virginia

Welcome to Solaris

Posted on by horseyogagirl

23376550_10154771558295518_6777307392290942589_nWelcome to Solaris Stable & Yoga Studio, LLC! A lifelong dream of mine is finally becoming a reality. I’m creating a retreat for horses and humans – a place for healing. Horses have taught me so much, and yet I feel as though I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of their wisdom. Likewise, I feel my yoga journey will be one of lifelong learning.

I’m hosting an Open House on Saturday, January 13th from 12pm-6pm, so come on out if you’re in the area! You’ll be able to chat with the vendors I’m going to use, see the facility, and enjoy a free sunset yoga class.

Solaris Stable & Yoga Studio is a unique retreat for horse and human. The Stable is an all-inclusive boutique boarding and training facility. Solaris offers boarding, training, riding lessons, horse yoga, and Equine Assisted Learning Programs.

The Yoga Studio is also a client lounge and meditation space. Solaris offers Hatha, Buti, and Horse Yoga.

Solaris is a place for horses and humans to connect on a deep level. Find relaxation and rejuvenation here, and reconnect with nature. Deepen your bond with your horse. Find your inner knowing.

Website coming soon!

A Happy Beginning

Posted on by horseyogagirl

“We carry belonging with us in our heart.” ~Brené Brown

The need to belong is a basic urge all humans feel. My entire life, I have felt different, and I have felt like I don’t belong anywhere, or in any one group. I’ve had numerous painful fallouts with friends, especially groups of girlfriends, because when a group turns into a clique, I refuse to lower my vibration to that level. I have tried to find belonging in various clubs in high school and college, and in various social groups since then, but I have always felt apart. The only place I’ve ever felt true belonging is with my horses.

My journey since college graduation has been windy and uncertain. For eight years, I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with this one precious, amazing gift that is life. At times, I felt sure I had figured it out, only for that path to come to a dead end, but I never lost faith. When a door would close, I knew the universe had something else in store. The only two things I remained sure of during these past eight years is my love and passion for horses and yoga. I knew that no matter what, I had to keep horses and yoga in my life.

An idea began to form that maybe one day I could have my own business incorporating horses and yoga, but I thought that would be further down the road after some other career that I would find. Well, it looks like the universe has its own timeline, and the time for me to have my own horse yoga business is NOW.

I’m ecstatic to announce that I’ve found the perfect, most serene and beautiful farm to lease—there’s even a space that I’m going to turn into a yoga studio! The farm is located here in Virginia among the gorgeous mountains with thousands of acres of ride out, a huge outdoor arena, and great paddocks for turnout. The barn itself is pretty much my dream barn, too. Once I took the leap and trusted the universe that the time for me to start this business is now, things have been falling into place so easily that I almost have a hard time believing it’s real. But real it is. I wake up happy every morning. Moving into this dream and making it a reality has reignited something in me that has been dormant since some trauma I went through around age 10. I feel joyful again. I’ve released my fear. I’ve let go of doubt.

Where there is light, there will also be darkness. My facility is going to be a training and boarding business that focuses on helping people develop deep, meaningful relationships and bonds with their horses. In addition to mounted riding lessons that focus on teaching centered/balanced riding, I’ll also be teaching programs on the ground and in the round pen that teach people how to communicate with horses on an energetic, psychic level. Needless to say, my barn is going to be different, and that’s how I want it to be. I know it will attract the right people and horses.

The dark side to all of this is that I’m finding out who doesn’t believe in me or support me. True friends are happy for others’ success. True friends believe in you no matter what. True friends support you in your endeavors. The thing is, I don’t need anyone else to believe in me, because I believe in me, I know what’s true in my heart, and I know I’m on the right path. I DO have wonderful, amazing people in my life who believe in and support me, and the few I’m finding out who don’t, well, that’s not my problem.

I’m grateful for every single chapter of my life, but I am so excited for this next one. This isn’t a happy ending, this is my happy beginning.

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Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked…or Equestrians 

Posted on by horseyogagirl

  Winter came in with a bang this month in the mid-Atlantic. Our “winter” here in northern Virginia had consisted mostly of sunny, mild days. Suddenly, Mother Nature remembered what season it was and said, “Oops, here’s all the snow and cold you’ve been missing.” Snowstorm Jonas began rolling in about midday Friday. I got off of work early from my barn manager job and went to play in the fast-accumulating snow with my horse. We went for a ride, during which we saw a beautiful, bright red fox absolutely resplendent against the white snow. Then I tucked my horse in for the night and went home to hunker down. 

