About Us
Tom Russell - Owner
Tom Russell is the owner of the Silver Eagle Stable. He's a retired Marine Corps Colonel and the son of an Army officer. Tom grew up on military installations in the country and started riding in 1973, at military base stables. His riding was interrupted - off and on with military maneuvers, college and then with deployments when he became a full time Marine. Upon retiring, Tom established a successful consulting company and has now decided to pursue something that he has enjoyed since his days in the 70's. Tom has shared his life and love of horses with his wife, Vicki Russell for 28 years - together they have three children and one granddaughter.
Tom looks forward to creating the perfect equestrian facility for people who have a love for horses, family, good company, and a desire to learn. He looks forward to the next chapter in the equestrian ring of life. He can be contacted via email at trussell@sestable.com or by calling 703-594-4328.
Chris & Tammy Noakes - Managers
Chris and Tammy are a co-managerial team who have an engineering and law enforcement background. Tammy has had a love of horses since an early age and is a proud Army Brat. Chris embraces the challenges of property management. They have been married for over 30 years and have many plans to keep improving Silver Eagle!
Instructors
Kimberly Gregory - Riding Instructor
Kimberly Ross Gregory has been riding and taking care of horses for 23 years and competing for 19. Her focus has mainly been in Eventing but she has dabbled a little in Hunters and Western. She attended Averett University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Equestrian Studies, focus on Riding Instruction. After college she was a working student for an upper level Event rider (Christan Trainor) in Southern Pines, NC. After moving back to Northern Virginia, she has been working closely with top Eventing coach, Lisa Reid. Kimberly has been teaching a wide range of students since 2010. Her passion is working with young horses, particularly Off the Track Thoroughbreds, and bringing them along slowly and correctly. The latest project horse has gone on to compete at Pony Club Championships with her new owner. Kim's current horse, Follow The Rainbow aka Oz, has been off the track since July 2017 and is loving his new life as an Event Horse!
Kristen Koneczny - Riding Instructor and Trainer
Kristen is a local artist and avid horseback rider with over 30 years of experience. She began competing as a teen in Hunter/Jumper shows before moving on to competitive trail riding. An artistic and creative background influences her teaching style. Kristen's philosophy lays a good foundation for the basics of the horse/rider relationship. Lessons will have a heavy emphasis on horsemanship as well as learning the proper posturing needed to become a skilled rider.
Cynthia Kurtz - Riding Instructor and Trainer
Cynthia is an accomplished rider and trainer with more than 15 years of experience in the saddle. A lifelong horse lover, she spent the first part of her riding career in eventing and dressage before switching to western riding. She also has experience working with polo ponies and thoroughbred racehorses. Her training and teaching methods rely heavily on natural horsemanship, incorporating techniques from Clinton Anderson, Stacy Westfall, Monty Roberts, and Centered Riding. Cynthia just graduated from George Washington University in Washington, DC. and is kept busy not only teaching lessons and schooling horses but also starting her career at one of our amazing museums here in our Nation's Capital!
Sarah Montgomery - Riding Instructor and Trainer
Sarah continues to strive for improvement and in her search she has learned from trainers and clinicians such as Clinton Anderson, Pat Parelli, Ken McNabb, Josh Lyons and Al Dunning and developed a training style that she finds creates a very trusting partner in each horse. She believes in ground work as a platform for your partnership where clear communication between you and your horse is key and that communication continues under saddle. Your horse is learning from the moment you walk into the pasture to the moment that you walk back out. She has experience in halter breaking, starting under saddle, ground work, creating safe trail horses, lessons, tune ups, safe trailer loading, establishing softness in bit and leg cues, reining, working cowhorses, ranch horse pleasure and cutting. With 14 years experience learning from many of today's top clinicians she looks forward to sharing her knowledge to help you and your horse become better partners. Sarah graduated from Central Washington University with a BS in Biology in June 2012 (studying animal behavior and physiology), became a certified Ken McNabb Apprentice in July 2012 and her most recent training has been with reining & cutting world champion Al Dunning toward his Trainer Protege Certification.
Kristina Tarr - Riding Instructor and Trainer
Kristina Tarr grew up in Romeo, Michigan and has been riding and competing for 15 years, working her way from local “C” circuit Hunter Jumper shows to regional “A” circuit USHJA shows with her trainer and team at Shenanigans Farm. During this time she worked with numerous “problem” and green horses while also bringing her first Off the Track Thoroughbred along as her personal horse. Kristina is now living in Virginia as an Active Duty Marine while also studying Business at the Pennsylvania State University. She has recently bought a new project horse, Piper, who is a barn favorite at Silver Eagle while giving beginner through advanced English riding lessons specializing in building strong fundamentals essential for jumping. Additionally, Kristina is available for horse training, tune ups, or to address behavioral issues.