Horse Country Saddlery

05/16/2025

Retraction & Clarification
In our last issue, we mistakenly reported that Loudoun-Fairfax Huntsman Jeff Woodall was retiring or moving on. We are happy to report that Jeff is not hanging up his horn just yet! He remains under contract with the hunt for another season and is very much in the saddle.

Additionally, in March, Conor Poe has joined as professional first whipper-in under contract, rounding out a strong team in the field.

Our sincere apologies to Jeff for the mix-up—and our thanks for his good humor. We aim for accuracy, but every now and then, we take a wrong turn at the covert.

—The Editor and Publisher

05/10/2025

Who said less is more?
Our well-fed horse statues say more is magnificent! Plump, proud, and bursting with personality, these Fantasia-style beauties bring joy, charm, and a bit of cheek to any space.

If you like Botero, you’ll love these.
Available in black or white, three delightful poses.
$196 each.

Because more horse is always the answer.

Horse Country Warrenton Virginia Fauquier
Open 10-5 Monday-Saturday 540-347-3141

05/07/2025

“In & Around Horse Country” 2025 Summer issue arrives in mailboxes and at newsstands this week. (Digital edition coming soon.)

This issue features a heap of helpful info along with entertaining features and thoughtful insights. Does your hunt’s bottom line need a boost? We present more than two dozen suggestions for fundraising ideas, from the tried-and-true to the truly innovative. Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab has updated their safety ratings on equestrian helmets. An editorial considers the gradual disappearance of the traditional hunt cap, now banned by an increasing number of hunts. Three long-serving huntsmen will join the ranks of those honored in the Huntsman’s Hall of Fame at the Museum of Hounds and Hunting. ’Tis the time for staff changes and we list the many moves for the coming season. Betsy Burke Parker brings you a recap of the action-packed spring races. Osmun ponders the significance of a dog’s name. Jenny Young has a full shelf of enticing books on horse-related topics plus the latest release from Rita Mae Brown. The VEA report announces the 2025 stakes schedule at Colonial Downs, Jill Byrne’s new role at the VTA, and Shenandoah Downs’ tenth anniversary. As always, the pages are filled with eye-catching images from our team of talented photographers. Everyone’s to-do list is filled with springtime chores. Take a break with a refreshing beverage and enjoy our summer issue! (Cover shot by Middleburg Photo.)

03/23/2025

11/12/2024

“In & Around Horse Country” 2024 Holiday issue arrives in mailboxes and at newsstands this week. (Digital edition coming soon.) Nationwide coverage fills this issue with informative and entertaining stories illustrated by eye-catching photos from our top team of shutter-snappers. (Cover photo by Joanne Maisano.)

Traveling photographer and foxhunter Allison Howell regales us with her accounts of action from the sweeping grasslands of Kansas to the high mountain country of Montana. Ohio was the scene for this year’s Junior Field Hunter Championships, hosted by Rocky Fork Headley Hunt and chronicled by Carla Babcock. The adults were not be outdone thanks to Amy McNeely’s coverage of the TAR Field Hunter Championship, Helen Brettell’s of the Orange County Hounds Team Chase, and a recap of the Virginia Field Hunter Championship. Betsy Burke Parker notes the highlights of the four NSA-sanctioned races in Virginia. The VEA report chronicles the racing action at Colonial Downs, looks ahead to exciting new developments for the 2025 season, and announces the opening of an expansive new gaming resort. Laura Delaney, MFH, recounts how the venerable Potomac Hunt, perilously close to dissolution, revived itself and is now back to full hunting form in its storied territory. Two days of pouring September rain did not dampen the action as Dr. Steven Thomas, MFH, recounts at the season’s first performance trials, hosted by Andrew Bridge Foxhounds. Marion spins a haunting Halloween tale that leaves Osmun, home alone for the evening, spooking at shadows. And…photos! Accompanying all of the above plus Opening Meets from Vermont to Florida and multiple points in between, Old Dominion Hounds historic Centennial Hunt and Gala Ball, and more.
The weather hasn’t been kind to many parts of our hunting country—lack of rain in some places, hurricanes in others, unseasonably high temps. But the promise of more pleasant autumnal conditions is in the air. So enjoy our wrap up of these past few months and join us in looking forward to many more fun days ahead!

