The Evergreen Classic Horse Show, set for Aug. 6 to 10, is expected to attract more than 500 of the top horse and rider combinations in the Northwest to the Remlinger Farms Equestrian Park.

For the past 29 years, the Evergreen Classic Horse Show has been a popular proving ground for thousands of local, regional, national, and international equestrian athletes, many with Olympic aspirations, several with actual Olympic experience.

Rich Fellers and Jeff Campf, who have each ridden in the U.S. Olympic Trials, are both expected to enter this year’s $40,000 Evergreen Classic Grand Prix, which will be held Saturday afternoon, Aug. 9.

Duvall resident Amy Tryon will be part of the U.S. Olympic team, and has long been a supporter of the Evergreen Classic.

“The Evergreen Classic is a Northwest tradition and an excellent venue for developing top level horses and young prospects,” said Tryon. “The event is a fantastic opportunity to watch the best in equestrian sport compete in one of the most beautiful settings we see all year. The charities do a wonderful job preparing the grounds and hosting the thousands of exhibitors and spectators that turn out each day…it’s a treasure to have in our back yard.”

The Evergreen Classic Horse Show is open to the public and admission is free. Parking is $10 on Saturday and Sunday. Competition begins daily at 8 a.m. and ends in late afternoon or early evening. A full schedule of events and directions to the Remlinger Farms Equestrian Park can be found at the show’s Web site, www.evergreenclassic.com.

Profits from this year’s event are shared equally by Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center and the Washington Hunter-Jumper Foundation.

Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodinville is returning to the Evergreen Classic as the lead charity beneficiary for 2008.

Its therapeutic riding programs help hundreds of children and adults with disabilities each week. The center has also been recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation as a National ParaEquestrian Training Center and is home to several riders who are Paralympic hopefuls.

Little Bit’s own Erin Alberda, one of their top riders and a 2012 Paralympic hopeful, will be performing her gold medal-winning musical freestyle dressage ride at the Evergreen Classic before the start of the $40,000 Grand Prix.

In the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics, the Evergreen Classic will be hosting a “Best Hat” competition immediately before the $40,000 Grand Prix. A celebrity judge will select a gold, silver, and bronze medalist and award $1,000 in prizes to the most fashionable, creative, or distinctive head coverings worn by the exhibitors and spectators at the event that day. Participants must complete an entry form, which will be made available prior to the commencement of judging. Thanks to the sponsorship of Olympic Physical Therapy, no entry fee will be required.