OUR HISTORY MATTERS
This week kicks off the most iconic “outdoor” horse show in the United States, The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. What began in 1896 as a means for local wealthy businessman to aggregate the finest horse stock in the region has evolved into a contemporary sporting and social event that is steeped in the utmost tradition and distinction. Competing in the famed robin’s egg blue Dixon Oval ring is considered both a privilege and accomplishment to even the most seasoned hunter/jumper rider.
For well over a century, passionate hunter/jumper enthusiasts across America diligently created noteworthy horse shows that ultimately became institutions of our sport. From the solitude of Santa Barbara’s central coast to the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities in the Northeast, horse shows were created to both celebrate the finest stock as well as create a means for the local community, often society patrons, to partake in the affiliated activities. Today, the sprit of these events is kept alive in an incredibly well received exhibit called “A Sporting Tradition: Iconic Horse Shows Across the United States” that is currently housed at the USHJA Wheeler Museum.
THE USHJA WHEELER MUSEUM
The Wheeler Museum first opened in 2009 and is located at the USHJA headquarters in Lexington at the Kentucky Horse Park. It is named after the respected Wheeler Family of Keswick, Virginia who was instrumental in establishing the impressive destination. Today, the museum regularly rotates exhibits both on location and also digitally documents each exhibit to ensure that is preserved indefinitely and available across the world via online technology and social media. The exhibits are intended to be fresh and relevant and the museum is completely run by a dedicated committee that is volunteer based (led by co-chairs Bill Rube and Pat Carleton) and assisted by the USHJA staff.
Explains Megan Lacy, managing director of communications for the USHJA, (“The) USHJA is committed to not only furthering the future of the sport but also in preserving the staunch traditions and rich past that paved the way for today’s hunter and jumper competition. The USHJA Wheeler Museum aims to collect, preserve and share the history of the hunter/jumper disciplines. Its purpose is one of both preservation and education for those within the hunter/jumper community as well as the general public."
Adds Lacy, “Beyond the educational benefits of the USHJA Museum, it creates and fosters a deep respect for the past, an appreciation for what happens in the sport today, and anticipation for what lies ahead. We have a Facebook Group established for the Museum that is spearheaded by our incredible volunteers, and we see time and again both current and former members inspired, awed or nostalgic in remembering great moments in our sport’s history – recent or many decades ago."
ONLINE RESOURCES
Did you miss a past exhibit or do not have plans to visit Lexington? Both videos and images of current and past exhibits are available online.
To View Videos & Photos from the current exhibit, CLICK HERE.
To View Videos & Photos from past exhibits, CLICK HERE.
GIVING BACK
The Wheeler Museum is possible due to the dedication of like-minded horsemen who believe in the importance of preserving our country’s hunter/jumper heritage.
ARTIFACT LOANS
If someone has an item they believe to be of historical significance – artifacts relating to great equestrians, horses or horse shows – contact the USHJA with as much information about the item or items as possible. If it is determined that the item is a potential fit with the museum’s mission, the USHJA can provide appropriate loan or donation paperwork that the contributor completes and returns at the time of artifact submission.
FACEBOOK POST IMAGES
All images should be submitted to the museum at wheelermuseum@ushja.org along with the appropriate permissions purchased, obtained, or inherited for that photograph.
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Donations can be made through the USHJA website and directly at: https://www.ushja.org/sa/foundation/donate_WheelerMuseum.aspx. You may also send a check to the USHJA Foundation at 3870 Cigar Lane, Lexington, KY 40511; simply note that you’d like to restrict your donation to the Wheeler Museum.
The United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation is a non-profit 501(C) 3 organization. For questions please contact
Megan Lacy at (859)225-6723.
CONNECT
FACEBOOK: The USHJA has a very active Facebook Group that was established for the Museum and is spearheaded by the incredible volunteers. Time and again, both current and former members are inspired, awed or nostalgic in remembering great moments in our sport’s history – recent or many decades ago. FACEBOOK LINK
WEBSITE: The USHJA Wheeler Museum website provides extensive information online including directions, hours, current and past exhibit information and more. ONLINE LINK
A FEW FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS
1.) Sallie Bush-Wheeler aboard Cismont Farm’s legendary Isgilde compete in a Corinthian class at the 1964 Upperville Horse Show. Photo by Howard Allen; provided courtesy of USHJA Wheeler Museum.
2.) A young Liza Towell-Boyd getting ready to compete on her pony at the 1987 Deep Run Horse Show. Photographer unknown; provided courtesy of the Deep Run Horse Show and USHJA Wheeler Museum.
3.) Betty Reynolds Oare aboard her mare Will Do compete at the 1959 National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden. Photo by Haas; provided courtesy of Betty Oare and USHJA Wheeler Museum.
4.) 1981 Cleveland Grand Prix winners Jet Run and Michael Matz. Photographer unknown; photo provided courtesy of Cleveland PHA Horse Shows, Inc. and USHJA Wheeler Museum.
5.) A young Bernie Traurig and Trouble Maker accept the trophies for winning the 1961 ASPCA Maclay Equitation Championship at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden. Photographer unknown; photo provided courtesy of Bernie Traurig and USHJA Wheeler Museum
6.) 1975 Cleveland Grand Prix winners Sandsablaze and Buddy Brown. Photo by Wilkinson; provided courtesy of Cleveland PHA Horse Shows, Inc. and USHJA Wheeler Museum.