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Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage
Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage
Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage
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Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage

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For over 200 years, Northern Virginia has enjoyed a respected reputation for its equestrian heritage. The present-day home of horse museums and libraries, as well as breeding, sports, and shows of all sort, Northern Virginia truly is "hunt country." Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage showcases the area's early hunting history and offers a singular glimpse into the past glory days of fox hunts, hound-breeding, horse races, and horse shows. Beautiful estates where men and women gathered, partied, and hunted once dotted the landscape; today, however, many of these estates remain only in photographs and memories. The area's picturesque countryside has enticed well-known families, including the Kennedys and the DuPont Scotts, to join in the local favored pastime. Some of the world's best fox hunting took place in Loudoun County before the Civil War; afterwards, the hounds were let loose and very few quality packs remained. It took the combined help of fox hunters and land barons to reinstate the breeding of prestigious hounds and increase the sport's popularity once again. Upperville, the home of America's oldest horse show, dates to 1853 and has given shape to horse shows all over the country. Even women's place in equestrian history was rallied for in Northern Virginia; Viola Townsend Winmill, who became one of the "first ladies" of fox hunting, and her husband Robert C. Winmill lived in Warrenton for more than 50 years and played polo, raced horses, raised hounds, and collected coaches.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateSep 18, 2012
ISBN9781439629161
Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage
Author

Mary Fishback

Images of America: Leesburg is a fascinating photographic chronicle of this important town compiled by author Mary Fishback, who has written several books on the area including Images of America: Loudoun County.

Read more from Mary Fishback

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    Book preview

    Northern Virginia's Equestrian Heritage - Mary Fishback

    Library.)

    One

    THE MYSTIQUE OF MORVEN PARK

    Nestled in the lush Loudoun countryside is the elegant estate of Morven Park, which comprises 1,200 acres and includes a large manor house that was built around 1781. Once owned by Dr. Wilson C. Seldon, the property was sold to Gov. Thomas Swann of Maryland, who promptly set about expanding the house. In 1903, Virginia Gov. Westmoreland Davis and his wife, Marguerite Grace Inman, acquired the estate.

    Upon obtaining the property, Governor Davis began to transform Morven Park into an agricultural show place. He immersed himself in scientific farming, building extensive barns, carriage houses, green houses, and buildings for breeding horses, turkey, hogs, sheep, and dairy stock. He planted the most progressive crops in the area and practiced crop rotation.

    In 1912, Governor Davis was president and publisher of the magazine Southern Planter. An avid equestrian and foxhunter, as well as a bird and large game hunter, Governor Davis was renowned for his large parties at Morven Park, which accommodated 600 or more guests at a time. In 1909, he was chairman of the Hunts Committee of the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association.

    Governor Davis lived at Morven Park during his term as governor of Virginia. The manor house at Morven reflects his varied and organized lifestyle. From the lions at the entrance, to the Flemish Brabant tapestries that adorn the main hall, to the richly wooded game room with its trophies, one can actually get a feel for Westmoreland Davis. The home takes visitors back to the grand era of Virginia’s stately manor houses.

    Today the Morven Park mansion is open to the public through the generosity of the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation Inc. established by Marguerite Inman Davis.

    As this artist’s rendition shows, not all of the lavish plans for Morven Park materialized while under the ownership of Gov. Thomas Swann.

    Gov. Westmoreland Davis and his wife, Marguerite, enjoyed casual rides on their beautiful estate, Morven Park. (Courtesy Morven Park Archives.)

    This photo shows the southeast end of the green house that was the pride of Governor Davis. In it, he grew beautiful flowers, exotic plants, and kept seedlings for trees and shrubs. Since his ownership, it has been restored and additions have been made. There are lovely outdoor planting beds, ornate boxwood gardens, and old magnolia trees scattered about the estate. (Author photo.)

    Governor and Mrs. Davis were accomplished equestrians. They both rode in hunts and enjoyed their animals. The Davises later acquired another large estate, Big Spring, located just north of Leesburg. There they built these attractive brick stables for their horses. These stables remain much the same today, even though Big Spring has been subdivided. (Courtesy Morven Park Archives.)

    Governor and Mrs. Davis show off their fine horses at Big Spring Farm. (Courtesy Morven Park

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