Welcome to our Summer 2022 Newsletter
It is high summer in the Shenandoah Valley and we hope this newsletter finds you and yours enjoying it to the fullest. Here at the VHC, the competition has been sizzling! Below you will find highlights from several of our spring competitions including the Virginia Festival of Champions, the Mid-Atlantic Dressage Festival & Lexington CDI2* presented by Täkt Saddlery, and the Shenandoah Classic. There is much more to come, and we invite you to read on to learn more. Stay cool!
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Dudley Macfarlane Joins VHCF Board of Directors
Following its June quarterly meeting, the Board of Directors together with Chief Executive Officer Glenn T. Petty of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of Mrs. Dudley Macfarlane to the Board for a three-year term. Mrs. Macfarlane, who resides with her husband, John, at Mount Fair Farm in Crozet, regularly competes as an amateur-owner hunter. Additionally, Mrs. Macfarlane has been active in breeding mares and raising and training their foals. You may read more HERE
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The VHCF Welcomes New Chief Development & External Relations Officer Cinda C. Ayers, CFRE
The Virginia Horse Center Foundation’s Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer Glenn T. Petty announced the appointment of Cinda C. Ayers, CFRE to the role of Chief Development & External Relations Officer. Ms. Ayers possesses more than 25 years of experience in the non-profit arena and served most recently as the Executive Director for the Portsmouth Museums Foundation in Portsmouth, Virginia. Read more HERE
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Virginia Festival of Champions: Lexington Spring Premiere & Lexington Spring Encore Highlights
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The first two competitions of the Virginia Festival of Champions did not disappoint! One of the highlights of the Spring Premiere was Thaisa Erwin of Middleburg, Virginia riding her own Jack to the winner’s circle in the $25,000 Rockbridge Grand Prix, pictured above. For a full recap of the Lexington Spring Premiere, click HERE For a recap of the Lexington Spring Encore, click HERE Photo Credit: Teresa Ramsay
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Inaugural Mid-Atlantic Dressage Festival & Lexington CDI2* Presented by Täkt Saddlery A Resounding Success
Thirty-three horses competed in the first-ever Lexington CDI2*, joined by 161 horses in the national show held May 19-22, 2022. More than 40 sponsors supported the event, which featured vendors from across the region. The competition was presented concurrently with the 118th Keswick Horse Show, creating an atmosphere of elegance and extraordinary competition. You may read more about MADFest 2022 HERE
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The Shenandoah Classic Dazzles Once Again!
As show manager, RH Bennet so aptly put it: "This is not just a horse show, it is so much more..." Pictured here is Olivia Klee and Back in Blue, Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Reserve Champions. To view results and video footage of each competition day, please visit the official Facebook Page HERE
Photo Credit: Doug Shiflet
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Community Gathers for
Balloons Over Rockbridge
Hot Air Balloon & Music Festival 2022
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The weather cooperated once again this year, making for two days of ballooning, music, food, and fun out on the Virginia Horse Center's expansive Oak Hill cross-country course.Twenty-six hot air balloons and their pilots participated, assisted by scores of volunteers.The event raises funds for local charities and non-profits and was supported by 39 area sponsors. You may learn more about this year's event HERE. Photo Credit: Kay Farrell
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2022 Virginia Festival of Champions Concludes With The Lexington National August 10-14
The Virginia Festival of Champions, which includes the Lexington Spring Premiere and the Lexington Spring Encore, wraps up the series the second week of August with the Lexington National sponsored by Nutrena and the Heisley Family Foundation. This year's competition will feature the $25,000 Grand Prix, the VHSA/EMO Medal Finals, the USHJA NATIONAL DERBY, and the AYR (Amy Ylvisaker Reistrup) Equitation Challenge. This show is a World Championship Hunter Rider recognized event. You may view the Prize List HERE
Whether you are planning to compete or just visit, we look forward to seeing you at the National!
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National Barrel Horse Association / Colonial Nationals Set To Run August 19-21
The NBHA Colonial Super Show returns to the VHC with $10,000 added money and prizes including four Circle Y saddles and Gist Silversmith buckles. Entries are open until August 14. Enter Online HERE You may view the schedule on the NBHA website HERE Spectators are always welcome!
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Virginia Young Horse Festival Prepares to Celebrate Future Champions
The Virginia Young Horse Festival featuring the USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championship presented by Kym K. Smith and The Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championship presented by Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Oare return to the VHC August 26 - 28. You may view the Prize List HERE Photo Credit: Shawna Simmons Whitty/SAS Equestrian
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61st Virginia State 4-H Championship Horse and Pony Show Returns September 8-11
Members of the 4-H Horse Program from across the Commonwealth will convene at the VHC to compete in a wide array of classes ranging from Introductory Dressage to Ranch Reining. More information about this Championship and 4-H in Virginia can be found on their website HERE The tentative schedule has been published and may be viewed HERE We wish all participants the very best of luck!
