The world’s richest horse show is held at the Kentucky State Fair. What you need to know
We don't need to tell you the Bluegrass State is home to the world famous Kentucky Derby, but did you know another internationally acclaimed equestrian event affectionately known as "The Kentucky Derby for Saddlebreds" takes place at the Kentucky State Fair?
The official name of the multi-day show is the World's Championship Horse Show. Only 30 years younger than the Kentucky Derby (which celebrates its 150th running in 2024), The World's Championship Horse Show has been held for 120 years and is considered the most prestigious Saddlebred show in the world.
It's also the world’s richest horse show and includes more than 2,000 horses competing for more than $1.5 million in awards.
Similar to Kentucky's other famous equestrian event in May, the World's Championship Horse Show has its own unique traditions and fashion, celebrity attendees and participants, sterling silver trophies, pageantry and the finest horses in the world.
"These horses are worth half a million dollars, some of them more," said Scarlett Mattson, WCHS manager. "Saddlebreds are different from thoroughbreds and other horses mainly because they are very animated, showy and flashy. They can be difficult to ride, but they can also be gentle in the fact that they will take care of you."
Mattson, who has been showing Saddlebreds since she was 14 years old, has been a part of the World's Championship Horse Show since 1979. She's now an octogenarian and serves as the show's manager. In other words, Mattson knows her way around this international event better than just about anyone.
"It's a very big deal, and I don't know that people realize the magnitude of what is taking place inside Freedom Hall during the Kentucky State Fair," she said. "Competitors travel to Louisville from as far as Europe and South Africa and all across the United States to show against the very best in the world."
Just steps from the Kentucky State Fair's rollercoasters, funnel cake booths and rabbit exhibits, the World's Championship Horse Show is held Aug. 19-26 inside the air-conditioned Freedom Hall (a big plus during hot weather) and morning sessions are free with the price of admission to the Fair.
So what are you waiting for? Here's what to know about the 2023 World's Championship Horse Show.
When and where is the 2023 World's Championship Horse Show?
The World's Championship Horse Show runs from Saturday, Aug. 19 - Saturday, Aug. 26 inside Freedom Hall on the grounds of the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane.
Which famous people have competed?
William Shatner, best known for playing Captain Kirk on the television show "Star Trek," has successfully competed at the event for a number of years. Not only has he won Grand Champion titles, but in 2016 Shatner was inducted into the World's Championship Horse Show's "Hall of Fame."
Carson Kressley, best known for Bravo's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," competes at the international equestrian event and won his division for the first time in 2009.
Actor Patrick Duffy from the television series "Dallas" has been seen in the stands at Freedom Hall watching as his son competed at the show.
Why is the surface of the competition ring green?
Part of the prestige of the World's Championship Horse Show is getting to say you competed on the green shavings.
"Everyone wants to compete on the green shavings in Freedom Hall," Mattson said. "Dying the shavings green got started in the 1980s when Feeder's Supply was asked to do something special for the World's Championship Horse Show, and they figured out a way to color the shavings green."
Just like in the Derby, winners receive blankets made of flowers
The Kentucky Derby is nicknamed "The Run For The Roses" because the winning thoroughbred receives a blanket of red roses. Winners of the World's Championship Horse Show are also awarded blankets made of flowers.
"Every Grand Champion winner of each division receives a flower blanket," Mattson said. "For the Gaited World's Grand Champion, it's a blanket of red roses; other divisions receive yellow or white roses."
Silver trophies are also awarded along with substantial prize money going to the Grand Champions in individual classes.
Are there different divisions of competition?
Each year world champion Saddlebreds are crowned in different divisions including Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited, Fine Harness, Saddlebred Pleasure, Saddle Seat Equitation, Hackney/Harness Ponies, Roadster, In-Hand and American Saddlebred. Mattson said the term gaited refers to how a horse moves or travels.
In some divisions, the rider sits in a saddle on the horse's back. In other divisions, the rider drives a cart. Each division includes several classes for amateurs, ladies, amateur ladies and junior exhibitors, as well as younger horses and ponies.
How to get tickets to the World's Championship Horse Show
All morning sessions are free with the price of admission to the Kentucky State Fair. In the evening, a ticket is required for admission. Tickets start at $8 and do not include the cost of Kentucky State Fair admission.
To purchase tickets, view competition schedules and learn more about the show visit wchorseshow.com.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show is a very big deal
