VBHSA Cooler Show


Quick Links Prize List - Ring 1 arrow_forward Prize List - Ring 2 arrow_forward		Show Fees arrow_forward 2024 Memorial Trophy Winners arrow_forward

Show Venue TBA		Show Manager TBA

Enter Online edit_note		Download Entry Form download

Download Prize List download		Download Division Descriptions download

Start Times 8:30am - Ring 2 9:00am - Ring 1		Schooling Times Ends 15 minutes prior to start time.

Judges TBA TBA		Stewards TBA TBA

Show Secretary TBA		Announcers TBA (Ring 1) TBA (Ring 2)

Course Designer TBA		Official Photographer TBA

Show Fees Warm Up Class Division Cooler Challenge Cooler Classic		$25 $30 $60 $50 $60

Stalls Stall Fee $TBD Stall availability may be limited Contact show venue for availability and to reserve stalls Canceling stall reservation Show manager must notified no later than 12:00 noon on the Friday before show date If notification is not received by show manager, a charge of stall fee will be imposed

Paying Show Fees We accept checks, cash and Venmo All fees are due day of show Open checks are permitted and must be left with Show Secretary Checks payable to "TBD"		Additional Fees $25 Processing fee if payment is not submitted by close of show $40 Returned check fee $000 No Show Fee $25 Non-showing schooling fee

Show Rules

Online entries close 12 noon on the Thursday prior to show day.
You may download an entry form and submit it to show secretary on day of show.
ASTM approved hard hats must be worn while mounted
Judge's decision will be final
All dogs must be on leash at all times
Paper copy of current negative Coggins must be left with the show secretary. NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Photo images of Coggins are not acceptable.
Entries must be paid at the time of entry or covered by an open check and left with the show secretary.
Discourtesy to an official by any spectator, rider, trainer or groom will disqualify the horse(s) with which they are associated and all fees are forfeited.
Management reserves the right to cancel or combine classes or to reschedule classes and to interpret all questions and conditions in regards to or arising out of an incident at the show without claims for damages or recourse of any kind.
All questions not covered in these rules and regulations shall be decided by Management, and their decision is final.

Condition of Entry

Participants who submit an entry form (signed or not) realize and accept the inherent risks of equine activities as outline in VA Code 32.2-6206.
Every horse entered for competition will be under the control of Show Management however Show Management will in no case be responsible for any loss or damage that may occur, and it shall be a condition of entry that each exhibitor shall hold the Show, the Management, and the facility harmless for any loss or accident to his or her horse, horses, or equipment which may occur from sickness, fire or otherwise.

VBHSA Point System
It is the same as VHSA point system as it applies to hunters.


# of Exhibitors	Points awarded
	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th

3 to 5	10	6	4	2	1	.5
6 to 9	11	6	5	3	2	1.5
10 or more	12	8	6	4	3	2.5

Exhibitors must have completed the first over fences class and/or pleasure division.
Champion awarded an additional 10 points per division
Reserve awarded an additional 6 points per division

Held in Ring 1.
Objective: To offer a class that shows the overall ability of horse and rider. This class will recognize the trainer, owner of the horse, parents of the rider and class sponsors. It is open to juniors and amateurs. The class is to be judged on the best overall horse and rider combination.
Class Requirements: The class will run in the format of the Hunter Classic. No entries will be accepted once the class has started. There will be two rounds ridden over two different courses. Numerical scores will be announced at the completion of each horse/rider’s trip. The top 12 rounds will be called back and will ride the second course in reverse scoring order (lowest score starting first), within jump heights.
Jump Heights: Small Ponies 2’ Medium Ponies 2’3” Large Ponies 2’9” Horses: 3’
Rules of the course:

The first course and second course will have 8-10 fences.
Each round is worth 50% of your total score.
The scores will be announced upon completion of each round
Each rider must wear protective headgear in accordance with general rules.
Mane braiding and proper show attire is required.
Adults may ride ponies.
Owner, rider and animal must be VBHSA member 30 days prior to Cooler Show

Prizes:

- First Place: $200 & Perpetual Trophy and Ribbon
- Second Place: $125 and Ribbon
- Third Place: $75 and Ribbon
- Fourth Place: $50 and Ribbon
- Fifth Place: $30 and Ribbon
- Sixth Place: $20 and Ribbon
- Seventh Place: Ribbon
- Eighth Place: Ribbon

View Cooler Challenge Rules...

