“Meet me in Lake St Louis” is the theme for the Fourth Annual Friesian World and Grand National Championship Horseshow, which will be held for the first time in the mid-western part of the United States. These are the official “Finals” for the International Friesian Show Horse Association’s (IFSHA) end of year competitions championship and point show for the USEF’s Farnam Horse of the Year program. IFSHA is the official recognized affiliate for the Friesian horse breed to the National Federation (USEF).
Chosen for its central location and attributes that are conducive for the growth of this young but important event, the National Equestrian Center in Lake St Louis, MO “is a perfect choice for our finals,” says IFSHA President Gareth A. Selwood. “Our first show in 2004 was held in the Los Angeles area, our second in Virginia, and last year’s was held in Las Vegas. At the end of the show in Las Vegas the board of directors decided to try to find a location that was easier for horses to attend from both coasts and we are hoping to become a permanent fixture in the Midwest at this facility.” Horses from as far away as Washington, Oregon and California have already committed to showing, as well as many horses from the East Coast and Texas.

The National Equestrian Center facility is host to many breed and discipline regional and national championships including dressage, hunter/jumper, rodeo and the American Saddlebred William Shatner Finals.
The Honorable USEF judges that will officiate are Michael Craghead (Arizona), Art Gaytan (Nevada) and Joan Harms (Illinois) for Halter and performance, with Thomas Poulin (Illinois) completing the officials roster for Dressage. USEF Steward, Cecile Hetzel-Dunn will assure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Doug Shane will act as master of ceremonies with Bob Sebastian as Ringmaster.
Exciting plans for exhibitions and demonstrations are already underway and include notable equestrians such as “dressage diva” Sabine Schut-Kery from Los Angeles.
The Friesian horse is making quite an impact on the dressage world at all levels of competition and exhibition and nowhere else but at this championship show in Missouri will enthusiasts see so many of the breed competing for honors together in the same place.
Dressage competition will open the show on Thurs. Oct. 4, followed by Halter and Performance classes with exciting Championship Stakes Finals on Friday and Saturday nights. Children’s classes have been limited to Saturday and Sunday to accommodate school schedules.
From Saddle Seat and Park to Dressage Suitability and Fantasy Costume, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Carriage Driving, Show Pleasure, Pairs, Four in Hand, Unicorns and, yes, even Costume Driving will captivate the audience all weekend as only the Friesian horse can.
IFSHA will host inspections for any and all European and American registries that are interested in using this venue to accommodate American breeders.
An exhibitors party is planned for Saturday night immediately following the night’s performance. Vendors will fill the arena surrounding the show with all their beautiful giftware, tack and equestrian jewelry. A silent auction for the benefit of the IFSHA Grand and World Championships will take place throughout the weekend as well as the Stallion Services Auction of stud fees donated by the association’s very generous membership.
An official souvenir program is already in production and advertisers are encouraged to contact Rahn Greimann at 507-525-0513 or ifshaprogam@gmail.com for ad placement or design, www.friesianshowhorse.com for event information or Nancy Nathanson at 805-448-3027 thepark@hwy246.net.