History

1883

Founded in New York by a group of influential sportsmen. The event was held at the original Madison Square Garden.

1883-1905

The National featured regularly in illustration for Harper’s Weekly and other magazines by artists like Howard Chandler Christy and Charles Dana Gibson.

1887

The National Horse Show directory, listing directors and 920 members, formed the basis for Louis Keller’s first New York Social Register.

1890

The National Horse Show moved to the second Madison Square Garden, also located on Madison Square in New York.

1909

Alfred G. Vanderbilt, then president of the National Horse Show, made the show international by inviting British Cavalry officers to compete.

1915

Eleanora Sears became the first woman to ride a stride at the
NationalHorse Show.

1915-1925

The National became an American military competition. Notable competitors included Generals John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, William “Billy” Mitchell and George S. Patton.

1926

The National moved to the third Madison Square Garden located on 8th Avenue at 50th Street. Garden III would witness 40 years of National history and continuing evolution.

1933

The first National Horsemanship Championship for the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Trophy was held. The “Horsemanship Cup” was donated by Alfred B. Maclay, ASPCA officer and President of the NHS from 1922-24.

2011

The National Horse Show's first year at the Kentucky Horse Park with Alltech, Inc. as the Title Sponsor.

2014

The National Horse Show welcomes Canadian Pacific (CP) as our Title Sponsor.

2015

The CP National Horse Show began hosting the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington.

2017

The CP National Horse Show hosts the inaugural NHS 3'3" Equitation Championships.