Upperville Colt & Horse Show honors Barbara Riggs with “Spirit of the Horse Award”

The prestigious 2023 Upperville Colt & Horse Show, hosted by MARS EQUESTRIAN™, welcomed Governor and Mrs. Youngkin on its final day, June 11. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the “Spirit of the Horse Award” by First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin.

The award, now in its second year, was created in collaboration with the First Lady to acknowledge a female resident of Virginia demonstrating remarkable commitment to, or promotion of, the horse industry. This year’s honoree was Barbara Riggs, celebrated for her lifelong dedication to horses.

Riggs’ involvement with horses was evident throughout her career. Notably, she was among the first 10 women to join the U.S. Secret Service as a special agent and later became the agency’s first female deputy director. Riggs’ commitment to the equestrian lifestyle has seen her ride with President Reagan, serve on boards including the Piedmont Fox Hounds and the Upperville Horse Show, and commit countless volunteer hours to the show and various equestrian nonprofits.

The Spirit of the Horse Award is conferred annually at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, honoring Virginia’s prosperous agricultural and equine industry. The award features an engraved bowl, a gift certificate to a Virginia Governor’s Cup award-winning winery, a family and friends reception, and a $1,000 donation to an equine charity of the recipient’s choice. The UCHS collaborates with Youngkin to spotlight and celebrate unsung heroes, affirming Virginia’s love for horses.

Established in 1853, UCHS is the oldest horse show in the U.S., initiated to promote better horse breeding and care. The event has evolved into a week-long tradition attracting over 2000 equestrian and equine pairs, participating in various competitive disciplines under the awe-inspiring oaks at Grafton Farm.

The show concluded on June 11 with the thrilling $226,000 Upperville Jumper Classic CSI4*, featuring top world-class equestrians. Presentations by the Youngkins preceded the Jumper Classic. The event also saw support from sponsors, including The Ethel M® Chocolate Brand, Lugano Diamonds, Buckeye Nutrition, Nutro Natural Choice, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Delta Air Lines, Markel, and Piedmont Equine Practice.