3-Day Eventing
Dressage
Fox Hunting
Horse Racing
Horse Boarding Farms
Horse Shows
Polo
Tack Stores
Trail Riding
Local Veterinarians
Equestrian For Kids
Equestrians are likely familiar with the type of information they can expect from the horse information links above. But for those who are not yet equestrians, perhaps a bit of explanation can help.
Tack refers to the equipment necessary for horseback riding …. like saddles, riding boots, helmets, bits and bridles, and gloves. Think: leather.
A horse show is not the same as 3-day Eventing. A horse show welcomes horses and riders from dozens of categories, such as jumpers, trotters, ponies, youth riders, broodmares, quarter horses, walkers, and sidesaddle. In contrast, a 3-day event consists of only 3 categories: dressage, cross country, and show jumping. Eventing is also an Olympic sport.
Fox hunting is a highly organized event with rituals carried over from England and colonial days. It is conducted in groups of riders, utilizes hounds to lead the hunt, and enforces strict dress codes and behavior codes for the riders. Foxhunting is not at all like deer hunting.
Horse racing takes many forms. Viewers are likely familiar with flat track racing if they’ve watched events like the Kentucky Derby. In Central VA we also have point to point racing and steeplechase races (the difference is in the prize money) which take place on turf courses. Steeplechase had its origins in Ireland, and Virginia has about 18 steeplechase races each spring… the most in the U.S. One Virginia steeplechase venue near Charlottesville is James Madison’s historic home of Montpelier. There spectators enjoy tailgating while the horses and riders compete on a circular turf course and also over jumps. It is thrilling to be close enough to the action to hear the saddle leather squeaking and the horses snorting heavily as they compete. Charlottesville’s Foxfield Races, held each spring and fall, attract not only equestrians but also the tailgating public which includes a near-ritual attendance from students at UVa.
