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Fairfax4Horses
Dedicated to the establishment of public riding facilities on Fairfax County parkland.
We work with the Fairfax County Park Authority, the equestrian community, private organizations, and others to establish riding facilities at which residents can take lessons and board horses.
Latest news from Fairfax4Horses
Halloween Parade 2025
Fairfax4Horses participated in tandem with Hunters Valley Riding Club, an equestrian group based in Vienna, to march in the 79th Annual Vienna Halloween Parade, a hugely popular local event. This year’s theme was Broadway on Maple Avenue. A group of six horses with costumed riders and six sidewalkers participated, following the Fairfax4Horses pickup truck and its passengers along the parade route. There were a total of 80 parade entries and an estimated 25,000 spectators along the parade route.Our horses are the high point for many of the kids attending the parade, and they produced many excited comments. The horses behaved perfectly, walking calmly past the crowds, seemingly enjoying themselves. Fairfax4Horses has participated in the parade on numerous occasions, and is always popular with the observers.On the Monday after the parade, the Vienna Town Council announced parade award winners, and Fairfax4Horses won the Animal Entry category. Fairfax4Horses President Beverly Dickerson and Vice President Rachel Rice attended the award ceremony. Fairfax4Horses happily shared the award with the Hunters Valley Riding Club in appreciation for their active support of this eventWe would like to thank all those who helped organize this year’s parade, as well as those who participated in the event. It provides Fairfax4Horses and Hunters Valley Riding Club with a great opportunity to get visibility in the community, and provides a lot of fun for riders and fans alike.
Annual Meeting Report
Fairfax4Horses held its Annual Meeting on August 25, 2025, at the Oakton Library and via Zoom. The meeting included an introduction to Quinn Molner, the new Equestrian Manager at Frying Pan Farm Park, an update to the status of Laurel Hill Park, a discussion of a riding lesson program at the park, and plans for fundraising.
Quinn noted that new footing, lighting, and jumps are planned for the equestrian arena. These improvements were in response to a survey of user priorities carried out by Quinn’s predecessor, Brook Fries. Once the new lighting is in place, Quinn will organize a grand opening event. Frying Pan Farm Park has had a great response to un public trail rides that include some guided instruction in placing and removing tack. They are also considering a pony riding program. Other planned activities included clinics and fall season shows scheduled to start in September. At Laurel Hill, Fairfax4Horses has sponsored a port-a-potty unit, now used by cyclists, hikers, and equestrian users of Laurel Hill Equestrian Center and its trails. Fairfax4Horses is in the process of replacing missing jumping standards, dressage-arena rail supports, and letters. We are seeking to organize a clean-up day, possibly with Clifton Horse Society. Beverly invited Quinn to visit the Laurel Hill Equestrian Center with her.
Quinn noted that new footing, lighting, and jumps are planned for the equestrian arena. These improvements were in response to a survey of user priorities carried out by Quinn’s predecessor, Brook Fries. Once the new lighting is in place, Quinn will organize a grand opening event. Frying Pan Farm Park has had a great response to un public trail rides that include some guided instruction in placing and removing tack. They are also considering a pony riding program. Other planned activities included clinics and fall season shows scheduled to start in September. At Laurel Hill, Fairfax4Horses has sponsored a port-a-potty unit, now used by cyclists, hikers, and equestrian users of Laurel Hill Equestrian Center and its trails. Fairfax4Horses is in the process of replacing missing jumping standards, dressage-arena rail supports, and letters. We are seeking to organize a clean-up day, possibly with Clifton Horse Society. Beverly invited Quinn to visit the Laurel Hill Equestrian Center with her.
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