Local Equine and Field Sports Professionals Join Morven Park

Two new staff members have been hired at to manage the new equestrian and field sports complex that constitutes the northeast end of the 1,200-acre property. 

Both Laura Doyle and Melissa Ryburn have roots in Loudoun County, and both have extensive experience with sports played with balls and sports that involve horses, two disciplines that might not traditionally have been considered compatible.

“We are delighted to welcome both these professionals from the equestrian and sports worlds,” said Executive Director Frank Milligan. “Their expertise will be vital as we prepare to open our new sports fields this summer and begin to invest in new equestrian facilities.” 

Doyle has lived in Lucketts since 1993. She and her husband raised their three children there, all of whom played soccer during their years in Loudoun County schools.

Doyle and her husband have both coached youth soccer, as well. The family currently owns three horses, all adopted from the Equine Rescue League in Lovettsville.

Doyle’s lifelong connection to horses began during her childhood on Long Island, N.Y., where she competed in equitation and hunter/jumper events. As an adult, she spent years starting young horses, teaching lessons, and developing summer camp programs for young equestrians.

Doyle most recently worked as service manager for Lucketts.net, having previously served as technology assistant at Lucketts Elementary School.

“I have always looked for ways to keep things fun as well as educational,” she said. “My goal at Morven Park is to provide a quality venue for the education, training, and showing of equestrian activities across multiple disciplines.”

A graduate of Elon University with a bachelor’s in leisure/sports management, Ryburn competed in soccer and basketball at Loudoun Valley High School.

Before joining Morven Park, Ryburn worked for Women’s Sports Foundation in New York, DMB Sports in Dulles, and for FC Gold Pride, the San Francisco Bay Area women’s professional soccer team. During those years, she developed and managed soccer, field hockey, flag football, basketball, and multi-sport programs and events, including development of leagues and direction of camp programs.

“Given the current shortage of sports fields in Loudoun County, my first priority at Morven Park is to get our new fields up and running this summer,” said Ryburn. “Longer term, our goal is to create a regionally renowned field sports facility, offering year-round programs for youth and adults, hosting local leagues, building our own leagues, and hosting regional and national tournaments and special events.” 

To learn more about Morven Park and upcoming events visit them online.