California Riding Magazine • August, 2009

Menlo Charity Show
Big show began as an effort to
preserve the equestrian lifestyle.

by Nan Chapman

Now an unmissable fixture on the hunter/jumper circuit, the Menlo Charity Horse Show and its six full days of exciting competition and social fanfare are set for Aug. 4-9. The event, however, had humble beginnings that are rooted in one woman’s desire to save the equestrian tradition of her town.

Thirty-nine years ago, on the San Francisco Peninsula, large estates were being subdivided and swimming pools, tennis courts and McMansions were encroaching on former barns and pastureland. At that time, members of the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton decided that, even though their club had been founded as an equestrian facility, there was no longer any need for the 60-horse barn and adjacent polo field on their grounds, and that a nine-hole golf course would be a much better reflection of the members’ interests.

Enter Betsy Glikbarg, a backyard horse owner. While she had never competed in a horse show, Glikbarg decided to stage a family horse show that would demonstrate that there still was a viable interest in equestrian activities. She then encouraged five of her good friends to join a committee to “save the horse” by putting on a competition.
The non-rated event was staged on a Saturday afternoon and was well attended by about 50 family and friends of the competitors. In ensuing years, the show grew from a half-day competition, to a two-day “C” rated event, then progressed to a three-day event, later to a five day “A” competition, and finally, to the current six-day format with an “AA” ranking.

The original five-member committee has grown to over 150 volunteers. The show, which features 500 of the West Coast’s top hunters and jumpers, has most recently been recognized by the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame as one of the Horse Shows of the Year for 2008, and Menlo has also been named one of the Best Horse Shows in North America for the last two consecutive years by the subscribers of PhelpsSports.com.

The event staged on the once slated-for-demolition polo field attracts hundreds of spectators each day to see what is now called the Menlo Charity Horse Show. The action takes place in two grass rings on the polo field and one sand arena, all of which are packed with classes for each of the six days of the show.  Should spectators want to take a break from the action they can visit Vendor Row, home to over 40 equestrian oriented merchants, or watch award presentations with trophies from the likes of Neiman Marcus, Tiffany and Hermes, to name just a few. Highlights of the show are the $40,000 Menlo Grand Prix and the Friday night Gala Dinner Dance and Auction.

Peggy Munkdale on RunAway at the 2008 Menlo Charity Horse Show.

Where Are They Now?

What about interest in equestrian activities at the Menlo Circus Club today? The polo field is used for its intended purpose, with matches played twice a week during the season. In 2008 the Menlo Circus Club Equestrian Center, featuring the state-of-the-art 65-stall barn, was christened. The facility is home to a Saddlebred trainer, a hunter/jumper trainer and an active lesson program.

As for Betsy Glikbarg, she’s still shepherding all 150 members of the committee in their efforts to produce a better and better show each year. Whoever said, “Interest in equestrian sports is dead on the San Francisco Peninsula,” was wrong. Betsy was right and proved it.

In 2008, a record $500,000 was raised for the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.  This would not have been possible without the over 85 sponsors, and generous members of the community who support this event. It is because of this level of commitment over the past 39 years, that Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired has been the recipient of millions of dollars raised by the Menlo Charity Horse Show.                      

For more information, visit www.menlocharityshow.com.