The Perfect End to a Perfect Week...

Upperville, Va; Saturday, June 7, 2025 -- If there was a more perfect way to close out the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show, we can’t think of it. This afternoon, around 3:30 pm, the Parker Ring, steeped in history and the heart of the oldest horse show in America, fell into a respectful hush. Riders from therapeutic riding centers across the Northern Virginia region proudly entered the arena, each one supported by their dedicated instructors, loving families, and enthusiastic friends. The crowd’s applause was heartfelt as spectators showed their respect and appreciation for these courageous riders with disabilities and their brave and loving families. Ribbons were presented to each horse and rider combination and smiles lit up the ring.

Then came a truly unforgettable moment: Mackenzie and Danny, representing the United States Equestrian Federation’s Centers of Excellence for International Para Dressage, made their entrance. Despite a busy day of horses showing throughout the grounds and the day’s heat, Mackenzie and Danny delivered a demonstration that felt effortless and deeply connected. It was only their second ride together, but you would never have known. Supported by coach Anthony Forrest, they danced their way through the movements of a Grade 3 para dressage test. The crowd was transfixed, watching them as they glided around under the oaks of the Parker ring with precision and grace. To witness that kind of harmony was to watch more than a performance; it was to witness a celebration of everything this sport can be.

Our Wheatland Farm group was also joined today by two of the most admirable figures in para equestrian sport -- Lizzie Traband and Karin Flint. An international show jumper and elite para dressage rider, Lizzie was born without her left hand, but that has not stopped this talented athlete from rising to the top of our sport in both para dressage and international showjumping. Lizzie has been captivating the equestrian world since her childhood — first as a liberty performer and now as a top rider who earned a place on the USEF shortlist for the World Equestrian Games. Her accomplishments are a testament to what is possible when courage, grit, and grace are combined. Lizzie continues to be an inspiration to us all in arenas around the world.

We were also honored to welcome Karin Flint, the visionary founder of the Traverse City Horse Show and a trailblazer in para-dressage. Karin is the owner of Dolton, the most decorated para-dressage horse in U.S. history. Together with his rider Roxanne Trunnell, Dolton led Team USA to the gold medal podium at the Tokyo Paralympics, forever raising the bar for excellence in the sport. We were honored to be joined today by these remarkable women.

As the exhibition concluded, Mackenzie happily received her blue ribbon from #Uppervillecoltandhorseshow Executive Director Emily Day, and just like that, it was time to say goodbye to Upperville for another year.

Enormous thanks go out to the incredibly hard workers behind the scenes of the show who have made everything run so well, the Wheatland Farm families who came out today to support Mackenzie and Danny, Coach Anthony Forrest, and the staff of Wheatland Farm for their hard work throughout the week, our Irish Tenor Mark Forrest singing the national anthem on both the hunter and jumper sides, and of course, our beloved horses, without whom none of this would be possible. So farewell, Upperville, for another year. We will be back!

Mackenzie and Danny celebrate today's Para Dressage Exhibition at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show with Coach Anthony Forrest and one of Danny's owners, Kirsten Renner