A lifelong Charlottesville resident, Claiborne Bishop began her equestrian journey at just three years old, riding with Elliewood Keith at Keithwood. It was there that she met Tom Bishop, whom she married in 1970. That same year, the couple purchased Great Neck Stables in Virginia Beach, beginning a lifelong partnership dedicated to horses and the equestrian community.

As their business continued to grow, Claiborne and Tom purchased The Barracks in 1973. Together, they helped shape The Barracks into a cornerstone of the Charlottesville equestrian community.

In 1976, Claiborne and Tom founded the University of Virginia Riding Team, establishing a collegiate riding program that would go on to achieve remarkable success, including 10 ANRC National Championships and multiple IHSA National Championships.

Claiborne's dedication and contributions to the equestrian sport were recognized throughout her lifetime. She was twice named Horseperson of the Year by the Virginia Horse Shows Association and was inducted into the VHSA Hall of Fame in December 2010.

Claiborne's legacy lives on through The Barracks, the countless riders she influenced, and the generations of equestrians who have benefited from her passion, dedication, and commitment to the sport. She will always be remembered as an integral part of The Barracks' history and the Charlottesville equestrian community.

Head Trainer | The Barracks

For Maria Bishop Shannon, The Barracks has always been home. Growing up surrounded by horses and learning from her parents, Tom and Claiborne Bishop, as well as renowned trainer Glenn Moody, Maria developed a lifelong passion for horsemanship and the equestrian sport.

Maria attended Hollins University, graduating in 1996 with a degree in Studio Art and a minor in Sociology. During her collegiate riding career, she became a three-time IHSA National Champion, winning the Individual Open Over Fences National Championship in both 1993 and 1995, as well as the Team Open Over Fences National Championship in 1994. Her outstanding achievements eventually earned her induction into the Hollins University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Maria's competitive accomplishments began long before college, including a victory at Pony Finals aboard Strike It Rich in 1989. Her success continued into her professional career, with numerous championships in the hunter divisions. Among her notable achievements was winning the $3,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby aboard Buble' at the 2017 Lexington Spring Festival, capturing the Laura Pickett Perpetual Trophy.

Following college, Maria worked as barn manager for Will Coleman, Sr. at Fox Ridge, where she also competed in the Amateur-Owner Jumper divisions aboard Wincer. She turned professional in 1998, splitting her time between Fox Ridge and The Barracks before joining The Barracks full-time in 2000.

For more than 25 years, Maria has been an integral part of The Barracks, training horses, teaching lessons, and developing riders of all ages and abilities. From young riders taking their first lessons to accomplished competitors in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and experience to every horse and rider she works with.

Maria believes that good horsemanship is the foundation of success and takes pride in developing confident, knowledgeable riders who understand and appreciate their horses. Her ability to recognize each horse's individual needs and bring out its best qualities has become a hallmark of her training philosophy.

Outside of the show ring, Maria is a devoted wife and loving mother to her son. Family has always been at the heart of The Barracks, and Maria continues the legacy established by her parents, combining generations of equestrian knowledge with a genuine love for the horses, riders, and community that make The Barracks so special.

Barn Manager | The Barracks

Known affectionately throughout the equestrian community as “Bugsy,” Dotty Gray has dedicated her life to horses, building an accomplished equestrian career rooted in exceptional horsemanship, competitive success, and a genuine love for animals. With decades of experience in the industry, Bugsy brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise to The Barracks.

Throughout her competitive career, Bugsy has enjoyed tremendous success in the hunter ring, riding notable horses including Ladylike, Minden, and Gran Cru. Her years of experience competing at a high level have shaped her approach to horsemanship and given her an exceptional understanding of the care, training, and dedication required to bring out the best in every horse. Her contributions to the Virginia equestrian community extend beyond the show ring, including her donation of the Lady Like Perpetual Trophy for the VHSA Adult Amateur Hunter 50 & Over division.

