It’s More than Just Horses
At the heart of everything we do, is our passion for education and our commitment to bettering today’s youth through the partnerships created with horses – and by “youth” we refer to those both young in age and those young at heart.
Areion equestrian believes in producing well-rounded equestrians, not just riders. Our programs involve learning the who, what, where, why, and how of horses through encouraging lessons, camps, clinics and a monthly meeting for our Pony Club Members.
Students at Areion Equestrian progress through clearly established levels of horsemanship with the goal being confident independence in all aspects of horse care and management.
Meet The Team
Laura Krumm Sweeney
AE Founder & Lead Trainer
Laura was born with a love of horses. By the age of six, her parents gave in and signed her up for riding lessons at Princess Anne farm in Virginia beach, where she got to spend years lessoning, showing, and experiencing all aspects of horse life. At the age of 12, her family purchased
her first horse, Christopher Robin, who would later become the first lesson horse to start her program in the early 2000’s. She continued to ride and show through college, competing in IHSA , VHSA, VBHSA, and 4H.
Over the last 30 years, Laura continued her riding education, and teaching, and branched into hunters, jumpers, foundational dressage and xc. Her horses and students have won numerous state titles in the VHSA program including equitation, working hunters, short stirrup, pony hunter, novice and low jumpers, She prides herself on producing well rounded horsemen and women, and confident horses through consistency and positive support.
Olivia Catron
Office Manager
Olivia is Areion’s organizer extraodinaire. She is the friendly voice you will hear when calling our office, or often announcing at shows . Olivia wrangles client, trainer, and horse schedules, as well and new client intake as well as event coordination.
Josie Herlong
Trainer
Josie has been with AE since its expansion to the Gloucester site. She started out with lessons, became the illusive to find barn rat, became educated in horse and barn management, started showing and progressing to the level of a confident assistant trainer. She possesses the rare quality of being good with horses and people, and is a great addition to the team when it comes to helping new riders gather the skills they need to build a solid foundation for future riding endeavors.
Steve Koke
Co-owner, facility and machine management
After being a business owner for over 20 years in Virginia Beach, Steve gave up the city life and purchased what would become Areion equestrian with co-owner, Laura. Since its inception, he has molded the location into their ever-adapting vision of what the farm should be, and continues to ensure it operates smoothly, and grows into all the beautiful amenities our clients enjoy.
Our Story
Areion equestrian found its current location in 2018 when owners Laura and Steve wanted to create a more permanent home for their facility. Although Laura’s lifetime dream had always been to have an equestrian stable, and Steve’s passion follows a more mechanical horsepower, they united on providing a healthy atmosphere for horses and whole families alike. Their priority is to create and maintain an environment that lets horses and people have a welcoming, grounding place to pursue their equine passions, and become healthier, happier , and more centered beings through all the beauty that horses and the outdoors have to offer. We believe success comes in many forms, in the show ring, on the galloping field, or just with your arms wrapped around a horses neck.
“The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man” – Winston Churchill