Silver Eagle Stable Participates in Farm Tour

Leah Steele and Drew Van Horse coach rider, Michaela Murphy at Silver Eagle Stable.

By Stacy Shaw

Silver Eagle Stable is proud to be participating in the 2015 Wild Western Prince William County Farm Tour, this Saturday and Sunday. 

“I’m excited to highlight our stable for the community to show everyone what we do and what we’re about,” said Stable Manager and Trainer, Drew Van Hook.

Van Hook said they were approached by the Observer Newspapers that run the event, and told them, “Absolutely, we’d love to do it.”

Silver Eagle, the full-service boarding stable, will offer riding demos, involving both students and staff, in which they will demonstrate western riding and jumping techniques. Demos will be conducted in both their outdoor and indoor ring and will feature American Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Arabians, warmbloods and ponies.

Beyond the riding, Van Hook hopes to give people a sense of the day-to-day operations at Silver Eagle, including turn-out schedule for the horses, feeding and the process the staff goes through to keep the hours happy and healthy.

Van Hook and owner, Tom Russell will also be on hand during the tour to answer any questions visitors have.

Silver Eagle is a 72-acre stable facility that also offers lessons and classes in riding. The stable is quickly becoming well-known amongst the equestrian community, and Van Hook said they would like nothing more than to grow interest in riding among those in their local community.

Van Hook offers Michaela some guidance.

“I would love to get more of the community involved,” said Van Hook, “especially the kids.”

Van Hook had been riding since he was a child as he grew up in the house next door to the stable. He believes in the importance that today’s children take part in outdoor activities especially one that brings them so close to nature and teaches life skills.

He said that riding instills children with discipline and respect; it educates them while they are getting exercise, and most of all, gets the kids outside.

Leah Steele, Van Hook’s student assistant, explained that riding has been incredibly important to her

“I just like the feeling of being up there: the feeling of freedom. you forgot all of the distractions and the worries of life. It’s kind of like a new home here at the barn,” Steele said.

Michaela Murphy rides Dixie around the indoor arena while Van Hook observes.

Silver Eagle Stable is the third stop on the tour. It is located at 11506 Parkgate Drive, in Nokesville, Virginia. Readers can call Silver Eagle Stable at 703-594-4328.