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AU G U S T 2 02 1

Kids and Pets LI F E + C U LTU R E U P P ERVI L L E C O LT AN D H O RSE SH OW RE T U RNS!

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER

Hann Livingston | hann.livingston@lifestylepubs.com

A Celebration of our Kids and Pets EACH YEAR IN AUGUST WE FOCUS ON KIDS AND PETS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY. It

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Melinda Gipson | melinda.gipson@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGER

Suzanne Otwell | suzanne.otwell@lifestylepubs.com

is always a fun issue to work on and these two subjects provide a lot of direction for content

AD DESIGNER

and wonderful images. Given that horses and farm life are so integral to Loudoun County, we

Matthew Endersbe

decided to focus our attention on the intersection between children and the equine world with

L AYO UT DESIGNER

a few other ideas thrown in for good measure. Of particular note, we celebrate the "re-opening" of the historic Upperville Colt and Horse Show after its pandemic hiatus.

I grew up around horses. Though I never caught the "bug," I spent a lot of time riding and caring for horses with my father as he trained horses and dogs for field trials in

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Katherine Beliveau, Tiffany Dillon Keen, Liz Callar, Celeste Linthicum

North Carolina. Being schooled around Tennessee Walkers, the breed used for chasing pointers and setters through the forests and fields, moving to Loudoun County opened up a whole new side of the horse world. I've enjoyed learning about different breeds and their roles in the various competitions around Virginia. I've seen first-hand the skill and work involved in training and learning to work with these beautiful, loving creatures.

The passions of horsemen and horsewomen run deep and are amply rewarded by the long-lasting and loyal friendships their sport engenders.

The number of facilities and non-profits dedicated to horses and working with horses to provide therapy to children and adults in the area is a very special part of our community.

Anyone who has been around horses knows the powerful bond that these animals create with humans and we love that organizations like Equus can Educate exist and thrive here. Our pets also inspire us and we focus on one artist’s work and her focus on teaching

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

kids and adults how to translate this love into art. If some of you become her students,

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

please share your works with us on our Facebook page or Instagram.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

We talk to the inspiring couple behind the Coder School and the “why” behind their work

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

with kids and coding, with, of course, a farm-connection…and alpacas to boot!

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

In a kid-focused story, we feature some of the young entrepreneurs who have worked

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

with YEA! and the great strides they are making to become not only self-sufficient businesspeople of the future, but maybe our future employers! We are particularly proud of Abhinav Sheth, the youngest of this year's class, for representing Loudoun County in the national YEA! competition in Rochester. We expect to cover many of these young leaders in the years to come.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did and please continue to reach out with story ideas for upcoming months!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA

ON THE COVER Lauren Rock Takes Limelight for a Blue-Ribbon Ride

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERINE BELIVEAU, https://katherinebeliveauphotography.com/ 10

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

Hann Livingston, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Leesburg Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leesburg areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Leesburg Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 22 Balancing Act: How The Coder School Blends Computers and Sports into the Ultimate Learning Environment

34 Forever Friends, Under the Oaks Riding Into the Inner Circle in Upperville

46 YEA! Nurtures Young Entrepreneurs Here are a few 2021 Graduates

22 46

56 At Equus Can Educate, the Horses Teach the Humans

34

56

DEPARTMENTS 10

Lifestyle Letter

14

Good Times

16

Around Town

18

Our Town

22 Hometown Hero 28 Artist’s Palette 42 Open House 46 Local Limelight 52 Healthy Lifestyle 56 Giving Back

GOOD TIMES 1.

Julie and Josh Kane Support Habitat for Humanity Julie and Josh Kane of Kane Landscapes hosted 100 guests for the first annual Pickleball Tournament to benefit Loudoun Habitat for Humanity. Guests were treated to food and drinks and a silent raffle. Teams competed in a pickleball tournament, ultimately crowning the winners: The event raised $30,000 for Habitat, where Josh is a board member.

2.

1. The final match | 2. Josh and Julie Kane

1.

2.

3.

Silver Diner Opens 19th Restaurant, First in Loudoun On June 25th Silver Diner opened its first Loudoun restaurant in Ashburn near One Loudoun with a VIP dinner where the food was free, but guests were nudged to pay it forward to support the charity Real Food for Kids. The organization helps make sure area children have healthy food options in and out of school. This summer, for every $10 donation to help feed families in need, guests will receive a certificate for up to $10 off their next dine-in visit.

1. Real Food for Kids Partners with Silver Diner | 2. Executive Chef Ype Von Hengst Schmoozes with VIPs | 3. The Owner’s Circle on Pre-Opening Night 14

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

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AROUND TOWN

STAGECOACH THEATRE'S FOCUS ON KIDS

star Tyler Kennedy from August 9-13th. Kennedy will walk students through the training regimen of a pro-

Take your budding actor to StageCoach Theatre's

fessional athlete in a week-long experience in groups

student production of Les Miserables, July 30-31,

from 8-11 and 12 and older. Mature hockey players

and August 1,6,7 & 8. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.,

ages 14 and older can work with Ion Hockey Director

Sundays at 2 p.m. In-person at StageCoach Theatre

Doug Plocki August 16-20, learning individual habits

or Live-streamed. Then, help your talent-laden young

and team tactics. See https://ionitc.com/

performers take the plunge themselves in one of August's remaining StageCoach Theatre Company

2020 DAAR AWARDS

SUMMER CAMPS! From IMPROV to Cabaret,

We love to celebrate the successes of our partners.

ages 5-18. https://stagecoachtc.com/summer-

Three of Leesburg Lifestyle's Realtor Partners took

camp/. StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937

home top awards at the 2020 Dulles Area Association

Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120 Ashburn, VA 20147

of Realtors. Lisa Thompson (Hunt Country Sotheby's

COOL OFF AT ION IN AUGUST

International Realty) won the top producer award for the year with over $40 million in real estate sold.