Held in Ring 2.
Objective: To offer a class that shows the overall ability of horse and rider. This class will recognize the trainer, owner of the horse, parents of the rider and class sponsors. It is open to juniors and amateurs. The class is to be judged on the best overall horse and rider combination.
Class Requirements: The class will run in the format of the Hunter Classic. No entries will be accepted once the class has started. There will be two rounds ridden over two different courses. Numerical scores will be announced at the completion of each horse/rider’s trip. The top 12 rounds will be called back and will ride the second course in reverse scoring order (lowest score starting first), within jump heights.
Jump Heights: 2’ or 2’6” (Rider’s Choice)
Rules of the course: The first course and second course will have 8-10 fences.

Each round is worth 50% of your total score.
The scores will be announced upon completion of each round.
Each rider must wear protective headgear in accordance with general rules.
Proper show attire is required.
Adults may ride ponies.
Owner, rider and animal must be VBHSA member 30 days prior to cooler show

Prizes:

- First Place: $100 and Ribbon
- Second Place: $50 and Ribbon
- Third Place: $40 and Ribbon
- Fourth Place: $30 and Ribbon
- Fifth Place: $20 and Ribbon
- Sixth Place: $10 and Ribbon
- Seventh Place: Ribbon
- Eighth Place: Ribbon

View Cooler Show Classic Rules...

Riders must submit biography sheets for the Cooler Challenge and the Cooler Classic by 10:00 am the day of the show.

2024 Cooler Challenge Winner
Claire Oliver
Riding "Champlain's Houdini"

**THE FOLLOWING IS FROM THE 2024 PRIZE LIST**

*Points transfer to VHSA Associate Program


Starts - 8:30	Judge - TBA

Class #	Division/Class

1	Warm Up Course B - Unjudged Open Card

2	VBHSA Breeding Sponsored by: Horse/Pony must be recorded with the VBHSA

3 4 5	Open Hunter Sponsored by: 2', 2'6, or 3' - Rider's Choice Open to all horses and ponies Adults may ride horses or ponies

6 7 8	Thoroughbred Hunter Sponsored by:* 2'6 or 3' - Rider's Choice Open to all thoroughbred horses that have or were eligible to race

9 10 11	Green Hunter Horse Sponsored by:* 2'6, or 3' - Rider's Choice Open to horses in 1st or 2nd year showing 2'6 or higher

12 13 14	Working Hunter Sponsored by:* 2'6 or 3' - Rider's Choice Open to horses only

Schooling Break

15	$500 Cooler Show Challenge Sponsored by: Ponies: S/2' M/2'3" L/2'6 Horses: 3' See details

16 17 18	Adult Amateur Hunter Sponsored by:* 2'6 or 3' - Rider's Choice Open to adult amateurs on horses.

19	VHSA Assoc. Adult Amateur Equitation Over Fences Sponsored by:* 2'6 or 3' - Rider's Choice Open to adult amateurs mounted on horses Must be member of the VHSA

20	VHSA Assoc. Adult Amateur Equitation on the Flat Sponsored by:* Walk - Trot - Canter Judged on position, control and guidance Open to amateurs 18 and older

21 22 23	Children's/Junior Hunter Sponsored by:* 2'6 or 3' - Rider's Choice Open to horses only. To be ridden by juniors.

24	VHSA Assoc. Children's/Junior Equitation Over Fences Sponsored by:* 2'6 or 3' - Rider's Choice Open to horses ridden by juniors.

