History
Our Story
Long before there was a Virginia Gold Cup, the Warrenton Horse Show was Fauquier County's claim to equestrian fame. Not much is known about the grounds' early days. Because the Warrenton Horse Show never had an office, much of the history lies buried in attics throughout the county. And many of the "old timers" are gone now.
Enter the horses. Taking a lead perhaps from the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, several Warrenton horsemen decided to hold their own competition in 1899. Charlie W. Smith and Julian Kieth reportedly spearheaded this endeavor. 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.
The first show was held virtually in Neptune Lodge's back yard . Longtime show Director and Secretary Frank D, Gaskins is credited with the selection of this spot and its lease the first year.
In May of 1900, the Warrenton Horse Show Association purchased the entire 8.74-acre parcel , complete with schoolhouse, desks and other furniture. The purchase price for this sliver of a once great holding was $1,950. A new era had begun.
From the start, the show was a hit with spectators. The show also was noted for its interim entertainment. Unusual pageants and displays kept this lively between classes for many years.
The Warrenton Horse Show has toned down with time, but retains a certain loyal clientele. Now a C rated show by the USEF, it attracted about 4,000 people last year.
Warrenton Horse Show Receives
USEF Heritage Competition Status
From the USEF Communications Department
Lexington, KY – The Warrenton Horse Show, hosted by the Warrenton Horse Show Association, has been honored with the United States Equestrian Federation’s designation as a USEF Heritage Competition, the highest honor currently held by any Federation horse show.
The designation of a USEF Heritage Competition 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.
Founded in 1899, the Warrenton Horse Show Association is the oldest continuously operating corporation in Virginia and represents the interests of horse show enthusiasts, competitors, horse breeders and the community of Warrenton, Virginia. The five-day show offers a variety of competition classes including ladies sidesaddle, hunters, jumpers, hunting pairs and more.
The Warrenton Horse Show benefits several organizations, including the Fauquier Health Foundation, the Fauquier Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Warrenton Volunteer Fire Department, Fauquier Free Clinic, and Northern Piedmont Community Foundation.
“The Warrenton Horse Show is one of the oldest equestrian exhibitions of its kind in the United States,” said USEF Chief Executive Officer John Long. “With its long tenure and many charitable contributions, both national and local, the show exemplifies everything the USEF looks for when designating a Heritage Competition.”