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Equine Industry & Topics 01 May, 2025

Upcoming May Events

The Horse Review The Horse Review 5 mins read

Discover top horse shows in May across the Midwest, Mid-South, and Southeast—from NCHA cutting events in Texas to dressage shows in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Clinics, rodeos, and Pony Club rallies offer something for every rider.

Get ready for an exciting lineup of May horse shows across the Midwest, Mid-South, and Southeast, where riders and equestrian enthusiasts can experience top-tier competitions, clinics, and community events. From prestigious cutting horse events like the NCHA Triple Crown Series in Fort Worth, Texas, to recognized dressage competitions in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi, this month is packed with opportunities to showcase talent and connect with the broader horse world. Whether you're attending the Dressage in the Delta Show in Hernando, participating in schooling shows with CTDA, or joining the Dressage in the Bluegrass at the legendary Kentucky Horse Park, each event offers something for every level of rider. Don’t miss out on Pony Club rallies, rodeos, barrel races, and clinics happening throughout the region. These events not only celebrate the spirit of horsemanship but also draw local and national attention—perfect for equine brands, trainers, and riders looking to gain exposure. Plan your spring season now and be part of the thriving equestrian scene across the South and beyond.   

Table of contents [Show]


AERC Endurance Events (American Endurance Ride Conference)

  • May 5, 2024: Tall Pines Endurance Ride, Prescott, AZ
  • May 11, 2024: Lost River Classic, Mackay, ID
  • May 18, 2024: Yankee Springs Legacy, Middleville, MI
  • May 25, 2024: Owyhee River Challenge, Oreana, ID

Details: Amateur and professional endurance riders can participate in the seasonal endurance challenge happening across multiple trails in the country. Visit AERC Calendar for dates and registration details.

Agricenter International (Memphis, TN)

Alabama Horse Council

Event: Alabama Horse Council Trail Ride
Dates: May 2025 (TBA)
Location: Various trails in Alabama
Details: Join riders across Alabama for an organized trail ride promoting horsemanship and conservation. Stay tuned for confirmed dates.
More info: alabamahorsecouncil.org/events

American Field Trials

May 1, 2025

  • Cascade Field Trial Club
  • Pacific Northwest Open Shooting Dog Championship
  • USCSDA Northeast Regional Championship

May 2, 2025

  • Greensburg Pointer & Setter Club
  • Northwest Field Trial Association

May 3-4, 2025

  • Arcadia Field Trial Club
  • Greensburg Pointer & Setter Club
  • Mid-Coast Maine Field Trial Club
  • Northern New Jersey Field Trial Club
  • Northwest Field Trial Association
  • Summerhill Field Trial Club

May 5-8, 2025

  • NGSPA Region 4 Championships

May 8-9, 2025

  • Northern New Hampshire Bird Dog Club
  • Region 4 (AFTCA) Amateur Walking Shooting Dog Championship

May 9-11, 2025

  • Central Connecticut Bird Dog Club
  • Wolverine Field Trial Club

May 10, 2025

  • Maine Bird Dog Club
  • Oregon Open Shooting Dog Championship

May 16-18, 2025

  • Northeast Ohio Field Trial Club
  • Region 1 (AFTCA) Amateur Walking Shooting Dog Championship
  • Minnesota Grouse Dog Association

May 23-26, 2025

  • Spruce Brook Bird Dog Club

May 24-25, 2025

  • Kalamazoo Southwest Michigan Field Trial Club
  • Mohegan Bird Dog Club

May 31, 2025

  • Associated Field Trial Clubs of Connecticut

American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)

Event: AQHA West Level 1 Championships
Dates: May 19–24, 2025
Location: South Point Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Details: National championship for Level 1 AQHA riders following the Pinnacle Circuit in Arizona.
More info: aqha.com/events

American Driving Society (ADS) Events

May 18-19, 2024

Event Name: May ADS Dressage Clinic

Location: Multiple Locations Across the US

Details: Participate in an expert-led Dressage clinic focusing on carriage driving precision and techniques. For more information, visit the American Driving Society Events Calendar.

Arkansas State University Equine Center (Jonesboro, AR)

Carriage Association of America (CAA) Events

Central Tennessee Dressage Association (CTDA)

May 3–4, 2025 -  CTDA May Schooling Shows

  • Location: Park at Harlinsdale Farm, Franklin
  • Details: Open to riders with various dressage styles, including Classical, Gaited, and Western. More details

May 17, 2025

  • Location: Fox Run Farm, Cadiz
  • Details: Open to riders with various dressage styles, including Classical, Gaited, and Western. More details

May 18, 2025

  • Location: Double H Farm, Chapel Hill
  • Details: Open to riders with various dressage styles, including Classical, Gaited, and Western. More details

May 15, 2025 - CTDA Board Meeting

  • Location: Virtual (conference call)
  • Details: Membership welcome to join and discuss organizational updates.

