Author: RoanokeEquestrian

Virginia Horse Center improvements plan approved

The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors approved a capital improvements plan at the Virginia Horse Center that includes a plan to develop youth sports fields and a tractor pull area at the park, on the northeast side of Va. 39.

A soccer/lacrosse field would go in the vicinity of the existing tractor pull grounds. The new tractor pull area would give a more permanent home to the Rockbridge Farm Bureau’s tractor pull, an event that draws thousands of spectators. A 131-space parking lot and terraced seating for spectators would also be constructed. Another ball field could potentially be developed adjacent to the first one. No lighting is planned for the ball field, and the parking area would be gravel.

The plan calls for a blanket usage agreement between the Horse Center and Rockbridge County, with sub-agreements among the various other organizations. Ongoing maintenance would have to be addressed in the agreements.

John Nicholson, VHC’s executive director, also on Monday requested permission to move forward with a capital improvements plan by taking out a $450,000 loan with Cornerstone Bank. Excess proceeds from a 1 percent lodging tax instituted last year would be used to pay back the loan over a five-year period.

A revised capital improvements plan presented by Nicholson calls for spending $25,000 for water pipes assessment and repairs, $20,000 for well water usage for ring maintenance and dust suppression, $150,000 for competition surface maintenance and renovation, $65,000 for roadway repair and renovation, $50,000 for facility painting, $25,000 for stall repair, $15,000 for cyber renovation and expansion, and $100,000 for general maintenance and contingency.

Headed for a costume class? 10 horse Halloween costume ideas

Halloween is right around the corner, and that means it’s the season of the Costume Class. If you’re having trouble coming up with something to turn your faithful steed into something new, check out these 10 costumes that are sure to turn heads and bring smiles to the faces of everyone you see.

1. Little Bo Peep and her “sheep”

2. The rocking horse with spoiled child. Don’t forget the lollipop!

3. Every little girl’s fantasy: the unicorn and fairy.

 

4. Dragon horses. Fire not included.

 

5. Seeing spots with 101 Dalmations.

 

6. Elegant ballerinas, with one extra large tutu.

 

7. The doctor is in. The crutches are a nice touch.

 

8. Who needs a horse?

 

9. Bring back the ’50s with poodle skirts

 

10. Everyone’s favorite reindeer (after Rudolph, of course.)

 

You don’t have to horse show to show off your horse around Roanoke

Riders during the Glenmore Hunt Club hunter pace.
Photo by Glenmore Hunt Club.

When many people think of equestrian competition, they think of the classic horse show. Requirements for fancy clothes, fancy tack and even a fancier horse leave many horse owners feeling disheartened and left out of competition with their equine partners. However, there’s more out there in the equestrian community than riding in an arena in front of a judge. Here’s examples of some of the upcoming events outside of a show ring.

HUNTER PACES

This event is held on a pre-set course cross country. A optimal time is set based on a “hunting pace.” Riders go out in groups and ride the set course at their own pace. Hunter paces offer different divisions depending on the host of the hunter pace. Some divisions are likely to require jumping, and other divisions do not. Usually the attire is casual with helmets required. The teams coming closest to the optimal time receive prizes.

Two hunter paces are coming up soon in the Roanoke area.

COMPETITIVE TRAIL RIDING

Any doubt of the popularity of trail riding is quickly put to rest with a trip to the Great American Trail Horse Sale at the Virginia Horse Center in the spring. Good trail horses are in hot demand and competitive trail riding is becoming more and more popular. Competitive trail riding is held over a trail with the goal of demonstrating partnership between horse and rider. There are many different sanctioning organizations for competitive trail rides. Rides that involve judged obstacles usually have staggered starts of groups of riders. Rides can be short or more than 100 miles, depending on the competition and organization. Some rides are to test the horses’ physical fitness, while others use obstacles to the judge the horses’ willingness, training and partnership with their riders as they negotiate obstacles along the trail.

Some of the organizations holding rides in the Roanoke area include:

