The Missing Middle: Preparing for Summer Competition in Virginia

For many Virginia riders, the spring season is about getting ready—building confidence, consistency, and mileage so that summer competition feels achievable and enjoyable. Yet for riders aiming toward summer shows, spring preparation options can be surprisingly limited.

The Spring Preparation Challenge

Virginia’s spring calendar includes excellent competitions, but timing and focus matter.

Early spring rated shows—such as those held in April—often arrive before many riders and horses have fully transitioned out of winter mode. Weather, footing, and limited outdoor training can make it difficult to feel truly prepared, especially for amateurs and lesson-based riders.

Later in the spring, other well-established shows offer outstanding opportunities—but their class structures are often geared toward seasoned, high-performance competitors. These events play a critical role in the calendar, but they are not always the right fit for riders who are still developing toward that level.

The result? A preparation gap for riders who want to enter the summer season confident and prepared.

Introducing the Beverly Spring Classic

The Beverly Spring Classic was created to bridge the preparation gap between winter riding and prime summer showing in Virginia. Held in mid-May at Beverly Equestrian in The Plains, the show is designed to serve riders who are:

• Transitioning out of winter training

• Building toward their first—or next—rated summer season

• Seeking a development-focused environment

• Interested in steady progression across hunters, equitation, and jumpers

Beverly's class structure emphasizes introductory through mid-level divisions, with thoughtful limits on height and complexity. The goal is not to replace existing spring destinations, but to fill the space between them.

A Bridge, Not a Detour

The Beverly Spring Classic sits intentionally between early spring rated shows and early summer elite competitions. Its later date allows riders the time they need to prepare properly, while its competitive level keeps the focus on learning, mileage, and confidence.

For many riders, the Spring Classic offers something that has been missing: a chance to arrive at summer shows ready for the season.

Looking Ahead to Summer

If you’re planning to compete in Virginia this summer—especially at the adult amateur or developing level—spring preparation matters more than ever.

The Beverly Spring Classic is one option designed to help riders take that step thoughtfully, confidently, and with the long view in mind.

Because a strong summer season doesn’t start in June; it starts with the right preparation in spring.