UPPERVILLE, Va., June 8, 2025– The 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ hosted Governor and Mrs. Youngkin on the last day of the weeklong show on Sunday, June 8. The First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, presented the “Spirit of the Horse Award” to local resident Nicole “Nicky” Perry. The award, in its fourth year, was established in partnership with the First Lady to recognize a woman and resident of Virginia who demonstrates exceptional service or dedication to, or promotion of, the equine industry.
Perry is a long-time supporter of the Upperville Horse Show and has been involved with horses for over 60 years—in Thoroughbred breeding, flat and steeplechase racing, show jumping and foxhunting. She has been much more than a participant; she has been a patron who has helped make possible the races and shows that bring the community together.
As an active supporter of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show for decades, Perry has served on the board, contributed as a sponsor, brought horses to compete and has been there every year to watch and cheer on her riders.
“When we think of horses, we think of beauty and elegance. Strength and courage. Their uncanny ability to sense how we feel and their generosity as well as the way they take care of us. That is the spirit of the horse, and it is Nicky’s spirit as well,” said Suzanne Youngkin. “We are honored to present the 2025 Spirit of the Horse Award to Nicky Perry today.”
The award includes an engraved bowl, a gift certificate to a Virginia Governor’s Cup award-winning winery, a reception for family and friends and a $1,000 donation to an equine charity of choice. UCHS leadership partners with Youngkin to help identify and champion unsung heroes and celebrate the fact that Virginia is for horse lovers.
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 Youngkins 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.