Today, Bugsy serves as Barn Manager at The Barracks, where her extensive experience and hands-on approach are invaluable to the daily operations of the facility. From overseeing the care and well-being of the horses to managing the countless details that keep a busy barn running smoothly, Bugsy plays an essential role in ensuring every horse receives the individualized attention it deserves. Her keen eye, attention to detail, and lifelong understanding of horses make her an irreplaceable part of The Barracks team.

Beyond the barn, Bugsy has another four-legged passion as the owner of Bugsie's Mini Aussies, a Miniature Australian Shepherd breeding program. Her program emphasizes thoughtfully planned breedings, genetic health testing, and raising happy, well-socialized puppies. She brings the same dedication and love for animals to her breeding program that have defined her lifelong career with horses.

Whether she's managing the barn, caring for horses, or raising the next generation of Mini Aussies, Bugsy's life has always revolved around animals. Her decades of experience, impressive riding career, and unwavering commitment to exceptional animal care make her an invaluable part of The Barracks family.

Learn more about Bugsie's Mini Aussies at www.bugsiesminiaussies.com.

Tom was born in San Francisco, California. In 1959, he started attending Robert Louis Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, where he began training with Dick Collins. During the summer of 1963, Tom received his colors from Los Altos Hunt and rode on the Pebble Beach Three Day Event Team. He came to Virginia in 1964 to attend UVA. While going to school at UVA, he rode at Keithwood and met Claiborne. Together, they bought the Barracks in 1973.

A long time supporter of the IHSA, Tom was the first National Steward and served in that position for 25 years. He is now Director Emeritus.

Tom hunts three days a week with Farmington where he is an xMFH, served as Field Master for 30 years, and has taken on a new position as Whipper-in.

Office Manager | The Barracks

Marianna Bishop Wade is an accomplished amateur equestrian with a lifelong passion for horses and a distinguished career in the hunter ring. Over the years, she has competed successfully at some of the nation's most prestigious horse shows, earning numerous championships and accolades.

Among her career highlights is winning the Amateur-Owner 3'3" Hunter Championship and the prestigious $2,500 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3'3" Challenge aboard Castleton at the 2012 Capital Challenge Horse Show. She also captured the Atlantic Coast League Amateur-Owner Hunter Finals aboard Mirkwood and earned top rankings in the WCHR Mid-Atlantic Amateur-Owner standings.

While Marianna's accomplishments in the show ring are impressive, she is equally invaluable behind the scenes at The Barracks. As Office Manager, Marianna keeps the day-to-day operations running smoothly, managing everything from horse show entries and billing to the countless administrative details that keep a busy equestrian facility organized. Often working behind the scenes, she is the person making sure everything gets done, and her hard work and dedication are essential to the success of The Barracks.

With her extensive experience as both a competitor and horse show professional, Marianna brings a unique understanding of the equestrian industry to her role. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to the horses and people of The Barracks make her an irreplaceable part of the team.

Outside of the barn and office, Marianna is a loving wife to her husband, Troy Wade, and a devoted mother of two children. Whether she's managing the details of a busy horse show, keeping the office running, or spending time with her family, Marianna gives her all to everything she does.

Simply put, Marianna is the behind-the-scenes queen of The Barracks, and we couldn't do it without her!

Assistant Trainer | The Barracks

Maddie is an ambitious 24-year-old Richmond VA native, seeking to better the equine industry for future riders during her time here at The Barracks. She grew up showing in Virginia, and graduated from Emory & Henry college with a B.S. in equine studies in 2020. During her time there, she was also a member of her school’s riding program; Intermont equestrian at Emory & Henry under Lisa Terry and Heather Richardson. The equine and life skills she learned in such a hands-on program are incomparable, and gave her the passion to continue doing what she loves every day! Following that, she then went on to intern with Havens Schatt of Milestone Farm in Lexington Kentucky and Wellington FL.  It was there that she was able to further her knowledge in crucial aspects of the equine industry while getting to ride, watch, and learn from one of the greatest in our sport.