This Virginia Saddlery Is A Huge Wonderland For Riders And Horse Lovers

A tack shop that started small in 1970 now keeps a whole Hunt Room just for foxhunting clothes.

Wait, a room just for hunt coats? I need to know more.

The shelves go way past saddles and bridles, too. There are sporting art, books, jewelry, antiques, and lamps with horses and hounds on them.

Well, that’s a pleasant surprise for anyone who loves horses but has never sat on one.

Then there’s the town around it. This corner of Virginia hosts a horse show that dates back to 1900.

How big can one horse-loving shop get before it turns into a destination of its own?

A Tiny Tack Shop Grew Into Something Much Bigger

Back in 1970, a mother opened a small tack shop with big hopes.

That shop became Horse Country Saddlery, and it has been growing ever since. Her daughter, Marion Maggiolo, took over the business in 1973.

The family had first established the shop near the intersection of major highways in Warrenton, selling equipment for both Western and English riding.

Over time, the selection shifted toward English saddlery, formal riding clothes, and the traditions of the surrounding horse country.

After about 20 years, the store moved to its current home on Alexandria Pike.

The move tripled its floor space, providing room for far more than saddles and tack. Roughly a decade later, the family acquired an adjoining building and created additional parking.

By November 2020, Horse Country celebrated its 50th anniversary. Now well into its sixth decade, the business remains closely tied to its original family and the equestrian community that helped it grow.

It’s quite a transformation for a shop that began with a comparatively modest inventory and a practical idea.

Foxhunters Get Their Very Own Room Here

Most shops give specialty riding clothes a rack or two. Horse Country gives traditional field attire a dedicated space called the Hunt Room.

The room holds clothing for men and women, including formal coats, tweed jackets, breeches, and the smaller accessories that complete a traditional riding outfit.

You’ll find carefully considered styles rather than a collection of passing fashion trends.

Its emphasis on foxhunting attire grew during the early 1980s, when the shop expanded the selection to serve a growing community of riders.

There’s quite a bit to learn from the garments themselves. Different styles, colors, and materials have long been associated with particular equestrian occasions, and the right fit matters when spending hours in the saddle.

That makes the Hunt Room a curious stop even for someone who has never attended a formal riding event. A classic tweed jacket might catch your attention before you know what its details signify.

In this part of Virginia, equestrian clothing has its own vocabulary. Here, it gets enough space to tell the story.

Every Piece Of Gear Your Horse Could Want

Saddles, bridles, bits, and boots. The tack side of Horse Country reads like a rider’s wish list come to life.

The English saddlery selection includes saddle pads, reins, girths, and bridles, with plenty of equipment for everyday riding.

Horse blankets and sheets occupy another important category, alongside grooming supplies, stable essentials, and products for horse care.

For riders, the sheer variety makes browsing useful even before making a purchase. Blankets come in different weights for changing temperatures.

There are useful accessories for people who ride in different disciplines, too.

Although the store’s main emphasis is English equipment, items such as grooming brushes, blankets, and fly protection are relevant to horses regardless of the rider’s preferred saddle.

Bring measurements when shopping for a new blanket or other fitted equipment. A comfortable fit depends on more than picking the color you like, and it helps to compare the different styles in person.

The displays reveal how many small details go into keeping a horse comfortable. It’s an entire practical side of horse ownership, all gathered under one roof.

Riders Of All Ages Can Dress The Part

A good riding outfit does more than look sharp. It needs to fit properly and allow comfortable movement in the saddle.

Horse Country carries apparel for women, men, and young riders.

Breeches, show shirts, jackets, gloves, and riding boots make up the basics, with specialized pieces for competitions and traditional field riding.

Children have a department of their own, offering riding clothes, paddock boots, accessories, and safety equipment.

Helmets deserve particular attention. Choosing one that fits correctly and meets applicable equestrian safety standards matters far more than matching its color to an outfit.

The shop also developed the Horse Country Collection, with clothing and accessories produced through relationships with makers in different countries. Classic tailoring and small design details are central to its identity.

