Steeplechase racing is a mixture of flatland racing and show horse jumping. Most of the horses are former flatlanders, who now move on to different racing pastures. Steeplechase has all of the thrills and speed of horse racing, but combines it with the precision of jumping. Most steeplechase races, Foxfield included, are tailgate affairs for families and corporate groups. While certain reserved parking is available to those who wish to park up close, most of the spectators simply set up for a picnic on the slopes, which is often quite a grand affair.
Many families bring extensive lunches and fine foods.
There are no grandstands at the races, so spectators are encouraged to walk up to the fences or straight-aways, where they can watch the racers from up close. With crowds that range from eighteen to twenty three thousand people, the Foxfield races are no small event. Spectators come from all walks of life, with a typical crowd made up of steeplechase enthusiasts, Charlottesville residents, college students, and tourists. Mariann de Tejeda founded the Foxfield races on property once owned by Grover Vandervender, a well-known Virginian horseman and hunter. Because she felt that the sponsors, racers and spectators have a commitment to helping others, she founded the Foxfield races as a charity event.