The Germantown Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest and largest multi-breed shows in the nation, attracting competitors both locally and from across the country. Expect to be amazed at the beautiful horses, skillful riders and fun crowds. From hunter jumpers (yes, jumping over fences) to carriage driving and Gypsy Vanner horses, and from American Saddlebreds and Tennessee Walking Horses to sidesaddle and Paso Fino classes, you will see a variety of horses and riding styles.

The Germantown Charity Horse Show is a U.S. Equestrian Federation Heritage Competition, giving it national recognition for its contribution to the community and to the sport.

Funds generated from show activities and the sale of programs go to regional charities. These non-profit groups focus on supporting the needs of children, families and educators.. Click here to read the history of our show.

The weather can be a bit warm, even at night. Shorts, sun dresses, short sleeve shirts are all recommended. Dress is casual, but you are welcome to come dressed up if desired. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must, especially if you’ll be at the show during the day. The show goes on even in the rain, so if the forecast calls for rain, you’ll want to be prepared for that as well.

If you would like to participate in our Big Hats & Bow Ties competition on Saturday evening, click here to learn more about this fun event.

Absolutely! The children will love the outdoors and seeing the beautiful horses and ponies. If any little ones are shy or maybe afraid of the horses, you can sit at a comfortable distance. Face painting is a popular spot for kids in the vendor area, and on Saturday night our Stick Horse Race is a longstanding tradition that kids love. For $5, they can ride their stick horse to victory in the main arena and receive a ribbon. The Stick Horse Race takes place directly following the Grand Prix of Germantown and requires registration at the Princess tent. Kids can bring their own stick horse or purchase one at Charity’s General Store.

Additionally, child-friendly food is available in the vendor area, including cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cakes, shaved ice, smoothies, and Mempops. Our mascot Charity has a General Store with items such as stickers, stuffed animals, stick horses, and toy horses for sale. Charity also stocks T-shirts and sweatshirts in children’s sizes. In the evening, Charity makes appearances to visit with the crowd, and he loves taking selfies with his young fans, so be sure to look for him after dark!

You may purchase tickets when you arrive at the show or purchase e-tickets in advance by clicking here. You may also purchase tickets at Saddles N’ Such, 2135 S. Germantown Road or Germantown Hardware at 2083 S. Germantown Road. Tickets are $5 per person and children three and under are free.

Morning and afternoon performances are free of charge, and you are welcome to attend and watch the hunter/jumper competition in the North and South Rings and the Sonny Foster Arena. Tickets are required for entry to the evening performances in the Sonny Foster Arena. One ticket provides entry to any one evening of the show beginning at 4:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday and 3:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, when the ticket booths open.

Tuesday evening is free.

Generally, the hunter/jumper classes that precede the evening Breed Show begin between 4:30 and 5:00 pm, and the evening Breed Show follows these classes, starting between 6:00 and 7:00 pm nightly. Make sure to arrive in plenty of time for parking.

Our famous People Mover will be running constantly between our designated parking areas and the Founders Pavilion, and parking will be clearly marked. The details of each day’s schedule can be found here. 

Days start as early at 7:30 am for those who wish to make a full day of the fun. Hunter classes begin at 7:30 am, jumper classes generally begin at 9:00 am. These classes run throughout the day, generally ending between 2:30 and 4:00 pm. Admission to the morning show is free every day.

Parking is available in the grass area in front of the arena, at
Germantown High School, on surrounding streets, and at
Germantown Presbyterian Church. There will be shuttle service from the high school and church parking lots to Founders Pavilion on the show grounds, and back. Local police officers will be on site and will help to direct you to open available parking. Parking is free.

Disabled parking is available in the lot directly in front of the Founders’ Pavilion, which is where the ticket office is located. During the show, Germantown police officers are on duty and directing traffic, and they will direct you to the closest available disabled parking.

Your general admission tickets allow open seating anywhere on the bleacher type seats or grassy knolls (great for kids). You are welcome to bring your own chairs and sit in the grassy areas above the stadium seating as well.

For disabled patrons, the entrance to the Founders’ Pavilion is flat and wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are welcome in the grassy areas above the stadium seating. For those walking in but concerned about the distance, seating is available within approximately 40 feet from the entrance, and bringing your own chair and setting it up in the grassy area near the entrance is also welcome.

