The High Caliber Hot Shots Charity Horse Show, held Saturday, Oct. 11 at High Caliber Stables, proved to be a celebration of community, equestrian excellence and philanthropy. The event was a complete success, raising more than $90,000 in support of the William Woods University Saddle Seat Department. The show was highlighted by an exhibition and ride auction of the iconic multiple-time World's Champion stallion, WGC Époque Kiss NKF.
The Hot Shots Charity Horse Show invited riders from across North Carolina and beyond to participate in a day of friendly competition. One hundred and forty-four riders from 12 stables competed in the show, judged by United States Equestrian Federation and World’s Championship Horse Show judge Allison Deardorff.
Miriam Hirshon presented Époque Kiss NKF to the crowd. // Photo by Karly Morgan/SaddlethreadsAt the heart of the afternoon’s excitement was a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition and auction for a ride aboard the legendary stallion WGC Époque Kiss NKF, graciously donated by esteemed owners and breeders Burt Honaker and Miriam Hirshon. The stallion, the five-time World’s Champion Stallion and two-time World’s Grand Champion, added grandeur and inspiration to the occasion. Miriam Hirshon rode the vibrant stallion to rousing applause from the audience, and the performance was a delight to their many fans.
The auction, hosted by Saddlethreads, came down to a battle of two bidders. The proverbial hammer dropped on Anika Conger-Capelle’s winning bid of $45,000. The other bidder was revealed to be Gayle Lampe, a legendary horsewoman and long-time affiliate of William Woods University, who wanted to purchase the ride for her friend, the equally iconic Vickie Byrd. Moved by her generosity and heart, WGC Époque Kiss NKF’s owners agreed to allow Ms. Lampe to match the $45,000 and granted a second ride for Vickie Byrd. In total, $90,000 was raised for two rides on the legendary stallion. The Hot Shots are grateful to Burt and Miriam for making this possible, to Anika and Ms. Lampe for their generosity, and to Saddlethreads for a secure and successful execution of the auction.
Several special guests autographed posters for the crowd. In addition to the funds raised by the auction, the Hot Shots, led by Vickie Byrd and Christine Thomas, engaged in additional fundraising efforts. Mary Orr will announce the final, six-figure amount raised at the UPHA American Royal Horse Show.
The show was organized by Mary Orr, Evan Orr, Meredith Ross, Christine Thomas, Abigail Jones, Lauren Blue, Nicole Scott, Vickie Byrd, Karly Morgan, and many volunteers from the High Caliber Stables family. The Hot Shots were proud to host many special guests for the occasion, many of whom autographed posters for fans. Special guests included ASHBA President Smith Lilly, ASHBA Executive Director Sara Mayer, former ASHBA President Allen Bosworth, William Woods University President Romaine Seguin, World’s Champion equestrian and philanthropist Ali DeGray, William Woods Saddle Seat Director Missy Smith, World’s Grand Champion trainer Tiffany Wheeler, World’s Grand Champion owners Burt Honaker and Miriam Hirshon, USEF and WCHS judge Allison Deardorff, World’s Champion equestrian Dr. Owen Weaver, legendary photographer Avis Girdler, and more.
The event was a demonstration of joy, philanthropy, horsemanship and community. Participants enjoyed the crisp fall weather, food trucks, music and friendly competition. The event dates for 2026 will be announced to the public on the High Caliber Stables Facebook page as soon as they are set.