America’s Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt and Hugh Cecil, the 5th Earl of Lonsdale whose English estate was at Lowther in Cumberland, were giants of their day and had a lot in common, including fabulous wealth and a passion for sport. The colourful Vanderbilt – father of artist, author, heiress and socialite, Gloria Vanderbilt, who went on to develop the whole concept of designer jeans – was a keen horseman and President of the Association of American Horse Shows and the Hackney Horse Society. Lonsdale, who was also known as the “Yellow” or “Sporting” Earl, was once described by King Edward VII as “almost an Emperor, not quite a gentleman”! The flamboyant character was an arctic explorer, friend of royalty, an avid follower of hounds, and a lover of all sporting activities including boxing, to which he left a lasting legacy in the shape of one of its great honours – the championship trophy known as the Lonsdale Belt.
CREATED
Lonsdale created the London International Horse Show which first opened its doors at Olympia in 1907, and which continues today as the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead. But America’s National Horse Show was long-established at that stage, having first taken place at Madison Square Gardens in New York 24 years earlier, in 1883. These were the only two indoor horse shows in the world during the early years of the 20th century, and as Simon Brooks-Ward, Managing Director of HPower Group and organiser of the world-famous Olympia horse show said this week, the Alltech National Horse Show “is of historic significance, not just to the American equestrian world, but to the international equestrian community at large – it is an event that should be nurtured, acknowledging its history and foundations but moving forward to respond to the demands of the 21st century through leadership and innovation.”
Brooks-Ward, son of legendary British commentator Raymond Brooks-Ward who revived show jumping at Olympia in 1962, is working as consultant to the Alltech National Horse Show. His organisational skills are world-renowned, and he has been brought onboard by Alltech to “help the show adopt some theatricality in the long term – to help make the National Horse Show what it once was in the heady days of the early 1900’s, and to demonstrate its huge history in the years that followed its establishment.”
A DAY AT THE OFFICE
Creating moments of theatre is just a day at the office for the 47 year old Briton whose home and business are based in the grounds of Windsor Castle in England. He has made a big name as a skillful organiser of national celebratory events filled with pomp and ceremony, including the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday celebrations in 2000, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, and the marking of the 60th anniversary of the end WWII in 2005. Next week he launches his latest production – a 90-minute show entitled “Around the World in 60 Years” – which will take place in the private grounds at Windsor Castle next May in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. He knows a thing or two about putting a show together.
He believes the connection between London Olympia and The National is something to be cherished. He is the proud custodian of a note that confirms the inter-relation between Vanderbilt and the Earl of Lonsdale during those early days, with addresses in both New York and London on the letterhead. They worked to produce events of the highest quality which reflected the best of horsemanship and sportsmanship on both sides of the pond, and brought the two countries closer together as a consequence. And they did it with a dash.
Brooks-Ward is working closely with the man who has made it his mission to restore America’s longest-running show to its former glory, Alltech National Horse Show President Mason Phelps Jr. Charged with the task of delivering a world-class event is Show Manager Hugh Kincannon, and there is no doubting the determination of all those involved to raise the profile of the Alltech National Horse Show, a once-mighty fixture that has lost its place amongst the majors in recent years but which has survived against the odds. As it moves to its new home, it is looking toward to a bright new future, and as the Brooks-Ward says, “with Alltech’s help, this great event is on its way back – so watch out!
Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition – Fast Facts
What:
The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, is a weeklong championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run November 2-6, 2011, in the Alltech Indoor Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games(TM).
Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $5.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.
Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.
Information:
Carolyn Vincent
National Horse Show
PO Box 386
Greenvale, NY 11548
Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982
Email:
NationalHS@aol.com
Website:
www.nhs.org
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.
Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at Mmorri4398@aol.com or 941 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Kiki Umla at KIKIUMLA@aol.com or 904-606-5541
Advertising – Laura Reed at reed.laura@insightbb.com or 859-321-7687
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles
Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com
ALLTECH MEDIA CONTACT:
Susanna Elliott
Corporate PR Manager, North America
Alltech Corporate Headquarters
3031 Catnip Hill Pike
Nicholasville, Kentucky
Telephone: (859) 887-5144
Mobile: (859) 473-2696
Email: SuElliott@alltech.com
Web site: www.alltech.com
NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com
About Alltech:
Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.