*Press release distributed by the Office of the First Lady on November 1st, 2024, Photos by Shealah Craighead*
Yesterday, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin awarded the fifth 2024 Spirit of Virginia Awards to the Virginia Horse Center Foundation in recognition of its exceptional contributions to Virginia’s equestrian community and its impact on the state’s agricultural and recreational economy. The First Lady and Governor presented the award to Foundation President Roxanne Booth and CEO Steve Shank at a ceremony attended by local officials, community members, and young equestrians, where they also announced the launch of the Youth Equestrian Festival.
“As a pillar of Virginia’s equine industry, the Virginia Horse Center Foundation not only embodies the Spirit of Virginia, but the Spirit of Passion, Excellence and Sportmanship as they raise the bar for the next generation of riders to grow and compete at the highest level,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We look forward to the Horse Center remaining a premiere destination for lively competition with the inaugural Youth Equestrian Festival taking place next year. Suzanne and I applaud the Foundation for their tireless work in enriching experiences for all participants and visitors.”
“We are proud to recognize the Virginia Horse Center Foundation for their achievements and their ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting a legacy that has become a cornerstone of Virginia’s agricultural and recreational landscape,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Congratulations to the Foundation for the invaluable impact they continue to make on our state and its communities.”
“The Virginia Horse Center Foundation is truly honored and humbled to join the ranks of fellow Spirit of Virginia award recipients. Our inclusion in this distinguished group of organizations who serve Virginians first and foremost is timely and speaks to the vision of the Governor and First Lady, who recognize the educational, economic, and environmental importance of the Horse Center itself as well as the equine industry in the Commonwealth,” said Steve Shank, CEO of Virginia Horse Center Foundation.
“Equal to that is the vision of our Board of Directors, led by President Roxanne Booth, who is spearheading major facility upgrades and improvements that will help ensure the Horse Center’s place as an equestrian destination of note in the mid-Atlantic region.”
“Thank you to The Governor and First Lady for the honor and recognition of the Fifth Spirit of Virginia Award,” said Roxanne Booth, President of the Virginia Horse Center. “The Virginia Horse Center is in this position because of an army of people who have worked for 40 years, and continue to work, year in and year out, to make this a place that resonates with the energy and enthusiasm of activities revolving around our beloved horses. Our partnership with city, county, and state officials has supported us through lean times and helped us to thrive, and we take pride in sharing the results of our work that exemplify the Spirit of Virginia.”
“The Virginia Horse Center has been an important part of my equestrian life,” said Taryn Ayers, Junior Exhibitor at the Virginia Horse Center “My first A show experience with my first horse, Wiley, was here at the Horse Center during the winter. Prior to that, Wiley and I partnered for the VHSA Associate Finals, so it is fitting to be back for this important event with my wonderful new partner, West Palm. We are so happy to be part of the celebration! West and I have been fortunate to show in many lovely venues across the state and in other states, however, I can honestly say it always feels good to come home to the Virginia Horse Center.”
The Spirit of Virginia Award highlights unique contributions and achievements across the Commonwealth and honors those who make extraordinary impacts in various sectors, from private industry and education to culture, the arts, and philanthropy.
