Runnerup and Third Place Winners

Taking second place was Sloane Coles aboard Ninja JW Van de Moerhoeve. Coles delivered a bold and graceful round, finishing just behind Vale’s time. His technical expertise and fluid style earned high praise from the fans. Coles, a Virginia native, relished the chance to compete on home turf and made a powerful statement with his silver finish.

American Sloane Coles of The Plains, Va. was just .97 seconds behind Vale riding the Ninja Group’s Ninja JW Van de Moerhoeve, while Egyptian rider Nayel Nasser ended the very successful week with Evergate Stables’ Coronado in third place, stopping the jump off clock at 39.27 seconds.

The show experienced a weather delay late in the morning, but the riders agreed that the footing held up tremendously well despite the torrential downpour. "We had a lot of rain, but the footing was great and so was the competition,” said Nassar. “This was my first time here and I’ll definitely be back.” Coles agreed, stating, “The footing was incredible, it couldn’t have been better after all of that rain!”

A Week of Equestrian Excellence

UCHS offers more than $1 million in prize money across hundreds of classes in both hunter and jumper disciplines. The week-long schedule includes everything from leadline classes for the tiniest riders to the FEI CSI4* show jumping events for Olympic-caliber competitors.

The show is held at the historic Upperville Show Grounds, a picturesque venue nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Hunt Country. The grounds feature beautifully manicured rings, lush pastures, and charming stabling areas, creating a perfect backdrop for this prestigious event.

Highights and Wins from the Week

The 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show has already seen thrilling performances, including American rider Alex Matz and his horse Cashew CR winning the Delta $31,500 FEI 4* Power & Speed Stakes. Their impressive time of 35.29 seconds secured them the top spot in a competitive field.

In the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, Amanda Steege and Lafitte de Muze> showcased their exceptional skills, winning the prestigious title. Their performance was marked by precision and grace, earning them the top spot in a highly competitive field.

The $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby was won by the talented duo of Marylisa Leffler and her horse, Gentleman Jack. Their performance was a testament to their skill and partnership, earning them the victory in this challenging event.

A Storied Legacy Since 1853

Founded in 1853 by Colonel Richard Henry Dulany, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show (UCHS) began as an effort to encourage better care and breeding of young horses. What started as a local agricultural fair has evolved into a premier event on the international equestrian calendar, drawing top-tier talent from across the globe. Today, UCHS is a fixture in Virginia's sporting and social calendar and is recognized as a Heritage Competition by the United States Equestrian Federation.

The venue itself is divided between the beautiful oak-shaded hunter rings on the east side of Route 50 and the world-class jumper rings on the west side.

Governor Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Present Spirit of the Horse Award

On the last day of the weeklong show on June 8th, UCHS hosted Governor and Mrs. Youngkin. The First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, presented the “Spirit of the Horse Award” to local resident Nicole “Nicky” Perry. The award, in its fourth year, was established in partnership with the First Lady to recognize a woman and resident of Virginia who demonstrates exceptional service or dedication to, or promotion of, the equine industry.

Perry, a lifelong equestrian and advocate for the horse industry, has dedicated her career to promoting equine welfare and education. She has been instrumental in organizing local events that support young riders and foster community engagement with horses.

“It is an honor to present the Spirit of the Horse Award to Nicky Perry,” said Mrs. Youngkin. “Her passion for horses and her commitment to the equine community exemplify the spirit of this award and the values we cherish in Virginia’s Hunt Country.”

Why It Matters

The Upperville Colt & Horse Show is more than a competition; it's a celebration of tradition, sportsmanship, and the timeless bond between horse and rider. It supports local farms, fosters the development of young equestrian talent, and attracts tourism to Virginia’s Hunt Country.

Whether you're a dedicated equestrian or a casual visitor drawn by the beauty of the countryside and the charm of the event, the 2025 UCHS offers an unforgettable experience steeped in heritage and horsepower.

11th Horses and Horsepower Car Show

On Sunday, June 8, the 11th Horses and Horsepower Car Show will take place at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show. This event showcases a stunning array of classic and exotic cars, blending the worlds of equestrian excellence and automotive artistry.

The car show is open to all makes and models, with categories for vintage, classic, and modern vehicles. It promises to be a visual feast for car enthusiasts and a perfect complement to the equestrian events.

The Horses and Horsepower Car Show is a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of both horses and cars in one setting, making it a must-see event during the Upperville Colt & Horse Show.

Elegance and Equestrian Excellence: The 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show

Nestled beneath the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia's scenic horse country, the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show took place, celebrating its legacy as the oldest horse show in America. From June 2 through June 8, thousands of equestrian enthusiasts, elite riders, breeders, and spectators gathered at the historic showgrounds on Route 50 for a week filled with world-class competition, genteel social affairs, and the sheer splendor of horsemanship at its finest.