UPPERVILLE, Va., May 30, 2025– The 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show, presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™, the oldest horse show in the U.S, returns this year from June 2-8 with more than 1200 horse and rider pairs competing. This year, the show will also celebrate equestrians in five regional therapeutic equine and para-equestrian programs with a demonstration on Saturday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m. in the Parker Hunter Ring (south side of Route 50). Parking and attendance at the show are free.
Rainbow Therapeutic Riding, Sprout Therapeutic Riding Center, Cloverleaf Equine Center, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding and Wheatland Farm will have two riders and two horses representing each organization. They will give a short introduction on the horses’ previous careers and why they are suited for therapeutic work. They will also introduce each equestrian and explain how therapeutic equestrian programs help them overcome challenges and motivate them to improve.
In addition, Wheatland Farm will also have a para-equestrian demonstration at the Upperville Horse Show. It should be noted that para-equestrian is different from therapeutic riding in that it is a highly competitive Olympic sport. Wheatland Farm is a U.S. Equestrian Federation Para-Equestrian Dressage Center of Excellence. It was the fourth center to have this designation nationwide. In 2018, Wheatland hosted the Para-Dressage Team Observation Event for the World Equestrian Games.
“We are delighted to have these amazing organizations participating in the Upperville Horse Show this year,” said Emily Day, executive director of UCHS. “No matter the discipline or level, we are all equestrians, and this further demonstrates the important influence horses have on our lives. It is truly a celebration of the relationship between horses and people.”
This year, the show celebrates its 172nd year and takes place daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. The weeklong show culminates on June 8 at 2 p.m. with the excitement of the $200,000 FEI CSI4* Upperville Jumper Classic featuring top world-class equestrians. The day’s entertainment includes junior and amateur riders, pony conformation (including pony foals!) and the Horses & Horsepower car show with everything from rare antique autos to muscle cars. The Upperville Horse Show also has more than 85 vendors and attendees are encouraged to come early to take advantage of great shopping.
In addition to shopping, the Upperville Horse Show also features great food options including Copper Fox Coffee, Everything About Crepes, Happy Family Ranch, Harry’s Lemonade, Haulin’ Butts BBQ, Hunt Country Charcuterie, Jump Start Café, King of Pops and more.
Founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, the show has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs compete under the spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm—the same location since 1853.
The show encourages families to come out. There’s plenty of room for children to roam. Dogs are allowed and must be leashed, vaccinated and under owner’s control at all times. A Pup Parade on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. features junior dog lovers parading their furry friends around the main hunter ring. All kids 12 and under are welcome, and they can bring a chaperone to help as needed.
Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor MARS EQUESTRIAN, Ethel M. Chocolates, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance, and Delta Air Lines.
For more information and the full weeklong show schedule, visit www.upperville.com.
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About the Upperville Colt & Horse Show
The Upperville Colt & Horse Show, also known as the Upperville Horse Show and UCHS, is the oldest horse show in the U.S. Founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, the show has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs compete under the spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm—the same location as 1853. UCHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that raises funds for The Churches of Upperville Outreach Program and supports other area charities. For complete schedules and up-to-the-minute results, visit the website at www.upperville.com.