VHCF Launches Volunteer Partnership - 2 events announced

The Virginia Horse Center Foundation installed a new development department in March of 2011 which has built out a professional and strategic approach to garnering philanthropic donations as well as extending the public’s understanding of its services, model, and needs.  Many educational and social programs have aided in this effort and raised considerable funds for the Foundation.  As more ideas were brought to the table, it became apparent that a volunteer team would greatly benefit the Virginia Horse Center’s public outreach and the VHCF Equestriennes was formed. 

The VHCF Equestriennes is a women’s volunteer group with a mission to support the Virginia Horse Center’s equine events and facilities through programs designed to increase attendance and visibility. Membership is open to all women committed to recreation, education, and preservation.  The founding members made up of a core group of women from Lexington, Middlebrook, Staunton, and Charlottesville but aims to be inclusive of many more regions in Virginia moving forward.  A logo contest for the group was held in June, and the design of Linda Barbarosa was selected to represent the efforts of the Equestriennes on behalf of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation.

The Equestriennes have already put on two successful programs in 2012 – an evening with celebrated, female jockey Donna Barton Brothers in March and a seminar on financial planning for women and the Virginia Equine Liability Act with two experts in the field in April.  Two more programs are slated for this fall.  The first is a Trailer Safety Seminar on September 23 from 1-4pm.  The seminar will feature the know-how and equipment of Blue Ridge Trailer Sales, with two hours of instruction as well as the chance to practice safe hitching, backing, and driving of horse trailers at the Virginia Horse Center.  The second event is a Barn Tour in the style of a garden tour.  Ten barns in Middlebrook, Staunton, and Lexington will open their doors and stalls on Saturday, October 6 to show participants how different breeds and farms have set up their riding operations or just designed their equine lifestyles.  Proceeds from both events will directly benefit the Virginia Horse Center Foundation’s “Turn Up the Lights” campaign to replace ninety-nine fixtures in the Anderson Coliseum for safety, energy efficiency, and to improve the competitor’s experience.  More details and registration information is available at www.horsecenter.org under the Events calendar.