Veterinarian and acupuncturist Dr. Marvin Cain of Hillsboro, human and equine chiropractor Kerry Bertschinger, and equine physical therapist Gwen Edsall of Millwood will speak. The Virginia Dressage Association will host the second annual Celebrity Musical Freestyle Challenge on June 16 at the Keswick Show Grounds. A benefit for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, the event is a qualifier for the Barbara Silverman Memorial Freestyle Championship. This year's fund-raiser includes competition from training level through Grand Prix. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson recognized the importance of horses and worked on selective breeding and caring for their equine companions.
Equestrian history comes alive in Virginia.
More than 125 years later, the horse still plays an integral part in daily life in Virginia. Steeplechase racing has been a way of life for many Virginians throughout much of the history of the Old Dominion. It was natural that racing over fences would have special allure in a state where horsemanship and sporting competition have been so important. Today Virginia has become the center of steeplechase racing in America. Here novice horses and riders compete for trophies in races that usually do not have purses.