Natural Horse Addicts 4-H Club Visits State Horse Show

Members of the Orange 4-H Natural Horse Addicts horse club traveled to Lexington, VA this past weekend to explore possibilities for competing at the state level in the future. Throughout the weekend, the gymkhana, drill teams and gaited classes seemed to capture the most attention. Members explored the barns for stall and tack decoration ideas as well. All were impressed with the beautiful, well-groomed animals and the camaraderie and spirit of the 4-H members in attendance. The art and photography shows had impressive entries and the upper level of the Colosseum was packed with a wide variety of vendors selling all sorts of horse and horse-folk accessories.

 

As attendees came from all over the state of Virginia and many had far to travel, show activities ended early on Sunday.  NHA members headed home in heavy discussions about horses, training, showing and scheming for the year ahead. We did not take the direct route home, though. Much of the ensuing discussions took place as we meandered the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. A picnic lunch at a beautiful overlook, conversation and photos with an awesome group of bikers and some light hiking rounded out a perfect weekend! 

 

 

 

Checking the show schedule while we wait for the ring cleanup and pole bending setup.

 

An early morning hotel swim before heading to the show!

 

Getting ready to head home from the show.

 

One of many awesome overlooks and beautiful scenes of the Blue Ridge Parkway!

 

Enjoying a picnic lunch in the mountains.

 

Cool people with cool bikes - of course they attracted the attention of some of our members!

 

Short hike on an old logging railroad...