While the City of Manassas is located just miles north of Nokesville, it can often seem worlds away. Manassas is an expanding city, while Nokesville - though growing- remains one of the most rural areas of Prince William County.
“Nokesville is far enough to be disconnected,” Park said, “but close enough to get to.”
She thought Nokesville and Silver Eagle Stable were hidden jewels that more people should visit.
But Silver Eagle Stable is well-known in the equestrian world. It offers several services: housing horses in stables, horseback riding on trails, riding lessons, parties and events, corporate retreats and has a once-a-month riding show/competition for riders of all levels. It also likes to be involved with the community.
It was just the place Park wanted to introduce her residents to. That is because Park is a very hands-on HOA president of her townhouse community, but not in the typical way. She also likes to offer her diverse residents new opportunities.
“People just see me as someone in their community. I wanted to be on the board for change,” saying she didn’t want to complain, but “be a part of the solution.”
After visiting Silver Eagle Stable, she wanted to allow her neighbors to ride a horse without them having to worry about the cost. So, Park contacted Silver Eagle Stables and proposed a community event.
Silver Eagle Stable owner Thomas Russel and manager Chris Noakes thought it was a great idea and a service they could offer the Northern Virginia community.
‘It’s about getting together and having a cookout,” Noakes said. “Coming together and having a good time.”
The business routinely hosts community cookouts and potluck dinners for its employees and clients, so that part was easy.
To supplement the cost of having employees work after hours, Silver Eagle Stable received sponsorships for the event from John Alderman and Cheryl Johnson Rutherford; Russel and Noakes chipped in as well.
The result was children and adults coming together at Silver Eagles Stables on July 9 for an introduction to horseback riding. About 30 people attended it.
Adults and children alike had the opportunity to ride a horse around the rink. Most had never been on a horse before not even for a pony ride.
They also enjoyed a spread of hamburgers, homemade mac and cheese, salad, sides, and cherry pie with SES staff and riders.
Patricia Tobar of Bristoe Station attended with her three young daughters. None of them had been on a horse before, even to take a pony ride, “and wanted to try something new,”
“ loved it. My daughter wants to stay here,” she said. “I love it. It’s fun.”
Russel was pleased with the event, saying it was not about attracting new clients but reaching out to the larger community. “I’m happy that we are able to interact.”
Noakes said he is open to events with other communities as well.
And Bristoe Station has a second Silver Eagle Stable event planned for Aug. 22 since Park believes more residents would come had there not been a heat advisory earlier that day.
In addition to the Silver Eagle Stable event, Parks has arranged for Bristoe Station to host a Manassas City Schools board candidates’ forum on Aug. 19, open to all Manassas City residents. Park said the idea is for residents to have their questions answered directly.
She will continue to provide opportunities for her community members and thanks Silver Eagle Stables for delivering a great community event for Bristoe Station.
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