The NVCEO
VISION

The Northern Virginia Coalition of Equestrian Organizations (NVCEO) provides a strong regional influence and collective voice in all matters affecting the region's Equestrian Community.  NVCEO also works to educate citizens and elected officials to the benefits provided by the region's equestrian communities and organizations, as well as to provide a model for other Equestrian Coalitions throughout State of Virginia and nationwide.  NVCEO is recognized by the equestrian community, the media, and elected officials as an active coalition of regional equestrian organizations and a leader in the development of strategies for the education of the general public in equestrian issues.

The NVCEO
MISSION STATEMENT
 

The Northern Virginia Coalition of Equestrian Organizations (NVCEO) stimulates and encourages collaborative action and efficient use of resources by the Northern Virginia equestrian community in the education and influence of local and regional decision makers by:

1. Maintaining a representative organization of Northern Virginia equestrian organizations whose purpose is to advance equestrian interests in the region.
2. Coordinating resources to provide a unified voice in issues affecting the equestrian community.
3. Providing the general public with positive education regarding the benefits provided by the equestrian community.
4. Acting as an information resource for Northern Virginia equestrian organizations in issues affecting the equestrian community.
5. Establishing positive, partner-based relationships with local and regional public use facilities on behalf of the region’s equestrian community.
6. Multiplying the effectiveness of the equestrian community by sharing resources and coordinating efforts.
7. NVCEO representation includes the Cities of Alexandria and Arlington, and Counties of Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Fauquier.

The NVCEO
History

The Coalition was born from the collaborative efforts of establishing a series of "judged pleasure rides", originally founded as the "Triple Crown Series" judged pleasure rides hosted by the Battlefield Equestrian Society, Clifton Horse Society and Trailblazers.  As the popularity of the series grew Horseworks, Nokesville Horse Society and US Trail Ride were added hosts and the series became the "Crystal Crown Series".  Through the open dialog, communication and partnerships between these groups it quickly became apparent that a combined voice of the horse community in Northern Virginia would benefit our common goals. 

In November of 2002 an online survey was created and sent to approximately 20 equestrian groups in Northern Virginia.  The survey asked questions about the challenges facing each group and the needs of the groups.  Not to anyone's surprise, many of the groups seemed to be facing similar, if not identical challenges.  Although most groups have the same challenges, the planners of this new coalition did not want to create yet another group, or mega-group, for folks to become a member of.  A mega-group would dilute the identities of the individual groups and would be opposite the goals intentions of this new alliance.  One of the goals of this new Coalition would be to strengthen the horse community by growing and strengthening each individual group.  So the concept of a "coalition" of existing organizations seemed to be the most logical type of structure.  Using this concept organizations join the coalition and select delegates to represent their organization in the NVCEO.

Planning meetings for the new Coalition began in September 2003.  Planning meetings were regularly attended by delegates from the founding organizations throughout the the next 12 months.  Concepts and structure for the Coalition were developed and refined during these planning meetings as well as a Vision, Mission and goals for the Coalition.  The NVCEO was officially incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in September of 2004.

In the initial stages of the Coalition today, we are focused on identifying the needs of our horse community, the needs of our member organizations and developing an effective strategy to strengthen our member organizations.  By increasing the strength and viability of each member organization the Coalition we will meet and exceed the needs of our community and our member organizations.

Click Here for membership applications
 

NVCEO Meeting Information:
The NVCEO generally meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the
Fairfax Co. Government Sully District Office
4900 Stonecroft Blvd
Chantilly, VA 20151
Please email to confirm meeting.