- The Warrenton Horse Show (WHS) is one of the last one-ring rated shows in the country. With a single main competition ring where all divisions take place, togetherness and the sense of community within the showgrounds are unparalleled. It’s a central feature unique to this cherished facility.
- In its 126th year, the WHS is a USEF Heritage Competition–the highest title given to any Federation horse show. Rich in longevity and producing quality horses and riders, WHS is regonized by USEF as qualifying for the Heritage Competition designation which is reserved for “Competitions that have been in existence for a quarter-century or more, promoted and grown equestrian sport, and made contributions to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining, and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.”
- WHS is historically held every Labor Day weekend. The five-day show is highly anticipated by loyal returning competitors and the local community. It features a wide variety of exciting hunter, breeding, and jumper classes, as well as two $1,500 Derbies and the $5,000 Hunter Classic.
- True to the roots and heritage of WHS, every year, an entire day and evening are dedicated to celebrating fox hunting. Classes highlight the sport’s rich pageantry, while spectators and exhibitors tailgate around the single main ring, enthusiastically cheering on their favorite hunts. This beloved tradition is just one of many reasons that make the Warrenton Horse Show so special.
- In the name of tradition and legacy focused on honoring competitors, WHS proudly invites its ribbon winners back into the ring, so that everyone gets their photo taken in front of the historic grandstand. The memories from WHS live forever, and each ribbon winner leaves their stake on its history.
- Established in 1900, the Warrenton Horse Show Association is the oldest shareholders’ corporation in Virginia. The Warrenton Horse Show was granted a charter on August 8, 1899, under the applicants William H Gaines, E. Astley Cooper, W. A. Thompson, M. B. Payne, and George S. Smith. WHS purchased an 8.74-acre plot of land the following year, and it evolved to become the great showgrounds.
- Patsy Cline performed on top of the open stucco building at the Warrenton Horse Show grounds in the 1950s during the National Country Music Championships. Since it was founded, WHS was instantly popular among spectators and well known for its crowd-drawing entertainment intermixed with equestrian sport.
- Warrenton Horse Show is well known for its special hospitality. There are exhibitors’ parties and gatherings daily, including the Thursday Lunch Bunch ladies luncheon, spearheaded by the one and only, Betty Oare. Read more about Betty and her many contributions to the hunter/jumper and breeding worlds here.
- The WHS is host to the USHJA Zone 3 Breeding Championships. Centrally located in horse-plenty Virginia, WHS is in the perfect location to show and celebrate hunter breeding. From August 27 – 31, 2025, WHS will invite USEF’s 20 top exhibitors for the iconic Breeding Championships.
- WHS is all about community. Proceeds from the show go towards benefiting many local nonprofit organizations. WHS is also located within the historic Old Town Warrenton, and draws large crowds every year to the town’s many great shops and restaurants–giving back to the area which so graciously supports WHS.
Photos by Hannah Jones Photography