Dressage at HITS Hudson Valley – Saugerties, New York

Event: HITS Hudson Valley Dressage May

Gaited Horse

May 2-3

Event: Derby Classic

May 2-4

Event: PPWHANC Tar Heel Plantation Classic

May 3

Event: Mid-South Walking Horse Association Horse Show

Event: The Low Country Classic

May 8-10

Event: WHOA Spring Extravaganza

May 9-10

Event: WHAO Spring Fling

May 9

Event: West Tennessee Strawberry Festival

May 10

Event: Midwest Walking Horse Trainer Association

Event: Upper Cumberland Walking Horse Show

Event: WWHA Spring Warm-Up

Event: Come-Unity Cooperative Care's Tim Philpot Memorial

May 16-17

Event: WHAM Spring Premier

Event: VWRHOA Spring

May 17

Event: BPWHA Liberty Horse Show

Event: Cullman County Classic

Event: ANWARC Gaited Show

Event: 46th Annual NSSHA Spring Show

Event: Smoky Mountain Classic

May 22-24

Event: Spring Fun Show

May 29-31

Event: Columbia Spring Jubilee

May 30-31

Event: Gaited Rumble Regional Grand Championship

Event: Stepping Into Summer Region 4 Championship Show

May 31

Event: Palmetto Saddle Club

Event: EKWRHA Celebration Horse Show

Germantown Charity Horse Show Grounds (Germantown, TN)

Greystone Dressage

Event: Greystone Virtual Dressage Show Series (May Round)

  • Dates: Submission Deadline - May 25, 2025
  • Location: Virtual (Facebook Group)
  • Details: Participate in the Greystone Virtual Dressage Show from anywhere! Offering English, Western, Driven, Para, and more classes. Learn more

Event: USEF/USDF Recognized Show

  • Dates: May 30–31, 2025
  • Location: Dell Arena, Pulaski, Tennessee
  • Details: An official event for equestrians to showcase their skills. More info

HITS Chicago Show Series – Wayne, Illinois

Event: Lamplight Spring Classic I

HITS Del Mar Series – Del Mar, California

Event: Del Mar National Hunter-Jumper Week

HITS Hudson Valley Show Series – Saugerties, New York

Event: HITS Hudson Valley Dressage May

Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA)

  • May 2–4, 2025: IHSA National Championship – Tryon International Equestrian Center, Mill Spring, NC. This event features top collegiate riders in both Hunter Seat and Western disciplines. (ihsainc.com)

Kentucky Dressage Association (KDA)

Event: Dressage in the Bluegrass Show

  • Dates: May 13–15, 2025
  • Location: Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky
  • Details: A premier USDF-recognized event featuring amateur and professional riders. Don’t miss this showcase of technical mastery in dressage. Learn more

Event: Dressage Clinic

  • Date: May 27, 2025
  • Location: Sponsored by KDA, Lexington, Kentucky
  • Details: A clinic focused on improving technical skills for dressage riders. RSVP soon

Kentucky Horse Park (Lexington, KY)

Event: Soul of Thoroughbred Racing Pre-Derby Celebration
Date: May 2, 2025
Location: Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
Details: Explore the contributions of African Americans to Kentucky horse racing in this cultural celebration before the Derby.
More info: kyhorsepark.com/events

Event: Remembering Go for Gin
Date: May 4, 2025
Location: Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
Details: A special tribute to the 1994 Kentucky Derby winner with a statue unveiling at the Hall of Champions.
More info: kyhorsepark.com/events

Event: EquineEd Featuring Jessica Whitehead
Dates: May 6–11, 2025
Location: Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
Details: Engage in educational sessions exploring the history and cultural impact of the Kentucky Derby.
More info: kyhorsepark.com/events

Event: Kentucky May-Daze Horse Trials
Dates: May 16–18, 2025
Location: Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
Details: USEF-licensed event for Starter through Preliminary divisions. A must-attend for eventing enthusiasts.
More info: kyhorsepark.com/events

Event: Great Strides 5K (CFF)
Date: May 17, 2025
Location: Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
Details: Fundraising walk supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Open to all ages.
More info: kyhorsepark.com/events

Event: KSP Classics, Customs, and Cruisers Car Show
Date: May 31, 2025
Location: Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
Details: Enjoy a display of vintage and custom vehicles hosted by the Kentucky State Police.
More info: kyhorsepark.com/events

Middle Tennessee State University – Tennessee Livestock Center (TLC)

  • May 1–3: MTSU Spring Livestock Show – Featuring cattle, sheep, and swine exhibitions.
  • May 10: 4-H Regional Livestock Judging Contest.​

Middle Tennessee State University – Tennessee Miller Coliseum (TMC)

  • May 5–7: MTSU Equestrian Team Spring Classic – Intercollegiate horse show.
  • May 15–17: Tennessee Walking Horse Spring Showcase.​

Mid-South Dressage Academy (MSDA)

  • May 6–7, 2025 - Schooling Show & Clinic
  •  
    • Location: Hernando, Mississippi
    • Details: Participate in or observe a USDF-recognized dressage schooling show followed by a clinic with professional trainers. Learn more
  • May 20–21, 2025 - Dressage in the Delta Show
  •  
    • Location: Hernando, Mississippi
    • Details: A rated dressage event showcasing riders of all levels. Learn more

