and several active international riders . Many riders have been coached by James “ Jimmy ” Wofford , winner of two Olympic silver medals in eventing , now one of the sport ’ s top trainers . He lives at Fox Covert Farm with his wife Gail , a former joint master of the Piedmont Fox Hounds .
“ We love the area ’ s natural setting , the horses and the atmosphere ,” says Gail . “ When we moved here in the 1970s there were fewer than 20 Piedmont Fox Hounds landowners . They were old Virginia foxhunters who understood the value of preserving open space and cover for wildlife .
“ Middleburg was a sleepy little town with a lot of horses and horse-crazy people until the Kennedys and actress Elizabeth Taylor [ who was married to the late Senator John Warner ] arrived ,” she recalls . “ When it became portrayed as the ‘ Horse Capital of the World ’ many people thought they wanted to live here . They bought big places and turned everything into lawns , disrupting the wildlife habitat--and then discovered they preferred life in the city .
“ That said , we have newcomers who understand the culture and are supportive ,” she adds . “ Several local organizations educate them about how to conserve their land and historical sites , such as the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area , and the Goose Creek Association . The Virginia Outdoors Foundation and the Piedmont Environmental Council set up conservation easements for landowners in exchange for tax benefits .”
Generous donations from locals have preserved and expanded Middleburg ’ s National Sporting Library and Museum , a world-class research facility with more than 20,000 books and periodicals and about 800 pieces of art .
SADDLE UP You don ’ t have to be a local or a horse owner to enjoy equestrian activities in Middleburg , thanks to Sheila Johnson and her Salamander Resort & Spa . Johnson was drawn to Middleburg by her daughter ’ s love of horses . Her daughter became a successful show jumper , attended the local Hill School ( now home to the Sheila Johnson Performing Arts Center ) and polished her riding skills on her mother ’ s
Salamander Farm between Middleburg and Upperville . When Johnson decided to build the resort ( opened in 2013 ), there was no question that it would be inspired by the surrounding equestrian community and 200 acres of the resort ’ s property were placed into a conservation easement .
Equestrian art , much of it by local artists , decorates the resort interior and the 14,000-square-foot stable . Set on 25 acres , the equestrian center contains 22 large , airy stalls ; two tack rooms , wash stalls and a function room for classes , parties and corporate events . A 120- by 240-foot arena lies nearby , along with riding trails through 340 acres .
“ We have 11 resident horses and ponies that are used in our riding and horsemanship programs ,” says Equestrian Director Ashley Farrell . “ Stalls are available for short-term boarding by horse owners coming into town to compete , foxhunt or enjoy the Middleburg countryside on horseback . Guest horses also arrive for a rest during a long hauling trip , to be in wedding photos or just for relaxing and pampering ,” she explains . “ While their owners are at the spa , their
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