Community Events
Experience the Splendor of Virginia’s Horse Country at the 65th Hunt Country Stable Tour
This Memorial Day Weekend, the Hunt Country Stable Tour invites equestrian enthusiasts and newcomers to explore over a dozen historic and private equine properties in Virginia’s picturesque horse country. Celebrating its 65th year, the tour resumes after a brief hiatus, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of horses and their trainers across various disciplines.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special hours at select venues, the self-driving tour will showcase notable farms like Kinross and Poplar Grange, where visitors can witness the training of eventing horses, jumpers, and steeplechase athletes against a backdrop of rolling hills.
A highlight for many will be the visit to Oak Spring Farm, once owned by Paul and Bunny Mellon, where internationally celebrated horses were bred. The tour also provides an opportunity to experience the historic Piedmont Fox Hounds, the oldest hunt in America, demonstrating traditional hunting calls and techniques at Trinity Church in Upperville.
Old Denton offers a unique perspective with demonstrations of mules excelling in disciplines from dressage to western reining. Polo enthusiasts can enjoy matches at Phipps Field, and early risers can catch a glimpse of racehorse training at the Middleburg Training Center.
The tour is not just about horses; historical estates like Stoke Farm and Welbourne Inn offer breathtaking vistas and engaging reenactments of their storied pasts. The Virginia Tech Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center will open its doors to those interested in equine health and nutrition, showcasing mares and foals in their care.
Other sites include the Salamander Resort, which highlights therapeutic riding programs, and The National Sporting Library & Museum, which offers tours of its rare books and art collection, enriching visitors’ understanding of country pursuits.
Tickets are priced at $40 per person, with free admission for children under ten, covering both days of the tour. All proceeds will benefit Trinity Ministries, supporting various organizations that improve the lives of people in need.
With the lush landscapes of Virginia as its backdrop, the Hunt Country Stable Tour celebrates the region’s equestrian heritage and its commitment to community and preservation. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the event’s official website at [Hunt Country Stable Tour](https://trinityupperville.org/hunt-country-stable-tour). Join us in experiencing the grandeur and tradition of Virginia’s horse country on a weekend filled with beauty, history, and equine excellence.
