Author: RoanokeEquestrian

Bucky Reynolds, Jack Towell clinic scheduled for this summer at the Virginia Horse Center

Bucky Reynolds

A rare opportunity to learn from two of the nation’s most notable horseman — renowned trainers Bucky Reynolds and Jack Towell — will come to the Virginia Horse Center on Aug. 24-25 at a clinic titled “How to Improve Your Performance in the Show Ring.”

The clinic will offer sections for riders at 2’6″, 3′, and 3’3″, with each section being offered both days. 
Rider reservations are accepted on a strictly first come, first served basis with a limit of 8 riders persection. Reservations can be made using the reservation form found here.
Each two-hour session will incorporate flat work, jumping exercises and course work. Each session is followed by an open session allowing riders to ask Reynolds and Towell questions as trainers and judges about any aspect of riding and showing. Each session costs $175 per rider or $300 for both days. It includes lunch. Auditors are also welcome to register at $20 per person. An accompanying auditor is free. Space is limited and the deadline is Aug. 7.
Reynolds is a well-known, highly respected hunter/jumper trainer and judge. He has trained and ridden some of the most notable show hunters in the nation including Henry the Hawk, Square Lake, Stocking Stuffer, Garbiel and Gozzi. He also trained national champions in the amateur owners with his sister, Betty Oare, riding Estrella. Reynolds has judged every major horse show in the United States including the National Horse Show, the Devon Horse Show and the Pennsylvania National, and he is a member of the VHSA Hall of Fame.
 
Jack Towell (right) with son Hardin
Towell is one of the only trainers in the country to train a champion or reserve champion in every division at the year-end fall indoor horse shows. He has been named the Leading Junior Hunter Trainer of the World Champion Junior Hunter Rider association. Towell’s students have been named Best Child Rider at Devon and the fall indoor shows 18 times. He has trained the overall High Score Pony Hunter at the U.S. Pony Finals and the overall champion at the U.S. Junior Hunter Finals. Towell also judges some of the most prestigious horse shows in the country and has twice trained Brunello, ridden by daughter Liza Boyd, to the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship. His son, Hardin, is a successful grand prix rider currently based in California.

GET YOUR HORSE FIX: Equestrian events in the Roanoke region June 13-14

Arabian Western Pleasure, photo via Flickr, Creative Commons.

VIRGINIA HORSE CENTER

The center will host the Blue Ridge Arabian Classic beginning Thursday, June 11, through Sunday, June 14. The show is Arabian Horse Association rated, USDF rated and USEF “A” rated Arabian, Half Arabian and Dressage horse show. Karen Homer-Brown and Donnie Bullock will be the judges for halter and performance. Meg Rhodes and Gegi Winslett will judge hunter and over fences. Carol Bishop and LeaAnn Hansen will judge Dressage. The show will encompass the entire facility.

OPEN SHOWS

  • The Franklin County Equestrian Club will continue its Gymkhana Saddle Series on Friday evening. The show starts at 6 p.m. at Dove Valley Farm in Henry, Va. (11918 Henry Road, Henry, Va.)
  •  Franklin County Trailblazers 4-H Horse Show will be held Saturday, June 13, at The Ginther Farm in Sontag, Va. This show was rescheduled from April. This show includes classes for both Hunter, Western Pleasure, Ranch Riding, Trail and Gymkhana classes. Chuck Nifong will judge.
  • Memory Hill will hold the second in its series of horse shows on Saturday, June 13 at 905 Old White Bridge Road, Waynesboro. The show, which are SWVHJA and VHSA Associate sanctioned, features classes for hunters both over fences and on the flat. John Martin will judge.

CLINICS

  • A Ranch Roping and Ranch Riding Clinic, will be held Saturday, June 13, in Raphine, Va. (435 Lofton Road). All levels are welcome. Riding participants must already be registered, but auditors can pay at the gate. $10. Clinicians include Julie Stanley, George Propst and Scott Talley.
  • Register now:  The Trail Horse Clinic & Challenge with Perfect Partners Equine will be held Aug. 13-16 at the Ivanhoe Show Grounds, 527 Trestle Rd, Ivanhoe, Va. Thursday’s  Trail Horse Clinic from 3 p.m.to 6 p.m. will focus on ground skills and liberty using obstacles. Friday’s trail horse clinic  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. focuses on riding skills with obstacles. Saturday and Sunday will feature a trail horse competition with three classes (In-Hand Obstacle Class, Trail Course Obstacle Class over 3-5 miles of trail, Trail Pleasure Obstacle Class in arena) in four divisions. Registration and prices.

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.

USEF offering $1,000 college scholarship

With ever-rising college costs, finding scholarships is becoming more and more important for students. For those who will either continue riding in college with an intercollegiate riding team or who are pursuing a equestrian-related degree, there is a $1,000 scholarship up for grabs through the United States Equestrian Federation.

