Bill Text: VA HJR364 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Warrenton Horse Show.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-07 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ364ER) [HJR364 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR364-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Warrenton Horse Show, one of the oldest equestrian exhibitions in the United States, celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024; and
WHEREAS, possibly inspired by the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, the Warrenton Horse Show was established in 1899 with contributions from prominent members of the Warrenton community like Charlie W. Smith, Julian Keith, William H. Gaines, E. Astley Cooper, W. A. Thompson, M. B. Payne, and George S. Smith; and
WHEREAS, the Warrenton Horse Show was originally held behind the historic home Monterosa, also known as Neptune Lodge, on an empty corner of property owned by South Warrenton Academy; and
WHEREAS, after South Warrenton Academy closed in 1900, the Warrenton Horse Show Association purchased the entire 8.74-acre property, including the schoolhouse, for use as the permanent home of the Warrenton Horse Show; and
WHEREAS, the Warrenton Horse Show was a hit with local residents from the beginning, earning wide acclaim for both its equestrian competitions and other lively special events like variety shows and pageants; and
WHEREAS, the Warrenton Horse Show remains a beloved local tradition, welcoming more than 4,000 attendees in 2023, and the Warrenton Horse Show Association is now the oldest continuously operating corporation in the Commonwealth, ably representing the interests of competitors, horse breeders, and other members of the equestrian community; and
WHEREAS, the Warrenton Horse Show maintains a long tradition of charitable giving and outreach; the show has benefited numerous organizations over the years, including the Fauquier Health Foundation, the Fauquier Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Department, the Fauquier Free Clinic, and the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, the Warrenton Horse Show was designated by the United States Equestrian Foundation as a Heritage Competition, a high honor reserved for shows that are at least 25 years old and have advanced and promoted the equestrian sports while making vital contributions to their home communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Warrenton Horse Show on the occasion of its 125th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Warrenton Horse Show Association as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the Warrenton Horse Show's legacy of contributions to equestrian sports and service to the Warrenton community.
