Afton Stables

10/21/2026

Details and sign up online :)

https://www.aftonstables.com/upcoming-events-and-clinics

10/21/2026

10/21/2026

It’s easy to get a little too cozy indoors. Our lovely indoor arena is having a bit of beautification this week. Walls are being scrubbed and prepped for winter, footing raked.

This week in outdoor lessons we have been warming up on the bank around the ring, and refreshing our in-hand work.
Winter season has begun with frosty fields and furry coats, but the weather in Afton has been perfect for outdoors riding.

10/16/2026

It was a beautiful day in the Rockfish Valley. With the recent rain, the footing was perfect for a trail ride to help our horses with proprioception and fitness over terrain. Sometimes it can be hard to enjoy the beauty of fall, knowing that winter is coming… but we sure are trying 🐴🍂⛰️.

10/15/2026

“First there is learning, then practicing, then perfecting”.

A clinician at Afton Stables used these words to encourage a talented owner to try a new movement without worrying about ruining her horse. A very common concern among riders, and trainers, who care.

I’m super grateful that Afton Stables affords me the opportunity to learn with a variety of trainers through clinics. Over the years I have heard little snippets that stick, and this is definitely one of them.

- Maddie
Madeline Piplico

📸 LinzHenry

10/08/2026

✨The Ladies of Afton Stables ✨

We all wear a lot of hats!

From left to right:

Anesia atop Eoghain, holding Koko. Anesia is our assistant trainer, groom, medication manager, and bodywork extraordinaire Anesia

Maddie and Yunque. Maddie is the head trainer and manages the horse program holistically, from turnout to training to vet care recommendations Madeline Piplico

Angela and Nino. Afton Stables was Angela’s brain child, and she manages the business and facilities, and is largely responsible for the peaceful atmosphere at the farm.

Thanks LinzHenry for the beautiful pic of our team!!!

10/03/2026

Under the best of circumstances, a horse show will improve your riding and your horse’s training 👌 The VADA Fall Show and Region 1 GAIGS was just that show for AftonStables Angela Doolan and Nino, and Madeline Piplico and Yunque.

The gentle pressure of performance sharpened our riding. The positive tension gave Nino and Yunque enough energy to engage correctly through their respective tests 📝

We also had a great time! Thanks Anesia for being our eyes on the ground, groom, and support human. Thanks KC Gillis for being the biggest cheerleader, and thanks Bruno and Barbara for all your wisdom and guidance. And most importantly, thanks Bettina Longaker for a great show!!!

Best of luck to everyone there this weekend!!! See ya next year!!!

09/29/2026

Thank you LinzHenry 📸 for capturing some beautiful moments Afton Stables with Yunque 🐴

I’m looking forward to a little jaunt with AftonStables Angela Doolan and Anesia to the Virginia Horse Center for the VADA Fall show! It’s been a different show season for Afton Stables and all of our clients but sometimes that’s what you need to gain perspective 💗.

- Maddie