The Mid-South equestrian community united to raise $1.2 million for Phase 1 ring improvements at the Germantown Charity Horse Show grounds, ensuring the preservation of the area's rich and historic equestrian legacy.
Courtesy of Germantown Charity Horse Show
The Germantown Charity Horse Show (GCHS) is starting 2026 with exciting momentum, launching Phase 1 of its Show Grounds Improvements Initiative. This multi-phase effort focuses on strategic upgrades to show rings, paved access roadways, and barns. Thanks to generous contributions from the equestrian community, GCHS members, and supporters, fundraising goals for Phase 1 have been fully pledged, and work is now underway in the Sonny Foster Arena and the adjacent jumper warm-up ring.
The GCHS show grounds are a cornerstone of the Mid-South equestrian community, attracting riders, spectators, and local businesses while generating significant economic impact for the region. Planned enhancements will preserve the legacy of the historic grounds while elevating the experience for everyone. These upgrades will ensure the show grounds remain a premier venue for USEF-sanctioned events, local competitions, and community gatherings while continuing GCHS’s mission of supporting charities focused on education, children, and families.
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Phases of the Enhancement Plan
- Phase 1: Upgrade and improve footing in all arenas and schooling areas, create a large new hunter ring for competition, and establish a new lunging area.
- Phase 2: Infrastructure updates, including repaving and drainage improvements throughout the grounds.
- Phase 3: Restoration of historic barns, including roof replacements, rafter repairs, and updates to electrical and fly spray systems to enhance horse comfort and safety.
A Closer Look at Phase 1
The Sonny Foster Arena and adjacent warm-up ring will receive upgraded footing composed of a fiber and high-quality sand mixture installed over improved drainage for safer riding conditions. The arena will also be expanded by moving the perimeter fencing closer to the outer edge of the ring, allowing for more flexible course designs. Additionally, Arena Drive will be regraded and rebuilt with a safer gravel mixture to improve footing for horses and prevent washout during rain.
The North/South Ring improvements involve removing the existing announcer tower, regrading the ring base, installing high-quality sand footing, laser grading for proper crowning and drainage, and constructing new permanent fencing. Portable fencing will also be added to provide greater flexibility for ring and schooling configurations.
A new Northeast Hunter Ring will be constructed, featuring a limestone base and high-quality sand footing, along with improved drainage. Its expanded footprint will include the area of the old North Schooling Ring.
Lastly, a new designated lunging area will be created.
"The improvements support safety, flexibility, and the quality of competition, all while preserving the historic grounds GCHS is known for," said Dot Stagich, president of GCHS. "We are deeply grateful to our supporters who have made it possible to begin this important work."
Input from stakeholders helped shape these improvements, reflecting the grounds’ role as the home of the Germantown Charity Horse Show and a year-round venue for other equestrian and community events. These include ExEL shows, the West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Association shows, and the Neshoba Carriage Classic.
GCHS has engaged Travis Gould of JTWG Inc. to design and implement the footing and drainage improvements for all competition and schooling rings. as well as to consult on additional aspects of the improvements such as Arena Drive . Gould, has an impressive reputation for designing and producing exceptional equestrian footing. He has designed and installed arenas at premier venues including the FEI World Cup Finals 2023, the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, the Hampton Classic, and the newly reconstructed Lake Placid Show Grounds, among others. GCHS is excited to welcome Travis and his team on site, putting their in-demand expertise to work on the rings, with completion just weeks away. A ribbon-cutting celebration is being planned after completion of the rings and Arena Drive improvements in March.
Jason Schnelle, owner and head trainer at Autumn Chase Farm in Germantown, has been closely involved in planning the Phase 1 upgrades. "We’re on the brink of a new era of horse showing in Germantown," Schnelle said. "To me, there is nothing more important about a horse show facility than great rings with great footing. The generous size of our new rings puts them on par with the top venues in the country and our footing will truly be world class. I think it’s awesome that we’ll have these amazing modern rings and still keep the historic character and honor the rich tradition of the Germantown Charity Horse Show.”
Fara Sudlow, fundraising chair for the GCHS Show Grounds Improvements Initiative, shared her personal connection to the show grounds. "As a member of GCHS, a board member of WTHJA, and a local Germantown business owner, the Germantown Charity Horse Show grounds has always been an integral part of my daily life. I first competed on those show grounds when I was eight years old, later acquiring my own own horse Hallmark from John Roper and continued competing there from ages 10 to 12. In my teens I rode with Phoebe Sheets and David Pellegrini. My daughter also grew up on the show grounds, competing when she was just 16 months old in the GCHS costume contest as a Bug - she’s been a spectator or competitor at the Germantown Charity Horse Show every year since! It’s crucial to preserve and enhance these show grounds for future generations of horsemen and women so that they can continue to enjoy these magnificent creatures and our sport for many years to come right here at the Historic Germantown Charity Show Grounds.”
Come Compete in Germantown in 2026
As riders plan their 2026 show calendars, GCHS invites all exhibitors to experience its renowned Southern hospitality and newly upgraded facilities at the 2026 Germantown Charity Horse Show, scheduled for June 2–6. With improved footing and expanded rings, the multi-breed show will provide a world-class experience in the heart of the South.
Be a Guardian of the Grounds
The $1.2 million Phase 1 goal was achieved through generous community donations. Fundraising is ongoing for Phase 2 and 3. Those who contribute to the Show Grounds Improvements Initiative will become "Guardians of the Grounds," helping preserve Germantown’s rich equestrian legacy for future generations.
To donate or learn more, visit GCHS.org and/ or GCHS' Show Grounds Improvements Initiative Donation Page. Donations are 100% tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
For giving opportunities, contact:
- Fara Sudlow, Fundraising Chair, at 901-351-1760 or saddlesnsuch1@gmail.com
- Dot Stagich, GCHS President, at 901-494-2343
- Ross Herrin, Show Grounds Improvements Chairman, at 901-289-7677