Summer Fun Day Camp at ION International

Debbie Meighan (Washington Fine Properties) took

Training Center welcomes campers ages 5 and above

second place with more than $30 million in trans-

for crafts and games both on and off the ice. Camps

actions. Jean Garrell and the Garrell Group at Keller

run from 9am to 3:00 pm After & Before Camp Care

Williams Realty won the Top Producing Team Award

is available until 6:00. For hockey players, even the

with sales volume over $100 million in 2020. The

youngest can experience training with NHL hockey

Garrell Group has won this award for the last 5 years.

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Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

YOUR LIFE. YOUR LAND.

YOUR VALUES.

Our COUNTRY ESTATE INSUR ANCE is designed for you – a small-scale farmer or horse owner whose primar y income is from another occupation. Your land is more than just a hobby, it ’s a lifestyle and I can help you choose insurance that of fers protections a homeowners policy doesn’t provide.

• Farm and residence property and liability • Built-in mechanical equipment/ser vice line failure • Machiner y, livestock, products and more

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17

OUR TOWN ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY KATHERINE BELIVEAU, TIFFANY DILLON KEEN, LIZ CALLER, MELINDA GIPSON

YOU DON'T COVER UPPERVILLE - - YOU EXPERIENCE IT 1.

2.

3.

5.

4.

7.

6.

ON SATURDAY EVENING OF THE UPPERVILLE COLT AND HORSE SHOW, YOUNG RIDERS OFTEN EXPERIENCE THEIR FIRST EVER "COMPETITION" AT UPPERVILLE, THE "LEADLINE" CLASS FOR AGES 1-3 AND THEN AGES 4-6. Joe Fargis, UCHS board chair and jumping legend, judged the event, which was a great honor indeed. Still, by the end, nearly everyone needed a long nap... or a bourbon.

1. Bows Tied, Ready to Ride | 2. Proud Dad | 3. Pretty in Pink | 4. Which is Better, Aiden? The Horse or the Chocolate? | 5. I'm In A Parade! | 6. Let Me Fix That | 7. You With Me, Son? 18

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

Home girl Allison Robitaille came in just 2 seconds behind the winner of the Sunday $213,300 FEI 4*Classic, surpassed by Jordan Coyle of Ireland. She brought her daughter Zoe to the press conference where we learned she will be starting to ride next month. McLain Ward rode, "HH Azur" owned by Double H Farm in Classic. He had an unfortunate rail down-4 faults, but is still headed to compete in Tokyo with the U.S. Olympic Jumping Team. Elizabeth Courts, the great, great granddaughter of Richard Henry Delaney, who founded the Upperville show in 1853 to urge better treatment of horses, hands out trophies to winning thoroughbreds, brood mares, colts and foals.

8.

9.

10.

12.

11.

14.

13.

8. Alison Robitaille With Zoe | 9. Jack Russel Races, a Test of Speed and Targeting | 10. Jordan Coyle, FEI 4*Classic Champion | 11. McLain Ward, Local Olympian, Is Headed To Tokyo | 12. Prize-winning Pony Foal and Mare | 13. Prize-winning 2-year-old Thoroughbred Jazz Biscuit | 14. Elizabeth Courts, Great-Great Grandaughter of Richard Henry Delaney, Founder of the Show

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

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HOMETOWN HERO

HOW THE CODER SCHOOL BLENDS COMPUTERS AND SPORTS INTO THE ULTIMATE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MELINDA GIPSON

CHAD AND ELLEN HAMEL ARE BOTH HEALERS BY TRAINING. Chad is a veteral years working in critical care units and the operating room. She then received her Master’s degree in Public Health at George Washington University, and became a manager and director. Her clinical experience and education prepared her well for her current “day job” working for a healthcare IT company. Chad has extensive clinical experience in small and large animal medicine, and in public policy, including coding useful databases for animal treatment protocols and disease management. In addition, he owns several agriculture related businesses and even published a children’s book “I Want to Be A Veterinarian When I Grow Up.” Together, in the opening of “The Coder School” in Ashburn, and multiple cooperative coding programs throughout the area, they’ve built a loyal fan base of kids and parents who wholeheartedly believe in their teaching methodology. They – like the Hamel's, their Code Coaches and partners – now assert that coding is a

B A L A N C I N G A C T:

erinarian. Ellen, a nurse. Ellen spent sev-

"Cooper is our why," says Chad 22

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

Pierce, 3, with the family alpacas

Ellen Feeding the Alpacas on the Hammel Farm

“superpower” that unlocks kids’ belief in themselves, as well as

The mental stimulus, hand-eye coordination

multiple cognitive abilities. Put simply, students at The Coder

and cause-and-effect processes all helped

School are learning not only an essential and marketable skill for

knit together Cooper’s cognitive abilities. But

the future, but they are acquiring knowledge in how to learn and

both parents also credit the combination of

cope with anything life throws at them, just by breaking a prob-

mental and physical activity with his and his

lem down into its component parts.

little brother’s wellbeing.

Going a little deeper into why the Hamel's would add teaching kids

At home, “every room is a children’s room,”

to code to their already full lives, it helps to understand that they have

Ellen says. Letter blocks and building toys

themselves had to cope with a few of life’s more complex challenges.

are neatly organized everywhere and colorful

Explains Chad, “Our ‘why’ is Cooper,” the couple’s 7-year-old

kid paintings line the walls. Outside is a chil-

son. “We don’t talk much about it, but Cooper was born with a rare

dren’s paradise. Cooper, now 7, and his brother

brain cyst which caused him to develop hydrocephalus as an infant.

