The Battlefield Equestrian Society

The Battlefield Equestrian Society (BES) is a 501(c) organization whose purpose is the promotion and enhancement of equestrian activities at the Manassas National Battlefield Park (MNBP). Membership is open to all interested individuals (non-riders as well as riders). Activities include recreation and fund-raising events, education through programs and speakers of interest to horse people, and service-oriented functions including maintaining and improving the bridle trails in the Park.
Have you missed hearing from the Battlefield Equestrian Society in hard copy? In an effort to save money, we have discontinued the BES Newsletter and are in the process of putting all of our news and information on the website. That way, you can access the information you want, when you want it! This will allow us to put the money we were spending on the Newsletter, toward maintaining the bridle trails on the Manassas National Battlefield Park. We appreciate your continued understanding and support, as we dedicate our efforts and funds toward providing better trails for YOU!

New Sheds for Park Horses! (Thank You BES'ers!)

Brawner Loop Closed(See announcement at bottom)

Membership and Activities
Calendar regional equestrian events
About Us what we do
Membership App PDF file
Newsletters past issues
Contacts Board members
Links Of interest
Tack shop BES Merchandise
 
Rides, Events, and Applications
About Our Rides more info
Waiver and Release required for all rides
01/27/08  Crystal Crown Awards Brunch
04/27/08  Guided Historical Ride
10/15/08 Fall Judged Pleasure Ride Scores
10/25/08 Blessing of the Horses and Fall Color Ride
01/25/09 Make plans now to join us for the 2009 Crystal
Crown Awards Ceremony on January 25, 2009. Tom Seay will be our guest speaker.
 
Educational
08/30-31/08 Second Manasas Anniversary Info
Other Educational Materials
Maps Bridle paths and routes
Overview of available equestrian tours
First Manassas Self guided tour
 
Volunteers and Donations
02-30-03 Volunteers needed
Donations Thank You'
Donations About our program
 
Photo Galleries
Galleries Rides and more
 
Board Members Only
10-16-06 Password required
 

Brawner Loop Closed
The MNBP is currently clear cutting forest between Brawner farm and Deep Cut. The majority of the cutting is south of the unfinished railroad. There are approximately 140 acre in this area and, once completed, there will be a clear vista from Brawner to the Deep Cut. We understand that once completed, the Bridle Trails will be re-established, but they could be re-routed. At this time, the Brawner Loop is closed. MAP

Ride the Quadrants!
The Park and BES both recognize the potential safety problems associated with crossing the main roads that divide the Manassas National Battlefield into four quadrants. Equestrians are reminded there is parking available at two locations NW and SE quadrants) that offer excellent self-contained loop trails:

  • In the SE quadrant - Park at Portici and ride the Portici Loop.
  • In the NW quadrant - Park at Groveton and ride the Brawner Loop (temporarily closed). In the meantime, we suggest riding the Matthews Hill Loop (crossing Route 234).
All quadrants have excellent trails that, with backtracking, can be used without crossing the main roads. We encourage equestrians to consider riding in a manner that will be significantly safer than playing in traffic. BES continues to work with the Park to find additional safe routes that can contribute to the enjoyment of this bridle trail system.

You can now renew your annual Manassas National Battlefield Park pass at the same time you renew your BES membership. It won't cost you a penny more and it will save you a trip to the Visitor's Center. You are legally required to have a park pass when using the magnificent bridle trails within the Park. Let BES make it easier for you!
Our address is Post Office Box 150, Catharpin, VA 20143. Remember, any money you donate goes to trail improvement and makes riding safer and more pleasant in the park.

P.S. If you would like your name added to the list who volunteer in the park, please write to the above address or email

Last Update 10/07/08