Photo courtesy of Saless family.
Kiera Saless brushing horse Valentine.
When people think horses, many imagine the bluegrass pastures of Kentucky or the rolling meadows of Northern Virginia’s countryside. But the Historic Triangle has a vibrant equestrian culture, too.
Sizable portions of Skimino, Toano and Croaker are horsecountry. Enthusiasts in these communities dedicate abundant time and resources to enjoying this pastime.
Alex Saless is among these devotees. The convention organizer lives on a three-acre spread with her husband, two children and a couple of horses–an acquaintance’s Welsh pony, Valentine, and her own Percheron-Arabian mix, Cher.
Saless, who grew up in Germany, has been horseback riding since age ten. With Cher, Saless participates in dressage, acompetitive equestrian sport. Last year she traveled to eight shows. Saless also makes an effort to take Cher trail riding at every opportunity, an accessible endeavor with so many horse-friendly places nearby.
Now Saless hopes to pass along that passion to her 7-year-old daughter, Kiera. Horses are a unique way to teach children about responsibility. Equestrianism is a long-term commitment, butpeople shouldn’t consider the sport out of reach, Saless said.
Newcomers should consider taking a couple of lessons to become comfortable with basic commands and concepts, Saless advises. Although she was comfortable in the saddle when she moved to the area, her daughter took lessons at Joshua’s Heritage Farm in Toano.
And while some enthusiasts can–and do–spend lots of money on the sport, keeping and maintaining basic equipment is sufficient. “One saddle and one bridle will do,” she said.
For all the pleasure that Saless and her family take from their love of horses, they don’t forget who else enjoys it, too. Cher is just as eager to be saddled up as anyone. “She loves it,” Saless says. “Trail rides are her calling.”