Pierce, 3, have the run of the family’s 10-acre

Cooper had brain surgery when he was three months old.” Children

farm in Round Hill.

born with the condition sometimes develop speech more slowly or

When the couple bought the farm five years

experience other cognitive disconnects. Chad says learning to code,

ago, they inherited a host of farm animals, includ-

“has helped Cooper so much... (and) our experience motivated us to

ing alpacas, chickens, turkeys and a guinea hen.

open The Coder School as a way to pay it forward.”

Chad being a veterinarian and Ellen an animal

Cooper’s parents believe the communication skills he learned

lover, they couldn’t turn them away. Eventually,

through both coding and interacting with his coding teachers paved

Chad says he'll add a couple Scottish Highland

the way for him to interact with other kids and adults more easily.

cattle and horses to the menagerie.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

23

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

“MANY KIDS STRUGGLE IN THE CLASSROOM, AND CODING IS A G O O D W AY T O H E L P G E T T H E M T O F O C U S A N D T O G E T E X C I T E D A B O U T L E A R N I N G . W E S E E C O D I N G A S A G R E AT W AY T O T E A C H S T U D E N T S L O G I C , C R I T I C A L T H I N K I N G A N D P R O B L E M S O LV I N G T H R O U G H A F U N A N D I N T E R A C T I V E A P P R O A C H ,” C H A D S AY S .

Having eggs to gather and animals to feed adds

early on. Athletes have a natural affinity for coding,

essential hands-on learning for kids who’ve grown

and coding can in turn support an athlete’s ability

up around computers. But it’s more than that. It’s

to excel in their sport. “For example, there is a lot of

a perfect reflection of Chad and Ellen’s philosophy

research about how computer gaming helps with

that combining physical and mental activity is the

faster decision-making, like the timing a baseball

best environment to stimulate learning and encour-

player develops in swinging a bat,” Chad says. So,

age total well-being. The Hamel’s also believe that

it's only natural that they plan to partner with The

the combination of technology with farming can

Ballpark Loudoun, when it opens in Ashburn.

lead to a sustainable food production model that

This summer, The Coder School students can

improves the quality of food and allows more folks

enjoy full-day or half-day camps where they make

to efficiently produce their own food.

games, develop applications, learn robotics and

The Hamel’s partners early on with The Coder

build web pages. Camps such as Game Developer,

School included both Loudoun Soccer and the

Python Startup and RoboCode run through August

Ashburn Ice House as well as MartialArts Blackbelt

20th. (See https://www.thecoderschool.com/

Academy (MBA, https://mbamajest.com/) on

locations/ashburn/.)

Ridgetop Circle in Sterling. The latter’s facility includes

The Coder School’s Code Coaches also are train-

six classrooms for coding, robotics and STEM classes,

ing at least one young adult at The Arc of Loudoun

as well as SAT Prep, Arts and Video Production and

and have held classes at INMED Partnerships for

college counseling. MBA’s after school programs are

Children, where the couple donated computers so

facilitated by van transportation to 15 area schools. A

underprivileged kids could stay up to speed with

McLean extension is coming this fall.

their online schoolwork over the last year. In addi-

With their partners, camps called “Kick ‘N Code” and “Skate ‘N Code” divide the day naturally into

24

tion, Chad and Ellen provide college scholarships to many of their current Code Coaches.

on- and off-screen activity. Kids can skate or play

Looking at all they’ve accomplished, we can’t

soccer in the morning and code in the afternoon.

help believing both that coding helps you think

Both Chad and Ellen were college athletes and

faster, and that it must – somehow – add more

believe that the balance of physical activity with

hours to your day. Maybe it has something to do

educational activity is important for kids to learn

with getting up with the chickens?

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

DRAWING ON THE HUMANITY OF ANIMALS

artist ally morgan ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON PHOTOGRAPHY ALLY MORGAN

ALLY MORGAN TEACHES STUDENTS AT THE YELLOW BARN AND GREENHOUSE STUDIOS HOW TO PAINT ANIMALS, TYPICALLY ONE SATURDAY PER MONTH. Her own animal portraits give the observer an uncanny sense that they know exactly what the subject is feeling. There’s a connection.

How to teach that? “I think there is a secret but it's kind of different for everybody to find that. A lot of it comes back to finding your truth. If you know what your truth is, you're going to be able to find and capture whatever it is you're capturing a lot easier.”

Her strongest connection is to dogs, in particular her dog, Zelda, an Australian cattle dog mix and one of Ally’s muses.

She found her passion for painting dogs while working on her MFA at Arizona State University, when she ended up painting herself with dogs as a commentary on how we see animals and women. “Growing up Catholic and being taught that animals don’t go to heaven – I always had a hard time believing that. So, I began creating these spiritual pieces where animals and people were the same thing.... They mimicked each other and looked at each other and the audience.” From professor Jinchul Kim, she learned sumi-e ink wash painting, which she says became “a sort of philosophic and spiritual technique I use when I paint.”

28

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

Ally, Ronan and Zelda Painting

“I th i n k there is a secret but it ’s k i nd of d i f ferent for ever ybody to fi nd that. A lot of it comes back to fi nd i ng you r tr uth.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

29

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

Now she often paints with her three-year-old son Ronan. Her upcoming solo show at the Artists’ Gallery in Ellicott City, Maryland, “Unfamiliar Waters,” runs July 27 through August 29. In it, “I paint symbolic and surrealist narratives of animals in a state of melancholy as a way to visualize and understand my own relationships with grief, peace and hope,” specifically with her grief over her dad’s passing in June of 2020.

HER TIPS FOR ASPIRING PAINTERS: 1) Get to know your materials. Your paints, pencils, pastels, etc. should feel like close friends. Know them inside and out, know their strengths and their weaknesses and understand how well their work with each other.

2) Take time to experiment with unconventional compositions, techniques and ideas. You never know what will work out in the end!

