Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend mark the return of the annual Hunt Country Stable Tour – an event that draws visitors from near and far to the Middleburg/Upperville area.

Magnificent stables open their doors to the public for a self-guided tour offering a variety of equestrian-related activities.

Saturday morning, the Middleburg Training Track opens early (guests may arrive as early as 7 a.m.) to watch Thoroughbreds condition and train.

From the Training Track, many visitors proceed to the M.A.R.E. Center where horse-treadmill demonstrations will take place. Mares with their foals delight visitors of all ages.

From the M.A.R.E. Center, it's a short drive to Banbury Cross Farm, just east of Middleburg, north of Route 50. The large Jeffersonian-style barn of red brick offers 18 stalls. There will be demonstrations schooling green horses and polo ponies, and polo matches on the Banbury Cross polo field. Details of times are outlined in the Stable Tour booklet.

While in Middleburg, enjoy a visit to the National Sporting Library and Museum Book Fair. In addition to a book binding demonstration, bestselling authors will be on hand to sell and to autograph their books. The Museum is open Saturday 10 – 4, and Sunday 12 – 4.

Trinity Church itself is open to the public both Saturday and Sunday, with docents on hand to point out the beautiful stained glass windows and stone and wood carvings. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to worship at Trinity on Sunday; services are held at both 8 and 10:30 A.M. Lunch is served at Trinity from 11 A.M. – 3 P.M., catered by The Back Street Café.

While at Trinity, be sure to checkout the many vendors in tents on the lawn at the Country Fair. Also on the Trinity Campus, a multi-story house has been converted into a Thrift Shop, including a "Boutique" offering many high-end couture treasures.

Other favorite stops on the tour include Heronwood Farm in Upperville where alpacas are raised, Rock Hill Farm, Peace and Plenty at Bollingbrook, Ardarra, Salem Stable, and Trappe Hill Farm.

Visitors to Trappe Hill often bring a picnic lunch to enjoy near the pond between horse-swimming demonstrations. Trappe Hill owner and accomplished author, Bruce Smart, will be on hand to sign copies of his several books.

Jumping demonstrations are planned to take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at two venues: Windsor Farm in Upperville, and Hickory House in Middleburg.

An exciting final stop on the tour is at the Virginia International Polo Club on Trappe Road in Upperville. Weather and field conditions permitting, polo matches will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Each ticket is valid for both days of the tour.

The Stable Tour could not take place without the generosity of the farm owners in the greater Middleburg and Upperville areas. Proceeds from the Tour are used to support the various ministries of Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville.