Budweiser Upperville Jumper Classic

Today I'm here for just the Jumpers. Margie Engle, a hero of mine since my teens, qualifies not one but two horses for the jump off. She sets the time to beat, then beats herself with her second horse. Up Chiqui, the final horse to jump off, kicks out crankily several times as he gallops towards the first fence, then hits his stride. Fast and clean, he shaves whole seconds off Margie's best time and clinches the win.

A Glimpse of Upperville

Today is the last day of the week-long Upperville Colt and Horse Show, the oldest show in America. I head down after church to catch the Grand Prix Jumping and some concentrated people watching. The show pulls in everyone: sunburnt and workworn horsemen and women, pillars of local society, wealthy equestrian wannabees and socialites seeing and being seen in the springtime sunshine. Festive hats are de rigeur. The crowds are thick and the sno-cone line outsnakes the the portapotty line.

Upperville showcases the horses, but also caters to Washington's elite seeking a day in the country. They offer traditional performance classes, but tip their hat to family, tradition and fun with more unusual offerings such as Sidesaddle and Coach Driving. Last year I watch a reporter I've "known" all my life get bucked off in a celebrity charity class, then cheer on a quintet representing 4 generations mounted on matching grey steeds (they won the family class). Horses have always been a way of life in this area of Virginia. The Upperville Show keeps that spirit alive.


Vendor booths of all kinds line the narrow lines packed with equines, humans and the occasional oversize horse van labouriously squeezing through. Last year I try on some exquisite high boots and a lusciously long leather coat that evokes rambling along the misty moors. The salesman warms me to his wares with champagne and his lyrical Irish brogue. That's the way things are at Upperville.