3) Sketch and Plan. Paintings can and should be allowed to grow and change throughout the painting process, but if they have a plan, the process will be much smoother. Otherwise, you could lose focus on your message.

4) Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how we learn, grow and get better!

5) Draw and paint from life whenever possible. It will help improve not only your techniques but also how you “see” and translate 3-dimensional forms on a 2-dimensional surface.

6) Critique often. Getting honest feedback about your work can help you see your work from other perspectives.

7) Write and rewrite your artist statement. Taking the time to write about what your work is about is a great way to focus.

8) Research and get to know other artists, ideally contemporary artists working with similar subject matter.

9) Be kind to yourself and to your art. Art making is a journey and we are all at different places. It takes time to get where you want to be, and you’ll end up a stronger artist if you work keep working through the difficult pieces.

10) Have fun! Painting isn’t easy but it should be enjoyable.

30

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

Wait for me Here

I want to Tell You Something

The Face of God

Umphrey and the Stars

a lly morgan

This Fear of Feelings

Even in My Dreams You Don't Talk to Me

I Want to Be Well

See: https://allyglowackiart.com/home.html, https://www.artistsgalleryec.com/.

Contact allymorganart@gmail.com.

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

31

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FOREVER FRIENDS U N DE R TH E OAKS RIDING INTO THE INNER CIRCLE IN UPPERVILLE SOMETIMES, WITH SPECIAL GROUPS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE SURROUNDED WITH TRADITIONS AND PROTOCOLS, IT HELPS TO HAVE AN INTRODUCTION. For the Upperville Colt and Horse Show(UCHS) – the oldest horse show in the U.S., dating to 1853 – our introduction came from Anna Connors and the Connors Coverage Group, an insurance agency specializing in insuring Equestrian Operations and horse properties. (https://connorscoveragegroup.com/) Anna discovered her love for horses when her seven-year-old daughter Sophie began taking riding lessons. She quickly realized there was a need in the market for insurance agencies specializing in equestrian operations. Already a multi-line insurance specialist in property, casualty and personal lines, she quickly adapted her company’s already extensive packages to serve horse properties, and now specializes in all forms of equestrian operations – everything from riding stables, training facilities, breeding farms and horse properties to educational facilities like Equus Can Educate. She’s particularly proud of her ability to offer professional equestrian liability for horse trainers.

Horses are valuable of course, but she is more concerned with the liability of the horse owner for what can go wrong if their animals are involved in an accident with a person. “I really do it because it’s a passion for me to help others. Protecting their property for horse people is protecting their way of life. I’m here to provide them the proper insurance coverages to give them the peace of mind they deserve so that they can sleep well at night."

As the membership coordinator at the Loudoun County Equine Alliance, she also advocates for horse owners in the area. LCEA recently negotiated member access to trails at Oatlands and helps to make sure that economic development in the county takes into account the needs of horse owners. The association also helps train first responders and veterinarians how to help horses in emergencies.

(See https://bit.ly/LCEA911 for this month's session.) It’s that kind of personal dedication to the welfare of her clients that has earned her two recent achievement awards.

The best reward? The smile on her daughter’s face as she rides in her first “leadline” competition at Upperville.

34

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE MELINDA GIPSON

And the Horses Love Their People

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

35

FOREVER FRIENDS, UNDER THE OAKS (CONTINUED)

The Ultimate Horseman Joseph Halpin “Joe” Fargis IV is most famous as an individual and team gold medalist in showjumping at the 1984 Summer Olympics, where he and his mare Touch of Class set an Olympic record for clearing 90 of 91 hurdles. He then took a showjumping team silver at the 1988

Joe and Barbara Planning the Next 170 Years

Summer games. Amid countless triumphs, he broke his leg and was fitted with around 18 pins and screws, which he said bothered him so he had them removed.

It's all worth it because, as Joe puts it, “Horses are

To hear him tell it, all his riding prizes and honors are

the most beautiful, giving, loving creatures on the

“behind me. That’s history.” All he’s ever wanted to be

planet. They do whatever people want them to do.

considered is a horseman. He fell in love with horses

They go to war. They take these incredible jumps. We

and with riding in second grade and "that was it." That

ask them to do a three-day event, and they comply.

he gets to travel the world and help train other horses

They’re police horses and work horses. They are sim-

and riders is just a bonus.

ply marvelous, marvelous animals.”

He owns a horse farm three miles from Upperville's center ring, and serves as president of the UCHS board of directors because, he says, what happens there is rare. “It’s not mass produced or a big corporate busi-

It’s like in the fairy tales, all little girls love ponies,” says

ness. It’s a one-week community event that involves

Jenna Barbe the trainer at DeVaux Farms in Berryville, to

everyone in town to make it work.” More than 1500

explain why she became a horse trainer. The farm’s brand

numbered entries and dozens of classes daily for a

promise is, “Building confidence, trust and relationships.”

week require a high degree of coordination, even with-

Sometimes those relationships are with horses, but they

out the uncertainty of COVID.

also serve to forge a unique “farm family” where every-

It may well have been the absence of the event in 2020 that reinforced the extraordinary nature of the Upperville

36

Meet the DeVaux Farm Family

one feels like a member of a team supporting each others’ goal to be better horsewomen or horsemen.

show and its centrality to the horse world. During the off-

“Typically, someone decides they really like horses and

year, Dr. Betsee Parker donated to enhance the footing

has an interest in riding, and then they figure out whether

of the central horse ring, to make its competitive footing

they want to be on the competing side of it, or just plea-

state-of-the-art. The ring now bears her name – the first

sure riding for fun,” she explains. “Those who want to

national level ring named for a woman – as a testimony

compete in it as a sport really stick with it. But it’s a really

not only to her generosity but her sportsmanship. The

big commitment because it takes a lot of time and prac-

rider of the only junior horse in the history of the show

tice. You’re not working with just yourself or even other

to score 100 in the ring, she established the “Way Cool

people; you’re also dealing with the personality of an

Scored 100” Trophy for junior hunters.

animal, which can be challenging,” Jenna says.

