History

Our Story

Long before there was a Virginia Gold Cup, the Warrenton Horse Show was Fauquier County's claim to equestrian fame. Not much is known about the grounds' early days. Because the Warrenton Horse Show never had an office, much of the history lies buried in attics throughout the county. And many of the "old timers" are gone now.

Enter the horses. Taking a lead perhaps from the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, several Warrenton horsemen decided to hold their own competition in 1899. Charlie W. Smith and Julian Kieth reportedly spearheaded this endeavor. The Warrenton Horse Show was granted a charter on August 8, 1899, under the applicants William H Gaines, E. Astley Cooper, W. A. Thompson, M. B. Payne and George S. Smith.

The first show was held virtually in Neptune Lodge's back yard . Longtime show Director and Secretary Frank D, Gaskins is credited with the selection of this spot and its lease the first year.

In May of 1900, the Warrenton Horse Show Association purchased the entire 8.74-acre parcel , complete with schoolhouse, desks and other furniture. The purchase price for this sliver of a once great holding was $1,950. A new era had begun.

From the start, the show was a hit with spectators. The show also was noted for its interim entertainment. Unusual pageants and displays kept this lively between classes for many years.

The Warrenton Horse Show has toned down with time, but retains a certain loyal clientele. Now a C rated show by the USEF, it attracted about 4,000 people last year.

Special Awards

Grand Champion Hunter

To be awarded to the hunter acquiring the most points in the Green Hunters, Three Year Old, Children’s Hunter, Special Hunter, Modified Children’s / Adult Hunter, Adult Amateur, Amateur Owner, Thoroughbred Hunter, Take 2 Thoroughbred Hunter, Junior Hunter, USHJA Hunter and Local Hunter divisions.

“The Directors Challenge Trophy”, given in memory of all past directors of the Warrenton Horse Show by the W. H. S. Board of Directors. Originally the Peyton N. Brittle Trophy retired in 1992 by Mrs. Haywood Nelms.

  • 1993 – Fleetford, Mrs. George Ohrstrom

  • 1994 – Raven, Lois Schraeger

  • 1995 – Raven, Lois Schraeger

  • 1996 – Exchequer, Nokomis Farm

  • 1997 – Steal the Scene, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare

  • 1998 – The Final Word, Elizabeth McKinney

  • 1999 – Stillwater, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare

  • 2000 – Stillwater, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare

  • 2001 – Painted Castle, Ricki Fellows

  • 2002 – Plain Truth, Vivian Garner & Always Farm So Be It, Patty Heuckeroth

  • 2003 – That’s That, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare 2017–Windward, Patty Heuckeroth

  • 2004 – Late Entry, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare 2018–Rockette, Kimberly Walker

  • 2005 – Phil, Jane Gaston & Hound House

  • 2006 – Ravell, Gen. Crosbie E. Saint

  • 2007 – Madison, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare

  • 2008 – World Banker, Mrs. Jonelle Mullen Stern

  • 2009 – 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Mrs. Wendy Berol Gifford

  • 2010 – Don’t Cha, Brown Equestrian, LLC

  • 2011 – Chawton, Mrs. E. Sue Bopp

  • 2012 – Esquire, Mr. Joseph Mullen

  • 2013 – Never Say Never, Mrs. B. Rionda Braga

  • 2014 – Say Again, Ms. Elizabeth Wiley

  • 2015 – Lady Stella, Ms. Abigail Brittenha

  • 2016 – Oddsare, Twin Oaks Farm LLC

  • 2017 – Windward, Patty Heuckeroth

  • 2018 – Rockette, Kimberly Walker

  • 2019 – Blame It On Texas, Ms. Elizabeth Demars

  • 2020 – Not Held

  • 2021 – So Be It, Patty Heuckeroth

The Great Virginia Circuit Perpetual Bowl

Found, donated and returned to competition by Dr. Betsee Parker in 2016

This award will be presented to the leading owner based on points won by their horse or horses at the Warrenton Horse Show.

  • 2016 – Patty Heuckeroth

  • 2017 – Patty Heuckeroth

  • 2018 – Cismont Manor Farm

  • 2019 – Patty Heuckeroth

  • 2020 – Not Held

  • 2021 – Patty Heuckeroth

The Ethel W. Flynn Memorial Sportsmanship Award

Miss Ethel W. Flynn from Grosse Pointe, Michigan was a long time exhibitor and friend of the Warrenton Horse Show. She was an enthusiastic and considerate exhibitor bringing on young horses and riders. This award is given in her memory by Peperhill Farm to the individual exemplifying the most sportsmanlike conduct throughout the show. A donation will be made to the Fauquier Hospital in winners name.