25	VHSA Assoc. Junior Equitation on the Flat 14 and Under Sponsored by:* Walk - Trot - Canter Judged on position, control and guidance Open to riders who have not reached their 15th birthday by Dec. 1st

26	VHSA Assoc. Junior Equitation on the Flat 15-17 Sponsored by:* Walk - Trot - Canter Judged on position, control and guidance Open to riders who are 15 to 17 years of age and have not reached their 18th birthday by Dec. 1st of the calendar year.

Schooling Break

27 28 29	Green Pony Hunter Sponsored by:* S/2' M/2'3" L/2'6 Open to ponies in the 1st or 2nd year of showing and ridden by juniors. **New 2025 VHSA rule - Ponies are allowed to show two years as Green Ponies

30 31 32	Pony Hunter Sponsored by:* S/2' M/2'3" L/2'6 Open to ponies ridden by juniors only.

33	VHSA Assoc. Pony Equitation Over Fences Sponsored by:* S/2' M/2'3" L/2'6 Open to ponies ridden by juniors. Rider must be a VHSA member.

2024 Cooler Winners
Carliegh Carter & Taylor Dunthorn
Riding "Bon Voyage" & "Mystic Melody"

**THE FOLLOWING IS FROM THE 2024 PRIZE LIST**

*Points transfer to VHSA Associate Program


Starts - 10:30	Judge - TBA

Class #	Division/Class

34	Warm Up Course B - Unjudged Open Card

35	Lead Line Sponsored by: Walked in hand by an adult

36 37 38	Very Beginner Pleasure Sponsored by: Walk - Trot Judged on performance, manners, and way of going Open to riders of all ages in 1st year of showing or 2nd year of showing if rider did not accumulate more that 5 blue ribbons in first year.

39 40 41	Walk/Trot Equitation Younger Sponsored by: Walk - Trot 10 and Under- 1st year of showing

42 43 44	Walk/Trot Equitation Older Sponsored by: Walk - Trot 11 and Over - 1st year of showing

45 46 47	Short Stirrup Hunter Sponsored by:* Crossrails Open to those 12 and under

48 49 50	Beginner Equitation Sponsored by: Crossrails Open to those in 1st year of riding or 2nd year and have not accumulated 5 blue ribbons

51 52 53	Pleasure Pony Sponsored by:* Shown by juniors on ponies with hunter tack on the flat

54 55 56	Pleasure Horse Junior Sponsored by:* Shown by juniors on horses with hunter tack on the flat

57 58 59	Pleasure Horse Adult Sponsored by:* Shown by adults with hunter tack on the flat

Schooling Break

60	$250 Cooler Show Classic Sponsored by: 2' or 2'6 - Rider's Choice See details

61	Open Equitation on the Flat Sponsored by: Open to all juniors & amateurs regardless of age or experience

62	Open Equitation Over Fences Sponsored by: 2' or 2'6 - Rider's Choice Open to all juniors & amateurs

63 64 65	Schooling Hunter Sponsored by: 2' or 2'6 - Rider's Choice Open to all horses and ponies. Adults may ride horses or ponies.

66 67 68	Special Hunter Sponsored by: 2' or 2'6 - Rider's Choice Open to pony hunters, junior hunters and amateur hunters

Previous year winners are reminded to return their trophy engraved, cleaned and polished 2 weeks prior to show.

Donated by: Whitney Brooks

Best Adult Amateur Rider of 2024

Kaitlin Wise

"Armani" was a Hanoverian mare by stallion Ahorn Z. Born in 1995, she took numerous VBHSA members to the podium of VHSA medal finals and won the Bryan Trophy Equitation class at Deep Run. Armani was a true teacher and she taught more about riding than any other horse. She enjoyed a long retirement with Whitney Brooks until crossing the rainbow bridge in 2019.

