Partners

Bay State Trail Riders Association

BSTRA is excited about our 2021 calendar of events, and we’re looking forward to a great year. In addition to our rides and workdays, we now have a volunteer program, sponsored by Cabot Creamery Cooperative, and a new barn membership program. To learn more, visit bstra.org. Like us on Facebook so you don’t miss any updates. And, if you have not done so, please renew your membership!

The Annual Awards Banquet, normally held in February, has been moved to July 11 so that it can be held outside to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. Annual awards will be handed out at the banquet.

Our first trail workday is April 17 (inclement weather date April 18) at West Hill Dam in Uxbridge. The following weekend, April 24, will be the Nancy Maenzo Memorial Ride, held at Douglas State Forest. This first ride of the year is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and work on conditioning your horse for the riding season.

The Spring Benefit Ride and the Patriotism Ride will be held May 15 and 23, respectively. Make sure you save the date for National Trails Day on June 13, and support trails while having a great time. There will be fantastic raffle prizes.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, all rides are limited to 50 people until further notice. This includes riders and volunteers. Make sure to sign up early so you don’t miss out!

BSTRA’s mission is to ensure equestrians and other users have safe access to trails. Our work includes trail maintenance and supporting projects in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and other community organizations. BSTRA promotes good horsemanship and trail etiquette, but most important, BSTRA members have fun.

Your help is needed for BSTRA to continue this vital work. Are you willing to host a ride? What about being part of a committee dedicated to trail maintenance issues? Do you know of a wonderful place to ride, but there’s no room to park trucks and trailers? Maybe we can work together to build a parking lot. Are there trails in your area that need a little love? Do you have a skill you’re willing to share with fellow equestrians?

Your ideas and helping hands are needed to continue turning BSTRA’s mission into reality. Volunteering can be as simple as spending a few hours clearing trails, registering participants at a ride, or trail marking. Perhaps you can represent BSTRA at a community meeting to make sure equestrian requirements are considered when decisions are made. No matter how small or large, your help makes a difference. Contact us at bstra@charter.net with your thoughts or to seek out volunteer opportunities.

Together we will make a difference! See you on the trails.

Becky Kalagher

BSTRA member Susie Fancher riding Spotty in 2020.

y Annamaria Paul

Despite countless hurtles in 2020, CDCTA successfully hosted a Tag and Tack Sale, a Ride Critique Ride Clinic, and a two-show virtual SAFE Schooling Show Series. And,

on January 24, it was with great pride last year’s winning riders were recognized during a Zoom Year-End Awards Ceremony. To see a list of all the award recipients, visit cdctaonline.com. Congratulations to everyone!

During the Zoom ceremony, tribute was paid to a very special horse. Ernie became a “member” of the club in 2001, when he was donated by member Mary Schmitt. A talented equine, he became the partner and teacher to multiple members, allowing riders the chance to experience the thrill of eventing. Retired in 2012 at the age of 30-ish, Ernie crossed to greener pastures this past October. He will be dearly missed by many. An annual award honors his memory; the Ernie Award is bestowed each year to the junior or adult amateur who has the best dressage score. Run free, Ernie, and thank you for teaching lessons and fulfilling dreams.

Eyes up to the year ahead! The 2021 board of directors will be led by re-elected president Tracey Woods and welcomes new board members Thomas Rogers, Catriona Cleveland, and Kathleen Lamotte.

The 2021 Dressage and Combined Training Schooling Show Series will take place May 9, July 11, and October 3, at Westbrook Hunt Club in Westbrook and Treasure Hill Farm in Salem. All are welcome, all ages and skill levels, members and nonmembers. Schooling shows offer the opportunity to polish skills, try a new level, or introduce a green horse/rider to the excitement of competition. CDCTA sponsors day-end high point awards, the Community Horse Youth Awards, Thoroughbred Incentive Program Awards, and participates in the USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards.

Plans are coming together for clinics and events, and we’re optimistically looking forward to a healthy and brilliant season. For updates and more information visit cdctaonline.com and follow us on Facebook.

y MaryAnn Smith Connecticut Morgan Horse Association

What a wild ride this past year has been — and not because of the horses! CMHA is eager to reinstate many of our classic events from our pre-pandemic lives including our Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show (CMOHS).

