Loudoun Horse Association will donate a quarter of the proceeds from the third Annual Tack & Equipment Sale and Auction to help fund the construction of public equestrian facilities at the Lovettsville Community Park. The sale will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. February 16 at the Lovettsville Game Club facility located on the west side of the Berlin Turnpike (Route 287), a half mile south of the Lovettsville traffic square and about thirty minutes from Leesburg, Virginia. The Auction is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

"The decision to create a fund for public equestrian facilities in Loudoun County and to begin by setting aside funds for such facilities at the Lovettsville Park is a way for the Loudoun Horse Association to make a real contribution to the needs of the horse community," said President Mary Terpak.

The annual sale is open to the public and there is no admission fee. Lovettsville's park site was purchased pursuant to a successful bond referendum in 2004. Public support was enthusiastic for hiking and equestrian trails and equestrian facilities. Holly Smith Flannery, a member of the board of directors of the Loudoun Horse Association is the point of contact for the event.

"We have had terrific response from vendors who want to set up a table or hang out their banner," she explained. "The cost is only $25 if you sign up before February 7th, and $35 for those who sign up after that date."

New and used tack and equestrian equipment of all kinds will be available at the sale and auction. "This will be a great opportunity for horse owners to sell tack they no longer need and for buyers to find needed pieces of equipment a great price," Flannery said. "Table vendors will offer a wonderful selection of equine art, cards and unique items as well as gifts for horse enthusiasts, their friends, their homes and their barns."

The Lovettsville Game Protective Association will provide a food concession during the day and evening.

The Loudoun Horse Association was established in 2005 to serve as a resource for local horse owners, professionals and equine industry providers. The focus of the Association is to improve communication and cooperation among the many equestrian disciplines in Loudoun County, to offer educational programs and networking opportunities and to assist in the development of public infrastructure to meet the needs of the Loudoun equestrian community.

Vendors who would like to participate in the event, or members of the public who need more information may contact Holly at auction@loudounhorseassociation.org or by telephoning 540 822 3975.