BURNING QUESTIONSfrom our readers

10 CRITICALELEMENTS OF PROPERSADDLE FIT

HEARTBEATS:Honoring the Codeof the Cowboy

CONDITIONINGYOUR GAITEDHORSEfor the trail

CHRISTMASGIFTSfor thetrail rider

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SALAMANDERR E S O R T & S P AEnjoying the best of Virginia at just the right pace

BY S U S A N A G I B S O N | P H OTO S BY L I N DA W O O D S

Salamander Resort & Spa is designed to look like a Virginia mansion, and features 168 rooms and suites. Photo by Justin Kriel

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I got up from the computer that had consumed my full attention for the past eight hours. I rubbed my eyes and stretched my back. I’m tired. I really

need a vacation, a getaway from work. The first voice I heard was: “You don’t have time right now to be away from home and work.” Then the second voice spoke the loudest on this day: a getaway is the best use of time, it relaxes and refreshes you and you always return with a fresh new energy and focus.” My sister Linda and I had been trying to plan for a fun adventure, so I said it out loud: ”I AM GOING ON A VACATION AND GETAWAY FROM WORK!”

The historic town of Middleburg, Virginia is within walking distance of the resort.

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I would go in September, so my list of needs was pretty short: horses, fall colors and a setting that was luxurious, with a sense of homey comfort. I let my mind wander, and in a few minutes the state of Virginia came to mind. I had been there several times years ago and my memories were charming. Middleburg, Virginia, was established in 1787, and is set in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

From its architecture and historical icons to the unique culture of its citizens, Virginia has not left its Americana heritage behind. And never in your life will you see this much green. Okay, Virginia in September it will be. But where exactly?

It was a pretty short research period, when I came across the website of The Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Virginia. I know Middleburg, my memories reminded me of a beautiful country community. Done. I called my sister and asked if she would like a getaway to see the falls colors in Virginia; her yes came quickly!

DESTINATION SALAMANDER RESORT AND SPA, MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

We chose a weekend in September because that happened to be one of their specials—“THE VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP STEEPLECHASE PACKAGE.” I’ve always wanted to see a steeplechase, so here we go!

We flew into Washington Dulles International Airport, and took about 35 minutes to arrive at the resort, just enough time to shake off the work thing and let the rolling green of Virginia fill our sights. Linda and I simultaneously and quietly gasped when the driver turned the corner into a long driveway to the entrance. Here was a combination of elegance and luxury, yet the layout gave you a sense of home. We were met by smiling young people in full English riding attire (including tall boots), and this would be a theme of the Salamander. From the bellman

Sheila C. Johnson lives within a few miles of Salamander Resort, and you never know when you will see her wan-dering the property she created. Johnson, a successful entrepreneur and impassioned philanthropist, is Vice Chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and President and Managing Partner of the WNBA’s Wash-ington Mystics. She is the only African-American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals.  She also serves on the Executive Committee of the United States Golf Association. In 2006, Ms. Johnson  was named global ambassador for CARE, a leading humanitarian organization that combats

global poverty by empowering women.

THE SPAWhen you book one treat-ment (massage, facials, etc.) at the spa, you have a pass to enjoy the entire spa expe-rience for the rest of the day. (1) The entrance to the spa, right off the main entrance to the resort, continues the equestrian theme with stall doors and horse trough wa-ter falls. (2) After my mas-sage I snuggled down in the relaxing room with fresh fruit and water. Bring a good book because you can re-lax there as long as you like! (3) This room had the whirlpool, and two heated Tepidarium lounges to just melt in! The glass room is a spacious steam spa room (4). The Vitality Whirlpool had a 14-foot domed ceiling and sparkling lights as if you were under the stars. It was hard to leave!

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to the entrance into the restrooms that look like stall doors, everything honored the horse.

This was the ambiance that greeted us no matter where we ventured on the property. After sitting by the fireplace and baby grand piano for a bit to relax and take it in at our own pace, we walked down the hall to reservations, a simple, elegant desk. As we walked to our room, both Linda and I studied every painting and sculpture, each uniquely equestrian.

