Horse Country’s Spring Styles

Story by Caroline Gray

Based in Warrenton, Horse Country was founded in 1970 by Marion Maggiolo’s mother as a small tack shop with a clear and practical vision: “to serve riders well, whether they rode Western or English,” Maggiolo shares. In its early years, the store was modest and built on a straightforward understanding of what horsemen and -women needed day to day.

When Maggiolo took over the business from her mother in 1973, she began to curate a more focused direction, guided not by trend but by the needs of its customers and the traditions of the region. As she notes, “Foxhunting, showing, and the broader Hunt Country way of life demanded a level of correctness, durability, and understated elegance that we felt deserved full attention.”

Recognizing a growing interest in foxhunting in the 1980s, the shop expanded its offerings to serve this niche, building a reputation for thoughtfully curated equestrian apparel and lifestyle goods — “ready-made luxury for the rider, à la private label,” as Maggiolo describes it. Today, in its 56th year, Horse Country offers a distinctive mix of women’s and men’s riding attire, coffee table books, home accents, and equestrian-inspired jewelry. “We continue to focus on what has always mattered: understanding our customers, respecting the traditions of the sport, and offering goods that are made to be used, appreciated, and kept,” Maggiolo reflects.

Here, Maggiolo offers a preview of her spring selections, which highlight both Horse Country’s in-house line and a curated list of complementary brands. The looks were modeled by Catherine Dolaher of Middleburg’s Castle Gallery at the Garden on Main in The Plains.

The crossbody bag is as beautiful as it is functional.

What to Wear to the Virginia Gold Cup

A tailored tan blazer anchors this look, layered over a Kastel Denmark robin’s egg top in a soft blue print. With a built-in UV protection factor of over 30 and made in a lightweight, breathable fabric, the shirt functions as a practical base layer for a long day outdoors while maintaining a crisp, elegant appearance.

The blazer is styled with a riding-themed brooch for a subtle nod to tradition, while a bold red hat introduces contrast and a sense of occasion appropriate for race day. A structured leather crossbody from Flasket, made in Italy, adds utility without detracting from the overall polish.

An equestrian brooch adds a touch of elegance.

The result is a versatile look that transitions easily from spectator style to more functional settings. Swap denim for breeches, and it moves seamlessly into the Hunt Country uniform.

What to Wear to the Hunt Country Stable Tour

For a day spent touring local estates on the Hunt Country Stable Tour, this look balances comfort with a sense of refinement, elevated by a tailored jacket, equestrian pearl brooch, and oversized white pebble pearl earrings and necklace.

The green blazer is perfect worn as intended or draped over the shoulders.

Pearls make a statement without being too fussy.

The lightweight blouse allows for breathability and ease of movement, essential for a walking tour, while the soft green blazer complements the fresh, understated palette of the spring countryside.

What to Wear to a Derby Party

For a Kentucky Derby party, this look leans into a more feminine take on classic race-day style.

The whole look easily transitions from day to night.

A tan hat is adorned with just the right amount of bling.

The natural colored pearls complement the neutral colors of the ensemble.

The delicate topper with the tan fascinator is elegant and polished, yet supremely comfortable. The egg pearl earrings and necklace complete the look, striking the right balance between refined and celebratory. ML

All styles and more are available for purchase at Horse Country in Warrenton, Virginia, or online at horsecountrycarrot.com.

Published in the May 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.