Hundreds of horses come to Atherton next week Hundreds of horses come to Atherton next week (August 03, 2005)

The 34th Menlo Charity Horse Show runs August 9-14

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

Next week, if you're wondering about all those horse trailers in town, drive past the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton. That's where more than 600 nationally ranked horses plus their riders are convening for the 34th Menlo Charity Horse Show.

Held from Tuesday through Saturday, August 9-14, the show raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Last year's six-day event raised $400,000.

While today's horse show is a big time event, it still retains some of the informality of a neighborhood gathering. Betsy Glikbarg of Atherton was the chairman of the first little show and has kept the job for 34 years. Friends who assisted her when she was starting out are still returning to help put on the show.

Competition involves Olympic-style jumping on grass in three show rings. Of particular note are the unique jumps, many of which are decorated by local florists and artisans.

Riders compete for more than $100,000 in prize money and to gain points toward national championships. As with other "AA" rated events, riders will wear formal attire.

Competition opens Wednesday, August 10, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a variety of hunter, jumper and pony classes, and presentation of regular and green working hunter championships.

Activities run from 8 a.m. and to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 11. The $2,000 gambler's choice jumper class in memory of Larry Mayfield will be held at 6 p.m.

The Gary Ryman Memorial Speed Jumper Class is set for 6 p.m. Friday, August 12.
Dinner and dancing

"The Magic of Horses" dinner in honor of the sponsors will be held Friday, August 12, in the Menlo Circus clubhouse. Following cocktails on the field, a silent auction, and the Ryman Memorial Class, there will be dinner and a live auction at 7:30 p.m., followed by dancing to the Sound Wizards.

Live auction items include a framed and matted print of "Lipizzaner" by the horse show's artist, William St. George; a woven gold necklance from Tiffany & Co.; a luxury box at an Oakland Raiders game, with dinner at the ball park, and limousine service to and from the game; and a tour of See's Candies led by See's president Charles Huggins and his wife, Donna.

Once again, Nancy Collins is dinner chairman. Pamela Perez is taking reservations for the dinner, which is $150 per person. Call her at (408) 953-2174.
Saturday and Sunday

Saturday will be Alfred Hitchcock Day with a $10,000 grand hunter challenge. The $35,000 San Jose British Motors Grand Prix will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a poolside barbecue at $35 per person. To reserve, call 322-4616.

The show's top crowd-pleaser is the class for riders 6 years and under, which takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The show concludes on Sunday with the $10,000 adult amateur jumper classic, the $10,000 Rhys Vineyards modified junior/amateur jumper classic, and the $10,000 Flying Farms junior/amateur-owner jumper classic.
INFORMATION

Admission to the horse show, which run August 9-14, is $10 for adults, $35 for a six-day pass, and free for kids under 12 and seniors over 65. Food and beverages are available on the club grounds. The Menlo Circus Club is at 190 Park Lane in Atherton. For more information, go to menlohorseshow.org.

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