Renovations Bring New Opportunities To The Virginia Horse Center

Horse lovers in Virginia have something to be excited about. The Virginia Horse Center (VHC), a cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s equine industry, recently received a major gift from four donors that is funding critical renovations.

- Kurt Siefken

In May, the VHC Foundation announced it is revamping two of the center’s major features: The Fletcher Arena and the “postage stamp” warm-up area. The plan is designed to maintain the center’s world-class standards by addressing footing and drainage issues in one of its biggest arenas. This will enable the VHC to remain a destination point for horse enthusiasts in the United States and abroad.

“These planned renovations will provide an enhanced opportunity for the Virginia Horse Center to host both national-championship-level events and international competitions,” said VHC CEO John Nicholson. “The project is fully funded and scheduled for completion in spring 2020. We are very excited about this opportunity and are grateful to our donors and supporters.”

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA HORSE CENTER

More than 30 years ago, the VHC Foundation was created as a non-profit organization to stimulate the growth of Virginia’s horse industry. The foundation’s mission is to provide a world-class facility hosting regional, national and international equestrian events. On March 22, 1985, Governor Charles S. Robb signed the Virginia Horse Center into law. The next year, Governor Gerald L. Baliles hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Virginia Horse Center and it continues to improve with age.

The VHC campus is nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, just a few miles outside the historic town of Lexington. The modern facility has more than 600 acres dedicated to all aspects of equestrian activities. It offers nine show rings and eight schooling rings with specific footing for a variety of riding options. There are eight barns that are large enough to accommodate 1,000 horses. An indoor coliseum for special events holds 4,000 spectators. Other amenities include a tractor pull, campgrounds and a full café.