Spectator’s Guide to the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show
The Saddlebred Division is June 8-11, 2023 The Hunter/Jumper I Division is July 25-30, 2023 The Hunter/Jumper II Division is August 2-6, 2023 The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is the oldest continual outdoor horse show in the country, having persevered through wars, depressions, and recessions. Rain or shine this show goes on year after year, making it truly historic and special. Every year competitors and spectators alike descend on Broyhill Preserve to celebrate all things Equestrian for three long weekends in the summer. The show features Saddlebred, Hunter/Jumper I, and Hunter/Jumper II competitions. Here is a helpful guide to visiting the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show as a spectator: Getting to the show From downtown Blowing Rock, turn onto 221 towards Linville. Pass Bass Lake and start looking to the left for Laurel Lane. Turn left onto Laurel Lane. Drive uphill and the entrance to Broyhill Preserve will be on your left. Entrance & Ticketing Be sure to bring cash! Payment is taken at the entrance to the parking area. Admission is $10 per person for the day and re-entry is allowed. Make sure you get a program at the gate. Parking Parking is in an open field. Most of the exhibitors park close to the borders of the field so parking in the center is usually fairly easy. Stick to the right at the intersections as the left leads toward the stables and the practice ring. A free golf cart shuttle runs from parking to the stands at regular intervals. Entering the show Follow the gravel road to the right of the parking area. This may seem counter intuitive, as the practice ring and box seats often look busier. However, that is the long way around and the horses that are competing will be coming and going from the show ring in that direction. Stay to the right for safety and convenience. Heading to the Grandstands The gravel road to the right heads directly to the grandstands. Follow the gravel road past a number of stalls on the left where vendors sell their wares, and past box seats where cameras are set up for recording the show. Enter the Grandstands at the end of the box seats. Behind the grandstands you’ll find the bathrooms and food vendors. Food Vendors There are a few food vendors at the event. Bring cash, as some of the vendors will accept a card and some will not. The first food vendor, Gobblin’ Gourmet, is the only one not located directly behind the grandstands. Upon entrance, they are on the box seat side (left) under a purple tent. They fry up fair foods and serve sweets such as chocolate dipped cheesecake. Behind the grandstands, a food truck called Antojitos la Ranita is serving up fresh, authentic, Mexican food every day of the show. They are friendly, fast, cash only, and are at the show every year. To sate the sweet tooth, an ice cream truck called Sisters II comes all the way from Benson, NC. They offer delicious, handmade ice cream served plain or smothered in toppings. Crave’n Kettle Corn is also available for purchase in multiple flavors, combating cravings for both sweet or salty with a satisfying crunch. Bathrooms Porto-johns located directly against the back of the grandstands. Spectator Best Practices Wear sunscreen. The stands are covered, but the food truck areas are open. Grab a program from the parking attendants. Bring cash. While outside the grandstands, avoid making loud noises that may spook the horses. The show is dog friendly, however, the dogs cannot bark at the horses as it is unsafe for the rider. Bring a seat cushion; the grandstands are wooden. Plan for mud or dust. Don’t wear your favorite white sandals. Traveling? Plan for all weather, bring layers and a waterproof outer layer.
