Charlottesville Horse Country
The Barracks and Charlottesville’s Equestrian Tradition
The Barracks is an “A” horse show farm located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Owned and operated by the Bishop family since 1973, The Barracks has long been part of the area’s equestrian landscape, with a focus on boarding, training, selling, and showing hunters, jumpers, and equitation horses.
The farm welcomes riders of many levels, from beginners developing confidence in the saddle to serious show competitors pursuing a more advanced program. Its connection to Charlottesville horse country reflects the depth and range of the region’s equestrian life.
Riders at The Barracks also enjoy the opportunity to hunt with the Farmington Hunt Club in Albemarle County during hunt season, adding another layer to the property’s connection with Virginia’s sporting and hunt-country traditions.
The Barracks is also home to Virginia Riding, the University of Virginia’s equestrian team, founded in 1976. As a club sport, the riding team competes in Zone 4, Region 2 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. With many accolades over the years, the team has become a strong competitive presence and an important part of Charlottesville’s equestrian identity.
Charlottesville’s equestrian appeal is shaped by places like The Barracks — farms, training programs, hunt-country connections, and riding traditions that make Central Virginia such a distinctive setting for horse owners and riders.
Charlottesville Equestrian Real Estate
Horse Knowledge Matters in Equestrian Real Estate
Bridget Archer brings firsthand horse experience to her work with Charlottesville and Central Virginia equestrian properties, helping sellers and buyers understand the practical details that matter — from barns, arenas, fencing, and turnout to the surrounding horse-country lifestyle.