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For five decades, St. Clement's parish in Saratoga Springs and then the parish school ran the annual St. Clement's Horse Show, an equestrian competition with classes for hunters, jumpers and equitation.

While the reins were turned over in 2011, what's now called the Saratoga Springs Horse Show continues -- and still benefits the area's Catholic community.

The horse show, which marks the beginning of racing season in Saratoga, showcases equestrian performance at a variety of levels. Participants from children to Olympic athletes are judged on performance, riding style and technique. A total of $300,000 in prize money is awarded over a three-week period -- including the David B. Wood cup, named after a St. Clement's parent who lost his life at the track years ago.

Among 60 charities the show supports is St. Clement's parish outreach and social justice center, as well as St. Clement's School and Saratoga Central Catholic High School.

Back in the saddle
The horse show was begun in the late 1950s by the local Lions Club. Today, it's run by the Capital Fund of Saratoga County, Inc. Thomas Fueston, president and CEO, has been the director of the show since 1992. His wife, Margaret, is a parishioner of St. Clement's.

Mr. Fueston noted that, after the parish stopped organizing the show, there was a big dip in volunteers, but "it's starting to come back around. We're looking to grow each year and make it work."

To encourage participation, each volunteer at the horse show gets to vote on where the show's proceeds will be directed. Volunteers get a certain number of votes, based on how many hours they work at the show, and can nominate specific charities.

"We try to send over volunteers when we can to work at the show," said Jane Kromm, principal at St. Clement's School. "It was a big part of our history, and we're glad that [the Capital Fund of Saratoga County] was able to take it over and keep it going."

Canter to gallop
The amount each charity receives from the horse show depends on how many votes it gets -- and, of course, on how successful the show was that year, said Lisa Kent, pastoral associate of outreach and social justice at St. Clement's parish.

With the money it received last year, St. Clement's outreach center was able to help more than 7,500 local residents in need. Also on the list of beneficiaries from the horse show over the years were St. Peter's parish in Saratoga, Saratoga Central Catholic High School and the food pantry at St. Mary's parish in Waterford.

At St. Clement's School, a lot of donations from the horse show go toward tuition assistance for families in need, said Mrs. Kromm. The rest of the money is used for technology or other special projects at the school.

For Maureen LaBelle, the fourth-grade teacher at St. Clement's School, the horse show is more than just a fundraiser.

"As a kid in Saratoga, I rode horses and I showed there," she said; as an adult, she served as president of the show for more than 15 years. A riding instructor herself, she has also had students ride in the show. "Now, I just volunteer," she said.

No reining in
Mrs. Kromm has volunteered at the show, too. She says it's nice to see the community coming together for such an exciting event.

"It's fun to just watch the horses," she added. "They are amazing animals."

According to Ms. LaBelle, the Capital Fund of Saratoga County includes some of the same board members it had in its former incarnation. That "makes it feel like we're still part of our horse show," she said. "It's been a staple in our community for over 50 years."

Community is at the center of the show's mission. Mr. Fueston stressed that the organization tries to give back to the community as much as possible. Each day of the show, tip jars at each concession area are earmarked for a certain charity.

"We focus on Saratoga County," Mr. Fueston told The Evangelist. "We want to give to people around us."[[In-content Ad]]

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