lisa cenis
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High Point draft horse was awarded to Blue Star Equiculture’s Kelly, driven by Justin Morace. Glenn Van Oort driving Sophie to second place in Pleasure Pony—Single Hitch.
Blue Star Equiculture Sleigh Rally Old Sturbridge and Winter Fun Fest Village Sleigh Second Annual Event draws spectators and participants despite the cold Rally
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High Point horse went to Green Meads Galen, an eight-year-old Morgan driven by Lyn Howard of Poestenkill, N.Y. High Point pony was awarded to Mae Star, a 13-year-old Morgan pony driven by Christina Alsop of Lee, Mass., who edged out Howard for high point driver by winning the hotly contested Ladies to Drive class. The obstacle course, designed by Justin Morace, was a crowd favorite, proving to be very exciting when Cabot French Curtsy, driven by Marcy Reed, edged out Darling Mr. Midnight, driven by Charlene Hopkins by half a second. A large number of spectators shared in the event and also got to enjoy a sleigh ride of their own, courtesy of Blue Star Equiculture’s resident horses, Charlie Daniel and Carter, retired carriage horses from New York City and Philadelphia, and later Iceman and Mark, Belgian geldings. Blue Star Equiculture invites all to return to our Draft Horse Derby, a carriage rally and draft horse show, on May 7, and looks forward to its third annual sleigh rally in 2012. Blue Star Equiculture is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization specializing in draft horse rescue and retirement, organic farming, environmental education and horse-drawn history tours. For more information, visit High Point horse went to Green Meads Galen, driven by www.equiculture.org. Lyn Howard.
lue Star Equiculture Draft Horse Sanctuary and Organic Farm in Palmer, Mass., held its second annual Sleigh Rally and Winter Fun Fest on Saturday, January 22. Eight competitors braved unseasonably cold temperatures to take advantage of an abundance of snow. Despite the chill, the nearly windless, sunny day made for ideal sleighing conditions. Judge Grace Yaglou, a regular on the Morgan show circuit, had a majority of horses to choose from; all four horse division entries were Morgans and there was a Morgan pony entry as well. High Point draft was awarded to Blue Star Equiculture’s own Kelly, a 15-year-old Belgian mare driven by Justin Morace.
Attracts Nearly 700 Attendees By Lisa Cenis
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he buzz among drivers started early in December. Old Sturbridge Village was going to be the host site for a new sleigh rally in Massachusetts. Melissa Graves from Belchertown, Mass., served as advisor and master coordinator for the rally working closely with the staff at Old Sturbridge Village. On February 5, 2011, months of planning came to fruition. The rally started at 11:00 a.m. Judge Peter Bravman from Shelburne Falls, Mass., was ably assisted by his wife, Gioia Bravman acting as ringmaster. Eighteen turnouts ranged from Miniature horses to the large draft breeds. Announcer Jodie Swain from Wilbraham, Mass., kept the rally moving right along filling in spectators with pertinent information about the equines and the sleighs. Equipment for the PA system was supplied by Jeff Sheltra and Derek Bove. Melissa herself put together the wonderful mix of music running in the background during the event. Melissa’s volunteer crew of secretaries, Lynne Frederick and Cheryl Weber, did a fabulous job of keeping all the class results in order and keeping track of the points. Albany Cutters, Portland Cutters, Express continued on page 112 MARCH 2011
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