Another of Joe’s friends, Catherine Brown, heads a com-

Beatrice Lynch, 10, (“call me Bea”) has a horse with a

mittee working on a capital campaign called “Jumping into

challenging personality, but she’s learned to be patient.

the Future” geared to ensure the historic Grafton Farm

“We had a stable near us and I took a couple of lessons

Show Grounds remains host to the show for the next 170

and I must have loved it.” She may not recall, as she’s

years. She is most concerned about preserving the iconic

been riding since she was three.

oak canopy for future generations. Several of the oaks that

Jenna laughs and says that her son who is 17-months-

were alive when the Declaration of Independence was

old would be “competing” in the horse Leadline class

signed have already needed to be replaced.

for ages 1-3. “At that age it's more about familiarization

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

The DeVaux Farm Family

Ashley Moran Earns Reserve Champion Honors On Fox Creek Chorus Doll (Dolly)

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

37

HEADER (CONTINUED) FOREVER FRIENDS, UNDER THE OAKS (CONTINUED) with the animal and comfort around them – just working on balance and such. They’re not really learning a lot besides how to care for the animal.” But the one thing it dispels is fear.

Jenna also has been riding since she was three. After graduating college in 2006, she and her mom started their business helping to train riders, beginning with small children, and often staying with them through college. "It’s exciting to watch them grow. Girls like Lauren Rock (now 17, who has been riding for 11 years) I've known since they were very young.” She enjoys not just their progress as riders but, “I like watching them grow as people. They have to overcome a lot of challenges and frustrating things in the sport and it's really cool to watch them do it.”

Sarah Lynch, Bea’s mom, says that the earlier kids start to ride, the slower the progress may seem early on. “You train and you train and you train and then, all of a sudden, they're doing something you never imagined them doing. They’re posting or trotting and then cantering and before you know it they're jumping and competing.”

Bea Polishing Saddles

38

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

Sophie Connors Ready For Her First Competition

Taylor After a Blue Ribbon Performance

Generally speaking, Jenna says kids aged 4-6 start getting comfortable with horses then at 8-10 they develop the ability to ride and compete. At Upperville Colt and Horse Show this year, the DeVaux girls entered several events. Among them, Bea rode North Winds Midnight Dream in the medium pony local pony hunters’ class. Jordan Schneider rode her pony, One in a Million, in the Local Large Pony class. Addison Beliveau (“call me Addie”) rides Good Time Charlie in the Children’s Hunters’ class, along with Lauren Rock on Limelight and Taylor Beliveau on Red Velvet (a.k.a. Anna). Ashley Moran rides Fox Creek’s Chorus Doll (Dolly) in the Small Pony, Local Pony Hunters’ class.

What they like most about competing was summed up by Ashley Moran, “It's just kind of a thrill getting to ride your pony, and when you're riding it feels like you're in another world almost.

You're beside yourself, looking in from the outside.”

Taylor adds, “This is all about training your horse, and your horse training you. It’s all about teamwork. If your horse isn't getting the correct signals from you – if the communication isn't there — it's not going to go so well.'

Beginning riders start with a horse that’s easy going. If you ride them for a while and like them, then leasing or buying them is an option. Highly trained horses are more expensive, so typically, it works exactly how Taylor suggests – the rider and the horse learn and train each other over time.

It’s the unexpected – wins and losses – that provide the air of expectation and excitement around each event. Lauren says, “Every time you walk in the ring, you're going to have something else thrown at you, so it's always a surprise. But you work and you learn and, what can I say? It’s just always a surprise.”

Kristin Rock, Lauren’s mom adds, “They work really hard.

Sometimes the reward is big, sometimes it's small but it definitely teaches them to be resilient. You can have the most fantastic day but your horse can't deal with it, or something else

WHERE TO RIDE

happens outside of your control like a loud noise — a car could

+ DeVaux Farm, our featured "farm family" in

backfire as you're approaching a jump and your horse gets dis-

Berryville, is family owned and operated.

tracted — and there goes that class." Addie exclaims, “But when

See http://www.devauxfarms.com or call

you’ve done the work and it pays off, even in the rain or when something goes wrong, it’s a good feeling because you know that you’re getting somewhere.”

Jordan says, “I don't think our friends at school understand

703-232-6722. + Check out Cavallo Farm in Leesburg for lessons or camps. (703) 327-6431, https://www. cavallofarm.com/.

how much work we put in with our horses. They think, ‘oh you

+ Hogback Mountain Pony Rides in Leesburg

go in the ring and like it's easy,’ but it's really not. You have to be

https://hogbackmountainponyrides.com/.

very organized with your horse and very disciplined. The ulti-

+ Red Gate Farm in Bluemont, http://www.

mate goal of all that is to make it look easy and effortless."

They all compete in several shows a month through the Virginia Horse Shows Association, but nothing compares with Upperville,

redgatefarmva.com, 540-882-3530. + Van Vixen Farm in Leesburg. See https:// vanvixenfarm.com/.

one of the oldest and grandest shows in America. Kristin says, “It’s always a joy to compete here and be part of the tradition.

Riders dream of being at Upperville and travel from other states and even other countries, but these girls are lucky enough to be here every year, just a short drive from the action."

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

39

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OPEN HOUSE

Entertainment for the entire family.

