Riders from all over Virginia competed this past Monday during “Local Day” at the Roanoke Valley Horse Show, going on all week, at the Salem Civic Center. Humans and horses braved the 90-plus degree weather to win the championship ribbons in a variety of classes. While some riders competed, others washed their horses or braided their manes or tails to get their steeds looking their best.
Annabelle Woodward and “Keystone” from Richmond walked into a stall to the compliments and “congratulations” from passersby. A second place ribbon dangled from Keystone’s bridle. They compete for Stone Bridge Farm near Natural Bridge and Woodward has only been riding Keystone for about three weeks. This was her first horse show with him and also her first time at the Roanoke Valley Horse Show. “He was really good — a little bucking, but that’s ok” She thought the heat may have had a little to do with it as well as the fact they’re still getting used to each other.
Annabelle has been riding for seven or eight years as her mother, Annie Beaton, explains, “She went to a pony camp up in New York; she started riding actually up on Long Island. Typically she’ll ride on Long Island in the summertime and then she rides in Richmond and now she’s been riding in Lexington at Stone Bridge.”
Under a large tent sheltering more horses sat students, friends, and one of the owners of Rosehill Farm in Bedford. The name Rosehill came from Roselawn Farm in Pennsylvania owned by Anneliesa King and her husband. When they moved to Bedford from the Keystone state, they planted “tons” of rose bushes and, with the rolling hills, “Rosehill” Farm was born.
Monday was their big day; they had eight horses competing. King says, “We got one championship and two reserves and then a whole bunch of ribbons.” She thought they would get one or two more championships but felt they did the best they could because they were showing indoors. “Some of the horses get a little spooky inside.” Some horses love inside [to compete] more. Most horses like the outside better. Inside — this is a very small ring; there are lots of scary things.” She says the green horses, those which are newer to the sport, look around when they’re competing, while those with two to three years of experience are used to the distractions.
The Kings are originally from Vienna, Austria. Anneliesa says she used to ride dressage there and her husband’s family has been in the horse business for quite a long time. For both those with riding in their blood, and those newer to the sport, the Roanoke Valley Horse Show is a competition not to be missed.
By Beverly Amsler [email protected]