About Us
OPRC-Piedmont was established in 2002 to promote horse activities for adults. Emphasizing fun, camaraderie, and education, we hope you will grow through your participation in our club activities. Our specific objectives include the following: that you continue to improve your riding, knowledge, and horsemanship; that you will expand your horse horizons and try something new; and most of all, that you will make new friends within our local riding community. The Board Members and instructors are here to help you reach for these goals.
The Board Members
Karen Gourlay
President
I’ve been fascinated with horses for as long as I can remember. Like many little girls, my first horses were Breyer models and I played with them all the time. After years of begging, my parents let me take lessons when I was 12. I was hooked! My folks couldn’t afford things like shows, but I rode as often as I could.
Other aspects of life took over as I graduated from college, earned a degree in journalism and launched my career in communications. But something was missing: horses.
I got back in the saddle in my early 30’s, eventually buying my first horse at 37. My Quarter Horse, Cassie, became my partner, personal trainer, and confidante. Together, we rode the trails and did some low jumpers and dressage. She gave me a foal in 2004, and I lost her in January 2024 when she was 36. I still have that foal (Tony is now 21 and retired due to injury). I currently ride a leased Percheron/TB cross, Ruby. She is a bit sassy but a lovely lady who tolerates dressage and loves riding through the field.
I joined OPRC when an active member of the club brought her horse to the barn where I board. I’ve had a blast getting to ride with other adults who share the same passion: riding for the joy of it and getting to know other like-minded adults.
I will serve the club with honesty, integrity, and an open mind. It’s my goal to provide our members a forum to learn new things, meet new riding and social buddies, and above all, HAVE FUN.
Stefanie Bailey
Treasurer
Robin Garbe
Communications/Publicity
Jinx Fox
Vice President
Like many of you, I loved animals, especially horses and dogs, from an early age. Growing up in Asia I learned to ride on Indian Cavalry polo horses and backyard ponies in India and Indonesia. Some of my earliest riding memories are of riding tough mountain ponies in the Himalayan Mountains.
My family moved to Fauquier County in the 1960's where I rode foxhunting trails daily, showed hunters and participated in Pony Club. My absolute favorite thing to do on horseback is to ride through the woods and open fields on our beautiful local trails. OPRC-Piedmont has been a wonderful experience for me. I have learned so much and as important, I've created friendships that will last a lifetime of riding.
Laura Hansen
Secretary/Membership
Preferring them over other toys, I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. With the exception of a few summer horse camps as a child, it wasn't until I was in my 30s with young children that I was able to get my first horse. From that time on, it has been fun to learn as much as possible about horse care, management, and riding. Traveling to different parts of the country with a military husband allowed me to dabble in foxhunting, trail riding, show hunters, and dressage. It was a thrill to share this passion with my children and other family members.
To further my education and experiences with horses, I joined OPRC-Piedmont over a decade ago. This organization provides many opportunities to try different skills and get instruction in areas of horse riding one might otherwise rarely encounter. I am proud to be part of the organization and to help perpetuate this club for the future so many more horse lovers can enjoy the friendly, low key atmosphere and still keep learning about and enjoying horses.
Never hesitate to contact any of us with your questions.
We’re here to help you get the most from your OPRC experience!
What our members say
"When I first joined OPRC I had done mostly trail riding and was a bit apprehensive about ring riding in a group. But the members and the instructors were so encouraging that they put my mind at ease quickly. I particularly enjoyed doing the Christmas Musical Quadrille. "
Shirley B. OPRC-Piedmont Member
