Virginia Hunt Country: Your Gateway to World-Class Equestrian Living

Discover why The Plains, Virginia represents the pinnacle of East Coast equestrian culture and countryside elegance

For generations, Virginia's Hunt Country has beckoned those who share a passion for horses, rolling countryside, and a lifestyle defined by tradition and natural beauty. At the heart of this equestrian paradise lies The Plains, a village where the thunder of hooves and the pageantry of the hunt have shaped both landscape and culture for over two centuries.

A Living Equestrian Heritage

The Plains isn't just near horse country—it is horse country. This exclusive community of just 245 residents maintains an authentic equestrian character that larger towns have lost to development. Here, the sight of horses and riders along country roads remains as common as morning coffee, and the rhythm of the seasons follows the hunting calendar as much as nature's own timeline.

The village's identity is inseparable from its equestrian heritage. Since the 1800s, these rolling hills have hosted fox hunts, steeplechases, and generations of horsemen who've shaped American riding culture. Today, that legacy lives on through active hunt clubs, world-class competitions, and a community that prioritizes the preservation of open land and riding trails.

The Virginia Gold Cup: Where Tradition Meets Spectacle

Each spring and fall, The Plains transforms into the epicenter of American steeplechasing when the Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup arrive at Great Meadow. These aren't merely races—they're social institutions that have defined Virginia society since 1922.

The Gold Cup represents more than sport; it's where business relationships form over tailgates, where families gather for generations-old traditions, and where the area's equestrian excellence takes center stage. For residents of The Plains, these events aren't distant spectacles but neighborhood gatherings, with Great Meadow just minutes from home.

Hunt Clubs: The Social Fabric of Horse Country

The Plains sits within the territory of several prestigious hunt clubs, including the Old Dominion Hounds and the Piedmont Fox Hounds. These organizations, some dating back to the 1840s, offer more than riding opportunities—they provide entry into a close-knit community bound by shared values and traditions.

Hunt membership opens doors to:

• Regular hunting seasons from September through March

• Social events including hunt breakfasts, balls, and summer gatherings

• Access to thousands of acres of private land through landowner agreements

• Connections with prominent families who've shaped Virginia for generations

• Youth programs that ensure equestrian traditions pass to new generations

Endless Riding Opportunities

Living in The Plains means never lacking for places to ride. The area offers an extraordinary variety of equestrian experiences:

Trail Networks: Miles of hunt trails cross private estates, connecting properties and creating corridors through some of Virginia's most beautiful countryside. Many landowners maintain reciprocal agreements, allowing neighbors to ride across properties, creating an informal network spanning thousands of acres.

Competition Venues: Within a short trailer ride, riders can access:

• Morven Park International Equestrian Center

• Upperville Colt & Horse Show grounds (America's oldest horse show)

• Great Meadow events including hunter paces and combined driving

• Multiple hunter/jumper shows throughout the season

• Recognized dressage and eventing competitions

Morning riders pass the historic Morven Park mansion, just minutes from The Plains. This 1,000-acre estate hosts international equestrian competitions and serves as a training ground for Olympic hopefuls, embodying the world-class riding culture that defines Virginia's Hunt Country.

Training Facilities: The area hosts Olympic-level trainers and riders in every discipline, from evening to dressage, hunters to driving. Whether you're starting your first riding lessons or preparing for international competition, world-class instruction is always nearby.

State-of-the-art indoor arena at Morven Park International Equestrian Center, where residents of The Plains train year-round alongside Olympic riders and national champions. With world-class facilities like this just minutes away, Virginia Hunt Country offers unparalleled access to elite equestrian amenities.

The Business of Horses

The Plains sits at the center of Virginia's robust equestrian economy. The infrastructure supporting horse ownership here is unmatched:

Veterinary Care: Multiple equine hospitals and specialized veterinarians operate within 30 minutes, including surgical facilities and reproductive specialists. Emergency care is always available, providing peace of mind for horse owners.

Farriers and Services: Master farriers, many specializing in sport horses or therapeutic shoeing, maintain regular routes through the area. Feed stores, tack shops, and specialized services from equine massage to custom saddle fitting are all readily available.

Boarding and Training: For those developing their own facilities or needing temporary arrangements, numerous boarding stables offer everything from basic care to full training programs. Many properties also share resources, from indoor arenas to cross-country courses.

Creating Your Own Equestrian Estate

The Plains offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to create a significant equestrian property within an established horse community. With larger parcels like Look Up Farm's 53+ acres, owners can develop facilities tailored to their specific disciplines and needs:

Potential developments include:

• Custom stable designs that complement the area's architectural heritage

• All-weather arenas with modern footing systems

• Cross-country courses utilizing natural terrain

• Paddock systems with run-in sheds and automatic waterers

• Trail connections to neighboring properties

• Hay storage and equipment facilities

The area's zoning protections and conservation easements ensure that equestrian use will remain the primary land purpose, protecting your investment and lifestyle for generations.

A Community United by Horses

Perhaps most importantly, The Plains offers something money alone cannot buy: genuine community among people who share your passion. Here, conversations naturally turn to breeding lines, training philosophy, and the day's hunt. Children grow up in pony clubs, learning not just to ride but to care for horses and land. Neighbors help during emergencies, share resources, and celebrate each other's victories in the show ring or hunting field.

This is a place where your farrier might be your neighbor, where Olympic riders shop at the same feed store, and where the distinction between amateur and professional blurs in the shared love of horses. It's a community that values land stewardship, understands the commitment horses require, and celebrates the unique lifestyle they make possible.

The Equestrian Lifestyle Awaits

Virginia's Hunt Country offers an equestrian lifestyle unmatched anywhere on the East Coast. The combination of historical significance, active horse culture, exceptional facilities, and protected open land creates an environment where horse and rider can thrive for generations.

In The Plains, you're not just buying property—you're joining a living tradition. Whether you dream of morning hacks through hunt country, competing at nationally recognized venues, or simply enjoying the view of horses grazing in your pastures, this remarkable corner of Virginia makes it all possible.

The thundering hooves that have echoed across these hills for two centuries continue today, calling those who understand that the best life is one shared with horses. In The Plains, that life isn't a dream—it's Tuesday morning.