| "There's something about the outside of a horse | | | | them across the channel to Chincoteague Island. |
| that's good for the inside of a man". | | | | This event is definitely something for the horse |
| -Sir Winston Churchill | | | | lover's memory book. |
| And there's something compelling in the state of | | | | 4) How About Fox Hunting? There are more |
| Virginia that draws a special group of people - a | | | | recognized Fox Hunting Clubs in Virginia than in |
| segment of society dedicated to one superb | | | | any other state. Did you know that George |
| animal. Virginia is not just "for lovers" as the state | | | | Washington, who hunted from his teens, kept his |
| motto goes. Some people are actually convinced | | | | own horses and hounds for fox hunting? Fox hunt |
| that "Virginia is for horse lovers". | | | | scenes remain among the most popular art forms |
| When folks think about horses and where to go | | | | available in Virginia and you can find things like |
| to find horse related activities, Kentucky often | | | | antique prints, etched hunt scene glasses, and |
| comes to mind, but they may be missing a beat. | | | | hunt scene tapestry handbags in various locations |
| When it comes to horses, savvy lovers of | | | | around the state. Horse images continue to add |
| equestrian pursuits know that Virginia may be the | | | | elegance to any home and Virginia is the place to |
| country's best kept secret. | | | | discover a whole world of equestrian art. |
| 1) Do you own your own horse? Horse trainers, | | | | 5) And Don't Forget Shopping. If you're a horse |
| trailers, boarding facilities, farms, and trail riding | | | | lover, you'll find a huge array of horse products |
| clubs are available in great numbers. You can | | | | and shops specializing in horse gifts, garb, tack, |
| easily find equestrian veterinarians, dentists and | | | | art, jewelry, and decorative "horsey" items for |
| massage therapists. Trail rides are readily | | | | your home. Engraved horse charms will delight |
| arranged in most Virginia locales where you can | | | | any horse lover, hunt scene serving trays, and |
| take advantage of the various options and | | | | even horse treat kits. If you can think of it, it's |
| varieties of terrain, including beaches, mountains | | | | available in a Virginia specialty shop. There's a full |
| and country meadows. | | | | array of tack shops too and horse supply centers |
| 2) Horse Shows and Competitions. | | | | where you can find everything from feed to |
| Do you like to compete or to watch shows and | | | | saddles, boots and riding gear. |
| competitions? Consider the Virginia Horse Center | | | | You'll surely take in the Virginia sights of course. |
| in Lexington, Virginia. For more than twenty | | | | The state is saturated in history from the |
| years, the Center has been the crowning jewel of | | | | Revolution to the Civil War to World War II. The |
| the Commonwealth's $1.46 billion equine industry. | | | | arts beckon so there are galleries and art shows |
| Known throughout the country and internationally, | | | | galore, and there are the outdoor wonders for |
| the Virginia Horse Center serves as a venue for | | | | camping, hiking and horseback riding. Rolling hills |
| more than 100 events a year including horse | | | | and manicured pastures lend an air of refined |
| shows, clinics, rodeos, workshops, and community | | | | upscale beauty in a state that boasts unparalleled |
| events. | | | | sunsets and misty mornings reminiscent of the |
| Events all over the state include the Roanoke | | | | Old South, mint juleps and plantation living. |
| Valley Horse show, the Warrenton Horse Show | | | | But if you visit Virginia and you're a horse lover, |
| and the Middleburg Classic Horse Show. There's | | | | you'll find pristine horse farms and unlimited |
| Polo too, in Leesburg, Virginia and in Upperville and | | | | equestrian activities everywhere you look in the |
| The Plains. And Harness Racing, Steeple Chase | | | | state. Virginia continues to honor the beauty and |
| Racing and even Thoroughbred Racing are ever | | | | nobility of the horse and to provide all horse |
| popular. | | | | lovers with unlimited opportunities to care for, |
| 3) Looking for the Unusual? | | | | exhibit, compete, and simply to enjoy the |
| The Chincoteague Annual Pony Show and Auction | | | | partnership. If you are a horse lover and you |
| is held at Virginia's Eastern Shore. It is the site for | | | | thought Kentucky was the only place to go, add |
| a most unusual pony event that is famous around | | | | Virginia to the top of your list. It's truly a horse |
| the world. Every July, Sailwater Cowboys round | | | | lover's paradise, and one of the best kept secrets |
| up the wild ponies from Chincoteague National | | | | in the country. |
| Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island and swim | | | | |