Virginia Trail Riding Clubs

Charlottesville Equestrian Clubs and Virginia Trail Riding Organizations

Virginia’s equestrian community is built around more than beautiful farms and open countryside. Trail riding clubs, horse councils, breed associations, and riding organizations help preserve access, organize events, support education, and connect riders who share a love of horses and the outdoors.

Whether you are new to trail riding, moving to Central Virginia with horses, or searching for a horse property near riding opportunities, these organizations offer a useful starting point for understanding the broader equestrian network throughout Virginia.

Helpful note: Trail access, membership requirements, event schedules, and riding rules may change. Contact each organization directly before planning a ride, joining an event, or hauling horses to a location.

Trail Riding Clubs and Equestrian Associations

The following organizations reflect the range of trail riding, horse advocacy, breed promotion, community riding, and equestrian preservation efforts found throughout Virginia and the surrounding region.

American Competitive Trail Horse Association

The American Competitive Trail Horse Association, known as ACTHA, is a nonprofit organization that enables others to hold competitions through its RideHost Program. ACTHA offers trail competitions, and every ride held donates to a horse charity in need.

Battlefield Equestrian Society

The Battlefield Equestrian Society is a nonprofit organization created to promote and enhance equestrian activities at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Its work includes maintaining and improving equestrian trails and offering education through programs and speakers.

Clifton Horse Society

The Clifton Horse Society, established in 1977, supports equestrian enthusiasts in Fairfax County and surrounding areas. The organization offers monthly local trail rides and social activities.

Shenandoah Trail Riding and Horseman’s Association

The Shenandoah Trail Riding and Horseman’s Association promotes trail riding in the Shenandoah Valley, with many trail rides hosted in the George Washington National Forest.

SouthEastern Association of Trail Riders

The SouthEastern Association of Trail Riders, also known as SEAT, promotes trail riding in Virginia and North Carolina.

Southside Virginia Horse Council

Located in Alton, the Southside Virginia Horse Council promotes multiple equestrian events, including local trail riding.

Southside Virginia Saddle Club

The Southside Saddle Club participates in trail rides and supports local riding opportunities for equestrian members.

Tidewater Horse Council

The Tidewater Horse Council promotes equestrian events and supports the horse community throughout the Hampton Roads region.

More Virginia Equestrian Organizations

From Northern Virginia trail preservation to breed-specific associations, these organizations help riders connect, participate, and stay involved in Virginia’s broader horse community.

Tristate Riding Club

Based in Loudoun County, Virginia, Tristate Riding Club includes members from Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. The club accommodates riders over the age of 21 who are interested in multiple equestrian disciplines, including endurance and trail riding.

United States Trail Ride, Inc.

USTR is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to preserving and creating trails for riding fun and pleasure. Since its incorporation in 1987, USTR has evolved from a 100-mile endurance riding club into a club of horse enthusiasts and pleasure riders who enjoy local and regional trails in Northern Virginia.

Virginia Appaloosa Horse Club

Virginia Appaloosa Horse Club promotes Appaloosas in equestrian activities at the local, regional, and national level.

Virginia Paint Horse Club

The Virginia Paint Horse Club, a member of the American Paint Horse Association, offers monthly trail rides and supports Paint Horse owners and riders throughout the region.

Looking for a Virginia Horse Property Near Trails or Riding Clubs?

Trail access, riding clubs, nearby equestrian facilities, trailer-friendly locations, and horse-oriented community resources can all shape the appeal of a Central Virginia horse property. Bridget Archer helps buyers and sellers understand how land, location, lifestyle, and equestrian usability influence value.