The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, the country’s oldest and most prestigious horse competition, announced the launch of its
64th season. This year
’s show will be held, once again, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in
Katy from March 18-29. It was also announced that BBVA Compass will be
returning as the lead sponsor of the show.
Founded in 1945 by Houston philanthropist James S. Abercrombie and his wife,
Lillie, The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show got its start as a fundraiser for the
first hospital in Houston dedicated to children, and the proceeds of the 1947
show provided a considerable portion of the initial backing that established
Texas Children
’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. To date, the show has raised close to $4
million for Texas Children
’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House of Houston.
With a recent commitment of $300,000, Pin Oak is now helping build Texas
Children
’s first hospital outside the Medical Center and one of the largest suburban
pediatric hospitals in the country, Texas Children
’s Hospital West Campus. The gift will support the Hematology/Oncology services
at the new hospital.
The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will be held over a two-week period and will
feature a wide array of equestrian talent featuring hunters and jumpers,
American Saddlebreds, Andalusians, Welsh ponies, and new for 2009, Dressage and
the United Mountain Horse breed. The crown jewels of the event take place
throughout the two weeks. Saturday evening, Week One features a $30,000 Grand
Prix and championship finals; Week Two features the $15,000 USHJA International
Hunter Derby hosted by Valobra Jewelry and Antiques on Friday and the Momentum
Audi /West Houston Audi $30,000 Grand Prix on Saturday. All of these events
have ringside galas and special entertainment.
No tickets are required Tuesdays-Saturdays. Tickets are required for March 21
and March 28 at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 for adults; children
12 and under are free. Sponsorship Opportunities are available for the gala
dining experience.
For a complete show schedule, go to www.pinoak.org or call Wendy Cook at 713-621-6290.
