Beverly Equestrian is laying an accessible path for Commonwealth riders

The changing nature of Horse Shows in the USA has prompted positive action from Beverly Equestrian to sustain competition in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The tradition of equestrian sports is firmly rooted in the state, which historically enjoyed a robust regional show calendar and one that has been undermined by the modern trend toward destination events.

“There used to be a real regional show circuit in Virginia,” said Beverly Equestrian Founder Darrin Mollett. “Events where a rider could compete regularly, develop steadily, and stay connected to the sport without it becoming a second career in logistics. That circuit no longer exists in any meaningful way. What Beverly is working to do, in part, is bring it back in a form that makes sense for more riders.”

To that end Beverly, located near Middleburg in the heart of Virginia horse country – and just down the road from the longstanding Grafton and Salem Farm showgrounds in Upperville – was founded in 2010 to offer accessible rated competition in the region and a year-round showing program, carrying over to Wellington, Florida.

The Upperville Colt and Horse show – the oldest horse show in America in its 173rd anniversary – and Loudon Benefit Horse Show, spanning 75 years, takes place between Beverly’s early spring and late fall classic. This year the United States Equestrian Federation [USEF] granted licensing for the Beverly Spring Classic taking place the weekend of May 23rd and 24th, giving the facility its first rated show in the spring for both Hunters and Jumpers.

“Our goal is to extend the rated season in Virginia – to make early summer and fall viable options for riders who would otherwise face a gap,” said Darrin. “You shouldn’t have to leave the Commonwealth to keep competing at a quality level.”

Horses are expensive and modern-day horse showing can be prohibitively so, for riders faced with the costs of traveling, taking time off work, paying for on-site stabling – and the list goes on. There is an ongoing debate amid equestrian circles that discusses whether horse showing in the USA is becoming an elitist sport. ‘Road to the Top’ is a charitable organization set up to give top level access to talented riders who may otherwise fall by the roadside due to financial constraints. Beverly Equestrian is also addressing the problem of access, but from a different angle by keeping a show circuit in Virginia to provide local riders, at least, with a solution.

“Access doesn’t mean lowering the standard,” said Darrin. “It means making the standard achievable. We hold the ring, the footing, the staffing and the overall experience to a high level – because riders at every stage of development deserve that. What we’ve worked to remove are the unnecessary barriers, not the expectations. Well-run local shows exist precisely to give riders a more sustainable path forward.”

This could be interesting:

Golden opportunity for aspiring equestrians presented by Road to the Top