For Immediate Release: January 25, 2023


Virginia Horse Center Foundation

Media Contact: Lisa Thomas for A Wynning Advantage

484.888.9626

lisa@brandfarmllc.com

Virginia Horse Center Foundation Announces Unanimous USEF Approval of Horse Trials and FEI Level Competition May 25 - 28th, 2023

LEXINGTON, VA—The Virginia Horse Center Foundation is pleased to announce that national and FEI level eventing continues at the VHC under the name of Virginia Horse Center Eventing (VHC Eventing) May 25-28th, 2023. Through the leadership efforts of VHCF Board President Roxanne Booth and CEO Glenn Petty, VHC Eventing has received unanimous approval from the USEF to hold Beginner Novice through Intermediate level horse trials plus CCI 1*L, CCI2-S, CCI3-S and CCI2-L.


“After months of proceedings with the USEA and the USEF, we are delighted to announce that we have received unanimous approval by vote from the USEF Hearing Panel for horse trials to be held May 25-28th at the Virginia Horse Center,” stated VHC Foundation CEO Glenn Petty. “In addition, we are thrilled about the newly formed VHC Eventing Organizational committee and the improvements which are currently underway to the cross-country course.”


Leading the team of industry experts is Event Organizer Joanie Morris and the course building team of Tyson Rementer and Levi Ryckewaert, who are busy constructing over 100 new cross-country jumps. 


Rementer was the recipient of the 2022 USEF Posthole Digger award, presented to a builder who has exhibited exceptional ability and dedication to the sport through their work. He and his crew are well known for their course building talents at the Kentucky 3 Day Event, The Carolina International CCI and Red Hills International Horse Trials.  Rementer was also instrumental in helping CEO Glenn Petty lead the acquisition of over 80 FEI level jumps, that Rementer built for Red Hills International, to be delivered to VHC Eventing in early February.


Morris’ resume in horse sport includes leadership positions for multiple US Olympic teams and World Championships, Managing Director of Eventing and Press Officer for all FEI Sports for the USEF, sponsorship activation at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event as well as Event Director for the $50,000 Grand Prix Eventing Showcase in Aiken, SC. 


Morris is quickly assembling a top-shelf team for VHC Eventing. “I feel grateful for the opportunity to be involved with such a wonderful group of people at this venue steeped in eventing tradition. We are focused on creating a quality competition with top-quality courses and officials.”


In addition to the leadership mentioned above, confirmed members of the VHC Eventing staff and committee include: FEI Course Designer Jay Hambly, National Course Designer John Wells, Show Jumping Course Designer Michel Vaillancourt, Event Secretary Heather Petersen and Volunteer Coordinator Emily Kolakowsky. Brian Ross, the original visionary and organizer of the Virginia Horse Trials 1989 to 2014, is the Honorary Organizing Committee Chair.  The Organizing Committee members are Mark Combs, Kim Severson, Jerry Schurink and Carrie Camp.


The committee for VHC Eventing plans to elevate every aspect of the 2023 event to delight competitors and spectators through improvements to the footing and re-design of the cross-country and show jumping courses. In addition, the committee will strive to honor Brian and Penny Ross’s original vision of the event atmosphere by bringing back several fun traditions for this beautiful destination event, such as the opening party and bonfire.


During the initial organizational committee meeting for VHC Eventing Ross noted, “Penny and I couldn’t be any more excited with the formation of this new committee at Virginia Horse Center Eventing and we are confident that they will continue with the well-loved traditions that we founded in 1989.”  


Stay tuned! Website and social media for Virginia Horse Center Eventing coming soon!

Contact Lisa Davis Engel for sponsorship and vending opportunities.


Photo Credits associated with this press release: Brant Gamma Photography.

About the Virginia Horse Center Foundation

The Virginia Horse Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides a world-class facility hosting regional, national, and international equestrian events. The Virginia Horse Center Foundation envisions a unique, bucolic landmark to honor and celebrate the timeless, special bond between mankind and the horse through safe, fair and spirited equestrian competition.

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