The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show

80 Years of Excellence, Tradition & Giving

One of America’s oldest and most prestigious charity horse shows, benefiting Texas Children’s Hospital since 1945.

Event Schedule Become a Sponsor

A Legacy of Equestrian Excellence

Founded in 1945 by JS Abercrombie

For eight decades, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has stood as a beacon of equestrian excellence and charitable giving. What began as a vision by JS Abercrombie in 1945 has grown into one of America’s most prestigious multi-breed horse shows.

Our volunteer-driven organization has maintained its commitment to showcasing world-class equestrian talent while raising millions of dollars for Texas Children’s Hospital. Every year, riders from across the nation gather at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, to compete in this celebrated tradition.

More than just a horse show, Pin Oak represents the spirit of community, excellence, and giving that defines the best of American equestrian sport.

Years of Excellence
Weeks of Competition
Equine Entries
Raised for Charity

From Vision To Legacy:
The Story of Pin Oak

1945
The Vision Begins
Founded by J.S. Abercrombie and friends in Houston, Texas, with the goal of supporting local children’s charities.
First to Give
Pin Oak holds the honor of being the first donor to Texas Children’s Hospital in 1947, providing the seed money to begin the planning and building of the world’s first pediatric hospital.
1947
1948
Philanthropic Pioneer
Becomes one of the first horse shows in the U.S. to donate its proceeds to a charity—setting the standard for philanthropic equestrian events.
National Prestige
Gains prestige as a top-tier show on the national circuit, attracting elite equestrians and building a loyal community of supporters.
1950’s–1970’s
1980’s
Katy, Texas Expansion
Moves to the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX, allowing the show to expand its offerings and reach.
West Campus Partnership
Pin Oak becomes a founding donor to Texas Children’s Hospital’s West Campus, reinforcing its mission to support pediatric healthcare.
1991
2018
Heritage Competition
Pin Oak was honored to be the first show in the United States to be designated as a Heritage Competition by the United States Equestrian Federation. The show expanded to four weeks, offering competition for American Saddlebreds, hunters, jumpers and equitation riders alike.
Olympic Excellence
Continues to grow in size and stature, hosting Olympic-level athletes and expanding sponsorship and hospitality experiences.
2000’s
2010
Multi-Week Tradition
Launches the tradition of week-long shows featuring both hunter/jumper and breed divisions, drawing record participation
Legacy Tower Playroom
Pin Oak completed its $500,000 commitment to the Texas Children’s Hospital’s Legacy Tower 12th-floor Pin Oak Patient Family Playroom in the intensive care unit, providing comfort during the most challenging times.
2022
Present
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Pin Oak stands as one of America’s most prestigious multi-breed horse shows, welcoming over 2,100 equine entries and over $800K in prize money. As a designated Heritage Competition, we continue to uphold our founder’s vision of excellence while raising millions for Texas Children’s Hospital—one of the nation’s leading pediatric facilities.

Multi-Breed Heritage

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is a multi-breed show – a rare treasure in North America today. Only a handful of horse shows continue to host a variety of breeds and disciplines as a major equestrian event. The North American Riders Group (NARG) selected Pin Oak as a Top 25 Horse Show in North America three years in a row.

Our Impact on the Community

Since 1945, Pin Oak has been more than just a horse show, we are a vital partner in the mission to heal, comfort, and support sick children and their families throughout Texas and beyond.

80 YEARS OF GIVING

PROUDLY BENEFITING

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is the oldest non-profit partner of Texas Children’s Hospital. Pin Oak made the first donation in 1947 to begin the planning and building of the hospital. Since then, Pin Oak has gifted more than $7.8 Million to Texas Children’s Hospital.

Most recently, we completed our $500,000 pledge to the Promise Campaign! You can now visit the Pin Oak Family Patient Play Room on the 12th floor of the Lester & Sue Smith Legacy Tower.

Become a Sponsor Become a Volunteer

From First Donor to Lifelong Partner

Since 1945, Pin Oak has raised over $7.8 million for Texas Children’s Hospital, supporting expansion, research, and Family Room Centers as our partnership continues to grow.

Our current support includes specialized labs, the Legacy Tower playroom, and partnerships with Candlelighters, ensuring children across multiple hospital campuses receive world-class care.

