TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published May 2, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
The U.S. Army is finalizing the purchase of Virginia’s iconic Middleburg Training Center to house the Old Guard’s caisson horses, a move that secures better welfare for military horses but threatens the local Thoroughbred racing infrastructure.
What Happened
The U.S. Army is finalizing the acquisition of the historic 149-acre Middleburg Training Center in Loudoun County, Virginia. This facility will serve as a permanent home for the horses of the Caisson Detachment, part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), providing horse-drawn services for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA), representing the state’s Thoroughbred interests, attempted to purchase the property to block the sale. However, on April 29, 2026, the VEA announced these negotiations were unsuccessful, and the owner, Charles “Chuck” Kuhn, accepted the Army’s offer. Officials expect a one-year lag before horses relocate.
Why It Matters
This acquisition significantly shifts Virginia’s "Hunt Country" landscape. For the Army, it addresses a critical welfare need. Following the deaths of two caisson horses in 2022, the military sought to increase grazing acreage from seven acres. The Middleburg facility offers 149 acres, 220 stalls, and 40 paddocks, providing ample room for recovery and turnout.
For the local racing community, losing the training center is a major blow. As Northern Virginia's only comparable Thoroughbred training facility with a regulation 7/8-mile track, its conversion could force trainers to relocate out of state. The VEA estimates 15% of horses in the Virginia Certified program, about 1,000 annually, receive early training at Middleburg, contributing an estimated $2 million in annual local economic benefit.
Discipline Context
This development primarily affects the racing and breeding sectors, specifically the Thoroughbred industry. The Middleburg Training Center has a storied history of prepping elite athletes, including Kentucky Derby winner Spectacular Bid. For welfare and government interests, the move is a vital step in improving living conditions for horses serving in national ceremonies. The VEA has indicated it will pursue discussions regarding "joint use" of the property to explore coexistence between racing operations and the Caisson Detachment.
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