Virginia Tech Block and Bridle News

by blockandbridle blockandbridle | Jan 05, 2015
Written By: McCauley Vailes

Note from the President

As I reflect upon the past and future activities of the Virginia Tech Block and Bridle Club, I am incredibly honored to be serving as president for the 2014-2015 academic year. The executive committee, committee chairs, BBQ chairs, and the club members continue their diligent work to promote animal science and agriculture education among our membership and Virginia youth. During Fall 2014, we enjoyed two successful weekends selling BBQ at the State Fair of Virginia, held our annual Horse Judging Clinic for 4-H and FFA, and participated in various other events. In Spring 2015, we are excited to hold the Hippology and Horse Judging Contests as well as the Meats Judging, Livestock Judging, and Stockman’s Contests for 4-H and FFA youth as well as the 93rd Little International. Thank you for your continued support of B&B.
Hope Wentzel, President

New Members

We would like to welcome the 26 new members who pledged during the Fall 2014 Semester. The pledging process was fun and the new members are a great bunch. We look forward to welcoming more next year. Congratulations to the new members!

Horse Judging Clinic
November 15th, 2014

The Horse Judging Clinic was hosted by Payton Lawrence and Hannah McDonald this year. Local 4-H and FFA members attended the clinic to learn the basics of colors, gaits, and conformation. The members were also given an introduction of how to give reasons and communicate their placing. Block and Bridle provided cold-cuts for the participants. Many of the 4-H and FFA members will be returning in February for the Horse Judging Contest. Overall, the event was very successful! 

State Fair of Virginia
September 24th-October 4th, 2014

State Fair was, once again, a success this year!  September 24th through October 4th was a busy but exciting time as we, along with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, fed thousands of people in Doswell, VA.  Block and Bridle has been a part of the State Fair of Virginia for many years, and customers return time after time to experience our great barbeque.  Although we, as barbeque chairs, had our trials, I feel that this event was a great success and I look forward to returning again next fall!
Austin Witmer, BBQ Chair
VPI BBQ

Pledge Service Event
October 19th, 2014

This semester, the pledge service project took place at Dr. Cindy Wood’s farm. The pledges cleaned up debris, cleaned gutters, fixed roofing and fences throughout the afternoon. Several members went along to help and Dr. Wood was very appreciative. She has been very involved in Block & Bridle and this was our way of giving back!

VPI Service

Harvest Havoc
November 8th, 2014 

Harvest Havoc is a philanthropy event hosted by Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha. Money raised was donated to Feeding America, Southwest Virginia. B&B had 3 teams competing and won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall. Points came from Agricultural Olympic Games and can donations. We enjoyed participating in this great cause!

 Upcoming 2015 Events

  • February 13: Hippology
  • February 14: Horse Judging Contest
  • February 28: Youth Swine Day
  • March 20-21: Livestock Weekend
  • April 11: Little International
  • April 17-19: Commonwealth Classic
  • April 24: Relay for Life
  • April 25: Little All American


2014-2015 Executive Committee

President: Hope Wentzel          Treasurer: Emily Twitford

Vice President: Charley Maxwell       Historian: Santerra Boyd

Secretary: Meghan Delp                     Reporter/Alumni Relations: McCauley Vailes

Marshall: Kami Meador                      Pledge Coordinator: Ashley Owens


VPI building