Where Your Support Makes a Difference

Your support helps fund these critical areas at Texas Children’s Hospital:

  • Medical Research & Equipment
  • Family Room Centers
  • Breathing & Exercise Labs
  • Critical Care Support
  • Hospital Expansion
  • Candlelighters Support

Help Us Help Others

Become a Volunteer
Help make Pin Oak possible while supporting Texas Children’s Hospital. Join our volunteer team for a rewarding experience that directly benefits sick children.

Become a Sponsor
Partner with Pin Oak for exclusive hospitality and meaningful impact. Enjoy VIP amenities while supporting life-saving pediatric healthcare as part of our 80-year charitable legacy.

2025 Pin Oak Sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Pin Oak

Whether you’re a first-time competitor, a longtime spectator, or interested in supporting our mission, we’ve organized the most common questions by category to help you navigate everything Pin Oak has to offer. From entry requirements and show schedules to sponsorship opportunities and volunteer information, find the answers you need to make the most of your Pin Oak experience.

For Competitors

All entries must be completed online at horseshowsonline.com. You’ll need valid USEF, USHJA, and/or ASHA memberships depending on your divisions. Entry blanks must be signed by Owner, Trainer, Rider, Driver, Coach, or Handler.

Valid USEF, USHJA, or ASHA memberships are required for respective divisions. Non-members will be charged a $45 show pass fee per person/organization. Measurement cards are required for size-restricted classes.

Pin Oak Hunter/ Jumper Stalls for weeks 1-3 are: $350 for a regular stall and $100 for the one night Breed Stall.

All horses need:
–

  • Negative EIA (Coggins) certificate within one year (Texas law)
  • Vaccinations per USEF GR845
  • Out-of-state horses: current health certificate All documentation must be presented upon arrival.

Old section: $300/week

Premier section: $350/week One pump-out per week is included. Camper pump-outs done on Saturdays.

How do prize money payments work?
Prize money is credited to show bills and paid within 30 days via check. Valid SSN or Tax ID required. Form W9 required for all exhibitors. Foreign exhibitors: 30% withholding applies to U.S. prize money.

Prize money is credited to show bills and paid within 30 days via check. Valid SSN or Tax ID required. Form W9 required for all exhibitors. Foreign exhibitors: 30% withholding applies to U.S. prize money.

For Spectators

Yes! General spectator admission is FREE for all events. Pin Oak is open to the public during show hours, making world-class equestrian competition accessible to everyone.

Location: Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 South Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450

From Houston: I-10 West, exit Mason Road (Exit 745), left (south) 3 miles

From San Antonio: I-10 East, exit Mason Road (Exit 745), right (south) 3 miles

From Dallas: I-45 South to Beltway 8 south to I-10 West to Mason Road

General Admission parking: Lots A-D Turn right on Pin Oak Lane, then left on Kelly Drive

Valet service: Available for sponsors on Saturdays (10am-2pm & 5-9pm)

2024 Update: Private photographers are NO LONGER ALLOWED. All photography/videography must be purchased through official show photographers. Anyone without media credentials will be asked to leave. Media credentials are granted case-by-case.

  • Three weeks of world-class hunter, jumper, and American Saddlebred competition
  • Grand Prix events with significant prize money
  • Shopping opportunities with vendors
  • Food options and hospitality
  • Family-friendly atmosphere supporting a great cause
  • Results: HorseShowsOnline.com
  • Live streaming: USEF Network
  • Text updates: JOIN INFO to (234) 701-0778
  • Social media: Instagram @pinoakhouston, Facebook

For Sponsors

VIP Hospitality
Access to our Sponsor Club, catered meals, elevated drinks,  exclusive events and VIP Seating. 

Premier Brand Visibility
Your brand featured across print, digital, social media, signage, and press coverage.

Audience Alignment
Connect with a prestigious, philanthropic audience of equestrian enthusiasts, business leaders, and community influencers.

Year-Round Recognition
 Sponsor appreciation events like What to Wear to that Equestrian Affaire and ongoing exposure throughout the year.

Community Impact
Support our mission of giving back to children’s healthcare charities—over $7.8 million raised for Texas Children’s Hospital.

Customized Partnership Opportunities
Tailored sponsorship packages to meet your branding, engagement, and philanthropic goals.

Legacy & Tradition
 Be part of a historic Texas event celebrating 80 years of excellence and community impact.

Onsite Engagement
Opportunities for experiential marketing, product placement, and direct audience interaction during the show.

