A stubborn, aggressive nor’easter pelted Washingtonians with four days of non-stop rain, combined with skin-biting wind and chilly temperatures. But it didn’t stop Washington Life and Gold Cup aficionados from having a great time!

By John Arundel

Carissa Maguire, Lauren Pomponio, Keri Ann Meslar. Photos by Kyle Samperton.

If J. Barbour & Sons had set up shop Saturday at the The International Gold Cup races in The Plains, they might have set a world record for same-day sales of British-made sporting jackets. Barbour’s sturdy wax cotton jackets were much in evidence at the 70th running of the renowned race meeting, as were North Face Arctic Pullovers, Chillkats and insulated Windstopper jackets.

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Middleburg has been a haven for many prominent political figures over the years
By Vicky Moon

President John F. Kennedy relaxes with John Jr. on the patio of Wexford, his Middleburg retreat on November 10, 1963. (Photo by Cecil Soughton, The White House)

Once President Barack Obama and his family settle into their hectic and very transparent life in the White House, might they also consider a get-away weekend in Middleburg? After all, many other politicians and diplomats have visited or lived in this somewhat sleepy village. The awe-inspiring countryside has captivated the Kennedys, the Harrimans, Senator John Warner and Elizabeth Taylor, and Col. Oliver North, to name just a few.
Grande dame Millicent West entertained many distinguished Washingtonians at her “Journey’s End” estate, including President Lyndon B. Johnson, who came out for the Middleburg steeplechase races. She still recalls calling ahead to alert officials in case they needed to make security plans.
“I told them I was having the president over for a tailgate,” she says. “And they asked, ‘The president of what?’”
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The horsey set draws, paints and sculpts

By Vicky Moon

Lilla Ohrstrom

DOWNTOWN IN THE PLAINS

Not far from the main intersection of the sleepy hunt country village of The Plains, artist Lilla Ohrstrom is a constant presence at her Youngblood Art Studio. Lilla and her husband Chris Ohrstrom have three children, and yet this busy mother finds time to teach classes, host life drawing sessions and stage exhibitions.

Since childhood, Lilla has been intrigued with working in clay and it remains her preferred medium. “Most of the sculpture I’ve been making over the last couple of years is based on the human figure,” she says. “Sometimes the forms are abstracted focusing more on an emotion than a representational form.”

With a degree from Skidmore College University Without Walls, Lilla also studied at Parsons School of Design in Paris. She focuses on stoneware, terra cotta, porcelain, and has cast a collection of dog sculptures in bronze. “A physical and visual conversation between the artist and the medium are always part of the process,” she explains.

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Middleburg has proved to be a quiet retreat for John and Jacqueline Kennedy and many other prominent political figures over the years.

By Vicky Moon

President John F. Kennedy relaxes with his children, John Jr. and Caroline, on the patio of Wexford, his Middleburg retreat on November 10, 1963. Nancy and Ronald Reagan (who also loved to take long rides in the horse country around Middleburg) later rented the same house from subsequent owners in 1980, prior to his taking office. (Photo by Cecil Soughton, The White House/Kennedy Library).

Once President Barack Obama and his family settle into their hectic and very transparent life in the White House, might they also consider a get-away weekend in Middleburg? After all, many other politicians and diplomats have visited or lived in this somewhat sleepy village. The awe-inspiring countryside has captivated the Kennedys, the Harrimans, Senator John Warner and Elizabeth Taylor, and Col. Oliver North, to name just a few.

When grande dame Millicent West was married to Donald MacKenzie from 1978 to 1986, they entertained a number of distinguished Washingtonians, including Senators Paul Laxhalt and Chuck Robb at their “Journey’s End” estate. One weekend, Mrs. West invited President Lyndon B. Johnson for the Middleburg steeplechase races. She called ahead to alert officials in case they needed to make security plans.

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Autumnal races, tailgates and a blessing of the animals.

By Vicky Moon

Rev. Robert Banse Jr. blessed Jimmy Hatcher’s Jack Russell at Trinity Church in Upperville.

One of the countless pleasurable ingredients of Middleburg life is the crisp, clear autumn air. The weekends are filled with outings: a jaunt to the village to run errands, attending one of the many charity events, or watching the steeplechase races while enjoying a tremendous tailgate picnic.

So, what is a typical country weekend?

It might begin with an evening of song and imagery at the Circle of Life Gala hosted by Jay Fetner and Sandi Young at Coachman Farms. Michael Bacon (half of the musically gifted Bacon Brothers with Kevin Bacon) served as celebrity emcee for a star-struck night highlighted by a performance by Grammy winner Lebo M of the Lion King … all to benefit the Ubuntu Education Fund.

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Although far from the city, Middleburg manages to make a fashionable name for itself.

By Vicky Moon

Georgina Bloomberg turned out for show jumping at the WIHS

Let’s face it: fashion in Middleburg is not the same as fashion in the big city. For many, the daily country wardrobe consists of jeans, boots, and an old sweater. However, given the proper invitation, exciting event, or elegant party, the ladies and gentlemen of Middleburg are able to make a head-turning transition. They also have some very talented fashion experts to guide them along the way.

