December 2021/January 2022 Issue

Page 8 December 2021/January 2022 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN Elizabeth Hedley is the new Executive Director of the Wil- lowdale Steeplechase. Elizabeth replaced retiring Race Director Leslie (White) Carpenter who served for almost 10 years. During her tenure, the Willowdale Steeplechase has developed into a world class stee- plechase event and contributions from sponsors and benefactors have grown significantly. “We’re excited to have Eliz- abeth join us as the new leader of our Willowdale team,” said Race Chairman W. B. Dixon Stroud, Jr. “Her efforts with Brandywine Polo over the past few years have produced terrific results and we expect her to have the same success with the Willowdale Steeplechase.” Originally from Texas, Eliz- abeth has been working behind the scenes in the horse industry for over 20 years. From NY to Santa Barbara, FL to Wyoming, her work experience with the United States Polo Association, the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the Palm Beach Steeplechase, plus her most recent endeavor with the Brandywine Polo Club, bring an eclectic perspective to coordinating equestrian events and generating revenue. "I am very honored to be offered this position with the Willowdale Steeplechase and will work hard to continue the suc- cesses Leslie Carpenter and the Willowdale team have generated over the years." she said. Elizabeth will continue her work with Brandywine Polo and combine marketing efforts to ben- efit both organizations and their spectators. The Willowdale Steeple- chase is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization which benefits the Stroud Water Research Center and the University of Pennsyl- vania Veterinary Hospital’s New Bolton Center. The 29th running will be held Saturday, May 14, 2022. The races will return to full spectator capacity with some new attendance opportunities. Spectators at the 2022 races will have the choice of purchasing traditional tailgate parking spots, Hilltop Private Party Paddocks or tables in the new Jockey Club at Willowdale. Corporate Hospital- ity tents and general admission will be available again and there are increased opportunities for sponsorship. Go to Willowdale.org or Wil- lowdale Steeplechase Facebook page for the latest information on all events. Willowdale Steeplechase Names New Director Tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian. The news East Coast horse owners need to know