The stage is set for the Pink Ribbon Classic Charity Horse Show to be held at the Crawford County Fairgrounds in Meadville, PA on September 11th, 12th and 13th of this year. This three day all breed competition (previously known as the Fall Finale), is hosted by the Tri State Saddle Horse Breeders Association, Inc.

Two years ago the TSSHBF board decided that it was time to pay it forward and so they designated the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation as the benefactor of their show proceeds. The show was a success last year, leading to a respectable $2500 donation to cancer research. This year the word is out and this show is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before. And hopefully so will be the donation.

The show also features the Tri State Futurity Championships with classes for weanlings up to an including a 3 year old and over futurity alumni Park/Pleasure Class, offered for any horse that was nominated to the Tri-State Futurity in the past.

The show committee has begun an ingenious program for raising money to boost their contribution to breast cancer research. The show is held in a new white rail arena in front of the grandstands in style. Last year pink ribbon decals were sold and mounted on the fence. The Ribbons are one hundred dollars, are permanent and will be replaced when needed. Supporters purchase "Rail Ribbons" to honor survivors, in memory of victims or just as patrons of the horse show. The ring is adorned with more than one hundred ribbons, and they are still for sale. The show committee hopes that someday their rails will be "all pink". Rail Ribbon honorees and/or their sponsors are also invited to a special VIP Hospitality Event held at ringside on Saturday evening prior to the show.

Following the hospitality event is another highlight of the show. Saturday night is "Black Tie and Pink Ribbon" night. Spectators and participants are encouraged to dress in their finest pink, and show officials are all in formal attire. The class list for the night includes 5 "Pink Ribbon" classes complete with flower garlands to the winners, a Park Pleasure Calcutta Class where the winner of the silent auction takes home the purse and a percentage goes to Susan G. Komen, and the perpetual Show Pleasure Survivor Cup Championship, where each year a Breast Cancer survivor’s name will be engraved on the cup and will make the presentation to the winner of the class. This year’s presenter will be Betty J Abels of Pittsburgh, PA a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Last year, this show was also the first show in the area to offer a class for physically and mentally challenged riders in the same venue as non-challenged riders. This year the show has partnered with Kohl’s Department stores "Kohl’s Cares for Kids" program to arrange for a $500 donation to be made to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. This presentation will be during the Challenged Rider Class that will be the lead off event of the special Saturday night session.