Archer
Archer is a 2009 Brandenburg gelding from Virginia Beach, VA! Before joining the team, Archer competed very successfully in the Green Hunters and the Conformation Division. A few years later, he joined Virginia Riding and quickly became a fan favorite! With his smooth canter and impressive jump, he is excellent at teaching riders to stay soft in the tack and ride the rhythm.
"Le Bon Classic" aka Bon Bon
Bon Bon is a 2005 warmblood gelding known for his tall stature and goofy personality. Before joining the team, Bon Bon jumped his heart out in the jumpers and puissance classes. Even though the jumps reached impressive heights, Bon Bon had no problem sailing over them with ease. Now, he has become beloved by everyone on the team for his rugged good looks and trot that will strengthen your core! We love you Bon Bon!
"Coffee Boy" aka Coffee
“Coffee Boy” or Coffee is a 2011 Brandenburg gelding by Quarterback. Before joining the Virginia Riding Team, Coffee successfully showed in the Pre Green hunters at many top venues. Coffee’s lovely gaits and jump make him a perfect fit for team lessons, clinics, and shows! During our annual fall photoshoots, Coffee is always a favorite, stealing the show with his good looks and kind demeanor. Riders on the team have called him “the most comfortable horse to ride” and “the sweetest horse in the barn.”
"Ravello" aka Dan
"Ravello" or Dan is a Dutch Warmblood gelding. Prior to his donation, Dan had a successful career in the amateur and professions divisions up and down the East Coast. On the team, Dan continues his success as a superstar IHSA and adult amateur horse. Dan's stunning movement makes him stand out in the ring, and he is considered a favorite by many riders!
"Bublé" aka Dino
A sneaky athlete, Dino is our very talented wooly mammoth. This slow and steady lesson horse jumps a 10 every time, and when he’s in shape, he can be seen winning his fair share of hunter derbies, professional divisions, and Amateur Owner classes. Whether he’s hopping around a course or snuggling in his stall, Dino is a valuable member of the team.
Ferrone
Ferrone is our real life unicorn! Anyone who has ridden this awesome horse knows that he tries so hard for his rider, and is a favorite of many. From teaching new riders to jump to completing successful equitation courses, Ferrone can do it all! He will teach you how to handle a horse properly on the ground (read as: will run you over on purpose) as well as ride softly in the saddle. His big stride is distinctive and makes any ride fun!
“Covert Affair" aka Griffin
Griffin is a 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding with a very decorated show career in the Adults before he became a member of the Virginia Riding Team. He is a favorite around the barn because of his affectionate demeanor and sweet personality. Not only is Griffin lovely on the ground, he is also a favorite to ride! His smooth and downhill gate is both comfortable and fancy, and it is almost too easy to get pictures of his knees up in the air over jumps! Our team members love Griffin and he has a growing fan club among our first-years!
"Over the Moon" aka Gus
Gus is a 2008 Welara pony who competed in the medium pony hunters before he joined the team in 2022. Currently, he is still showing while also being just as much of a star in lessons. With his large stride and mighty jump, he has become the most adorable addition to the team and is loved by all.
"Blue Chip" aka Lars
Lars is a 2012 Holsteiner gelding, and his sweet personality has been an amazing addition to the team since 2021. He was imported as a four year old, and later found his home with Jai Essenmacher. A green adult amateur who was jumping 2'-2'6, Lars was the perfect fit to teach her the ropes of jumping larger courses. However, after an eye injury in the field, Jai graciously allowed Virginia Riding to love Lars as our own, and he has thrived in our program. His scope over the jumps and comfortable canter never gets old!
London
London is a 2005 Westphalian gelding who has been a Virginia Riding favorite for years! Earlier in life, he competed in the performance hunters around the circuit before finding a home with the team. London is known for his ability to teach the walk/trot all the way to the big-eq riders, a true talent that is hard to come by. There isn't a Virginia Riding member who hasn't had the chance to love on this special guy, and we couldn't imagine the team without him!
"Foxmore Fitzwilliam" aka Mops
“Foxmore Fitzwilliam” or Mops is a is a large pony gelding who has truly been around the block! Mops was shown successfully in the Green and Large Pony Hunters by many riders. Mops has a kind personality and excellent behavior, which makes him perfect for our newer riders. While he is often used in beginner lessons, he is also a favorite over jumps!
"Rose Weasley" aka Nanna
Nanna is a warmblood mare that was born and raised at the Barracks! Nanna’s stunning movement and perfect jump are only overshadowed by her lovable personality. Nanna is known as being one of the sweetest horses in the barn. She is a star in lessons, at IHSA shows, and in the hunt field. A fun fact is that her mom’s name was Hermione - hence the show name! We love having this sweet mare in the barn.
Picture credits are extended to Caitlin Connolly Photography! You can find more of her work on her instagram @caitcconnollyphotography
"Almost Nermal" aka Nermal
Nermal is a 2011 thoroughbred gelding who recently joined our team in the winter of 2023. Not only is he lovely under saddle with a "can do" attitude and adjustable stride, but Nermal is also such a character on the ground. He loves a good cuddle and lots of baths which is a good thing since he also loves the mud! Nermal is well loved by everyone on the team and we are so lucky to have him at Virginia Riding!
"Point N' Shoot" aka Rocket
Rocket is a 2010 Welsh/Connemara pony. His show name is certainly fitting because Rocket is happy to jump anything you put in front of him, and is often braver than the horses! From teaching children how to jump to letting UVA students relive their pony days, Rocket brings his A-game to every single ride. He is a fantastic jumper and usually surprises those watching with his stellar form and unrelenting effort! Please consider sponsoring Rocket so he can continue teaching many students to come!
"Sea of Stars" aka Seaweed
“Sea of Stars,” or Seaweed, is a 2011 Westphalian gelding. He has it all, with careful flatwork and an athletic jump. Though he’s newer to the team, he’s already become a favorite for his willing attitude and adorable looks. Seaweed has an excellent show record in the 2’9 and 3’0 hunters and has recently begun showing at A shows. He’s a smart, sweet guy and a fantastic addition to the team!
"Seminole SCF NA" aka Semi
Seminole is a 2018 warmblood gelding who recently joined the team fall '25! A true three-ring horse, Semi is able to seamlessly transition from the hunters to the jumpers, all with a willingness to please and eagerness to work. He has quickly won over our hearts, becoming a barn favorite with his goofy personality and well-educated ride!