About Us
The Deep Run Horse Show Association manages the showgrounds of the Deep Run Hunt Club at its Manakin-Sabot location. We strive to provide and maintain a quality venue and experience for horses and horsemen. Our board is comprised of volunteers whose enthusiasm and commitment to service is our hallmark.
Horse Shows and competitions have been held at the present location since its establishment in 1948. In those days there was a single ring- a grass ring, of course. Exhibitors competed in the ring and over two outside courses which incorporated rolling hills, permanent fences, and a real stone wall. The grandstand and a second ring were additions during the 1960’s. The ambience of yesteryear is present to this day… generous open space, mature shade trees, and a rural setting. Look for Deep Run in the equestrian scenes of “Young Jackie”- a 1991 film about the first lady’s childhood.
The turf ovals went the way of history with the installation of expanded all weather rings in 2001. Four new permanent barns were constructed in time for the 2007 season. Starter’s gazebos were installed at each in gate in 2008.
What’s new for 2010? Click here New for 2010.
These are just a few of the projects of the horse show association.
We are fortunate to enjoy continuing support from the local community and our many sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and friends.
Deep Run named 2008 VHSA "Horse Show of the Year"
Gayle and Susu with VHSA President Sandy Gerald at the VHSA Awards Banquet
Deep Run Horse Show History
Continuing its Virginia tradition of hosting horse shows, which began in the 1920’s, the Deep Run Hunt Club, after its 1948 move from “in town” Richmond to its present, spacious Goochland County location, built a single show ring and 5 permanent barns. At the three annual shows held during the 1950’s, some of the most famous horses and exhibitors in the country competed in the grass ring and over two outside courses, which incorporated rolling hills and permanent fences.
At that time an April Schooling show, a Senior-Professional Horse Show in August, and a Junior Show in September completed the show calendar. Eventually the Schooling and Senior shows ceased to exist, but the Junior Committee, with the help of its mentors Mr. & Mrs. Lamont Bryan, carried on and grew the Junior Show into one of the most prestigious on the East Coast.
During the 1960’s the now famous Bryan Trophy Equitation class was initiated, won first by Rodney Jenkins. Subsequent winners have included Joe Fargis, Jeffrey Welles, D.D. Alexander, Molly Ashe, Kelly Farmer, and Liza Towell. Deep Run also hosted one of the earliest Pony Finals in 1969. Facility improvements included the construction of an additional barn and a permanent grandstand.
Deep Run included the Amateur Owner and Adult Amateur divisions in the early 1980’s, built a second ring, initiated the Markel Trainers Award, became an A3 show, and eventually returned the professional divisions to the line up. It was named VHSA Horse Show of the Year in both 1986 and 1987.
The big excitement of the 1990’s was the use of the facility for filming a part of the TV movie “A Woman Named Jackie”. Deep Run was the scene of the former first lady’s childhood participation in a horse show, and local equestrians and their equine partners, outfitted in period costume, played several roles, from extras to the stand-ins for Jackie and her mother!
Carrying the highest rating by the United States Equestrian Federation, and the Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina Horse Shows Associations for almost a century, the Deep Run Horse Show, as a ‘AA’ show, in the new century upgraded its facilities to include all weather footing and a sprinkler system in its two rings, and 4 new permanent barns with stall mats, replacing 4 of the original barns. It was recognized again in 2006 and most recently in 2008 as the VHSA’s Horse Show of the Year.
Throughout all of this time the show has been chaired and organized by volunteers whose goal has been to maintain and upgrade the facility in order to continue the tradition of hosting outstanding horse shows at the Hunt Club. Deep Run is fortunate to enjoy continuing support from the local community and many sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and friends.
