UPPERVILLE, Va., June 10, 2025– The 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ presented the Randolph Perpetual Trophy to Michael and Wendy Smith of Marshall, Va. Nina and Shelby Bonnie presented the award on behalf of the Bonnie family in memory of Mrs. Theodora Ayer Randolph.
Mrs. Randolph was an icon of the Upperville community as a horseman, horse owner and leader of organizations including UCHS and Piedmont Foxhounds. She fox hunted seven days a week in her prime, gave countless young riders their start and was president of the Upperville Horse Show for over 15 years. As a 50-year master of the Piedmont Foxhounds, she cared not what your last name was, but rather whether you had respect for the sport, well-turned out horses and brought passion and interest to those around you. The trophy was established to be awarded annually to the person who has made an outstanding contribution to the Upperville community with this same philosophy.
Nina Bonnie is the daughter of Mrs. Randolph and Shelby is Mrs. Randolph’s grandson. They are both accomplished equestrians. Nina is one of the best amateur hunter riders in her own right and is also an important contributor to the sport. She became the chairperson of the Kentucky Horse Park in 1985 and has left an incredible legacy at what is now the top equestrian facility in the U.S. Like her mother and husband, she was a winner of the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award.
Michael and Wendy Smith were selected for their years of commitment to the Upperville Horse Show. Through their generous financial support and hard work, they have significantly enhanced the quality of the show. Michael is a former president of the UCHS board of directors and has been a top competitor at the show as well as owner of some of the top horses competing. He was instrumental in bringing Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) competition to the show, making it a world-class show. The couple have demonstrated a commitment that goes above and beyond.
The Smiths are also supporters of local conservation organizations and support the preservation of open space and wildlife habitats.
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 more than 2000 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 week-long show culminated on June 8 with the excitement of the $200,000 Upperville Jumper Classic CSI4* featuring top world-class equestrians. The Bonnies made their presentations just prior to the Jumper Classic.
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 more than 2000 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.
Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor MARS EQUESTRIAN, Ethel M. Chocolates, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance and Delta Air Lines.
For more information on the show, visit www.upperville.com.
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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.