The Texas Hunter and Jumper Association and The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show are proud to announce the second annual Texas Hunter and Jumper College Equestrian Fair hosted by the Pin Oak Club on Friday, September 24, 2010, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas.  The THJA College Equestrian Fair will be held in The Texas Children’s Hospital Arena Club at GSEC, overlooking the magnificent Main Indoor Arena, which will be featuring the Southwest Showdown Hunter/Jumper Show.

Our plans include a Meet and Greet session for equestrian-minded high school students from Houston and surrounding areas from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, a half hour break, then an open forum discussion with our distinguished panel of speakers from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.  Speakers will include Larry Sanchez, Shelby French and Amanda Love.  The panel discussion “Getting On Track” will cover how to become a potential candidate for a college equestrian team….and more!

Corporate sponsorship for the THJA College Equestrian Fair is generously provided by The Texas Hunter & Jumper Association (THJA). Fees to attend the fair are $50 for families, $25 for individuals, and $10 for Pin Oak Club members and THJA members.

For more information, click here, or call the Pin Oak office at 713-621-6290.  If you prefer,  you may contact Roxanne Cook at roxannecook@pinoak.org for more information.  We hope to see you there!  The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization supporting Texas Children’s Hospital and The Ronald McDonald House of Houston.

Highlights of the show came on the first Saturday night with the Championship Stake Night.  For the American Saddlebreds, the Five Gaited Stake was won by Foxgrape’s Dauntless owned by Foxgrape Farms, and the Three Gaited Stake was won by London’s Time for Tea owned by Toney Wilkey.  Bluebonnet’s Royalty owned by Edmund Perwien won the Fine Harness Championship.  The grand finale of the evening came with the Nordic Lights $30,000 Grand Prix, won by Happy Z owned by Wilhelm Genn.  The following Friday evening, the $15,000 International Hunter Derby was won by Katcha’ Reminiscing owned by Caroline Auclair.  The second Saturday evening of the show saw Chantal, shown above, owned by Laura Ryan-Baraclo win the Houston Area Audi Dealers $30,000 Grand Prix.  To see more class winners, click here.

Katy Equine Clinic veterinarian, Dr. Joe Morgan, will be conducting a free seminar titled, “How to Manage Injuries in the Sport Horse” at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show on Wednesday morning, March 24th, following the $10,000 Pin Oak Mini Prix.  The seminar will be located in the Sponsors’ Club inside the BBVA Compass ring.  Dr. Morgan will include the latest technology in treatments, such as stem cell, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and IRAP.  The seminar will be followed by a question and answer session.  Dr. Morgan is an expert in the area of lameness, airway surgery, fracture repair and stem cell therapy.

Neiman Marcus, a long-standing supporter of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, hosted a fabulous luncheon at their Galleria store on March 3rd, to celebrate the upcoming 65th anniversary show.  Special guest of honor, Craig Taylor, known for his exclusive line of women’s shirts, delighted the crowd with his spring and summer collection.  The fashion show was followed by a wonderful luncheon.  Guests included Stacey Swift from Neiman Marcus, Rick Terry from BBVA Wealth Solutions,  Pin Oak President Lynn Walsh, as well as many other perennial Pin Oak sponsors.

Due to an accidental injury, Andy Roberts is unable to serve as judge for the United Mountain Horse classes.  Pin Oak wishes him a quick recovery.  We are pleased to announce that Jimmy Black from Barnwell, South Carolina, will be judge the UMH division for the 2010 show.

Welcome Towne Place Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites!

On the evening of December 3rd, Franco Valobra and Beatrice Bornibus, avid Pin Oak Charity Horse Show supporters, hosted a  holiday party for Pin Oak Club members and show sponsors.  The elegant cocktail party was given at their store in Highland Village, Valobra Jewelry and Antiques.  The highlight of the event was the presentation by Mr. and Mrs. Valobra of a beautiful piece of jewelry, which will be a main attraction for the raffle to be held during the show in March.  Raffle tickets are $50, and can be purchased through the Pin Oak office at 713-621-6290.  We send a heartfelt thank you to the Valobras for their unique and appreciated support of the Pin Oak Show.

