Terri at Colonial Downs

Name: Theresa Marie (Terri) Pollock Aigner.

Born: Honolulu, Hawaii. In Virginia all but those first three years.

Current residence: Providence Forge.

Family: In a relationship, two grown children, one grandchild.

Pets: Border collie, miniature pinscher, saltwater aquarium, koi pond, chickens!

Horses: Spotted Drafts and Missouri Foxtrotters.

Occupation: I am a writer, publisher, artist, horseman, business owner, gardener, farmer, photographer, boater, diver, teamster . . . mother, grandmother too!

What is your “claim to fame”? Winner of regional and international awards for artwork, publications, and graphic design; I have original watercolor paintings hanging in homes around the world.
- Founded and ran a local newspaper which won 13 awards from Virginia Press Association our first year in publication;
- Own and publish a regional phone directory which was named Winner of Best Product Made in New Kent (New Kent Guide), now in its 16th year;
- Compiled and published many oral histories as well as stories about New Kent and Charles City counties; 
- Commissioned by New Kent County to assist in designing the interior of the recently-built New Kent Chamber of Commerce, as well as created a historical timeline of the county, which lines one wall of the center;
- Designed displays depicting New Kent County life and history for the I-64 Welcome Center east of Richmond;
- Best in Show in photography at the prestigious Maymont Flower and Garden Show;
- Designed the logo used for the Virginia State Fairgrounds (Strawberry Hill), Colonial Downs, and many other businesses, charities, and government entities in central Virginia;
- Recently commissioned by Meadow Farm, home of the State Fair of Virginia, to design art depicting the famous racehorse Secretariat as a yearling on the farm;
- And one I am most proud of, Best Homemade Grape Jelly at the New Kent County Fair!

Hobbies: For fun I like to ride my horses in the Chickahominy River, go on trail rides that the Virginia Horse Council sponsors; I love to work in our garden and grow things. I love to take the kids and grandchild out in my boat, swim, fish, and travel with my boyfriend. I love photography and watercolor painting. I love exploring wildlife and nature; and diving in the Caribbean. I like to drive my horse out in the cart on our country back roads. I also love going to the Mud Sales in Amish Country. I made a video of the Mud Sale which is on VDHMA.org's website if you want to know what that's about. Pretty much I can tell you what species most any tree, plant, bird, animal, etc. is, though I don't know anybody who really needs all that information!

Philosophy on life: Your comfort zone is for resting in, not living in. Trust in God, but tie your camel first.

Best horse advice ever received: Treat the horse in a way that he will respect you but also trust you. Just as they treat each other in a herd.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? Probably everything I said above, without having had a college education.

Is there anything you would like to add? It is your responsibility to teach young people what you know, and share your knowledge with others, if they ask.
You must give in order to receive. Be sure to use the talents God gave you for charity work when you can.
Learn how to be selfish with your time. You cannot truly love others unless you love yourself first. So take some YOU time.

There is that time word again!