Fall into Horse Fun
Fall is peeking at us. Morning feeding is done in the dark with a flashlight, the edges of trees blush red and yellow, and the ginormous horseflies buzz the horses’ butts. (Every year I swear they are bigger and meaner.) While thankful for the cool and clear blue days of fall, leaving summer makes me wistful for the long sunny days. And, like all other horse owners, I start to think of the chores ahead; stock hay, check blankets, and where is that water tank heater?
But there is fun awaiting in fall, too. Pumpkins, cider, mums and horses! Throughout the mid-Atlantic events and festivals centered on the horse abound. Here are four to check out, in date order. Click the titles to link to more information.
Waynesboro at War Are you a history buff and horse lover? Check out the Civil War reenactment events on September 14 & 15 at Coyner Springs Park in Waynesboro, Virginia. Watch and feel the stir of so many skilled horses and their riders thundering and yelling in the heat of battle. The event opens at 9 am with a parade at 10 am, Calvary Skills Competition at 11 am to win the Golden Spur, and a battle at 2 pm (battle on Sunday at 2 pm, also.) Saturday evening, attend an era-themed dance. Waynesboro at War is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education and preserving the legacy of the time, so wander among the camps and chat with a soldier, doctor or woman of the time. If you have any thoughts of getting involved, and I have to say incredibly brave, check out the 1st Virginia Calvary site at http://1stvacav.com/ or Second Calvary at https://www.secondcavalry.net/home.
Tryon International Equestrian Center Now this place has got to be on your bucket list. Calling itself an ultimate international destination for all who love horses, outdoor living and an active lifestyle. Host to the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, the sprawling grounds has restaurants, shops, lodging, and a farmer’s market. Their Saturday Night Lights series free – yes free – and has activities for kids, including a grand Venetian Carousel. The 2019 Fall Series begins September 20th and runs for six weeks with competitions in Hunter/Jumper, Equitation and FEI. Spend some time browsing Tyron’s extensive website to plan your trip. You feel the center’s dedication to the horse industry with articles about the different sports such as dressage, steeplechase, and polo.
Culpeper Farm Tour Take a self-guided tour through several working farms in Culpeper County, Virginia on September 21 & 22, 2019 from 10am-4pm. This year’s line-up includes 2 horse farms, Ironwood Farm and Liberty Hall Plantation. Ironwood Farm breeds and trains the distinctive Fjord horse, a light draft horse with a dun coat and upright name. During the tour, the farm will offer 10-minute mini-riding lessons. Liberty Hall Plantation, its first year on the tour, is a 220-acre equestrian facility owned by the 9th generation of the Coleman family. As well as stabling, they offer clinics, fox hunting, and USPA Polo Club. Tour activities will include a Mini Polo Clinic, a Western Mounted Shooting exhibition and a Civil War Cavalry Charge with the Black Horse Squadron. The tour includes wineries, distilleries, and other tradition farms so there is something for everyone.
Shenandoah Valley Equine Fair On November 14, 15 & 16th, at the Augusta Expo in Fishersville, Virginia, the first Shenandoah Valley Equine Fair will be held. I am especially excited about this event since it is driven by the same idea of my site; to promote horses. The center is working hard to revamp the horse industry and support youth groups in the surrounding area. Funds from the fair will support both the center and upcoming youth events. The first day of the fair is devoted to kids with free admission with talks and demos geared to kids who love horses. Friday will feature a Tru Grit Rodeo and Saturday night the main event will be The Magical World of Dancing Horses with Dianne Olds Rossi. You can expect music, costumes, and breathtaking horses in staged performances which may also include some comic relief. This one is on my to-do list.
So, while you are digging through your sweaters, sipping a Pumpkin Spiced coffee, or brushing out the summer horse coats, get out and enjoy some of the events happening around the Mid-Atlantic. Happy Fall!
