Welcome to Middleburg Eccentric's "Horsing Around" with yours truly, a lifelong horse-crazy kid whose motto is Write, Ride—not necessarily in that order. Horses are one of God's most precious gifts to humankind, along with dogs, of course, carrying us to the pinnacles of joy and to great emotional extremes, accompanied every step of the way by us, their devoted human acolytes…

Among the ups and downs are joyful bits that make every moment of life with these amazing animals worthwhile—no matter what. Even considering the bad patches, we can't live without horses, can we? We embrace horsekeeping's endless chores and we're proud to be more comfortable with muck fork and grooming tools than with mop or vacuum. Riding allows us to experience the beauty and excitement of a unique partnership. Fodder for books that simmer in our brain, but that's another story.

Horsing Around will share with Eccentric readers what's so wonderful about Virginia's "horse country." Yes, there's the Saddlery by that very name in Warrenton (we write for that emporium's publication). We're into everything horse-y. We love country living and enjoy local everything: steeplechasing, fox-hunting, hunter & jumper shows, eventing, polo, dressage, endurance and much more—English in the majority, but look for profiles of local Western enthusiasts.

Two land trust 501(c)(3)s—Glenwood Park and Great Meadow—are spectacular equestrian destinations, unique with their flat and jump racecourses. If you haven't attended a rural sporting event at either venue, please just do it. Horsing Around will showcase the horses and ponies, people, traditions, happenings, and even recipes, because we want your experience "In the heart of horse country" to be as delightful as possible. We want you to rave to your friends and, when you return, bring them with you.

'Chasing and racing and magnificent Thoroughbred horses are exciting spectator sports and, for many, a new world. Horsing Around can help you to "be prepared" from how to dress for the elements to food to how to enjoy the "craic" of placing a bet and cheering "your horse" home.

AAAAND THEY'RE OFF!!!!

Spring's around the corner although winter-weary horse folks like us suspect that Mother Nature will play some wild cards. Be prepared for March to come in like a lion and roar its way into April…

Sporting action includes fox-hunting (weather permitting) through most of March, mid-March's first Hunter Pace Event (so fun!), and Virginia Point-to-points—"community" races, also hunt-sponsored, which often feature horses prepping for National Steeplechase races.

Here's a favorite "Go To": CentralEntryOffice.com is a huge database of racing information, maintained and updated regularly by well-known racing announcer Will O'Keefe. The CEO calendar tab makes it easy to find out what's happening where and when. Hunter Pace events begin on March 10. Warrenton Hunt kicks off the Virginia Point-to-point season on March 16—wear green to honor St. Patrick. There's hunt and sanctioned racing every weekend, often both days. Middleburg Spring Races run on April 4 at Glenwood Park. The Virginia Gold Cup races at Great Meadow occur the first Saturday in May with parimutuel wagering and live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby.

What To Wear: be prepared for extremes in weather, and layering works best.

Business casual always works, and rural styles add practicality to sophisticated levels of sartorial splendor. Plan on waterproof and warm outer layers, several light inner layers in case the weather goes extremely warm or cold or wet. Extra socks. Waterproof boots that protect you from puddles, mousse-like mud, snow. Gloves, scarves or neck warmers; umbrellas come in handy for snow, not just rain. Hats—cover your head or risk losing 50 percent of your body heat if exposed to the elements. Just be prepared.

Food and Drink: your tailgate picnic, how fancy or casual, is up to you. Some people like to do everything by themselves, but it's nice to be asked to contribute something to the repast. Hosting? Keep a list (horse people like checklists) of who and what: bouillon and coffee, wings, ribs, fried chicken, various salads, deviled eggs, brownies—everyone has a favorite dish to share.

A day in the country is a celebration of the equestrian culture and the heritage of sporting traditions, deeply rooted and woven into the history of Virginia. Open country continues to shrink so that open tracts like Glenwood Park and Great Meadow are absolutely priceless treasures that must be protected by your ongoing support. Hark please! We are the big winners. We get to enjoy these amazing spaces where there's room for lots of Horsing Around.

For more information:
1. CentralEntryOffice.com
2. Nationalsteeplechase.com — governing body for sanctioned steeplechase racing in the U.S.
3. https://thisishorseracing.com — Clancy family affair with roots in Middleburg.
4. www.VAGoldCup.com
5. www.MiddleburgSpringRaces.com
6. visitmiddleburgva.com
7. www.greatmeadow.org