The Upperville Colt & Horse Show returns June 1-7, 2015

 UCHS was founded in 1853 to encourage better breeding of horses.  Since that time, thousands of equestrians, horse breeders and spectators have gathered in Upperville each year to admire some of the nation’s most talented horses and riders.

What began as a one-day show, with only a few breeding classes, has grown into a week-long tradition with classes for children, adults and families. Each year, beneath the oaks at Grafton Farm, more than 1,500 horse and rider combinations compete throughout the week.  The week culminates with the $100,000 Upperville Jumper Classic that draws top riders from around the nation.

The weekend highlights begins Friday evening with the Markel & Norden Equine Insurance Amateur Owner Hunter Classic and $25,000 Welcome Stakes sponsored by Jim Thompson / Washington Fine Properties and Wiseman & Associates Wealth Management.  Saturday’s highlights include the Ladies Sidesaddle, Leadline and Family classes with the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by Salamander Resort & Spa. The grand finale event is the competitive $100,000 Upperville Jumper Classic held on Sunday, June 7 at 2 pm.

This year, all of the jumper classes, including the Classic, will be held in the all-weather footing jumper ring. There will be bleacher seating and a grass area for the general public, as well as such VIP options at the 1853 Club, a Hunter Riders’ Lounge sponsored by Roger & Thomas Ltd, King Construction Co, LLC & Fenwick Equestrian, and a Jumper Riders’ Lounge sponsored by Charles Owen, Inc.

Courtesy Upperville Horse Show

Entertaining events on Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m., include the Jack Russell Terrier Races sponsored by Nutro, a Mars Petcare Brand, and other canine demonstrations.  Bring the family, for a day of great horse sport, browse and shop the food and retail vendors, and enjoy a day in some of Virginia’s most beautiful countryside.

Gates open at 8 a.m. throughout the week.  Admission is $10 per person. Children under 12 are no charge when accompanied by an adult. Bring a picnic or purchase food on the grounds. A variety of food vendors and retailers will be on site.

Valerie Durbon Photography

To get there, from Washington, D.C. take I-66 west to Route 50 West (Exit 57B) toward Winchester, Va. Drive approximately 25 miles to Middleburg and continue on Route 50 (John Mosby Hwy.) to Upperville and the show grounds (Route 50 passes right through the show grounds).  If you’re arriving from out of the area, the event is located just 40 minutes west from Washington Dulles International Airport. Take Route 28 from the airport to Route 50 west and follow as above. Follow signs for parking. For information, call 540-687-5740 or 540-592-3858. For complete schedules and up-to-the-minute results, visit the web site at www.upperville.com.

The Upperville Colt and Horse Show is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and raises funds for the Churches of Upperville Outreach and the Upperville Volunteer Fire Department, among other area charities.  Aside from many local families and friends, this traditional event is sponsored in part by several local area businesses including: Middleburg Bank, The Goodstone Inn & Estates, Upperville Auto Repair, The EMO Agency, Fuog/Interbuild and Tri County Feeds.

Text and photos courtesy of Upperville Colt & Horse Show

Top Photo: Mr. Robert J. Burke has been called a classic horseman, his quiet seat and steady hands have calmed the most nervous of young horse. He took a long hold and the horses seemed to respond with a freedom of movement and jumping as if loose, but in perfect control.

Second photo: General George Patton, Master of the nearby Cobbler Mountain Hunt, was a frequent exhibitor and supporter of Upperville. He often rode in the hunter classes and joined with General”Billy” Mitchell to compete in the team class.

Source: www.upperville.com