New Kent County's
equestrian community
White board fences, rolling pastures, and the sound of hooves on country roads — horses have been part of New Kent County's identity for generations. From local boarding farms and hunter/jumper programs to the legendary Colonial Downs racetrack, this is a community that lives and breathes horse country.
What makes New Kent County
horse country?
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 rider on a chestnut mare trotting down a tree-lined country road. 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 over 65,000 horses across nearly 10,000 farms 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 looking for a new boarding barn, a family exploring lessons for the kids, or just someone who appreciates the rural charm that horses bring to a community, New Kent has something for you.
Where can I board a horse or take
riding lessons in New Kent County?
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
Quinton & New KentA 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
New KentA 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
Providence ForgeA 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.
Virginia's premier
thoroughbred racetrack
Colonial Downs is the crown jewel of New Kent County's equestrian identity. Opened in 1997 and located right here in New Kent, it's Virginia's only pari-mutuel thoroughbred racetrack — and home to one of the largest turf courses in North America. After a period of closure, the track was revived through the efforts of the Virginia Equine Alliance and local racing advocates, reopening in 2019 and growing ever since.
The summer racing season is the centerpiece — a multi-month schedule of live thoroughbred racing that brings racing fans, families, and the broader Virginia horse community together. The Virginia Derby, Virginia Oaks, and dozens of stakes races worth millions of dollars make Colonial Downs a destination for serious racing and casual fans alike. General admission is free on most race days, making it an easy and affordable afternoon out.
Beyond the track, Colonial Downs connects to the wider Virginia equestrian ecosystem through organizations like the Virginia Thoroughbred Association and the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, which advocate for the sport and support horsemen across the state.
Key Facts
- Virginia's only pari-mutuel thoroughbred racetrack
- One of the largest turf courses in North America — a full mile
- Annual summer racing season with stakes races worth millions
- Free general admission on most race days
- Home to the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks
Where can I go trail riding
near New Kent County?
New Kent County's forests, wildlife management areas, and state forests offer scenic riding through some of Virginia's most beautiful countryside. Whether you're an experienced trail rider looking for a long woodland loop or a family looking for a gentle guided ride, the area has options within easy reach.
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area
Lanexa / New KentOver 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's edge — a peaceful, scenic setting for a ride any time of year. Bring your own horse and enjoy a full day on the trails.
Sandy Point State Forest
Near New KentApproximately 11.5 miles of forest roads and 3 miles of designated horse trails wind through this scenic state forest. Sandy Point is one of the closest public forests near New Kent County that welcomes equestrian use — ideal for a weekend morning ride through shaded woodland terrain with varied elevation.
Dorey Park
Henrico County (~30 min)About 30 minutes west in Henrico County, Dorey Park features approximately five miles of designated horseback riding trails. A popular destination for local riders, the trails loop through open meadows and forested areas — a convenient option for a weekday evening ride or a weekend outing with friends.
What equestrian events happen
in New Kent County?
From the high-energy thoroughbred racing at Colonial Downs to local horse shows and youth equestrian programs, there's always something happening in New Kent County's horse community. These events bring riders, trainers, horse owners, and spectators together throughout the year.
Colonial Downs Summer Racing Season
New KentThe signature equestrian event in New Kent County. Live thoroughbred racing on one of the largest turf courses in North America, with stakes races like the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks drawing top horses and trainers from across the East Coast. The summer racing season runs for dozens of days and features family-friendly events, themed race days, and free general admission on most days.
Local Horse Shows & Schooling Shows
New Kent & Surrounding AreaSeveral local facilities host schooling shows and rated horse shows throughout the year, including hunter/jumper, equitation, and dressage competitions. These shows are a great way for riders of all levels to gain ring experience in a supportive, community-oriented environment. Check with Fox Pointe Farm and Pine Crest Farm for upcoming show dates and show schedules.
Check Show SchedulesYouth Equestrian Programs & Summer Camps
New Kent & QuintonSummer equestrian camps are a rite of passage for many New Kent County kids. Local farms offer week-long camps where children learn horsemanship, grooming, tacking, and riding in a safe, fun environment. The New Kent County Youth Fairgrounds also features equestrian facilities including arenas and barns for youth agricultural programs.
Learn About CampsMounted Shooting & Gymkhana
New Kent AreaFor those who love a little more excitement, the New Kent area hosts cowboy mounted shooting events and gymkhana — fast-paced, skill-based horseback competitions that are thrilling to watch and even more fun to compete in. These family-friendly events showcase a different side of Virginia's horse culture and draw riders from across the region.
How does horse culture shape
New Kent's rural charm?
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 hear a rooster crowing over the sound of your radio.
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 just 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.
Horse-Friendly Zoning
New Kent's agricultural zoning protects the open space and rural properties that the equestrian community depends on.
Equestrian Properties
Properties with acreage, barns, and riding arenas are a significant part of the local real estate market.
Preserved Landscape
Rolling pastures, tree-lined roads, and farmland — the equestrian community helps keep New Kent looking the way it always has.
What equestrian resources are near
New Kent County?
New Kent's location between Richmond and Williamsburg puts it within easy reach of a wide network of equestrian businesses, equine veterinarians, farriers, tack shops, and additional boarding and training facilities across the region.
Stonehouse Stables
Toano (~15 min)A hunt seat equestrian center near Toano, just minutes from the New Kent County line. Offers boarding, lessons, and professional training services in a well-established, reputation-driven program.
Equine Veterinarians
Richmond & WilliamsburgMultiple equine veterinary practices serve New Kent County from both the Richmond and Williamsburg areas, offering routine care, emergency services, and specialized equine medicine. Your local barn manager or trainer can usually recommend a trusted equine vet in the area.
Tack Shops & Feed Stores
RegionalWhile New Kent County itself is still growing its retail base, riders here have easy access to equine supply stores in the greater Richmond area and along the I-64 corridor. Many local barns also maintain group tack and feed orders, making it easy to get what you need without a long drive.
Looking for a home with
horse property in New Kent?
Whether you need acreage for your horses, a barn, or just want to live near this incredible equestrian community, Shannon can help you find the right property. She knows the land, the zoning, and what makes a great horse property in New Kent County.