Show Overview & Highlights
Overview
Recognized as one of the nation’s largest multi-breed horse shows, the Germantown Charity Horse Show offers something for everyone — from dedicated horse enthusiasts and competitors to families and friends looking to enjoy a memorable community tradition.
Spectators will experience an impressive variety of breeds and disciplines throughout the week: from the elegance of Western Pleasure Saddlebreds, and the rhythmic precision of Paso Finos tap-dancing, to the striking beauty of Gypsy Vanners with their flowing manes and feathered legs. Each class showcases the unique talent and athleticism of both horse and rider.
Guests will also enjoy elegant carriage driving competitions, crowd-favorite carriage scurry races, and the always-entertaining Carriage Dog class, featuring drivers in period attire accompanied by their canine companions. Elite jumping competitions run throughout the week, culminating in Saturday’s thrilling $25,000 Grand Prix—a premier jumping competition for expert riders.
Each day and evening offers a full schedule of competition and entertainment, with approximately 20 classes featured nightly! Competitors from near and far will showcase their very best as ribbons, trophies, and championship prizes are awarded throughout the week.
Food, Shopping and Souvenirs
There is plenty to see, eat, and do at the show in addition to enjoying the magnificent horses and riders in competition! Enjoy exploring our vibrant vendor booths offering delectable food, unique finds, and services. The Germantown Commissary is back again to serve up their legendary BBQ.
Be sure to stop by Charity’s General Store to browse the amazing assortment of event t-shirts, scarves, adorable stuffed animals, stick horses, and a wide selection of hats ranging from casual caps to fancy Derby-style hats, and delightful gifts for all ages!
Treasures of all types can be found in the GCHS Auction Tent next to Charity’s General Store. The tent opens daily at 4:00 p.m. through Friday night, with the exception of Wednesday, when it is open all day and into the evening. Browse and bid on a selection of silent auction items, or find the perfect piece to buy on the spot!
Daily Highlights, Tuesday through Saturday
Below are some of the featured events taking place each day. For the complete list of all activities, please click on the specific daily schedule documents.
• Dates & Hours: Tuesday, June 2 through Saturday, June 6. Daily competitions begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude around 10:00 p.m. or when the last class finishes, with events typically running later into the evening on Friday and Saturday. Consider arriving by 3:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. on Saturday to secure the best seating for the last night of the Opening Ceremonies, which begin at 4:00 p.m., with the Grand Prix of Germantown following at 5:00 p.m.
• Parking & Shuttles: Free public parking is available in the grass area in front of the arena, on surrounding streets, and at Germantown High School and Germantown Presbyterian Church. A complimentary shuttle service will run from the high school and church lots to Founders Pavilion on the show grounds and back via open-air “People Movers,” beginning at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon on Saturday.
Accessible parking is located in the lot directly in front of Founders Pavilion (home to the ticket office). During the show, Germantown Police officers will be on site directing traffic and assisting guests to the nearest available accessible parking.
• Please Note: Event times are approximate and subject to change based on class lengths and weather conditions. Be sure to check the Germantown Charity Horse Show Facebook page for weather-related scheduling updates or major event schedule changes.
Versatility Challenge (~4:30 p.m.)
A Hunter/Jumper competition featuring a $5,000 purse, the Versatility Challenge lives up to its name as each entry completes two rounds: a classic “hunter” round judged on smoothness and style, followed by a timed jumper round over a different set of jumps.
The Rachael Smith Memorial Costume Class (following the Versatility Challenge)
This beloved class features kids, horses, and ponies (and sometimes adults) decked out in imaginative costumes as they parade around the ring in true show-stopping fashion!
Breed Show (No earlier than 6:30 p.m.)
Features Gypsy Vanners, Tennessee Walking Horses and Sidesaddle.
Welcome Stake (~5:00 p.m.)
The $15,000 Welcome Stake jumper class brings top riders and horses to center stage for a fast-paced, precision timed competition. You’ll see many of these horses in Saturday’s Grand Prix of Germantown.
