After more than 25 years running the Virginia Horse Trials, Brian and Penny Ross have announced their retirement.
FEI technical delegate Andy Bowles will work alongside the Rosses for the remainder of the year before he takes over in January of 2015. The first international event under Bowles’ ownership will occur in May.
Located at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, the events offer divisions ranging from beginner novice to CIC**, and the venue has held the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships three times.
“I think Andy Bowles will do a very good job; he’s excited about it,” Penny said. “He gets to come live in the United States, which is something he wants to do. He’s told us over and over again, ‘Thank you for the opportunity.’ It’s a dream come true for him. We’re thrilled; we think he can do a good job. We have poured our life into this event, and we certainly wouldn’t have turned it over to somebody we didn’t think would go forward with it.”
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The Rosses plan to continue with their schooling events, which they’ve increased to 23 events for the coming year. In addition, they’ll continue selling their community-supported agriculture baskets, making Christmas wreaths and enjoying spending time with their family including a new granddaughter.
“We have been very honored and proud to be involved in the sport,” Penny said. “We are extremely blessed with our own health and to watch riders come up through and be excited for them when they meet their goals. We look forward to watching everybody in the future, just from a different perspective.”
Bowles has worked at events globally as an FEI and national technical delegate. He hopes to grow the event, increase prize money and vendors, and encourage a greater spectator presence. He also plans to hold additional non-recognized events.
“My goal for the event is to continue the tradition of the Virginia Horse Trials, which Brian and Penny have created, working with riders to grow the show, while continuing to involve the community to make it a must-attend destination,” Bowles said.
