Upperville Then and Now

Upperville Then and Now

History will come alive once again at Grafton Farm and Salem Farm June 5-11 for this year’s 170th edition of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show. Presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ this is the oldest horse show in the United States and will celebrate its 170th year.

The Upperville Colt and Horse Show was honored by the Virginia Horse Shows Association in 2021 as the Horse Show of the Year. Since 2018, MARS EQUESTRIAN is the presenting sponsor and is also sponsoring the hunter and jumper lounges, for riders, trainers and grooms.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

Schuyler Riley rode Robin de Ponthual to victory in last year’s Grand Prix. This year’s $226,000 Upperville Jumper Classic final is on is co-sponsored by The Ethel M® Chocolate Brand and Lugano Diamonds.

Photo by Taylor Pence

The Tippy Payne trophy is in memory of a longtime devoted member of the hunter office staff, who died in December, 2008 in an “untimely accident doing what she loved most.” Staff members decide the winner each year with an emphasis on a cheerful-smiling-friendly-kind attitude. The sculpture is by artist Jean Clagett of Atelier West Studio of Tippy on Lady Hawke with the Piedmont Fox Hounds.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

Emily Day, show director as well as show secretary, handles it all with a smile.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

Polishing the silver. The Founders Cup trophy was donated by Tiffany and Co. in New York at the beginning of the 170-year event in 1853. Col. Richard Henry Dulany was the founder of the show. Always a highlight, the Founders Class entries are restricted to Virginia owned horses. Fence height 3’, 3’3” and 3’6”. Eight fences. Conformation 25% and performance 75%. It will take place as the last class in The Parker Ring on Wednesday, June 7.

PARKING AND GENERAL ADMISSION ARE FREE.