Box seats are reserved for box owners and are designated by the name of the box owner. All are welcome to purchase a box seat (subject to availability), and this gives you a designated location for the entire week of the show. If you did not have a box seat this year, but would like to reserve one for next year, please reach out to our box seat chair. More information about box seats can be found here.

Yes, click here for the map.

The Germantown Commissary offers a variety of delicious barbecue and chicken menu items, and other tasty snacks and treats, located at the Tanner Pavilion on the south side of the Sonny Foster Arena. You’ll also find a fantastic selection of vendors offering everything from morning coffee and fair favorites to specialty foods and drinks.

Bella Caffé – Need a morning smoothie, the perfect cup of coffee, or home-brewed tea? Visit Mitch at Bella Caffé—and don’t miss his Mediterranean chicken salad.

Grey’s Fine Cheeses – Grab a “bite or a board.” Choose a quick snack or a full cheese or charcuterie board. For larger orders, call 24 hours in advance to have one delivered directly to your box.

Herrington Corndogs – A GCHS favorite for decades. Don’t leave without trying one of their legendary corn dogs and funnel cakes.

HorseNAround – Enjoy fresh, irresistible kettle corn made on-site, plus fun specialty drinks for kids.

Old School Pop – Craving a quesadilla or old fashioned hot dog? This is your stop.

Owens Bakery – Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade cakes, pies, cookies and brownies.

Mempops – Cool down with a refreshing handcrafted ice pop in a variety of fun, fruity flavors.

Paradox-To-Go – Treat yourself to flavorful, lighter fare. A variety of platters are available from veggies to seafood. For box delivery, call 24 hours in advance.

Parker’s Concessions – Don’t miss their fabulous Italian ice and lemonade slush.

Snowbirds Sweets & Treats – Custom snow cones in hundreds of flavors—yes, hundreds!

GCHS – serving up classic cotton candy – a sweet staple you won’t want to miss. 

Be sure to visit Charity’s General Store for a variety of Germantown Charity Horse Show items, including but not limited to T-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, saddle pads, keychains, Silipint cups, posters, sun hats, and rain jackets. Charity stocks all sizes and items for all ages, so make sure you stop by! The General Store is located next to the Cotton Candy Pavilion.

Make sure you also visit our Vendors’ Row, with jewelry, leatherwork, art, embroidery, and many other items for sale.

Coolers and outside food are allowed. Our bleacher seating is modern and comfortable, but if you would like to bring your own stadium chair, there are some places in the grass where you can sit. Also, please support our vendors for great food and desserts! We have a wide variety of food and cold treats available at the show.

Yes—but please be aware that Germantown enforces a strict leash law: dogs must remain leashed at all times. Unleashed dogs may be impounded, and owners may be fined. Additionally, loose dogs that
enter any arena will result in a $100 fine to the exhibitor.

Please use good judgment when deciding whether to bring your dog. If your dog is likely to bark at horses and riders, become anxious around running horses or large crowds, or have trouble staying calm and under control, we strongly recommend leaving them at home for their safety and the safety of others.

Fireworks, portable speakers, radios (without headphones), open flames, and slingshots are not allowed. Also the arena and park area is a gun-free zone. Please refrain from bringing any devices that make loud noises or that could potentially spook horses while they are performing.

Photography and video for personal use is allowed, but taking photos to sell is reserved for our official show photographers.

Depending on the amount of rain the show may go on without stopping. If the rain is heavy, or lightning is seen in the area, the arena will be cleared of exhibitors and competition will resume once it is safe to do so. Be sure to check the Germantown Charity Horse Show Facebook page for major weather-related scheduling updates.

Yes – event times are approximate and may shift a bit as classes run longer or finish early. Weather related changes are also possible. Be sure to check the Germantown Charity Horse Show Facebook page for weather-related scheduling updates or major event schedule changes.

Box Seats are purchased each year by those wishing to have a box just above the ring in the Sonny Foster Arena. If you are interested in a box for 2025, please visit our Box Seat page for more information.

Eight chairs are provided for each box, but box seat holders may bring their own chairs and tables. Many box seat holders choose to participate in our Box Seat Decorations Contest, bringing a festive and creative atmosphere to “The Bowl,” as many affectionately call the main arena.

Have a question we didn’t answer? Tweet us @gchorseshow or connect with us on Facebook.