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
Melissa Davies - Riding Instructor & Trainer
Melissa Davies started riding at the age of five on her father’s farm. Through High School she showed in Hunter/Jumpers and worked at barns to help support the horses she owned. She thoroughly believes that knowing how to care for a horse is just as important
as in knowing how to ride a horse.
After Equine Business Management study at University of Maryland, Melissa moved back to Virginia where she managed a warm blood
breeding facility.
Her love of these beautiful four legged creatures is extremely strong. She has spent the last 30 years of her life with them and they have always been a part of her, and she gives herself to them.
Whether it is Polo, Dressage, Jumping, Trail Riding, English or Western; Melissa can share her love and connection with these animals, and teach you the same!
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.
Leyla Nichols - Riding Instructor and Trainer
Leyla believes that horses are one of the healthiest ways in which you can enrich your life. She is passionate about sharing her love of horses and riding with others to encourage new learning, self confidence, physical fitness and goals. She also believes that interacting with horses teaches children and teenagers very important life lessons like responsibility and accountability. Leyla has experience in many areas of horsemanship yet found her niche with Dressage as a teenager because of the sport's ability to be both mentally and physically challenging & rewarding to riders of any age or ability. "The beautiful thing about Dressage is you're always learning, always." She and her 5-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Don Pachino, are developing their partnership in Dressage in preparation for competition. Meanwhile, she also enjoys trail riding alongside her family and friends.
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.