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Thursday, March 30 2017 / Published in General

Equestrian Destination: Lexington, Virginia

Downtown Lexington, Virginia

By Britney Grover

There aren’t many cities in the United States with a history as long as that of Lexington, Virginia, from Native American habitation as long as 11,000 years ago, to the life and death of Stonewall Jackson, to the world-class Virginia Horse Center’s continuing legacy. For a town of just over 7,000 people, Lexington is a hotspot for horse lovers and history buffs alike, one that shouldn’t be missed.

Main Street Lexington at dark

Sue Tallon has lived in Lexington for over 30 years, beginning when her husband was hired as director of riding at a local college. “Then they built the Virginia Horse Center, and I didn’t start being a secretary because of it, but it did coincide,” Sue said. She began working horse shows at Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia, eventually expanding to all over the area including the Washington International Horse Show for 12 years. “Now I work all over the place, but I do about six shows a year at the Virginia Horse Center, which is very lucky for me because I get to stay home for the winter and still work. It’s been a real bonus; Lexington is a lovely place to live.”

The Natural Bridge in Lexington

As show secretary, Sue is often the first one exhibitors ask for recommendations if they’re visiting the area. When it comes to food suggestions, Sue is quick to respond. “Lunch, dinner or anything, my top, number one go-to place is The Southern Inn Restaurant.” Though The Southern Inn will celebrate its 85th anniversary this year, the restaurant has been renovated and innovated, including a nearly complete rebuild following a lightning strike in 2010, to become a popular contemporary American cuisine destination. When it comes to good food, lightning certainly does strike twice. “George Huger is the owner-chef, and I love his rigatoni Bolognese. It’s my favorite, but everything is good.” So good, in fact, that Sue overcame her child nemesis: brussels sprouts. “When I heard about the new fried brussels sprouts appetizer with bacon aioli sauce, I thought, ‘I don’t think I’ll have that.’ Now, I tell them it should be on the dessert menu, too; it’s so good! George fixes them outstanding. Absolutely outstanding.”

Carriage rides in Lexington

In addition to a varied menu and great food, Sue also lauds The Southern Inn Restaurant’s wine list and cocktails. “I enjoy going and eating at the bar, because you just meet nice people that way. We’re a big tourist town, especially for Civil War buffs.” But even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a “buff,” Lexington’s historical sites are rich and interesting. Robert E. Lee, who was president of Lexington’s Washington & Lee University, is buried beneath the Lee Chapel on campus, where visitors can also peruse a small museum. Outside the chapel, a plaque marks the final resting place of Lee’s favorite horse, Traveller, where visitors traditionally leave pennies and other offerings, such as apples or even sugar cubes. The University’s current president lives in the Lee House, where Traveller’s stall door stands open to let the horse’s spirit wander freely.

Stonewall Jackson’s Tomb and Memorial Cemetery

Another horse honored in Lexington is Little Sorrel, the mount of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. Little Sorrel stands in the Virginia Military Institute Museum alongside Jackson’s bullet-riddled raincoat. The Stonewall Jackson House is a museum in downtown Lexington where visitors can learn more about the famed general, and his tomb is in Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, a popular stop for historical tours such as the Lexington Carriage Company’s horse-drawn carriage rides. A more modern military icon, George Marshall graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1901, and his life and accomplishments are presented at the Marshall Museum, including his Nobel Peace Prize.

Hulls Drive In

“Preston Hall at Virginia Military Institute has an interesting museum on the history of the school,” said Sue. “So there are a lot of interesting things to do. If you’re a history buff, you’re in heaven. If you want to hike and you like that sort of thing, there’s plenty of that to do, too.” Located in the 10-mile nook between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Lexington is home to many trails along rivers or through the woods. Kayaking, golf, fishing, hunting, and even skiing and snowboarding in the winter will keep the adventurous soul busy. “The river goes right by the Virginia Horse Center, which has tons of trails you can walk or ride on, and go right down to the river.”

Goshen Pass

For the shopper, Lexington is rife with gift stores. “We have a beautiful store called Hamilton-Robbins. It’s lovely, and I love going there. They always have something — if you need a gift for someone, it’s the first place I would go. We have The Cocoa Mill, they make chocolate and have great stuff. Our downtown isn’t huge; it’s smaller than a mall. But it’s cute, and it’s always a kick.”

For entertainment, Washington & Lee University’s theater program is never a miss. “We also have a local ballet company, and an outdoor theater. They do a lot of outdoor concerts and things during the summer.” For a picturesque 1950 experience, try Hull’s Drive-In Theatre: a genuine drive-in movie theater that shows first-run movies. Hull’s shows double features every night, offers an FM sound broadcast, is pet friendly and is completely non-profit and community-owned. “At one point, it was going out of business and everybody got together and saved it,” said Sue. Now, Hull’s gets most of its funding from donations and concessions, and is mainly volunteer-run.

