The Upperville Colt & Horse Show

The 2026 Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ is the oldest horse show in the U.S. and will celebrate its 173rd year this June 1 through 7, at the historic Grafton Farm and Salem showgrounds. Parking and general admission are free again this year.

Founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, the show has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs, compete under the spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm—the same location since 1853.

The UCHS is an FEI CSI4* event that attracts hundreds of world-class equestrians year after year. The equine and human athletes compete in disciplines ranging from international level show jumping, hunters, and equitation to local ponies, in-hand conformation classes, and women in traditional, elegant sidesaddle. In addition to its FEI CSI4* designation, the competition boasts Premier Hunter and Jumper Rating Six classifications with US Equestrian, is sanctioned by the Virginia Horse Shows Association, the Maryland Horse Shows Association and is a World Championship Hunter Rider recognized show. UCHS is also one of a handful of qualified Heritage Horse Shows across the United States.

The week-long show culminates on June 7 with the excitement of the $200,000 Upperville Jumper Classic FEI CSI4* featuring top equestrians from across the nation and around the globe. The day’s entertainment includes junior and amateur riders, special awards, and the Horses & Horsepower Invitational car show. Vendors throughout the show offer a variety of food as well as equestrian, sporting, and fashionable clothing, milliners, tack and leather goods, jewelry, art, and hand-crafted gifts. The venue is beautifully located in the heart of Virginia’s hunt country.