A “just for fun” thread–what are your favorite hunter/jumper shows are to attend, whether to watch or to compete in? Best atmosphere, competition, location, etc.
Spruce Meadows is definitely on my list, but I was curious to see what some other fun places to go would be. 
I used to love Del Mar when it was at the track/fairgrounds and we rode on the beach. Indio at the Date Festival before it moved to Thermal and the Santa Barbara shows at Earl Warren.
Of what’s currently operating, nothing beats Kentucky Fall at KHP, gorgeous weather and MacClay regionals ( they dropped the WC qualifier) and WEF, get out of the cold and shop if you can’t show.
Cross discipline QHCongress in Columbus for shopping or the Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno for various reasons including shopping, Tahoe and trying your luck at reasonable prices.
Also soft spot for Arab and QH Worlds in OKC and ASBs in Louisville. I love to watch everything even if its not my cup of tea participation wise. Hey, maybe learn something, you never know when that Edison Moment when the lightbulb lights with understanding will occur.
Though I do not event, I still love Rolex. Nothing like watching those eventers gallop past up close in real time.
Devon, Warrenton than Upperville (in that order).
[QUOTE=ParadoxFarm;7206812]
Though I do not event, I still love Rolex. Nothing like watching those eventers gallop past up close in real time.[/QUOTE]
Completely agree!
Nothing inside can come close to a beautiful spring or fall afternoon outside at a show, but WIHS is great for a spectator, right in the middle of DC. Loved taking the Metro there in college.
Aachen. Everything else pales in comparison, though Spruce and World Cup Finals that are held in Holland are a close tie for second.
My favorite as an exhibitor is the Vermont Summer Festival. Love the area and the show is really well run.
Upperville, hands down. Followed by Washington and then Capital Challenge.
Upperville, no doubt, then Keswick and the Warrenton Horse Show. All have the classic old Virginia class.
Devon will fall in there too.
For competing, anything Equus Events is managing, but especially shows at Bouckaert Farms in Fairburn, GA. The management company always goes above & beyond to make it a fun environment for competitors and the footing at that venue is amazing. I’ve heard several people say its better than Kentucky.
For watching, I’d say Old Salem. Watching classes in the GP field sitting on the hill was the highlight of my spring growing up.
