By SIENA ROSATO/CAVALETTI CONSULTING
In the world of equestrian sport, much of the spotlight shines on the horses, riders, and thrilling moments of competition. But behind the ribbons and results, there’s an often-overlooked foundation that makes these experiences possible: nonprofit horse show venues. Facilities such as the Virginia Horse Center, the Paso Robles Horse Park, the Carolina Horse Park, and the Aiken Horse Park are the backbone of our industry and rely entirely on donor support to keep their gates open, preserve equestrian tradition, provide accessible competition spaces, and reinvest every dollar back into the sport’s future.
The Virginia Horse Center Foundation (VHCF), located in Lexington, Virginia, was established with a vision to serve as a home for all disciplines, a place where local riders and international competitors alike could compete, learn, and connect. Decades later, that vision continues to thrive, thanks to a community that believes in the power of giving back.
Steve Shank, VHCF chief executive officer, understands how crucial donors are to ensuring that the Virginia Horse Center remains a place where riders of all levels and disciplines can come to a world-class show venue.
“The Virginia Horse Center recently celebrated its 40th birthday,” he said. “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and we are excited about what the future holds. Thanks to the generosity of donors, corporate friends, and our partners in state and local government, we have invested more than $3 million into critical improvements that enhance the experience for horses, exhibitors, and visitors alike. Upgrades include stall mats for horse comfort, eight-ring footing and drainage improvements, barn roof coatings and ventilation fans, and our very own golf cart fleet. As a non-profit, none of this is possible without our supporters.”
As a nonprofit, the Virginia Horse Center operates differently from privately owned facilities. Rather than focusing on profit, it prioritizes sustainability, education, and access. Funds raised through donations, sponsorships, and community initiatives directly support facility improvements, footing upgrades, and youth development programs, all of which ensure that future generations have a place to ride and grow.
The Virginia Horse Center thrives on the community it has built around it, and Cinda Ayers, VHCF vice president, acknowledges just how imperative this support has become. “We are incredibly grateful to our generous and committed donor family,” she said. “They believe in our mission and partner with us in a variety of ways, including significant investment in us. To be able to help realize our best friends’ philanthropic aspirations for the Horse Center, centering upon safe and spirited equestrian competition, is truly a privilege in celebration of the equines we love.”
The Virginia Horse Center is just one example of the impact nonprofit venues have across the country. On the West Coast, the Paso Robles Horse Park demonstrates how nonprofit facilities can make equestrian sport more inclusive and more forward-thinking. By offering a wide range of competition experiences, from schooling shows to nationally rated events, the Paso Robles Horse Park uses its nonprofit structure to prioritize accessibility, horsemanship, and long-term growth over commercial gain.
“At the Paso Robles Horse Park we run shows at all levels from schooling shows on up to nationally rated shows,” says Amanda Diefenderfer, show manager at Paso Robles Horse Park.
“I think it’s tremendously important to offer these varied show products to support the accessibility of our sport to a wider audience, ensuring our show jumping stays relevant and continues to grow into the future. Our ability to offer these varied show products and keep in mind the choices that allow us to put horse and rider first is made possible by our nonprofit structure supporting that our mission always comes ahead of the pocketbook.”
The Carolina Horse Park echoes many of the same challenges and triumphs. As another nonprofit equestrian venue, it relies deeply on the generosity of supporters to maintain its grounds, host diverse competitions, and protect the land for future generations. Its success illustrates how community commitment can sustain equestrian heritage even without government funding.
Renee Felter, director of development and philanthropy at the Carolina Horse Park, knows that donors are crucial to the continuance of these equestrian facilities. “The support from sponsors and donors is essential for the survival of many nonprofit equestrian competition venues across the country,” she said. “Particularly those like the Carolina Horse Park that lack access to federal or state funding. The generosity of our community is the foundation of our success.”
Together, venues like these form the heartbeat of the equestrian community. They not only provide a platform for competition but also serve as educational and cultural hubs. From hosting 4-H and Pony Club rallies to supporting therapeutic riding programs and community outreach, nonprofit horse show facilities nurture the sport from the ground up.
The Aiken Horse Park Foundation at Bruce’s Field further demonstrates how nonprofit equestrian venues can enrich communities beyond the show ring. Through mission-driven facility management and charitable partnerships, the organization creates a model in which equestrian sport and philanthropy work hand in hand, ensuring that every event has a purpose that reaches far beyond competition.
“Nonprofit equestrian venues with missions and visions that resonate with exhibitors and community members are worthy of support through donations and sponsorships because they serve community organizations well beyond the production and management of horse shows,” says Tara Stoker Bostwick, chief executive officer at the Aiken Horse Park Foundation. “Mission-driven event venues provide organizers with context and accountability. Bruce’s Field requests all lessees, and indeed holds our own events to the same standard, that each event adopts a charitable partner to raise awareness and funds. Partnering with a nonprofit allows exhibitors to feel a sense of purpose, and while they are spending an expensive weekend competing, they are also giving back to a worthy cause.
“There are not many horse show properties that are 501(c)3 organizations,” she continued. “I know of just a handful. Event venues are extremely expensive to maintain, and in an era of large campuses such as WEC Ocala, Wellington International, HITS, and TIEC, to name but a few. The small, intimate venues, venues with a mission to give back, are being increasingly challenged by soaring costs. For avid equestrians, supporting these nonprofits is not just a tax deduction but a nod to the value that these intimate spaces provide in the equestrian landscape.”
Supporting these organizations means investing in the future of equestrian sport. Every donation helps maintain arenas, improve facilities, and expand opportunities for riders who might otherwise not have access to such resources.
And perhaps most importantly, giving to nonprofit horse show foundations helps ensure that equestrian sport remains rooted in the community. When riders, owners, and enthusiasts contribute, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, they help protect the spaces that make horse shows possible in the first place.
This Giving Tuesday, consider making a difference by supporting the nonprofit venues that make the sport you love possible. Whether it’s the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, the Carolina Horse Park Foundation, or another equestrian nonprofit close to your heart, your support helps ensure these institutions can continue to thrive, today, and for generations to come.
