VA horse folks, help me out!

Runnerandrider · Postby **Runnerandrider** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:30 pm

Spent the weekend looking at several horse farms that fit my needs in Virginia. I have narrowed down a top 3. If all other things are equal, which is a better area for horses (I breed and train thoroughbreds for eventing). Farm 1 is about 15 minuts NW of Warrenton, VA, 45 minutes from DC. Farm 2 is about 1 hour East of Richmond, NE of Williamsburg, Farm 3 is in Keswick, 20 minutes East of Charlottesville, outside of Orange and Gordonsville. Any help or additional information anyone can give me about these areas would be appreciated.

ak1 · Postby **ak1** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 6:21 pm

I would lean toward the farm in Keswick. Not far from Lexington VA where many shows are held. Lovely area, and I happen to think Charlottesville is fabulous.

Second choice would be near Richmond/Williamsburg; last choice Warrenton.

griff · Postby **griff** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 8:36 pm

There is a new facility in White Post, VA which is east of Winchester and not that far from Warrenton. It's called Oak Hill and you can find it with Google,,

Oak Hill has a very large Eurocizer and salt water pool with the biggest filtration syspem I have ever seen.. Also a 1/2 mile track that can record official times and a very large indoor riding arena.

Oak Hill has many stalls for rent and turn out and also allows day use of the pool, eurocizer and track..A really nice facility

Then you have Middleburg which is just north of Warrenton..

griff

starlitlaughter · Postby **starlitlaughter** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 8:52 pm

If you're training event horses, I would suggest the farm in Warrenton first, as it's in a closer proximity to many farms that host events and trials (Morven Park, Waredaca, Frying Pan Park, Difficult Run, etc). The NoVA area is heavily populated with sport horse farms. Have you tried posting this question on the Chronicle of the Horse's eventing forum?

Also, I second Griff's recommendation of Oak Hill. It's a nice facility, fairly new, and the owner is pleasant to work with. I was disappointed to see that their 2010 shows were canceled. It can be found on the web at www.oakhillthoroughbreds.com

spex4me · Postby **spex4me** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 7:06 am

I live in the area E / NE of Williamsburg and if all you want is flat, flat, buggy, and flat come on down.

I used to live in Fauquier County (Warrenton) it beautiful and tons of sport horse/ racing farms. But please have the $$$$$$$$$$ ready. Being close to DC is at a cost with or withour horses.

Now Keswick..... Only have trail ridden and driven through the Charlottesville / Albemarle County area and I like it a lot. Though I don't think cheap reigns supreme there either.

To actually be in the best horse country in Virginia you will pay for it. If I had it to do over again I would do an hour circumference around Richmond, and probably will do that eventually if the west coast or Florida doesn't pan out first.

Runnerandrider · Postby **Runnerandrider** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 5:44 pm

Hey guys, thanks! I think I am taking the farm that is east of Richmond off the list, it has the least pasture space and the least economical set up for my needs. The other 2 are a tough call, but I am heading back up there next week to make a final decision. I will call Oak Hill and see if I can set up a time to say Hi and check out their facility. Really I love both areas, it is now a home vs barn issue, as the farm in Keswick has 2 barns in place with stalls and feed rooms, and is fully fenced, but the home is very small. The farm in Warrenton has a much (MUCH) bigger home with several barns but isn't fenced or really "set up" yet. Both farms have good pasture with water. I hate moving but I am very excited to leave the little farm I am at now!