If you’re trying on breeches or a jacket, move around as you would while riding. A garment should feel comfortable when bending your knees and reaching forward, not just when standing still.

For Virginia riders preparing for a show, being able to compare these pieces in person makes shopping a little more straightforward.

Fancy Hats Steal The Show Before Race Day

Race season in this part of the country calls for a seriously good hat.

Horse Country has long carried an assortment of elegant headwear for occasions such as the Virginia Gold Cup.

The Gold Cup began near Warrenton in 1922 and remains a longstanding equestrian tradition in the region.

Spectators often make a day of the occasion, with outfits ranging from classic country tailoring to more festive race-day styles.

A wide-brimmed hat makes an immediate impression. So can a smaller design with a carefully chosen ribbon or another decorative detail.

The store’s clothing and accessories allow shoppers to put together a coordinated look rather than choosing headwear in isolation.

Spring dressing is especially interesting here. Lightweight jackets, colorful hats, silk scarves, and leather accessories provide combinations that feel polished without becoming overly formal.

A neatly shaped felt hat or timeless tweed jacket fits comfortably into an ordinary country wardrobe.

Even if you’re merely curious about the tradition, it’s entertaining to see how much personality one carefully chosen hat can add to an outfit.

Horse Lovers Without Horses Will Feel Right At Home

Plenty of people love horses without ever owning one. Good news, because Horse Country has a substantial selection for them too.

Home furnishings include pillows, throws, and lamps decorated with horses and hounds. Some have understated patterns, while others make their equestrian inspiration impossible to miss.

The store also carries antiques, decorative figures, china, and sporting art. The displays connect riding supplies with country-house traditions.

Jewelry is another attraction. Equestrian-inspired bracelets, necklaces, pins, and charms range from simple everyday pieces to more elaborate designs.

Vintage jewelry adds something for collectors who enjoy finding objects with a longer story.

Gift shopping is especially easy to imagine here. A small ornament or illustrated accessory can appeal to someone who admires horses but has never taken a riding lesson.

For a dedicated rider, a tasteful piece of jewelry may feel more personal than another piece of stable equipment.

Take a little time to browse beyond the saddlery. You could arrive thinking about a riding boot and leave with an idea for decorating the living room.

Books And Art Turn Browsing Into A Treat

Some people know Horse Country as a saddlery, clothing, and book shop. That last part surprises a lot of first-time shoppers.

Books about horses, countryside traditions, riding techniques, and sporting history sit alongside the equipment.

The selection includes new titles as well as older and collectible volumes, so browsing feels rather different from scanning an ordinary bookstore shelf.

Paintings, prints, and other sporting artwork extend that interest to the walls. Horses in motion, riders, and country scenes make natural companions to the literary collection.

The store has also hosted book signings, talks, and community gatherings.

There’s even a publishing story. In 1990, Marion Maggiolo launched In & Around Horse Country, a periodical covering equestrian events, country traditions, racing, and shows.

It continues to publish, offering an additional link between the shop and the wider riding community.

I’d make time for the books even without a shopping list. An unusual illustrated volume can be just as interesting as the saddles across the room.

Plan Ahead So Your Visit Goes Smoothly

Timing matters when you head out to Horse Country.

The shop currently advertises opening hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, with Sunday and Monday outside its regular schedule.

You’ll find the store at 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186.

Its expanded premises include adjoining buildings and additional parking, making it possible to explore several departments during one visit.

Consider which departments interest you most, then leave time for surprises. The saddlery and lifestyle collections reward very different kinds of curiosity.

Warrenton itself adds context to the outing. Horse sports have shaped the town for generations, while the nearby historic downtown offers another pleasant stop after shopping.

The store also offers mail-order shopping, with catalog selections and items for riders who live farther away.

For anyone curious about traditional equestrian style, though, seeing the departments together makes the variety easier to appreciate.

A visit to this corner of Virginia can be part practical errand, part leisurely exploration. Either way, the horses are impossible to miss.