  
When I awoke Saturday morning, I couldn’t believe my eyes—there was a wondrous amount of snow! Driving was out of the question. I shoveled our way out of the house and my mom and I walked to the barn in the midst of the blizzard. 

  
It felt like we were on the set of The Day After Tomorrow. After 45 minutes of braving the wind and snow, we arrived to the barn. 

  
The horses had all survived the night, but they’d have to deal with staying in, and they weren’t too happy about it. They looked longingly out of their stall windows, craving to stretch their legs and stimulate their minds. All we could do was provide them with clean stalls, hay, and water, and promise them they wouldn’t be cooped up forever. 

  
By Sunday morning, the snow had stopped. With the help of a kind neighbor who visited the barn, I shoveled a path to the paddock closest to the barn. 

  
The horses could finally stretch their legs after being confined to their stalls since Friday night. Most of the horses had never seen this much snow, and their expressions were priceless. They thoroughly enjoyed playing in the snow, for about 10 minutes, then they were worn out. It was quite a bit of work to wade through all that snow. I rode my horse again for a few minutes, pretending to be in Game of Thrones (bring it on, White Walkers!). 

   
   
The horses had to spend the night in the barn again, but they seemed much more content. They peacefully munched their hay as I bid them farewell for the evening. 

  
You don’t get days off when you have horses. Sometimes you even have to walk 45 minutes in a blizzard to go take care of them. But I wouldn’t trade it for a thing. 

Watch a video of the horses playing in the snow! 

Out of the Woods…And into the Garden

Posted on by horseyogagirl

Ever since I returned from Costa Rica at the beginning of December, I’ve been searching my heart and trying to figure out what to do with my life and how to use my gifts to best serve others. I felt like I was lost in the woods. I took steps to get another “real job,” but I felt quite a bit of anxiety about it. My passion is with yoga and horses. So I made what some would consider the not-so-smart decision and turned down the “real job.” I had faith that I would find a way to do work that spoke to my heart.

Well, I asked and the universe answered. I’ll soon begin work with Wheatland Farm as its barn manager. It provides therapeutic riding and an array of other services and activities. I’m thrilled to be a part of such meaningful work.

I spent a few hours today at the bucolic Oatlands Historic House and Gardens. I’ll be teaching yoga there every Sunday (except the first Sunday of the month) beginning February 21st. On the first Sunday of each month, my yoga mentor, Denise Moore, will be teaching, and I highly recommend attending her class, too. During the colder months, we’ll practice in the cozy greenhouse among the refreshing energy of the plants. Once it’s warm, we’ll practice outside in the lush gardens.

Stay tuned for more yoga classes to be added to my schedule. They’ll be posted here. There are lots of other exciting things in the works, and I can’t wait for them to come to fruition so I can share them all with you.

I’ve always followed my heart, and it has yet to lead me astray. We all have gifts, and it’s up to each of us to figure out what those gifts are and how to use them to serve others. If you spend your life chasing money, power, fame, and material objects, you’ll never be happy. Spend your life instead sharing your gifts, helping others, making this world a better place, bit by bit. Follow your heart and the rest will fall into place.

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Be Yourself, Your Bad Self

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“Nature Trail,” the sign read. I turned my car around to go find this nature trail. I was on my way home from running errands and time in nature sounded like just what I needed. I found myself at the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy, which has miles of hiking trails. I was not wearing hiking clothes, as this was an impromptu trip into nature, but I had on a comfortable dress and decent boots, so I decided to go ahead and explore a bit. I drove to the end of the road and found a beautiful old mill, the stones supported by steel beams to keep the whole thing from falling down.

