UPPERVILLE, Va., June 7, 2025– On Saturday, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, the oldest horse show in the United States, proudly hosted the 2025 Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony, recognizing individuals whose enduring contributions have shaped the legacy and spirit of this historic event.
Held at the iconic showgrounds beneath the storied oaks of the Parker Ring, the Wall of Honor ceremony gathered members of the equestrian community, sponsors, friends, and family to celebrate the lives and achievements of the 2025 honorees. The Wall of Honor was established to recognize those who have made extraordinary impacts on the show and the sport, whether as competitors, horsemen, officials, volunteers, or patrons.
This year’s inductees are:
Carol Lee, founder of the Willisville Preservation Foundation in addition to being a great cook and having her own catering business, Rooster Haven. Over the years, Lee has provided food for the horse show judges, officials and staff.
Paul Cronin was the quintessential horseman who attended Upperville without fail. He rode and developed a large number of young horses that went on to be top show hunters. He also dedicated his life to teaching and coaching generations of students. American horse sports and the Upperville Horse Show are both better thanks to Paul.
Mimi Abel Smith first showed at Upperville at the age of 14. Her last competition was at 71. Every year she showed at Upperville, she took on a new adventure—side saddle, amateur owner hunter, adult jumpers, thoroughbred breeding and family class. Additionally, Mimi competed in working hunter competitions in top shows in England. For 50 years, she has been a large supporter of the Upperville Horse Show.
Iona Pillion came to the U.S. from England in the 1960s.She has worked making fine riding ponies for children and making children into fine horsemen. She bred Farnley ponies that not only showed but proved to be well-rounded. Iona has been a supporter of Upperville for many years and many of the top riders on the Wall of Honor got their start with Iona.
Sally McVeigh deserves recognition on the Wall of Honor for being someone who has become an integral part of the Upperville Horse Show. She and her husband, Steve, were two of the show’s top supporters, although behind the scenes. They also bred horses and helped turn them into hunters and jumpers. It’s nearly impossible to find an Upperville Show program that doesn’t’ include at least one of the McVeigh’s horses on the entry list. There is so much they’ve done for the show and adding Sally to the Wall of Honor, where she joins Steve, is one small way of showing gratitude for all they’ve done.
Lumiere is owned by Jane Gaston and became a dominating champion throughout the U.S. no matter the venue. He was twice both USEF Horse of the Year and Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter. “Lu” won two National World Champion Hunter Rider Titles for Gaston, two World Champion Hunter Rider challenge classes, tied for the win another year and was World Hunter Champion Rider Regional Champion five times. Gaston makes it clear that Lumiere has had a special place in her life and will remain with her for his entirety.
“These remarkable individuals are the heartbeat of Upperville,” said Joe Fargis, UCHS president. “Through their service, vision, and passion for equestrian sport, they have left an indelible mark on this show and its history.”
The Wall of Honor features the Show’s past Presidents, who have steered its course with dedication and integrity, as well as the original nineteen charter members, and other distinguished individuals and horses. Each year, new names are added in recognition of those who have helped make Upperville the extraordinary event it is today, honoring its legacy while looking ahead to the future.
The Show’s leadership established the Wall of Honor in 2004 to celebrate the individuals and horses who have played a vital role in preserving its rich tradition, those who return year after year to work, compete, and embody the spirit of the Show, as enduring as the oaks that line its historic grounds.
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.