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SIDELINESMAGAZINE | June 2026
Familiar Places, Familiar Faces:
Lake Placid with Lori Martin
HORSE SHOW
Nestled in the Adirondack Park of Upstate New York lies
Lake Placid, a picturesque resort village. In the winter,
Lake Placid is a haven for winter sports—two-time host
to the Olympic Winter Games. But when the snow melts,
Lake Placid becomes no less attractive to adventurers
and vacationers.
The horse world knows Lake Placid for its summer
virtues: The Lake Placid Horse Shows are known as
“The Best Two Weeks of a Horseman’s Summer!” Lake
Placid has been a premier destination for world-class
competition for over 50 years, welcoming thousands of
competitors and spectators.
The nearby vacation amenities make it a favorite for
horse showing families—and it’s certainly close to the
hearts of Lake Placid Horse Shows Executive Director
Lori Martin and her family, all of whom have deep ties to
the shows.
What led you to getting involved
with the Lake Placid Horse Shows?
My husband, Butch, was the park district
manager at the time and worked closely with
the horse show staff. When they decided to hire
their first full-time assistant, he thought it would
be a great fit for me and something I would
truly enjoy.
Lake Placid Executive Director Lori Martin with her
husband, Butch, and their daughter, Lorissa.
Photo courtesy of Lake Placid Horse Shows
What was your first role, and how
did you get to where you are now?
I joined the organization in September 1993.
In 2000, the executive director resigned, and I
was offered the position. I accepted and have
proudly served as executive director ever since.
What do you like most about your job?
The people. My co-workers have become
like family over the years. We’ve shared life’s
highs and lows together, both personally and
professionally. After more than 30 years with the
Lake Placid Horse Shows, I wouldn’t change a
thing. Producing an event from start to finish—
with all the challenges that come along with it—
is incredibly rewarding. Seeing everything come
together and knowing people leave happy makes
all the hard work worthwhile.
What have been the biggest
changes since you started?
I’ve watched the Lake Placid Horse Shows
grow from a simple grass field into world-class
international equestrian events. My connection
to the horse shows began in childhood, when my
father—who worked for Cornell University—sold
maple syrup from a vendor booth on the grounds.
Today, the venue features four international
all-weather footing arenas, and a new state-of-the-
art clubhouse is currently under construction.
Watching both the industry and the Lake Placid
Horse Shows evolve over the years—and evolving
alongside them—has been incredibly exciting,
rewarding and, at times, challenging.
What are you most looking
forward to this year?
I’m excited about all of the improvements and
upgrades happening on the grounds, but most
of all, I look forward to seeing the familiar faces
who return year after year.
What’s your favorite memory?
Early in my career, I had the privilege of working
with Eugene R. Mische, the founder of the
Lake Placid Horse Shows. That opportunity is
something I’ll always treasure.
What do you consider your greatest
accomplishment so far?
I don’t think of accomplishments as individual
achievements. I’m incredibly proud of our
current team and everything we’ve accomplished
together over the past several years. I’ve also
had the opportunity to work alongside many
talented managers and board members
throughout my career, and I’ve learned
something valuable from every one of them.
What’s one interesting or
unusual thing about you?
I worked side by side with my husband for
many years while he served as grounds manager.
Although he’s now retired, he still finds ways to
help out when needed. Our daughter, Lorissa, is
also part of the team—she’s been involved with
the horse shows since birth and currently serves
as executive assistant.
What pets or horses are most
important in your life right now?
Our beloved Shih Tzu, Hunter, was part of our
family for 15 wonderful years before he passed away
three years ago. Since then, we haven’t added another
four-legged family member to our household.
What do you enjoy doing
when you’re not working?
I love attending concerts—especially seeing
the Beach Boys—and spending time with my
husband in our RV and on our annual trip to New
Smyrna Beach, Florida.