Horses and humans will once again fill the grounds of Atherton's Menlo Circus Club for six days of equestrian competition to benefit a local charity.

Now in its 49th year, the Menlo Charity Horse Show, running August 6–11, will feature 500 horses and their riders competing in hundreds of events across the Circus Club's three equine venues. Prizes will be awarded in some 300 classes, including the Rosewood Sand Hill Jumper Classic, the USHJA International Hunter Derby, and the $40,000 Stephen Silver Grand Prix.

Started in 1970 as a one-day horse show, the Menlo event, according to its website, is "unique in that its origin is one of philanthropy." Throughout its history, the show has donated its proceeds to Bay Area charities including Planned Parenthood and Amigos De Las Americas.

This year, as for more than a decade, proceeds will go to the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Palo Alto. The Vista Center aims to help visually impaired individuals increase their independence through "evaluation, counseling, education, and training," and served over 3,700 clients last year.

In addition to riding events, the show will feature an auction, a Wild West-themed gala dinner on Friday night, and an assortment of luxury items for both animal and human.

Tickets are $10 for a single day and $35 for a weekly pass, with seniors and children under 12 free. For more information, visit menlocharityhorseshow.com.