Featured Venues for 2024

You'll find a list of our participating venues and locations below.

STOKE

Situated atop one of the highest points in the area, visitors to Stoke are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling hills, verdant valleys, and distant mountain ranges. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and built in 1840, Stoke is a testament to Virginia's rich agricultural and equestrian heritage, featuring sprawling fields, historic barns, and charming farmhouses. Today Stoke welcomes a diverse group of riders, drawn together by their demand for quality horse care, cutting edge amenities, community events, and their appreciation for the historic property.

LITTLE RIVER

Little River Farm, circa 1840, boasts a rich history that continues to thrive under the stewardship of Shannon and Jim Davis. In 2017, they acquired the property from the children of Pamela Braga (formerly Brown/Ohrstrom). Pamela, along with her former husband Jay Carter Brown, dedicated two decades to meticulously restoring the main house, carriage house, dependency, caretaker’s cottage, and various outbuildings, ensuring the preservation of their historical significance.

The Davis family embarked on a journey to further ensure the restoration of their property. Teaming up with esteemed local architect Thomas Beach, they revived the 1918 barn to its former glory, while expanding it to accommodate 15 stalls across three structures. The result? A charming, Cotswold-esque stable yard, complete with restored tack, feed, and wash stall rooms adorned with photographs of Orange County Hunt hounds and antique memorabilia from the prior owner. Additionally, the large riding ring underwent expansion and received updates including new fencing, footing, a watering system, and a judge’s stand for schooling shows.

Edward Ewbank, operating his equestrian business at Little River under Ewbank Equestrian (www.ewbankequestrian.com), took charge of restoring the derby and cross-country fields. With inviting and challenging jumps and coups, the fields are now ready for action. Visitors can look forward to various show and cross-country demonstrations at this venue.

MIDDLEBURG AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION (MARE) CENTER

THE MARE Center plays a critical role in the discovery, outreach, and education missions of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Through collaborations with academic and industry partners around the world, the center advances the health and well-being of the horse through innovative research efforts and exceptional educational programming in equine science. This venue will offer insights into equine nutrition and exercise physiology and the latest technologies including smart apps for nutrition and exercise decisions. There will plenty of opportunities for viewing mares and foals.

POPLAR GRANGE

Poplar Grange Farm is a world-class equestrian center dedicated to the care, training, and development of exceptional show and steeplechase horses. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this stable is a hub for nurturing top-tier equine talent. The stable boasts two state-of-the-art, all-weather riding rings meticulously designed to cater to every aspect of elite equine training. The riding arena is equipped with challenging obstacles, and a variety of cross-country challenges, ensuring that horses experience and overcome a wide range of competitive scenarios during their training.

MIDDLEBURG TRAINING CENTER

For devoted horse enthusiasts seeking an early bird treat, this destination offers a unique chance to observe Thoroughbred racehorses conditioning and training right by the rail. Yearlings are brought here to commence their initial training phases before advancing to national and international racetracks. Established in 1956 by philanthropist Paul Mellon, the site boasts 11 barns, 220 stalls, 22 paddocks, and a charming 7/8-mile racetrack set across 149 acres. Recently acquired by Chuck Khun, a local resident and the founder/CEO of J.K. Moving and Storage, the facility underwent a million-dollar renovation to elevate its historic structures to world-class competition standards, now safeguarded by a conservation easement.

PHIPPS FIELD POLO MATCH BY DESTINATION POLO

Experience the thrill of a polo game, complete with an overview of the rules and strategies that make this sport so captivating. Kids and tour participants will also have the opportunity to interact and take photos with the polo ponies and players.

Experiencing polo for the first time is nothing short of exhilarating. The match begins with the sound of thundering hooves as skilled riders in traditional polo attire take the field, maneuvering powerful horses with precision and grace.

Phipps Field was built circa 1925 by the Phipps family of New York. For the past 99 years the field has hosted scores of local players as well as famous players from around the world. Previous owners of the field are Paul Mellon; Senator John Warner; and Jack Kent Cooke, former Redskins owner. The current owner is Destination Polo.

KINROSS FARM

Kinross Farm has been a prominent local equine stable since 1992. In 2001, Zohar and Lisa Ben-Dov redesigned their 500-acre horse farm into a one-of-a-kind world class horse training facility. It features a 25-stall center aisle training barn, a lighted indoor arena, an outdoor irrigated sand arena, multiple log schooling areas, and various grass gallops. Interior and exterior wash stalls, paneled tack room and office support training in all weather conditions.

At the helm of this facility is trainer Lindsay Kelley, who competes event horses at the Advance/5 level and also trains fox hunters and jumpers. She is actively involved in both disciplines as the benefits of combining training techniques from multiple disciplines are unmatchable.Come visit this exquisite farm with a world class equestrian facility and meet some of these amazing equine athletes.

NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY & MUSEUM

The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) is located in the town of Middleburg. Dedicated to preserving, promoting and sharing the literature, art and culture of equestrian, angling and field sports, the 6-acre campus boasts a world-class research Library and fine art Museum celebrating the heritage of country pursuits. Angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, foxhunting, flat racing, polo, coaching, and wildlife are among the subjects in the institution’s general stacks, rare book holdings, archives, and art collection. Visiting exhibits during the HCST include:

Honoring the Point: The Gwynne McDevitt Sporting Dog Collection, an illuminating sporting dog exhibition comprised of 86 paintings, works on paper, sculptures, and a weathervane. The collection presents a range of dog breeds and subject matter: gun dogs in the field, foxhounds, canine portraits, and even a charming scene of puppies observing a frog.

OLD DENTION

Old Denton provides a unique experience for you to gain a newfound appreciation for mules, thanks to the owners' deep passion of these intelligent animals. Witness the owners' dedication to mules for diverse disciplines such as dressage, western reining, foxhunting, and carriage drives. Engage directly with the Stutzman family's management of their horse-and-mule facility to gain insights into the intelligence, versatility, and capabilities of mules across various tasks and activities.

Old Denton boasts of a brick manor house built with bricks made from red clay dredged from ponds on-site, featuring 1860s Greek Revival and Italianate styles. Also on the property is the original 1820s farmhouse, now repurposed as a guesthouse, as well as other historical structures including a meat house, stables, and the famous "Mosby Walnut."

FOXLEIGH FARM

The Farm was originally part of a land grant from King George II to Leven Powell, who with 200 settlers became the earliest European inhabitants in the area.

The Farm’s main Barn was built in the 1920’s as a Dairy Barn with an adjacent Silo to store grain to feed the cattle. In 1978 the Barn was rebuilt over the original stone footings as a Broodmare Barn with a center aisle and horse stalls. Adjacent to the main house there is another Barn that was built by the Owner Mr Enrique Solari as a Carriage Barn, although lately it’s been utilized as an Antique Shop, The Paradise, run by Mrs. Ariane Carles co-owner of Foxleigh Farm and an accolated Interior Designer.

Several well-known Thoroughbreds, Show Jumpers, Polo Ponies where born and/or trained and still are in this property which is under permanent conservation with Virginia Outdoor Foundation (VOF). and recently granted permanent Hunting Rights to the Orange County Hounds (OCH).

Today, Showjumpers, Foxhunters and Carriage horses are tenants of it’s lush pastures and paddocks and will all be on display for visitors.

PIEDMONT FOX HOUNDS AT TRINITY CHURCH

Of all the fox hunts in North America — 145 registered packs — the oldest one in the United States was established in 1840 as Piedmont Fox Hounds right in the Middleburg/Upperville area. It was founded by Col. Richard Henry Dulany (1820-1906) who lived at historic Welbourne, a well-known fixture in premier horse and hunt country and also a venue on the HCST!

Spend the morning watching the huntsman work his hounds using horns and voice commands to direct them. Come meet the Piedmont Fox Hounds in the Bishop's Garden. Talk to the huntsman and mingle with the friendly hounds. This is a great photo opportunity!

THE EQUESTRIAN CENTER AT SALAMANDER MIDDLEBURG

Visit this beautiful 22 stall facility just a few strides away from the luxury hotel and spa. Meet the resort’s horses and ponies…and of course don’t miss an opportunity to visit “Cupcake” the adorable miniature horse. Enjoy a fun scavenger hunt, tack sale, learn about the equestrian programs offered and tour the resort property.

Salamander Middleburg is one of only five properties in the country to earn Forbes Five-Star awards for accommodations, restaurant and spa.

This venue will also showcase horses and instructors from local therapeutic riding programs, offering adapted riding-skill instruction that aligns with life goals. Therapeutic Riding is life changing for improving the lives of individuals with special needs, providing transformative experiences through horse interactions and comprehensive therapeutic programs.

WELBOURNE

Welbourne was the home of Col. Richard Henry Dulany, the great-great-great-grandfather of the current innkeepers. Col. Dulany founded the nation’s oldest foxhunting club, The Piedmont Fox Hounds, in 1840, and the oldest horse show, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, in 1853.

Welbourne is one of Middleburg’s most recognizable porches, most beloved party venues, and a favorite among local history lovers. In the 1930s, writers F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe stayed at Welbourne at the behest of their legendary editor, Maxwell Perkins. One of Perkins’ closest friends was Elizabeth Lemmon of Welbourne (their letters were published in As Ever Yours) and he wrote after one visit, “It’s as if I had drunk the milk of Paradise once and seen an enchanted place.” Fitzgerald wrote “Her Last Case,” a short story published in The Saturday Evening Post that used Welbourne as its setting.

Historical reenactors will provide a demonstration recreating and reliving past eras through meticulous attention to detail in clothing, equipment, and lifestyle.

Through their passion for historical accuracy and immersive storytelling, the reenactors will bring history to life showcasing their craftsmanship to preserving and sharing the heritage of the area.

OAK SPRING

At Oak Spring Farm, established by the late Paul and Bunny Mellon, visitors can explore the renowned hunter and jumper barns. The Mellons, notable figures in the equestrian world, bred internationally acclaimed horses including Sea Hero, winner of the Kentucky Derby. Notable visitors to the Mellons' stables included Jacqueline Kennedy, who enjoyed foxhunting with the famed Piedmont Fox Hounds.