Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 24, 1992 TAG: 9201240121
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY COX SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
ROANOKE HORSE SHOW RECOGNIZED
The Roanoke Valley Horse Show has been recognized as one of the four best in its seven-state region by the World Championship Hunter Rider Association.The recognition could result in more entries when the show convenes for its 21st run in June.
"What this should do is increase both the quantity and the quality of our riders," said June Camper of the Roanoke Valley Horsemen's Association, which co-sponsors the event along with the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley.
Riders at WCHRA shows compete for year-end awards based on a points system. Awards go to the top junior, amateur and professional riders in a variety of categories.
The Roanoke Valley show automatically became a WCHRA event when it was selected and voted upon by the regional committee. More riders are expected now that they can compete for points, Camper said.
"Riders are very selective now," Camper said. "It's the economy. They pick and choose where they go."
Virginia is part of the Southeast region, which includes North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. There are four other regions around the country.
The Roanoke Valley show is rated A-3 by the WCHRA, meaning it must offer at least $18,000 in prize money, among other criteria. A-3 is the association's highest rating.
The other shows in the region recognized were the Upperville Colt & Horse Show in Northern Virginia, the Wellington Special in Florida and the GHJA Charity Horse Show in Atlanta.
To be eligible for consideration, shows must meet a number of standards ranging from attracting top-quality horses and riders to providing ample spectator areas.
The committee particularly liked the Roanoke Valley show's hospitality, its Salem Civic Center facilities and the good footing in the indoor ring, Camper said.
The show hunter competition is only part of the horse show, which runs June 15-20. The highlight of the event is the June 20 Grand Prix of Roanoke. With its $100,000 purse, the Grand Prix of Roanoke is one of only four events nationwide offering that much prize money.
Also, for the second consecutive year, the show will include "Music In Motion," a special evening of equestrian exhibition to the accompaniment of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. This year's presentation will be June 13.
Bill Munford of Campbellsville, Ky., will return as the horse show manager.
New this year is that there will be no charge to attend daytime events the first four days of the show, Camper said.
The 1991 show made a profit of $64,486.15, down from the record $71,038 in 1990 despite an increase in the number of entries.
"Our expenses went up," Camper said. "But a lot of shows last year were down with their entries and ours went up, so we were very happy with that."