InternationalchampionshipFeatured Event

World's Championship Horse Show

The Super Bowl of Saddlebred showing, crowning world champions during the Kentucky State Fair.

Dates
August 19 - August 28
2026
Location
Louisville
Kentucky
Duration
10 days
Attendance
2,000+ horses, 75,000+ spectators

About Louisville

The World's Championship Horse Show at the Kentucky State Fair is the most prestigious event in the American Saddlebred world. Held in historic Freedom Hall, this week-long event features the finest Saddlebreds competing for world championship titles in five-gaited, three-gaited, fine harness, and park divisions.

Disciplines

Five-GaitedThree-GaitedFine HarnessParkPleasure

Breed Focus

American Saddlebred

History

Dating back to 1902, the Louisville show has crowned Saddlebred royalty for over a century. The event's Saturday night five-gaited championship is considered the most coveted title in the Saddlebred industry.

Event Highlights

Five-Gaited World's Grand Championship
Three-Gaited World Championship
Fine Harness Championship
Saturday night finals
Amateur championships

Pricing & Entry Fees

Entry Fees

$100-$400 per class

Stall Fees

$500-$900

Spectator Tickets

$15-$75

Saturday night finals premium pricing

Facilities & Amenities

Freedom Hall arena
Kentucky Exposition Center
Multiple warm-up areas
On-site stabling
Vendor shopping

Requirements to Compete

  • 1
    ASHA membership
  • 2
    Horse registration
  • 3
    Health certificates
  • 4
    USEF membership

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the World's Championship Horse Show 2026?

The World's Championship Horse Show 2026 runs from August 19 to August 28, 2026. The event lasts 10 days.

Where is the World's Championship Horse Show held?

The World's Championship Horse Show is held at Freedom Hall - Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky at 937 Phillips Lane.

How much does it cost to enter the World's Championship Horse Show?

Entry fees for the World's Championship Horse Show range from $100-$400 per class. Stall fees are typically $500-$900. Saturday night finals premium pricing

What disciplines are featured at the World's Championship Horse Show?

The World's Championship Horse Show features competition in Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited, Fine Harness, Park, Pleasure. The event focuses on American Saddlebred horses.

How can I watch the World's Championship Horse Show?

Spectator tickets for the World's Championship Horse Show are $15-$75. Visit https://saddlebred.com for ticket information.

What are the highlights of the World's Championship Horse Show?

Key highlights of the World's Championship Horse Show include: Five-Gaited World's Grand Championship, Three-Gaited World Championship, Fine Harness Championship, Saturday night finals.

Where should I stay for the World's Championship Horse Show?

Accommodation options near the World's Championship Horse Show include: Louisville hotels, Downtown Louisville, Airport area lodging, Extended stay options.

What are the requirements to compete at the World's Championship Horse Show?

Requirements to compete at the World's Championship Horse Show include: ASHA membership, Horse registration, Health certificates, USEF membership.

Quick Links

Official WebsiteMore Events in Kentucky

Location

Freedom Hall - Kentucky Exposition Center

937 Phillips Lane

Louisville, Kentucky

United States

Organizer

American Saddlebred Horse Association

Visit Website

Where to Stay

  • Louisville hotels
  • Downtown Louisville
  • Airport area lodging
  • Extended stay options

Awards & Prizes

  • World Championship trophies
  • Grand Championship titles
  • Reserve World Champion
  • Amateur awards

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