The 49th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour is just around the corner and there will be plenty to see. The Tour, which takes place May 24-25, is self-driven and includes some of the most prestigious stables and equine facilities in Virginia.
Virginia’s Upperville/Middleburg area is home to many of the country’s premier Thoroughbred breeding farms, show hunter barns and country estates. During the tour, owners in the area will welcome visitors and open the gates of their exquisite grounds, magnificent stables and extensive training facilities. The tour also offers the opportunity to drive down historic, 250-year-old country lanes to view some of the area’s abundant wildlife.
From amazing stables, carriage houses and training tracks to the Civil War history of the cavalry, this tour offers something for everyone. Some of the events include a polo match, side saddle event and jumping demonstrations. There will also be plenty of pastures and stables full of mares, foals and ponies.
Back this year for history buffs, The Bridge over Goose Creek provides Civil War historians with tactical demonstrations by Federal Infantry and Confederate Cavalry. Visitors will have a chance to learn more about the strategic Civil War battles that took place in the area during the prelude to the Gettysburg Campaign in 1863.
In addition to The Bridge, there are a dozen stops on the tour this year, including Fox View Farm, home of national side saddle champion Sandra Conchar; Thoroughbred farm Trappe Hill; Rokeby, home of 1993 Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero; Heronwood Farm, home to a successful polo team and a colorful herd of Alpacas; Peakewood Pharm and Locust Hill. The Middleburg Training Track will provide demonstrations of the facilities. The Middleburg Agricultural Research & Extension (MARE) Center features mares and foals.
Admission to the Stable Tour is $20 per person in advance until May 16 and $25 per person after. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets for groups of 10 or more are $18 per person.
Proceeds from the Hunt Country Stable Tour support Trinity Church and their many local, national and international charities and non-profit programs.
For more information, visit www.middleburgonline.com/stabletour.