“The dress here is traditional,” says designer Karen Ewbank. “It’s classical and British inspired,” she adds.

A native New Zealander, Ewbank studied fashion design at Wellington Poly Tech, worked as a theatrical costume designer in Auckland, and went on to model in Paris and Milan. “I learned a lot about clothing,” she says.

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Horticultural magic and horse-racing tales heat up Hunt Country.

by Vicky Moon

Billy, William and Mary Swift at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show.

FROG AND FRIENDS

Tis the season for garden parties. First, Donna and Jim Hackman’s Highland Spring Farm held “A Garden Party to Save Virginia’s Countryside,” given by the board of directors of the Land Trust of Virginia. About 400 concerned residents from Fauquier and Loudoun counties turned out for an evening out of The Great Gatsby. Instead of Nick Carraway, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, and Jay Gatsby strolling through a garden in East Egg, we had Missy and Bill Janes, Elaine and Childs Burden, Christine and Turner Smith, Sally Hosta and Edie and Bruce Smart.

Donna Hackman’s horticultural skills are legendary. Her formal, English-inspired gardens spill over with masses of flowers in eye-popping hues and have been featured in several magazines. A flock of exotic chickens call a nearby log cabin home not far from the main house. And Donna’s goal of providing a habitat for birds and butterflies has been more than achieved in the form of a small frog-held court on the edge of a luscious pool of water lilies.

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HONOR ROLL

We have many angels in Middleburg who are generous – and not just with their money but also with their time. Former Nixon and Ford Assistant Secretary of Commerce Lang Washburn and his wife Judy have donated to numerous local charities. In addition to writing a check, the Washburns roll up their sleeves and gather objects for a charity auction at Hill School, stand in the sun to take tickets for the Trinity Church stable tour, and address invitations for fund raisers.

One of the Washburn’s pet projects is the Windy Hill Foundation, on the west end of the village, which offers low income housing along with after school and tutoring programs. And in the “you can never tell when an angel will arrive’ department, consider the late John Levis. He began fixing broken pipes at Windy Hill, and when he died in 2005, his estate generously provided new housing for the elderly with what is now called Levis Hill House. His long-term commitment to the community also includes an endowment fund at Hill School.

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Fashion in Middleburg is timeless and classic, Vicky Moon finds.

By Vicky Moon

Judy and Lang Washburn.

Let’s face it: fashion in Middleburg is not the same as fashion in the big city. For many, the daily country wardrobe consists of jeans, boots, and an old sweater. However, given the proper invitation, exciting event, or elegant party, the ladies and gentlemen of Middleburg are able to make a head-turning transition. They also have some very talented fashion experts to guide them along the way

“The dress here is traditional,” says designer Karen Ewbank. “It’s classical and British inspired,” she adds.

A native New Zealander, Karen studied fashion design at Wellington Poly Tech, worked as a theatrical costume designer in Auckland, and went on to model in Paris and Milan. “I learned a lot about clothing,” she says.

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Virginia may be for lovers, but Florida is definitely for horse lovers.

By Vicky Moon

At the International Championship Cup of the Americas of 1928, the Untied States Team: from left, W.A. Harriman, T. Hitchcock Jr., M. Stevenson, Winston Guest, L.E. Stoddard (Photo courtesy of National Museum of Polo).

GO FOR THE GOLF, STAY FOR THE STABLES

For some folks, the annual winter migration to a warmer climate translates to a few rounds of golf. Such was the case when a group of men from Middleburg – Andy Fenton, John Palmer, Howard Armfield, Trowbridge Littleton, Andrew Stifler, and several others – joined host Jim Treptow in The Exumas, Bahamas for an outing on the links.

However, golf is only a side focus for most Middleburgers. Just ask Jim Treptow; the horses tare what really bring their owners south. Horses of all types – talented polo ponies, thoroughbred race horses, and high-jumping show hunters and jumpers congregate in Wellington, Florida. In the early mornings, Jim (who recently purchased Hickory Tree Farm in Middleburg) is out watching his racehorses (trained by Graham Motion) breeze at Palm Meadows or run the afternoon races at Gulfstream Park. In between, he spends time at the horse shows, where Denice DeRisio Perry trains a slew of riders from Middleburg, including Ainsley Treptow (a senior at Foxcroft) and her mother, Mary Lea Treptow.

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A different breed of Hunt Country socialite saddles up.

By Vicky Moon

Viola Winmill and her zebra, Nderu (Photos by Freudy Photo/Chisholm Gallery)

DARWIN AND SWEETIE PIE

In the Virginia countryside, love of animals permeates the lifestyle. It goes beyond dogs and horses. Consider the late sportswoman Viola Townsend Winmill, whose zebra, Nderu, was imported in June 1930 from Kenya and trained to pull a cart. Mrs. Winmill even added a sunroom on the back of a tenant house known as Whiffletree Manor at her 350-acre farm, Clovelly. The “Zebra Room” paid homage to Nderu’s distinctive black and white stripes in everything from lamps to rugs. Winmill sported a coordinating fur coat long before it became politically incorrect.

