Nothing quite evokes the feeling of nostalgia for Chester County’s summer days past than a horse show and country fair. From the pristine equine display to the charming small fair, there is something for every member of the Chester County family at this event.
Basics:
• Address: 5 Nantmeal Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343, USA
• Event Annual Date: Labor Day Weekend
• Admissions: Adults: $7.00 Children Under 12: $3.00
• Website: http://ludwigshorseshow.com/
Know Before You Go:
• Ample Parking
• Pay at the Entrance, Cash Only
• Stroller Friendly Facility
• Port-A-Potties Only
• Food and Drink Available for Purchase, Coolers Allowed
• Shade Tent
• Petting Zoo, Rock Climbing, and Other Activities at the Country Fair
• Live Music
Our Experience
This was a first for our family! Having never been to a horse show before, we were not sure what to expect from the Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair. With the weather this past Labor Day, we were not even sure we would be able to enjoy the festivities! However, Mother Nature cooperated and we were able to make a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon out of the event.
The event takes place just past Ludwig’s (actual) Corner and the turn in is from Route 100. Event organizers deserve a major kudos, as they arranged to have traffic directors, a major help turning into and leaving the event as Route 100 can be tricky and the entrance to the event is on a curve in the road. Having the little one in tow and trying to navigate the entrance, we were grateful for the help. Immediately upon pulling into the gravel lot, you will be required to pay your entrance fee. CASH ONLY (do not worry, we came prepared)! Your entrance fee gets you a very nicely presented event program and admission to both the horse show and fair. After we paid, we were relieved to find that there was plenty of parking and more volunteer staff helped direct to available spots. All of these things made the start of our first visit go very smoothly and we appreciated it!
Upon entering the event, we were taken aback by the incredible scene before us; a beautiful show ring, jumps, and magnificent horses. The day we chose to go was HOT and sunny and you should know before you go that you need to bring sun protection in the same way you would prepare to go to a sporting event. Sunscreen, hats, and even umbrellas are a MUST if you plan on spectating in the amphitheater-like bleachers. We were slightly under-prepared in this arena (pun, intended) and would bring more shade next year! Additionally, we noticed lots of people with coolers and camping chairs, another two items we will be sure to bring along next year. There was a shade tent available with tables and chairs. However, this space was some distance from the viewing area, and so it was used to allow people to eat and cool off in the shade rather than for spectators looking to beat the heat.
The event is on a bit of a hill and all grass, however we had no difficulty with a stroller at all. We navigated to the country fair section of the event first and were pleased with all it had to offer. There were several activities like rock climbing for older kids and adventurous adults and a petting zoo with lots of fun creatures (even a few snakes, oh my!). Vendors selling your typical event wares from candles to clothing to jars of yummy preserves were present and in tents which offered a nice shade reprieve while browsing. Finally, there was a stage with live music which created the perfect atmosphere for the event.
At this point, we were parched and decided to look for something cool and refreshing to drink. We found out that the food system works on tickets at the event; you purchase a set number of tickets to be used for food and drink. With our tickets we purchased a lemonade but there were also featured alcoholic drinks and beer from a local brewery for you parents. Be sure to check out the website before you attend to see what offerings are featured!
Finally, we settled in to watch some competitive jumping. Throughout the weekend, the horse show runs the gamut of equine sport. From a fox hunt to a horse drawn carriage parade to show jumping, everyone can find something they are excited about in the ring! If there is an event your children are particularly interested in, the website does a great job listing the entire weekend schedule so that you can be sure to see the events you are most excited about! The event staff also run a great social media page and we were impressed to see that all of the winners were posted in almost real-time which really demonstrated the level of commitment and passion this event entails.
Overall, this is a tried and true Chester County event, celebrating 75 years in 2018! You cannot travel very far outside of any Chester County town without passing a verdant pasture filled with prize winning horses and, for this novice family, we found that the Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair really immersed us in the equine culture of Chester County. We will absolutely be making this an annual tradition. Cash, shade, and plenty of water are must-bring items that will make your visit the perfect way to spend Labor Day Weekend! Giddy up!!
Kidding Around in Chester County 