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the CMOHS, and will run from June 2–5 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. We have Morgan, Friesian, and Academy divisions, the Youth of the Year Contest, Therapeutic Lead Line class, exhibitor parties, and our 60th anniversary gala. We’re excited

to re-introduce the Morgan Nutmeg Sweepstakes — a tradition from our past. Horses from all seats accumulate points in the In-Hand, Pleasure Saddle and Pleasure Driving classes, and a high-point champion and reserve are crowned at the end of the week. CMOHS is also offering four People’s Choice Awards in Hunter Pleasure, Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, and Classic Pleasure. Youth western riders also have a scholarship class.

The full horse show prize list, information on our classes, sponsorship opportunities, and other details about CMOHS are available at ctmorgans.org.

Many equestrians have turned to the trails during the pandemic, and CMHA

A Therapeutic Lead Line Class participant, from Camp Care in Columbia, Connecticut, in center ring during the 2019 Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show.

Howard Schatzberg

has increased our commitment to trail riders. We’ve formed a trails committee and will be hosting our regular trail rides — and new opportunities — as COVID-19 regulations allow. Updates on our June trail ride at Arcadia Management Area in Rhode Island, our November 21 Turkey Trot at Bluff Point State Park in Groton, and a new fall ride will be posted at ctmorgans.org.

Our Morgan Time Pleasure Riding Program begins again on May 1. Equestrians can track the time spent riding their horses and earn prizes for reaching time milestones.

CMHA is dedicated to promoting Morgan horses and supporting our youth and members. We invite you to join us and look forward to seeing you at the 60th anniversary of the CMOHS or at one of our trail rides.

y Stacey Stearns

Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooters

Has this past year got you thinking about a new challenge that is unlike anything you’ve done before? Would you like to learn something new with your equine partner? How about taking a shot at cowboy mounted shooting? (Pun intended!) If we’ve captured your attention, read on for more about this sport and how you can get involved.

Cowboy mounted shooting is a fastaction timed event using two .45 caliber single-action revolvers. Each gun is loaded with five rounds of blank ammunition designed specifically for shooting balloon targets. The black powder shots will break a balloon up to about 15 feet away. Each course of fire includes 10 balloon targets and varies in design. Five targets are shot with the first gun, and five more are shot with the second gun. Riders’ scores are based on both speed and accuracy. A missed balloon will add five seconds to riders’ overall time.

The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA) has designed more than 50 courses. There are levels of competition for everyone, ranging from youth to the seasoned professional. The Northeast is home to 20 to 30 events each year, including new horse and rider clinics.

What can you expect if you attend our April 17 new horse and rider clinic at the Old Bethany Airport? The first portion of the clinic does not include horses and covers an introduction to the sport and safe gun handling skills. Participants will learn how to load, unload, carry, and fire a firearm. Next, all new horses and riders will join a group of experienced riders and seasoned horses in the arena. This method of surrounding newer horses with experienced horses has proven to be very successful. While monitoring the behavior of both horses and riders, a gradual progression of gunfire is

completed until all the horses can accept the new sounds. Riders will then progress to simple patterns.

Cowboy mounted shooters are known for their willingness to assist new riders, so training and coaching won’t stop at the end of the clinic. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see riders at higher levels discussing strategies and looking for feedback from their direct competitors. It’s a sport many of us have come to love for its challenges, fairness, and humbleness.

We welcome new members. If you have an interest in horses and would like to find out more about this sport, please come to an event and introduce yourself to one of our many friendly members.

Long-time Connecticut Renegades board member Chris Anson on Arrow.

Jeanne Lewis Images

Riding or owning a horse is not required. Several of our members are nonriders and simply enjoy being part of a fun group. We’re always looking for help at our matches, including keeping score, helping with gates, balloons, and more. The first competition of the season will be Smokin' Guns in Bethany on Sunday, May 9. For more information about our club, including clinic and membership forms, please visit ctrenegades.com.

y Allison Forsyth

CTRA is excited for a fabulous and busy year in 2021. We will be riding at Machamoodus State Park on April 11,

Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth on April 25, Goodwin State Forest in Hampton on May 2, and Natchaug State Forest in Eastford on May 23.