Contact our sponsorship team:
Nicole Martin – Pin Oak Sponsorship & Engagement Manager Email: nmartin@pinoak.org Phone: 832-459-5044

  • Facility map and seating charts
  • Hospitality schedule & events calendar
  • Daily hospitality menus
  • Sponsored classes schedule
  • Text updates: JOIN SPONSORS to (234) 701-0778
  • Downloadable sponsorship brochure
  • Three weeks of world-class hunter, jumper, and American Saddlebred competition

Pin Oak offers various sponsorship packages to fit different budgets and goals, from individual class sponsorships to major title sponsorships. Contact our sponsorship team for detailed packages, pricing, and custom opportunities that align with your marketing objectives.

For Vendors

Market Place: Located outside between Barns D & E, adjacent to outdoor rings

The Shops: Under cover between Barn D & BBVA Warm Up ring inside Barn C
Setup options include tables, tents, trailers, and food trucks.

Application process:

  • Complete vendor space request for
  • Submit to Vendors@gswec.com
  • Include photo of your vendor setup
  • Provide description of products and services
  • Await approval and space assignment
  • Photo of vendor setup required with application
  • Detailed description of products/services
  • 6-foot center aisle required under covered sections
  • Limited number accepted per category
  • No selling outside authorized vendor areas
  • Cannot move or sublet assigned space

General Vendor Inquiries: Email: Vendors@gswec.com Phone: 713-653-3163

Food Truck Vendors: Shane Coovert Email: scoovert@gswec.com Phone: 832-402-4596

General Information

Breed Show (Saddebreds & Morgans): March 18 – 22, 2026

Week 1 – Week 3: Hunters & Jumpers : March 25 – April 12, 2026

80 years of history – One of America’s oldest horse shows

Heritage Competition – First in the U.S. to receive this USEF designation

Multi-breed treasure – Rare variety of breeds and disciplines

Charitable mission – $7M+ raised for Texas Children’s Hospital

Top 25 show – Recognized by North American Riders Group

Volunteers are essential to Pin Oak’s operations! Multiple roles are available throughout the three weeks. Contact us through our main phone (713.653.3163) or email (info@pinoak.org) for volunteer opportunities.

Pin Oak was the first donor to Texas Children’s Hospital in 1947. We’ve raised over $7.8 million since 1945, recently completing a $500,000 pledge to the Promise Campaign. Funds support research, Family Room Centers, medical equipment, and facility expansion.

Main Contact
Phone: 713.653.3163
Email: info@pinoak.org
Address: 2501 S. Mason Road, Suite 100, Katy, Texas 77450


Key Staff Contacts
Nicole Martin – Pin Oak Sponsorship & Engagement Manager
Email: nmartin@pinoak.org
Phone: 832-459-5044

JT Oneyett – GM and Show Operations Manager
Email: jtonyett@gswec.com
Phone: 949-973-2113

Carlos Aguliar – Maintenance Manager
Email: Carlos@gswec.com
Phone: 281-788-8345

Sherri Weishaar – Accounting
Email: Accounting@gswec.com
Phone: 281-578-7669

Shane Coovert – Director of Sponsorship & Development for GSWEC
Email: scoovert@gswec.com
Phone: 832-402-4596

Specialized Inquiries
Vendors: Vendors@gswec.com | 713-653-3163
Food Trucks: Shane Coovert | scoovert@gswec.com | 832-402-4596
Electronic Sign Advertising: Shane Coovert | scoovert@gswec.com
Venue Rental: jtonyett@gswec.com | 949-973-2113

Pets are allowed but must be on leashes AT ALL TIMES. Cannot be tied in barn aisles. There’s a $100 Loose Pet Fee (donated to local charity) for any animals found without a leash.

Pin Oak Boutique items are frequently sold out due to popularity. For specific items or current availability, contact info@pinoak.org or text 713-653-3163. Featured items include the popular Oversized Tri-Color Sweatshirt.

Important Dates & Deadlines
Entry Deadline: Varies by week (typically 1-2 weeks before competition)
Prize Money Payment: Within 30 days of show conclusion
Camper Pump-outs: Saturdays of each week

Key Policies
Pet Policy: Leashes required AT ALL TIMES, $100 fee for violations
Photography: Only official photographers allowed (2024 policy change)
Health Requirements: Coggins, vaccinations, health certificates required
Payment: Valid SSN/Tax ID and Form W9 required for all exhibitors

Show Recognition
Heritage Competition: First in U.S. (USEF designation)
Top 25 Show: North American Riders Group (3 consecutive years)
Multi-breed Status: Rare treasure in North America
Charitable Impact: $7.8M+ raised since 1945, first donor to Texas Children’s Hospital