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East Coast Arabian Championships To Include Four Separate Competitions
On August 4-7 competitors will gather to compete at the VHC in not one but four competitions. These include the 63rd Eastern Arabian Horse Show I & II, the East Coast Championships, and the East Coast Egyptian Classic. The Prize List for these shows, brought to you by the Pennsylvania Arabian Horse Association, may be viewed HERE For a full description, please see their website HERE
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American Connemara Region III Show On For Labor Day Weekend
Sixty-plus Connemara ponies are expected to participate in the three-day competition beginning September 2nd. Classes include Dressage and Jumper as well as some "fun" classes like Egg in Spoon, Family class, Trail class, and a Fancy Dress (costume) class. A crowd favorite, the Dressage Quadrille, is also scheduled. For more information, please visit the VHC event calendar listing HERE
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Our Events Calendar Through September
July
15-17 Dressage at Lexington
30-31 VA Starter Horse Trials
August
4-7 Eastern Arabian Show & East Coast Championships
9 Virginia Hunter Championships
10-14 Lexington National Horse Show AA HJ
19-21 National Barrel Horse Assoc. Colonial Nationals
20 Goose Creek Horse Show HJ
24-25 ERAHC Virginia Classic Open Dressage
25-28 Virginia Young Horse Festival
25-28 Sallie B. Wheeler USEF/USHJA Hunter Breed National Championships
26-27 ERAHC Virginia Classic Andalusian Show
27-28 ERAHC Virginia Classic Working Equitation Show
September
2-4 VPHC Color Classic Futurity Show
3 East Coast Halter Futurity
2-4 American Connemara Pony Region III Show
8-11 VA 4-H State Champ. Horse & Pony Show
15-18 Maryland Horse & Pony Show
23-25 Virginia State Barrel Finals
24-25 VA Starter Horse Trials & XC Schooling
28-Oct. 1 ASHAV Horse Show (Saddlebred)
October
6-9 Virginia Dressage Association Fall Show/USDF Region I Finals
You may view our full 2022 Events Calendar HERE
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Join Us In Supporting The VHCF
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Leaving Your Legacy: Planned Giving at the VHCF
Whether in the form of a cash bequest or by designating the VHC as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy, your thoughtful contribution will help ensure our presence for generations to come. We welcome your inquiries and look forward to working closely and confidentially with you and your advisors in creating a Planned Gift suited to your desires and circumstances. You may find additional information on our website HERE or by contacting our Development Department at giving@horsecenter.org We look forward to assisting you!
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We Invite You To Join Our Circle Of Friends! |
Did you know the VHC is funded primarily through rental income, charitable donations, sponsorships, and grants? We are a privately owned 501(c)(3) corporation neither owned nor operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
By making a gift to our Virginia Horse Center Foundation Annual Fund, you become a driving force in our success! Gifts made to the Annual Fund make an impact every day in every area. How do they do that? Because they are used to bridge the financial gap for annual operating and program expenses as well as facility improvements.
Please consider making a gift to the VHCF to help keep the Virginia Horse Center strong for all equestrians. Click the DONATE NOW button above the image. You may also contact our Development Department.
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You Can Now Follow Us On LinkedIn
Click HERE to view our new LinkedIn Profile. We look forward to sharing staff and Board updates, relevant industry updates, facility improvements, available positions, and more! Follow us, share us, and connect with us. We'll see you on LinkedIn!
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Considering becoming a Venue, Event, or Legacy Sponsor?
We have created a Sponsor Guide designed to assist you in making an informed decision about your sponsorship investment. Inside you will find a helpful overview of the Virginia Horse Center, our demographics, information on our performance, and various sponsorship benefits. You may view the Sponsorship Guide on our website HERE
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Glenn D. Petty
December 5, 1956 - May 11, 2022
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of a dear friend and former Interim Executive Director of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, Glenn Douglas Petty, on May 11, 2022.
"He lived a wonderful life, involved in the world he cherished. Family and horses, in that order, were his passions and both will sorely miss him."
- Ernie Oare
From the Virginia Horse Center Foundation Board of Directors, as well as current and past staff, we offer our sincerest condolences to the Petty Family.
You may read Mr. Petty's obituary HERE You may read the VHCF Board Resolution in memory of Glenn Douglas Petty HERE
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Virginia Horse Center Foundation
540‐464‐2950
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