Join Us in Improving the Historic
Germantown Charity Horse Show Grounds!
The GCHS show grounds serve as a cornerstone of our equestrian community, attracting riders, spectators, and businesses while generating significant economic impact for the region. These enhancements will preserve the legacy of the historic show grounds, elevate the experience for exhibitors and spectators alike, and ensure its continued role as a driving force in equestrian sport for generations to come.
The improvements will be delivered in three phases focusing on Show Rings, Paved Access, and Barns, and will provide:
- Improved safety standards for riders and horses during competition
- Increased flexibility in course design
- Upgraded barn facilities to ensure optimal care and comfort for horses
- Better accessibility for competitors, support teams, and spectators
PHASE 1
Completed in March 2026
GCHS celebrated the reopening of its historic show grounds in March 2026 with a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of Phase 1. This phase delivered significant, transformational upgrades across the facility to improve safety, performance, and flexibility for riders and horses.
The iconic Sonny Foster Arena and its adjacent warm-up ring now feature upgraded footing composed of high-quality sand and fiber installed over improved drainage systems to enhance safety and performance. The arena was also expanded with new perimeter fencing, allowing for more flexible course design.
Other Key Improvements:
- Construction of a large new Northeast Hunter Ring
- Renovation of the North/South Ring with new footing, drainage, and fencing
- Creation of a dedicated lunging area for pre-competition warm-up
- Arena Drive, the entryway to the main arena, was regraded and rebuilt to improve horse footing and wash-outs
- New portable fencing is now available, which allows for greater flexibility in configuring the rings as desired for each event
Phase I represents a $1.2 million investment, made possible through the generosity of donors and supporters, along with with close coordination and support from the City of Germantown in permitting and infrastructure-related site needs.
PHASE 2
Focuses on infrastructure improvements, including repaving and drainage improvements across the grounds (~$700k)
Completed: Thanks to the City of Germantown along with a grant from the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Melanie Smith Lane and the adjacent parking lot by Tanner Pavilion were paved following the completion of Phase 1.
Next Steps: Work with a construction partner to repave around the barns and improve the drainage system once funding is available.
PHASE 3
Focuses on restoration of historic barns, including roof replacements, rafter repairs, and updates to electrical and fly spray systems to enhance horse comfort and safety (~$850k)
Together, these phases ensure the long-term preservation, functionality, and competitiveness of the GCHS show grounds.
Help Us Preserve the Past and Add Horsepower to the Future!
Be a Guardian of the Grounds
While Phase 1 is complete and Phase 2 has begun, essential work remains. Significant investment and improvements are still needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the show grounds.
We invite everyone to become a Guardian of the Grounds by making a donation to the Show Grounds Improvements Initiative.
All contributions are appreciated, and donations are 100% tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you would like to discuss giving opportunities, please email us at GCHS.SGII@gmail.com.
Your support will help preserve the legacy and shape the future of the GCHS show grounds – thank you for making an impact!
Assumptions/Dependencies/Other Information
GCHS has engaged in extensive efforts to develop this comprehensive plan for Show Ground Improvements for enabling GCHS to remain a premier equestrian facility. GCHS’s ability to deliver the improvements as projected in the Show Ground Improvements Initiative is dependent upon a number of factors, including funding, input/ approvals from the City of Germantown, the availability of “In Kind” community partners, as well as material and labor costs and Mother Nature. This plan is based upon the best information available at the time of its development and it is certainly possible that new information may come into existence over the life of the project. As is true with any proposed outdoor improvement project involving such factors, some aspects of the plan might be impacted in ways that are currently unforeseeable. Accordingly, GCHS reserves the right to modify plans, scope, timeline and costs in a timely fashion, as necessary.
• Funding must be available (cash on hand) before work can begin on any given phase or sub-phase, and work will be scheduled to minimize costs.
• GCHS along with its supporters will be able to engage a community partner(s) to perform “In Kind” work for some of the asphalt/repaving. Asphalt and value of In Kind work are estimates and costs/value will be confirmed as project details are finalized for Phase 2.
• Ongoing maintenance requirements must be appropriately addressed.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a Tennessee-approved charitable organization, GCHS remains committed to making a meaningful difference in our community by supporting local charities focused on education, children and families. Every act of kindness, every dollar, and every moment of your time brings us closer to achieving our goals.
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