For Doug Payne, winning the long-format Virginia CCI* was a special treat, but there was an air of sadness around the event for most of the weekend.

“One of the reasons I did it was because it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be around much longer,” said Payne. “In a small way, it’s nice to say you did the last one.”

Just five competitors started the long-format CCI* at Virginia. The fight to keep the long format alive has been an uphill battle for organizers like Brian and Penny Ross, but their dedication to the preservation of the sport has inspired many amateur riders and professionals alike.

“It’d be great to see Brian and Penny and the five other [organizers] who have banded together succeed and keep it running,” said Payne. “I would hope that it’s still a goal for most people to get to a level where they can do a long format.

“You have to look toward the trainers too,” he added. “In general, students are going to follow a trainer’s advice. If trainers aren’t for it, it’s going to be a difficult road ahead. It’s a tricky situation. The other downside of it is that it’s expensive to do, but in my opinion it’s certainly worth it.”

Brian and Penny Ross are part of a group of organizers, including Rebecca Broussard and Sarah Kelly of Rebecca Farms (Mont.), Mary Fike of Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event (Ky.), Robert Kellerhouse of Galway Downs (Calif.) and Margaret Good of Morven Park (Va.), who are working hard to keep the long format a part of the eventing dream.

“Throughout the whole endurance day I was excited, nervous, and happy when we finished up,” said Payne. “Penny and Brian have put so much into this. They were there at the start of A and the steeplechase. They were there in the vet box and again when I came off D. They both came up and gave me a hug, and Penny was crying. It’s sad to see it go, and I hope it does continue. It certainly has its place and should have its place. I’m not sure that some people see the value in it any longer, but in my opinion they’re missing out.”