HITS Culpeper Insider 2025

2025

CULPEPER

Welcome

Home to HITS!

We are excited to kick off

another year of horse shows!

With more than 40 years

of horse showing under the

HITS name, we are now build­

ing on its legacy, continuing

to evolve in parallel with our

clients’ needs, and will remain

at the forefront of equestrian

competition. We are listening

to our clients and continue to

implement improvements to

our facilities.

In addition to elite competition,

we prioritize the client

experience, horse and rider

safety, and a culture of

community amongst our

riders, trainers, sponsors,

staff, and spectators.

This is more than a horse

show. This is HITS.

©Alison Hartwell Photography

H I T S

MORE THAN A HORSE SHOW

BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS

FRIENDS & FAMILY

©Alison Hartwell Photography

COMMUNITY

PARTNERS

HITS IS THE PREMIER PRODUCER OF

HUNTER, JUMPER, & DRESSAGE SHOW

IN THE UNITED STATES

©Alison Hartwell Photography

The year with HITS

OCALA,

FL

DEL MAR,

CA

CHICAGO,

IL

HUDSON VALLEY,

NY

HITS Ocala

Winter Circuit

JANUARY 1 – MARCH 23

HITS Del Mar

Show Series

APRIL 29 – AUGUST 31

HITS Chicago

Show Series

MAY 7 – SEPTEMBER 14

CULPEPER,

VA

HITS Culpeper

Show Series

APRIL 12 – SEPTEMBER 28

HITS Hudson Valley

Show Series

MAY 16 – OCTOBER 12

MANCHESTER,

VT

HITS Vermont

Summer Festival

JULY 2 – AUGUST 10

Festival of the Horse

OCALA, MARCH 28-30

CULPEPER, AUGUST 8-10

HUDSON VALLEY, JUNE 26-29

CULPEPER,

VA

Dressage at

HITS Culpeper

JUNE 21–22

HUDSON VALLEY,

NY

DEL MAR,

CA

HUDSON VALLEY,

NY

Dressage at

HITS Hudson Valley

MAY 10 – SEPTEMBER 21

CHICAGO,

IL

Dressage at

HITS Lamplight

MAY 31 – SEPTEMBER 21

Dressage at

HITS Del Mar

FEBRUARY 13 – OCTOBER 19

The League National Finals

presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance

SEPTEMBER 10–14

3

LOCATIONS

HITS understands that there is more to horse showing than

the course. The HITS Insider is a resource for our clients

to personalize their horse show experience. The Insider

provides access to helpful information on events, facilities,

and partners as our horse shows evolve over time to meet

clients’ needs. Be sure to watch for the live links through­

out this guide for access to more information and

bonus content.

VISIT HITS & our partners!

There is nothing like an in-person catchup. Check out our

U.S. map of venues to learn more about all the HITS shows,

and visit our sponsors and vendors onsite for their most

current offerings and merchandise!

FOLLOW HITS & our partners everywhere!

HITS is on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and in the

media. Click the links to connect directly with our partners.

SHARE with your friends & family!

Help keep your community in the loop by sharing the

HITS Insider with friends, family, and fellow competitors.

Visit online, connect on social,

share with your family & friends!

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

Our sponsors, riders,

trainers, families,

staff, and surround­

ing communities are

partners in the HITS

experience. HITS is

more than a horse

show. We’re creating

a family environ­

ment here. This is

a place where we

are welcoming

everyone.

— Peter Englehart

HITS President and CEO

Enjoy Virginian

Hospitality at

HITS Culpeper!

HITS Culpeper is located at Common­

wealth Park, which is situated on 92

acres in beautiful Central Virginia,

where old-school charm meets the

modern horse show experience. HITS

Culpeper hosts 6 USEF-Rated hunter/

jumper competitions annually and, is

proud to offer VHSA-affiliated shows,

confirming its reputation as a home

for riders & horses of all levels.

HITS Culpeper boasts a storied legacy

of equestrian competition, fitting the

area’s deep equestrian roots; the facility

has hosted numerous USEF and USHJA

Championships over the years.

Located just one hour from Washington,

D.C. in the charming town of Culpeper,

HITS has 500 spacious 12’ x 12’ permanent

stalls in five new barns, five all-weather

competition rings, additional schooling

rings, and ample longeing areas.

HITS Culpeper Show Series

HITS Commonwealth Park | April 12 - September 28

©Alison Hartwell Photography

©Alison Hartwell Photography

THE TANGIBLE

• Facility Upgrades

• Thoughtful 5 Ring Layout to Showcase

Hunters, Jumpers & Equitation

• 500 Permanent Stalls

HORSE & RIDER

• Improved Experience in / out of the Ring

• Expanded schedule including more VHSA

shows, Festival of the Horse, and Dressage

• Exciting offerings including USHJA National

Derbies & The League presented by

Marshall & Sterling Insurance

EAT | DRINK | RELAX | ENJOY

• Community Areas & Events

©Alison Hartwell Photography

WHAT’S NEW AT HITS CULPEPER

©Alison Hartwell Photography

©Alison Hartwell Photography

Nestled in what many refer to as the “Heart of Virginia’s Horse Country,” HITS Common­

wealth Park in Culpeper stands as a testament to the rich heritage of equestrian sport in

Virginia. This storied venue has served as a showgrounds for top riders, a place where

tradition remains paramount, and a cornerstone of the East Coast hunter/jumper circuit.

