Lesa and her boys.

Born:  Philadelphia.

Current residence:  Montpelier.

Family:  Tom (husband);  three sons  TJ (9), Ben (7), Evan (5). 

Pets: Dogs Lacey and Lu Lu. Goat, Hockey.                                

Horses:  Quinn (pony);  Ginger (Thoroughbred—granddaughter of Seattle Slew).

Occupation:  Facility rental manager, The Meadow Event Park.

What is your “claim to fame”?  1. My family. 2. The positive influence I provided to lots of students for the 20 years that I spent teaching. Hopefully I inspired them to reach for their goals while making the world around them a better place.

Hobbies:  All sports, especially riding, doing anything with my boys, reading and golf (thanks to my husband who has the patience of Job!).

Philosophy on life:  It is way too short!  As I get older, I want to enjoy every minute.

Best horse advice ever received:  “When in doubt, KICK ON!”

What would people be surprised to learn about you?  Jonathan Sheppard provided me the opportunity to compete Flatterer, Steeplechase Hall of Fame inductee, after he retired from steeplechasing.

Lesa shares five things people might be surprised to learn about The Meadow Event Park:

1.   The facility is owned by the State Fair of Virginia, Inc., a 501C3 not for profit.  

2.   The Meadow Farm is the birthplace of Triple Crown winner Secretariat and also Riva Ridge, Horse of the Year.

3. The State Fair is the Official State Fair of Virginia.  They have awarded 2,255 scholarships and dedicated over $1.7 million to youth education since 1989.

4.  The park is located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and hosts educational programs on the wetlands.

5.  During the course of the year, the facility will host over 100 event days with bookings for consumer shows, trade events, athletic and equestrian events as well as private functions such as weddings and corporate outings.