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National News • May 08, 2007
Horses & History
MIDDLEBURG, Va., May 8, 2008
The 49th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour will take place on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, Virginia, this self-driven tour includes some of the most prestigious stables and equine facilities in Virginia.The Upperville and Middleburg area is home to many of the country's premier Thoroughbred breeding farms, show hunter barns and country estates. On this remarkable weekend, owners 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 and view some of the areas' abundant wildlife.
From exquisite stables, carriage houses, and training tracks to the Civil War history of the cavalry, this tour offers something for everyone. A polo match on Sunday (weather permitting), side saddle, jumping demonstrations and plenty of pastures and stables full of mares, foals and ponies will delight all.
Back this year for history buffs, The Bridge over Goose Creek will provide the location for Civil War historians and tactical demonstrations by Federal Infantry and Confederate Cavalry. Visitors will have a chance to learn more about the strategic Civil War battles which took place here 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. A polo match will be held in Upperville at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
A special feature of the Stable Tour is the Country Fair, held on the grounds of Trinity Church in Upperville. The fair features local agricultural products and equine products.
Admission to the Stable Tour is $20/person in advance until May 16, $25 per person after May 16 and on the days of the tour. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets for groups of 10 or more is $18/person. Lunch will be available to purchase at Trinity Church catered by The Back Street Cafá.
Proceeds from the Hunt Country Stable Tour support Trinity Church and their many local, national and international charities and non-profit programs. Tickets are available the days of the Tour at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville (about 45 minutes from Washington, DC). To get there; take I-66 West to Route 50 West (Exit 57B) toward Winchester. Drive approximately 25 miles to Middleburg and continue on to Upperville. Trinity Episcopal Church will be on your right. For information, phone 540-592-3711, or visit the web site to check times and locations of special demonstrations at www.middleburgonline.com/stabletour.
