Drive through New Kent County on any given morning and you'll see them — horses grazing behind white board fences, riders working through dressage patterns in outdoor arenas, a horse and rider moving down a tree-lined country road as mist lifts off the pastures. The equestrian community here isn't a novelty. It's woven into the fabric of daily life.
Virginia is one of the top horse states in the nation, with approximately 183,600 equines across nearly 28,000 operations statewide. New Kent County sits right in the heart of that tradition, with a landscape of rolling pastures, mild four-season weather, and proximity to both Richmond and Williamsburg that makes it ideal for horse ownership and equestrian businesses. Whether you're a seasoned rider, a family exploring lessons for the kids, or someone who simply appreciates the rural charm that horses bring to a community, New Kent has something for you.
Where Can I Board a Horse or Take Lessons in New Kent?
New Kent County is home to several established equestrian facilities offering boarding, professional training, and riding lessons across multiple disciplines. These aren't factory operations — they're family-run farms where the owners know every horse by name and every rider by their goals.
Fox Pointe Farm
Hunter/Jumper — Boarding, Training, LessonsA full-service Hunter/Jumper stable with two locations in the New Kent area. Fox Pointe offers boarding, training, horse leasing, riding lessons for all levels, show coaching, and popular summer equestrian camps. Known for developing riders from beginner through the show ring in a supportive, family-oriented environment.
Pine Crest Farm
Hunter/Jumper/Equitation — Boarding, Lessons, CampsA premier boarding and riding facility focused on the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines. Pine Crest provides private and group lessons, horse leasing, and youth summer camps. Their professional trainers work with riders at every stage, from first-time beginners to competitive show riders.
Kelbrook Farm
Full-Care Boarding — AQHAA full-care boarding facility in Providence Forge, operated by an AQHA professional horsewoman. Kelbrook Farm specializes in personalized care including dedicated attention to senior horses and recreational riders. A calm, welcoming barn for horse owners who want quality care in a peaceful countryside setting.
Where Can I Go Trail Riding Near New Kent?
New Kent County's forests, wildlife management areas, and scenic properties offer some of the most beautiful riding in eastern Virginia. Whether you own a horse and want public trails, or you're looking for a guided ride without the commitment of ownership, there are options within easy reach.
Two River Trails
Providence Forge, VAGuided horseback riding tours through the historic Cumberland Plantation and Upper Shirley Vineyards — a one-of-a-kind experience combining trail riding with Virginia wine country scenery. Two River Trails accommodates all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders looking for a scenic outing.
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area
Lanexa / New Kent CountyOver 5,200 acres of woodlands and open areas along the Chickahominy River, open for public recreation including horseback riding. Forest roads and natural trails wind through dense hardwood stands and along the river — a peaceful, scenic setting for a ride any time of year.
Sandy Point State Forest
Near New Kent CountyApproximately 11.5 miles of forest roads and 3 miles of designated horse trails wind through this scenic state forest. One of the closest public forests near New Kent that welcomes equestrian use — ideal for a weekend morning ride through shaded woodland terrain.
What Equestrian Events Happen in New Kent County?
Colonial Downs Summer Racing Season
June 25 – September 7, 2026Live thoroughbred racing every Thursday through Sunday on one of the largest turf courses in North America. 35 stakes races throughout the season, including the Virginia Derby, Virginia Oaks, and the Festival of Racing on August 1. Free general admission on most race days.
Local Horse Shows & Schooling Shows
Throughout the yearSeveral local facilities host schooling shows and rated horse shows, including hunter/jumper, equitation, and dressage competitions. Deep Run Horse Show grounds near Richmond also host regional events, and HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper runs a recurring hunter/jumper series from April through September.
Youth Summer Equestrian Camps
Summer 2026Local farms including Fox Pointe and Pine Crest offer week-long summer camps where children learn horsemanship, grooming, tacking, and riding. 4-H Horse Council district qualifying shows also take place across the Central Virginia region for young riders.
Common Questions About Equestrian Life in New Kent
Do I need to own a horse to enjoy the equestrian community in New Kent?
Not at all. Two River Trails in Providence Forge offers guided horseback riding tours for people who don't own horses — including rides through vineyards and historic plantations. Several local farms also offer lessons and horse leasing programs, so you can ride regularly without the commitment of ownership.
What's the best way to experience Colonial Downs without being a racing expert?
Colonial Downs is designed for everyone — casual fans and serious racing enthusiasts alike. General admission is free on most race days, the atmosphere is family-friendly, and themed race-day events make it a fun outing even if you've never watched a race. Post time is generally 12:30 PM.
Are there riding trails open to the public near New Kent?
Yes. The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area has over 5,200 acres of trails open to horseback riding. Sandy Point State Forest offers about 14 miles of forest roads and horse trails. Dorey Park in Henrico County (about 30 minutes away) has 5 miles of designated horseback riding trails.
Is New Kent a good place for horse owners to buy property?
New Kent County's agricultural zoning protects open space and rural properties, making it an excellent area for horse ownership. Properties with acreage, barns, and riding arenas are a significant part of the local real estate market. The county's location between Richmond and Williamsburg gives horse owners access to a wide network of equestrian resources.
How Does Horse Culture Shape New Kent's Rural Character?
There's a reason New Kent County feels different from the suburbs just a half-hour west. The equestrian community is a big part of it. Horses mean open space. They mean board fences instead of privacy fences. They mean you'll pass a rider on your morning commute and see a hawk circling over a pasture where a dozen horses graze in the morning light.
The county's agricultural zoning and rural land use protections have helped preserve the open pastures and farm properties that horses need — and that everyone enjoys. Properties with acreage, barns, and riding arenas are a common part of the local real estate market, and buyers from across Virginia and beyond are drawn to New Kent specifically because of this equestrian-friendly landscape.
Whether you own horses or simply love driving past them on a country road, the equestrian character of New Kent County is one of the things that makes this area truly special. It's not manufactured charm — it's the real thing, sustained by generations of horse people who chose this land for a reason. And for military families relocating to the area, the combination of horse culture, open space, and easy access to both Richmond and Williamsburg makes New Kent an exceptionally appealing place to put down roots.
