• Equestrian Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Equestrian Style
      • Riding Style
      • Equestrian Care
        • Fitness
    • Books
    • Movies
    • My Life
    • Opinion
  • History
    • Equestrians
    • Breeds
  • Horse Care
    • Farm Life
  • Travel
    • Trail Rides
    • South America
    • USA
    • International
  • An Equestrian Life

  • Riding
    • F#
  • Reviews
    • Horse Tack
  • About

An Equestrian Life

Equestrian Lifestyle, Horses, Virginia
/
December 8, 2016

ASSFS Blog Hop: Location, Location, Location

The lovely Sarah, from A Soft Spot for the Stars, is having the most wonderful bloghop, and I’m loving reading about people’s locations. Here’s mine!

I live in Northern Virginia, in the general area of Middleburg. It’s horse country here, but has the advantage/disadvantage of being close to DC. A huge portion of people from the city who want to be involved in horses either live here, or travel here for their horse fix. Land is becoming more and more scarce, and horses are being pushed further and further away from the city as land is sold to make developments.

This is how you know it's the DC area.

DC residents spend lots of time loitering at landmarks… or they could be tourists…I guess. 

Cost of Horsekeeping:

When I boarded, I paid $475 for my horse to spend half the day in a stall, and be turned out the other half. It was a serviceable barn, with two outdoors, clean, but no trainer. My friend paid $375 for pasture board with an indoor, an outdoor, and a cross country field. Again, no trainer, but that would be considered the cheapest place to board around here. At barns with trainers, the usual going rate is between $800 and $1400, depending on the level of service.

If you decide that’s too high, and you’d rather have your own property, the typical property for sale around here is usually a newer house on 5-10 acre lot, part of a large plot that’s been subdivided by a developer. Basically, it’s a still a suburb, if each house had more land. If you want to be in commuting distance of DC, price starts at around half a million dollars, increasing as you get closer to the city, or it’s more than an empty lot. Close to the city, any property big enough for a horse is almost unheard of. There might be a few teeny unicorns in the $1.2 – 1.5 million range.

Hay usually costs about $45 – $70 a round bale. Square bales are a steal at $4.50 each, frequently at $7-$9 each.

I pay $45 for a trim, front shoes are $150. I haven’t even asked about all round shoes, that thought is terrifying.

Vintage at boarding barn.

Vintage at boarding barn.

Weather:

It’s hot and humid in the summer, and cold and snowy in the winter. The worst of both worlds. DC is a literally a swamp. Someone already drained the swamp and built DC upon it.

This year I was especially annoyed by the drastic thunderstorms we were having that would dump so much rain on us in such a short time, it would wash out the stone dust in my arena. Middleburg had windows broken by hail. It was like Middleburg was being punished this year by weather. They should all stop and think about what they did.

The main advantage to rain. (besides all that grass growth!)

The main advantage to rain. (besides all that grass growth!)

Riding Demographic:

It’s varied. There’s definitely lots and lots and LOTS of hunter/jumper. Some of that overlaps with the foxhunters. There’s five active hunts that I’m aware of.

Eventing is huge. Morningside was put on some national list for young rider training. Morven Park is an international facility. Since I don’t do eventing, I don’t know what else there is, but I hear people talk about it all the time. I’m not a good source for anything in this category.

Dressage has its place too. Some people use the dressage trainers in this area as a resource for eventing, others are pure dressage. It’s not as popular as the jumping sports, but there’s a solid dressage populace around here.

There are some western riders too, from pure recreational trail riders to the western sports. A good rule of thumb is the further out from DC they are, the more likely they are to be western.

I didn’t know how big polo was until this year. But since then, I’ve found out there are a bunch of polo clubs, and matches all summer. It’s popular.

Racing is popular, too. Middleburg has its own training facility, and there’s private tracks all over the place, including my own trainer’s barn. Charlestown Races is just over the border in West Virginia, and I bought a horse straight off the track there, and before she ended up in my hands, Berry showed her failure as a racehorse there. Great Meadow is nearby for steeplechase racing.

Basically, whatever it is you want to do, it’s here. It’s horse heaven.

Tori Colvin checking her course at Upperville.

Tori Colvin checking her course at Upperville.

