The 11th Annual Horses & Horsepower Invitational Car Show Returns to the Upperville Horse Show on June 8
Oldest Horse Show in U.S.
UPPERVILLE, VA — The 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS Equestrian™ is the oldest horse show in the U.S. and has also gained a great following from car enthusiasts throughout the DMV. The 11th annual Horses & Horsepower Invitational Car Show, held at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, returns on Sunday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features a wide array of classic, rare, and vintage cars from around the region. The popular car show is held adjacent to the Grand Prix ring on the north side of Route 50 (Route 50 bisects the show). Parking and admission are free all week during the show.
This year, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show celebrates its 172nd year. The event takes place daily from June 2 through June 8, running from 8 a.m. to sunset with more than 1,200 horse and rider pairs competing. The show culminates on June 8 at 2 p.m. with the excitement of the $200,000 Upperville Jumper Classic CSI4*, featuring top world-class equestrians. The day’s entertainment includes junior and amateur riders, pony conformation (including pony foals), and the car show.
“Horses & Horsepower is immensely popular with the thousands of visitors to the horse show, and our invited exhibitors enjoy the prestige of supporting an equestrian tradition that dates from 1853,” said John Denegre, one of the car show’s organizers. “The car show is dedicated to the memory of its founder, David Mullins, and we are delighted to announce that White Post Restorations will again be our show sponsor.”
The show is not judged, though there is an opportunity for the public to vote on a favorite vehicle. A “People’s Choice” trophy is awarded to the car that garners the most votes from visitors that day.
“We are grateful to all involved in this iconic car show,” UCHS Executive Director Emily Day said. “This exhibit has become an integral part of our annual horse show, drawing large crowds just to see these unique cars.”
The Upperville Colt & Horse Show also features great shopping, with more than 85 vendors and many food options. Food vendors include Copper Fox Coffee, Everything About Crepes, Happy Family Ranch, Harry’s Lemonade, Haulin Butts BBQ, Hunt Country Charcuterie, Jump Start Café, King of Pops, Phil’s Grill, Snowflakes & Co., Wayne’s Delicious Eats, and more. Food and shopping opportunities are available all week long at the show.
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 at the spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm — the same location since 1853.
The show encourages families to come out. There’s plenty of room for children to roam. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed, vaccinated, and under their owner’s control at all times. A Pup Parade on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. features junior dog lovers parading their furry friends around the main hunter ring. All kids 12 and under are welcome, and they can bring a chaperone to help as needed.
Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor MARS Equestrian™, Ethel M. Chocolates®, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano Diamonds, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance, and Delta Air Lines.
For more information and the full weeklong show schedule, visit upperville.com.
Featured photo courtesy of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show.
Posted on: May 27, 2025