The June 13 Mountain Laurel Trail ride at George Seymour State Forest in Hampton is always a crowd pleaser. We’ll also ride at Upper Salmon River State Forest in East Hampton on June 27, Rorabeck Wildlife Management Area trail on August 1, and Bluff Point in Groton on September 12.

All rides will follow Connecticut’s COVID-19 outdoor gathering guidelines. Membership is required to participate in the rides, although some rides may be open to guests of a CTRA member. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Ruth Strontzer at (860)-345-2954. To learn more, visit cttrailridesassoc.org.

Members also have access to Camp Boardman in Goshen, a scenic campground owned by CTRA. The campground was purchased in 1961, and this year we are celebrating our 60th year. Camping with your horse is so much fun. There are beautiful trails to ride from camp up to nearby Mohawk Mountain. Besides riding the trails right out of camp, White Memorial and Steep Rock are within an easy trailer ride of the campground. Many of our members have rented seasonal sites but any member who wants to try camping with their horse is welcome. Contact Pat Gogolya, our camp director, at (860) 485-9092 to see if there are sites available.

Several weekends throughout the riding season are special weekends at Camp Boardman. April 17 and 18 are camp opening and clean-up days. May 29–31, July 2–5, and September 4–6 are special camping holidays. Our annual barbecue and auction will be held on August 14 and 15. Over the course of these weekends, we typically have fundraiser dinners and/or breakfasts, organized trail rides or poker rides, general meetings, movie nights complete with popcorn, and, of course, great times visiting with friends around the campfire.

We offer year-end awards for the most hours ridden, open to adults and youth, and awards to youth in Junior and Senior divisions for the highest number of rides attended. These awards are given out at our annual banquet on November 6.

Join us today!

Connecticut Trail Rides Association member Marie Apero and Apache riding in the Mohawk State Forest in Goshen.

y Christine Mard

Hampshire County Riding Club

HCRC is located on a scenic dirt road just off Route 9, in the town of Goshen. The 48-acre club grounds, owned by the club since 1967, consist of a large mowed area with ample trailer parking, two large riding rings, and two miles of woodland trails with an obstacle course in the forested area.

Through the years the club has hosted dozens of horse shows, gymkhanas, obstacle competitions, scavenger hunts, clinics, and competitive and pleasure trail rides.

This year we’ve scheduled a variety of club events. An HCRC Fun Day, featuring horseback games, old and new, with divisions from beginner to serious competitor and all ages, including a Lead Line division for the littlest riders, will be held in June. Another Fun Day, hosted by the Hilltown Misfits 4-H Club, will take place in the fall.

Also in June, HCRC is hosting a versatility and obstacle training clinic and competition with Peter Whitmore. It includes instruction on skills and allows practice with a variety of obstacles in the morning, and an afternoon competition.

The club has been in involved in TREC, a relatively new sport from Europe that Bob Hatch and Stephanie Frend of Burnshirt Hills Equestrian Facility introduced to the club a few years ago. TREC is a trail/obstacle/orienteering sport adding new trail riding skills at an informal or competitive level. We’ve held clinics with them at our club including Control of Paces and Obstacles. This year, in July, we’re planning a clinic at the club grounds and in September, a competition in Chester, situated on more than 100 acres of trails of varied terrain through fields and forest.

A dressage show, a first-time event for our club, will take place in August. The format will include both English and western tests.

Club trail rides, open to HCRC members and their guests, the Chesterfield July 4th parade, and camping weekends will round out our schedule. Trail rides are scheduled for the Chesterfield Gorge and Kenneth Dubuque Memorial (Hawley) State Forest, with more to follow in the fall. Camping weekends will be shared with Barre Riding and Driving Club at Felton Field in Barre and Wagon Wheel Campground in Warwick. Our grounds remain available to members and guests for ring use (including obstacles, gymkhana equipment, and jumps) and impromptu rides throughout the riding season. Monthly meetings, on the third Wednesday of the month, are held at a local library or on Zoom and may include an educational presentation or guest speaker.

