Sports

The Lexington National Hunter/Jumper Horse Show returned to the Virginia Horse Center this past weekend. The event drew 500 horses and about twice as many people. “It was really spectacular,” said John Nicholson, horse center executive center, of the show that’s usually the last of what are known “as the big three” held annually. The first two of these hunter/jumper shows owned by the horse center, the Lexington Spring Premiere and the Lexington Spring Encore, weren’t held this year because of the pandemic. The horse center has now been open for two months and seven shows, with plans to hold shows every weekend through Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, spectators are not allowed. Strict protocols are being followed by those who attend the shows with the horses. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)

Parry McCluer High School football players participate in on-field conditioning at the school’s practice field last Wednesday evening. The field was divided into four sections to allow social distancing. Conditioning involved drills, jumping exercises and wind sprints. Coaches helping out including assistant coach Rad Patterson (top right) and head coach Mark Wheeler (bottom center). Taking precautions, the team had no activities involving contact, and there were no footballs used. The VHSL Executive Committee voted on Monday of last week to delay the start of football and other fall sports until mid-February. The team has also been using the weight room at the Wilford P. Ramsey Education Center, and each athlete or coach should wear a mask and bring his own water bottle when entering the weight room. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)