Saddles N' Stuff

04/03/2026

Hey Easter bunny, we can help you with some last-minute gift ideas. Stop in and see us this afternoon or tomorrow.

04/03/2026

We are excited to announce that SWVADA will be sponsoring riders who compete on a Dressage Team at the Virginia Commonwealth Equestrian Games! This project has been made possible through a generous grant from the Virginia Horse Industry Board!

04/02/2026

Come one, come all! 🐴✨

We can’t wait to welcome riders back to the Virginia Horse Center for the Lexington Spring Premiere and Lexington Spring Encore in just a few short weeks 💫

Featuring weekly Hunter Derbies, a Welcome Stake, Grand Prix competition, and all-new footing by Attwood Equestrian 👀

Be sure to submit your entries at HorseShowsOnline.com and join us for two weeks of great competition 🌸🏆

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

Today is the last day of our Winter/Spring sale!

03/26/2026

Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight sporthorses known for their graceful movements and elegant body types. Originating primarily in Europe, Warmblood breeds are prized for their ability to excel in equestrian sports. The most popular sports for Warmbloods are the three phases of eventing – dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. Breyer (Freedom Series) Power & Precision Horse and Foal Set features a stunning chestnut stallion and his energetic palomino foal. Shop in-store and save 20%. Sale ends March 31, 2026.

03/23/2026

RJ Classics Gracie Knee Patch Breech is an update to best-selling and fan-favorite Anna breech. Gracie features an updated fit in "The Perfect Rise," a mid-rise design. This style also includes a Comfort Stretch waistband and a tummy-control pocket design that will leave you feeling more comfortable and secure in your breeches than ever before. Shop in-store and save 20%! Offer valid through March 31, 2026.

03/21/2026

Great photo of the late equine movie star Hightower as Ginger in Black Beauty.

Hightower’s career took off quickly, and this handsome, tractable gelding became one of the most sought-after horses in Hollywood. In fact, he was so talented that he was even used to portray a mare in Black Beauty. The filmmakers simply shot around him so he could appear as “Ginger.” Director Caroline Thompson reportedly said Hightower had “an attitude of gratitude.” Love that.

In 1999, Hightower also played Pilgrim in The Horse Whisperer. While several horses were used for that role, Hightower did something no other horse had done at the time: he was trained to charge.

Legend has it that Robert Redford came to Rex’s ranch to meet him. Rex had the chestnut gelding charge Redford, teeth bared, backing him up against the rails before stopping instantly on cue.

Hightower got the job.

Another admirer of Hightower was Julia Roberts. She rode him in the opening scenes of Runaway Bride, where he reared and ran off with her. Julia reportedly loved him so much she wanted to buy him, but he was not for sale.

Later, when extra closing scenes were added to the film, Hightower was already working on a set in Los Angeles—clear across the country. No problem. The studio arranged for Hightower to be FedEx’d to the new location so Julia could ride him again in the final scenes.

What a horse. What a career.