Featured speakers were Larry Sanchez, Ellen White and Tanya McKay, representing Varsity Riding, and Amanda Love representing IHSA.  Colleges represented at this event included  Cornell University, Dartmouth, LSU, Mount Holyoke, North Central Texas College, Rice University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Southern Nazarene University, Sweetbriar College, Texas A & M, Texas Tech, University of Virginia Arlington, West Texas A & M, and William Woods University.  Corporate sponsorship for the THJA College Equestrian Fair is generously provided by The Texas Hunter & Jumper Association (THJA) and by  Running Creek Trailers.  The Fair was so successful that plans are already under way for next year!

Comments from our participants:

“Good variety of schools.  It was nice to see so much interest in riding teams.  Good forum for all the kids.”

“The panel was really informative, and the meet and greet helped with details about the different colleges.”

“Good format.  Good talking to the schools first, then the presentation later.  Great speakers.  Extremely informative.”

Acclaimed trainer Frank Madden of New York conducted a two day clinic at Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas on November 9th & 10th.  Hosted by the Pin Oak Club, the clinic included hunter, jumper and equitation sessions for groups of riders, as well as exhibitions featuring Frank working one-on-one with riders and horses at several levels of ability.    Over 38 riders participated in the riding sessions, and over 110 auditors were ringside, watching intently as the well-known trainer helped riders get the best from their horses.   On Monday evening, 20 guests joined Frank for dinner at Hasta La Pasta restaurant.  Following dinner, Cathy Strobel of Horseback Magazine interviewed Frank, and then the session was opened for questions from the attendees.

“We feel lucky to have someone of Frank Madden’s experience and insight come to Texas,” said Patty Roberts, Pin Oak Executive Board member.  ”The Pin Oak Club is dedicated to bringing educational and fun events to this market.  I think everyone took away some very helpful and valuable information regarding their riding.”

As usual, this Pin Oak event was orchestrated largely by a team of volunteers.  Our thanks go to Event Co-Chairs Patty Roberts and Katrina Corn, Hospitality  Committee of Sally Hundley, Ruth Hawk and Susan Pelletier, Dinner Committee of Joan Cantrell and Monique Dougherty, Check-In Committee of Kathy Dougherty, Katrina Corn, Monique Dougherty and Nancy VonBrecht.  Thanks to Jim Wenman, who provided ringside management, and Lisa Atwell, who donated beautiful flowers for the event.  Roxanne Cook provided wonderful overall organization and support.

The Pin Oak Club is pleased to announce a riding clinic with Frank Madden on November 9th and 10th at Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas.  Frank Madden stands out as one of the most successful and dedicated trainers of young and developing show jumping talent in the United States.  He has trained several of the most promising junior equitation and junior amateur jumper riders – riders who have the potential to represent the United States at the highest level of international competition.  Frank and several of his riders were featured in the 2005 Animal Planet series, “Horse Power: The Road to Maclay”.  Animal Planet filmed as Brianne Goutal made history as the first junior rider to win all the major equitation finals with her 2005 wins in both the USEF Medal Finals and the ASPCA Maclay Finals.

There are several opportunities to participate in the clinic. Fun with Frank ($600) includes one rider/horse session ticket, one unlimited auditor ticket and one dinner ticket.  Focus on Frank ($500) includes one rider/horse session ticket and one unlimited auditor ticket.  Audit by Frank ($75)  includes one auditor ticket, and may be used either Monday, November 9th, or Tuesday, November 10th.  Fine Dining with Frank ($100) includes one dinner ticket. Additional pricing for the clinic includes stalls ($50), shavings ($11 per bag), and a grounds fee ($15).  A barn discount of $10 per person is offered for 15 or more persons auditing from one barn.  Pin Oak Club members receive a $15 discount on all packages.

The clinic will include six divisions as follows:  3′ Hunter, 3′3″ Hunter, 3′6″ Hunter, 3′6″ Equitation, 3′3″ Jumper, and 3′6″ Jumper.

For detailed information, click here to download the Adult Entry Package. Click here for the Youth Entry Package.  And click here for the Audit and Dinner Package.

Do you have questions?  Click here for FAQs.

On training your horse, Frank explains: “The theory behind riding is developing a means of communication with words, using your voice, legs, seat and hands to send a message to the horse to do what he needs to do.”   Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn the communication skills to train your horse.

