Best place in TN to take horse lover? (Cookeville, Shelbyville: 2010, lenders)

[bp64452]

My girlfriend is really into equestrian (hunter jumper) and I would like to take her to one of the big horse shows (not racing) for a graduation present. I remember her telling me about one either in Tennessee or Kentucky (said she has always wanted to go since she was a kid) but I can’t remember what it was called. It was a pretty big one, but it was not the FEI World Equestrian Games (I have looked into that one). Does anyone have any ideas of a few neat places to take a horse lover in Tennessee? From NC here so I am not to keen on what TN has to offer. I really appreciate the help!

[Flyinglead2]

The Rolex 3-Day Event is in Kentucky, but I don't know when. I am sure you can find it on any Eventing website. You might try Goose Downs Farm Serious Eventing in the Southwest (If they still exist.) They are in New Mexico but ride in the Rolex event. I worked for them in the early 80's. Also, you might try to United States Equestrian Team Foundation - USET.org. They might have a schedule.
Good Luck...it's a wonderful even to watch. (Not hunter jumper, but would still be thrilling for you and your girlfriend to experience.

[alleycat]

The big horse event here in Nashville is the annual Iroquois Steeplechase held in May.

Intro

There is also the annual Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration held in Shelbyville. It's quite a big event for anyone interested in Tennessee Walking Horses.

I'm not sure either one of those is what you're looking for however.

[Tinman313]

If you Love Horses check this out..... Big South Fork Country

[Sparkman]

My daughter competes in Hunter Jumper here in Il and has actually just bought a horse. We are moving to Cookeville next month, so she has been checking out the local scene. SHe has found a barn for her near Crossville that she like very much. There is an East Tn Hunter Jumper group and a Middle Tn group.

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They have the show calenders on their websites I'm sure, plus there would be other good info.

[knoxgarden]

Louisville has the World Championship Horse Show during the Kentucky State Fair. That might be a fun trip.
Welcome to the World's Championship Horse Show
Tennessee has the week-long Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration.
Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration

[Greyhnd]

I'd guess that Rolex may be the event she has always wanted to attend. It's held in April in Kentucky. Personally, I would be a little hesitate to take her to Shelbyville unless you are sure she has an interest in the walking horse world. Maybe you could ask a friend of hers if you are keeping this a surprise. If you can't find a specific event, the Kentucky Horse Park is a nice place to visit. If you want to make a road trip/beach vacation out of it, there is a large, week-long event on Long Island, NY in August (Hampton Classic).

[piedmont]

If Rolex doesn't suit your schedule, go to the Kentucky Horse Park. It is a real treat for horse lovers of all sorts!

Or, go ahead and get tickets for the 2010 World Equestrian Games (also in Kentucky).

Stay away from Shelbyville unless she is specifically into that sort of thing. Many people find walking horse training/shows repugnant.

[Faznichie]

Hi, I am not sure what type of horses you are interested in but the " Walking Horse Capital of the World" is in Shelbyville TN. The show is the last week in Aug. until the Sat. before Labor day. It runs about 10 days. I am guessing on these dates, but it should start this year about Aug. 19th and run until Sat. Aug. 29th.