Bull Run Mill

I explored the mill, listening to the sounds of birds and the nearby stream, taking in the scents all around me and, of course, taking yoga photos.

dancer in the mill

After spending uncounted peaceful minutes in the mill, I followed the sound of the creek and found a little path leading down towards it. The path ended at a wall of rock that was the only thing between me and the creek. A little voice in my head said, “Don’t do it, Angie. You’re alone, you’re not wearing climbing shoes. What if you fall?” Sometimes that little voice is right, but most of the time, it’s only holding you back from your full potential. I always enjoy a good bouldering challenge, so I scrambled my way up the rock and over the other side, finding my own private swimming hole calling my name.

Bull Run creek

The little voice piped up again, “You don’t have a towel, what if there are snakes in the water, what if it’s slippery or too deep? You’re all alone.” I grew up in the country, in the mountains, right next to a creek, so I know how to be smart and safe in this environment and I knew that little voice wasn’t coming from a logical place. So I waded into the water, relishing my solitude and the gentle, refreshing current of the creek.

And everything was okay. I was okay. I didn’t slip. I didn’t drown. I didn’t fall off the rocks. I had a magical time by myself, reconnecting with nature and my goddess within. That little voice inside me didn’t want that to happen. That’s the voice that pushes us to always choose the “safe” option, to follow not our hearts, but what others and society expect of us. That voice tells us to be “good.” Especially as women, we’re taught from a young age to be cautious, polite and cooperative. That’s what good girls do. I’m here to tell you that choosing the “safe” option strangles your soul. Letting yourself, your “bad” self come out to play is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind and spirit. Maybe you’re not ready to quit your job, pack up and move to a tropical island. That’s okay. But everyday, try doing something that scares you, that makes that little voice pipe up, but instead of listening to that anxious voice, take a deep breath and listen to your heart. Go on a hike somewhere new. Take that turn down a back road you’ve never explored. I promise you’ll be rewarded with a happy heart and a satisfied soul.

rock stack

Horsing Around at the Land Rover Great Meadow International

Posted on by horseyogagirl

If you’ve never been to Great Meadow in the heart of horse country, Virginia, schedule your trip now. I’m lucky enough to call this area home and have attended many wonderful events at Great Meadow, including Twilight Polo, the Virginia Gold Cup and, most recently, the Land Rover Great Meadow International CIC3*. Top event riders including Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, Buck Davidson and Marilyn Little competed last weekend in this prep event for the Pan American Games.

Not into horses? No problem! This area is also becoming known for its wine. Virginia boasts over 250 wineries. Some of my favorites are Greenhill, Chrysalis, Cana, Quattro Goomba’s and Stone Tower. Virginia is great for outdoorsy adventurers, too, with lots of hiking and biking trails all around the state. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike in Shenandoah National Park in autumn to be awed by some of the most beautiful fall foliage you’ll ever see.

Great Meadow put on a top-notch event and I look forward to attending more in the future. Below you’ll find a recap and photos from the event.

Day 1: Dressage

Phillip Dutton totally rocked BOTH his tests (he may or may not have been spotted at the bar between tests). The Mexican team looked uber snazzy in their military uniforms. And Jennie Brannigan reminded us that riding “like a girl” means #winning.

This is not Jennie Brannigan. This is yet another female Dressage rider showing us how much riding

This is not Jennie Brannigan. This is yet another female Dressage rider showing us how much riding “like a girl” kicks ass.

Day 2: Stadium

Phillip Dutton reminded us that even the best riders bite the dust sometimes (so glad you and Fernhill Cubalawn are okay, Phillip!). Lauren Kieffer showed us, once again, that riding “like a girl” means #winning. And everyone and their mother came together to keep humans and horses safe amid an epic storm.

These jumps were nearly as tall as me.

These jumps were nearly as tall as me. Red Bull doesn’t really give you wings, but horses do.

Day 3: Cross-Country

I wasn’t able to make it out to Great Meadow for Day 3, as I was teaching a yoga class that morning and all the excitement at Great Meadow was over by the time I finished teaching. While I’m disappointed I didn’t get to watch any of the cross-country, I’m glad I taught my yoga class. One of the students in my class leads meditation workshops, so we discussed collaborating on a meditation/asana workshop–exciting stuff!

Jennie Brannigan and Tim and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda were on point in their cross-country round and won it all. So next time anyone makes fun of you for doing something “like a girl,” tell them that doing something like a girl=winning.

Trailers for days

Trailers for days

You can watch a video of Days 1 and 2 that I put together for Salamander Resort here.