From left to right are Kelsey Ralston, Ariel Mullins, Bryce Leitch, Renee Tuning, Kelcie Izzillo and Alexandra Bailey (photo courtesy of Rebecca Smith)

SWVHJA Holds Annual Award Banquet In Lexington   Lexington, VA (Jan. 11, 2020) - The Southwest Virginia Hunter/Jumper Association held its annual year-end awards banquet on January 11 at Marshall Hall on the VMI campus. Vineyard Farms, located in Millboro, Virginia, owned and operated by Sarah Davis and Kelsey Shrader, featured several area riders receiving awards. Rider and trainer Kelsey Shrader of Millboro, who owns Appalachia, and Z Town, owned by Olin Armstrong, received Reserve Champion on Appalachia and 5th overall on Z Town in the Working Hunter Division, 3rd overall on Appalachia and 7th overall on Z Town in the Low Hunter Division. Ariel Mullins of Christiansburg received 6th overall in the Junior Equitation on the Flat 14 & Under Division, 10th overall on Puff the Magic Pony in the Large Pony Division and 9th in the Pony Medal Finals. Renee Tuning of Millboro received 6th overall in the Pre-Beginner Equitation Division Iva Jamison of Covington received 9th overall on Appalachia in the Intermediate Hunter Division Alexandra Bailey of Roanoke received 6th overall on Mr. Fix-It in the Large Pony Division and 10th in the Pony Medal Finals Bryce Leitch of Clifton Forge, owner and rider of Geronimo, received 3rd overall on Geronimo in the Large Pony Hunter Division, 4th overall in the Junior Equitation on the Flat 14 and Under Division, and was Champion of the High Point Rider 12 and Under, receiving the Mack Daddy Farm Challenge Trophy. Kelcie Izzillo of Verona, who was riding with Clover Grove Farm, showed in the Junior Equitation 15-17 division and Intermediate Hunters, where she placed sixth. She often helps out at Vineyard Farm during the summers. The mission of SWVHJA is to promote and encourage good sportsmanship and good horsemanship; to better educate both the horse and rider for safety and enjoyment in the saddle and on the ground and most importantly, to develop knowledge for the humane treatment of the horse.

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