Since Colonel Richard Henry Dulany’s seed of thought blossomed into reality in 1853, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show has met under his famous oak trees the first full week of June. And after a year and a half of pandemic uncertainty, the 2021 edition of Upperville delivered an air of comfort and familiarity. Legends battled it out in the ring while little ones in hair bows watched on the rail. For this reporter (who hasn’t held a camera since October of 2019), it felt like coming home. Here are some of our favorite photos from the oldest horse show in the country, which fittingly brought the community together after much time apart.
The Ward Family, consisting of McLain Ward, Lauren Ward and Lilly Ward, trotted to the top of the family class. Teresa Ramsay PhotoAriana Marnell jumped Casino Cash under the oak trees in the large junior, 15 & under division. Laura Lemon Photo.It’s always easy to spot Pam Baker in one of her famous hats. Laura Lemon PhotoThe heat got the best of some of us. Kimberly Loushin Photo.Catch Me caught some nibbles with Mimi Gochman. Laura Lemon PhotoThe coveted blue. Kimberly Loushin Photo.Brianne Goutal-Marteau showed that form does follow function with Tanael Des Bonnes. Laura Lemon Photo.Samantha Schaefer gave Baylee McKeever some last-minute tips before McKeever, riding Salvatore, went in the ring for her first USHJA International Hunter Derby class. Kimberly Loushin Photo.Olivia Sweetnam guided Goldmark to the blue in the first over-fences class of the large pony hunters. Laura Lemon PhotoThis is Johnny. He was adopted last week. He is so happy for how his luck has turned! Laura Lemon Photo.Rodrigo Pessoa jumped Lord Lucio in the $213,300 Upperville Jumper Classic. Kimberly Loushin PhotoLegends Billy Howland and Walter Jimmy Lee shared a laugh after the 2021 Upperville Wall of Honor ceremony. Laura Lemon PhotoThis is the start of a beautiful friendship. Laura Lemon Photo.Peeking under the trees. Kimberly Loushin PhotoCrowds gathered as changing COVID-19 protocols allowed for the return of ringside spectators. Kimberly Loushin PhotoJean Sheptoff beamed after her round on Camillo VDL in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Kimberly Loushin PhotoConsent happily takes a snack from Shereen Fuqua. Laura Lemon PhotoDidn’t catch a name but caught a smile. Laura Lemon PhotoVendors and crowds gathered around the rings. Laura Lemon PhotoThe prettiest setting in the world. Kimberly Loushin PhotoMindful snapped his knees for Jennifer Hannan. Kimberly Loushin PhotoLillie Keenan turned and burned on Agana Van Het Gerendal Z. Laura Lemon PhotoGrace Walker jumped Caleesi in the large junior, 16-17, division. Laura Lemon PhotoSpectators gathered on Robert H. Smith’s memorial which reads: “He loved the history. He loved the horse show but most of all he loved the trees.” Laura Lemon PhotoMaddie Tosh guided Storyteller in the large pony hunter. Laura Lemon PhotoSelfie time! Laura Lemon PhotoWheels down for Brooke Kemper and Arpeggi. Kimberly Loushin PhotoWe can’t get enough of the oak trees. Kimberly Loushin PhotoGetting ready for the leadline. Laura Lemon PhotoAmanda Derbyshire braved the rain and gave Don’t Touch Du Bois many pats. Kimberly Loushin Photo