The Region 15 Championship Show &

Markel Firecracker Classic

It’s going to be a hot one for check-in day here at the Virginia Horse Center! Tomorrow is the pre-show, the Markel Firecracker Classic, with the Regional Championship classes starting on Wednesday!

Yesterday was set up day for the show office and I had a chance to take a quick walk before helping Lindsey get the thing unpacked and arranged and I noticed something I didn’t remember seeing before! At the entrance to the horse park there’s a new statue to greet visitors. I was stunned to think I didn’t notice it last year, but a little quick research and I’ve learned that’s because it’s new!

Meet “The Goddess Sitar Tara”, just one of thirteen themed horse statues that are part of Horsemania, a project benefiting the Blue Ridge CASA for Children! Sponsored by Jacob, Max and Tyler Sallette, Jody Jaffe was chosen to be the artist for Sitar Tara.

Since we're pretty busy during the show, I didn't think I'd be able to see any of the other horses, but out on a lunch run, I spotted this one, titled 'Ol Paint' standing guard outside the YMCA!

The artist for Ol Paint is Cindy Sappington, and the sponor is Frank Facciolo!

I especially liked the paint brush mane on this one!

Never heard of CASA? CASA is the acronym for “Court Appointed Special Advocates” and they are special volunteers, that “are the voices for abused and neglected children in court”. This fall, these horses will be auctioned off and the funds all go to this wonderful worthwhile organization, the Blue Ridge Casa for Children!

For those not familiar with CASA, here’s the website! Check it out!