Horseback riders, horse show competitors, and all fans of horses have a lot to enjoy in Houston, Texas. From casual rodeos to official United States Equestrian Foundation competitions, there’s a great range of horse activities in the greater Houston area. Here are some of the most anticipated horse shows you can attend or participate in near Houston:
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The biggest horse event in Texas, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, is the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo and is powered by more than 33,000 volunteers. The charity event educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. The event spans three week and includes one of the most prestigious horse shows in the world. In addition to horse shows, the event also includes musical performances, food, carnival rides, and more.
When: February-March
Where: NRG Park, Houston, Texas
More Information: Rodeo Houston website
Check out ABC13’s full coverage of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2018 Parade in the video below:
Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
The Pin Oak Charity Horse show is a unique fundraising event that supports the healing of sick children through financial donations, outreach, and volunteer support for Texas Children’s Hospital.This annual, world-class horse show spans two weeks in March with an impressive array of horse and rider teams competing in a multi-breed equestrian competition. It is one of very few shows in America to offer multi-breed events. On the stage you might see American Saddlebreds, Andalusians, Lusitanos, the classic Hunters, Olympic-level Show Jumpers, and the new discipline of Working Equitation.
When: March
Where: Great Southwest Equestrian Center, Katy, Texas
More Information: Pin Oak website
Houston Dressage Society Shows
The Houston Dressage Society (HDS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art of dressage through education for its members and hosting horse shows. The organization is an affiliate member of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), which is the primary authority in all equestrian sport. Members are eligible to compete in multiple horse shows throughout the year. The two main shows put on by the HDS are the Winter Show and Summer Show.
When: January (winter show), June (summer show)
Where: Great Southwest Equestrian Center, Katy, Texas
More Information: HDS website
GSEC Autumn Classic
The Great Southwest Equestrian Center (GSEC) is located in the Katy, Texas (a suburb of Houston) and offers more than 50 equestrian events throughout the year. Some of these events have already been mentioned on this list. However, they also host their own show — the GSEC Autumn Classic. This event offers the competitor and horse show enthusiast an outstanding, top-of-the-line equestrian atmosphere and experience.
When: August – September
Where: Great Southwest Equestrian Center, Katy, Texas
More Information: GSEC website
Texas American Saddle Horse Assoc. High Point Horse Shows
The Texas American Saddle Horse Association (TASHA) hosts multiple horse shows a year. Find out when their next horse show will be on their event calendar. Shows take place all over Texas, including locations in the Great Houston Area. TASHA is a Charter Club Member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and they strive to organize horse shows in Texas, promote education of proper horse breeding, care, use, handling & development of the American Saddlebred horse. Through their shows, they also encourage good sportsmanship and proper conduct among riders.
When/Where: Dates and locations vary
More Information: TASHA website
Greater Houston Miniature
If you’re already impressed by the variety of horse shows near Houston, wait until you hear about the Greater Houston Miniature Horse Shows! The Greater Houston Miniature Horse Club (GHMHC) is a growing organization that offers shows, seminars, social activities, and an annual Hi Point Award Banquet. They have two shows every year. The first is the Galaxy Show — an AMHA show with three judges. The Summer Celebration is another two day show with three judges. Both shows are combined with a silent auction and bake sale with proceeds benefiting the organization’s youth and amateur competitors.
When/Where: Dates and locations vary
More Information: GHMHC website
We hope you found an event you’d like to attend or participate in after reading about the many great horse shows in and near Houston, Texas. The large variety of horse competitions, horse shows, and horse events in Houston will satisfy anyone who enjoys equine sports. Check out horseback riding opportunities near Houston or train your horse for an upcoming show at Cramer Quarter Horses in Needville, Texas.