LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS) will be back in the saddle this year after COVID-19 severely limited attendance in 2020. The event, held in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair, will take place at Freedom Hall from Aug. 21-28. Tickets are currently on sale to the public.

"Recognized as the richest and most prestigious Saddlebred show in the world, WCHS features 2,000 horses competing for the title of Grand Champion and more than $1 million in awards," said a release from Kentucky Venues. "Saddlebreds, hackney ponies as well as standard bred horses compete in the show ring bringing the best of the best to Freedom Hall for eight days."

Eight divisions will be present this year, including five and three-gaited, fine harness, saddlebred pleasure, equitation, hackney/harness ponies, roadster ponies/horses and in-hand.

For those interested in attending, below are the various show dates, times and prices:

• Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. for $8
• Aug. 22-26 at 6:30 p.m. for $8
• Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m. for $11
• Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. for $11
• Aug. 22-28 in the morning for free, with upper-level seating only

Gate admission to the Kentucky State Fair is required for all performances and isn't included in individual performance ticket purchases. Tickets for the performances are available at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office or online at wchorseshow.com/tickets. 

All week reserved seats, including upper-level rows c through row l, are available for $168, which includes fair admission for all 16 shows, which is comprised of two practice days, six free morning shows and eight paid evening shows. You can order by calling 502-368-5144 while supplies last.

The 2021 Kentucky State Fair will be held from Aug. 19-29 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.