Welcome to our Fall 2021 Newsletter
What a summer! We are proud to have hosted a full calendar of events, all the while continuing to be cautious and prudent in the current environment. Highlights from our summer season included Balloons Over Rockbridge, the Lexington National, the VRHA North American Reining Stakes, and the Virginia Young Horse Festival. Our ongoing facility upgrades continue to improve our visitor and exhibitor experience, and our fundraising efforts continue as well with our Fall Appeal currently underway. We are at a full gallop here at the VHC, please read on to learn more.
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The VHC was the venue for a breakfast Wednesday, October 6 for Congressman GT Thompson, Ranking Member of the US House Agriculture Committee, hosted by Congressman Ben Cline of Virginia. Following the breakfast, attended by local ag and gov't leaders, both Congressmen made comments and took questions from the guests and reporters. The VHC showcased its promotional video followed by a golf cart tour of the grounds. Congressman Cline was as excited as Glenn T. Petty, VHC CEO, in promoting the good the Horse Center does for the local community, Virginia, and the nation. |
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VHC Featured In Two New Promotional Videos
Thanks to a generous donation from Equivision Creative, a division of the Fellows Group of Charlottesville, the VHCF now has two videos with which to promote the facility to a general audience and to show managers.
"We are passionate about horses and as exhibitors, we feel vested in the success of the VHC. We are thrilled to be able to use our marketing and advertising expertise to create something that can help the Horse Center grow." - Elizabeth Vagnoni, The Fellows Group
You may view our NEW VIDEO HERE
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Final Touches to Isabel de Szinay Complex Complete! |
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The Isabel De Szinay Complex is complete. Workers installed updated signage in early September, putting the final touches on one of the most ambitious upgrades to the Virginia Horse Center to date. A bronze plaque, commemorating our generous donors has been installed adjacent to the new Stave Mill Farm Pavilion. Sheltered by the pavilion, environmentally friendly Polywood furniture has been added for the viewing comfort of our exhibitors and guests. Our sincerest thanks to all who so generously made this project a resounding success!
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It's A Smooth Ride Into The VHC
That's right, no more 'bumpety bump' of horse trailers, the entry paving project is complete. A big thank you to all who donated toward this project. We remain short of our $19,000 goal- can you pitch in? Click here to donate!
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500 Horses from Six States Compete In 2021
Great American - USDF Region 1 Championship
Dressage was front and center at the VHC this past weekend as 500 horses convened to compete, vying for regional Champion accolades at each level. Our congratulations to the Virginia Dressage Association and the USDF on yet another successful Regional Championship. We are proud to have been chosen once again as the host facility for this outstanding event! You may view results HERE
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VADA and VHCF Host Competitor And Donor Appreciation Party
Competitors, donors, and friends of the VHCF were in attendance Friday evening October 15th in the Stave Mill Pavilion to celebrate the USDF Region 1 Championship and the completion of the new Isabel de Szinay Complex. The complex includes the Dee Dee Arena, the Rosevelt Warm-Up, and the Stave Mill Pavilion. Thank you to our sponsors, our signage, landscaping, and construction contractors as well as our own staff for making this complex a resounding success. (Photo: Jennifer Donovan-VHCF Chief Development Officer, and G. Otis Mead III)
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Virginia Festival of Champions Show Series 2021
The 2021 Virginia Festival of Champions spanned three weeks with two consecutive weeks April 28-May 9 (the Premier and the Encore) and the final installment (the National) August 11-15, 2021, all being benefit events for the Virginia Horse Center Foundation. A Wynning Advantage provided daily coverage of this year's Festival, including a full wrap up which you can view HERE. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2022!
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VRHA North American Reining Stakes A Success
VHC barns were filled to capacity for the largest reining event on the east coast, The North American Reining Stakes, featuring more than $630,000 in prize money. Exhibitors enjoyed five solid days of world-class competition. You may view a photo gallery of winners HERE
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Virginia Young Horse Festival Crowns Several Champions
The Virginia Young Horse Festival, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wheeler Sr., saw more than 100 entries compete over three days. Pictured at right, 2021 Kym K. Smith/USHJA Young Hunter Pony Champion, Wynnbrook Polar Vortex. Photo Credit: Shawna Simmons-Whitty, SAS Equine Photography
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Pictured here, (L) 2021 East Coast Sallie B. Wheeler Champion, Reality Star NHF, and (R) Reserve Champion, Qrazy Love HF (Qredit x Sarah Smile), a 2019 Oldenburg gelding bred and owned by Donna Wayson, handled by Dowell “Junior” Johnson
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Reality Star NHF Named Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championship Overall Best Young Horse |
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Upon completion of the West Coast Sallie B. Wheeler competition on September 22, Reality Star NHF, owned by North Hill Farm and handled by Emily Anne Belin-McDonnell, was crowned National Champion. Awarding the trophy are Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare.
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October
22-23 Lone Star Rodeo
23 Goosecreek Horse Show
28-31 VA Horse Trials CCI2*/CIC2*/CCI1*
November
4-7 Southwest VA Hunter-Jumper Assoc. Finals
11-14 VA Horse Shows Association Championships
December
6-11 Lexington-Rockbridge Christmas Basket Prog.
16-19 The Barracks Horse Show
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Our Fall Appeal Is Underway!
We are chomping at the bit to break into the future at a full gallop, yet we understand in these uncertain times we may need to execute some well-timed half halts, strategically adjusting our forward momentum for optimum performance. As we carefully kick on through these times, it is critical that we continue to maintain our facility and user experience, effectively and thoughtfully stewarding the gifts we have received in the past. We invite you to join us by generously giving during our Fall Appeal. You may learn more HERE. Ready to donate now? Please click HERE. Thank you for your time and consideration!
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We are funded by friends like you! |
Did you know the VHC is funded solely through rental income, charitable donations, sponsorships, and grants? We are a privately owned 501(c)3 corporation. We are not owned or operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and we receive no state funding.
By making a donation to our Virginia Horse Center Foundation Annual Fund, you become a driving force in our success! Make a gift to the VHCF to help keep the Virginia Horse Center strong for all equestrians. CLICK the DONATE NOW button, or from your mobile device, just text VAHORSE to 833-614-1922. You may also contact Jennifer Donovan, Chief Development Officer Email Jennifer
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90-Day Social Media Reach
Like Us, Follow Us, Share Us
Want to keep up with us between VHC quarterly newsletters? It is easy, just find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our #hashtag is #YOURVHC. Thanks to all of you who have already joined us for your Likes, Follows, and Shares!
FACEBOOK = 123,229
TWITTER = 2,652
INSTAGRAM = 4,739
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Announcing Our Newest Sponsor
A warm welcome to our newest sponsor, Equivision Creative, a division of the Fellows Group of Charlottesville.
We are grateful to Equivision Creative and all of our wonderful sponsors for their generous support! Please consider them in your future purchase plans. You may view a full Sponsor list HERE
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Considering becoming a Venue, Event, or Legacy Sponsor in 2022?
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 2021 Sponsorship Guide on our website HERE.
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Remembering Lloyd L. Craighill
Longtime VHC supporter Lloyd Craighill passed peacefully in his sleep on September 14, 2021. A long-time resident of Rockbridge Baths, Mr. Craighill became active on several area Boards following his retirement from Phillip Morris. "Lloyd was very active in the early years of the Horse Center. He was always enthusiastic and very generous of his time and resources." - G.Otis Mead III
From all of us at the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, our sincerest condolences to the Craighill family. You may read Mr. Craighill's obituary HERE
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Virginia Horse Center Foundation
540‐464‐2950
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