Charlie Weaver. Photo by James Leslie Parker

Cazenovia, NY – The National Horse Show Association of America is pleased to announce an exciting addition to the schedule of events at this year’s Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 127th National Horse Show. Held November 2-7, 2010, at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, NY, the 2010 National Horse Show (NHS) will host a $50,000 Hunter Classic on Thursday, November 4th. The class will be presented in honor of legendary horseman Charlie Weaver, who sadly passed away this summer after a tragic riding accident.

Charlie Weaver was a living legend. Most legendary horsemen did not become legends simply because they had talent but because of their way of life—their character. From Fairfax, Virginia, Charlie was born with a natural ability and passion for horses. From the very beginning, people knew there was something special about this skinny, curly-headed young man.

Charlie will be forever linked to some of the most memorable champions of his time: War Dress, Army Wife, Super Flash, Ruxton, Early Light, Stocking Stuffer, and Weather Permitting. Charlie and his mounts were champion and/or reserve champions at every major horse show in the country.  After his horrific riding accident on February 12, with the same determination that led him to start a training career at 11, Charlie resolved to get back in the saddle.

Honored at The National Horse Show

Thousands of people – Charlie’s Angels – friends, acquaintances, and fans alike, buoyed his spirits with news and updates from the show ring. The love, prayers, notes, kindness, and homemade cards and posters sent to Charlie from the horse community were simply astounding to him. But in the end, the struggle proved insurmountable, too confining for a man more at home in the saddle. The hope of recovery from his injury seemed so far away; it was a distance so long that even Charlie could not see it.

On June 7, gracefully as always, Charlie tipped his cap and exited the ring. After Charlie Weaver’s tragic passing, the National Horse Show honored his life and outstanding contributions to the equestrian community with a special class. Leo Conroy, 2010 National Horse Show Co-Manager and member of the NHS Board of Directors, wants to reinvigorate the hunter entries at the National Horse Show. He sees this class as an excellent opportunity for the exhibitors. “A $50,000 class is generally a big deal, and there are not many of those around for the hunters,” Conroy stated. “We thought that would be an inspiring addition to the horse show, and then with Charlie’s untimely and sad passing, we thought it would be fitting to name a premiere hunter event at the National Horse Show in his honor.

Charlie was so successful at the National Horse Show for many years.”The Hunter Classic will be held in a two-round format, with the top twelve returning for a second-round handy course. All horses competing in the Amateur-Owner, Junior, and Open Hunters are eligible to compete and must declare entries by the end of the competition day on Wednesday, November 3rd. There will be no entry fee; only two horses are allowed per rider.

Photo Credit: Charlie Weaver. Photo by James Leslie Parker.