Autumn Adventures at Wheatland Farm!

Muriel Forrest
Oct 4, 2025
3 min read

Wheatland Farm has been in full swing since our first quarter kicked off on August 18! So busy, in fact, that we’ve scarcely had time to catch up with you all here on our blog. You are long overdue for a recap of all the fun and excitement we’ve been enjoying these past few weeks.

Sunshine & Smiles

This September blessed us with magnificent weather, and our students took full advantage. From breezy trail rides to skill-building in the outdoor arena, the farm has been alive with energy, laughter, and learning. We’ve also headed out foxhunting with Piedmont Foxhounds for cubbing season—what a thrill!—and are looking forward to the formal season ahead that begins in November.

Show Ring Highlights

Our competitive riders have been out and about, representing Wheatland Farm at the Piedmont Classic, the Grafton Show, and Loch Moy Dressage. A special shout-out goes to Stacey Ragan and her wonderful horse, Kirby, who captured wins in their introductory level classes! Stacey and Kirby are already preparing to “level up” for their next show later this month.

Celebrating Our Instructors

We are thrilled to welcome Catherine Conway in her new full time position as our Para Dressage and Pony Club riding instructor. Coach Catherine, and Coach Abby Brassard, recently achieved their Bronze Level Para Dressage Coach certifications—a huge accomplishment! We couldn’t be prouder to have these accomplished, compassionate leaders guiding our riders. Both Catherine and Abby are also newly engaged, and Abby and her fiancé Mike will be celebrating their marriage this weekend, October 4, in honor of Abby’s beloved mother, Sue, who passed away this summer. Please join us in sending our blessings and best wishes to Abby & Mike, and Catherine & Forrest, as they begin their exciting new chapters together.

Looking Ahead: Gala & Giving

Mark your calendars—our annual Gala Dinner has been rescheduled for April 2026! This gives everyone plenty of time to plan and prepare for what promises to be a beautiful spring celebration, just as we will all be coming about of winter and will be ready to celebrate! In the meantime, we are honored that First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne Youngkin, has chosen Wheatland Farm as the beneficiary of two incredible fundraising events:

Cornus Virginicus at King Family Winery, October 7 (sponsored by Virginia Wine Inc.)
An Evening with Ralph Lauren, October 10, presented by Saks Chevy Chase.

We are truly grateful for this recognition and support, and we invite all of you to join us. Details can be found on our Events Page.

Blessed & Grateful

As we look back on September and ahead to October, we feel blessed to continue to see that Wheatland Farm is not just a place for horses and riders—it’s a family, a community, and a source of joy and hope. We have much to be grateful for as we head into Part II of our first quarter. With the celebration of All Hallows (our Irish Halloween) at the end of the month, fun fall trail rides, and our very first dressage and jumper schooling shows of the season, we welcome you to continue visiting us, following along on our social pages, and staying tuned for exciting news to come. In the meantime, God bless you all—and we’ll see you at the farm!