Rider performs the “Hat Pick Up” obstacle. In this series, the judge
will toss a hat on the ground near the horse and hand the rider a stick
and ask therider to retrieve the hat from the back of the horse.
Photo via Facebook.
  • ACTHA: While there are no rides scheduled close by for the remainder of the year, this organization has held rides at local venues including Roanoke County’s Explore Park, the Virginia Horse Center and the Craig County Fairgrounds in the past. Rides can also be found a little further away including The Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.  A calendar can be found at the association’s website. ACTHA is casual competition on the trail. The competition has few rules and focuses on safety and fun. ACTHA offers two different types of trail challenges, the Competitive Trail Challenge (CTC) and the Arena Obstacle Challenge (AOC).  The trail is an easy 6 or so miles, and it has a minimum of six obstacles. Arena obstacle challenges are held in an arena and offer participants the challenge of navigating obstacles normally encountered on the trail, but in the confines of a safe arena or field. There are 4 divisions depending on experience level and prizes are awarded. The horses earn points that stay with them for life, adding to their value. ACTHA provides guidelines to ensure all events have the same basic structure as far as the competition, but ride hosts add their own twist, making each one special and unique. Hosts are encouraged to promote fun, friendship, and education mixed in with enjoying horses in a safe environment. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn, and just enjoy a weekend with horses. All breeds and disciplines are welcome. The cost to participate ranges from $35 to $78. 
  • Franklin County Equestrian Club holds competitive trail rides at Waid Park in Rocky Mount. They include two upcoming rides: Oct. 31 and Dec. 26. The Oct. 31 ride will include a Costume Contest and Truck N’ Treat from 2-3 p.m. These rides are about 2-and-a-half miles with five obstacles. Cost is $5 or $15 with lunch.

POKER RIDES

Riders set their own pace on a well-marked cross country course. During the untimed ride, riders pick up five playing cards along the route. The best Poker hands win cash prizes. The Rockbridge Hunt is hosting a Poker Ride on Nov. 8 at Broadview Ranch on Sunday, Nov. 8. Best six hands win cash. (1st $50, 2nd $40, 3rd $30, 4th $20, 5th $10, 6th $5.) Ride starts at 9 a.m. with the last riders out at 11 a.m. All riding disciplines are welcome. Entry fees (includes lunch): $35 Adult rider, $25 Junior rider

GET YOUR HORSE FIX: Calendar of Equestrian events near Roanoke, Va., for Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Sara Siegel and Subtle Contrast. Photo by USEA

Weekend highlight: Several hundred eventing riders from around the country will be at the Virginia Horse Center for the Fall Virginia Horse Trials and Area II championships from Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Competitors (from beginner novice to 2-star) will enjoy improved footing, brand new courses designed by John Nicholson (in his United States debut), an elaborate rider party on Saturday evening, outdoor show jumping and $4,000 in prize money for the international classes. But there’s more to the combined training event than just the competition. A week-long extravaganza will include:

  • Clinic with New Zealand 4-star Event Riders Tim and Jonelle Price, along with the United States’ own 4-star standouts Sharon White and Doug Payne on October 27-29.
  • Horse-and-rider combinations will have the chance to participate in schooling rounds on Thursday prior to the event in dressage and show jumping. The schooling rounds are open to all riders, not just those that choose to compete over the weekend in the trials.

Admission and parking are free to all spectators. Dogs and children are welcome, but please keep your dogs on a leash.

HORSE SHOWS

TRAIL RIDING/MISC.

REGISTER NOW

  • Horse Head Wreath Workshop, 10 a.m. on Nov. 14 at the Blue Ridge Public Library (For more information or to register contact:  Delila Spradlin at bilju@yahoo.com, Only 15 spots will be available. $30 deposit required to reserve space.)

 LOOK AHEAD

Like Roanoke Equestrian on Facebook for continued updates on horse shows in the area. Have a show coming up? Contact us at Roanoke.Equestrian@gmail.com to add it to our calendar. 

GET YOUR HORSE FIX: Calendar of equestrian events near Roanoke on Oct. 24-25

Year-end championship and Battle of the Barns prizes are up for grabs
on Saturday at the New London Horse Show.
Photo via Facebook.

Weekend highlight: The New London Horse Show Series will wrap up for the season on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Coyote Crossing Cattle Company (4178 Headens Bridge Road) in Bedford, Va. Saturday’s show,, will include a Costume Class with a $50 gift card to Tractor Supply to the winner and a Battle of the Barns (Teams of 5 horse-and-rider combinations), which benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The show, to be judged by Elizabeth Rapier, includes classes for English, Western, Halter, Minis, Ranch, Trail and Gaited. The show also includes an Equitation Championship Hack Off for the winners and reserves in the Hunt Seat Equitation age division classes. The winner of the championship will win a Perpetual Trophy sponsored by the Liberty University Equestrian Center. This show is Blue Ridge Horse Force sanctioned.

OTHER HORSE SHOWS

Note: The Thoroughbred Celebration Horse Show scheduled Oct. 24-25 at the Virginia Horse Center has been canceled.

REGISTER NOW

  • Registration for the Phillip Dutton Clinic sponsored by Healing Strides of Virginia on Nov. 7 in Boones Mill, Va., closes on Monday, October 26. Space is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. Auditors are also welcome.