The Armani Memorial trophy will be presented to the Best Adult Amateur Rider on a horse or pony on Day 2 of the Cooler Show. To be considered, Adult Amateurs need to see the secretary for an arm band which indicates to the horse show judge that a rider is an Adult Amateur.

2024 Benlea Neptune Memorial Trophy Winner

Donated by: Mary Shearin

Best Child Rider on a Pony of 2024

Emilia West

“Benlea Neptune” was born in 1990 and died in 2009. He was a beloved familiar face to the VBHSA where he began and ended his career. He was also very successful in the “A” show arena with his longtime riders Kirkland Brown, Taylor Shearin, and Holly Shearin. He earned the VHSA Small Pony award numerous times as well as the Grand Pony award and the Mary Drury Award. He was Champion at Devon and Pony Finals in 1999. He also won championships at Upperville, Middleburg Classic, Deep Run, Hits Culpeper, Lexington Spring Premiere & Encore, James River, Rosemount, Blowing Rock and many others.
Despite all these numerous accomplishments, he is most fondly remembered for his endearing personality and for the thousands of safe trips aboard his sturdy back. A once in a lifetime pony!

The Benlea Neptune Memorial Trophy is awarded to Best Child Rider on a pony.

Donated by: Lisa Doczi & Mederise Carter 2024 Ocean Blue Memorial Trophy Winner

Best Junior or Amateur Rider of 2024

Lorien Limmer

“Coast is Clear” was born May 15, 2001. Having had a stellar career with many shows, riders, caretakers and an owner who cherished “Coast is Clear”, we dedicate this trophy with love.

The Coast is Clear Memorial Trophy shall be awarded to the Best Junior or Amateur rider on Day Two of the Annual Cooler Show as a perpetual award.

Donated by: Lisa Doczi 2024 Ocean Blue Memorial Trophy Winner

Winner of the Cooler Classic of 2024

Amy Bluhm

For children, there is a “favorite” pony - the one you could crawl under, dress up, trail ride, or learn to jump fences on -- the pony who was kind and took care of you and made you feel safe.
For parents, there is also a “favorite” pony -- the one you will forever cherish because she safely toted your child through years of lessons, learning and exploring on horseback.

“Ocean Blue” was everyone’s favorite pony. “Blue” patiently taught dozens of children to ride in her two decades.... a very special pony who will always hold a special place in our hearts.

The Ocean Blue Cooler Show Classic Perpetual Trophy is awarded to the winner of the VBHSA Cooler Classic.

Donated by: Lisa Doczi 2024 Sweet Caroline Trophy Winner

Best Child Rider on a Horse of 2024

Carleigh Carter

“Sweet Caroline” a 15-hand Gray Arabian Mare was owned and loved by Lisa Doczi for 19 years. Caroline competed in the Children’s Hunter and Adult Hunter divisions throughout the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Caroline won many VBHSA year-end awards over numerous years. Caroline also won numerous ribbons at top rated shows including Deep Run, Culpeper, The Barracks, just to name a few.

Most importantly, Sweet Caroline will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew her.

The Sweet Caroline Memorial Trophy is awarded to the Best Child Rider on a horse.

2024 Cooler Show Sponsors

We appreciate the support of our wonderful sponsors!

The VBHSA is a not for profit 501(c)(3), volunteer organization consisting of
hundreds of members including farms, adult amateurs, professionals, juniors and people who have a love of horses.

Become a VBHSA sponsor. arrow_forward

Barry & Victoria Stevens

Great Neck Veterinary Clinic

Southern States

Catherine Michele Photography
Sterling Meadows Tack
Oxenham / McElhenie Family
Boardway & Associates Insurance

Almost Home Properties
Assured Construction
Carrie Ellies Equestrian LLC
Catherinen Michele Photography
Pero Law, LLC
LeWare Family
Morgan Stanley
Ogden Orthodontics
Roseoldian Farm
Vicki Stevens
West Neck Creek Equestrian Center