  • 1999 – Mr. Snowden Clarke

  • 2000 – Dr. Robert Gilman

  • 2001 – Diane & Tommy Jones

  • 2002 – J. Arthur ‘Bucky’ Reynolds, II

  • 2003 – Evelyn H. Martin

  • 2004 – Olin Armstrong

  • 2005 – Diana Dodge

  • 2006 – Oliver Brown

  • 2007 – Helen C. Wiley

  • 2008 – Kathryn Borsody

  • 2009 – Elizabeth Wiley

  • 2010 – Amy Gorsira

  • 2011 – Professional Handlers

  • 2012 – Patty Heuckeroth

  • 2013 – Lizzy Traband

  • 2014 – Jill Wilson

  • 2015 – Jennifer Nesbit

  • 2016 – Dr. Csaba Magassy

  • 2017 – Karen Wilber

  • 2018 – Mike Rosser

  • 2019 – Mr. Snowden Clarke

  • 2020 – Not Held

  • 2021 – Lynn Harrington

President’s Award

In recognition of the Director whose long-term commitment to ensure the success of the show and has given unselfishly of his/her time and energies through the years.

  • 1999 – Helen C. Wiley

  • 2000 – Courtney Curtis Bowes

  • 2001 – Susan A. Huberth

  • 2002 – Betty Oare

  • 2003 – Larry Hamby

  • 2004 – Joan Fox Miller

  • 2005 – Marion Maggiolo

  • 2006 – Hilary Gerhardt & Debby Michelson-Boyle

  • 2007 – Alison Lee

  • 2008 – Jonelle Mullen Stern

  • 2009 – Pann Drunagel

  • 2010 – M’Lesa Boike

  • 2011 – Marion Maggiolo

  • 2012 – Amy Gorsia

  • 2013 – Karen Crane

  • 2014 – Carolyn Russell

  • 2015 – Nancy Granger

  • 2016 – Snowden Clarke

  • 2017 – Polly Cutting

  • 2018 – Betty Oare

  • 2019 – Roy Perry

  • 2020 – Not Held

  • 2021 – Amy Gorsia

Bill and Carolyn Russell Special Achievement Award

The Special Achievement Award for the board member whose visionary and pioneering spirit along with dedicated work ethic is being awarded in the memory of Carolyn and Bill Russell whose work continues to inspire and benefit the long standing tradition of Warrenton Horse Show. Presented by Betty Oare, Anne Hall, Jane Noland and Pat Sanders.

  • 1999 – William U. Couzens

  • 2000 – Louisa W. Lenehan

  • 2001 – E. Sue Bopp

  • 2002 – Tom M. Sherman

  • 2003 – Allison D. Lee

  • 2004 – Mary Reed

  • 2005 – Nancy Granger

  • 2006 – Pann Drunagel

  • 2007 – Karen Flikeid

  • 2008 – Snowden Clarke

  • 2009 – Snowden Clarke

  • 2010 – M. Douglas Wise, MFH

  • 2011 – Nancy Granger

  • 2012 – Jonelle Mullen Stern

  • 2013 – Victoria Clarke

  • 2014 – Roy Perry

  • 2015 – Amy Gorsia

  • 2016 – Nancy Granger

  • 2017 – Alison Lee

  • 2018 – E. Sue Bopp

  • 2019 – Karen Crane

  • 2020 – Not Held

  • 2021 – Polly Cutting

Dr. Robert Gilman Volunteer Award

Presented to the person exemplifying the character of a true volunteer, in honor of Dr. Robert Gilman.

  • 2002 – Charles T. “Chuck” Hoovler

  • 2003 – James D. Eicher

  • 2004 – Doris Jones

  • 2005 – William “Bill” Hair

  • 2006 – Morey Oare

  • 2007 – Joan M. Miller

  • 2008 – Amy Gorsira, Virginia Howard & Sheila Weaver

  • 2009 – Thursday Lunch Group

  • 2010 – Mary Kay Estep

  • 2011 – Jim Drunagel

  • 2012 – Gregg Drunagel

  • 2013 – Wilma Hoovler

  • 2014 – Sue Walbert, Wendy Gifford, Mike Claffy

  • 2015 – Charles Ross

  • 2016 – Judy Phillips

  • 2017 – Virginia Howard

  • 2018 – Karen Settle

  • 2019 – Sheila Harrell

  • 2020 – Not Held

  • 2021 – Slade Thorp

Mrs. J. Arthur Reynolds Parent Award

Presented by Mr. and Mrs. William U. Couzens to the parent illustrating the most support and devotion to the sport.

  • 2002 – Mrs. Marcia Mathis

  • 2003 – Mr. & Mrs. Paul Rice

  • 2004 – Mr. & Mrs. Dana Bowman

  • 2005 – Mrs. M. Douglas Hytla, M.F.H.

  • 2006 – Mrs. Ann Pawlak

  • 2007 – Mr. Charles Bopp

  • 2008 – Mrs. Alexandra Lohr

  • 2009 – Mrs. Tracy Mullen

  • 2010 – Mrs. Jonelle Mullen Stern

  • 2011 – Mrs. Robert Rogers

  • 2012 – Mrs. Pann Drunagel

  • 2013 – Mrs. Helen Wiley

  • 2014 – Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Schraff

  • 2015 – Mr. Sandy Rives

  • 2016 – Mrs. Sara Hogan

  • 2017 – Ms. Jonelle Mullen

  • 2018 – Mrs. Hilary Gerhardt

  • 2019 – Mr. & Mrs. Matt Vanderwoude

  • 2020 – Not Held

  • 2021 – Mr. & Mrs. Tim Colgan

The Teamwork Trophy Award

Presented by The Tack Box, Inc. to the owner, trainer, rider combination demonstrating the best effort of teamwork. Donated in memory of Ken and Jennifer Lewis.

