Atherton, CA – Members of the Menlo Charity Horse Show Committee are proud to announce that 2015 marks the 45^th anniversary of this nationally recognized and honored event, which will be held August 4^th through the 9^th, at The Menlo Circus Club, 190 Park Lane in Atherton from 8:30 am to 6pm daily.

In 1970, the original, small, local, and unranked, one day show, which was organized by a committee of 6 or 7 women (5 of whom are still active on this year’s committee), featured approximately 40 riders. According to founder, Betsy Glikbarg, “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.”

Today, this 6 day, AA rated event has a steering committee of over 100 volunteers. Menlo attracts over 400 of the most accomplished horse and rider combinations in the U.S., and has raised over 6 million dollars for its current beneficiary Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, an agency which serves those with vision loss in San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. Betsy Glikbarg adds, “Our horse show is one of the finest, Professional/Amateur equestrian events in the United States, and is unique in that its origin and legacy is one of philanthropy, involving and giving back to the community.”

On Monday, August 3^rd, one day before the official start of the event, Wilkes Bashford at the Stanford Shopping Center will be hosting a kick-off party for committee members, exhibitors, trainers, and friends of the horse show from 6pm to 8pm.

Featuring Hunters and Jumpers, Menlo offers daily, non-stop hunter and jumper competition in 3 arenas, including hunter and jumper rings located on the Menlo Circus Club grass polo field. Food and beverages are available on site, and the private clubhouse is open to the public during this event. Forty vendors offer clothing, jewelry, art and items for the home, garden and stable.

Highlights of the event include the $40,000 Grand Prix, sponsored by Bentley San Francisco and Bentley Los Gatos on Saturday evening, and Thursday’s evenings $20,000 International Hunter Derby, presented by Dr. Daryl K Hoffman of Atherton. Pony classes will be featured on Tuesday and Wednesday in the sand arena. In celebration of the show’s 45th anniversary, pony riders, fans and friends will experience “Pony Palooza” with special treats for all.

This year’s Gala dinner, underwritten by Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry, will immediately follow Friday evening’s $10,000 Ryman Speed Jumping Class, sponsored by The Oriental Carpet. The theme of the evening, in keeping with the 45th anniversary celebration is “Sapphire & Ice.” Longtime friend and Grand Prix Level sponsor, Mr. Silver has also donated a raffle item of a very special dinner and shopping spree at his boutique in Woodside. Valued at $25,000, this unique, once in a life time raffle will be held at the Gala. The evening will also include silent and live auctions, a very special Fund a Need, as well as signature blue cocktails that will be served during the evening as one of the highlights of the festivities. One of the evening’s auction is a Champion Golden State Warriors jersey autographed by MVP Stephen Curry. Also to be auctioned off that evening is Equus Series I-II, an oil on board painting, in the tradition of the Renaissance Masters by Heather Theurer, Official Artist for the 2015 horse show, valued at $2,625.00. Several of Ms. Theurer’s works have been displayed at Disney theme parks and galleries. Tickets for the dinner are $250.00 a piece and are available one line at menlocharityhorseshow.org. Raffle tickets will be available the week of the show and sell for $100/ticket or $500 for a book of 6.

The Menlo Charity Horse Show offers spectators the rare opportunity to experience the excitement, beauty, and grace of the equestrian athlete in a stunning environment. There is ample parking with complimentary shuttle service to the horse show 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. For further information and schedule, please visit: menlocharityhorseshow.org or call: 650-701-0543.