More than 1,200 horse and rider pairs competing in the nation’s oldest horse show
Edited Press Release
The 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ is the oldest horse show in the U.S. and will celebrate its 172nd year this June 2-8. Parking and general admission are free. More than 1,200 horse and rider pairs will compete in disciplines ranging from international level show jumping, hunters and equitation to local ponies, in-hand confirmation classes; traditional, elegant side saddle; polo and more.
The week-long show culminates on June 8 with the excitement of the $200,000 Upperville Jumper Classic FEI CSI4* featuring top equestrians from across the nation and the world. The day’s entertainment includes junior and amateur riders and the 11th Annual Horses & Horsepower car show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.
Throughout the week, more than 85 vendors offer a variety of food as well as clothing, tack, leather goods, jewelry, art, housewares, hand-crafted gifts and more.
Other event activities include “Art Under the Oaks” where kids of all ages can paint, draw and explore creativity with local artists. No charge. Dates/hours are June 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; June 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; June 6, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tented and located between hunter rings (south side of Rte. 50).
A Pup Parade on Saturday, June 7 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 with their dogs, and they can bring a chaperone to help as needed. (Located in Parker Hunter Ring, south side of Rte. 50). All dogs must be leashed, vaccinated and under owner’s control.
Also on Saturday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m. in the Parker Hunter Ring, five regional therapeutic equine and para-equestrian organizations will bring riders and horses for a demonstration.
The show will go all week, starting on June 2 through Sunday, June 8, 2025. The show starts at 8 a.m. each morning and runs until classes finish around 5 p.m. Of particular note is Thursday, June 5 USHJA International Hunter Derby at 4 p.m.; Friday, June 6 “Welcome Stakes” at 3 p.m. with complimentary refreshments in the Koons Motors Jumper Hospitality Tent; Saturday, June 7 “Upperville American Standard Grand Prix” at 4 p.m. with complimentary refreshments; Sunday, June 8 $200K Upperville Jumper Classic FEI CSI4* at 2 p.m.
Complimentary covered bleacher seating is available overlooking all the action in the Grand Prix Ring (See other activity details above and full schedule online.)
Additional information can be found on the website: www.upperville.com. The show is livestreamed daily through the Upperville website. On Sunday, June 8, the horse show will collect items for Seven Loaves (local food bank) and Middleburg Humane Foundation (local no-kill shelter). To see items needed, click here: https://www.upperville.com/neigh-bors-helping-neigh-bors/.
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.