ARTICLE HANN LIVINGSTON

MICHAEL NASH DESIGN/BUILD CREATES A SPACE THAT MEETS EVERYONE'S NEEDS. 42

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

turning an unfinished basement into a family playground

“ T h i s w a s a c o m p l e t e l y b l a n k s l a t e d ow n t o t h e s t u d s , s o we h a d

a l o t t o wo r k w i t h a n d we we r e a b l e t o c r e a t e t h e p e r fe c t s p a c e .”

— S o n ny Na z e m i a n , m a s t e r d e s i g n e r/r e m o d e l e r

UNFINISHED BASEMENTS ARE A COMMON IRRITATION IN

First up was the bar area. Beautiful wood cabinetry with glass

MODERN HOUSES. They become the project that needs to be

facades, modern appliances and granite countertops, create a

completed, but keeps getting ignored for one reason or another.

space where parents can entertain and unwind, but also a spot

But once done, a well-thought-out basement can be that versa-

where children can keep their snacks and drinks when using the

tile space to really open up a house and provide a get-away for

basement, so they don’t have to run up and down the stairs. An

members of the family feeling crowded in other spaces.

overhanging countertop with stool seating completes the space.

“For this client, creating a space to meet the entire

The next area was the home theater and gaming area. A

family’s needs individually and as a unit was very import-

large screen projector system was installed with the screen

ant,” says Sonny Nazemian, master designer/remodeler at

set in wooden custom cabinetry to match the bar area. There’s

Michael Nash. “This was a completely blank slate down to

enough storage to keep the entertainment system as well as

the studs, so we had a lot to work with and we were able to

DVD’s and games for the video gaming unit. Enough room

create the perfect space.”

was left to the side of the theater to include table games and CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

43

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

“Ou r job is to work w ith the fa m i ly at whatever

sta ge they come to us a nd create a versat i le space that meets thei r needs.

We wa nt each cl ient to

be com for ta ble a nd use

the space f i rst, a nd then add the specia l desig n

elements that ma ke the space a place ever yone wa nts to come to.”

— Son ny Na zem ia n,

master desig ner/remodeler

A fitness room is a great use of basement space.

more storage cabinets. The area is open to the theater so poker players can still watch the game.

44

Wood flooring was installed through the majority of the basement to match the wide entry staircase and tile was

A smaller room was finished with plenty of storage and

added in the bar area to help separate the spaces. Another

toys for the young children and the adults got their own

design feature was the inlaid ceilings in the different areas

fitness area complete with a “gym-style” mirrored wall.

complete with colored lighting. This gives a design focus

The final area was a guest room with a gorgeous modern

to each area, creates a separation between the rooms and

bathroom with custom cabinets, and a new shower with

brings a whimsical look with color. Large doors open into

river stone flooring, modern tile and rain shower. Now

the backyard so the family can enjoy indoor/outdoor living

friends and family can visit and have their own space.

and bring in the natural light.

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

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Now the kids have a place to play.

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“Families and their needs change

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over time,” says Sonny. “Our job is to work with the family at whatever stage they come to us and create a versatile space that meets their needs. We want each client to be comfortable and use the space first, and then add the special design elements that make the space a place everyone wants to come to.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, don’t wait. A seller will always negotiate the best deal when demand is high and supply is low.

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CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

45

LOCAL LIMELIGHT ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MELINDA GIPSON

and Chief Marketing Strategist of Conveyance Marketing

YEA! Nurtures Young Entrepreneurs

Group; Kindra Dionne, President and CEO of Purpose

HERE ARE A FEW 2021 GRADUATES

YEA!, THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY (HTTP://YEAUSA.ORG) IS A NATIONAL PROGRAM DESIGNED TO TRANSFORM LOCAL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (GRADES 6-12) INTO CONFIDENT ENTREPRENEURS. It was founded in 2004 at Rochester University with the help of a grant from the Kaufman Foundation.

Loudoun County youth participate with the help of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, it’s program coordinator Faith Shoup, and volunteer instructors like Eric Byrd, manager of the Small Business Development Center of George Mason University; Kristine Jacobson, Founder

WorX LLC, and Chris Ricci, NVA Career Coaching LLC. Each instructor then recruits additional mentors to help the 24 students selected each year bring their ideas to life.

Through a rigorous, year-long curriculum, kids generate business ideas, do market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their companies.

Just 30 students from around the world then compete for the top prize of a $30,000 scholarship to the Rochester Institute of Technology. This year, Abhinav Sheth made the cut. (For winners, watch: https://bit.ly/YEA2021winners.)

A B H I N AV S H E T H OUT OF THE BOX COSTUMES Like many entrepreneurial ideas, Abhinav Sheth’s is deceptively simple. The Eagle Ridge Middle-Schooler’s business idea was to create unique and memorable “Out of the Box” costume kits that families could assemble in less than an hour. Giving each costume a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math or STEAM theme, would add an extra hook for parents who would likely be buying the costumes, he reasoned.

Local YEA! Instructors paired him with a mentor from StageCoach Theatre who knows something about costumes. Each of the kits comes with colorfully pre-printed foam boards with Velcro strips strategically attached to adjust to the right size for each kid.

Among his current designs are a Rubik’s Cube, a popcorn box, and a washing machine, each field-proven to generate plenty of candy Trick-or-Treating! There is already a website (https://www.outofthebox costumes.com/) and a plan to break even this year.

46

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

Abhinav Sheth, Out of the Box Costumes

ISHAAN VERMA ONTRACK Ishaan Verma’s business OnTrack was inspired by his transition to high school at Broad Run. A student athlete, he soon found himself overloaded with academics, basketball practice and college prep work. “I just couldn’t process the workload, and people were trying to talk to me about college applications when I hadn’t even started thinking about college.” Joining clubs to build his resume all combined to make it very difficult to manage his time, and he knew from comments from his friends that he wasn’t the only one feeling stressed.

