June 30, 2011
Horse Show Tour
Horse Show Tour
We are watching the Lake Placid Horse Show while waiting for a behind-the-scenes tour to start. My children ask me what is going on and I readily admit my lack of preparation. I really don't know. I start madly flipping through the pages of my program, attempting to speed-read the event rules.

Thankfully a kind woman takes pity on me and gives me a quick set of rules so I can sound knowledgeable. I point out the starting clock set for 83 seconds to my children, basically parroting all that I just heard. Each horse has to make it around the course within the set time. My son starts looking for clean rounds and faults. He notices when the horse is penalized four points for each fault: refusing to jump an obstacle, a knock-down or exceeding the time. He starts asking more questions, but our tour is about to start and I am able to shift the responsibility to our guide.

Horse Show Medic
Horse Show Medic
We soon join 20 other people for an in-depth visit behind the scenes of the Lake Placid Horse Show Grounds. The tour meets in the vendor section of the horse grounds. My daughter's only request is to try on hats from the various clothing vendors.She is more enthralled by the ladies' headwear.

We are shown around a tent city that has been erected for the two back-to-back events. Most of these horses come with an entourage. All the amenities of a four-star hotel are available for these prestigious animals. Laundry service, acupuncture and even an equine massage therapist are there to make sure these powerful animals can perform at their peak.

Portable stalls have been decorated with the owner or farm's colors. We look for the beginning of a trophy wall where ribbons have been proudly displayed, a splash of color amongst the beige tents. A visit to the traveling veterinary, large animal ambulance and farrier are the highlights for my children.

Horse Show Farrier
Horse Show Farrier
One whispers for me to ask if we could have a demonstration of a horse being hung from the ambulance sling. I am sure a collective shiver of horror went up the spine of all competitors. No, but we do see a farrier shoe a horse.

This modern blacksmith is an important part of the competitor's pit crew. Each horse is different; therefore each shoe is custom fit. Gone is hand-forged iron, replaced by electric tools contained in the back of a pick-up.

Our tour ends and we have gleaned enough information to watch the next event. My son recognizes the name of a farm we had seen on the tour. We watch to see if they will add more ribbons to their wall.

The "Lake Placid Horse Show" ends July 3 with a smooth transition to the "I Love New York Horse Show" July 5 – 10. Show hours are from 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Tickets are $2.00 weekdays and $5.00 on the weekend. Children under 12 are free.

The guided walking tour is $1.00/person on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 11:30 AM and meets at the Retail Booth. For more information please call the Lake Placid Horse Show Association at 518-523-9625.

Horse Show Grounds
Horse Show Grounds
Adirondack Family Time Tip: Show Your Price Chopper AdvantEdge Card and admission is 50% off or be GREEN and ride the Lake Placid XPRSS Trolley to the Lake Placid Horse Show Ground and admission is FREE. 

 

All content and photos are ©Diane Chase, this post is an excerpt from the new guidebook  Adirondack Family Time Tri-Lakes & High Peaks Region: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities (with GPS coordinates) 

Horse Show Tour
Horse Show Tour
Horse Show Medic
Horse Show Medic
Horse Show Farrier
Horse Show Farrier
Horse Show Grounds
Horse Show Grounds

Packages and Promotions

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 25

100th Anniversary Package

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Valid Nov. 12

- Dec. 2

Turkey Special in November

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Turkey Special In November - 3nts/4day weekend ($500/night: $1500) or 2 nts/3 day weekend ($600/night: $1200)

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Town House Lodge by the Lake

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid Dec. 1

- Dec. 25

Valid Aug. 8

- Dec. 19

Christmas Buy One Get One FREE

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Buy One Get One FREE on stays December 1 - December 25! Call 855-421-3002 to book today! Terms: Buy One Get One Free valid for stays December 1-25, 2024, Sunday - Wednesday nights. Not valid on existing reservations; new reservations only. Cannot be...

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Dec. 6

- Dec. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Dec. 5

Girls Getaway Weekend

$75 Resort Credit per room per NIGHT to pamper the Girls!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Experience the unspoiled Adirondacks while spoiling yourself and a loved one

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Town House Lodge by the Lake

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Oct. 23

- Oct. 23

Valid Oct. 24

- Oct. 23

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

New York Rental By Owner

SAVE 10% off any weekly rentals!

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Stay and Save!

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay 3 nights and get 20% off.

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Outdoor Adventure Package

The Devlin

Maximize your time in the outdoors: book your room and a boat rental through HK Boat Rentals.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Linger longer in the Adirondacks and be rewarded!

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Nov. 27

- Mar. 30

Valid Nov. 27

- Mar. 30

10% off Gift The Gorge Package

High Falls Gorge

Treat someone you love with the gift of nature! This is an e-gift card program with packages for admission to the park, money to spend in the Gift Shop, and even more to spend in the River View Café.

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Load More