October 2022 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN October 2022 Page 25 • Proven Durability • For Any Type of Building • Sound Reducing • Non-Corrosive • Washable, Easy to Clean • Reflects Radiant Energy • Effective Bird Control • Brighter Ambient Light "Your source for quality, durable, & economical ceiling systems" 888-238-9954 � Mobile: (717) 926-2274 • ceilings@midatlantic.biz MEMBER EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA @ Cop y r l g h ! M ld-Atla n 1 i c T r 1 p l y C e lli ng s20 1 6 The Equine Land Conserva- tion Resource (ELCR) has recog- nized Charles Fenwick, Jr. as the recipient of the 2022 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award during the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) National Awards Dinner on Sep- tember 10th in Lexington, KY. The Robert N. Clay Conser- vation Award was established in 2014 as a partnership between TOBA and ELCR to help in- crease awareness of the impor- tance of land conservation in the Thoroughbred industry and to serve as an inspiration to mem- bers of the industry. The award is presented annually at the TOBA National Awards dinner. Charles Fenwick Jr. was honored for his leadership in organizing the efforts to protect a portion of Shawan Farms in Baltimore County, MD from the threat of residential development and rebranding it as Shawan Downs, which has grown into a ELCR Honors Fenwick’s Preservation of Shawan Downs first-class equestrian center and steeplechase course. Prior to World War I, Sha- wan Farm, a 2,500-acre estate near Hunt Valley, Maryland, was filled with horses and cattle. Local equine enthusiasts enjoyed frequent cross-country races and the annual Worthington Valley Horse Show, which benefited the Women’s Hospital in Baltimore. Over time the expansive estate was divided among several de- scendants of the original owners living on nearby farms, all a part of the original acreage. Between 1982 and 1992, Bal- timore County lost 16,000 acres of farmland to development despite some of the nation's strictest zoning. Concerned about the loss of local farmland, in 1997, area residents foresaw the possibility that the core of Shawan Farms could be saved from development and conserved as open space for farming and as an equine facility to support local equine traditions. Horseman Charles Fenwick, Jr. was one of the local leaders that made this dream a reality shoring up support from 19 neighbors to acquire the property under the ae- gis of the Land Preservation Trust (LPT), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corpo- ration. An additional 175 neighbors donated at least $10,000 each to share in creating an equestrian ven- ue, notably the current steeplechase course and its amenities. Re-branded as Shawan Downs, the property is in preser- vation to maintain its agricultural legacy, allowing no new residen- tial development with the facility developing into a first-class eques- trian center over the years. Today, over 250 acres are preserved as open space while hosting equine events including The Legacy Chase, The Green Spring Valley and Shawan Point to Points, stee- plechase schoolings, the MCTA Three Day Horse Trials, the Junior Hunt Cup, and for many years, the Pony Club tetrathlon – with the addition of farming over 150 acres for hay. In keeping with the center’s preservation mission, no significant infrastructure is required to accommodate the equestrian facilities. “Shawan Downs is an im- portant example of conservation of horse lands in our local com- munities,” said ELCR President Ken Haddad. “Not only did these efforts prevent additional sprawl in this community but agricul- ture land was kept open and accessible to support our equine industry, heritage, and tradition. We are thrilled to honor Charles Fenwick, Jr. with the 2022 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award for his leadership in this effort.”