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Merry Chase Farm Entrance |
In the heart of Virginia horse country is Merry Chase Farm. Located just outside the small
town of Middleburg with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 150 acre training farm
is home to a very select group of Irish Sport horses hand picked and imported by
manager, trainer and Irish native, Carol Meade. In addition to running a successful
sales operation, Carol along with her husband Gus Politis, who happens to be a
successful endurance rider himself competing at the international level, also run a small
boarding business on the farm. Being in the center of hunt country, naturally Carol and
owners Stephen and Vicki Cherner partake regularly as members of the prestigious
Orange County Fox Hunt.
One of the Merry Chase Barns |
A passion for hunting, jumping and the pleasure of riding sporthorses, have led
the Cherners to two highly qualified trainers from Ireland to run their two
farms. Merry Chase farm and a sister ranch in Colorado called Middle Fork Ranch, home of stallion Donnersmark.
Middle Fork Ranch is managed by trainer and also Irish native, Colin Bate, where pure
Dressage and jumping are more the focus. The unique irony of having two separate
equestrian facilities being managed by two Irish trainers doesn't end there.
Carol, Stephen and Vicki winning the Orange County Hunt Pair Pace. |
Colin Bate
and Carol Meade actually grew up next door to each other in County Wicklow, Ireland
and spent their youth in pony club together.
Beautiful Pastures and Fencing |
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