With the exception of the American Civil War, The Great War, World War 2, and the recent pandemic, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show has been held every year under the oak trees of Grafton Farm since 1853. Originally established to showcase and improve local breeding stock, today’s longest running horse show in America is considerably bigger attracting over 20,000 spectators and is one of the most prestigious in the country.
Our June field trip will take us West on Route 50 to Upperville, VA where on Sunday June 11, 2023 we will attend the 170th Horses & Horsepower Car Show. The day starts with a car show including antique roasters, muscle cars, and other cars that will satisfy the exotic motorist and photographer. The car show, however, is only the tip of the iceberg because the afternoon events at the farms culminate in the racing horses around the grand prix track.
Inclement weather may delay the events on the final day of the show. With our club picnic and other events landing on the same weekend, we do not have an alternate day scheduled. If the weather turns sour, we’ll send out a notice to cancel the field trip.
More information about the show can be found online:
https://wineandcountrylife.com/the-upperville-colt-horse-show/
https://www.upperville.com/
Please be aware of the event’s photography policies.
- “The use of flash attachments is not permitted on horse paths, in the paddock or during competition.”
Tickets:
Parking is free and so is the show. Reserved seating is available for a price. See https://upperville.com for more information.
Equipment:
- Bring a standard lens (24-70mm) as you walk about the grounds hunting for subjects.
- Bring your super telephoto (300mm+) to catch the action around the grand prix. A 200mm will get you shots, but you may find cropping later to get that little extra zoom.
- Never leave home without a polarizer.
- No flash photography is permitted at the horse show.
- Weather will be warm and there aren’t enough trees to shade you from the afternoon sun. Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself. Food trucks and tents will be onsite to accept your money. Porta-potties will also be available.
When:
Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (no rain day)
Where:
Referring to the Upperville Colt & Horse Show Grounds Map, we’ll meet near Gate 2 across Rt.50 from the main parking area.
https://goo.gl/maps/dNiw418wBBz3P21PA
(38.988583, -77.856111)
Directions:
8300 John S Mosby Hwy.
Upperville, VA 20184
Referring to the Upperville Colt & Horse Show Grounds Map, general admission is through Gate 4.
COVID precautions:
This is an outdoor event that is heavily attended. We’re anticipating a low exposure risk given the time of year and outdoor activity.
We hope you can join us!
Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2022-2023
*Photographs courtesy of Stan Bysshe