This year we’re introducing the HCRC All-Round Horse and Rider Recognition. The purpose is to recognize members and their horses for the activities and events they participate in during the year that indicate their versatility and involvement. A member can accrue points for a variety of activities and earn medals/certificates for point accrual in various categories ranging from competitive to on one’s own, and that include almost anything one might participate in related to horses.

To learn more and to join us, visit hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

y Diane Merritt

Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association

The MQHA welcomes the new competition year with hope and anticipation. All previous memberships from 2020 will automatically renew for 2021 free of charge!

We’re moving forward with plans to hold MQHA’s two annual shows, plus we point the Connecticut and New Hampshire shows. The lineup begins with our Novice Show April 9–11 in West Springfield. April 22–25 brings the Connecticut Quarter Horse Association’s Spring Breakout Show in Northampton with five judges. Our Spring Show is being held over a new weekend, May 5–9, in West Springfield. There are six judges and $25,000 in cash and prizes. Also new for 2021 is the Battle of the Breeds Hunter Under Saddle class and Western Pleasure class. Bring your whole barn to compete!

The Connecticut Classic is June 9–13 in West Springfield with five judges awarding $50,000 in cash and prizes. July 13–18 brings the Region 6 Super 6 Show in West Springfield — six judges awarding $50,000 in cash and prizes.

We invite you to visit massqha.com for updates. If you’re not already a mem-

ber, please consider joining. We welcome everyone.

Stay well and ride on!

y Lori Mahassel

Middlebury Bridle Land Association

Although I ride indoors during the winter, it’s different. I love that glorious feeling I get after I’ve warmed up—it’s as if I haven’t a care in the world. I wouldn’t change that for anything, but it’s that before-and-after rawness of the winter season that I find challenging. So, while I’m lamenting about my dislike for the cold, I want you all to know that there are still some hearty MBLA souls out there that are not only riding the trails but are clearing them as well!

Sylvia Preston, our vice president, along with her husband, Tom, and Debbie Carlson, our treasurer, are out there riding, weather permitting, assessing trail conditions. If trees or branches are blocking a trail, they come back later with chainsaws and clippers, ready to remedy any situation. Sylvia told me they’ve even been able to revive some old trails that have not been accessible for a few years now. She’s also asked if any of our members are hiking, walking, or riding on our trails and spot downed trees or areas blocked by fallen branches, to please notify her. “This is an ongoing process,” she says, “And things can change day by day.”

The new year will bring some changes to the MBLA. We will be issuing new membership cards and saddle tags, so be sure to renew your membership in April for the 2021 season! The forms can be found at middleburybridle.org. Waiver forms must be included with your membership form and payment.

We will also be hosting two Facebook pages. One will be a private page for MBLA members only. It will notify members of trail issues, meetings, and other items associated with club membership. The second will give the horse community a place to share events, news, and opportunities that may benefit local horse enthusiasts. Find us on Facebook by searching for Middlebury Bridle Land Association.

Finally, it looks as though our Membership Dinner Meeting, usually held in April, will be cancelled due to COVID-19. We’re hoping that the summer will allow us an opportunity for a trail ride and picnic. This will allow our many new member to ride some of our trails and get acquainted with other members.

I’ll keep you posted on our Facebook page and via email!

y Sally L. Feuerberg

New England Equestrian Center of Athol

Greetings from NEECA. We’re celebrating NEECA’s 20th anniversary this year. Join us on September 11 to celebrate the equestrian park founded by Elwin Bacon and many others, including Selectman Jim White.

Work to add and improve trails at the equestrian center is ongoing. A new trail map is available at neeca.org. Many thanks to Fletcher Harrington from Mount Grace Conservation Land Trust for his invaluable assistance in getting this important project completed. Plus, colorcoded signs have been added to the trails.

Saturday, April 17 is NEECA’s CleanUp Day. This is a great way to see the park and meet fellow horsepeople. We really do have fun.

Stephanie Tessier leading Liam Ellis at a 2020 New England Equestrian Center of Athol gymkhana.

Debbie Martin

The gymkhana series starts April 25 and runs through October. We’re looking forward to another fun-filled series this year. Patterns are posted at neeca.org.

Join us for a Poker Ride April 18 at the equestrian center. On May 15, Margo Petracone will be leading a trail ride at Lake Dennison.