Our Official Presenting Sponsors are Bisso Marine, Energy XXI, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and TEXAS MONTHLY. Official Show Sponsors are Cowboys & Indians, Lansdowne Moody, CWD Selliers, Equine Journal, KTRK TV/Channel 13, and Neiman Marcus.

Corporate Sponsors are Cockrell Foundation, Dawn Services, Farm & Ranch, Gulf Coast 4 Star Trailer, Moët Hennessey, RE/MAX of Texas, and Starflight.

To see a list of our sponsors, as well as links back to their websites, please visit our Sponsors Page.

You may notice that our recent ads that have been going out into the press, as well as some of our personal mailers have a new look, as does our new site! The folks over at PWL Studio have put together our new 2008/2009 year design and site and we have to say we couldn’t be more thrilled about it!

In the coming months, we’ll be adding more information to our site, and you can follow along on this page, our blog to find out every new detail!

HOUSTON – It was a season of high society and high jumpers at the 63^rd annual Pin Oak Charity Horse Show held March 19-30 in Houston.  Presented by BBVA Compass Bank, the two-week equestrian extravaganza drew thousands of riders and spectators from around the world for a spectacular show of Olympic-qualifying equestrian competitions, and Grand Prix events.

The Show’s social calendar was booked with an array of festivities including a “fashionably” chic kick off party hosted by Neiman Marcus.  Taking center stage was a special guest appearance by Pin Oak Ambassador, Spirit, a miniature therapy horse.  Show highlights included the $30,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix presented by RE/MAX of Texas, and the $30,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix II presented by Momentum Audi/West Houston Audi, both elegant affairs drawing guests ringside for breathtaking equestrian sport, a lavish seated dinner and live entertainment.   This year marked the addition of the $10,000 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show U.S. Hunter/Jumper Association International Hunter Derby, presented by Valobra Jewelry and Antiques.  Celebrating the rich heritage of Hunters, the Derby drew well-heeled spectators and well-groomed Hunter riders for a fabulous ringside Champagne Reception hosted by Moet & Chandon.

Proceeds from this year’s show raised a new record – $125,000 earmarked for Texas Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House of Houston.   In addition, Pin Oak announced a long-term commitment of $300,000 in support of Texas Children’s Hospital’s new West Campus.  In recognition of this support, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Hematology/Oncology Waiting Area will be established.

Sponsors of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show included presenting sponsor BBVA Compass Bank, Valobra Jewelry and Antiques, BMC Software, Chamberlain Hrdlicka Law Firm, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Dillard’s, Fogarty Klein Monroe, Gulf Coast 4 Star Trailers, KTRK ABC-TV Ch. 13, Lansdowne Moody, McDonald’s Corporation, Neiman Marcus, Nordic Lights Farm, Par Avion, LTD., RE/MAX of Texas, Texas Farm & Ranch Magazine, and Houston Modern Luxury Magazine.

For more information contact Roxanne Cook,  Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, 713-621-6290, RoxanneCook@pinoak.org

Contacts: Lynn Walsh, President, Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, 281-467-2182, Email

Wendy Cook, Managing Director, Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, 713-621-6290, Email

“Pin Oak’s world-renowned reputation is due in large part to the commitment of our Executive Committee which has worked closely with Glenn and Andrew for the last ten years,” said Walsh.  “We will always be grateful for Glenn’s expertise in helping bringing the Show to the national and international status it enjoys today.”

Petty said his association with Pin Oak has been outstanding.

“I have taken pride in all my horse shows but Pin Oak has been especially rewarding for me for the charity it supports, the quality of the show, and especially for the show committee and staff I have been privileged to work with, ” he said.   “While I am greatly looking forward to my new position with the Arabian Horse Show Association, I will miss all my friends in Texas and will always be on call for anything needed.  There is no doubt that with the new management in place, the show will continue as one of the premier horse shows of America.”

Newly appointed General Manager Andrew Ellis is a long-time veteran at Pin Oak, having served for a decade as Assistant Show Manager.  He said he is looking forward to another decade with Pin Oak.

“It has been my pleasure to work alongside Glenn and a strong Show committee,” said Ellis.  “I feel confident that I can build upon the success of Pin Oak’s past and its mission for the future.  I am particularly looking forward to continuing to have Peter Fenton on our team.  His experience and expertise is a great credit to Pin Oak.”

