2015 VA Classic Kicks Off Today in Lexington
By: Brittany Bevis
With 700 stalls sold for the four-day, six-judge show, the 2015 Virginia Quarter Horse Classic is shaping up to be a very competitive event. The VA Classic kicks off today at the picturesque Virginia Horse Center (also the site of the AQHA Level 1 Novice Championships this October) and will continue through the weekend.
Judging the show are Lynda Danielson, Suzy Jeane, Kelly McDowall, Karen Watters, and last minute judge substitutions, Mike and Charlene Carter, who generously stepped in to cover for Nancy Sue Ryan and Larry Hansch after he sustained a heart attack last weekend. Our prayers and well-wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Larry at this time.
Classes begin bright and early this morning in the Coliseum with Showmanship and Halter to be followed by Western Riding, Ranch Riding, and Reining. Meanwhile, Over Fence, Hunter Under Saddle, and Equitation classes will be held in the Wiley Arena. The same schedule will be repeated on Saturday with the addition of a few very special events. Friday and Sunday’s classes will include Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, and Trail.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Harris Versatility Challenge
The Harris Versatility Challenge is back again this year and will include three classes: Harris Challenge Western Riding on Thursday, Harris Challenge Trail on Friday, and Harris Challenge Western Pleasure on Saturday. The entry fee for the class is $100, and 75% will be jackpoted per NSBA’s payout schedule. In addition to a check, the winner will receive a Harris work saddle!
Hylton Maiden $50,000 3 and Over Western Pleasure
The main event, the Hylton Maiden $50,000 3 and Over Western Pleasure, will take place Saturday evening at the conclusion of the horse show, following the Harris Versatility Challenge Western Pleasure. The Equine Chronicle is proud to be a sponsor of the 2015 Virginia Classic once again this year and will be hosting The Equine Chronicle Exhibitors’ Party just prior to the Hylton class. Stop by to enjoy some great food, drinks, and to take a few photos with Gordon Downey.
It’s not too late to enter the Hylton Maiden. Competitors may enter at the show by Friday at 5:00 pm, for an additional late fee of $500. In addition to taking home a huge check, the owner of the winning Hylton Maiden horse will receive a FREE breeding to Invitation to Flash, 2008 AQHA World Champion Performance Halter Stallion and 2008 AQHA Honor Roll High Point Green Western Pleasure Horse.
Ranch Riding Special Event- Friday only
On Friday evening, a special Ranch Riding event will take place 30 minutes after the last class in the Coliseum. The event will be open to all horses (both AQHA and non-AQHA) and all riders (professional and non-pro). This event is being sponsored by Hylton Quarter Horses and will offer $400 in added money: $200 for the professional division and $200 for the non-pro division and will pay six places. Cornerstone Horsemanship has donated a beautiful pair of handcrafted stirrups that will be presented to the highest scoring rider. The entry fee is only $20 and can be paid at the gate!
Also, $250 has been added to Amateur Ranch Horse Pleasure, courtesy of 1999 AQHA Sorrel Stallion Heza Classy Chic.
If you’re at the show and need some last-minute glamor shots for your ad in an upcoming edition of The Equine Chronicle, official show photographer Eric Hardesty will be set up in the make up pen just outside the main arena. He will be shooting all classes, so be sure to book a time early this week.
Click here to view the showbill.
Stay tuned for more fun photos and results coming soon.