To qualify, applicants must:

  • be a graduating high school senior
  • active USEF member
  • riding with an intercollegiate riding team or pursuing an equestrian-related degree.

Applicants must write a 1,000 word essay on one of three topics:

  • Explain how the sport of equestrian has helped you reach your goals so far.
  • Explain how you plan to continue your involvement in equestrian sport during college.
  • Explain your future career goals after college.

Deadline to submit your application and essay is July 1. One winner will be chosen Aug. 1.

GET YOUR HORSE FIX: Equestrian events in the Roanoke region this weekend (June 6-7)

OPEN SHOWS

  • POSTPONED: The New London Horse Show Series kicks off June 6 at 9 a.m. in a new location: Coyote Crossing Cattle Company, 4178 Headens Bridge Road in Bedford, Va. The open show includes halter, Western and Hunter pleasure and equitation, Ranch Horse halter and performance classes, mini classes, gaited and added-money classes in Western Pleasure, English Pleasure and Ranch Pleasure classes. Billy Prother is scheduled to judge. The series includes four shows with the next one scheduled July 18.
  • Stone Bridge Equestrian Center is also holding a horse show Saturday, June 6, at their farm in Natural Bridge. The show is for hunters and jumpers both on the flat and over fences. Robin Wood will judge. Find their prize list here.
  • Lead Mines Rescue Fun Show, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at the Foster Falls Horse Complex in Austinville, Va. The show includes Pleasure,Game and Fun classes including a Costume Class and Egg & Spoon. There is an entry fee for spectators to this show.

VIRGINIA HORSE CENTER

The center will host the Virginia Presidential Paso Fino Horse Association Show on Friday, June 5 through Sunday June 7 in the East Complex.  Rogelio Moreno and Robbyn Young will judge.

HUNTER PACE

 Bedford Hunt Club will host a Hunter Pace on Saturday June 6 at The Cedars in Goode, Va

TRAIL RIDES/MISC.

  • The Kanawha Valley Arena Resort will host Saddle up for Shriners, June 5-7, Hillsville, Va.:
    Sponsored by Hill Billy Kazim Shriners in Hillsville Virginia,weekend admission is $25 per rider which includes dinner and live entertainment on Saturday night. All non-riders are welcome Saturday night for dinner and live entertainment for $10 per person. The ride leaves Saturday at 10 a.m. Dinner will be served on Saturday at 5 p.m. and includes barbecue, hamburgers and hotdogs. Live entertainment is by Dixie Breeze.
  • CANCELED   Southern VA draft horse and mule show, will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Pine Spur Hunt Club in Vinton, Va. Classes are open to all drafts, half-drafts, donkeys and mules. All proceeds benefit Astride with Pride therapeutic riding program.
  • Ride the beautiful George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in Augusta Springs, Va. Wildwood Farm and The Mane Street will hold a one-day trail ride. Choose between a 5-mile trail, an 8-mile trail or an 11-mile trail. All trails will be well marked and you may ride at your own pace. Easy access to the parking area on private land. Cost for the day is $30 and includes lunch. All proceeds will benefit Ride With Pride, Inc., a therapeutic riding program and veterans in the Augusta County area.  Call (540) 292-1654 for directions.
  • Bull Pasture Mountain Ranch will host its annual “Snow in June” trail ride Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7, in McDowell, Va. (About 2-hour drive from Roanoke.) A portion of the proceeds will go to McDowell Volunteer Fire Department. Friday will start with a 2 to 3-hour ride, followed by an authentic cowboy dinner. Saturday will start with breakfast, and then choose between a short (2-3 hour) or a long (5-5 1/2 hour) ride. Visit the ranch’s website for more details.
  • Iron Mountain Horse Camp will host a trail ride Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. in Ivanhoe, Va.
  • The Rockbridge Hunt is hosting a Poker ride on Sunday, June 7, in Brownsburg, Va. Riders will set their own pace on a well-marked and shady course at West Airslie farm and the surrounding farms and woodland. During this untimed ride, you’ll pick up five playing cards along the route and submit your poker hand to the Casino Master at the end of the ride. The best Poker hands win cash prizes!

 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.

A need for speed at the Virginia Barrel Classic

Pure speed was at the center of last weekend’s action at the Virginia Horse Center. The Virginia Barrel Classic turned up the volume and rocked the Coliseum. The only lull in the action came during the regular drags of the footing, which was done every three horses. With $10,000 in added money up for grabs, good footing was a priority. Loud, upbeat music accompanied each run, adding to the excitement of the show. Here are some photos of runs made on Sunday afternoon.

Hear the Hoofbeat Horse Show raises money for therapeutic riding

Tucked in a corner of the Virginia Horse Center, the Hear the Hoofbeat Horse Show shuttled in many riders for their first shows for the Western portion of the open show Sunday afternoon, while experienced riders also took to the arena to raise money for the Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

The Western classes begin at 1 p.m. at the Hear the Hoofbeat series in the Northern Arena. Unfortunately, that meant the hot summer day was at its most unforgiving when Western riders began their classes. But there were plenty of hardy riders willing to put on their hats, and a few their chaps, although generally it was more casual than that. I was able to stay only for a short while as the Western classes got underway.

