A World Champion Hunter Jumper Event
By Winkie Motley
Spring is slowly, very slowly, coming around in many parts of the Keswick environs and even though it felt a little more like winter recently, a sure sign that warmer weather is ahead came with the Historic Garden Week Tour through the bucolic Keswick Hunt Country and the upcoming Keswick Horse Show..
The Keswick environs – the place to be in the Spring – love it, love the history of it while driving down rt. 231 enjoying the view !
The 114th Annual Keswick Horse Show presented by The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund will again be held at the historic Keswick showgrounds from Tuesday, May 15 through Sunday, May 20.The Keswick Horse Show, the second oldest horse show in the United States, started and continues to be a community horse show that represents the best of Virginia horseman and our community.
Started in 1904, the horse show has been chaired by members of the Keswick community and Keswick Hunt Club. Thanks to organizations like The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund charity horse shows can continue to grow, thrive, and help the charities that they serve. It’s people like Lindsay whose mission is to dedicate themselves to the sport by providing opportunities and memories to children that make this world better.
This year’s show is brought to you by the Keswick Hunter Jumper Foundation to benefit UVa Children’s Hospital. Keswick has maintained its excellence as a AA rated World Champion Hunter Rider Event and has been designated a USEF Heritage Competition. The Keswick Horse Show has helped different charities including Habitat for Humanity, Charlottesville Senior Center, The Boys and Girls Club, SPCA and UVA Children’s Hospital. Over the past 20 years, the horse show has raised close to $500,000 for its different charities and has attracted some of the most famous horses, trophies, exhibitors and trainers to walk the showgrounds.The Keswick Horse Show has become such an integral component of our community. It’s a must attend event for both community members and top-level equestrians.
The entertainment committee has created a wonderful schedule of events, including the Eastminster Dog Show and Exhibitor party under the tent on Wednesday night. On Thursday, May 17th, the Keswick Horse Show will host Karats & Cocktails in support of the show’s beneficiary, Friends of UVA Children’s Hospital. The ticketed Karats & Cocktails event will feature jeweler Meira T Designs, live music, cocktails, and an exclusive bourbon tasting.
The weekend starts with the USHJA National Hunter Derby followed by dinner and dancing Friday night. Saturday is always a special gathering for the entire community as the Jumper Classic is a beautiful evening that has become a tradition in Keswick. Sunday’s Down Home Fish Fry on the porch will be a relaxing conclusion to a wonderful week.
For more information, including the hospitality event schedule, available sponsorships, and contact information, please go to the Keswick Horse Show website.
Its almost time again – the 34th Eastminster Dog Show! This years show is Wednesday, May 16, th. Registration: 5:30 p.m. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. Rain or Shine. As always, it is at Keswick Hunt Club Horse Show’s Upper Ring after the Horse Show finishes for the evening.
This years Celebrity Judges: Our own beloved Jennifer Nesbit and Angie Gunter, Executive Director of the Charlottesville/Albemarle SPCA.
Remember, it is FREE to participate. All dogs must be on leash and spayed/neutered, but, otherwise nearly anything goes!
Following are the classes: The Family Class invites both dog and human family members. Musical Chairs is always convivial chaos. The Agility Class offers a simple obstacle course appropriate for kids and dogs of all ages and abilities. The Costume Class encourages creativity and humor. The Best Rescue Class shows off the most amazing adopted dogs and finally, The Best in Show is chosen from the winning line-up of all classes.
Donations to the Charlottesville/Albemarle SPCA are encouraged and appreciated. Eastminster is sponsored by The Animal Connection and Keswick Life.