The absolute best part of my high school years was competing on the high school equestrian team. There was nothing like being with my besties and my best horse buddy for a weekend spent in a barn! And, as my parents liked to say, “better a horse than boys!” While I still remember the laughter, late-night gossip in hotel rooms, and early morning feedings, what really stuck were the lessons learned: discipline, teamwork, bouncing back from disappointment, dusting yourself off after a fall and trying again. These hardworking athletes deserve all the support they can get, so come out and watch a thrilling WAHSET (Washington High School Equestrian Team) competition, happening throughout this spring at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds. Admission and parking are free!
“WAHSET teams love competing at the Fairgrounds because it provides a safe, professional, and well-organized venue that supports both horse and rider,” shares Heather Gage-Brix, WAHSET District 4 chair and Montesano High School Equestrian Team co-op head coach. “Riders are looking forward to competing alongside their teammates, measuring their progress and celebrating each other’s successes. The chance to reconnect with riders from other teams and districts, support one another across events and experience the energy of a large-scale competition is a highlight of the season. For many athletes, these meets are where confidence grows and lifelong memories are made.”
WAHSET Teams From Across Washington Come to Grays Harbor for Equestrian Events
From now through April 2026, weekends at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds will echo with the sounds of laughter, cheering and horses as the WAHSET teams from Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6 will come together to compete. This includes student athletes from Bethel, Eatonville, Ilwaco, La Center, Orting, Wishkah (Twin Valley), White River and Yelm (District 2); Battle Ground, Camas, Enumclaw, Hazen, Kelso, North Thurston and Woodland (District 3); Montesano, North Kitsap, Ridgefield, Rochester, Sequim (District 4); and Elma, Hockinson, Tumwater, Washougal and WF West (District 5).
A nonprofit organization, WAHSET works with high schools to provide this sport as an extra-curricular activity. In addition to the district meets and state competition held annually in May, WAHSET also has a scholarship program that athletes can apply for to help with continued education.
There are seven districts in total, which means more than half of them use the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds for their annual meets. “Hosting WAHSET meets at the Fairgrounds brings a meaningful and sustained benefit to the local community,” shares Gage-Brix. “With four of WAHSET’s seven districts holding all three of their meets at the Fairgrounds, this results in 12 three-day events over a four-month period.”
The ample space allows them room for all their competitors – District 6 alone has over 70 equestrian athletes and District 2 has over 90, for example. The covered and indoor arenas with consistent footing ensure that competitions can continue, regardless of the weather. Gage-Brix says the thoughtfully-designed layout and well-organized venue allow for an easy event so they can focus on what matters: the athletes and their horses. “Just as important, the Fairgrounds creates a welcoming environment for families, volunteers, and spectators, making each meet feel like a true community event,” she adds.
“Local businesses provide everything you may have forgotten at home, from food to horse feed,” adds Tiffany Venters, WAHSET District 6 chair. “It is also a wonderful place for our athletes to make lasting memories together.”
Attend a WAHSET Equestrian Meet in Grays Harbor
WAHSET Meets occur Thursday through Sunday through the end of April 2026, with the exception of no meet the weekend of March 19-22, when the Grays Harbor Mounted Posse Pro Rodeo will be taking place. Twenty-six individual and team events happen over the four days, including the excitement of gaming, cattle and drill team!
Each district has a different meet schedule, says Venters. The best way to find out the schedule is to check the WAHSET calendar on the website or the individual district’s Facebook page before the event – most will start in the evening on Thursdays and continue at around 7 a.m. the rest of the weekend.
“Equine activities are becoming increasingly difficult to attend, and even harder to host, as costs continue to rise for families and communities,” shares Gage-Brix. “Having access to a fairgrounds that is supportive, well-managed, and truly understands equine events is a breath of fresh air. That kind of partnership makes it possible for programs like WAHSET to continue creating meaningful opportunities for our youth.”
Want more equestrian events? Don’t miss the Grays Harbor Mounted Posse Pro Rodeo happening at the Grays Harbor fairgrounds March 20-22, 2026!
2026 WAHSET District Meets
February 12-15, District 2
February 19-22, District 4
February 26-March 1, District 6
March 5-8, District 3
March 12 – 15, District 5, 2 and 1
No meet March 20-22, come to the rodeo instead!
March 26-29, District 5, 1, and 6
April 2-5, District 4
April 9-12, District 3
April 16-19, District 2
April 23-26, District 5 and 6
Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds
32 Elma McCleary Rd, Elma
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