#menlo2016

The iconic Menlo Charity Horse Show is known for making memories and in wrapping up it’s 46th year, those memories are multi-generational. As one of the finest equestrian events in the United States, it has established not only a strong tradition of providing outstanding equine competition, but also one of philanthropy through it’s fund-raising efforts for numerous charities, including Planned Parenthood, Amigos De Las Americas, and Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Menlo’s current charitable partner, the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, is the premier resource for individuals with vision loss in San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties, helping clients reach their highest potential through programs that promote independence and improve quality of life. Over the past two decades, Menlo has raised over six million dollars for the Vista Center.

Catherine Harvey (of Rhys Vineyards) is a Co-Chair for MCHS and perhaps says it best, “There is truly is nothing like it (Menlo), the venue (a private club in the middle of a residential neighborhood), the sponsors, the committee…..what show do you go to where your prizes are from ELLA, Stephen Silver, Tiffany & Co, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Shreve & Co? If you want an intimate, boutique show, with fabulous food, fabulous vendors and amenities, this is it. It is really the whole package.”

And all for a great cause. Hope to see you there next year - mark your calendars! MCHS 2017 will be held from August 8th-13th.  

We all love leadline and look forward to our dose of pint-sized cuteness overload at every major show. The leadline class at the Menlo Charity Horse Show is no different in that regard and is a favorite for many as the next generation, clad in mini-me riding outfits, steps into the competition ring aboard their trusty steeds. This year’s class was was underwritten by Don DeFranco in honor of his father, V. James DeFranco M.D.

More photos of the leadline class, as well as other show highlights, can be found on the MCHS Facebook Page.

This week marked the kick-off of the 46th annual Menlo Charity Horse Show in Atherton, CA. And Hope Glynn and her daugher, Avery, made sure that MCHS was on their show “bucket list” for the season. Due to the difficulties in scheduling the show season for themselves, but also for clients, Glynn hasn’t been to MCHS in a few years. The logistics of getting to the USHJA International Hunter Derby Trials and Pre-Green Incentive Championship in Kentucky have resulted in missing out on this historic event and the only opportunity in Northern California to show on the grass. This year Hope and Avery made a special effort to make it to Menlo, albeit for a short two days. And the Mother/Daughter Duo had a lot of fun while also bringing home the ribbons!  

Above: Like Mother, Like Daughter. Avery Glynn winner of both Medium/Large Pony Hunter classes over fences as well as the NorCal Pony Equitation Medal Class.

Above: Hope Glynn and Lake of Stars were the winners of one of the First Year Green Working Hunters over fences.

Above: Hope and Lake of Stars

Above: Avery Glynn and her mother, Hope.

Above: We’re seeing LOTS of lovely manicures this season - from the Rio Olympics to MCHS. Hope matched her nails to Menlo’s colors.

In its 46th year, the Menlo Charity Horse Show has remained true to its philanthropic roots: Proceeds go to Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which supports individuals in San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. The show is held at Menlo Circus Club until August 14th. Among the highlights are the International Hunter Derby, presented by Dr. Daryl K. Hoffman; the Bentley San Francisco and Bentley Los Gatos Grand Prix; and the Gala Dinner Dance, underwritten by Stephen Silver and featuring a live auction.

For more information & tickets: MCHS Website

ELLA @MENLO

Inspired by the 2016 Summer Olympics the 46th Menlo Charity Horse Show invites attendees on a fantastic journey to the vivacious Rio de Janeiro. The charm of the Menlo Circus Club and the sensational energy and color of Brazil are blended to bring the “Road to Rio” alive in show rings August 9th-14th from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily at 190 Park Lane in Atherton, California.

The prestigious Menlo Charity Horse Show has come a long way since its conception. Originating in 1970 as a one-day unranked show featuring approximately forty riders; it would be difficult to imagine those humble roots today. One area that has remained steadfast is the organization and dedication, mainly by volunteers, to produce an unforgettable experience year-after-year. In fact, some of the handful of women who launched this show are still active participants today as it continues to grow in popularity while still remaining true to its Peninsula roots.

Founder, Betsy Glikbarg reflects, “...even in those initial days, when we doubted if we would be able to break even financially, we were able to (thanks to the generosity of the community) raise funds for the non-profit agencies that benefited from our early efforts.”

