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 DeLong
President
Stefanie Bailey
Treasurer
Jinx Fox
Vice President/Mounted Events
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.
Robin Garbe
Communications/Publicity
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, ever 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