Mississippi Horse Park (Starkville, MS)

Mississippi Little Britches Rodeo Association (MSLBRA)

National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA)

Event: NCHA Days
Dates: Throughout May 2025
Location: Various Circuits Nationwide
Details: Celebrate the sport of cutting with weekend events across 16 circuits. Earn double points, added money, and exclusive awards.
More info: nchacutting.com

National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA)

  • May 2025: Women's Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) Goat Tying Showcase – Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth, TX. Top collegiate goat tiers will compete in this inaugural showcase. (collegerodeo.com)

National Little Britches Rodeo Association (NLBRA)

River Glen Events

May 9–11

  • Spring Horse Trial (USEA Recognized)

Details & Entry

May 17–18

  • Dressage by the River (USDF Sanctioned)

[Details](https://www.river-glen.com/files/ugd/adac1903d89cb59edc42f1af0d5c26696a7d1c.pdf)

May 31–June 1

  • Hunter Jumper Show (ETHJA Sanctioned)

[Details](https://www.river-glen.com/files/ugd/adac196f272c7259d04c8083209057c33f68a0.pdf)

Roane State Community College Expo Center (Harriman, TN)

  • May 2–4: East TN Cutting Horse Association, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
  • May 10: East TN Spring Classic & Spotted Saddle Sport Horse Competition, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
  • May 16–18: Southeast Ranch Horse Series, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
  • May 23–25: Blocked for the Holiday – Happy Memorial Day.
  • May 29–31: Eastern Region 4H, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. ​Roane State Community College

Tennessee High School Rodeo Association (TNHSRA)

  • May 24–26, 2025: TNHSRA State Finals – Memphis, TN. This event includes three rounds of competition in various rodeo events. (tnhsra.com)

Tri-State Exhibition Center (McDonald, TN)

  • May 3–5: Tri-State Spring Horse Show – Open to various breeds and disciplines.
  • May 24–26: Memorial Day Barrel Racing Bash.​

Tunica Arena & Expo Center (Tunica, MS)

United States Pony Clubs (USPC)

University of Tennessee at Martin – Equestrian Schedule

  • May 2–4: UTM Equestrian Team Spring Invitational – Hosting regional colleges.
  • May 18: Equestrian Team Banquet and Awards Ceremony.​

USEventing.com Events

May 2

  • The Event at Skyline (UT)
  • Stable View Local Charities H.T. (SC)
  • Waredaca H.T. (MD)

May 3

  • Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX)
  • Windridge Farm Spring H.T. (NC)
  • Winona Horse Trials (OH)

May 7

  • Tryon International Three-Day Event (NC)
  • The Vista Spring YEH/NEH Qualifier (SC)

Walking Horse Owners Association (WHOA)

Tar Heel Classic

  • Date: May 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM (EDT)
  • Location: Bob Thompson Lane, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450

WHOA Spring Extravaganza Triple Crown

  • Date: May 8, 2025 (CDT)
  • Location: Miller Coliseum, Murfreesboro, TN

BPWHA Show

  • Date: May 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM (CDT)
  • Location: Central KY/AG Expo Center, 6678 Wallace Wilkinson Blvd, Liberty, KY 42539

Wellington International (Wellington, FL)

Event: Spring IV Horse Show
Dates: May 1–4, 2025
Location: Equestrian Village, Wellington International
Details: Part of the ESP Spring Series, featuring various hunter and jumper classes.
More info: wellingtoninternational.com/events

Event: Spring V Horse Show
Dates: May 8–11, 2025
Location: Equestrian Village, Wellington International
Details: Continuation of the ESP Spring Series with competitive classes for riders of all levels.
More info: wellingtoninternational.com/events

Will Rogers Memorial Center (Fort Worth, TX)

Event: Mayfest 2025
Dates: May 1–4, 2025
Location: Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX
Details: Celebrate spring with live music, food vendors, kids' activities, and more at this iconic Texas festival.
More info: fortworthtexas.gov/mayfest

World Equestrian Center – Ocala (Ocala, FL)

Event: Kentucky Derby Hat Party
Date: May 3, 2025
Location: World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Details: Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style with a festive hat party.
More info: worldequestriancenter.com/events

Event: Mother’s Day Brunch
Date: May 11, 2025
Location: World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Details: Enjoy a special brunch honoring mothers.
More info: worldequestriancenter.com/events

Event: May Day Barrel Bonanza
Dates: May 14–18, 2025
Location: Indoor Arena 5, World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Details: A thrilling barrel racing event featuring $41,500 in added prize money, with divisions including Futurity, Derby, Open 4D, Youth, and Senior riders.
More info: worldequestriancenter.com

World Equestrian Center – Ohio (Wilmington, OH)

Event: HJAM Annual

Dates: May 14–18, 2025

Location: World Equestrian Center, Wilmington

Details: A premier USEF Hunter/Jumper event showcasing top riders and horses.

More info: worldequestriancenter.com



 

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The Horse Review

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