The Virginia Horse Center

 

There is a Lexington, Kentucky known for its preponderance of horses and horsey activities.

But did you know about Lexington, VIRGINIA?

Virginians love horses!  In fact there is a 1.2 billion dollar equine industry in the state.  And of course there is a  horse center nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley – right down the road from my “Old Virginia Home.”

If you find yourself in my neck of the woods and you love horses, The Virginia Horse Center is not to be missed.  It was founded specifically to promote equestrian sport and it boasts 600 acres of rolling picturesque hills.

When you pass through the gates you can feel it – the air of excitement, an expectation of great beauty, the smell of leather, the sound of softly neighing horses.  You are entering another world of tack and training and timeless wonder.

There is a 4,000 seat coliseum.

There are eight barns to accommodate 1,200 horses.

 19 show rings and two large indoor arenas.

Cross-country and combined carriage driving courses.

Camp grounds.

Take heed Kentucky – The Virginia Horse Center is a facility that serves over 500,000 people and 100,000 animals!  There are 115 events annually and most of them are free and open to the public.

There are Arabian horse shows, barrel racing, breed shows, clinics, dressage, hunter/jumper trials, saddlebred shows, western rodeos, and non-equine events like dog shows, agriculture programs and the Rockbridge Regional Fair and Farm Show, all held at the Virginia Horse Center.

Much as New Yorkers overlook the Empire State Building, I sometimes I forget this fantastic place is right down the road.   But there is a Saturday farmer’s market at the Center now and that is where I wound up last weekend.  I wandered into the big coliseum and was reminded of what a fabulous resource we have.

If you love horses, come here for a visit!  You will not be disappointed.

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