So, he designed OnTrack as a collaborative app that uses four key features to help rising high school students cope with the transition from middle school. The first feature is mentoring section that allows underclassmen to tap the advice of seniors, who are repaid with trackable service hours. A second feature is a personalized work-out plan, helpful even to students who aren’t athletes to stay in shape with diet and exercise. A third section helps students keep track of all their extracurricular activities, college testing scores and essays as well as their GPA so they can find the right college. And, finally there’s a schedule that will help the student manage

Ishaan Verma, OnTrack

all his or her goals each day.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

47

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Aryaa Agarwal, Bubblery

A R YA A A G A R WA L BUBBLERY Aryaa Agarwal’s introduction to business was selling bath bombs at a yard sale when she was 7 or 8. So, essentially, the 15-year-old Broad Run / Academies of Loudoun student has been in business literally half of her life. Bath bombs, a combination of ingredients designed to help people relax in the bath, were popular back when she was “really little,” she explains, and they sold like hotcakes. Her current interests in both chemistry and cosmetics have combined to inspire her to develop her own custom skincare brand.

After brainstorming with the program advisors, she decided that custom face masks would be easier to scale than bath bombs and body butters.

As a second-place winner in YEA!’s local pitch to investors, she is using her $1000 award to design her website and work on product formulation and materials sourcing. Next, she’ll be looking into packaging and brand design. Once that’s done, she’ll move on to product photography and marketing. She hopes to work with local retail outlets providing samples so consumers can get a feel for the product before they buy.

The science of beauty is a really dynamic field and is the subject of much research, she says.

With respect to ingredients, she’s already a bit biased. “People get the image in their mind that chemicals are bad, but in fact only a specific set of chemicals are bad. Others are really beneficial for you.” She adds, “Business is about challenges – but you just keep pushing forward.”

48

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

Angela Rutta, Ender

A N G E L A R U T TA ENDER Angela Rutta, a rising Junior at Riverside High School, fell in love with the idea of selling used clothing with animal prints to help preserve the animals that the prints represent. Animal prints like cheetah, or tiger or leopard, “never go out of style,” she asserted; it just makes sense that consumers would want to find something at a good price that also helps the environment.

She was well familiar with stores like Plato’s Closet, a popular consignment chain store. But online stores like Etsy are more likely to attract her own generation. A donation drive at school helped her collect more than 50 items, which she’ll have posted to Etsy and Instagram soon.

See: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelasPrintShopUS. She says she is an entrepreneur because, “I like being able to know that I can solve a problem by creating something of my own.”

She calls her store Ender as a contraction for endangered and “also because it sounds cool.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

49

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

OLIVER SHIGLEY STOCKSWAP Oliver Shigley’s business, StockSwap, is a marketplace like eBay or Mercado Libre that allows you to sell items, but instead of the proceeds going into your bank account, they are allowed to be transferred into the financial markets to buy stocks, bonds or ETFs. “It’s primarily for people who don’t have the money to get their portfolio started. It’s also a way for kids to learn about how investing works.”

The 16-year-old junior at Briar Woods High School devised his business plan during the pandemic when he was looking for a way to help people who were losing their jobs or unable to go to work. “Even though it’s a forprofit business, it’s also a way to help people by teaching them about the financial markets.” This year, he says he’s learned everything from how to start and run a business

Oliver Shigley, StockSwap

YUVRAJ CHAUHAN ZBOT Yuvraj Chauhan, a 10th grader at John Champe High School, also devised a software-based business, but his invention Zbot is designed to relieve workers of monotonous and repetitive tasks. He learned by interning at small law firms that such businesses process hundreds of invoices using a staff of 5-10 people, when a virtual robot could be trained to perform the same function – dropping dollar amounts into the right field in Excel sheets – for much less time and money.

Essentially the bot uses Optical Character Recognition to capture information and turn it into useful data, Yuvraj explains. He hastens to point out that his target market isn’t the giant corporations or tech companies who have IT departments to manage these tasks, but smaller companies like a mid-sized law firm who don't. He has already gotten the system up and running for a client. “I just came up with a way to make it really simplified and transparent to the client. It’s not complicated, but it gets the job done.”

Just don’t call him a developer. “I would be better as a leader of the company," he says.

50

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

to how to get his idea patented.

Yuvraj Chauhan, Zbot

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51

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

ARTICLE DR. SHOHREH SHARIF D.D.S, FAAPD, FICD

Nutrition IMPORTANT FOR ORAL AND OVERALL HEALTH

NUTRITION, COUPLED WITH DIET, AND EXERCISE ARE KEYS TO LIFELONG HEALTH. What we eat and drink greatly affects our mouths and entire bodies. The United States Surgeon General has stated that without attention to oral health you can’t be your healthiest self! We need to have good nutrition and a healthy diet to be able to have our best gums, teeth, and smiles.

In today’s world, food is not just a source of nutrition – it is a part of our culture and society. It is important that we do our best to maintain a healthy diet. This means a diet that includes all nutrients in the right amounts. A healthy diet is based on variety, balance, and moderation.

NUTRIENTS HAVE THREE BASIC FUNCTIONS IN THE BODY: + provide energy + regulate functions + contribute to its building structure

Dr. Shohreh Sharif D.D.S, FAAPD, FICD

Very few foods consist of just a single nutrient. In

Dr. Shohreh Sharif has been practicing dentistry for 25 years.

fact, one of the only ones is table sugar. It is exclusively

She is: Associate Professor, Howard University College of

a carbohydrate. Most are a combination of nutrients.

Dentistry Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Milk, as an example, contains carbohydrates, proteins,

Diplomate, American Orthodontic Society IAD Top Pediat-

fats, water, vitamins, and minerals.

ric Dentist among Leading Physicians of the World Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Acknowledgements: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (2021) Department of Human Health Services (2019)

52

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

THESE NUTRIENTS ARE CLASSIFIED IN

putting in your body is what you want to be

SIX MAJOR CATEGORIES:

putting in your body.

