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August 2009
Cap off the final days of summer with a weekend of family fun at the 66th annual Ludwig's Corner Horse Show and Country Fair. The family event, held Labor Day Weekend, Saturday through Monday, September 5-7, at the Ludwig's Corner Horse Show Grounds, Glenmoore, PA, has been a Labor Day tradition for generations of families for more than a half century.
About 500 horses will compete in the horse show, held at the 33-acre show grounds, located in the beautiful rolling Chester County countryside near Glenmoore, PA. The show and country fair runs from 8 am to 6 pm each day.
On Saturday, September 5, the show will feature classes for younger riders and schooling classes. Hunters and jumpers, ranging from adult and child beginners to top regional competitors, will compete Sunday and Monday in a full slate of classes, including sidesaddle, equitation, pleasure and classes for families, pairs and hunt teams. Featured classes include the $1,000 LCHSA Hunter Classic and $500 LCHSA Pony Hunter Classic. The show's highlight, the $7,500 Ludwig's Corner Horse Show Association Jumper Classic, will begin about 1 pm Monday.
Exhibitions will feature the Pickering Hunt Pony Club competing in mounted games, and the Thorncroft Mainstreamers. The Mainstreamers are a six horse, 13 member drill team consisting of riders with and without disabilities ranging in age from 11 to 15. They work and ride together several times a week in preparation for performances throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, including venues such as Dressage at Devon, the Devon Horse Show and others.
In addition to equestrian competition and entertainment, the Country Fair provides hours of activities for families each day of the weekend, including rides, games, shopping, entertainment, delicious food and an entire tent full of games and activities for kids. A collection of 35 national and local vendors housed in a circus tent comprises the "Shops at Ludwig's Corner." Guests will be able to shop for everything from fudge to teak furniture, fine art to fashions, and show souvenirs to equestrian supplies.
The very popular antique and classic car show will be held September 7. In addition to antique and classic cars, the show will feature hot rods, street rods, and antique tractors. A flea market will offer automobile related items and collectibles.
The popular Working Fox Hunter division returns for the second year, with fences and challenges similar to those found in the hunt field, an under saddle Hunter Pairs class, and a sportsmanship award for junior riders. Some championships will award trophy coolers. An "Ask the Judge" seminar will allow participants to watch a hunter class with an official horse show judge, who will explain what judges consider in awarding ribbons and what it takes to win. Sessions will be held at 1 pm and 3 pm Monday, September 7, and advance registration is requested by August 23 -- phone Show Chairman Becca Smith at (610) 745-7250 or email rrs1646@hotmail.com.
The three days of family fun benefit a great cause -- raising funds to preserve the 33-acre show grounds as open space. Funds will be used to expand the use of the grounds as a community resource and to preserve the equestrian tradition of Chester County through open space and community involvement. The Ludwig's Corner Horse Show Association recently created a tax exempt entity to support the show grounds and make distributions through the Foundation board to other groups in the area with similar open space missions. This year's proceeds will be used to preserve the 33 acre show grounds and support the community. Hundreds of local volunteers annually contribute their holiday weekend to make the event a success.
The Ludwig's Corner Horse Show Grounds are located just beyond the intersection of Rts. 100 and 401 in northern Chester County, PA. From PA Turnpike exit 312, (Downingtown) take Rt. 100 north 4.3 miles to the showgrounds on the left. Daily admission to the Ludwig's Corner Horse Show and Country Fair is $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 12 and under. Parking is free.
For more information phone (610) 458-3344 or visit the website: www.ludwigshorseshow.org.