July 11 is the date for the Open Show at the Barre Riding and Driving Club grounds at Felton Field in Barre. This show raises funds for improvements at the equestrian center.

NEECA and the Athol Bird and Nature Club are planning two nature walks in the park. The park is a multi-use park used for many activities including hiking, bicycling, bird-watching, nature photography, and snowshoeing.

November 6 is our Fall Social and Awards Dinner. This event sells out every year because of the fun folks have gathering with friends and enjoying a wonderful dinner and live auction.

We offer special thanks to retired board member Pat France for her dedicated service to NEECA. Thank you, Pat.

To learn more, visit neeca.org.

y Debbie Martin

Newtown Bridle Lands Association

The NBLA has been in existence for more than 40 years. Our mission is to foster an interest in horseback riding as well as to preserve, protect, and maintain riding and hiking trails in Newtown. We also host many activities for horse lovers throughout the year. The highlight is our Frost on the Pumpkin Hunter Pace, which takes place on October 24 this year.

The NBLA has planned an exciting year with varied activities that we can modify in response to public health guidelines.

Our Spring Conditioning Ride in Huntington Park will be Sunday, April 25. This is a walk-trot-canter ride and will introduce you to the miles of excellent trails in this state park. May 16 we’ll ride at the Trail of Angels, which is located at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary is dedicated to honoring the bond between animals, humans, and the environment to help create a kinder and gentler world for all.

In mid-June there will be a trail ride from the Boggs Hill area of Newtown to a designated outdoor access restaurant. The location is a secret right now but it will be sure to please.

A trail ride at Steep Rock Preserve in Washington Depot will be scheduled in

July. If you have never taken your horse to Steep Rock, you will be delighted with the excellent footing, flowing river to play in, paddock, picnic tables, and easy parking for trailers. Follow us on Facebook and visit nblact.com for updates.

Have you ever camped with your horse? August 14 and 15 is a great opportunity for members to camp for the weekend at Happy Trails Farm in Danbury. From high on a hill, you will enjoy a campfire, a place for your horse to spend the night, songs, and group trail rides.

Educational seminars on topics of general interest will be scheduled in September and October. December brings our Jingle Bell Ride. Deck yourself and your mount in holiday attire and bells as we amble down Main Street in Newtown singing carols.

Membership in the NBLA is a wonderful way to expand your enjoyment of

Andrea Christensen (right) and Lauren Guerrere were Batman and Robin at the 2020 Newtown Bridle Lands Association Frost on the Pumpkin Hunter Pace.

Lucy Prybylski

horseback riding. You do not need to be a Newtown resident or even a horse owner. If you love horses and want to be around like-minded people, this is the organization for you. NBLA members are able to participate in all NBLA functions, post on our Facebook page, have a say in the future of trails and open space, and receive emails about other local horse community news and activities. The annual membership fee is $45. To learn more, visit nblact.com or email newtownhorses@gmail.com.

y Tracy Van Buskirk

Rhode Island Federation of Riding Clubs

RIFRC has been serving the horse community since 1966. Our goal is to organize horse clubs and individual horsepeople in Rhode Island and bordering states into a single body. Together, we work to create cooperative thought and action toward establishing and maintaining bridle trails and equine activities. We’ve lobbied for legislation and supported 4-H groups. We are an active member of the Rhode Island Trails Advisory Committee and the Rhode Island Farm Bureau. We maintain the LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen’s Area in Arcadia including rebuilding the riding ring, building a handicap ramp and a pavilion, rebuilding the main fireplace, installing benches around the ring, and more. We’ve worked with the Coventry Greenway and North/South Trails Greenways Alliance.

The Federation is best known for hosting the annual Blessing of the Horses Ride at LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen’s Area. This year’s ride will be on April 25.

Additionally, RIFRC puts on the Horseman’s Bazaar each spring. Due to COVID restrictions on indoor gatherings we are exploring the possibility of an outdoor venue later this year. Be sure to check our website, rifederation.wixsite. com/rifrc, for updates.

