For millennia the horse has been an essential partner in the development of human civilization — in agriculture, in transport, in war, and now increasingly in sport. Nowhere has this horse-human partnership been more fully developed than in northern Virginia, the land of George Washington, Gen. Jeb Stuart, Col. John Mosby — and Secretariat.

This lovely area is the cradle of American foxhunting, the home of many — perhaps most — of the nation's Olympic riders, the site of its oldest horse show, and the sponsor of more steeplechase races than any other state. Whether the "horseman" is a five year old girl, a Master of Foxhounds, a dressage or driving enthusiast, a polo player or the owner of a "backyard" pleasure horse the emotional relationship between person and horse is fascinating, complex, and deeply satisfying to both.

This book will take you into that relationship, and into the stables, the homes, the saddles, the minds and the society of the horse people of Northern Virginia. In reading it you will experience the triumphs, the tragedies and the simple joy of association with horses, and of being part of a Community of the Horse, knitted together by a shared love and reverence for that beautiful, noble, and often mysterious animal.

“Even long-time residents will learn about people they've only met at a race meet, out hunting or at a party. And ‘out-of-towners’ will feel as if they too have lived here for 20 or 30 years.”

—John Strassburger
Editor, The Chronicle of the Horse

“Horses are the love, the passion and the backbone of the economy in rural northern Virginia. This fabulous book encompasses all types of horses and the various horse related sports in this community. I found it fascinating and difficult to put down.”

—Mildred Fletcher "Bucky" Slater
MFH, Piedmont Foxhounds