Summer Shows Wrap-Up

Skyland Farm's Ollivander and Edyyn Molden earned the High-Score Welsh Award at the USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships.

The Skyland Farm team enjoyed a fun and successful summer of showing in our home state of Virginia.

As is tradition, it all began “Under The Oaks” at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show and the Loudoun Benefit, just west of Skyland Farm on Route 50. It was one of the best two weeks of weather the shows have enjoyed in recent memory, providing us with the perfect backdrop for great rides, ribbons and celebrations from June 3-16.

“Skyland congratulates our entire team and a BIG THANK YOU to our amazing staff for going above and beyond to create such a wonderful two weeks,” noted Denice.

Skyland then traveled south to the nostalgic Warrenton Pony Show, a very special one-ring show that’s organized by a Junior Committee. The hospitality provided by the kids is second to none, and the juniors create a welcoming environment and fun show for juniors and amateurs of all ages, complete with daily luncheons, ice cream socials and an amazing costume class.

“We congratulate Chloe Welsh and Blue Label, Lily Scheurich and Shirzan as well as our dear friend and barn neighbor Lane Costa and Love Letters. They all were amazing and earned some top ribbons in the VHSA Equitation Finals as well,” said Denice. “It was a really fun and rewarding week!”

Michele Trufant and Denice Perry in Aachen, Germany

In early July, Denice and Michele Trufant traveled to Aachen, Germany, to experience of the world’s greatest horse show, the CHIO Aachen 5*. There, they watched the best show jumpers in the world as they prepared for the Paris Olympic Games and spent time soaking up the European horsemanship. It was the trip of a lifetime. “It was the BEST horse sport we have ever seen. It’s just amazing,” said Denice.

Beautiful Skyland was also the focus of a lovely photo shoot on July 9, with the beautiful young ladies and their adorable ponies. Thank you Caitlin for the amazing photos!

The Skyland team then drove south to the Rose Mount Farm Summer show from July 27-30 where the ribbons flowed. “Congratulations to all on a great show, and thank you to our superior support staff for making it all happen,” said Denice.

The shows at HITS Culpeper were also on our summer radar, and we enjoyed lots of great performances in July and August. Congratulations to Mosie Pennington and Sofia Car on their Jumper Classic win at the Winston National in August. Skyland wishes the duo best of luck on their upcoming school year. We would also like to shout out Madi Hitchen and her Haymar’s Sassafras on her top ribbons in one of the largest divisions of the show.

It wouldn’t be showing in Virginia without a trip to the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, where the Skyland team jumped to a variety of top calls from the USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships to the Lexington National in August. Skyland’s Ollivander won the High-Score Welsh award and received top ribbons and a blue in the competitive 6- and 7-year-old division with Eddyn Molden in the irons. We also congratulate Eddyn on her Best Child Rider Award.

Please enjoy the Summer Photo Gallery below with many of our favorite images!