Audubon Lifestyles Awards Five-Star Rating to The Oaks Equestrian Center

O'Connor Signature Facility Recognized as Epitome of Sustainability

(Charlottesville, VA, July 20, 2009) – Equestrian Services, LLC, announced today that Audubon Lifestyles has recognized The Oaks Equestrian Center, an O'Connor Signature Brand, as the epitome of sustainability by awarding a Five-Star rating to the facility. O'Connor Signature at The Oaks is one of the company’s premier programs - planned, designed and professionally managed by the management affiliate of Equestrian Services.

The Oaks Equestrian Center is the first equestrian facility worldwide to receive the Five-Star designation. In addition to receiving the Five-Star rating from Audubon Lifestyles, The Oaks Equestrian Center has also been issued the Seal of Sustainability from the International Sustainability Council (ISC).

Eric Dodson, CEO of Audubon Lifestyles, said, "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, and the staff should be commended for doing an outstanding job. We’re delighted to showcase the O'Connor Signature Oaks Equestrian Center as the first Five-Star Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility, and to issue the ISC's Seal of Sustainability," he said.

The facility’s cross-country course (custom-designed by Olympian David O'Connor) and custom top-of-the-line 33-stall barn is complemented by a competition-quality outdoor ring, covered round pen, and a large covered arena. These features and more distinguish the O'Connor Signature Oaks Equestrian Center as a truly premier and one-of-a-kind equestrian facility.

"Participating in this process was a natural fit for us, as the O'Connor Signature Brand itself was developed using sustainable models that included economic, social and environmental considerations," said Rhonda Gailey, general manager of The Oaks.

The Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Program includes guidelines and incentives for equestrian facility owners and managers seeking to adopt economic, environmental and socially-responsible practices. The program also includes safety protocols for horses and riders, as well as criteria for facility planning, environmental practices and operations, and it is setting the standard for sustainably-managed equestrian facilities in the equestrian industry.