AMENIA, N.Y. — Pedro Torres, principal and CEO of Highlands, and equestrian Georgina Bloomberg recently appeared on FOX 5’s Good Day New York to discuss the 2026 Highlands Autumn Invitational, a major equestrian and lifestyle event bringing international competition, art, automobiles and hospitality to New York’s Hudson Valley.
The 2026 Autumn Invitational runs from September 30 through October 11 at the Highlands Estate in Amenia, New York, with two weekends of competition and programming. The event is awarding more than $1.2 million in prize money across its competitions, helping attract high-level riders and horses to the Hudson Valley.
Torres, who founded Highlands and is himself a rider, discussed his connection to the equestrian community and how that world eventually brought him into contact with G Bloomberg.
Bloomberg, an accomplished equestrian, said she will be competing at Highlands and attending with her family. She also noted that her son, Jasper, rides as well, continuing the family’s involvement in equestrian sport.
The competition is designed to appeal to a much broader audience than experienced equestrian fans alone. Olympic-level athletes and other elite riders are expected alongside amateur competitors, while programming around the competition is geared toward art lovers, automotive enthusiasts, families and first-time spectators.
Highlands describes its Autumn Invitational as a 12-day combination of world-class equestrian sport, hospitality and immersive experiences. The first portion, the Discovery Land Company Masters, runs September 30 through October 4 and features international show jumping competition.
The Highlands Cup follows October 7 through October 11 and is anchored by Major League Show Jumping competition. The week ends with the $340,000 Highlands Cup Grand Prix CSI5* on October 11.
Automotive culture also plays a prominent role. The second annual Bridlemont Concours takes place October 11, bringing significant automobiles, motorcycles and historic race cars onto the 1,000-acre Highlands Estate while international show jumping takes place nearby.
Art has also been incorporated into this year’s experience. The Gallery at Highlands features contemporary paintings, photography and sculpture during both weekends, creating another reason for visitors who may not traditionally attend an equestrian competition to make the trip.
Building Highlands in the Hudson Valley
During the Good Day New York discussion, Torres spoke about recognizing the Northeast’s strong existing equestrian community and seeing an opportunity to build something significant in the region.
Torres partnered with Discovery Land Company and expanded the property with the acquisition of additional land as the Highlands concept developed.
Located in Amenia, the venue places the competition within the Hudson Valley landscape and roughly 90 minutes from New York City by car. For New Yorkers looking to make a day or weekend trip out of the event, the region also offers fall foliage, dining, lodging and other Hudson Valley destinations.
Highlands has positioned the property as more than a traditional horse-show venue. Its programming brings together equestrian competition, automotive design, contemporary art, food, entertainment and hospitality in an effort to create an event that can attract both longtime participants in the sport and newcomers.
General admission to Highlands is free with an RSVP, while premium hospitality experiences and certain special programming are separately ticketed.
More Than $1.2 Million in Prize Money
One of the biggest draws for competitors this year is the money at stake.