57th Hunt Country Stable Tour a Must-See Event
Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville will host its 57th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour on Memorial Day weekend, May 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The Middleburg Training Track will be open Saturday only from 7 a.m. to 10 am.
The Middleburg and Upperville area is home to many of the country’s premier Thoroughbred breeding farms, show hunter and fox hunting barns and country estates. On this remarkable May weekend, owners open the doors of their exquisite grounds, magnificent stables and extensive training facilities to visitors.
Trinity Episcopal Church is a free adaptation of a 12-13th century French country church. The native Virginia sandstone complex of the church, rectory and parish hall was given to Meade parish by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon in 1960.
Services are held at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays and visitors are most welcome to view the church where docents will answer questions. Hayrides will be available throughout each day to the Outdoor Sanctuary. A Country Fair will be held on the front lawn and a boutique sale will be held at the Thrift Shop.
Other highlights will include:
The Piedmont Fox Hounds: At Trinity Church: The Piedmont Fox Hounds are dedicated to the preservation of horse, hound and open space in Virginia. They will be present at the church Saturday from 10-11 a.m.. Beagling, bought to the United States from Great Britain, is the sport of tracking hare with a pack of hounds bred especially for this purpose.
The Middleburg Training Track: An early bird special for true horse lovers, this stop is an opportunity to stand rail-side and see Thoroughbred race horses condition and train. Horses are sent here as yearlings to be broken and begin their preliminary training before heading to national and international tracks.Built in 1956 by Paul Mellon, the facility features a 7/8-mile track with a four-stall starting gate, 11 barns, a tack room, bunk rooms and a veterinarian’s office.
St. Bride’s Farm: This privately owned farm specializes in the breeding, training and showing of world-class show jumpers. There are 350 acres with a main residence, guesthouse, staff quarters, business office, workshop, two barns, an indoor arena, an outdoor grass ring and multiple grass paddocks.
Salem Oaks: This farm is a 104-acre equestrian facility. Both English and Western disciplines are practiced and performed on the property. Their breeds come from cattle ranches in Wyoming and Canada. The farm also does work with older retired horses as well as therapy horses. A “Paint the Pony” event will occur on Saturday and the AQH horses will compete in barrel racing and pole bending on Sunday.
Takaro Farm: This farm boasts a cross country course, excellent ride out, and phenomenal turnout. The facility includes a beautiful lighted indoor arena and a large 200×150 lighted outdoor arena. The barns at Takaro are well designed with spacious stalls, lots of windows, multiple tack rooms and spacious aisles. There will be jumping and training demonstrations at 11a.m. and 2 p.m. both days.
Fox Chase Farm: One of the most famous landmarks on Route 50 in Middleburg, it’s most recognizable by its one-acre riding arena. In addition to hosting top quality horse shows, the facilities are used year-round for corporate events, team building, weddings, charities and dinners. Refreshments will be available on the farm.
Salamander Resort & Spa: Set on 340 acres, the resort features 168 luxurious rooms and suites, a 23,000-square foot spa, a full-service equestrian center, Virginia Piedmont-inspired dining, a cooking studio, wine bar and a unique array of conference and banquet facilities. The Equestrian Center is comprised of a 22-stall stable, a 120 x 240 outdoor area with Thor-Turf footing, miles of trails and nine turnout paddocks.
Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (M.A.R.E.) Center: The “MARE” Center was created on a 420-acre farm donated by Paul Mellon, designed by Blackburn Architects and is run by Virginia Tech. It fosters research aimed at improving pasture and animal productivity.
Trappe Hill Farm: Its 550 acres of field and forest borders the Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to a varied collection of horses. Owners Edie and Bruce Smart raise Thoroughbreds for sale and racing and host 11 retired horses. There will be mares and foals on view. Horses swimming in the pond will occur at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The farm is open Saturday only.
Wind Fields Farm: This 463-acre farm has a growing equestrian facility focused on hunter/jumper training and competition. The horses and ponies include multi-level division hunters and jumpers. The farm enjoys spectacular views of surrounding rolling fields, mountain views, ponds and borders the Goose Creek.