UPPERVILLE, Va., June 12, 2022— Four members of the Upperville community were honored on Grand Prix Sunday at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS Equestrian™, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared June 6-12 Upperville Colt & Horse Show Week across the Commonwealth, while First Lady Suzanne Youngkin presented the first ever Spirit of the Horse Award.
The Governor issued a proclamation at the horse show honoring the show as the oldest horse show in America and announcing June 6-12 as Upperville Colt & Horse Show Week across the Commonwealth, recognizing the Upperville Colt & Horse Show’s long history and bright future as a leader in horse welfare, education and world-class competition. UCHS President Joe Fargis accepted the proclamation on behalf of the horse show’s Board of Directors.
First Lady Suzanne Youngkin presented the inaugural Spirit of the Horse Award to UCHS Board Member Dorothy “Punkin” Lee in recognition of her decades long service to the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, the horse industry in Virginia and to the community at large. Lee, who has served on the UCHS Board of Directors for 25 years, is the founder and owner of Journeymen Saddlers in Middleburg, Va. and is deeply involved in a multitude of community organizations, such as the Middleburg Business and Professional Association, the Virginia Fall Races and the National Sporting Library and Museum.
UCHS President Joe Fargis presented the President’s Award to Tommy Lee and Diane Jones in recognition of their invaluable commitment and loyalty to the horse show. From the tractors to the flowers to maintaining the historic show grounds, there is not one acre of land not touched by the Joneses. The President’s Award is awarded annually to a member or members of the community, chosen by the UCHS President, in recognition of their steadfast dedication and service to the Upperville Colt & Horse Show.
Joe Fargis received the Randolph Perpetual Trophy, given annually by the Bonnie Family to the person who has made an outstanding contribution to the Upperville community. The Upperville Colt & Horse Show has grown into its modern form due to the leadership and vision of Fargis, who has also garnered numerous national and International showjumping victories in a long and storied career, including two Olympic gold medals.
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About the Upperville Colt & Horse Show
The Upperville Colt & Horse Show, also known as the Upperville Horse Show and UCHS, is the oldest horse show in the U.S. Founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, the show has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs compete under the spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm—the same location as 1853. UCHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that raises funds for The Churches of Upperville Outreach Program and supports other area charities. For complete schedules and up-to-the-minute results, visit the website at www.upperville.com.