The National Horse Show (NHS) gathered to share their appreciation for the historic competition this weekend during an elegant evening hosted by Wendy Janesky, founder of the WSJ Foundation. The WSJ Foundation is not only the sponsor of the WSJ Lounge at the NHS but is also the title sponsor of the American National Riding Commission (ANRC).

“The NHS preserves the history and traditions of our sport, which I feel is very important,” said Janesky. “As a community of horse people, we need to be supportive and share awareness for horse shows both now and in the future.”The National Horse Show is the nation’s oldest and longest-running indoor equestrian event, founded in 1883. Since 1933 the NHS has held the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, one of the most prestigious competitions for junior equitation riders in the nation. The NHS has been the host of various prestigious equestrian events, such as the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping, the Hamel Family Foundation 3’3” Equitation Championship and the THIS NHS Adult Equitation Championships.

“The National [Horse Show] has always meant a lot to me, and to have the Hamel Equitation Championship there makes it extra special… [It] is near and dear to me,” said Kristen Hamel, co-founder of the Hamel Family Foundation.

Throughout its rich history, the NHS has supported the next generation of professional riders by providing them with the opportunity to show at one of the biggest equestrian events in the nation. Through their partnership with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), the NHS has given young riders the chance to show at the national level: an important step in many riders’ careers.

“There is more opportunity for people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to go to the National Horse Show, but through the IHSA program it’s much more accessible, and you have a lot more connections and resources to help you get there,” said Autumn Janesky, who rode in the 2020 Taylor Harris Insurance Services Adult Equitation Championship through the IHSA. “It really sets you up for success.”

“We really love the idea that they opened up this portal for these riders to do this—to have this opportunity. It is fabulous,” said IHSA founder Robert Cacchione.

Also present at the celebration was John French, top level hunter and equitation rider, trainer and judge at the NHS.

“It was a dream of mine to judge at a horse show such as the National Horse Show,” French said. “I thoroughly enjoyed it, seeing the quality [of] horses like that, and the show… ran so well. The management was great.”

The celebration allowed all of those involved with the NHS to gather and celebrate another successful year of prestigious horse showing. The coming year will offer the 140th Anniversary of the National Horse Show.

Photo Credit: Phelps SYDNEY JONES

Date Posted: February 2, 2023