Virginia has an exceptionally strong equestrian tradition, dating back to colonial times. That tradition continues today, with more than 215,000 horses in the state, as reported during 2011. Charlottesville Horse Farms are especially popular property choices, benefiting from the area’s gently rolling hills, lush green pastures, countless miles of trails, and the proximity to horse shows and fox hunting.
Central Virginia Farms are home to some of the finest show hunters and jumpers in the United States. There is the opportunity to attend horseshows year round within a short drive of Charlottesville. The Virginia Horse Center, which hosts numerous “A” rated shows is about an hours drive to the west and HITS (Horseshows In The Sun) has a large show grounds about the same distance to the north. In addition, there is at least one local show almost every weekend. As you would expect with this level of competition, there is a wide range of excellent trainers in the area to instruct both you and your horse.
Charlottesville equestrian properties are located in the Virginia Horse Country with a long tradition of fox hunting. Nothing is more picturesque than the sight of hounds and pink coated riders on beautiful horses galloping across the countryside. The Charlottesville area is home to two registered fox hunts. The Keswick Hunt is to the east and the Farmington Hunt takes place west of Charlottesville. There is the opportunity for local enthusiasts to ride to hounds five days a week during the season.
Many hundreds of miles of beautiful, scenic trails, designed specifically for horseback riding, are located in the vicinity of Charlottesville. For example, James River State Park, nestled in the foothills of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, has 20 miles of many different types of riding trails. There are flat trails along the James River, as well as hilly trails and trails that consist of lightly graveled roads. If you enjoy riding along wooded trails, be sure to ride in the George Washington National Forest. Leesburg, Virginia’s Morven Park offers an impressive course of cross-country trails as well as dozes of acres of open fields that are specifically designed for optimal horse riding. At Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, you can ride on a bridle path that runs 33 miles from Vienna (Fairfax County) to Purcellville. The W&OD Trail runs through both urban heartland and countryside of Northern Virginia, and there are many other horse farms and parks with various types of riding trails within easy driving distance of Charlottesville horse farms. The huge variety of trails in the area will ensure you always find a riding adventure within easy reach of your Charlottesville, VA horse farm. If you want specifics about any of these events, HERE IS A LINK TO HORSE INFORMATION IN OUR AREA.
No matter what your equestrian pursuit: hunters, jumpers, fox hunting, trail riding, dressage, eventing, there are Charlottesville horse farms that will be perfect for you and your horses. Come home to Virginia and enjoy the horse country lifestyle.
For more information about Charlottesville, VA Horse Farms, give realtor Pamela Dent a call at (434) 960-0161.
Pam Dent