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The Virginia Horse Center Foundation on May 9 cut the ribbon on the newly dedicated Jacqueline and George Ohrstrom Jr. Barn, honoring the late George Ohrstrom Jr. and Jacqueline Ohrstrom.
In addition to several competitors at the Bonnie Blue UPHA Saddlebred show and VHC staff, attending the ceremony was Jacqueline Ohrstrom, Anjela Carroll, Lexington Mayor Frank Friedman, Roxanne Booth, president of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation board of directors, Stephen Shank, VHC CEO, Will Phipps of B&D Builders, and Cinda Ayers, chief development and external relations officer.
Booth opened the dedication of the Ohrstrom Barn, the former Barn 6, and acknowledged the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. George Ohrstrom Jr.
“Together, the Ohrstroms built an impeccable reputation on the love of all things horse,” Booth said. “Their philanthropic endeavors touch countless lives — equine and human — and they were champions of land conservation long before it was in vogue. The Ohrstroms were instrumental in establishing the National Sporting Library and Museum, and truly the list goes on.”
Booth thanked Mrs. Ohrstrom for all that she and her late husband do and have done for the horse center. “I hope that you consider today’s dedication of this barn a fitting tribute to Mr. Ohrstrom’s memory and as an integral part of your living legacy,” she said.
B&D Builders is currently reviewing plans for the renovation of the interior of the Jacqueline and George Ohrstrom Jr. Barn.
Will Phipps of B&D Builders commented, “We are excited to participate in commemorating the Ohrstroms’ contribution to the equine industry and humbled at the opportunity to enhance this barn.”
Virginia Horse Center CEO Shank said, “Naturally, none of the dream that is the Virginia Horse Center comes true without the significant support and investment of our dearest, closest friends. Today it is my distinct honor to express, on behalf of all those served by the horse center, my immense gratitude to Mrs. Jacqueline Ohrstrom and her late husband George for their loyalty and friendship. In recognition of their benevolence, we are thrilled and delighted to present the Jacqueline and George Ohrstrom Jr. Barn.”
Mrs. Ohrstrom said, “What a nice dedication. All I can possibly say is the horse center is beautifully designed. The layout is great, and they have safe and comfortable barns. It is easy access from a number of states that are heavily involved with horses, and they have a lovely big ring!”
All guests were then invited to the Winner’s Ring Café for light refreshments.
