Dear BES Members and Friends,

 

Thanks to everyone who supported BES throughout 2025!!  This past year was full of events and activities, and we are looking forward to more of the same in the coming year. New for 2026 is our First Quarter fundraising partnership with Lark Brewing Company - Sip with a purpose, try Pony Up!  

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2025 Rides.  BES hosted several successful rides in 2025.  In the Spring we held 3 Bluebell Rides along the banks of Bull Run.  The bluebells were out and did not disappoint.  In April and September, we hosted our judged pleasure rides.  Participants tested their partnership between horse and rider over several fun, safe and challenging obstacles.  These judged pleasure rides continue to be our largest fund-raisers, and we greatly appreciate the small army of volunteers who generously donate their time!!  In October, we hosted a historical ride with the 4th Virginia Black Horse Cavalry re-enactors as our guides despite the government shutdown.  The rides were well attended and participants provided favorable reviews.

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The September JPR was special this year as we remembered long-time volunteer Robert Beverley who unexpectedly passed away in May 2025.  Bob was the smiling face greeting everyone as they arrived at our rides.  Behind the scenes, he helped in many ways: arranging Luck Stone material donations, volunteering for workdays, shuttling supplies to rides, and keeping everyone in good spirits and smiling!  Bob will be missed!

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2025 Workdays.  Our trail workdays spanned from March to December.  We worked on a variety of projects throughout the year.  Some of these included: brushing back the I-66 connector trail as well as other trails, clearing culverts in all equestrian trails, re-establishing water bars (water bars help prevent erosion), topping trails with dirt and mulch, replacing an old wooden bridge with culverts, and replacing narrow culverts next to Route 234 near Matthews Hill. We also assisted Park Maintenance with the mowing of bridle trails.  We continued our partnership with Luck Stone for gravel donations (200 tons in 2025). 

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2026 Rides and Workday Dates.  Looking forward to 2026, we plan to again hold workdays and several rides similar to last year.  We will update our website and get the word out on dates as soon as we finalize our calendar for the year.  In addition to the JPRs and other rides noted above, we are planning to host a few informal guided rides for those interested in learning the trails.  These will be meant to familiarize equestrians with the bridle trails in the Manassas National Battlefield Park.  If interested, reach out to one of our board members so we can gauge the interest. 

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Lark Brewing Company Charitable Partnership.  In the first quarter of 2026, we have been selected as a Charity Partner with Lark Brewing Company.  Lark Brewing has specially designed a brew – “Pony Up” – to be offered throughout the first quarter of 2026.  Sip with a purpose as every pour of this brew supports the Battlefield Equestrian Society.  We plan to have a kick-off event and possibly a few other special events at Lark soon.  But don’t let that stop you from stopping by Lark Brewing Company today and support BES by trying “Pony Up”!!

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The Battlefield Equestrian Society (BES) is a volunteer organization.  To continue our work, we rely on both volunteer hours and donations.  We are forever grateful for both.  It’s always a good time to support BES through a donation or by joining as a member.  All donations are tax-deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is the promotion and enhancement of equestrian activities at the Manassas National Battlefield Park (MNBP).  You can do this by visiting our website or contacting Dewey Brown, BES President, at gohrsecrzy@aol.com or 540-272-6368.

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Wishing you the very best in 2026!!!  See you on the trails!!!

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Dewey Brown, BES President, on behalf of the BES Board