Welcome

Elk Run Stables is located just a few miles north of the little town of Churchville in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. We always have a beautiful selection of field and show hunters, prospects, pleasure mounts and young horses. Character, conformation, and quality of movement are important values for our small breeding operation, which generally produces two to four foals each year.

Since 1993, Marcie A. Smith, whose experience in various equestrian disciplines includes steeplechasing, flat racing, stadium jumping, show hunters, eventing, and foxhunting manages the farm. Students from James Madison University assist her in schooling, training, and showing the horses. Young horses are either gently started on the farm, or sent to Mike Armstrong in Highland County. In starting our horses, non-resistance methods are consistently employed.

Ground manners and flat work are emphasized. Controlled, cooperative behavior is insisted upon at all times. Horses are taught to load, haul and tie. Green horses are exposed to trail rides alone and in small groups and occasionally hauled to other farms to school and experience new surroundings. Field hunters are our speciality. The horses are hunted with Middlebrook Hounds and other hunts in Virginia.

Both professional and individual inquiries are more than welcome.