Since opening its doors in 1986 the Virginia Horse Center has played host to the Virginia Quarter Horse Association’s Spring Breakout Show. For many, this is the first horse show of the season according to some exhibitors. And with the long and cold winter the Northeast experienced exhibitors seemed happy to be out among friends.

Dave Higgins says he has been involved in this show for nearly 30 years both as competitor and on the show’s staff as the manager. “This year’s show (Friday through today) has seen a rise entries over previous years, He says. “The Hunter Under Saddle classes have seen the biggest increase. With Western Pleasure classes slated for today they too may enjoy increases over last year’s numbers. “We can expect to see more two and three point classes on Sunday,” Higgins says.

The Spring Breakout Show debuted a new format this year, with Trail starting off the weekend, followed by the Hunter classes and then moving on to Western Riding, Ranch Pleasure and Reining.  Higgins says he believes “this new format will allow exhibitors more ease through the show day and allow the show to end sooner.”

Youth exhibitor Kara Kaufman from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, is showing her horse, Im Cruisin Nova, in Youth All-Around events. While not her first visit to the Virginia Horse Center Kaufman says “ this is first time at the Spring Breakout Show” and “it’s a really good place to show.” Kaufman also says she enjoys coming to Virginia because “the people are so nice.”

Alana White, of Williamsburg, Virginia, is showing her horse, Damstraitimblonde, in Hunter Under Saddle and Showmanship. “This is the third time I have shown at the Spring Breakout Show in her nine years of showing. I really like showing here,” she says. “It is fun. It’s a good place to start the season and I get to see all the people and friends I haven’t seen all winter.”

Check out some candids from the Virginia Spring Breakout here.