VHSA/Marshall + Sterling Equine Insurance Medals The Virginia Horse Shows Association is very pleased to announce that Marshall + Sterling Equine Insurance is the Official Sponsor of all of the VHSA/M+S Medal Qualifying Classes,  as well as the VHSA/M+S Medal Finals.

The 2026 VHSA/M+S Medal Finals will be held In Memory of Claiborne S. Bishop The Virginia Horse Shows Association is honored to be holding the VHSA/Marshall + Sterling Equine Insurance Medal Finals In Memory of Claiborne S. Bishop. Claiborne was the driving force behind the VHSA Medals.  We hope to be able to achieve her level of excellence in our Finals every year without her.

The 2026 VHSA/M+S Pony Medal Finals

We are pleased to announce that the Warrenton Pony Show will once again host the 2026 VHSA/M+S Children's Pony Medal, Pony Medal and the Pony Equitation on the Flat Finals.  The Medal Finals will be held on Friday, June 26th in the afternoon, following a Welcome Luncheon for all who are qualified and their guests.   In order to qualify, a current VHSA Member must have either Two Blues or a minimum amount of points.  The Equitation Committee will review and announce what the minimum number of required points will be in late May.

The 2026 VHSA/M+S Medal Finals Festival
The Lexington National will be hosting the VHSA/M+S Medal Finals the weekend of Friday, August 6, 2026. The Children's Medal, Junior Equitation on the Flat Finals, Hunter Seat Medal, Amateur Equitation on the Flat Finals and the Adult Medal will be showcased throughout the weekend in Lexington. In order to be qualified for the VHSA/EMO Medal Finals, an exhibitor who is a VHSA member, must have either two Blues or a minimum number of points in their respective Medal/Flat Class.  The Equitation Committee will announce the minimum amount of points in July.  We will also advertise the schedule for this Event in the near future.

The 27th Annual VHSA Junior Horsemanship Award
The Junior Horsemanship Award will be presented at the Lexington National Horse Show. This three phase event consists of a Written Test, which counts as 20% of the overall score, the Practicum Examination. The Practicum phase which will count as 30% of the overall score and the Final phase will be the first round of the VHSA Hunter Seat Medal which will count as 50% of the overall score.

STUDY GUIDE

A Study Guide is available for the Written Test, as well as the Practicum. Thank you to past Junior Committee Members for compiling this very helpful Guide:  STUDY GUIDE

 THE 19TH ANNUAL AMY YLVISAKER REISTRUP EQUITATION CHALLENGE

We are pleased to announce that the Virginia Horse Industry Board has awarded a grant to the 2026 Amy Y. Reistrup Equitation Challenge.  We are very pleased to be collaborating with the VHIB.

This special equitation class, held in honor of Amy Ylvisaker Reistrup, is open to the first, second and third place finishers of these qualifying classes at All Virginia "A" and "AA" Qualifying Horse Shows

The 19th Annual Amy Ylvisaker Reistrup Equitation Challenge will be held in the Anderson Coliseum on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Virginia Horse Center.

Qualifying Classes:

• US Hunter Seat Medal
• ASPCA Maclay
• WIHS Equitation Classic Hunter Phase
• WIHS Equitation Classic Jumper Phase
• WIHS Overall Winner
• USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Class
• VHSA/M+S Hunter Seat Medal
• VHSA Horsemanship Award
• ONLY 3'6" EQUITATION CLASSES WILL BE QUALIFIERS
• Must be a VHSA member to compete in the AYR Equitation Challenge
• The VHSA Office will take Entries & distribute exhibitor numbers.

For more information contact: Wendy Mathews 540.729.9704

Trainer Bonus * Exciting Prizes * Virginia's most coveted qualifying Equitation Finals