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The Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows return to the charming village of Lake Placid, NY, June 29-July 4 and July 6-11, and feature every level of competition from children under 6 competing in the Lead Line Division to Olympic veterans competing in the Grandprix - the pinnacle of equestrian show jumping competition. The two-week long horse show series is one of the most highly regarded stops on the nation's hunter-jumper circuit.

The Lake Placid Horse Shows include two Grandprix events - The $75,000 Hermes Grand Prix CSI 2* on Sunday, July 4 and the $75,000 Le Grand Prix Hermes CSI 2* on Saturday, July 10. Following the $75,000 Le Grand Prix Hermes CSI 2*, the Richard and Diana Feldman Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Excellence is awarded to the rider who has won the most combined prize money in Lake Placid's two Grandprix. The newest class being added to the schedule on Sunday, July 11th in the Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix Field is the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and this event is sure to become an instant favorite.

"One of the best things about the Lake Placid Horse Shows is that they offer something for everybody to enjoy," said Richard M. Feldman, Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show Association. "There is no other horse show that brings together top-notch equestrian competition and fun, family activities in quite the same way as the Lake Placid Horse Shows. It is by far the best two weeks of the whole summer! "

One of the reasons that the Lake Placid Horse Shows are so popular with exhibitors is that in addition to a first-class horse show facility, management and prize money, there are just so many fun things to do in Lake Placid. As one of the world's premier resort destinations, Lake Placid offers an ideal setting for family vacations.

The natural wonders of the Adirondacks offer great hiking, swimming and boating, and the charming resort town has unrivaled hotels and restaurants. But the horse shows also offer many other fun things to do, most of which have become traditions in their own right.

One such tradition is the 18th annual Horse Club Junior Day sponsored by Animal Planet on Friday, July 9 from 10:00am - 12:00pm. This day is open to all Pony Clubs, 4H Groups and Riding Clubs and focuses on learning about and having fun with horses in a safe environment. The cost is $5.00 per participant, chaperones excluded. Lunch will be provided for each participant. If chaperones would like to eat lunch as well, please include an extra $3.00 to cover the cost. Space is limited to 100 participants, so have your group's leader sign you up today!

Also returning for its 18th year is the always popular Doggie Costume Contest sponsored by The Brown Dog Cafe & Wine Bar and A Placid Life/Jake Placid Doghouse on Saturday, July 10 at noon. Contestants strut their stuff in a special ring set up near the horse show's Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix Field. Awards, including the Lulu Perpetual Trophy for the funniest costume, are presented to the "top dogs." All people with leashed dogs in costume are admitted to the horse show at no charge on this day.

The 23rd annual Equestrian Window Decorating Contest returns to Lake Placid starting on Tuesday, June 23. Each summer, Lake Placid village businesses show off their equine inspired storefront window displays that exhibit artistic and creative talent for the contest occurring concurrently with the horse shows. The equestrian theme window displays are immensely popular with horse show participants, spectators, and shoppers as local businesses welcome members of the horse show community to town.

For guests who are interested in what goes on behind the scenes at the Lake Placid Horse Shows, guided walking tours are available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week starting at 11:30am. The cost of the tour is $1.00 per person. Tours depart from the Lake Placid Horse Show Retail Booth.

The schedule for the 2010 Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows is full of exciting equestrian action and great family activities. Don't miss your chance to visit the North Elba Showgrounds and be part of these action-packed events!