Lexington, Ky. – Experience the excitement of the American Saddlebred, Hackney, roadsters, and saddle seat equitation at the prestigious World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Ky. This sensational eight-day event kicks off Saturday, August 17, and runs through Saturday, August 24, at the Kentucky State Fair. Competitors from 44 states and six countries have brought nearly 2,000 horses as they vie for over $1 million in awards.
Held at the Kentucky State Fair since 1906, the World’s Championship Horse Show has an economic impact of $8 million. The show includes three-gaited, five-gaited, fine harness, American Saddlebred pleasure, saddle seat equitation, harness ponies, roadster, and in-hand divisions. Each division includes classes for professionals, amateurs, ladies, and junior exhibitors, as well as young horses and ponies.
A must-see class at the competition is the $10,000 United States Trotting Association Roadster to Bike Classic on Thursday, August 22. Additionally, this year marks the inaugural American Saddlebred Hunter Country Pleasure World’s Championship on Sunday, August 18.
Learn more about the breeds and divisions represented.
Individuals who win their respective Championship classes will receive a garland of flowers along with the title of World’s Champion. Horses can also earn the prestigious titles of World’s Grand Champion and World’s Champion of Champions.
The show’s exciting finale, Finals Night, begins at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 24, with the Ladies Three-Gaited Championship and ends with the prestigious $100,000 Five-Gaited World’s Grand Championship.
Schedule
Live Results on the ASHA app
Live Stream
Ticket information
Special Activities
The Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show, along with the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) is pleased to present the First-Time Exhibitor and Trainer presentation in Freedom Hall on Tuesday, August 20, at 5:30 p.m. The ASHA First-Time Exhibitor and Trainer presentation was created in 2012 as a way to honor and recognize those making their first trip to the green shavings in Louisville.
Join the ASHA for College Night on Monday, August 19. There will be a series of presentations from top equine industry professionals, and youth will enjoy pizza and networking opportunities, a behind-the-scenes barn tour, and tickets to watch the evening session of the World’s Championship Horse Show!
Learn about more youth activities.
The American Saddlebred Horse Association, American Hackney Horse Association, and American Road Horse & Pony Association are recognized affiliates of US Equestrian.
Learn more about the American Saddlebred in this Learning Center video and find out more about all of US Equestrian’s 29 recognized breeds and disciplines here. Join the conversation and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use #JoinTheJoy.
Photo by: Howard Schatzberg