Windber Hospice Horse Show

The Windber Hospice Horse Show began 7 years ago when a caring group of horse people were attending a very small horseshow at a local boarding facility to assist a Windber  Family that was dealing with a serious illness. The money that was raised helped the family with travel expenses to Pittsburgh and enabled them to stay at the hospitol with their loved one.

One of the exhibitors attending the show suggested that they should put on another show to benefit the Windber Hospice. The wheels were set in motion and plans were made. The following May the 1st Annual Windber Hospice Horse Show was held.

 The first show is still very vivid in my mind.The month of May started out warm and beautiful with birds singing and flowers blooming. the night before the show that all changed. Heavy rains literally put a damper on things. the Show Ring had about a foot of mud in it and made showing Halter Classes almost impossible. A few exhibitors received free head first mud baths. Exhibitors were not the only casualties of the weather.The big expensive rigs were getting stuck in the pasture and had to be pulled out with a 1945 Farmall Tractor. Cars were parked everywhere, people were everywhere, it was cold and pouring down rain. The thoughts of building an Ark were formost in our minds.

It became very clear very fast that if the show were to continue another location would need to be found. Golden Star Horse Farm just did not have enough rom to host the rapidly growing event.

The Greater Johnstown Saddle Club was asked to come on board as a Co-sponsor of the show. Without hesitation  the Saddle Club offered their facilities. This has truly been a blessingthat has allowed the show to continue to grow and prosper. In 2008 there were 389 entries over the two days of the show.

Each year planning for the following year starts immeadiately and takes an entire year of intense work from a dedicated group of people to make the following years show even more sucessful.

We have somthing for everyone that attends.

The show is held in August and has grown to a two-day event. On Saturday we have the Game Show, a Poker Ride, dinner and live entertainment. On Sunday Peformance Clases are held along with a basket raffle and Chinese Auction. Great Food is available at the kitchen from breakfast to dinner both days of the event.

The show has raised thousands of dollars over the years for items to help make patients and their families more comfortable at the Windber Hospice Unit.

Thanks to the continuing support of sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and spectators the show has become the signature fundraiser of the Windber Hospice.

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