Articles: 2009 Horse News

Contact:
Jenny Ross of Phelps Media Group, Inc.
at (561) 753-3389 or at pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Middleburg, VA - January 6, 2009 - The $20,000 TCH Fox Chase Show Series will launch into action on January 10, 2009, at Fox Chase Farm in Middleburg, VA.

The horse show series is an annual non-rated show circuit for equestrians in the Virginia area. Fox Chase Farm hosts two shows a month, with competitions continuing throughout the year until late September.

Maureen Hanley, Director of Operations of Fox Chase Farm, manages all of the horse shows, and she was also the founder of the TCH Fox Chase Show Series in 2006. "With the way the economy is going, it's getting more expensive to go to the rated shows," commented Hanley. "We are excited to offer the same quality shows as any rated competitions with our jumps, courses, real pine trees for fill, excellent footing, and great year-end prizes. We are also very excited to be able to offer our locals the opportunity to be recognized by the USHJA, since we are now a recognized affiliate." The $20,000 TCH Fox Chase Show Series is the first non-rated horse shows series to be affiliated with United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), the national affiliate for hunters and jumpers. High-point competitors are honored at the series' year-end party. This year Fox Chase Farm has increased the series' overall prize money to $20,000, which will be awarded to the series' leading horses and riders at the party.

Hanley added, "We also offer private heated bathrooms, great food in the new 'food cottage' with heat and TV, a heated viewing lounge, and a timely horse show, with great organization at the in-gate and quality judges. Why go and pay big money at the rated shows, when you can have all that they offer and more at our shows?" With the series just around the corner, Fox Chase Farm now provides free online classifieds for local equestrians and businesses in the area. This free service is available on the farm's website. Members of the equestrian community can buy and sell horses and ponies, tack, farm equipment, cars, trucks, trailers, and post Help Wanted ads. To advertise for free on the Fox Chase Farm website, please go to www.foxchasefarm.net and click on "Free Online Classifieds."

For more information on Fox Chase Farm, please go to www.foxchasefarm.net or call their main office at 540-687-5255.

2009 $20,000 TCH FOX CHASE SHOW SERIES

FAST FACTS

Event:

2009

$20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate TCH Fox Chase Show Series

What:

The TCH Fox Chase Show Series offers an annual non-rated show circuit for talented, local equestrians. The farm hosts two shows a month, and competitions continue throughout the year until late September, with year-end awards and $20,000 in prize money presented at the series' annual year-end party.

Where:

Fox Chase Farm in Middleburg, VA. A horse show, clinic and event facility that is conveniently located in the heart of hunt country.

When:

January 10: Fox Chase Farm Kick-Off Horse Show, the first show of the 2009 $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Fox Chase Farm Horse Show Series. This show will be held indoors.

January 24: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show, held indoors

February 14: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

February 28: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

March 7: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

March 21: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

April 4-5: USHJA Emerging Athletes Program

April 11: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

April 25: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

May 9: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

May 23: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

May 31:$5,000 JUST JUMPERS

MINI-PRIX featuring courses designed and built by Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis

June 13: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

June 20: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

July 11: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

July 18: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

August 1: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

August 22: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

September 7: $5,000 JUST JUMPERS MINI-PRIX featuring courses

designed and built by Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis

September 12: Final Horse Show $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

September 26: Final Pony Show $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

Hours:

8am - 5pm daily

Admission:

Admission is free to the public.

Parking:

Parking is free to the public.

Directions: Fox Chase Farm is located on Route 50 between Middleburg and Aldie at 23323 Foxchase Farm Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117. Detailed directions are available online.

Website: www.foxchasefarm.net

Ring Dimensions/Specs:

Both show arenas were recently re-graded and reconstructed. The outdoor arena has new dust-free footing that becomes sponge-like when watered. The rings have competition standard lighting, and the facility has a state-of-the-art sound system with 16 speakers placed throughout the arenas and stabling.

The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:
Indoor: 80' x 200'
Outdoor: 160' x 350'
Outdoor Schooling Arena: 165' x 130'

Facility Features:

*New All Weather frost-free waterers in paddocks

*New fenced board paddocks

*Security system with code at gate

*47 stall barn with attached indoor arena

*Weather-protected access to arena from stable for horses and riders

*Wash stall with hot/cold water and heat lamps

*Grooming stalls with heat lamps

*Gazebo, which comfortably accommodates up to 50 people for BBQs, outdoor receptions, and events

*Six stall owner's barn with hot/cold wash stalls and heat lamps, tack room and private bathroom and shower

*Cross-country course

*Individual tack lockers

*Private men's and women's changing rooms and showers

*Front office and lounge next to indoor arena with fireplaces, central heat and air-conditioning

*Newly remodeled men's and women's bathrooms with central heat and central air-conditioning

*Two bedroom/ two full bathroom cottage available for short term rent - equipped with kitchen and sitting area, perfect for visitors in town for foxhunting, showing, or just passing through Middleburg

Sponsors:

Middleburg Bank Merrifield Garden Center Carr & Hyde Insurance Margaret Weinberg Design SiteWhirks Wegmans Rainbow Child Development Center Norden Insurance Extreme Level My Suburban Oasis

Sponsor Contacts:

Maureen Hanley 540-687-5255, Diane Lunsford 703-618-9992 Horse Show

Photographer: Peggy Smith, http://www.peggyjsmith.com

Awards and Recognitions:

2008 Top 10 Horse Shows - Virginia Horse Show Association 2008 Finalist Award: Small Business of the Year - Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 2007 Winner of Equine Business of the Year - Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 2007 Top 10 Horse Shows - Virginia Horse Show Association 2007 Finalist Award: Equine Business of the Year - Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 2006 Top 10 Horse Shows - Virginia Horse Show Association

Management:

Maureen Hanley, Director of Operations Fox Chase Farm, LLC P.O. Box 743 Middleburg, VA 20118 Email: foxchasefarm@verizon.net website: www.foxchasefarm.net