Virginia may well have the strongest claim of any state in America to the title, “Horse Country.” The state’s love affair with horses dates back to the year 1610, when the first non-native horses were brought to the new colonies. One of the most famous studs ever to dwell in Virginia horse barns was Janus – a sire whose bloodline equine historians consider to be instrumental in the development of the American Quarter Horse.
Later, the Thoroughbred line was introduced from England with the arrival of Bulle Rock in 1730. Diomed, a prolific runner in England (the horse finished out of the money only once in his 19 starts), retired to stud in Virginia in 1798 and was so active that he is considered by some to be “The Father of the American Thoroughbred.” When he died in 1808, reports stated that “there was as much mourning over his demise as there was over the death of George Washington.”
Another significant contribution by Virginia’s horses has been in military service. Several hundred thousand of the state’s horses – known for their endurance and stamina – served in the military, often dying in battle. Two horses with famous owners are laid to rest in Lexington, VA: Traveler, who served General Robert E. Lee, and Little Sorrel, the mount of General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson.
Perhaps Virginia’s most famous equine resident was Secretariat, the Triple Crown winner who was foaled at one of the most successful Virginia horse barns, The Meadow in Caroline County, Virginia. Secretariat set records in all three of the famous races – the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes – which still stand today.
Virginia breeders and horse owners cover the spectrum of breeds in their daily business. Appaloosa, Arabian, Paint, Palomino, Mustang, and even Tennessee Walking horses can be found in Virginia horse barns and on its farms. Miniature horses, ponies, and mules reflect the diversity of Virginia’s equine industry, as well as “specialty” breeds like Brabant Belgians, Oldenburg, and Selle Français. Though not quite “A to Z”, other breeds include American Cream to Welsh Pony – and many others in between!
The economic impact of Virginia’s horse industry is enormous – more than $1 billion is spent annually, with more than 20,000 jobs provided in caring, grooming, feeding, training, transporting, and providing equipment and land for over 170,000 horses. Virginia modular barns and Virginia delivered modular barns are among the significant developments in the growing need for sheltering horses. The ability to have ready-made, Virginia modular barns and Virginia delivered modular barns on site has proven to be a positive economic factor for many farms.
It is estimated that more than 800,000 spectators enjoy the more than 700 events sponsored in Virginia each year. Over 285 public access riding trails makes Virginia a top destination for riders. While equine events such as dressage, racing, polo, and all-around competitions are popular, recreational and trail riding is the number one use for Virginia’s horses.
One of the newest areas that takes advantage of the power of horses is therapeutic riding. Horseback riding and other related activities for individuals with disabilities – those with mental and physical impairments, learning disabilites, or impediments to hearing, vision, and speech – is a fast-growing element of Virginia’s horse culture. Cost-effetive use of Virginia modular barns and Virginia delivered modular barns will help to keep that trend increasing.