Poised to Perform, horses parade into competition at Morven Park

Morven Park in Leesburg is the place to be this October 9–12 for one of the premier events in the equestrian calendar. Located at 17185 Southern Planter Lane, the park will host the Morven Park U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Final—a thrilling showcase of three Olympic-level disciplines: dressage, show jumping, and cross-country.

Join in to watch top international athletes compete in this prestigious four-day event. Rain or shine, the schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. Dressage
• Friday, Oct 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dressage
• Saturday, Oct 11, 9 a.m. Show Jumping, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cross Country
• Sunday, Oct. 12, 8 a.m. Horse Inspection, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cross Country and Noon, Show Jumping and awards ceremony.

Wednesday’s horse inspection felt less like a routine check and more like a runway show—with smartly dressed, composed handlers trotting alongside their impeccably groomed, polished horses, each pair moving with purpose and poise, ready to prove their fitness for the competition ahead.

David O’Connor, Chief of Sport, U.S. Equestrian and Olympic gold medalist, said, “I’m a big believer of being competitive.” When you think about what you want to have on your resume at the end of your career, it’s important to be part of something meaningful. Kentucky is well-known for developing young horses, and Morven Park has always played a similar and significant role in bringing up talented horses. Being involved with Morven Park is something you can be proud to have on your resume.

Thank you to Morven Park for all they’ve done. That’s a great setup. It’s an honor and a privilege.” The venue looks amazing—truly a standout location. It’s one of the rare iconic places in Northern Virginia, and even across the United States, with its beautiful grounds, historic mansion, and rich history.  “So, I couldn’t thank you enough for really stepping up and making the place look fantastic this weekend. We’re looking for a real good competition. I can guarantee you that competition will be high. Guys, they’re going to go they’re going to go after each other, which is exciting for any sport, when the best of the best go after each other like that. So it’s going to be fun to watch,” said O’Connor.

Stacey Metcalfe, Morven Park Executive Director and CEO, said the event has given out 3,000 free event spectator passes, which doesn’t account for the sold out VIP tent.

Metcalfe explained that Morven Park is a privately owned property that’s open to the public seven days a week. “That’s thanks to its former owners, Governor Westmoreland Davis and his wife, Marguerite, who lived here from the early 1900s until 1942. When they passed, they left the entire estate to the foundation that now manages it, ensuring it remains accessible to everyone.

Both were passionate equestrians, so it’s fitting that Morven Park is now home to an internationally recognized equestrian center. It’s truly a gem of Loudoun County.” In fact, it’s often cited in media and by local economic development groups as a key rural destination, she said.

Metcalfe, speaking from a non-equestrian perspective, emphasized that one of the organization’s goals has been to make equestrian sport feel more accessible, friendly, and welcoming to newcomers. She said the team has worked closely with the equestrian community to open the sport up to a broader audience. She noted that ongoing efforts aim to help people better understand the sport and feel comfortable participating.

Major events like this one do more than just bring people together—they boost the local economy. Visitors are staying in hotels, dining in nearby restaurants, and supporting local businesses. We have 19 food trucks here this weekend, and everything from tent rentals to event services is being provided by local vendors. So yes, events like this have a real, positive impact on the surrounding community, said Metcalfe.

Metcalfe acknowledged that the event simply wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of its sponsors, whose contributions help bring everything to life behind the scenes. She also thanked her dedicated team for the ongoing work, and also the year-round maintenance that keeps the course in top condition—ensuring it’s not only beautiful but fully prepared for the professionals who come in to set and run the event. “It takes a village, and our village is so awesome.”