The show generally ran smoothly, although a separate exit gate would have served them well as congestion at the in-gate caused some problems.

The show was sanctioned by the Blue Ridge Horse Force, Franklin County Equestrian Club and was a 4-H qualifying horse show. Ben Nicely was the judge.

The next Hear the Hoofbeats horse show will be held Sept. 6 at the horse center.

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GET YOUR HORSE FIX: Equestrian events in the Roanoke region this weekend (May 30-31)

VIRGINIA HORSE CENTER

  • There’s a wide variety of events at the horse center this weekend. Barrel racing will be at its center in the Coliseum for the Virginia Barrel Horse Classic on Thursday through Sunday. The show includes a $10,000 slot class in which only 25 slots will be sold. The other classes also include added money purses.
  • Dressage with a View will also be at the center on Saturday. Divisions are up through Second Level and Western Dressage classes are also offered. Gabby Hooten will judge.
  • For open show competitors, the horse center will host the Hear the Beat Horse Show on Sunday. The show will be held in Wiley and Northern arenas. The show includes Hunter, Western, Pleasure and Game classes and is sanctioned by the Blue Ridge Horse Force.

CLINICS/DEMONSTRATIONS

OTHER EVENTS

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: Equestrian events in the Roanoke area Memorial Day weekend

Virginia Horse Center photo

VIRGINIA HORSE CENTER

  • The center will be hosting the Virginia Horse Trials, an international three-day event featuring riders from the United States, Canada and Europe including Olympic medalists and U.S. Equestrian Team members competing in dressage, cross-country and show jumping.  Admission and parking are free, and dogs and children are welcome, but please keep your dogs on a leash. Competition begins Friday at 9 a.m. and continues through Sunday. Three top eventing riders selected for the 2015 Pan American Games, Phillip Dutton, Lauren Kieffer and Marilyn Little, will compete. Team alternates Will Faudree and Michael Pollard are also scheduled to ride. Dutton is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a former winner of the renowned Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event.
  • The House Mountain Horse Show will be held Saturday and Sunday in the East Complex at the center. This hunter show has classes both over fences and on the flat. It will be judged by Stephen Bickers of Free Union, Virginia.

OPEN SHOWS

The New River Valley Horse Show will be held Thursday through Saturday at the New River Valley Fairgrounds in Dublin, Virginia. This show charges an admission of $5, children 12 and under are free with an adult. Friday evening is spectator appreciation night and adult tickets are $2. Each evening a full slate of classes will be offered for gaited horses, while classes open to all breeds will be offered Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. Friday evening will also offer speed classes. This show is a qualifier for the Kentucky State Fair and is Blue Ridge Horse Force sanctioned as well. Allison Deardorff, of Molalla, Oregon, is the Saddlebred judge. Ashley Owens, of Blacksburg, Virginia, will judge the hunters, western and racking.

LECTURES/CLINICS

  • Diet and Hoof Health – It Matters! Join a lively discussion of how diet is important for healthy hooves on Saturday 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Floyd Library Community Room.

ONLINE

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.

    Relive college and ride in the IHSA Alumni Tournament of Champions

    Photo via Facebook

    Who hasn’t wanted to relive the glory days of college? For college equestrians, that often included piling into vans or buses and traveling to horse shows several hours away, drawing a horse for your class, carefully watching it being ridden by whoever drew it before you and trying to figure out how you would ride it better when your class came along. There was no warm-up before you rode into the arena. All you had was whatever skills you brought with you to quickly figure out and effectively ride new mounts.

    All those horses made all of us who were lucky enough to be part of a collegiate equestrian team better riders. One day you’d be on a 15-hand quarter horse who was maybe a bit lazy, the next you’d be up on a 17-hand Warmblood whose giant strides ate up the ground between fences, and the next time you’d be on a hot, quick Thoroughbred who wanted to buck and play between the fences. 

    The IHSA was a big part of many college equestrians’ lives. For some it was an introduction to horse shows while for others it was a continuation of their youth years in the show arena. IHSA truly had a class and a division for everyone who wanted to ride. On June 14, you can relive those equestrian team days at the Alumni Tournament of Champions at St. Timothy’s School in Stevenson, Maryland (a little over 4-hour drive from Roanoke). But if you want to ride in the tournament you have to act fast. Entries close on June 1 and some divisions are already close to filling up.

    The tournament, meant to offer an alternative to the IHSA Nationals, is open to all past and present IHSA alumni riders and includes both Hunt Seat and Western divisions. You can register online here. You do not have to be an active alumni rider. A reunion division has been created for former IHSA riders who have not been actively showing as an alumni throughout the season.

    If you’re like me and your IHSA glory days were a few more years ago than you like to think about, don’t forget to pack some Icy Hot in with your breeches and hunt coat.

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