Our room could not have been more perfect. Spacious, with table, couch, fireplace, all deco-rated equestrian (down to the trim on the sheets), and opening out onto a veranda that looks over the huge lawns that slope into the woods. There are walking and horse paths at the edge of the lawn into the forest, so you can sit outside and just soak in the Virginia ambiance.

“WE HAD A RESORT TO EXPLORE”

We had thought about relaxing for the rest of the day, but there was no nap in the cards for us. Here was such a spectacular blue-sky day and we had a resort to explore! Checking the activity schedule, we saw an “Equi-Spective Experience” starting soon, and there were a few spots left.

Linda and I signed up and changed into casual equestrian attire. We

walked across the way, into everyone’s dream of the perfect barn. The cedarwood floor to ceiling, the gorgeous stall doors where we could peek in to see beautiful horses of all sizes and colors.

We were introduced to Sheryl Jordan, Equestrian Director, and her assistant Kaelin Creange, and found out our class would include seven

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Salamander offers board-ing of guest horses, and

is also dog friendly!

BRING YOUR OWN HORSE AND DOG!

THE COOKING STUDIOThe Cooking Studio was an amazing experience, because the kitchen opens directly into this room. Visiting chefs can interact with the cooking studio guests while pre-paring full meals or selec-tions. The studio offers a wide range of cooking classes every week.

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people. Some had long experience with horses; others had none. It didn’t matter; in fact, that mixture made the learning experi-ence all the richer. This Equi-Spective is not about just riding a horse; it is about the unique self-discovery that unites horse and human in a very special way.

Sheryl touched all of us when she said: “You should never get on a horse that you don’t have some level of relationship with.” What we learned over the next several hours was how to partner with a horse and have a two-way conversation. When the class was over, every single one of the seven people said it was life chang-ing for them.

By the time we got back to our room, we were tired and inspired at the same time, so we rested with a crackling fire going and the sun going down over the resort. We joined in a group dinner in their Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, a private dining area. As with the entire resort, the floors and walls and furniture were created to look very old yet contemporary. The table was HUGE, and we shared the next few hours with a group of guests at Salamander. The one thing that none of us talked about was—WORK!

I am speechless to describe the flavors and taste their kitchen prepares for the guests, but it is regional cuisine and created by a Five Star Chef who makes every piece of the meal, from appetizers to bread to the main course and, of course, dessert … an experience that was really memorable.

(Top) The Boxwood Winery, owned and managed by Rachel Martin, is within a few minute drive of Salaman-der and they have a wonderful tour and wine tasting experience. Sala-mander created a special event for us, and we were able to spend a couple hours at the winery with Rachael, as we learned the fascinating talent of making good wine! (Left) Susana enjoys an enchanting dinner with the group, wine tasting Boxwood wine of course!

THE 76TH RUNNING OF THE INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP STEEPLECHASEIt is such a grand feeling to partici-pate in something that you have wanted to do your whole life! (1) I got to go to one of the premier Steeplechases in the fall colors of Virginia. (2) Yes, horses can fly! What amazing athletic ability for horse and rider! (3) There were seven races that day, and horses came from all over the world to compete. (4) This is the hat that Linda made for me which got rave reviews. I should have entered the Hat Contest! What fun to dress up. (5) Salamander has their own pri-vate tent area, and guests were of-fered the most amazing gourmet food and drink I have ever seen. They will have another big event here in the spring.

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DAY 2: FRIDAYWe joined an early morning group outing and walked into Middle-

burg for breakfast. Just a 20-minute walk and another sunny day! Our guide knew more about the history of Middleburg than anyone I could imagine. We learned that Middleburg was founded just 11 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence so most of the founding fathers were still alive—and around here back then! The shops were in-

triguing as we en-joyed a lovely stroll down the streets of this bustling Vir-ginia town.

B a c k t o o u r room, we prepared

for our much-anticipated Salamander Resort Spa day. The designer of this spa was one creative person, again it was luxury to the moon, but all comfortable and friendly. Once you book one treatment in the Spa area, you have full access to the entire spa for the day. You can use the divine hot tub, lie down on the heated lounge chairs, take in the steam room, or if you want to feel as pampered as possible, enjoy the “relaxation room.” Every once in awhile a smiling person wanders by and asks if you need anything—water, tea, fresh fruit? I booked a “Riders Relief Treatment,” a sports massage that was perfect for me. Linda spent most of her time after her massage lying out by the pool on a sun-drenched day in Virginia amid the colors of fall.

