To the west of Charlottesville is the Farmington Hunt Country containing a large number of the area horse farms. This area centers around Garth Road and Free Union. The landscape has gently rolling hills and a scattering of woods. These farms are set against stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Often there are several farms adjoining each other offering plenty of land to ride across, with land owner permission of course. Many Virginia horse farm owners are committed to land stewardship and pasture management resulting in the vistas of green fields.
The kennels and club house of the Farmington Hunt are located in Free Union. The Farmington Hunt has a registered pack of foxhounds which go out three times a week October through March.
Even in the middle of the area of Charlottesville horse farms not everyone has their own farm. There is a good selection of boarding stable if you would like to board your horse or take lessons. Two on this side of town are Shadowfax at Polaris Farm and The Barracks. The Barracks holds a series of A horseshows during the winter. There are several other farms in this area which put on outdoor shows during the spring and summer or you can drive to an A show somewhere in Virginia almost every week of the year.
If you are in the market for a country home rather than a Charlottesville horse farm you will find several neighborhoods on this side of Charlottesville with country homes on lots of several acres. You can still enjoy the pastoral beauty of Virginia horse farms as you pass them on the drive out to your country home.
Pam Dent