Virginia Equestrian Center
540-229-5911
Our Story
Over 40 years ago, the late Gil Stephenson, began his horse shoeing, breeding and training journey with Stephenson Quarter Horses. Now his memory lives on and so does his dream, in a new form! Started in 2021 by Gil's daughter, Amanda Rednour (Stephenson). The farm, now christened, Stephenson Equestrian Connection LLC, is thriving as a family farm teaching all ages about horses, helping with individual horse training needs and introducing everyone, human and equine, to the benefits of Equestrian Yoga!
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Read on for our full story!
A Dedicated Farrier and Horseman
Gil Stephenson started Stephenson Quarter Horses, a breeding and training farm, as a family business. His talent and compassion with horses and as a farrier and trainer helped make Stephenson Quarter Horses a success for over 4 decades!
An Untimely Death
On December 13th 2016 Gil Stephenson passed away, from a heart attack doing what he loved, working with care on a horses hooves. He was laid to rest by many friends and family; leaving a farm, family and horses behind to decided how to continue.
Picking up the Pieces
Gil's daughter, Amanda decided, after a few years of hard work on the 9 to 5 path, that it was time to start a dream of her own! With her father's beloved farm, the last five horses, and not much else; Stephenson Equestrian Connection LLC was founded 4 years later to bring the joys of horses, and riding and training them, to others!
Keeping the Dream Alive!
Amanda Rednour (Stephenson) grew up on the farm, riding, starting, training and showing Quarter Horses alongside her parents. With an ROM in pole bending from the APHA, 28+ years of show ring experience in AQHA Western Pleasure, AQHA Hunter Under Saddle, Open Jumping, NBHA Barrel Racing and other Timed Events; as well as knowledge and interest in Equestrian Yoga, Pilates and Acupressure, Amanda can help you achieve your Equine goals in many different areas!
Looking Toward the Future!
The future holds a lot of promise for Stephenson Equestrian Connection LLC as we expand our business, meet new friends, make barn and property improvements, attend horse shows with our students, introduce our new Equestrian Yoga classes (coming July 2022), expand our training opportunities and grow our clientele. Contact us today about boarding, training, or riding lessons!!
Stephenson Equestrian Connection's Mission
"I want to help people learn from and work with horses, to better improve their lives (physically and mentally), find balance in nature, and build relationships with equines and people that are based out of trust and respect"-Amanda Rednour
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