The Menlo Charity Horse Show has evolved into a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) “AA” rated event with a steering committee of over one hundred volunteers and participants. For six days, Menlo becomes the competition grounds for five hundred of the most accomplished and notable names on the U.S. equestrian show circuit, while simultaneously raising over 6 million dollars for Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired.

“Our horse show is one of the finest…” adds Glikbarg, “It is unique in that its origin and legacy is one of philanthropy, encompassing both the elements of showmanship and giving back to the community.”

Menlo features all-day action Tuesday through Sunday with exceptional hunter and jumper competition in three separate arenas at the historic facility. The gorgeous clubhouse is open to the public and features an outdoor patio and front-row seating to the jumper ring on the polo field. Vendor row, neighboring the clubhouse, includes forty vendors selling clothing, jewelry, art, home and garden, and stable goods not found anywhere else. Food and beverages from local Menlo Park favorites are available on site as well.

On Tuesday and Wednesday young future equestrian stars go head-to-head in pony classes and close the excitement with “Pony Palooza” offering special treats and entertainment for the whole family. On Tuesday evening tradition continues with the exhibitors spaghetti dinner with live music. And Wednesday night brings the Larry Mayfield Horse and Hound class.

The weekend’s must-see events include Saturday evening’s $40,000 Grand Prix sponsored by Bentley San Francisco and Bentley Los Gatos and Thursday evening’s $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Dr. Daryl K Hoffman of Atherton.

On Friday, riding breeches are traded for the evening following the $10,000 Ryman Speed Jumping Class at the Gala dinner underwritten by Stephen Silver. The “Road to Rio” will be brought to life with ornate décor and lavish garments. Mr. Silver’s support, donations and gifts, as a longtime friend and Grand Prix Level sponsor, are highly valued and appreciated, making the Gala a highlight of Menlo’s social calendar.

The Gala evening will include a live auction where the coveted item is a painting by 2016 official artist Rick Timmons. “Cloud Jumper” is valued at $6,400 and is just one of the unique works in his collection that has been featured in numerous national publications.

Tickets for the Gala dinner are $250.00 each and available online. Raffle tickets are also available the week of the show.

The Menlo Charity Horse Show was recognized as a Top Ten Horse Show of 2015 by the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame and provides exceptional family entertainment as it closes out summer on the Peninsula with the excitement, beauty, and grace of the equestrian world in a stunning environment. There is ample parking with complimentary shuttle service to and from the venue. Tax-deductible tickets, available at the Elena Avenue entry gate, are $10.00 per day, or $35 for a 6-day pass. Children under 12 and adults over 65 are admitted free.

The Menlo Charity Horse Show, a 501(C)(3) organization recognized as a USEF Heritage Competition, supports the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired by producing a premiere equestrian event while educating the community on the issues of the visually impaired.

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TSG Equestrian is proud to be a media partner for the Menlo Charity Horse Show.

The Menlo Charity Horse Show (MCHS) welcomes a new addition to their management team. Phil J. DeVita Jr. will be joining MCHS in the newly created role of Technical Coordinator. As a second generation horseman and following in his father’s footsteps, DeVita's lifelong involvement with the horse industry provides him with the perfect mix of skills and knowledge for this new role with MCHS.

Since the mid-1970s, DeVita has been involved with equestrian sport and comes to the Menlo Charity Horse Show (MCHS) with a long and successful resume. In 1995, after years of training and competing horses, DeVita transitioned into the world of show officiating. This resulted in DeVita becoming a full-time R Judge, R Course Designer, and Horse Show Manager.

He has been involved in many top-level events including designing the courses for the 2000 and 2002 ASPCA Maclay Finals at Madison Square Garden, as well as numerous other top-rated horse shows, including the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), the Devon Horse Show and Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC.

His experience in charity show management includes the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, the American Royal Horse Show, the Germantown Charity Horse Show, Trader's Point Charity Horse Show, and Franktown Meadows.

The 2016 MCHS event will take place August 9th through August 14th at the Menlo Circus Club, 190 Park Lane in Atherton. Over 500 horses and riders are expected to compete in three beautiful arenas, two of which are on the grass of the polo field.  

Once again the event will benefit Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, which serves thousands of clients in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara Counties.  Over the past 5 years, the show has raised more than $1.8 million for the Center.