Spend the day or make a weekend out of it!

"Now more than ever, the relationship goes beyond economics—we consider the Virginia Horse Center a community partner. In addition to providing a venue where residents can enjoy equine events, the Virginia Horse Center shares its grounds with the community, from the utilization of the mezzanine for meeting space to the larger facilities and grounds for the Farmer’s Market, youth agriculture, and the County Fair. When such local needsarise the VHC asks only, “How can we help?”

Our relationship has never been stronger, as we collectively recognize and celebrate the unique opportunities afforded by being home to Virginia’s premier equestrian center. "

Spencer Suter, Rockbridge County Administrator

Visit the Virginia Horse Center

We understand that planning a trip can be quite an undertaking, and we have tried to compile everything our visitors might need in this section.

Please use the helpful information provided here to make arrangements, take advantage of the surrounding county and city, and make lasting memories with your family, friends, and animals.

  • Check out the calendar of events to see what interests you as a participant or spectator.
  • Take advantage of our accommodations and dining recommendations.
  • Make sure to check the weather before you pack.
  • Don't forget to make time to visit our many fantastic attractions in the area.

We also offer tours of the facility. If you are interested, please email Matt Crookshanks or call  540-464-2952.

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm

During these hours, staff can be contacted at the Administration Office and the Stable Office/Welcome Center.

  • During events, the Stable Office/Welcome Center is generally open 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Subject to event size and overall activity on-grounds, specific hours are posted weekly at the Stable Office/Welcome Center. Contact the Stable Office at 540-464-2966 or stableoffice@horsecenter.org
  • Event hours are determined individually and can be viewed on our calendar of events.
  • Event participants may access the VHCF on a 24-hour basis during their event with Security notification.
  • Recreational walking hours (a program partnership with Let’s Move Lexington) are 8 am–5 pm Monday-Saturday.

Admission

Admission is generally free and open to the public.  Events like the rodeo, concerts, and specialty training clinics carry a charge. Please check the specific event on our event calendar for details.

First Time Visitor to the VHC?

Where to park? As you come in the front entrance, turn right.  You will see plenty of parking in front of the Anderson Coliseum.

Where to go? Print out a map of the center before you come. Stop by the Welcome Center to find out what is going on and where to go.

Bringing a horse? What is required? All horses require a current and negative Coggins dated within one year of the event start date and a valid health certificate dated within 30 days of arrival, if traveling from out of state.

VHC Grounds Map

Travel Information

Directions

From the North:  I-81 South to Exit 191. Proceed on I-64 West 1/2 mile to Exit 55. Turn right on Route 11 North, and immediately left on Route 39 West. The Virginia Horse Center is one mile ahead on the left.

From the South:  I-81 North to Exit 191. Proceed on I-64 West 1/2 mile to Exit 55. Turn right on Route 11 North, and immediately left on Route 39 West. The Virginia Horse Center is one mile ahead on the left.

From the East:  I-64 West to I-81 South. I-81 South to Exit 191. Proceed on I-64 West 1/2 mile to Exit 55. Turn right on Route 11 North, and immediately left on Route 39 West. The Virginia Horse Center is one mile ahead on the left.

From the West:  I-64 East to Exit 55.  Turn left on Route 11 North, and proceed 1/4 mile to stoplight. Turn left on Route 39 West. The Virginia Horse Center is one mile ahead on the left.

Accommodations

The Lexington Group of Hotels offers a variety of properties all within a short distance to the Virginia Horse Center. Whether you are looking for an economy hotel, an upscale brand, convenience to the Virginia Horse Center, or simply a quiet night’s sleep, the Lexington Group of Hotels has you covered. Lexington Group Hotels offer a home-away-from-home feel with modern amenities and free Wi-Fi. Standard rooms and spacious suites* are designed to meet your needs. Start your day with a refreshing, healthy, hot or continental breakfast and a trip to the fitness center facility*. We value our Horse Center guests and accommodate their requests such as early breakfast hours and pet-friendly rooms*. After a tiring day, unwind in our heated pool* and spa* and relax in our comfortable beds. Our meeting rooms and banquet facilities* can accommodate your business or group needs. Special Horse Center rates are offered at these properties of the Lexington Group of Hotels:

 

Sleep Inn & Suites                           540.463.6000

Country Inn & Suites                      540.464.9000

Super 8                                               540.463.7858

 

Quality Inn & Suites                       540.463.6400

Days Inn, Lexington                       540.463.9131

Econo Lodge                                      540.463.2739

 

Comfort Inn (Raphine)                  540.377.2604

 

*Offered at certain Lexington Group
of Hotels. Call to inquire.