Today, we have many more animal lovers such as photographer Janet Hitchen, who rises every morning to feed her flock of two llamas, five goats, three donkeys, six cats, and six dogs. (This does not include her horses.) “Why so many?” a writer asks.

“Just lucky, I guess,” Janet replies.

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Middleburgers pen fox-filled folios, Gorby’s cousin shows primary colors.

By Vicky Moon

Charley Matheson’s new book is called Hunting Sketches on the Run.

ARTISTIC INSPIRATIONS

Artist Yuri Gorbachev was in Middleburg for a showing of his paintings at The Byrne Gallery. His lively, primitive work incorporates strong Russian motifs, bright primary colors and robust red accents. Animals (of course) are a popular subject: “Blue Cat on a Red Table,” “Sill Life with Parrot and Flower” and even “Jester on Horse.”

“His technique is evocative of Russian enamels – he uses at least a dozen layers of finishing glaze, which gives it a luster,” says gallery owner Susan Byrne.

Yuri began his artistic career in ceramics. In the early 1990s, upon immigrating to the United States, he switched to oil on canvas. A cousin of former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, Yuri now lives and works in New York. His work can be seen at the Louvre, the China Club in Hong Kong, the Hyatt Regency in Perth, Australia, the collections of Brooke Shields, Mick Jagger, Senator Edward Kennedy and now … in several Middleburg residences.

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Going to the races and meal time at the monestary.

By Vicky Moon

Richard Roberts with the Piedmont hounds. Photo by Karen Buckley.

HIS CUP RUNNETH OVER

Publisher, sportsman and philanthropist Arthur W. “Nick” Arundel hustled to the paddock just in time to see his big bay horse walk on the course for the $50,000 Porsche International Gold Cup timber race at Great Meadow. “Good luck,” he said to jockey Robbie Walsh. “See you on the stand,” he added mischievously.

For the past 30-plus years, Nick has brought steeplechase racing to center stage for area spectators and participants. He served on the board of directors for the races and continues to act as Chairman of the Great Meadow Foundation. Nick had just come from the other side of the official’s tower, where artist Alexa King’s bronze sculpture of Saluter (six-time winner of the Virginia Gold Cup and two-time winner of the International Gold Cup) was unveiled to a crowd of 38,000.

Seven minutes, one and four-fifths seconds later, Nick was on the stand (as he so cannily predicted) accepting a lovely trophy. Irishman Walsh rode his horse, Seeyouattheevent, to victory – and set a course record along the way. The stunning gold trophy was first used in competition in the United States in the 1930s and is known as The King of Spain International Gold Cup Perpetual Trophy. Named in honor of his Royal Highness Alfonso XIII, it was later donated by Alfred M. Hunt.

In other Hunt Country horse-related events, Eve Fout recently captured the Field Hunter Championship of American by riding her horse, Morning Glory, in a series of competitions. Mary Lea and Jim Treptow took Margaret and Trow Littleton along for a 42-minute flight up to New Jersey to watch their horse, Rebellion, run in the Breeder’s Cup races. At the Unison Days Celebration, Piedmont Fox Hounds huntsman Richard Roberts brought the hounds down the main road of the village for a meet-and-greet session with the neighbors.

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Nothing goes together like a horse and carriage.

By Vicky Moon

Riders atop antique coaches at the National Sporting Library's Coaching Weekend.

OFF AND RUNNING

The fall steeplechase circuit – kicked off by the running of the Blue Ridge races at Merry Carol and Herb Jonkers’ Woodley Farm in Berryville – is going full tilt. Diana Gillam, on Marino Feliz, won the Martha Robinson Byrd Cook Memorial open hurdle race for owner Gary Baker. Susie and Wayne Chatfield Taylor parked their purple-and-green camper in just the right spot to enjoy Chip Embury’s magnificent tailgating. The festivities were off and running, with Tom Hulfish’s Bad Dog Press capturing the timber race for rider Woods Winants.

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A great grape crop in hunt country for private vintners.

By Vicky Moon

Holli and Moses Thompson among the vines at their Maizemoor Vineyards.

GRAPE NUTS

As the summer slowly slipped away, the grapes in area arbors were positively, perfectly ripe. The drought had been a double-edged sword for area agriculture aficionados. While the farmers were doing rain dances for taller corn, the vintners were jumping for joy.

“It’s a very intense time of year,” said John Todhunter, who owns Three Fox vineyards along with his wife, Holli Todhunter. As harvest time draws near, a deluge of rain could cause the grapes to swell with water, diluting the sugar content or possibly popping their delicate skins open – all of which makes the difference between a good year and disaster. The long hot dry summer was an advantage for grape production. “You only have a small window of opportunity to create a wine with character.”

Holli, John and others with small, countryside vineyards celebrate the end of the growing season in different ways. Fifty members of the Three Fox Vineyards’ Vintners Circle, whose membership entitles them to discounts and harvesting privileges, gathered with harvest shears in hand.

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