Nation’s Oldest Horse Show Underway

Photo Credit: Janet Hitchen

The Upperville Colt & Horse Show (UCHS) is the oldest horse show in America. Since 1853, equestrians, horse breeders and spectators have gathered under the Grafton oaks in Upperville, Va., to admire some of the nation’s most talented horses and riders.

What began as a one-day show with a few breeding classes has grown into a weeklong hunter/jumper tradition with classes for children, adults and families.

The 155th Upperville Colt & Horse Show takes place on June 2-8. Each year more than 2,000 horse-and-rider combinations compete throughout the week. The show raises funds for the Upperville Volunteer Fire Department and other area charities. The event culminates on June 8 with the $100,000 Budweiser-Upperville Jumper Classic, which draws top riders from across the nation.  

Prior to the Jumper Classic, the Pedigree Country Fair will take place the morning of June 8 with pony rides and games for kids. Other entertaining events include the Jack Russell Terrier races, Basset Hound demonstrations and horse drawn carriages.  

If you can’t catch the action live, visit www.upperville.com for information on how to catch the excitement via a live Web cast of the hunter and jumper rings from June 3 through 8.