Upperville Colt & Horse Show Presented by MARS Equestrian™ Celebrates Legends at 2025 Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony
UPPERVILLE, VA — On Saturday, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, the oldest horse show in the United States, proudly hosted the 2025 Wall of Honor induction ceremony, recognizing individuals whose enduring contributions have shaped the legacy and spirit of this historic event.
Held at the iconic showgrounds beneath the storied oaks of the Parker Ring, the Wall of Honor ceremony gathered members of the equestrian community, sponsors, friends, and family to celebrate the lives and achievements of the 2025 honorees. The Wall of Honor was established to recognize those who have made extraordinary impacts on the show and the sport, whether as competitors, handlers, officials, volunteers, or patrons.
This year’s inductees are:
Carol Lee, founder of the Willisville Preservation Foundation, is also a great cook and has her own catering business, Rooster Haven. Over the years, Lee has provided food for the horse show judges, officials, and staff.
Paul Cronin was the quintessential horseman who attended Upperville without fail. He rode and developed a large number of young horses that went on to be top show hunters. He also dedicated his life to teaching and coaching generations of students. American horse sports and the Upperville Colt & Horse Show are both better thanks to Cronin.
Mimi Abel Smith first showed at Upperville at the age of 14. Her last competition was at 71. Every year she showed at Upperville, she took on a new adventure — sidesaddle, amateur owner hunter, adult jumpers, Thoroughbred breeding, and family class. Additionally, Smith competed in working hunter competitions in top shows in England. For 50 years, she has been a large supporter of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show.
Iona Pillion came to the U.S. from England in the 1960s. She has worked making fine riding ponies for children and making children into fine equestrians. She bred Farnley ponies that not only showed but proved to be well-rounded. Pillion has been a supporter of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show for many years, and many of the top riders on the Wall of Honor got their start with Pillion.
Sally McVeigh deserves recognition on the Wall of Honor for being someone who has become an integral part of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show. She and her husband, Steve, were two of the show’s top supporters, though behind the scenes. They also bred horses and helped turn them into hunters and jumpers. It’s nearly impossible to find a UCHS program that doesn’t include at least one of the McVeighs’ horses on the entry list. They’ve done so much for the show, and adding Sally to the Wall of Honor, where she joins Steve, is one small way of showing gratitude for all they’ve done.
Lumiere is owned by Jane Gaston and became a dominating champion throughout the U.S. no matter the venue. He was twice both USEF Horse of the Year and Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter. “Lu” won two World Champion Hunter Rider titles for Gaston, two World Champion Hunter Rider challenge classes, tied for the win another year, and was World Champion Hunter Rider Regional Champion five times. Gaston makes it clear that Lumiere has had a special place in her life and will remain with her for his entirety.
“These remarkable individuals are the heartbeat of Upperville,” UCHS President Joe Fargis said. “Through their service, vision, and passion for equestrian sport, they have left an indelible mark on this show and its history.”
The show’s leadership established the Wall of Honor in 2004 to celebrate the individuals and horses who have played a vital role in preserving its rich tradition. The wall features the show’s past presidents, who have steered its course with dedication and integrity, as well as the original 19 charter members and other distinguished honorees. Each year, new names are added in recognition of those who have helped make UCHS the extraordinary event it is today, honoring its legacy while looking ahead to the future.
Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor MARS Equestrian™, Ethel M. Chocolates®, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano Diamonds, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance, and Delta Air Lines.
For more information on the show, visit upperville.com.
Photos courtesy of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show. Featured photo shows Carol Lee’s family with Fargis at the center.
Posted on: June 9, 2025