Princesses – Germantown Charity Horse Show

Why Being a GCHS Princess Matters

Serving as a Germantown Charity Horse Show Princess is more than just holding a title — it’s an honor that comes with purpose. Princesses play vital roles in supporting the mission of the GCHS. They serve as ambassadors representing GCHS and their sponsoring organizations. Active participation and volunteerism by the princesses helps ensure the continued success of the Germantown Charity Horse Show and the charitable work it supports. This service also provides a valuable experience that can be highlighted on college and job applications.

The queen and princesses embody the Southern charm and warm hospitality that GCHS is known for. Through their involvement, they and their sponsors become part of a long-standing tradition that brings millions in revenue to the area and allows GCHS to support local charities focused on education, families, and children.

About Sponsoring a Princess

Be part of something really special by supporting a young lady’s opportunity to serve her community through crucial volunteer work – an essential part of the success of The Germantown Charity Horse Show.

As a sponsor, your organization:
- Will be recognized in multiple ways including announcements throughout the show week, in articles, in the official show program, and more
- Helps fund a major local charitable event with real community impact
We encourage you to invite your princess to a meeting or event so she can be introduced to members of your organization, and provide an opportunity for her to share information about herself and her volunteer work as a princess
As a valued sponsor, you will also receive an invitation to purchase tickets to the Royal Ball, an elegant evening which includes a GCHS “Royal Court” presentation, dinner and dancing
Sponsoring Costs
- The princess sponsor fee for the club/organization is typically half of the $850 princess fee, $425, and is payable to GCHS
- In addition, each princess also pays $425

Note: The sponsor portion is typically covered by the organization. In rare circumstances, alternate arrangements may be made directly with the princess and her family.

Interested in being a Princess Sponsor? Email us at ringmaster@gchs.org or reach out to one of the Princess Committee Co-Chairs.

Kayla Benson, mobile: 901-570-6094
Mindy Hanisco, mobile: 901-233-3220

About Being a Princess

This is a unique opportunity to give back, grow personally, make lasting friendships and become part of something bigger than yourself. Full participation is expected—and essential—to uphold the legacy of GCHS and the honor of your title.

GCHS Princess Requirements

Princesses must be a junior or a graduating senior in high school during the 2025-2026 school year to serve as a princess during the 2026 Germantown Charity Horse Show
Princesses must be at least 16 years old
Princesses must not have previously served as a GCHS Princess
Princesses must provide or arrange for their own transportation to and from events

GCHS Princess Participation Commitments

Make an appearance at a sponsoring organization’s event to share information about the show and express appreciation for their support
Volunteer to assist a GCHS charity with one of their events or volunteer with a GCHS show committee for a special pre-shown assignment
Attend scheduled “Princess Meetings” to learn more about activities that will occur before, during and after the Germantown Charity Horse Show week
Participate in the following important events, as well as other volunteer opportunities that may arise:
- - Mother/Daughter Orientation Social, January 11, 2026
  - February GCHS meeting where you will be introduced to the members of GCHS, February 19, 2026
  - Royal Ball rehearsal, March 26, 2026
  - Royal Ball including Princess Presentation, March 27, 2026
  - Pegasus of Germantown Brunch, April 4 or 18, 2026 (TBD)
  - Father-Daughter Cookout, April 26, 2026
  - Ring decorating party, May 31, 2026. Help decorate the ring for the horse show
  - Germantown Charity Horse Show week, June 2-6, 2026
  - Germantown Holiday Parade, December 2026, day TBD. Help decorate and/or ride on GCHS’s float, and have fun being part of the GCHS crew, giving royal waves and handing out candy to parade spectators!

Volunteer Assignments During the Horse Show May Include

- Presenting ribbons to class exhibitor winners
- Participating in the Presentation of Princesses on Saturday night of show
- Serving ice cream at the daily Ice Cream Social – a yummy hit!
- Assisting Pegasus members with raffle ticket sales
- Participating in one of the pre-show pricing parties and supporting activities for Charity’s General Store, such as selling GCHS merchandise
- Other volunteer assignments as needed

Events and Attendance Policy

Participation in the listed events is an essential part of serving as a GCHS Princess. Your attendance and involvement are expected, not only because these events reflect the honor and responsibility of your role, but also because your volunteer efforts directly support the success of the Germantown Charity Horse Show and its charitable mission.

Arriving on time is an important part of fulfilling your role as a GCHS Princess. It helps ensure events run smoothly and reflects positively on you and the organization. Please plan ahead and allow extra time when needed. Your promptness will be appreciated.

If you are aware of any potential scheduling conflicts, please submit them along with your Princess Application. All conflicts will be reviewed by GCHS and considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note: Your attendance at both the Royal Ball and the Germantown Charity Horse Show is required for all Princesses. While exceptions generally cannot be made for these two cornerstone events, we understand that emergencies might arise and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Financial Obligations

Princess Fee

The fee to be a princess is $850 which is typically shared by the princess and the sponsoring organization (suggested $425 by each or you may make other arrangements). The princess fee is nonrefundable and covers:

Princess outfits to wear throughout the show week (e.g., maxi dress,
hat, shirt, and skort)
Two tickets for you and your escort to the Royal Ball
One photograph by our professional photographer in your ball gown (you may order additional photos taken with your family)
The Princess fee of $850 is due by December 1, 2025. This may be paid via check and/or credit card by Princess families and sponsoring organizations. Checks may be mailed to:Germantown Charity Horse Show
P.O. Box 38102
Germantown, TN. 38183

Royal Ball

The Royal Ball celebrates GCHS’s Princesses and the Queen as working royals with their families and friends in attendance. This is a formal event with a seated dinner, presentation of the royal court and dancing into the evening!

Each Princess’s family is expected to purchase one table for ten guests which totals $1,500. Additional tables and/or tickets may be purchased. GCHS will require one check or credit card payment per reserved table, no later than February 27, 2026
Princesses are responsible for acquiring their own white formal dress for the Royal Ball

Fee Summary

Princess Fee of $850 (shared by sponsor and princess)
Royal Ball table reservation for a table of ten, $1,500
Please see details above for more information

How to Apply to be a Princess

Thank you for your interest in serving as a Germantown Charity Horse Show Princess!

Please note: Participation as a Germantown Charity Horse Show Princess requires parental or guardian consent to your being photographed or recorded during official GCHS events. These images or recordings may be used for promotional purposes, including but not limited to press releases, social media, printed materials and event programs.

The GCHS Princess online application will be available here soon. Please check back for updates! In the meantime if you have any questions, please reach out to our to one of the Princess Committee Co-Chairs: