ShowBiz Feature
Another attribute that sets Menlo apart from other that prize’s donor so that each victorious competitor
shows across the nation is its overwhelming popularity. may write a thank-you note to the donors. This tradition
Entries to the show usually fill up within a few hours of emphasizes the show’s theme of giving back, a practice
becoming available. Those who don’t submit their entry which is definitely appreciated in today’s world.
blanks in time go on Menlo’s famously long waiting list, Further facts about Menlo are staggering. The show
and then must hope that someone gives up their treasured features only three competition rings (two hunter and
spot at the show. Most years, the waiting list holds the one jumper), yet still hosts around 700 horses per year.
names of over a hundred overflow competitors. Truly, In the past, prize money has exceeded $100,000, and
simply getting a spot at Menlo is prestigious. the show features a number of classics and big-money
Those who can’t gain access to Menlo’s hallowed rings classes throughout the week.
often go behind the scenes and work as volunteers. Each As for the future of this Northern California institution,
year, hundreds volunteers gather at the Circus Club to show organizers are optimistic. Clearly, there is a need
help set up, clean up, and basically complete all the little for more stabling to accommodate all those who wish to
tasks that putting on an AA show entails. From show compete, and Chapman expresses that she believes the
management to decorating and gathering prizes and show will “continue to grow.” She is especially pleased
donations, the show is covered by the dedication of this year to have learned that the impending financial
volunteers, many of which return year after year. crisis and soaring gas prices seem not to have inhibited
Menlo repeatedly gains the honor of the NorCal entries. “Community support,” she states, is what drives
Horse Show of the year, and has even been named the the show and allows it to be so incredibly successful.
nation’s second best horse show by Phelps Sports. It is Glikbarg is equally pleased with the show’s future. “Each
recognized across the US as one of the premier hunter/ year it improves,” she says, going on to explain how after
jumper shows, and thus has an arsenal of top sponsors every show, committee members gather to discuss the
that only adds to its notoriety and glamour. Besides local event, and usually come up with “four pages of things we
companies, the show has also been sponsored by Tiffany can do better.” This dedication for continuing excellence
& Co, Hermes, and Bloomingdales, whose logos often is truly what drives Menlo and makes it the special event
adorn the always colorful Grand Prix jumps. that it is.
Such classy sponsors translate into equally elegant In a word, Menlo is classic. It combines all that is good
prizes--one more aspect Menlo is known for. Glikbarg in equestrian sport, from blue ribbons and tricolor sashes
herself even notes that one of the most special facets to friendships, tradition, and philanthropy. It has grown
of the show is the “excellent prizes.” Each prize is gift- beyond anyone’s expectations, yet it still retains a strong
wrapped and includes a note with the information of sense of old equestrian charm.
68
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84