UPDATE: Virginia Horse Center Cancels Lexington Spring Premiere Horse Show

Lexington, Va. – April 21, 2026 – Following further guidance from US Equestrian (USEF) and the Virginia State Veterinarian on April 20 regarding horses that competed at HITS Culpeper, the Virginia Horse Center Foundation (VHC) Board of Directors and Hunter Jumper Committee convened to evaluate all available options for the Lexington Spring Premiere.

With horse welfare as our top priority—and an abundance of caution guiding every decision—we have decided to cancel the 2026 Lexington Spring Premiere Horse Show. We remain steadfast in prioritizing horses’ safety above all else.

Looking ahead, the Lexington Spring Encore Horse Show will move forward as planned with enhanced, industry-leading biosecurity protocols. In partnership with Merck Animal Health, VHC is implementing additional preventative measures designed to support horse health and give exhibitors confidence as we return to competition. We look forward to welcoming the community back next week.