April 2023 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN April 2023 Page 25 44 Edgefield Rd. • Quarryville, PA 17566 The 30th Anniversary Running of The Willowdale Steeplechase will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023. This Chester County tradition is a spectacular rite of spring for enthusiasts from all over the Wilmington and Philadelphia areas and beyond. Spend the afternoon at Willowdale and you will be transported to the English countryside. Rolling green hills, majestic horses, dashing, dedi- cated horsemen and fashionable tailgate picnics are part of a tra- dition that has been preserved for generations. Set on 160 acres in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Hunt country, Willowdale attracts the country’s top steeplechase horses. This year, they’ll compete for $105,000 in prize money. “Willowdale truly is a com- munity event,” says Chairman Dixon Stroud. “Families from all over the area gather to enjoy a beautiful day in the country, watch the finest horse racing, reconnect with friends, and show off some impressive hats - all the while helping to preserve our natural resources and support our worthy beneficiaries.” These beneficiaries are the Stroud™Water Research Center with its mission to advance knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s (PennVet) New Bolton Center, with its mission to train the next generation of veterinary leaders to advance healthcare outcomes and access, ensure global health and bolster sustainable agricul- ture practices. As Willowdale beneficia- ries are leaders in preserving and safeguarding life in many different ways, the fundraising campaign is titled “Racing for Life”. Steeplechase racing is an ex- treme sport. Horses and riders are top athletes. Willowdale features two courses set on its rolling turf: one racecourse features solid post and rail fences (timber) and Euro- pean style hedges, open ditches, and water jumps. The other course consists of natural smaller hurdles which the horses can brush through. These are usually ridden at a faster pace. Unique to this part of the country is Willowdale’s natural amphitheater which allows at- tendees to follow most of the rac- es’ action from all of the spectat- ing areas. Each reserved parking space offers panoramic views of the course - whether from high on the hill or right on the rail - and general admission ticket holders can visit friends and watch the races from a variety of vantage points! Best Dressed, Hat and Tail- gate Contests will add to the usu- al fun and excitement this year as high fashion, elegant tailgating and a community known for its equestrian excellence join togeth- er. This year’s Tailgate Contest is “Making a Splash!” Throughout the day there are pony races, Jack Russell Terrier 30th Willowdale Steeplechase Planned races, an antique car display, up- scale boutique shopping and local food vendors. The younger guests can enjoy a stick pony jumping course, a coloring contest and educational displays by represen- tatives from the Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center and the Stroud™ Water Research Center. A course map on the Willow- dale website shows the location of the tailgate parking sections, food and shopping vendors, and all activities. General Admission tickets are on sale now at $45 in advance online. Parking in the General Admission parking lot is free and children under 12 are admitted free of charge. To purchase general admis- sion tickets, renew your Tailgate Parking or Private Party Paddock Package or purchase a new Parking Package, go to www.willowdale. org. All tailgate and ticket prices increase by 15% after May 8. Tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian!