State Fair to add more equine events
Posted on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 4:18 pm
DOSWELL – The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is seeking to organize more equine events for this year’s State Fair of Virginia as well as other special equine events at Meadow Event Park.
The federation is reaching out to horse industry groups to spread the word and solicit their participation in the State Fair of Virginia and other special events.
“We’re actively recruiting members of Virginia’s horse industry to join us during the fair,” Greg Hicks, vice president of communications for the Farm Bureau, said in an announcement today.
“We’re trying to get the word out about this now because we know it takes time for horse owners to plan and move their valuable animals to an event like the fair,” he added.
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is making plans for a draft horse pull competition, quarter horse competitions and shows, reining horse events, and other equine activities at the State Fair, said Hicks. It is also contacting the Virginia High School Rodeo Association, 4-H horse organizations, and miniature horse groups to solicit their participation.
“We know from past State Fairs how much the horse community loves this venue, and we’re looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Virginia horse lovers in the future,” said Hicks.
The State Fair will be held Sept. 28-Oct. 7. The federation also is soliciting participation of other equine events at Meadow Event Park, said Hicks
Equine events have been held at the State Fair since 2009 at the Rouse Horse Complex at Meadow Event Park. The complex includes a 140-stall stable and four rings.
“Equine events and other livestock competitions have been the backbone of the youth scholarship programs connected with FFA and 4-H competitions in past State Fairs,” noted Hicks. “Farm Bureau is committed to continuing and growing these scholarship opportunities.”
A new e-mail address, statefairhorses@statefairva.org, has been established to make it easier for horse owners and equine groups to contact the new management of the State Fair of Virginia.
An online registration form is available at www.statefairva.org. Interested parties should contact the fair or fill out the online form by Aug. 9 to assist in creating a complete schedule of equine events.
