Rolex Central Park Horse Show Canceled For 2018 Due to Competition Conflicts

Hey, when it’s a World Equestrian Games year, we have to make a few allowances: the good news is that the CPHS will return in 2019 with a shiny new FEI CSI5* show jumping competition!

Photo by Leslie Wylie

Originally scheduled to take place September 26-30 in Wollman Rink in the world-famous Central Park of Manhattan, the 2018 Central Park Horse Show has been canceled due to competition conflicts in a very busy autumn for equestrians.

The World Equestrian Games wrap up in Tryon, North Carolina just the week prior to the scheduled CPHS; simultaneously, the American Gold Cup is running. One week after the planned CPHS date, the FEI Nations Cup takes place in Barcelona, Spain. With the goal of attracting the best riders in the world, the reality for the Central Park Horse Show and its managing entity International Equestrian Group is that it’s simply too tight of a turnaround for competitors and equine welfare.

The Central Park Horse Show was perhaps one of the most unique showing environments in the world — a pop-up show grounds took over Wollman Rink, a dazzle of lights in the dark hush of Central Park, introducing the world of competitive equestrianism to a whole new audience in the heart of New York City. Horse Nation has examined this concept of the urban horse show in past editorials, championing these interactions as opportunities to keep the horse world thriving and growing with new fans and riders.

Fortunately, the CPHS promises to be back bigger and better than ever in 2019, with the addition of a brand-new FEI CSI5* show jumping competition. This format will put the CPHS on an elite list of shows offering such a designation, which is bound to attract the world’s best to put on a great show under the iconic New York City skyline.

CPHS is well-known for its diverse offerings, including dressage, jumping, arena eventing, hunters, Arabians, arena polo, and Pony Club games. We’re eager to see what the International Equestrian Group has up their sleeves for the 2019 edition!

Go riding.

[2018 Rolex Central Park Horse Show Canceled, Will Return As A CSI***** Jumping Competition In 2019]