United States Eventing Association

Virginia Horse Trials (VHT) has been approved to run at the Virginia Horse Center on July 21-24, 2020. This is the rescheduled date for the Memorial Day horse trials, which was forced to postpone as a result of COVID-19.

The plan is to run the same levels expected from the May event during the July edition, which includes Starter through Intermediate horse trials plus CCI*-L, CCI2*-S, CCI2*-L, and CCI3*-S. VHT in July will run on Tuesday through Friday, with national classes running as either a one-day or two-day competition.

“One of our main goals for rescheduling is to make sure competitors requiring qualifications will have the opportunity to obtain them. We have also opted to run midweek in order to reduce the impact on other weekend events,” said VHT Organizer Andy Bowles.

“We are trying to make the most of a frustrating situation for competitors and organizers around the country. Many events are attempting to reschedule, and competitors are very anxious to get back on course. I would like to thank the Virginia Horse Center for working us into their very busy schedule.”

VHT is working closely with the Virginia Horse Center to ensure compliance with all USEF, USEA, state, and local health and safety requirements. Bowles said, “We feel very confident, given the size of the Horse Center and our facilities, that we are in a good place to offer a safe competition.”

Some of the changes that will be implemented in order to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants include online entries and low density stabling. International horse inspections will be held in an open space, maintaining social distancing protocol. With much regret, the popular competitor party will not be offered, and there will be no award ceremonies. However, VHT is pleased to offer discount vouchers to future events to the top placing competitors in every division.

“Some things will be different, but what has not changed is our dedication to running a quality event. The high standards competitors have come to expect from VHT will be upheld,” Bowles said. “We hope to see many familiar faces at VHT in July and hope all our friends have been safe during this uncertain time. Hopefully our announcement today gives them something to look forward to.”

Please note, this change of date is for 2020 only. The November Virginia Horse Trials remains scheduled for October 29-November 1, 2020, and VHT’s standard Memorial Day date will resume in 2021.

Additional announcements and full details of the COVID-19 safety plan will be available on the VHT website prior to the event.