 

Other Notes:

There is no shortage of trainers in this area. There’s a huge variety of trainers for every discipline/skill level. It’s easy (although perhaps not cheap) to get into exactly the kind of program that fits what you want to do, simply because there’s so many choices. If your preference was to take a lesson at 11pm every full moon, there’s likely a trainer that would be happy to accommodate that. And if they didn’t, there’s so many other actually talented trainers to check out. There will definitely be one that works out perfectly. (Downside, lots of people call themselves trainers and they’re terrible, but that’s true anywhere.)

There’s tons of well know trainers in this area, and we regularly have big name trainers(if they don’t already live here) pass through for clinics. If you want to watch the big names compete, they are here regularly.

I am biased, but this is the best place possible to advance your riding.

There’s tons of shows around. It wouldn’t be hard to show every weekend, if that was your preference.

If you don’t mind traveling, there’s a many parks with trails. I’m just grumpy and wish I could get to them without trailering.

barn

Middleburg Barn

Frustrating Things: 

It’s expensive. I feel like this is obvious, but everything is at a premium, because there’s high demand for everything.

Trails are disappearing because land is being developed. Sometimes horse people move in, sometimes people from the suburbs move in and don’t want horses riding on their property, or even livestock within their sight. I guess they moved out to the country just to spend all weekend mowing their acres with their lawn tractors. (I’ll stand at the edge of their property, a single tear rolling down my cheek as I watch them mow all the potential pasture).

People from the city come out on the weekends and ride their bikes on our roads. I get it, we have scenic country roads. We also have people interested in getting from point A to point B without being stuck being a flock of bikers going 10 mph taking up the entire lane of the two lane road.

Traffic in general stinks. I hate my commute, but I do it because I love where I live. I know I’m not alone in this thought because our roads are super crowded, and it’s not uncommon for a 20 mile commute to take an hour or more. I live way more than 20 miles out. The traffic is getting worse each year, metro can’t figure out how to operate, and there’s too many people everywhere! Now get off my lawn!

Share

You May Also Like

November 27, 2018

The Mud Problem

May 4, 2020

Tiny the Twin Colt

September 2, 2023

Working on My Spin Moves

Previous Post
The Onion Winner
Next Post
Cruising, Part 1
Hi There, I’m

Hi There, I’m

Courtney

Driven by curiosity about everything in the horse world - the history, the breeds, the cultures. Wanting to spend my life seeking adventure with horses. Is this you, too? Let's discover together.

Plan Your Next Riding Adventure

stone bridge with castle in background

All Inclusive Riding Trip in France

horses galloping through an open field in the UK

Valley Trail Riding in England

scenic view of montana from horseback

Ranch Vacation in Montana

horses in a line going through a field in Spain

Dressage Jumping Hacking in Spain

aerial view of polish riding stable for trips

Jumping Training in Poland

Blog Topics

My Horse Stu

All Things Riding

History

Lifestyle

Travel

Categories

The Latest Video

The Latest Video The Latest Video

Stu is being haunted by the dog he lives with.

Subscribe to My Channel

Equestrian Vlog

Equestrian Vlog Equestrian Vlog

Stu is such a big silly!

Follow Along for equestrian humor

Recent Posts

  • girl in a field with her pony

    How to Learn to Horse Ride for Free (or very cheap)

    May 12, 2025
  • spooky skeleton horse with grim reaper behind it

    Horse Ghost Stories

    April 7, 2025
  • small girl learning how to ride on a pony

    My Child Wants to Ride Horses, Where Do I Start?

    March 27, 2025

Some of my links may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for clicking them as it helps support this site!

Did you know I'm a photographer?! Not just any photographer, but award winning. Offering portraits, wedding and commercial work.

Check out my work.

Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing 😂 #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! @thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did? I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own 😂 Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! 🥹🥹 #middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! 

#horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! #horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon!

Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian 
Breeches: @syncequestrian 

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon! Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian Breeches: @syncequestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Stopping by the drive thru

#horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
Stopping by the drive thru #horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
My boy stays with me 🥹

#horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
aneqlife
aneqlife
•
Follow
My boy stays with me 🥹 #horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@aneqlife
  • Home
  • About
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 An Equestrian Life. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.