When you’ve ever pushed by the Washington, DC space, you might be accustomed to its notorious gridlock and crowded cities. However, only a quick drive west takes you to an entire completely different world with rolling hills, quaint cities and equestrian actions for horse lovers of all ages. It’s virtually laborious to imagine that Virginia horse nation is mere miles from our nation’s capital.
For a novel weekend getaway or a enjoyable day within the nation in your Washington, DC household trip, contemplate these hidden gems in Virginia horse nation!
Morven Park Worldwide Equestrian Middle
Nicely-known within the equestrian neighborhood, the Morven Park Worldwide Equestrian Middle hosts using competitions and occasions all year long. Many are free for spectators, which locals prefer to maintain a secret!
Every October, Morven Park hosts the Fall Horse Trials, horse occasion competitions in three equestrian disciplines: dressage, present leaping and cross-country. The summer time months characteristic Polo within the Park.
However, irrespective of the time of yr, there’s doubtless an occasion to look at. Or, head to Morven Park to take a stroll on the gorgeous grounds or a guided tour of Davis Mansion (admission price for home excursions).
Nationwide Sporting Library & Museum
Middleburg, Virginia in Loudoun County is house to the Nationwide Sporting Library & Museum, an attractive house that includes artwork associated to horse sporting occasions of every kind.
The analysis library contains an in depth assortment of books about horses and equestrian sports activities. The kids’s library contains nice learn aloud books that households can get pleasure from within the many studying nooks all through the library.
The artwork museum options everlasting and rotating displays highlighting horses and equestrian sports activities of every kind. Each the library and museum host particular occasions all year long with arms on actions and crafts the entire household can get pleasure from.
Even in the event you don’t have time for the library and museum, the grounds listed here are spectacular and open to the general public. Statues and artwork on show have QR codes to be taught extra.
Salamander Resort Equestrian Actions
Whether or not you’re staying on the Salamander Resort in Middleburg or simply wish to cease in to see the horses, the Equestrian Middle right here is one among its most original options.
Salamander Middleburg is the primary Forbes 5-Star Award winner for its resort and restaurant and the one Forbes 5-Star spa within the state. Matching luxurious with hospitality, historic allure and horses, a keep right here will depart you rested and rejuvenated. And, it’s solely an hour from Washington, DC!
You don’t have to remain right here to go to the equestrian heart, although. The middle is open each day from 9:00-3:00 with advance reservations required to go to.
Salamander Resort in Middleburg additionally gives a lot of equestrian experiences for teenagers, adults and households. They embrace path rides, using classes, horsemanship, pony rides and extra. Costs range.
Darkish Spring Stables Path Rides
After all, no go to to Virginia horse nation could be full and not using a path journey!
Darkish Spring Stables is the place to go for a memorable path journey for adults and children aged 12 and over. Kids beneath age 12 shall be thought of on a case by case foundation, with an extra $25 price if accepted.
Darkish Spring Stables at the moment gives three path using experiences:
- Common Path Rides (Presently $95): Be taught the fundamentals of horsemanship after which get pleasure from a calming journey by the Loudoun County countryside the place you’ll see mountain farms, deer and possibly even an American Bald Eagle!
- Ice Cream Path Trip (Presently $125 plus value of ice cream chosen): This expertise begins with a lesson in horsemanship. Then, the journey goes by Hillsboro and the Hole with a cease on the Moo Through Ice Cream Trailer to get pleasure from a scrumptious deal with. Alongside the journey, you’ll be taught the historical past of the world and get to see the Previous Stone Faculty. (Supplied spring, summer time and fall.)
- Winery Brewery Path Trip (Presently $200). It is a extra superior path journey that features a lesson in horsemanship and the historical past of the world. However, riders shall be free to journey at a tempo they’re snug with and never “simply” restricted to strolling. There’s a cease at Walsh Household Vineyard (my private favourite in all of the world) to get pleasure from two glasses of wine or a wine tasting earlier than heading on to Previous 690 Brewing Firm to get pleasure from two brews. Each the vineyard and brewing firm are child and canine pleasant. On weekends in summer time, you possibly can get pleasure from stay music at every venue.
Chase Run Stables Path Rides
For youthful youngsters or these new to horseback using, contemplate a weekend journey with Chase Run Stables.
Providing a on hour journey alongside the historic W&OD Path, freshmen and seasoned professionals will benefit from the magnificence and tranquility of this one hour path journey. Every journey supplied weekends solely can accommodate as much as three riders. Go to Chase Run Stables to be taught extra.
As you drive by Loudoun County with the children, you’re certain to see much more horses on farms nestled within the foothills of the mountains. It’s virtually laborious to imagine these hidden gems in Virginia horse nation are lower than an hour from Washington, DC!
Head over to Go to Loudoun for much more info on Virginia horse nation!