Featured Hotels:

The Natural Bridge and the Natural Bridge Park Historic Hotel are iconic Americana centerpieces and should not be missed when attending a Virginia Horse Center Event.

Enjoy a balcony view of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, sip wine on the veranda, enjoy a cool morning hike, take in the spectacle of our area's 500 million-year-old natural bridge, and step back in time and experience a truly one-of-a-kind full-service experience that is found nowhere else on this earth.

Located 15 minutes from the VHC, the Natural Bridge Historic Hotel is the Lexington area’s premier full-service historic hotel at the future Natural Bridge State Park. With so many events at the Virginia Horse Center, rooms will go fast, so book now and often for your Virginia Horse Center event days. Boarding nearby is available; ask the reservationist for details. It is pet-friendly and has plenty of trailer parking!

Book Online or call 1-800-533-1410

The Georges

The Georges occupies two historic buildings on opposite sides of Main Street in the center of charming downtown Lexington. Our boutique inn offers casually luxurious guest rooms and suites, delicious food made with regional ingredients, and traditional Virginia hospitality—all in an environment that carries the history of the last few centuries, but with every modern amenity and convenience of today. The Georges is home to Haywood’s piano bar, a casual restaurant offering bistro cuisine, great wines and cocktails and entertainment nightly, as well as TAPS lobby lounge, serving the legendary Buffalo Creek Burger, salads, sandwiches, creative cocktails and craft beers.

Personal service and attention to detail are the defining elements of The Georges. Each room is custom designed and furnished to make you feel completely comfortable whether you’re visiting for a night, the weekend, or enjoying an extended vacation. While no two rooms are alike, all of our accommodations come with the same wonderful amenities like Frette bed linens and Peacock Alley blankets, luxurious bathrooms with custom tile work and walk-in showers, complimentary high-speed internet access, newspapers delivered daily, gourmet breakfast and afternoon refreshments. Just 5 minutes from VHC, The Georges welcomes you in boots and hats and offers shuttle service and boxed lunches upon request. Please inquire about special Horse Center rates.

Book Online or call 540-463-2500

Bed & Breakfasts

Take advantage of the breathtaking scenery and generous hospitality of southwest Virginia by staying in one of many notable Bed and Breakfast establishments. This type of accommodation is a great idea for “support staff” like friends and family in town to watch and enjoy your competition.

Hidden Valley Farm and Stables

Welcome to the cottage located on our 435-acre farm! Our home offers three bedrooms, including a queen, full and two twin beds! One private bathroom as well as a Jack and Jill upstairs. Enjoy the view off of the wrap-around porch and the fireplace on the patio. Bring the dogs and the horses (additional charges), there is room for everyone! Stay with us!

Call us at 540-810-1967 to book a reservation.

 

Hidden Valley Farm&Stable

Other B&Bs

For information on other area B&Bs and accommodations, please visit the Lexington/Rockbridge Tourism website.

Campgrounds

The Virginia Horse Center Foundation is happy to offer camping; convenient for you and your horse!

Our facility includes over 90 campsites with water and electric hook-ups in four camp ground areas on-site. These are conveniently located on the northeastern and southwestern corners of the facility, on top of the hill near the Pavilion, and in front of the Anderson Coliseum. Each area is within walking distance of the barns and the Anderson Coliseum. VHCF also offers generator and dry camping. Showers are located in the East Complex and a dump station is provided in the North Campground. Refer to our facility map for campground and barn locations.

 

Camping Fees:

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Camping with electricity and water: $57.65 per night including tax. 

Tent and generator camping: $34.59 including tax per night. You do not need a reservation for tent or generator camping.

Our campgrounds are located close to grocery stores, dining, lodging, and many other amenities for your basic comforts and life’s needs. The quaint town of Lexington offers three colleges, historical sites for the history-buff, outdoor recreation on the Maury River and in close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway/Appalachian Trail, breweries, farms and agriculture, and family activities galore!

 

Reserve your campsite today by calling the
Stable Office at 540-464-2966.

Due to show demands in the Stable Office, please leave a voicemail if your phone call is not immediately answered. We will return your call!

Please be prepared to give:
Your name.
Phone number.
Camper/trailer model and style.
The dates you will be staying and the show you will be visiting.
Credit card information to hold your reservation!

Additional Information

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We are grateful to our friends whose contributions  help
to cover the cost of operating and maintaining
the Virginia Horse Center.

Join our community of supporters!

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Facility Sponsor Guide

Sponsor websites can be accessed directly by clicking on their logo. 

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Official Media Sponsor
Collegiate Sponsor
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487 Maury River Road, Lexington, Virginia 24450‐3374
Phone: 540‐464‐2950  |  Fax: 540‐464‐2999

Copyright © 2017 Virginia Horse Center. All rights reserved.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.