LOOK AHEAD

Like Roanoke Equestrian on Facebook for continued updates on horse shows in the area. Have a show coming up? Contact us at Roanoke.Equestrian@gmail.com to add it to our calendar. 

GET YOUR HORSE FIX: Calendar of equestrian events in the Roanoke area Oct. 17-18

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHT: The Great American USDF Regional Dressage Championship and VADA Fall Show will be held Oct. 15-18 at the Virginia Horse Center. The U.S. Dressage Finals is an invitational competition using the USEF/USDF Regional Championship program to qualify. The championships will encompass the entire horse center and will have 12 judges. Saturday night will feature Grand Prix musical freestyles and a dog costume show.  

OPEN SHOWS

COMBINED TRAINING/DRESSAGE

TRAIL RIDES/MISC.

  • Southside Trail and Driving Club Benefit Ride, Oct. 18, Day Creek near Montvale in Bedford County. 26-mile ride leaves at 9 a.m. Others who don’t want to do entire 26-mile ride can ride at their convenience. Cookout meal to be provided at 5 p.m. Please RSVP. (Directions to Day Creek: From Bedford take U.S. 460 West. Turn right on Rt. 697. Go .06 mile, turn left on FS 196. Parking is 0.4 miles on left. Turn left on FS 2087 to enter parking area.)
  • Meet An Arabian Open House at Amethyst Acres, Oct. 17, Buchanan, Va. (RSVP required to deb@amethystacres.com) 

LOOK AHEAD

Like Roanoke Equestrian on Facebook for continued updates on horse shows in the area. Have a show coming up? Contact us at Roanoke.Equestrian@gmail.com to add it to our calendar. 

The Gala of The Royal Horses coming to Roanoke for debut U.S. tour — CANCELED


The Gala of Royal Horses features four breeds including Friesians.
Photo courtesy The Gala of Royal Horses
Note: This event has been canceled.
A new equestrian performance is coming to Roanoke on Nov. 12, 2015.

 The Gala of The Royal Horses Inaugural North American tour is coming to the Berglund Center as part of its first U.S. tour.

Tickets, priced at $28, $38, $58, $78, go on sale Monday, October 12, at the Berglund Center Box Office, HomeTownBankTix.com, and 877-HTB-TIXNow. Kids/Military/Senior discounts available as well as a limited number of VIP seats. For Group Discounts please call 540-853-5382. 

The Gala of the Royal Horses is an entertainment event combining beautiful horses from around the world with live performers, creating a breathtaking event for the entire family.  The Gala of the Royal Horses is a “must see” for horse lovers and families. 

“The Airs Above Ground” are part of the maneuvers
performed during the show. Photo courtesy The Gala of Royal Horses

Following in the family footsteps of seven generations, Rene Gasser, producer of the Royal Horses, has recreated a show for this tour much like the famous riding schools in Vienna and Spain. 

Gasser has previously produced ‘Lipizzaners with the Stars’ The Gassers are an old Swiss circus family. Rene inherited seven generations of circus tradition. In his career, he has worked as a lion trainer, acrobat, gymnast, and strongman, as well as horse trainer, among other acts.

His current show showcases four breeds and their service to man during the ancient wars.

The Gala of The Royal Horses will feature a number of performances involving the Andalusian, Friesian, Lipizzaner and Arabian breeds and the event is dedicated to showing off the amazing beauty and maneuvers these horses are capable of including the maneuvers once used on the battlefield now known as “The Airs Above The Ground.”
 
“The unique qualities of the Royal Horses single them out from all other breeds in the Equine world. Their physical beauty & grace, coupled with exceptional courage and nobility make them an object of admiration and a source of inspiration for horse lovers everywhere,” Gasser said in a news release.

Along with the magnificent stallions, Spanish flamenco dancers will feature in authentic vibrant costumes accompanied by the mellow notes of a guitar to bring the sights and sounds of Spain a heartbeat away.

“We’re going to have horses dancing alongside some tremendous flamenco dancers, and I think people are really going to be excited about watching this,” Gasser said.

VIDEO 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6dsOYiBy5-Y?feature=player_embedded

GET YOUR HORSE FIX: Calendar of equestrian events in the Roanoke area Oct.10-11

The Virginia Horse Center’s Coliseum will host the House Mountain Horse Show for hunter/jumpers this weekend.