We took a stroll around a bit of the property and discovered great friendly places for single or groups of people to enjoy. Along the forest horse trail was an antique table and chairs under a large tree, perfect

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THE PROPERTY AND BUILDINGSYou arrive driving down a beauti-ful Virginia country lane. (1) Sala-mander Resort & Spa is designed to look like a Virginia mansion, and features 168 rooms and suites (Photo by Justin Kriel) (2) The rooms were spacious and deco-rated with the equestrian theme down to the trim on the sheets. A fireplace in each room, and the ve-randa through a double door were special places to rest and relax. (3 & 4) As you arrive in the front door, the first thing you encoun-ter is the library and living room, where you can spend as much time as you like; the fireplace is always going!

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Salamander Resort and Spa500 North Pendleton Street Middleburg, VA 20117reservations@salamanderresort.com866.938.7370

The first part of this class starts out in the aisle of the barn doing basic yoga poses. Next we moved into the arena, and Sheryl and four assistants helped each person enjoy yoga on horse-back. The photos below are of Kelsey Sharp, and you can tell by the smile on her face how wonderful the experience was!

with the horses looking on while munching their breakfast. Then we moved outside for part two, Yoga On Horseback.

Yes it can be intimidating, but Sheryl and four of her able assistants were all there with each person, to allow an amazing experience of being in a vulnerable position and yet feel safe. Another “life lesson moment” about trust. A few decided to just watch, some did the minimal, and a few were bold enough to try some amazing yoga positions on the horse. It didn’t matter what level you were, it was fun to be enlightened and guided through the experience. It doesn’t matter if you ride a horse, you can do yoga on a horse anyway!

Since everyone had their riding clothes on, a trail ride was next up, and we chose the horses we wanted to ride. As the horses were tacked, I made sure I created a relationship with the horse I would ride, spending time

petting and talking to him, walking around him, and just giving him time to know who he would be carrying for the day. The trail mean-dered thru the woods, with views that just made your heart smile, and the hues and smells of the fall colors made this a grand Virginia day.

RACE DAY! Salamander had arranged for all its “steeplechase” guests to ride

together in a chartered bus through the lovely Virginia countryside, ending up at Great Meadows, site of the Virginia International Gold Cup Steeplechase Races. It was such fun to dress up for this event!

to stop, tie up your horse and have a moment of tranquility. There were fire pits and chairs in the lawn area. They lit them at night, and a bonfire under the stars is too inviting not to stroll over and sit down. An opportunity to meet new people and share your stories, or just sit and enjoy the stories of others. This is Salamander’s own style of “late-night party.”

That evening we decided to join in a pri-vate wine tasting and dinner sponsored by Salamander at Boxwood Winery, a unique boutique winery owned and managed by Rachel Martin. When Salamander reserves these outings, the winery shuts down a little early, and we got to have the full attention of winemaker Rachel. She explained the architecture of the buildings, the layout of the vineyards, the huge stainless steel vats and the cave (where the wine ages in very expensive wooden barrels), the testing room that looked like a scientific lab—every detail about making a really good wine (and it is!). The dining tables were right down the middle aisle of the vats of wine, and Rachel enchanted and educated us all with the complexity of making a really good wine.

DAY 3: SATURDAYSaturday started early with Sunrise Yoga. Again it was a range of

persons who knew yoga to those for whom this was their first experience with yoga. It didn’t matter, the instructor was so pleasant and helpful, so everyone did the level they could, and it was such an inspiring way to start the day! The first part of the Yoga is done in the aisles of the barn

Photographer Linda Woods shows off her Steeplechase Hat she cre-

ated just for this event.

