By Julie Reardon
Living in Virginia, it’s easy to forget just how much history is woven into the fabric of where we live. And that includes the horse shows, steeplechase racing and other equestrian activities in the hunt country.
The oldest horse show in the country and possibly one of the oldest continuously run sporting events starts June 1st right here in Upperville, straddling the border of Fauquier and western Loudoun County and runs through June 7th – the Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by Mars Equestrian.
Established in 1853 by Colonel Richard Henry Dulany, who also founded the Piedmont Fox Hounds, the show was originally designed to encourage better treatment of young horses and improve the local breeding stock. Colonel Dulany chose one of his properties, Grafton Farm, as the site for his competition. Adjacent to the original Winchester Turnpike, now Route 50, Grafton was known for its stately oak and tupelo trees, with good grass footing. Contacted by Dulany, Charles Louis Tiffany designed the first silver trophy, donating his labor and craftsmanship.
Since its inception, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show has grown tremendously and is now established as one of the signature horse shows on the local, national, and international yearly calendars.
Today, the show takes place over the first full week in June, and includes nearly two thousand horse and rider combinations. Prizes are awarded for in-hand hunter breeding conformation, and performance in both hunters and jumpers. Riders range from local children on their lead-line ponies to Olympic caliber horses and riders.
Popular attractions include the USHJA International Hunter Derby and the FEI 4* Grand Prix event that concludes the show on Sunday. Crowds are also entertained by fun exhibitions, like the Hat Contest and the Horses and Horsepower antique car show. An exquisite array of local and national vendors brings variety and interest to shoppers and foodies of every age and taste. Attracting tens of thousands of spectators each year, Upperville has been named Horse Show of the Year by the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame and the Virginia Horse Show Association.
For exhibitors, sponsors, vendors and spectators alike, participating at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show makes one a part of a longstanding legacy of equine excellence. The event is also home to many social traditions, from elaborate tailgate picnics to parties sponsored by prominent local residents and businesses.
Equestrians and spectators from around the globe look forward to coming together “under the oaks” each spring in the Piedmont of Virginia. Upperville Colt & Horse Show is far more than simply a show; it is part of a shared and cherished experience, deeply rooted in the best of American sportsmanship. For those interested in attending, there are various different classes held during the week-long show. Most are hunters and jumpers—hunters are judged subjectively on smoothness of pace and rhythm jumping a course of fences while jumpers get no style points, the winner is the one that jumps a course of fences the fastest without knocking any rails down. Both the hunter and jumper divisions are classes for green horses, those that have not shown or are in their first year, as well as for amateur riders and open classes where anyone, including professional riders, can compete. There are also classes for horses and ponies ridden by junior riders (under 18) even a leadline class for very young children and a family class. The breeding classes showcase breeding stock: horses and ponies from foals to 3 year olds that are judged on conformation. The show is open to spectators all week from 8 am to 5 pm, visit their website at www. Upperville.com for more information.