Thunder in the Valley Calvary Ride and Reenactment

With a rich history and small-town community, Lexington experience doesn’t stop when one gets to the Horse Center, either. “It’s a great facility. Since I’ve lived in what’s the USEF Zone 3 for all of my life, I knew a lot of the trainers who come here when they were kids, and we have a really good bunch of exhibitors. The people who come from other zones to show at some of our bigger horse shows have always remarked, ‘It seems like the trainers are all friends,’ and I say, ‘Well, they are!’” Sue related with a laugh. “They are. They all help each other out, and they’re just a great bunch. A lot of them are well-known all over the country. We have a good bunch of exhibitors here, and I’m always happy when I come back. It’s like family. It really is.”

For more information and to plan your own Lexington stay, go to LexingtonVirginia.com.

Photos Courtesy of Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism

A beautiful country road in Lexington, Virginia

Lee Chapel

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Tagged under: britney grover, lexington virginia, sue tallon

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We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
13.1hh, Welsh section B
Stud Fee $750 (plus collection)
AI only and EVA negative
Fairfield, VA

Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #sidelinesmagzine
Don't get caught without your green on today!🍀🍀
 
In today's featured article, we have Jessica Howington, who is dressed for the occasion in her green shirt! Jessica is the Owner/Rider at CrownView Dressage, a Realtor with Showcase Properties of Central Florida, and a Nurse Practitioner! Jessica has been involved with horses since she was a little girl. Everything from bareback to eventing she tried until she found her love for dressage.

Today, she and her family own CrownView Dressage, a 157-acre training, boarding, and breeding facility in Ocala, Florida. Jessica started training and teaching but felt as if her life was still missing something. Until Jessica focused on horses full-time, she didn’t realize how important the healthcare field was to her life. Jessica missed seeing patients and being in the medical field. Jessica is now back to working again as a nurse practitioner while also focusing on training her five competition horses, including her Grand Prix mare Cavalia. 

Jessica feels lucky 🍀 to have two amazing parents who have supported her in all of her endeavors and instilled the importance of work ethic, morals, dedication, and sacrifice. 

You can read all about Jessica and how she's finding fulfillment in her busy lifestyle in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Click the link in our bio for more 

✳️Tag us in your “lucky” photos for a chance to be featured on our story! Happy st. Patrick’s day everyone!🍀🍀

📸Photos by Melissa Fuller, msfullerphotography.com 

#stpatricksday #irish #stpattysday #green #ireland #luckoftheirish #stpaddysday #shamrock #happystpatricksday #lucky #saintpatricksday #leprechaun #stpatricks #stpatrick #kissmeimirish #clover #paddysday #march #potofgold #stpattys #love #beer #guinness #shopsmall #handmade #stpatricksdaydecor #stpatricksdayoutfit #fourleafclover #stpatricksdayparade #luckycharms
Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no stranger to balancing a busy schedule. From serving as president of the Pony Club South Region Youth Board to working on her online high school courses and modeling gigs, Devon has nearly every minute of her time planned out. And with her horses right in her backyard in Ball Ground, Georgia, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Devon’s fast-paced lifestyle stems from growing up around her parents’ animal casting business, Animal Casting Atlanta, where they train and provide animals for projects in the film industry. Devon’s parents, Carol and Greg, took her on her first film job at just two weeks old; both parents pushed Devon toward acting when she was younger. While Devon didn’t want to be an actor herself, she did follow in their footsteps with her love of animals, especially horses. 

“My parents’ company has provided animals for ‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Suicide Squad,’ a majority of the Marvel TV shows, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and so many more,” Devon said.

Devon started her equestrian journey when she was 9 years old. Initially, the Tresans bought a flashy gray Welsh pony, I Am Superman, for Devon to take in the hunter ring. However, Superman lived up to his name and proved to be too speedy for the job. 

“He was super cute and just a great little ride,” Devon said, “but he was still a pony! He made me work hard for everything we accomplished together. I was lucky enough to ride with a trainer who did both hunters and eventing, so we were able to switch disciplines pretty easily. Those eventing lessons together kickstarted my love for the sport.”

Read all about Devon and her busy life in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more
@TrDevon Lane Tresan  @Devontresan

📸Photo by Carol Lane Tresan
📸Photo courtesy of Devon Tresan
📸Modeling photo by Sara Hanna, @atlphotos 

#model #fashion #photography #love #style #instagood #photooftheday #beauty #instagram #beautiful #like #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #Sidelinesmagazine
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