History of horse showing in Culpeper dates to 1897 with the first Culpeper Horse & Colt

Show at Monte Vista Park, which took place for the next 54 years. In the 1980s, show

jumping returned to Culpeper in a grand fashion with the opening of Commonwealth Park,

one of the finest horse sport facilities in the country.

HITS purchased Commonwealth Park nearly 25 years ago, restored the grounds at that

time to its former glory, and has continued to improve the facility since. HITS has always

been proud to manage horse shows on such hallowed ground, blending history with

modern competition to create an unparalleled show experience.

Competing at HITS Culpeper isn’t just about the ribbons — it’s about stepping into a piece

of equestrian history. The showgrounds serve as a place where tradition meets excellence,

and every round carries the honor of those who came before. More than just a show, HITS

Culpeper is a chance to be part of a lasting legacy.

CULPEPER HISTORY

©Alison Hartwell Photography

H I G H L I G H T S

©Alison Hartwell Photography

©Alison Hartwell Photography

©Alison Hartwell Photography

©Alison Hartwell Photography

4C’s Restaurant

Authentic Peruvian Cuisine. Exquisite

flavors across different choices. Fantastic

reviews. Family operated.

302 S. Main Street | 540.727.0739

Albana’s Tavern

Mediterranean, Greek. Comfy, cozy and

family run.

614 Sperryville Pike | 540.445.5459

It’s About Thyme

Offbeat, tasty appetizers, sandwiches

& entrées.

128 E Davis Street | 540.825.4264

Knakal’s Bakery

“From yummy to amazing,” Top Reviews!

Check them out on Facebook!

148 E Davis Street | 540.825.8181

Miss Minerv’s Tea Room & Gift Shop

Full English Tea - Amazing!

167 E Davis Street | 540.829.9700

Pinto Thai Culpeper

Vegetarian-friendly, Budget-minded.

Fantastic Thai food in the heart of beautiful

Virginia country. Family run!

179 E Davis Street | 540.445.5776

Raven’s Nest Coffee House

Best downtown coffee and baked goods!

215 E Davis Street | 540.827.4185

Uncle Elder’s Family Restaurant

Known for the best BBQ!

Top Reviews Galore!

129 E Culpeper Street | 540.317.5718

WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY

For other cuisine and food experience options, be sure to go beyond

Yelp and Google, visit CulpeperDowntown.com/Dine

Cedar Mountain Farm

Guest Cottage

Exactly as it sounds – stunning!

23350 Cedar Mountain Drive, Rapidan

602.574.8878

Hazel River Inn

Picturesque and stunning views that

bring instant relaxation.

11227 Eggbornsville Rd

540.937.5854

Rixey Manor

History galore! This is the original

owner’s home of the namesake town.

9155 Pleasant Hill Lane, Rixeyville

434.996.4281

Suites at 249

Downtown, hip, and modern.

249 E Davis Street | 540.219.8844

Suites at Prince Michel

Vineyard & Winery

An elegant, stunning property with

views for miles. Each Suite features

a luxurious bath, romantic fireplace,

galley kitchen, and majestic winery and

mountain views from a secluded garden

patio.

154 Winery Lane, Leon

540.547.3707

The Refinery Mine & Quarry

It would be difficult to find this anywhere else:

what a magic destination and hospitality

you’ll love!

120 W. Culpeper Street | 540.219.1559

Thyme Inn

Charm for miles and beautiful spots to relax.

134 E. Davis Street | 540.825.4264

Courtesy of Suites at Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery

Courtesy of Hazel River Inn

Courtesy of Thyme Inn

WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY

Culpeper Battlefield Tours

A full experience including History and

Stories from the Civil War past, re-told.

19484 Brandy Road, Brandy Station

540.632.4500

Far Gohn Brewing Company

Handcrafted beer and

phenomenal pizza treats!

301 S E Street, Culpeper

540.321.4578

Meadows Farm Golf Course

20 miles from Culpeper, public, 27 holes.

“One of the best golf courses in Virginia”.

Book tee-times online.

4300 Flat Run Rd, Locust Grove

540.854.9890

Puzzle Room Live

Your team will be immersed in a mysteri­

ous scenario, with only one hour to find

clues, and solve the puzzle.

509 S Main Street, Culpeper

540.717.7159

The Flying Circus Air Show

Watch the stunts, or hold on

for a private ride.

5114 Ritchie Road, Bealetown

540.439.8661

Collage Spa

Post-riding massages and escapes!

A downtown favorite, loved by locals

as “sanctuaries for self-care”.

254 E Davis Street, Culpeper

540.317.0424

Culpeper Skate Park

Bring your skates or walking gear:this

is a park that will stay in your memory!

Corner of Blue Ridge Ave. & Rt 552 N

540.829.8260

Out-Bache Ice Cream

Out-Bache Ice Cream serves quality ice

cream at reasonable price. Flavors are on

a rotational basis so check out our Face­

book page for daily specials. The whole

family will enjoy! CASH ONLY

22577 Zachary Taylor Highway, Culpeper

540.717.3625

The Ole Country Store

We pride ourselves on serving quality

products with exceptional customer

service. Our staff enjoys interacting with all

our customers - from beloved regulars to

curious first-timers.

18019 Country Store Dr, Culpeper

540.812.2781

For other attractions and experiences, be sure to go beyond

Yelp and Google, visit CulpeperDowntown.com/See-Do

FARRIER / VET

M A P

COMMONWEALTH PARK

CORE SPECIALTY

Core Specialty Equine knows horses. With over 100 years of combined experience as fellow horse ow

treatment.