THE HORSE FACILITIES & TRAIL RIDING The equestrian facility is top-notch, and offers a full menu of lessons from beginner to advanced. (1) Salamander Re-sort & Spa features a 22-stall barn, nine paddocks, a riding arena and miles of trails (Photo by Justin Kriel) (2 & 3) This is everyone’s dream barn, and as with the rest of the property, Salamander decorated with seasonal items and of course, horses! (4) Miles of trails wind through the heavily wooded forest and meadows surround-ing the resort, and all of the guest horses are well-suited for beginners to advanced. They have human/horse “synergy” rides to guided trail rides, and Horses 101 where you can learn all the safety and care of a horse if you are a newbie.

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Linda and I had discussed in great detail if we should bring the “big hats” that are traditional for equine events such as this. Yes, no, yes. Our final decision, the day before we left, was YES, let’s experience this weekend and play the part including wardrobe! Linda is a very creative person, so we went shopping to find the right hats, and then visited Hobby Lobby. By end of day, Linda had created two of the most amazing “Derby” hats I could imagine. They were quite a hit at the races!

Even though this was an international event, the Virginia style didn’t change. It was cozy and fun and the area to the front half of the steeplechase course was open for all to wander around , standing afar or right on the rail. Salamander has their own special tent, so we were welcomed in for all the food and drink we could want. The first smiling person approached Linda and me with a tray of lobster rolls. What can I say, it was a spread fit for a queen, and everyone was so into the races it was just a grand outing.

My eyes bugged out when I saw the horses jump over those HUGE grassy jumps followed by water. What courage for both horse and rider. I don’t think I have laughed with such abandon in such a long time, just having a great time with wonderful people watching horses race. I met so many interesting people there, and the entire experience exceeded my expectations!

This evening would be our last (next time I won’t make the mistake of booking only three days, it will be a week at least!), and chose to join a Salamander event in the Cooking Studio Room. What makes this so unique is that the Cooking Studio opens directly into their kitchen. The Studio offers a wide range of classes for children and adults every week all year long. It is also available for private dinner like ours to-night, where we could watch our meal being prepared as several of the world-class chefs came out to bring a new dish and tell us what it was

and how it was created. I cannot tell you how interesting it was to interact with these chefs,

have a culinary masterpiece dinner—and leave the cleanup of the kitchen and dishes to them! Our dinner was again a couple hours, of great food, laughing and stories, and just enjoying life at a Virginia pace.

The next morning Linda and I reluctantly packed up and got in the town car to head back to the airport. But God had one more grand experience for us! They were having a marathon race in downtown Washington, DC, and many of the streets were blocked off. Our driver had to twirl and swirl around the streets to find a way to the airport. Right past the White House, and Congress and the State Department, a glimpse of the Lincoln memorial. Next time, we will definitely add into our extra days trips into our nation’s capitol and experience all the rich history that it holds.

Linda and I live a simple lifestyle, and I as I said in the beginning we were looking for luxury with a warmth. Salamander Resort was created for just that purpose, and it felt like home away from home. We are looking at their fascinating list of activities for 2014, and we’ll find just the right package.

While Salamander offers plenty of activities every day, we enjoyed one or two in a day, and the rest of the day Linda and I just relaxed, read, napped and talked and laughed. Perfect, just perfect.

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Susana is the founder and publisher of Trail Blazer Magazine. She completed in the sport of endurance horse racing for 20 years, rode the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim solo on her own horse a few years back—and now enjoys traveling to great destinations around our great USA to camp and trail ride.

EQUI-SPECTIVEThe Equi-Spective Program is run by Equestrian Director Sheryl Jordan and her assistant Kaelin Creange. This innovative per-sonal discovery program gives individuals and teams an oppor-tunity to uncover their authentic communication, leadership and relationship style by connecting with horses. This activity does not require any horse experience or riding. By successfully achiev-ing goals working with the horse, participants will be given effec-tive tools to carry into other as-pects of their lives. (1 & 2) Sheryl is a very gifted horse trainer, and her approach is to help the rider and horse have a two-way con-versation so it can be a two-sided relationship. (3) One of the par-ticipants is not a horse person, but she participated in the Equi-Spective Program, and at the end she had tears in her eyes, “I never knew you could have a relation-ship with a horse like this.” It was lifechanging for all in the class.

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