Historic Equestrian Towns

Throughout history, horses have defined, enhanced, and established way-of-life for countless people, cultures, and areas. No longer a necessity of life, people find themselves more drawn to the world of the horse than ever before. It is for pleasure that we seek his company and environment. The individuals that still passionately pursue the horse do so for pure love. And we are called "horse people".

While we seek to improve the world of the horse, and pursue our true passion, let us not forget some great places of history that define our past.

The products at Pike Road Pillow Company are named after great and inspiring horse communities that have brought pleasure, victory, defeat, and excitement to horsemen throughout time. Below we discuss a few. Enjoy your journey through horse country!

BADMINTON in England is host of the Badminton Horse Trials, the toughest 4 Star Three Day Event in the world. Formed in 1949 by the Duke of Beaufort, it provides the British Olympic Team a selection and training venue. The magnificent Badminton House, built in the 17th and 18th centuries, forms a stunning backdrop to test the world's best horse and rider teams. The Badminton pillow reflects the tough durability required in eventing with it's tailored look, and sturdy Sunbrella construction.

GALWAY is located in western Ireland. Galway takes its name from Gaillimh River, which means "stony river". The town's origins begin with a fort constructed in 1124. Galway today is called "Ireland's Cultural Heart" and hosts the annual Galway Races in late July/Aug at Ballybrit Race Course. Ballybrit's first race festival was held in 1869. It is the largest Thoroughbred racing week in Ireland.

LEXINGTON - the "Horse Capital of the World". Founded in 1775, it has the greatest density of Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbred farms in the world. Our Lexington is a nod to the Thoroughbreds racing at Keeneland and around the world, and the champions competing at the Kentucky Horse Park.

MIDDLEBURG is the "Nation's Horse and Hunt Capital". Established in 1787, Middleburg's has a long history of dedication to the horse and horse sport. Our Middleburg pillow, of limited edition, displays a muted toile fox hunt scene on fine linen, a cloth that has been used for centuries for special things.

SARATOGA SPRINGS was established in 1826 as a village. Saratoga Race Course was established in 1864 and is home to the Travers Stakes and other significant starts on Thoroughbred's racing calendar. A lovely place to visit, Saratoga Spring's central pulse is around Thoroughbreds and racing. Our Saratoga Series displays scenes from the Thoroughbred world.

THELWELL is a cartoon series created by Norman Thelwell of England. While he embraced many subjects, his rendition of plump, naughty ponies and their little equestrians gave his artwork wide acclaim. Our Thelwell pillow provides a cute blue ribbon detail for those equestrians that are often kept out of the ribbons due to their sneaky little ponies.

UPPERVILLE, Virginia is home to our nation's oldest horse show - the Upperville Colt and Horse Show - founded in 1853. Steeped in tradition, it is held under The Oaks in Virginia's rolling horse country. Proceeds from the show go to local charities, and the show displays some of the finest hunters and jumpers in the United States. Traditional appointments on our Upperville pillow are in keeping with the rich tradition and elegance displayed at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, and in Virginia Horse Country.

WELLINGTON is home to the largest horse show in the world (Jan - March). Originally the world's largest strawberry patch, it is the winter training ground for some of the best hunters, jumpers, and dressage horses in the US. Wellington is home to the world-famous Palm Beach Polo and Country Club the venue for shows and polo matches. In keeping with the bright colors and trends of Palm Beach, our Wellington series of equestrian pillows have fun, sunny, beach colors and can be custom designed in your favorite colors.