MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources equine studies program invites equestrians and community members to get into the holiday spirit at the Ugly Christmas Sweater Horse Show on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. at the J.W. Ruby Research, Education and Outreach Center in Reedsville.
The festive student-driven horse show offers an opportunity for additional exhibitors who might not compete at the open, breed or discipline shows to participate and learn about the program, all while giving back to the community.
“I love this event because it’s a way for the equine studies program to reach people in the community who may be unaware that WVU has such a program,” Adrianna Dunbar, animal physiology graduate student, said. “It’s also a fun way to get excited for the holiday season and have people come show their horses during the colder months when the show season is usually pretty quiet.”
The only stipulation for competitors is that they come in well-fitted, safe tack and attire while donning their best ugly Christmas sweater. Spectators also are encouraged to wear their most creative holiday gear.
“This show originated from my graduate students’ love of the holidays, as well as requests from the local horse community for more fun shows at our facility,” Crystal Smith, WVU Davis College teaching professor, said. “The students plan, market and manage the show and recruit volunteers from our equine student organizations and equestrian teams to serve in critical roles at the event.”
For those interested in participating in the horse show, the pre-entry forms can be found here. All pre-entry forms must be emailed to Crystal.Smith@mail.wvu.edu by Dec. 1.
All proceeds from the horse show will benefit the Rosenbaum Family House Adopt-A-Day program. The Rosenbaum Family House supports WVU Medicine patients and their families by providing a place to stay during medical treatment.
The organization can house 40 patients and their families who live more than 50 miles away from the hospital, providing housing and meals. The Adopt-A-Day program pays for patients’ and families’ stays who are unable to pay the $30 a day fee.
If there are extreme temperatures or winter weather, the alternate show date is Sunday, Dec. 8.
The Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources envisions a world sustainably fed, clothed and sheltered. To learn more about the Davis College, visit davis.wvu.edu. Keep up with the latest updates and news on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube by following @WVUDavis.
-WVU-
hb/11/20/24
MEDIA CONTACT: Hannah Booth