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PrintCOLUMBIA — The Prince of Wales Horse Show is back at its original stomping grounds this weekend. It's been 20 years since Stephens College hosted the show, but it will return this weekend.
Because of the state of disrepair of the stables at Stephens, the show has been held at either Boone County fair grounds or the Midway Expo Center. The expo center closed last year, said Sara Fernandez Cendon, media relations manager for the college. Now, the Stephens' stables are back in shape and were recently named a “most notable historical property” in Columbia.
Where: Stephens College Equestrian Center, 201 Old 63 N.
When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday
Admission: free and open to all
“It’s important for the department to have it here and put the stables back to its former glory,” Cendon said.
Because of the size limitations of the stables, this year's event will be somewhat scaled back, said Ellen Beard, coordinator of equestrian operations. The Stephens' arena can hold between 200 and 250 people, she said.
Even with the size limitations, Beard said the department is excited to have the show back in its original home.
“We are thrilled about it," she said. "It’s continuing history for the community.”
The show picks a local organization to benefit every year. This year the donations will go to Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center.
Historically, the Prince of Wales show was one of the elite social functions of the year, Beard said. It attracted an influential crowd including local dignitaries and state officials, such as the governor.
Among various riding events, children’s activities and shopping booths, there will be a therapeutic riding demonstration featuring Nellie Owen, who uses a special cart that allows people who use a wheelchair to drive a horse. This cart is one of only five in existence in the country at this time.
“She will show that people with disabilities can continue on with horse sports,” Beard said.
The show will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday at Stephens College Equestrian Center, 201 Old 63 N. The show is open to the public and admission is free.
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