 OPEN SHOWS

VIRGINIA HORSE CENTER

  •  House Mountain Horse Show:  The two-day regional schooling horse show for hunter and jumper riders will be held in the Coliseum and includes a Costume Class at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Judy Spitzer, Eric Dirks and Jessi Lohman will judge.
  • Old Dominion Saddlebred Show: Benefiting the Old Dominion Futurity, the show will feature 3-gaited, 5-gaited, fine harness, park, pleasure prospect, equitation, academy, children’s, fun classes and more in the East Complex.
  • Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia Fall Horse Show, annual show for riders with disabilities will feature a variety of classes including dressage, equitation, obstacles, pole bending, costume and United Professional Horseman’s Association classes. Will be held in the Bent Tree Barn (5) and Woods Hill Barn (6)

LOOK AHEAD

Like Roanoke Equestrian on Facebook for continued updates on horse shows in the area. Have a show coming up? Contact us at Roanoke.Equestrian@gmail.com to add it to our calendar. 

AQHA Level One Novice Championships sloshes through the rain at Virginia Horse Center

The Youth 14-18 Novice Champion East went to Micayla Bragg of Vero Beach, Florida,
and her horse JDG Invited by Chip.

The Virginia Horse Center hosted the AQHA Level One Novice Championships East over the past week through some less than ideal rainy weather. But once you were in the Coliseum on Saturday afternoon, it was easy to forget the drizzly weather outside. The horses were gleaming and gorgeous, the exhibitors perfectly donned in sequined show clothes (sometimes perfectly white) and the arena was heavy with activity as the show moved swiftly by holding two classes at a time.

Laura Owen of Roanoke and ZipposHandsomeDevil had several placings
at the show, including a Reserve Championship in Rookie Amateur Trail.

The Virginia Horse Center was proud to have attracted the championship and the one-year contract also included and option to return. However, on Saturday afternoon while this year’s show was still deep in showmanship patterns, AQHA announced that next year the championships would be held during the spring in Raleigh, N.C.

This year’s show attracted about 600 entries from states across the Eastern U.S. Another Novice Championships show was also held in Las Vegas for West Coast exhibitors. Local exhibitors included Tabitha Thompson and Laura Owen of Botetourt County. Owen had several placings at the show including a Reserve Championship in Rookie Amateur Trail on her horse ZipposHandsomeDevil. Thompson also had placings in Novice and Rookie Amateur Ranch Riding with her horse Too Tuf to be Fancy.

Tabitha Thompson and Too Tuf to be Fancy
An Amateur Novice exhibitor.

Rachel Trebesh of Florida and Only a Natural

Mariah Collins, of Canada, and Little Zip of Scotch

PT Enterprise and Jennifer Stossel-Anderson of New York

Elizabeth Johnson of Alabama and MR RV Radical Chip

The Youth 13-and-under Showmanship finalists.

Micayla Bragg cries as she realizes she has won the Youth 14-18 Showmanship title.
Crusin to the Max and Devon Wainwright of New Jersey

Double check horsey plans for the rainy weekend

The AQHA Novice Championships – East Horse Show continues this weekend at the Virginia Horse Center.

This weekend had lots of horsey offering in the area, but Mother Nature had other plans and now many of those events are canceled due to forecasts of significant to extreme rain for our area.

The Botetourt County Horseman’s Association has postponed their Lunch & Learn event. The state horse shows at the Virginia State Fair were canceled as well. If you had plans with your horse this weekend, you should definitely double check with organizers.

Franklin County Fair’s horse show, which was postponed last week until Oct. 3, is also canceled. The fair is attempting to reschedule the show for Saturday, Nov. 14.

Outside the barns at the horse
center on Tuesday. Photo via Facebook.

The AQHA Novice Championships – East show continues at the Virginia Horse Center. Some water has infiltrated the barn aisles and things are quite soggy at the center, but most of the participants seem to be keeping a sunny attitude. Reports that the horse center have included that there are plenty of covered areas to ride. Find a schedule of this weekend’s classes here.

If you’re stuck inside watching the rain pour down on us outside, the Quarter Horse Congress opened on Oct. 1 and has live feeds from each of its arenas (provided by iEquine.com) for the duration of the show, which runs through Oct. 25. This weekend will feature a variety of reining and cutting classes. Cutting will be on the Coliseum feed. Reining will be on the Celeste Center feed. You can download a complete schedule for the show here.

Also streaming online through the USEFnetwork, the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East will be broadcast Saturday and Sunday from Gladstone, N.J.   The Talent Search is an equitation competition that tests a rider’s ability to ride a jumper style course effectively while maintaining the classic American forward style of riding. View the competition’s Prize Book for more information.

Roanoke is expecting between 2 to 6 inches of rain through Saturday night. Please heed warnings and take precautions for your animals and your families if flooding should occur.