Course Designers Michel Vaillancourt and Alan

Located in the historic Olympic town of Lake Placid, NY, the annual LPHS offer two weeks of exciting equestrian competition in a setting no other horse show can match, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains and the chance to enjoy countless activities that help make the Lake Placid Horse Shows, “The Best Two Weeks of a Horseman’s Summer!” LPHS hosts competitions for riders of all levels and ages ranging from young children on polished ponies, to glistening hunters, to Olympic veterans aboard their grand prix mounts. Each show day, LPHS action starts at 8:00 a.m., with classes running simultaneously in four spectacular, new show rings.

Competition continues throughout the week with many familiar features and a new FEI CSI3* division, which begins on Thursday with the $5,000 3* Two-Phase. Other FEI highlights during the Lake Placid Horse Show (June 24-29) include Friday’s $45,000 3* Jump-off, Saturday’s $32,000 3* Speed Class presented by Purina Animal Nutrition, and Sunday’s $100,000 Grand Prix of Lake Placid CSI3*. 

FEI highlights for the I Love New York Horse Show (July 1-6) include Wednesday’s $5,000 3* Two-Phase, Thursday’s $45,000 Wölffer Estate 3* Welcome Stake, Friday’s $32,000 3* Speed Class presented by Purina Animal Nutrition, and Saturday’s $100,000 Richard Feldman Memorial Grand Prix CSI3*.

Exhibitors in every division are competing on newly renovated showgrounds, which include reconstructed show rings with state-of-the-art all-weather footing installed by Travis Gould and his JTWG, Inc. team, who are working closely with horse show manager Allen Rheinheimer. Improvements have also been made to the stabling and schooling areas, with more to come as part of a multi-year plan. Highlights include a resurfaced all-weather grand prix ring, an expanded Jumper 2 Ring, two new hunter rings and a dedicated FEI exercise ring.

Fun Activities at the Horse Show

With a variety of things to do for the entire family both on and off the showgrounds, it’s no wonder that Lake Placid is home to one of exhibitors’ favorite shows in the U.S. There is also a lot for spectators to enjoy with superb shopping in the boutique vendor area featuring local Adirondack artists, products, clothing and apparel, as well as real estate, photography, a variety of equine-related shops, official Lake Placid Horse Shows commemorative sportswear and merchandise, and an assortment of dining options. The horse shows also host their Best Dressed Barns competition sponsored by Vanner House.

The highly popular Doggie Costume Contest, sponsored by Man and Beast, is returning for its 32nd year on Saturday, July 5, at 12:00 noon! All leashed dogs are invited to participate free of charge, and contest participants receive free admission to the horse show that day! The adorable Adirondack Lead Line Class is another horse show favorite and enables the youngest riders to compete! The class will be held on Sunday, June 29, at 12:30 p.m. The class is open to children who have not yet reached their 7th birthday. Be sure to come and enjoy!

Admission to the horse shows is free on Tuesdays, $6.00 per person per day Wednesday through Friday, and $10.00 per person per day on Saturday and Sunday.

Fun Activities in Lake Placid

There are endless activities to do away from the horse show while in the Lake Placid region, making it the ideal vacation spot for families coming to the horse shows. Outdoor activities include kayaking, tubing, hiking, fishing, boating, cycling, paddling, rock climbing, swimming, golf and so much more. The quaint town of Lake Placid also has a wide variety of shops and a plethora of restaurants, and the Fourth of July celebrations are famous in Lake Placid with a parade down Main Street followed by electrifying fireworks over Mirror Lake. Lake Placid is a horse show that the whole family can enjoy!