Hunt Country Stable Tour May 2026: Virginia Horse Country

One Day, Endless Paddocks: The Hunt Country Stable Tour Returns May 23

If you've ever wondered what lies behind the stone walls and white-plank fences lining Route 50 through Fauquier and Loudoun counties, Saturday, May 23, 2026 is your answer. The annual Hunt Country Stable Tour, organized by Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, throws open the gates to some of Virginia's most private and prestigious equestrian facilities for a rare self-driven behind-the-scenes experience.

This is not a crowded bus tour or a ticketed grandstand event. You set your own pace, choose your own route, and spend as much — or as little — time as you like at each property. It's a genuinely unhurried way to experience a corner of Virginia that most visitors only glimpse from the highway.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Stable Tour winds through three of northern Virginia's most storied communities: Upperville, Middleburg, and The Plains. Together, they form the heart of Virginia hunt country — a landscape of rolling Piedmont hills, centuries-old farms, and working stables that have shaped the region's identity for generations.

Participants get behind-the-scenes access to private equestrian facilities and farms that are otherwise closed to the public. Past tours have included working hunter-jumper barns, foxhunting stables, breeding operations, and historic farm estates. Specific properties for the 2026 tour had not been announced at time of publication — check the Trinity Episcopal Church Upperville website for the confirmed property list as the date approaches.

Why This Tour Is Worth Your Saturday

Rare access: These are working private farms, not public attractions. The Stable Tour is one of the only opportunities to visit them.
Scenic drive: The Route 50 corridor between Middleburg and Upperville is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the Mid-Atlantic, and it's at its absolute best in late May — green fields, flowering trees, horses in the paddocks.
Self-driven flexibility: There's no set schedule. Linger at the farms that interest you most, and skip the ones that don't.
Community benefit: The tour is a fundraiser for Trinity Episcopal Church, a Upperville landmark with roots going back to the 18th century.

Making a Weekend of It: Spring in Virginia's Piedmont

The Stable Tour makes a natural anchor for a full spring weekend in northern Virginia wine and horse country. The towns of Middleburg and Upperville both have excellent dining options, independent shops, and tasting rooms worth exploring before or after your farm visits. The Plains, a quieter stop, rewards those who slow down and look around.

If you're driving out from the DC metro area, consider pairing the Stable Tour with a Sunday visit to Rappahannock County — just another 30–45 minutes west on Route 211. Sperryville, Washington, VA, and the surrounding foothills of the Blue Ridge are in full spring bloom in late May, with local wineries, farm markets, and restaurants all operating at their seasonal peak.

Planning Your Visit

Event Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Format: Self-driven tour (your own vehicle)
Tour Area: Upperville, Middleburg, and The Plains, Virginia
Organizer: Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville, VA
Tickets & Details: Contact Trinity Episcopal Church Upperville directly for ticket information and the confirmed list of participating properties. Details typically released in the weeks leading up to the event.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — stable tours involve walking on uneven ground. Arrive early in the day to avoid midday heat and give yourself time to visit multiple properties without rushing.