Equestrian Events

Attend Equestrian Events at Great Meadow

Experience world-class equestrian sport set against the backdrop of Virginia’s rolling countryside.

Great Meadow invites you to witness the power, grace, and tradition of equestrian sport at one of the most iconic venues in the nation. From thundering steeplechase races to elegant dressage performances, every event at Great Meadow connects spectators to the heart of Virginia’s Horse and Hunt Country.

Our 374-acre property was purpose-built to celebrate the bond between horse and rider, offering breathtaking open space and unforgettable views from every angle. Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or a first-time visitor, you’ll find yourself immersed in a one-of-a-kind experience where sport meets community and heritage comes alive.

Events You’ll Experience

Steeplechase Racing

Feel the rush of the Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup, where speed and tradition meet.

Dressage

Experience the artistry and precision of horse and rider moving in perfect harmony. Each performance showcases balance, discipline, and grace in motion.

Show Jumping & Horse Trials

Experience the artistry and precision of horse and rider moving in perfect harmony. Each performance showcases balance, discipline, and grace in motion.

Polo Matches

Enjoy the elegance of grass polo on our regulation size grass polo field and the fast-paced competition of arena polo in Veterans Stadium.

Trail Rides

We host many local groups for trail rides on our beautiful property throughout the year.

Special Exhibitions & Traditions

Enjoy unique equestrian showcases, demonstrations, participate in cross country schooling days, and join our community celebrations throughout the year for pony rides and more!

Upcoming Equestrian Events

April

05apr8:00 amUSEA Horse Trials

May

02may8:00 am101st Running of the Virginia Gold Cup

14may8:00 amCDCTA Summer Dressage Schooling Shows

23may8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series2026 SEASON OPENING NIGHT

25may8:00 amA Jump Above Schooling Jumper Show

29may8:00 amTwlight JumpersOpening Night

30may8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

June

06jun8:00 am2026 Middleburg Horse Trials

06jun8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

07jun8:00 am2026 Middleburg Horse Trials

13jun8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

14jun8:00 amFour Nations Cup International Polo Tournament

16jun8:00 amCDCTA Summer Dressage Schooling Shows

17jun8:00 amCDCTA Summer Dressage Schooling Shows

20jun8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

26jun8:00 amTwillight Jumpers

27jun8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

29jun8:00 amSchooling Jumper Show

July

09jul8:00 am2025 CDCTA Summer Dressage Schooling Shows

09jul8:00 am2025 CDCTA Summer Dressage Schooling Shows

11jul8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

18jul8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

24jul8:00 amTwilight Jumpers

25jul8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

August

01aug8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

08aug8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

13aug8:00 am2025 CDCTA Summer Dressage Schooling Shows

15aug8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

22aug8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

29aug8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series

September

05sep8:00 amGreat Meadow Polo Summer Series2026 SEASON CLOSING NIGHT

06sep8:00 am2025 CDCTA Summer Dressage Schooling Shows

13sep8:00 amNSLM Polo Classic Presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™

19sep8:00 amCloverleaf Polo Classic

26sep8:00 amOld Tavern Horse Trials

27sep8:00 amOld Tavern Horse Trials

October

11oct12:30 pm5:00 pmCommander In Chief Polo Tournament

15oct8:00 am2025 CDCTA Summer Dressage Schooling Shows

24oct8:00 am89th International Gold Cup

November

08nov8:00 am3rd Annual Veterans Cup: Polo with Purpose

A Legacy of Excellence

Great Meadow is a beautiful outdoor venue located in The Plains, Virginia.  featuring polo, steeplechase, jumpers, dressage and outdoor events for the local community.

Since 1984, Great Meadow has proudly hosted steeplechase races, polo tournaments, horse trials, and more—serving as a cornerstone of Virginia’s equestrian tradition.

Contact us to learn more about hosting or participating in an equestrian event.

 

Upcoming Events

Join Our Mission

Support open space and equestrian sports by volunteering, attending events, or donating.

News & Updates

Hurdle trials at Great Meadow map new course ahead of fall circuit
Hurdle trials at Great Meadow map new course ahead of fall circuit

A hurdle “trials” was held Sept. 13 at Great Meadow, designed by National Steeplechase Association President Al Griffin as an unsanctioned, preseason schooling opportunity for inexperienced steeplechase horses that allowed horsemen to practice over the newly routed...

Gold Cup returns to Great Meadow
Gold Cup returns to Great Meadow

The international Gold Cup, one of the largest steeplechase events in the United States, returns to Great Meadow in Fauquier County on Saturday, Oct. 25. Gates open at 10 a.m. with the first race at noon. Tickets are for sale online with special packages and...

Host Your Event at Great Meadow

Plan your next celebration, corporate gathering, or outdoor festival in our one-of-a-kind scenic venue.

Say “I Do” at Great Meadow

Celebrate your special day surrounded by breathtaking views and timeless charm.