Peter Fenton has served as one of the official announcers at Pin Oak for the past two years, and will bring his experience as Show Manager to our Saddlebreds, Andalusians, and Welsh divisions.

Managing Director Wendy Cook said the transition is expected to be effortless.

“The management of the Show falls into a very capable, experienced team,” said Cook.   “While we will certainly miss Glenn very much, he leaves behind a legacy of expertise not matched by other Shows.”

The management team is already at work on the 2009 Show scheduled for March 18 – March 29.  Since its founding in 1945, Pin Oak has raised more than $4 million for dollars for charity partners Texas Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House of Houston.

For more information contact Roxanne Cook, Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, 713-621-6290, RoxanneCook@pinoak.org , or visit www.pinoak.org.

By Anne Lang

KATY — On March 30 at the Pin Oak II Charity Horse Show, equestrian fans certainly “remembered the Alamo” during the $30,000 Alamo Cup Challenge – a trio of exciting, high-speed jumper ride-off classes featuring qualifying riders from Texas and Mexico.  The Challenge ended with Team Texas barely edging out Team Mexico for the overall win.  The event was a fitting conclusion to two consecutive weeks of the historic annual shows, which began on March 19.  The Pin Oak Charity Horse Shows (I and II) were presented by Compass Bank Wealth Management Group, and took place at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center near Houston.

The Alamo Cup Challenge Finals were comprised of three levels of jumper riders – Open Level (with jumps set at grand prix heights of 4’9”), sponsored by Alamo Resources LLC and the Pelletier Family); Junior/Amateur Level (with jumps set at a height of 4’6”), sponsored by the Howard Butt III Family and HEB, the Nusz Family, and Oasis Energy); and Children’s/Adult Level (with jumps set a height of 3’6”), sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch.  The festive opening ceremonies for the Alamo Cup Challenge ride-off featured the playing of the Mexico national anthem, followed by the U.S. national anthem (complete with the American flag spirited around the arena by a costumed cowgirl on a galloping horse) – and although the crowd was largely Texan, there was an equal amount of enthusiastic cheering for each team and every rider as the classes ensued.

In each class, speed was of the essence – as riders were limited to a very short amount of time to complete the 10 jumping elements.  Each team featured three riders from Texas and three riders from Mexico (although the Open Class had only two riders from Mexico, since many open-level Mexican riders encountered travel conflicts that day and couldn’t stay to compete).  Each rider earned his/her spot for Sunday’s final ride-off with points accumulated in various qualifying jumper classes held over the course of the two consecutive Pin Oak shows – so the audience was treated with truly seeing the “best of the best” riders in the ride-off.  

Prize money for the $30,000 Alamo Cup Challenge was a lucrative incentive – in each $10,000 class, the awards were distributed with $3,600 for first place, $2,500 for second, $1,400 for third, $1,000 for fourth, $800 for fifth and $700 for sixth.  The winning team (i.e., bragging rights) for each class was determined by the highest number of points accumulated by the riders for their corresponding state (Texas) or country (Mexico).  In the end, it was Texas that won the Open and Children’s/Adult classes, and Mexico that won the Junior/Amateur class.

Mike McCormick of Flower Mound, Tex., was the winner of the Alamo Cup Challenge Open class aboard MTM Remington.  Second was Alberto Michan of Mexico on Et Chavo, third was Paolo Tropia of Texas on CR Lucinda, fourth was Tracy Fenney (McCormick’s wife) of Texas on Naboo, and fifth was John Perez of Mexico on Ibris la Cantera.  

McCormick was delighted with MTM Remington’s win in the Open class.  He said he felt he was lucky that “Remington,” a Thoroughbred/Trakehner cross, is “really careful.  He does his best not to touch any jumps, so if you don’t miss, he’ll try his best to go along.  I decided to go around one jump at a full gallop instead of turning on the short side – and that full gallop proved to be about four seconds faster, for the winning time.”

Of the inaugural event, McCormick said: “This provided a nice format – Texas against Mexico, and it was really, really a good course where you could be neat and tidy and slick about everything.  In the future, I think it could be Mexico against Texas, again – OR Mexico against the U.S.  Because there were a lot of riders who said: ‘Gee, I wish I lived in Texas, because I would love to do this.’  Everybody seemed to be excited about it; I heard good reports.  