We’ve also revamped our Rhode Island Equine Trail Ambassador Program. We’re looking for volunteers who will represent trail users on behalf of all equestrians. We’re also focusing on making sure our bridle trails remain safe and enjoyable for the entire equestrian community.

y Kara Waldron-Murray

Rhode Island Horseman’s Association

The RIHA board thanks its members for coming out last year, abiding by all the state and local protocols, and rocking a great show season. What a great testament to how much we all love our animals and competition! We look forward to having a great 2021. For all the current news, upcoming events, and updated point standings, visit rihorseman.com.

A big thank you to everyone on the RIHA board who made the “non-banquet” banquet happen this year despite the pandemic. Major thanks to Dover Saddlery for its continued sponsorship, as well as Wendy Brayman, Ashley McDonald-Beye, James Paolino, and Jessica Roberts for their amazing contributions to provide everyone a safe award-receiving experience.

The RIHA Benefit Show will be Sunday, April 11, at Claddagh Farm in Tiverton. Come out and support our association by competing in this wonderful horse show!

The Rhode Island Equitation Championships will be celebrating its 40th anniversary on September 4 and 5. One of the highlights will be an equitation hall of fame, the Rhode Island Masters Class. This alumni class is open to all past champion and reserve champion winners, both amateurs and professionals, from any of the medals since 1980. We look forward to seeing everyone at this exciting event. To learn more, visit rihorseman.com.

RIHA is offering a new division, RI Training Hunter, open to all horses and ponies, no age limitations, and no rider restrictions. Visit our website for further details.

y Elizabeth Vars

Rhythm Riders Old People’s Riding Club

Rhythm Riders Old People’s Riding Club (OPRC) was created by a group of four friends who love to ride together and were looking for something a little bit different in a riding club. After working with the national office of the OPRC, an organization for riders over the age of 21 and with an emphasis on education, Rhythm Riders OPRC was born.

Rhythm Riders’ focus on camaraderie, enjoyment, education, and acceptance of all breeds and disciplines is appealing to busy adult riders. Founders Kara Waldron-Murray, Jess Edwards, Meri Breault, and Rebecca Cyr are all accomplished equestrians from varied riding backgrounds, bringing different perspectives and ideas to the club. There will be an educational component of Rhythm Riders, as all members have to pass a basic horse and rider safety/knowledge test, or “rating,” as the national office of OPRC calls them.

We are beginner friendly but we’re also big on horse and rider safety. The first rating, D1, ensures that riders have basic horse knowledge and riding skills to participate safely in OPCR activities. Of course, accidents happen, but the ratings give our members a clear understanding of what is expected of them. We want everyone to be safe and have fun.

While anyone interested in becoming a member must pass the basic first rating, there are many different levels of optional rating tests for western, English, and driving disciplines. The rating tests include general knowledge, from parts of the horse and tack to safe handling on the ground, and more sophisticated ratings for equine management and riding tests at the higher levels. If you’ve ever wanted to attend a fox hunt, try cow sorting, cross country, or versatility, and laugh while working out the kinks, then this club is for you. With the hopes of hosting clinics seasonally, there are many other educational opportunities. “Think 4-H or Pony Club, but for adults,” says Meri Breault, club secretary. “This is the perfect outlet for adult riders who are looking for fun in a safe and supportive environment.”

If you’re not interested in competing at shows or testing to higher level ratings, there are still many other activities for you and your horse. “We plan on offering a mileage program that is attainable for riders of any level,” says club vice president Rebecca Cyr. “You don’t have to ride one hundred miles with us to be rewarded.”

Travel, and advocating for bridle paths and the equine community as a whole is also important for the Rhythm Riders.

“Sometimes, as riders we get stuck in patterns. We ride the same trails, show at the same shows in the same locations with the same people,” says Jess Edwards, the club’s treasurer. “There are so many possibilities, so many disciplines, and, of course, so many trails to explore, and it’s always more fun to do it with friends.”

To learn more, find “Rhythm Riders Rhode Island Chapter of the OPRC” on Facebook.

Tess Richards, PGriffin Photography, and Judy Bosco

Rhode Island’s Rhythm Riders Old People’s Riding Club officers clockwise from top left corner: president Kara Waldron-Murray, vice president Rebecca Cyr, treasurer Jess Edwards, and secretary Meri Breault.

y Kara Waldron-Murray