Drive through rural Loudoun and in between all the vineyards, farm breweries and historic villages you'll see lush paddocks and stone-fenced fields dotted with handsome four-legged creatures. Loudoun is horse country, and Middleburg is known as the nation's horse and hunt country capital. Both the historic town and the rest of the county have a long and storied equestrian history dating back to before the Revolution.
In celebration of Loudoun's equestrian culture, we highlight some of the spring and summer events, pursuits and facilities that define the style and wonder of horse country.
Events
Middleburg Spring Races, Glenwood Park, Middleburg, April
Held on a Saturday in mid-April, Glenwood Park in Middleburg hosts what some consider to be the blue chip event of the Loudoun social calendar, as synonymous with the season as dogwoods and daffodils. Join race aficionados and designer-clad fans from Loudoun, DC, Baltimore and beyond as they picnic around the famous Alfred Hunt Steeplechase track, tailgate and cheer on some of the fastest hurdle horses in the world.
Loudoun Hunt Point to Point, Morven Park, Leesburg, April
Held at Morven Park, Leesburg on a Sunday in mid-April, usually the day after the Middleburg Spring Races, the Loudoun Hunt's Point to Point features eight flat and hurdle races including the wildly popular Mrs. George C. Everhart Memorial Side Saddle exhibition race. Riders from across the country come to take part, and fans in glamorous spring country attire set up tables and garden tents to enjoy picnics and local craft beverages while cheering on the horses.
Loudoun Spring Farm Tour, May
The annual Loudoun Spring Farm Tour, going strong since 1996, takes place over a weekend in late May. Organized by Loudoun Economic Development, the free family-friendly, self-guided tours allow residents and tourists to visit with and hear from local farmers about raising everything from horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas to growing vegetables, fruit and flowers. Horse-related businesses on the tour include Hogback Mountain Pony Rides south of Leesburg.
Upperville Colt & Horse Show, Middleburg, June
The celebrated Upperville Colt & Horse Show takes place under the towering oaks of Grafton Farm outside Middleburg each June, attracting some of the finest pro and amateur riders in the US. Events during the week-long spectacle range from dressage to hunt jumping and riders include children on lead-line ponies to world class Olympians. Founded in 1853, it's the oldest horse show in the US with past exhibitors including General George S Patton and racehorse owner Paul Mellon.
Polo in the Park, Morven Park, Leesburg, June–July
Tailgates, picnics, rosé wine, designer hats and thoroughbred horses — you know it's summer in Loudoun when Polo in the Park returns to Morven Park. Held on successive Saturday evenings in June and July, this year's series gets underway June 6 with the prestigious Ambassador's Cup. Put on your best dress and coolest hat for the Snazzy Hat and Dapper Dresser Award and enjoy tailgating or picnicking on the grass with a fine glass of Loudoun wine as you cheer on some of the finest polo players in the world.
Museums and Exhibits
National Sporting Library & Museum, Middleburg
Founded in 1954, the nation's leading resource on the literature, art and culture of equestrian pursuits, angling and field sports. On top of the world-class library the museum's gallery features permanent and rotating paintings, sculpture and photography exhibits. Stroll the gardens to see the handsome bronze statue by British sculptor Tessa Pullan of Sea Hero, the 1993 Kentucky Derby winning horse owned by famous local resident Paul Mellon. Visit the website for information on talks, concerts and other events.
Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America, Leesburg and Middleburg
Located at two sites — the Davis Mansion at Morven Park, Leesburg and a gallery on Washington St, downtown Middleburg — this museum houses an extraordinary collection of paintings, illustrations, costumes, taxidermy, letters and books dedicated to the sport of kings. On top of a permanent collection of equestrian and hunt-themed fine art, artifacts and memorabilia, the museum is also home to the Huntsman's Hall of Fame.
Ride
Salamander Middleburg has 14 horses stabled on the property, allowing guests to choose the most suitable mount for a variety of rides. The Countryside Group Trail Ride is a leisurely one-hour exploration of rural Middleburg on wooded paths; the Stone Wall Private Trail Ride is for more experienced riders: a personalized guided journey down some of Middleburg's iconic stone-fenced county lanes past grand country estates and horse farms.
Stay
Besides hosting trail rides, Salamander Middleburg is a Forbes 5-Star resort. Spend the night here and have the opportunity to meet Cupcake, an adorable mini pony. At nearby Welbourne Inn, a historic B&B and horse farm, guests can visit with horses that have been sent to the estate to retire. Crafted with rich textures, antique furniture and hunt-themed art — oil paintings, mounted antlers, marble statues — the new 39-suite Hotel Burg on Leesburg's King Street is a classy blend of history, comfort and sophistication.
