The designation of a USEF Heritage Competition is reserved for competitions that have been in existence for a quarter-century or more, promoted and grown equestrian sport, and made contributions to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining, and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.
As the first horse show west of the Mississippi River in 1865, the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show gained national recognition during the 1904 World’s Fair. It has existed in its present form since 1977 and has won awards from the Missouri Horse Show Association as the “Star Show of the Year” in both the Hunter/Jumper and American Saddlebred divisions. As a not-for-profit organization with an all-volunteer board, the show provides a venue for some of the finest equestrian competition in the nation while highlighting St. Louis philanthropies.
The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show benefits Therapeutic Horsemanship, which provides equine-assisted therapy programs for individuals with disabilities to help them reach their maximum physical and psychological potential. The show also benefits Stray Rescue of St. Louis, whose sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health and place them in loving adoptive homes.
“The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show has been part of our country’s horse show world for more than 150 years,” said USEF Chief Executive Officer John Long. “With its longevity and dedication to the St. Louis community, the show represents everything the USEF looks for when entitling a Heritage Competition.”
The specific requirements of a Heritage Competition can be found in the USEF Rule Book, GR301.6 or at www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2009/GeneralRules/Chapter%203.pdf.
Interested competitions may apply for Heritage Competition designation by completing the form available at www.usef.org/documents/competitions/2009/HeritageApplication.pdf.