  • 2002 – Dede Bache Shumate

  • 2003 – Marnie Johnson

  • 2004 – Jeanne Fendley Clarke

  • 2005 – Dr. & Mrs. Csaba Magassy

  • 2006 – Nancy Granger & Mary Kay Estep

  • 2007–Mrs. Sally Lamb

  • 2008 – Doc Plummer & The Fauquier Lions Club

  • 2009 – The Caroline Hunt

  • 2010 – Lysa Burke Horkan & Larry Jenkins

  • 2011 – Carolyn Russell & Alison Lee

  • 2012 – William Rube & Jason Berry

  • 2013 – Denice DeRisio Perry & Elizabeth Wiley

  • 2014 – Alisa and Jason Berry

  • 2015 – Patty Heuckeroth & Victoria Claven

  • 2016 – Amy Gorsia, Snowden Clarke & Richard Isner

  • 2017 – Susan Carter & Richard Clay

  • 2018 – Oliver Brown & Erin Gill

  • 2019 – Betty & Ernie Oare

  • 2020 – Not Held

  • 2021 – Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Csaba Magasey

The William G. Miller Tailgate Competition Award

Presented by Farm Credit & Country Mortgages to the outstanding tailgate in memory of William G. Miller.

  • 2009 – Gail Forrest

  • 2010 – Carol Miller & Dr. & Mrs. Donald Kiefer

  • 2011 – Cindy Valk, Wendy Gaines and Angie Garnett

  • 2012 – Kathryn Borsody

  • 2013 – Deerchase Farm

  • 2014 – TuDane Farm and Hazel River Farm

  • 2015 – TuDane Farm and Hazel River Farm

  • 2016 – Warrenton Hunt

  • 2017 – Potomac Hunt

  • 2018 – Potomac Hunt

  • 2019 – Bull Run Hunt

  • 2020 – Not Held

  • 2021 – Warrenton Hunt

USHJA Divisions

Division graciously sponsored by EMO Agency, Inc.

Entry Fee $125.00. Individual classes may be entered at $50.00 each

Open to horses of any age. To be judged on performance and soundness. Suitability to count according to the USEF Zone 3 specifications. Not to jog.

1, 2. USHJA Over Fences - 2’3”

3. USHJA Under Saddle

USHJA Champion and Reserve

4, 5. USHJA Over Fences - 2’6”

6. USHJA Under Saddle

USHJA Champion and Reserve - Awarded to the horse with the most points in either division

USHJA Grand Champion and Reserve - Awarded to the horse with the most points in either division

Three, Four and Five Year Old Hunter Division

Division graciously sponsored by Ms. Virginia Fout and Mr. Michael Whetstone

Entry Fee: $125.00. Individual classes may be entered at $50.00 each.

Open to horses three, four and five years of age. Fences 2’6” or 2’9”. Judged on performance, manners and way of going. Will be asked to jog.

32. Three, Four and Five Year Old Hunter Over Fences

33. Three, Four and Five Year Old Conformation Hunter Over Fences (conformation to count 25%)

34. Three, Four and Five Year Old Hunter Under Saddle

Three, Four and Five Year Old Champion and Reserve

The Bold Conqueror Challenge Trophy donated by Donald Palsgrove

WHS Hunter Divisions

Division graciously sponsored by Bryce Lingo

Entry Fee: $150.00. Individual classes may be entered at $50.00 each.

Open to horses of any age. To be judged on performance and soundness. Suitability to count according to the USEF Zone 3 specifications. Not to jog.

112. WHS Hunter Over Fences – 2’6”

113. WHS Hunter Over Fences – 2’6”

114. WHS Hunter Under Saddle

WHS Hunter Champion and Reserve

115. WHS Hunter Over Fences – 2’9”

116. WHS Hunter Over Fences – 2’9”

117. WHS Hunter Under Saddle

WHS Hunter Champion and Reserve

Local Hunter Divisions

Entry Fee: $125.00. Individual classes may be entered at $50.00 each.

Open to horses owned by residents within a 100 mile radius of Warrenton. Judged on performance, manners, soundness and way of going. Fences 2’6” or 3’.

Division graciously sponsored by Missy Luczak

14. Local Hunter Over Fences (other than owner-rider)

15. Local Hunter Over Fences (other than owner-rider)

16. Local Hunter Under Saddle (other than owner-rider)

Local Hunter Champion and Reserve (other than owner-rider) - The Joyce Ainsworth Memorial Trophy.

Division graciously sponsored by Hazel River Farm

17. Local Hunter Over Fences (owner-rider)

18. Local Hunter Over Fences (owner-rider)

19. Local Hunter Under Saddle (owner-rider)

Local Hunter Champion and Reserve (owner-rider) - Trophy donated by The Tack Box, Inc.

Local Hunter Grand Champion and Reserve - Awarded to the horse with the most points in either division.

The Warren Green Perpetual Trophy will be presented to the Grand Champion Local Hunter