“Next year,” McCormick concluded, “I think the Mexican team will load up and gear up for this, and we need to pay attention to that – because there’s going to be a big party for whoever wins!  The sponsors and the horse show put up a lot of money for this, which was great.  I think it’s going to be a really fun deal.”

Alvaro Becker of Mexico City, Mex., won the Alamo Cup Challenge Junior/Amateur class on Lassiter BS.  Second was Pablo Torres Hernandez of Mexico on Lian, third was Megan Haag of Texas on Cantona, fourth was Emily Allen of Texas on CR Napoleon, fifth was Sarah Busbice of Texas on Tenfold, and sixth was Alberto Michan of Mexico on Quetzal.

Becker said he was thrilled with his victory in the Junior/Amateur class.  The Alamo Cup Challenge, Becker said, was “really nice, really amazing, a lot of competition.  The Cup and all the gifts they gave us are really nice.  This year I came with one horse, but next year I think I’m going to come with six horses!  The course was really good, designed to be not too difficult, but made for speed.”  Does he think Mexico could win the whole thing next year?  “Oh, for sure!” Becker nodded enthusiastically. “We’ll need to bring more children to try to qualify for the children’s/adult level.  We’ll be more organized next year, to be ready and to make competitive teams for each of the divisions.”

Indeed, the Texans seemed to have the edge in the Alamo Cup Challenge Children’s/Adult class – won by Michaela deLeyer of Tomball, Tex., on Figaro.  Second was Alison Brennen of Texas on Skylark, third was Rebecca Novelli of Texas on Flambeau H, fourth was Aleka Gonzales of Mexico on Sandor la Cantera, fifth was Eduardo Tame of Mexico on Primo, and sixth was Monica Torres Hernandez of Mexico on Jus de Pommes.  However…2009 will offer yet another chance to “remember the Alamo” in the arena at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, and anything can happen!

Presented by Valobra Jewelers

HOUSTON – Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will host a “$10,000 International Hunter Derby” March 28 as part of the two-week Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.  Celebrating its 63rd year of support for Houston children, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will take place March 19 through March 30, 2008 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 South Mason Road in Katy.  

Presented by Valobra Jewelers, the Derby series was created to bring hunters to the forefront of the international circuit, showcasing their rich heritage and increasing awareness of this long-standing tradition to both spectators and other equestrians.  Among the championship riders will be Peter Pletcher, 2007 World Champion Hunter Rider. The March 28th festivities will include an elegant ringside cocktail party from 3 to 6 pm, featuring cuisine by Le Mistral and Moet & Chandon champagne, along with a display of Ferrari and Maserati race cars. For reservations or more information, please call the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show office at 713-621-6290.

According to the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), the greatest difference between the hunter classes seen at a regular hunter competition and the classes that will take place at Pin Oak are the courses and specifically the construction of the fences along the course.  The courses will be built to encourage and reward brilliance and daring from the rider and true athletic ability from the horses.

The class will consist of two rounds – a classic hunter round and a handy hunter round. Fences will be set at 3’6” to 3’9” with four 4’ option fences. Obstacles must simulate those reminiscent of the hunt field and the course should offer a variety of jumps with different appearances such as natural post and rail, stone wall, white board fence or gate, coop, hedge, brush, logs, and natural foliage. Natural obstacles such as banks and ditches are encouraged. 

Pin Oak President Lynn Walsh said the Hunter Derby will be welcome addition to the two-week Pin Oak Show.

“We are delighted to welcome the Derby riders to Pin Oak,” said Walsh.  “Their daring and outstanding athletic ability will be an incredible addition to our Show.”  The winner of the Pin Oak series will move to the Hunter Derby finals in the fall of 2008.  

Presented by Compass Bank Wealth Management Group, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will take place March 19 through March 30, 2008 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 South Mason Road in Katy.  Drawing from a legacy of philanthropic support, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected horse shows, featuring international riders in a spectacular show of Olympic-qualifying equestrian competitions and Grand Prix events.  This long-standing Texas tradition is celebrated not only for its incredible equestrian sport and showmanship, but also for a past rich in financial support to Houston children’s charities.  