+ carbohydrates (sugars, starches, and fibers)

Children and teenagers are constantly grow-

+ proteins (animal or vegetable)

ing so their diet is even more important in ensur-

+ fats (animal or vegetable - vegetable liquid

ing healthy teeth and bones. A major risk for chil-

is preferred)

dren is constant sugar exposure in the mouth,

+ vitamins

leaving teeth susceptible to breakdown and

+ minerals

then to cavities. Sippy cups are a leading cause

+ water

of constant contact of the teeth with sugars. In older children and teenagers sugary beverages

It is important to understand the difference

such as juices, sodas, and sports drinks bring

between a calorie and a nutrient as well. Calories

about these risks. Drinking plenty of water is

are measures of energy. Carbohydrates and pro-

always the best choice.

teins provide about the same amount of calories,

Maintain a variety in food selection. Whole

gram for gram, whereas fats provide double the

grains, fruits, vegetables, and variable protein

amount. Energy is vital to have, but excess energy

sources comprise a balanced meal. Always keep

is stored in the body as fat. Nutrients serve auxil-

in mind how important what we put in our bodies

iary functions, fats provide insulation, and proteins

is for our oral and overall health. Restricting sweets

give the building block for tissues and muscles.

to an occasional dessert helps keep sugar levels in

My Plate is a program celebrating its 10-year

control. Reducing snacking between meals also is

anniversary that is helpful in making every bite

a great change to make. Taking care of our body

count. Its personalized program allows you to

with good diet and nutrition will give us the best

track and better understand if what you are

chances to have our most beautiful smile!

Children and teenagers a r e c o n s ta n t ly g r o w i n g so their diet is even more i m p o r ta n t i n e n s u r i n g h e a lt h y t e e t h a n d b o n e s .

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

53

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Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

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Colleen M. Stutz, Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Licensed Insurance Agency. *Financial Adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC, A Registered Investment Adviser. SonRise Strategies, LLC is not owned or operated by NYLIFE Securities LLC or its affiliates. NYLIFE Securities and Eagle Strategies are New York Life Insurance companies.

One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is the gift of education.

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

55

GIVING BACK

at equus can educate, the horses teach the humans

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MELINDA GIPSON

Kalea Davis, a program alumnae, leads Patsy through a training course

56

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

"Sometimes it 's easier to learn from a horse, whose responses are immediate, honest, and nonjudgmental, t han in a classroom," says Robin. "Horses will respond in specific ways when t heir instructions are clear. T hat 's when ( t he students) understand t hat communicating in a positive way will get bet ter resul ts."

BY

ASSISTED

and increases their ability to apply what they

LEARNING, ROBIN’S ORGANIZATION,

PROVIDING

EQUINE

learn to their roles as students, friends, and

EQUUS CAN EDUCATE IN PURCELLVILLE,

family members in real time.

RESCUES BOTH HORSES AND PEOPLE. It

“Sometimes it’s easier to learn from a

exists to connect the equine world with the

horse, whose responses are immediate,

general public. By being led through a series

honest, and nonjudgmental, than in a class-

of basic tasks, horses teach people to com-

room,” says Robin. “Horses will respond in

municate with themselves and with other

specific ways when their instructions are

humans, just by paying attention.

clear. That’s when (the students) under-

Robin’s background is in education and she grew up owning, riding, and show-

stand that communicating in a positive way will get better results.”

ing horses as a kid on Long Island. She

Her students come once a week for six

taught in the Loudoun County Public schools

weeks and emerge with new skills at com-

for a decade, and wanted to continue teach-

municating, confidence, listening, focus, and

ing in some way after leaving the class-

basically the framework to build good rela-

room. Nostalgic for her history with horses,

tionships with other people.

she became certified in equine assisted

Rescue horses make the perfect teachers

learning, then added math, science and

in this arena, because they haven’t had their

language arts to her own curriculum. Equus

individual personalities trained out of them,

Can Educate’s programs thus focus on help-

Robin believes. Patsy, the dominant mare of

ing students of all ages discover their true

Robin’s five horses, had been abandoned

strengths and abilities.

and had to survive on her own for a while.

“What I’m trying to do is close that gap

Just as she is dominant in her current herd,

for kids who may benefit from learning a

she’ll often try to dominate people who

different way,” she says. Loudoun teachers

work with her. “So, she teaches confidence

familiar with the program recommend stu-

– that’s her gift. It’s neat to see kids go from

dents that they know have the capacity for

being pretty timid to be very competent han-

leadership, but who may act withdrawn or

dlers. By the end of the day of working with

disinterested in learning. The experiential

her, students have learned to set boundaries

nature of working with horses brings “learn-

– to say no, that's not where I was looking to

ing to life,” which both motivates students,

go,” Robin says.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Leesburg

57

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

The smallest member of Robin’s team is Poppy the Popstar, a miniature horse who is 24 years old. Poppy leads a pre-school mommy-and-me program where children ages 2 to 5 lead her, dance with her, enjoy story time, and brush her, all while working on physical confidence, social emotional control, and enjoying interacting with their parents, other children, and of course, Poppy.

Equus seeks support in the way of grants and corporate donations for her programs with the Loudoun County Public School system’s elementary and middle schools. Corporations that support the programs can take part in a similar experience for employees to boost their own team-building, camaraderie and confidence.

See https://equuscaneducate.org/ for more info.

“Our horses are here to make connections with people,” and those people then go on to build the relationships they need to help them lead and succeed,” Robin says.

Poppy the Popstar

Robin and Ken LaFrankie

58

Leesburg Lifestyle | August 2021

Kalea and Odie Reading

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