Events at Great Meadow

Virginia Gold Cup

The Virginia Gold Cup has over the past century made steeplechasing one of the most prestigious sports in America.  Former NSA President George Strawbridge calls the Gold Cup’s Great Meadow racecourse, “The crown jewel of American steeplechasing.”  

Photo credit: Sam Fatima Photography

Sunset Polo at Great Meadow

Exciting arena polo every Saturday night from May to September.

Photo credit: Tony Gibson, 22Gates Photography

Twilight Jumpers

Friday night, May 31 marks the first Twilight Jumpers event of the 2024 season. Join us for a fresh take on horse shows at beautiful Great Meadow venue in The Plains, Virginia. This is a spectator friendly evening event featuring tailgating, VIP box seats, and up-close views of exciting Jumper action. Gates open at 6:30 pm. General admission is only $30 per carload.

Photo credit: Topeka Custom Design & Photo

CDCTA Dressage Shows

All CDCTA shows are open to the public. Closer to the event’s date, you can find entry information on their website. See link button below.

Photo credit: Tara Jelenic

4th of July Celebration

Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration. 35 Years of the Big Boom!

Come celebrate your 2024 Independence Day with us at Great Meadow. Event details coming soon. 

Middleburg Horse Trials

The Middleburg Horse Trials is held each year to benefit the Middleburg Orange County Pony Club.

Photo credit: Erin Gilmore Photography

The American Rocketry Challenge

The American Rocketry Challenge is the world’s largest rocket contest with nearly 5,000 students nationwide competing each year. The contest gives middle and high school students the opportunity to design, build, and launch model rockets and hands-on experience solving engineering problems.

National Sporting Library & Museum Polo Classic

The 2024 NSLM Polo Classic presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. 

Proceeds from the NSLM Polo Classic presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ benefit the NSLM in its mission to preserve, promote, and share the literature, art, and culture of equestrian, angling, and field sports as well as advocate for the conservation of open space and waterways crucial to these sports. Funds raised help support dynamic exhibitions, programs, and community events throughout the year.

Photo credit: Erin Gilmore Photography

Virginia Scottish Games

The Virginia Scottish Games are held over Labor Day Weekend each year at Great Meadow. 

Piping & Drumming, Heavy Athletics, Highland Dance, Fiddling, and more.

International Gold Cup

The International Gold Cup has an international focus and attracts top riders and horses from around the world.

The prestigious steeplechase event is held in October.

Photo credit: Liz Callar Photo

2024 Events

See the Great Meadow 2024 Calendar for Dates & Details.

Discover Dog Walking at Great Meadow