News
Virginia's first USHJA Hunter Derbies were met with great crowds and entries.
Held as evening events, The Lexington Spring Encore drew 39 starters and the Keswick
Derby had a group of 29 vying for the top prize. Both were won by Zone 3 members -
Mary Lisa Leffler galloping to victory in Lexington on Stephanie Wallace's Just Dessert
and Kelly Farmer leading victory gallop with Nancy Amling's Taken at Keswick. Just a week
later, Kelly won the Devon title of Leading Lady Rider.
Entries have been up at all “A” rated shows this spring. Other Zone 3 Devon winners included Junior Johnson winning leading pony handler,
Adele Norton's Peregrine had the high score junior stake round from all sections and managed
to bring home the reserve champion large jr. 15-17 for Pam Baker's Hillcrest Farm.
Perhaps the biggest win of the week were brought home by Jane Gaston who tied for champion with
her two horses Lumiere and Listen. Congratulations to all.
Wishing a quick recovery to Tommy Serio who was in an accident. We know he will be back in the tack in no time.
On a sadder note, we have lost two well known horsemen from our region. Noel Twyman lost his lengthy battle with cancer in May. Admired and loved by many, the church where his service was held couldn't hold all the friends who spilled out across the lawn. Noel was the consummate horseman having success as a young hunter rider, race rider, trainer and an avid foxhunter. He will be missed.
Charlie Weaver died four months after being injured in a training accident. None who had seen Charlie gallop the working hunter courses on Ruxton and Stocking Stuffer (and many more) will ever forget his soft touch on the reins, his accuracy at the jumps and how the horses always tried for him. Perhaps the best tribute to is to visit the Facebook page " Charlie Weaver, Friend and Horseman". Nearly 2,500 admirers were kept updated on his condition by Charlie's partner and friends through his tribulations. The site includes anecdotes and tributes from many who knew and loved him and some who just admired from afar. It is worth a visit to feel the outpouring of support from 2500 admirers and see that Charlie was not just a great rider, but a kind and incredible human being.
The Virginia Horse Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Located in Lexington, VA.,
the VHC has hosted some of the countries most prestigious events over the years including the
USEF Pony Finals and Young Rider’s Championships. The vision of the Horse Center 25 years ago
has been a huge asset to the Zone 3 horse community.
Tracy Magness and Tarco Van Ter Moude are well on their way to qualifying for the Pfizer
Million Grand Prix to be held at HITS Saugerties in September.
Zone 3 members had great success showing in Florida and other southern regions this winter.
HITS Ocala Circuit Champs included Douglas Wheeler’s First-Year Green Hunter Good Humor, Green
Conformation to Trade Winds, and the Regular Title to Lonestar. Devon Walther was Children’s-14-and-under
champ with Kassandra.
Some of our young entries had great success as well, with Maddy Schaefer and Silver Rain
collecting the Small Pony HITS Circuit title. Will Kennedy and "Paisley" (No Boundaries) dominated
one week of Palm Beach with the Medium Children’s Pony Championship.
Thanks to all who stayed home and braved the elements and attended our winter Zone 3 horse shows.
Remember that these shows need your support if you want them to continue!
The USHJA award winning Old Dominion Horse Show will once again host the Old Dominion College Night
Recruiting Dinner for prospective college students. Eight schools with riding programs from around the
country will be in attendance to meet with students and parents to answer questions about academic
programs and equestrian opportunities. New this year will follow with the Old Dominion Collegiate
Medal Championship, a class open to anyone who has ever ridden on an organized college, high school
or grade-school team. Team saddle pads and colors are encouraged. For more information on both,
visit the USHJA clinics page or
www.olddominionhorseshow.com.
Once again the Middleburg Classic Horse Show will be held in September at Morven Park, Leesburg, VA. A
benefit for Food and Friends, the show will host the $10,000 WCHR Handy Hunter Classic Sept. 25. For volunteer or
sponsorship opportunities contact Nardeen Henderson 57-357-1775 or
middleburg@aol.com.
For a complete listing of upcoming clinics and events click on the "calendar" button in the menu bar.
A clinic with California trainer Karen Healy will be conducted at the Virginia Horse Center Aug. 10.
Hosted by the VHSA Special Events Committee, this one-day clinic is sure to fill quickly. For more information
or to register contact vhsa@verizon.
A sports psychology clinic with clinical psychologist Paul Hagfer Ph.D (
www.ridingfar.com) will be held July 17 at Stony Ridge Farm in Manassas, VA. Hagfer specializes in riding
and competition anxiety. A group seminar will be held in the morning with mounted sessions in the afternoon.
For more information contact Jane Nordstrom at jn119@aol.com or 703-966-0139.
In order to meet our goal in making this website the best tool for all your zone needs,
we want to hear from you. Please let us know your thoughts and suggestions on how to make this site more
proactive. Please contact USHJA Zones Manager, Diane Popp or at 859.225.6704.