Lead Line Class (following the Welcome Stake)
Young riders, dressed in their finest English or Western attire, take to the ring aboard beautifully groomed horses and ponies, led by an adult.
Breed Show (not before 6:30 p.m.)
Features Smooth Ride Challenge, Paso Finos, Carriage Driving, Gypsy Vanners and Walking Horses
Gambler’s Choice (~4:30 p.m.)
Strategy meets speed as riders select jumps of varying point values, aiming to build the highest score before time runs out.
Breed Show (not before 6:30 p.m.)
Features Speed Racking, Paso Finos, Tennessee Walking Horses and Gypsy Vanners
Exhibition Carriage Gambler’s Choice for Horses and Ponies
Carriage drivers chart their own course through the arena, racing against the clock to maximize points.
Youth Speed Racking
Watch as riders age 17 and under showcase the thrilling, fast-paced racking gait in this high-energy, flashy competition.
Pony Hunter Classic – 2nd Round (~4:30 p.m.)
Top ponies and riders return to compete again in the main arena over a more challenging course.
Germantown Hunter Classic – 2nd Round (following Pony Hunter Classic)
The excitement continues as top horses return to compete again in the arena over a more challenging course.
Breed Show (not before 6:30 p.m.)
Features Speed Racking, Paso Finos, Tennessee Walking Horses, American Saddlebreds, and Gypsy Vanners including a new Youth Championship Exhibition.
Scurry Races (~6:30 p.m.)
You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching this fast-paced event as drivers and their carriages maneuver through a course of obstacles with tight turns while racing against the clock.
American Saddlebred – Saddle and Bridle Shatner Western Pleasure
Enjoy the elegant, expressive presence of this breed presented in Western finery as they walk, trot, and lope. Riders also showcase spectacular Western attire, often featuring beads, sequins, and silver.
Box Seat Decoration Contest (judging takes place during the evening performances)
Take a stroll to enjoy the creativity of box holders, with themes ranging from the classic and elegant to the delightfully whimsical.
Saturday night marks the pinnacle of the week, beginning with the opening ceremonies and followed by the highly anticipated Grand Prix of Germantown and a full evening lineup of entertaining competitions. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early for preferred seating.
Opening Ceremonies (~4:00 p.m.)
Includes the invocation, national anthem, introduction of show officials, and the presentation of the GCHS officers along with the 2026 Queen and Princesses. The national anthem will be performed by James May, a Memphis high school teacher and semifinalist on The Voice, who returns for his seventh consecutive year.
The Grand Prix of Germantown (~5:00 p.m.)
Sponsored by the City of Germantown, this electrifying $25,000 jumping competition for expert riders will cause hearts to race and hooves to fly as you watch riders compete to win!
Big Hats and Bow Ties Competition (judging takes place during the Grand Prix)
Everyone is invited to compete. Come dressed to impress in your best Derby-inspired attire and show off your unique style! Winners will be announced during the evening performances.
Stick Horse Race (following the Grand Prix of Germantown)
Open to children 8 and under, this fun event invites young riders to race stick horses in the Sonny Foster Arena. Stick horses may be purchased at Charity’s General Store or brought from home. On-site registration is required at the Princess Tent ($5 entry fee).
Breed Show (not before 6:30 p.m.)
An exciting evening of competition features prestigious championship crownings across multiple breeds and driving divisions, including Paso Finos, Gypsy Vanners, American Saddlebreds, Speed Racking, and Carriage Driving. Marquee highlights of the night include the crowd-favorite Best Carriage Dog class, the high-energy Open Classic Fino Championship, the Marilyn Lubin Memorial Trail Pleasure Walking Horse Championship, and the debut of the new Amateur Gypsy Vanner Championship!
Speed Racking Horse Grand Championship
Hold onto your hat and grip your seat for this high adrenaline event!
Best Carriage Dog
Carriage drivers are accompanied by their canine companions, always a crowd favorite. This fun and entertaining class judges the suitability of the dog as the perfect companion to the driver which accounts for 60% of the overall score, with 30% based on the performance and manners of the horse, and 10% on the overall impression.