The Williamsburg Horse Show Club, a youth organization that has operated for over 30 years to help young riders learn and compete, has been abruptly disbanded by its parent organization, the Williamsburg Community Farm Show. Club leaders and members were shocked by the decision, which was communicated via email on December 18, stating the horse committee no longer exists and the horse show area will no longer be available. The Farm Show board plans to repurpose the horse ring area for a tractor pull event, which they believe will generate more revenue. This move has sparked significant backlash from the community, including a Facebook group with over 150 members and a petition with more than 700 signatures urging the reinstatement of the horse show.

Club volunteers and supporters emphasize the club’s importance as a community hub where youth learn valuable life skills such as sportsmanship and work ethic. They express frustration over being locked out of the facilities and losing access to equipment and the club’s Facebook page, which held decades of memories. Despite the setback, the club’s leaders are actively seeking dialogue with the Farm Show board and encouraging public support, including attendance at an upcoming board meeting, in hopes of preserving the horse show alongside the new tractor pull area.