Just outside Washington, DC lies Loudoun County, Virginia where thousands of horses wander the countryside, sharing our time-treasured rural landscape with vineyards and historic estates. It’s a place where thoroughbreds are raised, derby riders are born and Olympians are trained. It’s a place that serves as an idyllic country escape for Washington notables including the Obamas and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who spent countless hours riding horses along the trails. With its historic towns and stacked stone fences along horse-dotted foothills, Loudoun preserves a simpler time and provides a glimpse into America’s past.
Saddle up for a journey back through time as we uncover Loudoun's history as an American landmark with an equestrian spirit
Aldie Mill Historic Park
Aldie Mill was a grist mill built between 1807 and 1809 as an active hub of the community that consisted of a merchant mill, country mill, and granary. During the Civil War, the mill provided grain for troops, President James Monroe was an early customer while living in nearby Oak Hill. Just west of Aldie, at a bend in the Snickersville Turnpike, is a historic marker erected in 1880 attesting to the sacrifice of the northern soldiers, the only monument to Union forces on southern soil. It served crucial asset to Northern Virginia’s industrial heritage and is now preserved in a 4-story brick building powered by two tandem metal waterwheels - the only gristmill in Virginia known for this. It is impressive to see the double overshot mill wheels working and the water-powered technology grind and bag corn. Visit on weekends in season for guided or self-guided tours. Group tours are available during the week by appointment only.
Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
Oatlands is a National Trust site. In 1798 a young bachelor named George Carter inherited 3,408 acres of prime Loudoun County, Virginia farmland from his father, Robert “Councilor” Carter III. It encompasses 360 acres in scenic easements and features a Greek Revival mansion, circa 1804, rare 19th century brick dependencies including America's oldest restored propagation greenhouse, circa 1810 and a magnificent four-acre English terraced garden. Oatlands is renowned for its guided tours of the mansion and grounds, which include a historic garden walk. You can purchase tickets on Oatlands website. Though guided tours are available; feel free to admire the property and explore the 8 miles of breathtaking trails suitable for hiking, biking and horse riding. Oatlands is a lovely place to spend the day.
George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor
Dodona Manor is situated on 3.8 acres of gardens on the eastern end of Leesburg's historic district and was once the residency of the U.S. Army's Chief of Staff from 1941 until 1959, General George C. Marshall. General Marshall was the architect of the European Recovery Plan (The Marshall Plan), and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 - he was described as the "Greatest American of the twentieth century" by both Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. More than 90 percent of the items that are present in the house belonged to the Marshalls when they lived here in the 1950s. Self-guided tours for the exterior areas such as the tree walking tour and architectural are available to the public. Guided tours for the interior of the home are available on the weekends.
National Sporting Library and Museum
Founded in 1954, the National Sporting Library & Museum located in Middleburg, the heart of Virginia’s beautiful hunt country, is a world-class library and fine art museum that highlights great books that families can read in the many nooks. The library includes an extensive collection of books about horses and equestrian sports. The children’s library includes great read aloud books that families can enjoy in the many reading nooks throughout the library. There is also an art museum that features permanent and rotating exhibits highlighting horses and equestrian sports of all kinds. Both the library and museum host special events throughout the year with hands on activities and crafts the whole family can enjoy. Even if you don’t have time for the library and museum, the grounds here are spectacular and open to the public. Statues and art on display have QR codes to learn more.
Morven Park
Morven Park, located on the northern edge of Leesburg was once home of Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis and his wife Marguerite. More than 70 years after his death, the accomplishments and ideals of Governor Davis still resonate within the 1,000 acres of this one-of-a-kind place. It has become so well known in the equestrian community that each year more than 100,000 people visit the park to participate in the International Fall Horse Trials. Each October, Morven Park hosts the Fall Horse Trials, a horse event competition in three equestrian disciplines: dressage, show jumping and cross-country. The summer months feature Polo in the Park. No matter the time of year, there’s likely an event to watch or head to Morven Park to take a stroll on the beautiful grounds or a guided tour of Davis Mansion.
Salamander Middleburg
This 340-acre estate is a Forbes 5-Star Award winner for its hotel and restaurant and the only Forbes 5-Star spa in the state. The rolling hills of the Middleburg landscape is the backdrop for numerous equestrian experiences for families. Take a wooded trail ride or meet Salamander’s very own award-winning mini horse, Cupcake any day of the week.
Dark Spring Stables
Dark Spring Stables is the place to go for a memorable trail ride for adults and kids aged 12 and over. They offer a selection of different trail ride experiences to learn your way around horsemanship, witness the country mountainside and one trail even takes you to get a cool treat from Moo Thru Ice Cream located at "The Gap" in Hillsboro. For more experience riders, the Vineyard Brewery Trail Ride allows you to travel at your own pace -enjoy a wine tasting or cold brew at nearby stops Walsh Family Winery and Old 690 Brewing Company.
Chase Run Stables
For younger kids or those new to horseback riding, consider a weekend ride with Chase Run Stables. Offering a on hour ride along the historic W&OD Trail, beginners and seasoned pros will enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this one hour trail ride. Each ride offered weekends only can accommodate up to three riders. As you drive through Loudoun County with the kids, you’re sure to see even more horses on farms nestled in the foothills of the mountains. It’s almost hard to believe these hidden gems in Virginia horse country are less than an hour from Washington, DC.
