On Saturday, October 8, 2011, the Virginia Horse Center Foundation will open its proverbial barn doors to celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary.
“We want to mark the occasion with a community-oriented day of activities highlighting the vibrant and diverse nature of the Virginia Horse Center,” said Katherine Truitt, the Executive Director, adding that, “There are a lot of people to thank for the Foundation’s longevity – from founding members to politicians to the board to our participants – and we want them to feel our gratitude.”
The Open House schedule is still solidifying but is sure to include horse-centric exhibitions, art-making workshops, educational programs, music, speeches, hayrides, a family style dinner, an art auction and much more. This celebration will coincide with the IFSHA Friesian World & Grand National Championship, enhancing the event. More information will be available closer to the date at www.horsecenter.org.
The VHC’s story began over 30 years ago when Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr. and the Commission of the Industry of Agriculture commissioned a study about the Commonwealth’s horse industry, focusing on ways to stimulate its growth. After visiting the Rockbridge site on June 6, 1984, the joint legislative subcommittee voted on June 8, 1984 to locate the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington. On March 22, 1985, Governor Charles S. Robb signed the Virginia Horse Center into law. And a little over a year later on August 13, 1986, Governor Gerald L. Baliles hosted the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Virginia Horse Center.
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The state, staff, board, and the Lexington community have worked tirelessly to ensure that Virginia’s premier equine facility continues to operate, improve, and expand its calendar to benefit all disciplines and breeds as well as offering agricultural and canine programs. We are proud to serve our mission and create a legacy of recreation, education, and preservation.
The Foundation supports a 600-acre facility that serves over 400,000 people; functioning as a class room, land reserve, market place, and recreation venue. The VHCF manages 110 events annually, most free and open to the public, and hosts the Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center.
As a 501(c)3 organization, there have been many challenges along the way. However, a bright new chapter is unfolding and the VHCF plans to capitalize on the momentum surrounding this exciting anniversary celebration.
