Large gates open to a state of the art and stunning equestrian community just 20 minutes away from West Bellevue. Hunts Point resident Mallih Ataee and her family officially opened Veluto Equestrian Center, a 46-stall horse boarding and training facility, in October of 2022. This facility is not just another barn, but a true reflection of Mallih's lifelong commitment to the training and care of horses, and the sport of dressage.

Mallih's love affair with horses began at the tender age of two. By the time she was twelve, she had discovered her true passion for dressage. Her type-A personality found a perfect match in a sport that is aptly known as “the pursuit of perfection”. For Mallih, dressage can only be characterized by the idea of capturing lightning in a bottle - a harmonious blend of discipline, sport, artistry, and exact perfection. Mallih’s current string of competition horses are not only ones she has developed and trained from a young age, but they also have the capacity for international success.

Mallih states, “For any horse and rider combination, international success in competitions like the Olympics or World Equestrian Games require many stars to align. However, I believe passionately in my team and my horses, and we will go as far as we can in the sport.”

While the inception of Veluto Equestrian Center is a rather recent development, the facility currently houses four generations of dressage trainers, and aspiring dressage athletes ranging in age from 8 to 76 years old. Bellevue resident Nancy Benton, who now boards her horse at Veluto, trained Pacific Northwest legend, Roxanne Christenson, who is Ataee’s coach. Roxanne is taking a brief hiatus from training in the equestrian sports mecca of Wellington, FL, to help Mallih develop her own horses.

Mallih also has a group of working adult amateurs, as well as young riders, who seek to ride alongside her in international arenas in the coming years. The Ataee family’s goal in purchasing Veluto is to foster a community of horse lovers while making dressage a more accessible sport to all. Veluto Equestrian Center’s proximity to downtown Bellevue makes it the ideal destination for Bellevue residents, whether coming before or after work and school.

For those interested in other equestrian sports, Veluto Equestrian Center is also home to an esteemed Hunter/Jumper instructor, Corene Smith. Corene has a well-established program and has herself competed internationally. Veluto can adequately accommodate both training programs with their regulation-sized indoor arena (designed for both practice and competition), two outdoor arenas, a Eurocizer, and grass and gravel pastures, ensuring riders can train and care for their equine counterparts year-round regardless of weather conditions.

One of the standout features of Veluto Equestrian Center is the comprehensive care and services provided to the horses. From mucking out the stalls to feeding, every detail is meticulously managed to ensure the well-being of the horses. Equine chiropractic and acupuncture services are available regularly, and there are two veterinarians at the barn at least once a week. Additionally, a vet from Wellington visits Veluto every six weeks to ensure the competition horses meet international health standards. This level of care is crucial for maintaining the horses' health and readiness for competition.

Veluto Equestrian Center is more than just a barn; it is a vibrant community of equestrians dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in high performance equestrian sport. Mallih and the Ataee family’s vision and leadership have created a haven where horses and riders can thrive, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this 2,000 year old sport. While Veluto fosters high performance riding and care, Mallih’s mission is to introduce dressage and equestrianism to all, whether they have international aspirations or just want to enjoy the horses and riding. With its world-class facilities, top-notch trainers, and comprehensive care services, Veluto is set to become a Pacific Northwest staple of the equine community, right here in Redmond, Washington.  

For additional information on how to train with Mallih, become involved in equine sport, or board your own horse, contact (206)-910-6748 or find Veluto online at www.velutoeq.horse.