Rosewood Hotel in Menlo Park was the setting for an elegant gathering for Sponsors and Friends of the Horse Show, and Michael Kors, at Stanford Shopping Center, will be the venue for a final kick-off party on Monday, August 9th the evening before the show starts. Co-Chair, Betsy Glikbarg says, "Exhibitors and sponsors are the life blood of our show, so we try to make this a very special occasion for them. Sponsors receive custom gifts and personalized attention. Each one is assigned a liaison from the committee to make sure that their needs are met. Awards in the 190 classes are donated by the likes of Ralph Lauren, Palo Alto; Neiman Marcus and Tiffany & Co., Stanford Shopping Center, and Nordstrom-San Francisco. Additionally, each entrant upon arrival is given a tote bag, filled with over 20 items such as, lip balm, visor caps and mugs with the horse show logo, note pads, horse cookies, et al. No one goes home empty handed."

Of special interest this year is a new event, The Windy Hill Larry Mayfield Memorial Ride and Drive Class, which has been scheduled for Wednesday evening on the grass jumper field at 6 PM. In this class, riders and horses compete over fences. At the conclusion of the jumping, the riders dismount, and hop on Seques, and ride them over a driving course which is set up on the same field. Other highlights of the show are the $10,000 Rector, Audi Ryman Memorial Speed Jumping Class, which will commence at 6PM on the grass jumper field on Friday evening; the China Blue Farm Amateur Owner Hunter Classic on Sunday at 7:30 AM on the grass hunter course, and the $40,000 Menlo Horse Show Grand Prix on the grass of the polo field at 6PM on Saturday. Children and their ponies perform commencing at 7:30 AM on the Hunter field, on Tuesday. The perennial, crowd-pleasing Children's (Under 6) Lead Line Class will take place at approximately 1PM, Saturday in the sand arena.
A gala celebration, dinner dance, auction and silent auction are scheduled for Friday evening in the club house immediately following the Speed Jumping Class.

Among the items to be auctioned is an original collage created by the 2010 Official Artist of the Horse Show, Sam Price of San Francisco. Titled "Jubilee", in recognition of the show's 40th anniversary, this piece of art is valued at $5,000. Its image is featured on the horse show's mugs, invitation, program and tee shirts. Tickets for the dinner are $225 per person. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. For reservations, please call: Pam Perez at 650-857-0422.

For hungry and thirsty spectators, food and beverages are available on the grounds. The club house and coffee shop are open to the public. Over 40 vendors offer jewelry, clothing and art, as well as items for the home, barn and stable. There is ample on-street parking with free shuttle service to the grounds provided.
Tickets are $10 per day, or $35 for a 6 day pass. Children under 12 and seniors over 65 are admitted for free. For further information: call 650-701-0543 or visit: www.menlohorseshow.com.

The Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired which serves thousands of clients in San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties is dedicated to "making self-reliance possible for the more than 2,000 visually impaired individuals in our community.
For further information; call 650-858-0202.