The Plains, VA – September 12, 2013 – After traveling the world to study riding and horsemanship from some of the best trainers in the business, Sloane Coles has returned home to her roots in The Plains, Virginia. There, among the rolling hills of Orange County Hunt country, she’s established her new business, Spring Ledge LLC. Springledge Logo

“Returning to Virginia is what I’ve always wanted to do,” said Coles. “It feels right and comfortable. I’ve made connections all over the world, and while there are always more to make, I feel prepared and am ready to work hard and move forward toward my goals.”

After graduating from The Hill School and Foxcroft in Middleburg, Virginia, Coles spent most of the past decade immersed in her continuing education. In addition to a business degree from Drew University (New Jersey), Coles has spent time with such trainers as two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden and husband John in New York, international rider Mark Leone of Ri-Arm Farm in New Jersey, Belgian Olympian Francois Mathy Sr., in Europe, and Olympic show jumper Lauren Hough in Florida. And, after just six months back home in Virginia, Coles, 25, has already made her presence known in the show ring, both locally and nationally.

On August 30, she guided Remonta Eden to victory in the $5,000 Twilight Jumpers 1.30m Mini-Prix at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia, over a field of established professionals that included Ian Silitch, Ragan Roberts and Manuel Torres, to name just a few.

“It was a great class,” said Coles. “Remonta Eden is an Argentine Warmblood owned by Sandy Van Dyke that I have in to sell. He’s naturally very fast and careful and knows his job. He’s a great horse for this level, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to show him.” 

Coles went second in the six-horse jump-off and watched Roberts go before her.

“He was pretty conservative, so I went fast enough but not too fast,” said Coles. “I wanted to leave the jumps up and put enough pressure on the riders yet to come.”

In the end, Sulu Rose Reed and The Galloping Field’s Ganon came the closest, but Remonta Eden and Coles remained at the head of the class and collected the blue ribbon and winning cooler.

“I was really happy with his performance,” said Coles. “He’s done a lot of big classes under the lights, so I was confident in his abilities. He’s a wonderful competitor and will be a great horse for an amateur or junior seeking to move up.”

Coles is equally successful on the other end of the spectrum with young and less experienced horses. She caught the attention of the judges and established professionals during the inaugural $157,990 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship in mid-August when she guided Nilani Trent’s Autumn Rhythm to impressive placings in Lexington, Kentucky.

In Rounds 1 and 2, Coles and Autumn Rhythm placed 19th and sixth out of 107 entries, and they qualified for the Championship Round in fourth place overall. Coles was just behind eventual winner Hunt Tosh and ahead of renowned hunter pros Jennifer Alfano, Havens Schatt and Peter Pletcher in the standings.

“He couldn’t have gone any better at the Pre-Green Championship,” said Coles who also collected 15th place in the Championship Round. “I was very happy with his results, especially the first day. It was great to be a part of the first championship and to be among so many great hunter riders.

“One of the best parts of the class was that the owners were highlighted and recognized,” Coles added. “I look forward to preparing more horses for next year’s Pre-Green Incentive Program and returning to Kentucky for the championship.” 

Coles has designed Spring Ledge LLC to offer a variety of custom training options for horses and riders, from those aspiring to top-level hunter/jumper competition to ship-in lessons for eventers and foxhunters wishing to hone their skills in the show ring.

“I really enjoy training young horses and helping people improve their relationships and skills with their horses,” said Coles. “It’s always about the relationships and discovering what works best for each partnership. If a horse or rider needs a unique approach in solving a problem or improving a performance, I’ll work hard to figure out that ideal way.”

The Spring Ledge facility includes 20 stalls, an expansive indoor arena and outdoor ring, and ride-out in Orange County Hunt territory. In addition, the facility is home to Sloane’s parents, OCH MFH John Coles and amateur rider Julie Coles.

“My ultimate goal is to have top-level grand prix horses and a successful client base and sales program,” said Sloane. “I also enjoy working with all types of horses, including Thoroughbreds for the show ring and hunt field. I think when my upbringing in Virginia and background showing in equitation, hunters and jumpers is combined with my continuing education in horsemanship it all provides a unique set of skills. I’m equally comfortable hacking cross-country, crossing streams as well as jumping grand prix courses and showing green hunters.”

For more information about Spring Ledge LLC and the services offered, please contact Sloane Coles: (540) 270-0173 or smcoles17@gmail.com. Spring Ledge LLC, 3324 Landmark Rd., The Plains, VA 20198