Founded in 1945 by Houston philanthropist James S. Abercrombie and his wife Lillie, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has raised more than $3.5 million for local children’s charities.  First held at Abercrombie’s Pin Oak Stables, the annual show became a highlight of Houston’s social season, drawing Hollywood stars, entertainers and political leaders.  In 1948, Pin Oak began a long-term commitment to raise funds to construct, and later support, Texas Children’s Hospital, which opened in Houston in 1954. During the next three decades, “Mr. Jim” Abercrombie, Leopold Meyer, the Junior League and a group of dedicated Houstonians established Pin Oak as one of the preeminent horse shows in the nation, attracting as many as 60,000 visitors, and enabling the Association to contribute millions to worthy causes including Texas Children’s Hospital and Ronald Mc Donald House of Houston.

“This is the premier equestrian event in the southwest United States,” said Walsh.   “No other show in the world features more breeds than the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.”  More than 13 breeds and over 1300 horses will compete at this year’s show including American Saddlebreds, Hackney ponies, Roadsters, Welsh Ponies, Andalusians and hunters and jumpers.  

Highlights of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show include the Pin Oak Grand Prix, the first leg of the Texas Triple Crown – a series of 3 Grand Prix Show Jumping competitions with $30,000 each week going to top riders and their steeds.  The Grand Prix is a sanctioned U.S. Equestrian Team event and an Olympic qualifying competition, which will attract riders from Mexico, Canada, South America and Europe.  For a complete show schedule, visit the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show website at www.pinoak.org.  Sponsors of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show include Presenting Sponsor Compass Bank Wealth Management Group, Academy Sports and Outdoors, BMC Software, Chamberlain Hrdlicka Law Firm, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Dillard’s, Fogarty Klein Monroe, Ft. Bend Publishing, Gulf States Four Star Trailers, KTRK ABC-TV Ch. 13, Lansdowne Moody, McDonald’s Corporation, Neiman Marcus, Nordic Lights Farm, Par Avion, LTD., RE/MAX of Texas, Texas Farm & Ranch Magazine, and Westside/Northside Lexus.

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is a 501-C 3 organization, and a member of the USEF “AA” Rated Texas Hunter Jumper Association, an American Hunter/Jumper Federation World Championship Hunter Rider Event, Marshall & Sterling League, and part of the NAL and Washington International Horse Show qualifying series.

TICKETS 

Price of admission is $10 per person on Saturday, March 22 and Saturday, March 29. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge.  Admission is free at all other times. For show times or tickets, call 713-621-6290 or visit the website at www.pinoak.org.  

PHOTOS

Photos available upon request. Media contact:  Trish Morille, Morille & Associates, 713-521-2786 or 713-540-2529(c).

Photo credit for attached photos:  Jon Kral Photography, www.kralphoto.com.

Commemorating the historic relationship with Texas Children’s Hospital, Grand Prix Riders will visit patients and their families at Texas Children’s Hospital, Tuesday, March 11 at 10 am. 

Tuesday, March 13  10:00 am  
Texas Children’s Hospital West Tower, 6621 Fannin Street

TCH Contact:  Carol Wittman, 832-824-7243 + 5695 (pager)
Media Parking provided at 6701 Fannin at Bates Street at the Clinical Care Center

Riders from around the world will share their experiences with patients at Texas Children’s Hospital, and introduce them to “Spirit”, a registered miniature therapy horse who will visit patients in their rooms.

Founded in 1945 by Houston philanthropist James S. Abercrombie and his wife Lillie, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has raised more than $3.5 million for local children’s charities.  First held at Abercrombie’s Pin Oak Stables, the annual show became a highlight of Houston’s social season, drawing Hollywood stars, entertainers and political leaders.  In 1948, Pin Oak began a long-term commitment to raise funds to construct, and later support, Texas Children’s Hospital, which opened in Houston in 1954. During the next three decades, “Mr. Jim” Abercrombie, Leopold Meyer, the Junior League and a group of dedicated Houstonians established Pin Oak as one of the preeminent horse shows in the nation, attracting as many as 60,000 visitors, and enabling the Association to contribute to date over $3.5 million to worthy causes including Texas Children’s Hospital and Ronald Mc Donald House of Houston.

For show times or tickets, call 713-621-6290 or visit the website at www.pinoak.org.