55th Germantown Charity Horse Set To Show June 3-7 "55 Years of Pride, Tradition, and Hospitality" will once again open its gates for the Germantown Charity Horse Show, June 3-7, 2003, in Germantown, Tenn. The Germantown Charity Horse Show is one of the largest all-breed horse shows in the United States. "And one of the few remaining all-breed horse shows," adds 2003 GCHS President Murray Foster. This year's show will have over $100,000 in Prize Money and Premiums to be awarded. Among the shows will be the $25,000 Lincoln Grand Prix, $10,000 Welcome Stakes Open Jumper, $5,000 Walking Horse Grand Championship, $2,500 Five Gaited Stake, $2,500 Pony Hunter Classic, $2,500 Gamblers Choice and the $5,000 Junior Amateur Owner Jumper Classic. A special presentation is expected to be made on Saturday night in honor of CALYPSO. Earlier this year CALYPSO was inducted to the Hall of Fame at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida. Scheduled is Tennessee State Senator Mark Norris who will present CALYPSO and Germantown owner Melanie Smith-Taylor with a proclimation. CALYPSO was under Melanie Smith- Taylor when they won an Olympic Gold Medal. Smith-Taylor and her family are Germantown equine fixtures. Mother, Rachel Smith, is memorialized in the costume parade class, #205, and her father Hugh Frank Smith has been a long standing fixture with the GCHS. A number of special events will take place, many of them mainstays with the GCHS. Two spectator pleasers will return as well. On Tuesday night, the Rachel Smith Memorial costume parade will take place and Saturday night children's stick-horse race will be run Class 344. "Definitely one of our most popular classes," comments Foster. "For 2003 we have completed the renovation of another 36 stalls," comments Foster, "and have done some improved landscaping to the entrance and main ticket booth." The grounds have been enhanced by several improvements. Last year 33 stalls were renovated in the multi-year improvement project bringing the total number of improved stalls to 129. "Basically, everything but the roof was redone,"stated Foster. Support posts were replaced, the ground levelled, a new concrete aisle-way, and a curb to control water flow through the barn. The stall walls have been completely redone as well. Foster believes that a great amount of the show's success is due in part to the appeal of the grounds and the natural bowl arena. The benefactor for this year's show will be The Exchange Club Family Center. This is the fourth year for this organization to be the recipient of the show's support. Last year GCHS raised over $30,000 for their benefactor. The Exchange Club Family Center is organized to "help stop the cycle of child abuse and domestic violence." As well, a number of other non-profit organizations, such as the Exchange Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club and the Art League, are represented by the ambassadorship of the princesses and queen. Twenty-four princess will be representing the GCHS in the form of ticket sales, spokespersons and presenters. Murray Foster, whose family, including father, aunt and uncles have been heavily involved with GCHS throughout the years, comments on his term. "It is always a challenge to bring this show about and to implement new ideas, but it is such a pleasure to work with all the volunteers." For more information on the Germantown Charity Horse Show call (901) 753-6441 or (901)754-0009. There is also a website: www.gchs.org.