By MARLEY LIEN-GONZALEZ
The Virginia Horse Industry Board (The Board) has been working behind the scenes for over three decades to support and grow the equine culture in Virginia at the governmental level through advocacy, fundraising, and collaborative work.
The board’s current efforts aim to showcase Virginia not just as a place to compete but as a complete equestrian lifestyle destination.
A Model That Serves the Equine Industry
Virginia is where America’s horse heritage began and is also home to the oldest running horse show in the United States, The Upperville Colt & Horse Show, located in Upperville, VA. There’s no shortage of equine contributions to the legacy-steeped history of the commonwealth.
Since The Board’s inception in 1994, the state-supported organization bands leaders and influential members from all corners of Virginia’s vibrant horse community for strong representation of all the equine activities it hosts.
“Why be isolated?” says Gail Rezendes, a Board member with extensive hunter/ jumper experience, “When a lot of our problems and the solutions are the same across various disciplines. When you start talking together, you realize the challenges are universal.”
The Board’s mission is to unite equestrians and spotlight the economic and cultural wealth horses have brought to Virginia. They preserve and protect the recognition of horse owners, competitors, and industry members from a well-established base.
“The board was started essentially from a need to protect the economic footprint and impact that these animals have. We’re quickly moving towards a realm where they’re categorized as house pets, which really isn’t accurate. As commodities and as livestock, horses need the government and state infrastructure,” says Board Program Manager Garrett Petro.
Not only does The Board look to create economic opportunities for equine businesses and protect land for expanding equine use, but it also creates an environment within the state that’s attentive to the needs of horses and their owners and everything that connects them with the economy. So far, only Virginia and Maryland have state-governed horse industry boards. The Virginia Horse Industry Board is dedicated to prioritizing deep involvement in the equisphere while serving as a model for other states to do the same.
Research That Supports the Community
The Board is helping to pave the way for equine research by collecting data and supporting scientific studies. In 2018, they sponsored an economic impact study for the equine industry and are working to have results for an updated case by 2026.
“We use that data for legislative support,” says Rezendes.
“Data is king in this new era of commercializing,” Petro adds.
Virginia’s horse community represents a substantial economic force, with nearly a million people attending competitions in the state annually, according to previous impact studies. The Board’s comprehensive data collection serves multiple purposes, from supporting land preservation discussions in the legislature to attracting outside vendors and sponsors to Virginia’s equestrian events.
Many equine programs across Virginia also flourish with financial backing from The Board. Educational institutions play a crucial role in strengthening Virginia’s equine community; in turn, The Board offers grants to Virginia Tech’s programs and specialized initiatives like Emory and Henry’s Intermont Equestrian program.
“When it comes to their vet programs, these schools have a massive focus on not only bringing in students from outside states but then keeping them here professionally to contribute back to Virginia,” says Petro. “Being able to create that skill set and then reinfuse that into the local economy becomes a great showcase of the outcome of investing in our community.”
The Board also serves as a resource for connecting people with career opportunities in veterinary medicine, farriery, and other essential equestrian roles. These efforts address critical shortages in specialized fields while keeping skilled professionals within Virginia’s borders.
Looking Forward
As Virginia continues to develop its reputation as a premier equestrian destination, The Board’s role becomes increasingly important. Along with maintaining diverse landscapes suitable for various disciplines, established competition circuits, and a growing network of educational institutions, The Board is furthering a strategy to draw more newcomers into the sport.
“In all that Virginia Horse Industry Board does, we hope to be stewards of this industry in the process. We’d like to add more information booths, offer guided tours of equine facilities, and serve as a resource pool where people can get their feet wet without feeling overwhelmed. We have a great community that wants to welcome everyone with open arms,” says Petro.
Through data collection, career development, community building, and strategic promotion, the Virginia Horse Industry Board is demonstrating how, when diverse groups within the horse world come together around shared goals, the results benefit everyone, from casual trail riders to Olympic hopefuls, from small local shows to major international competitions. As other states observe Virginia’s success, the model may well spread, creating more connected equestrian communities nationwide.
In an industry often divided by discipline, geography, and tradition, Virginia is showing the way forward through collaboration and mutual support.
