(Photo provided — Diane Chase)

There is something captivating about seeing the horses back in the rings at the North Elba Horse Show grounds. I’m not sure if it’s the Whiteface Mountain backdrop or the grace of these powerful thoroughbreds. Whatever the reason, scheduling time to be a spectator at the Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Show competitions is always on the summer program.

There are four separate rings with competitions running throughout the day. The Hunter class jumps over natural fences to mimic the sport’s fox hunting roots. The Jumper classes maneuver over obstacles with speed and grace. Since the Hunter class is judged subjectively, the Jumper class is easier to understand for the novice. If the Jumper makes it over all obstacles without penalty, it is considered a clean round. Competitors range in age from young children to US Equestrians team members. There are more than 100 classes of competition over the course of the week with also plenty of special events to take advantage of during its stay. Thankfully one does not have to be an expert to be a spectator. Every year we attend there are always plenty of generous people willing to share information about these beautiful animals, their sport, and the competition.

We have always enjoyed the behind-the-scenes walking tour. You can’t beat the $1 price. The tour is only available to ticket holders. The hour tour offers insight into all the preparation the participants go through to compete at this level. Temporary stalls have been decorated with the owners’ colors. Trophy walls covered in ribbons indicate the fierce rivalry between stables. Not only do we get to glimpse into the care required of each animal but meet some of the team available to attend to each horse’s health; the traveling veterinary, large animal ambulance driver and farrier.

The farrier, a modern blacksmith, now uses electric tools to custom fit each horse’s shoe. The hand-forged iron bent and hammered over a hot fire pit is rendered irrelevant here. The farrier is quick and efficient, making sure that these animals can get right back onto the field. Each tour lasts about an hour leaving plenty of time to walk through the vendor area. Make time to enjoy the rest of the day and watch the competition.

The big money competitions take place July 1, 7, and 8 with grand prizes ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. On July 7, there is the annual doggie costume contest with registration at 11:30 a.m. and contest at noon. Anyone bringing a leashed dog in costume will receive free admission on that day.

The Lake Placid Horse Show is open now and continues through July 1 with a smooth transition to the I Love New York Horse Show held July 3 to 8. Show hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a $2 admission on weekdays and $5 admission on the weekends. Children under 12 are always free. The $1 guided behind the scenes walking tour is only available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11:30 a.m.

For more information please call the Lake Placid Horse Show Association at 518-523-9625 or on the web at www.lakeplacidhorseshow.com.

.Diane Chase is the author of the “Adirondack Family Activities” guidebook series, “Adirondack Family Time: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities.” For more family-friendly activities go to www.adirondackfamilytime.com.