11/10/2023

“In & Around Horse Country” 2023 Holiday issue arrives in mailboxes and at newsstands this week. (Digital edition coming soon.) A gift bag filled with entertaining and informative delights! Beginning with…

…Allison Howell’s cover shot of Epp Wilson in a unique place and pose with horn and hound. Inside you’ll find J. Harris Anderson’s detailed feature piece on finding a hunt horse, with insights contributed by several knowledgeable sources from different hunting areas across North America. Lauren Giannini profiles a new arrival from the Old Sod, an Irish stud imported by Mary Ewing with an eye toward producing a future herd of top flight hunters. Fall is filled with an array of fun events—Hunt Weeks, Field Hunter Championships, Fall Races, and more—and we’ve got the inside track on coverage. Osmun discovers the joys of sticking his head out the car window and catchin’ the breeze. Jenny Young has several tempting offers on the book shelves for both your own reading pleasure and as unique holiday gift items. The VEA reports on the late summer action at Colonial Downs, the Futurity at the Warrenton showgrounds, and big money days in harness racing at Shenandoah Downs. As always, our topnotch photographers have been busily snapping Opening Meets and other autumn hunting action…enough to fill multiple albums.

That autumnal nip is calling us to the hunt field. And what could be better afterward than a toddy by the fire and our Holiday issue in hand. Enjoy!

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08/17/2023

“In & Around Horse Country” 2023 Fall Issue arrives in mailboxes and at newsstands this week. (Digital edition coming soon.)



Dreaming of hitting the road for an epic cross-country foxhunting adventure? J. Harris Anderson takes you on an imaginary grand tour of hunt weeks and other events crisscrossing North America from Virginia to Utah and Canada to Florida. Sporting ladies eagerly yell “Pull!” in Erica Tergeson’s account of the increasing number of women participating in shooting sports. An exhibition of Charles Rumph’s “Women and Horses” photos sparked Lauren Giannini’s profile of Lilla Mason’s rise from exercise rider to Huntsman and Master of Iroquois Hunt. Osmun discovers that a little rain—or a lot of it!—can’t dampen the spirit of dedicated partiers. Jenny’s books list includes two new mysteries from Rita Mae Brown; one recently released and another coming soon (with a signing at Horse Country Saddlery!). Betsy Burke Parker previews the fall steeplechase season and reports on a possible move to preserve the historic Warrenton Show Grounds. The VEA report chronicles the summer racing action at Colonial Downs and the travels of the 3,500 pound statue of Secretariat to honor the 50th anniversary of “Big Red’s” Triple Crown victory. Staff changes, carriage driving competition, Warrenton Pony Show, and plenty of photos from all parts of hunting country await your perusal. Eager for the new season to begin? Get a jump on the excitement with our latest issue!

06/29/2023

A special mid-summer “Out & About” issue of “In & Around Horse Country” arrives in local area mailboxes and at newsstands this week. Digital edition will be available worldwide.

Our first “Out & About” issue debuts with a pictorial pageant. A recap of the recent hound shows is festooned with shots of impressive champion hounds. The triumphs and trials of Junior Handlers are depicted from north and south, east and west. The spirit of the 170th Upperville C**t & Horse Show is portrayed from the youngest leadline class to the closing four-star Jumper Classic. The MFHA rekindled the competition of a Field Hunter Championship as the best hunt horses from across North America gathered to vie for the national title. Osmun recounts his dream of an elegant all-dogs cocktail party, replete with Claudia Coleman’s series of amusing illustrations. Karen Kandra’s cover shot caught the contagious energy of summertime hound walking. Catch the energy for yourself in this picture-packed special issue!