Massachusetts Horse October/November Issue

M A S S AC H U S E T T S

October/November 2017 mahorse.com $4

HORSE

SAYING GOODBYE A GUIDE TO DECIDING, GRIEVING, AND HEALING

A MINDFUL DEATH HORSE LOGIC

PONY CLUB LEND A HOOF

MOUNT HOLYOKE RANGE STATE PARK TRAIL GUIDE

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October/November 2017

contents

October/November 2017

columns 18 A Mindful Death

Š Vikarus

Horse Logic

16

8

20 Mount Holyoke Range State Park Trail Guide

24 Overherd News in Our Community

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Ava Nadeau

Robin Grant Briner

40 Bay State Events Calendar 22

features 8

Saying Goodbye A Guide to Deciding, Grieving, and Healing Lead Feature

in every issue 16

Harmony Horse Stables

5 From the Publisher 7 Your Letters

An Appetite for Success

34 Partners

Farm Feature

47 This Olde Horse 48 The Neighborhood

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Jenn Safron Equestrian Entrepreneur Cleans Up Horseperson Feature

22 Pony Clubs

49 Junior Horsemanship Awards 50 Is This Your Horse?

Setting the Standards for Equestrians Lend a Hoof

Massachusetts Horse

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CARVER 508.866.9150 Richard.Blair@farm-family.com

NORWOOD 781.255.2002 Francis_Bingham@farm-family.com

EASTHAMPTON 413.203.5180 Josh.Nadeau@farm-family.com

SOUTHWICK 413.569.2307 themasonagency@farm-family.com

GREAT BARRINGTON 413.528.1710 Bob.Sinopoli@farm-family.com Dominic.Sinopoli@farm-family.com

TOPSFIELD 978.887.8304 Dale_Johnson@farm-family.com

MARLBOROUGH 508.485.3800 Martin_West@farm-family.com MIDDLEBOROUGH 508.747.8181 Andrew_Brodeur@farm-family.com Kevin.Sullivan@farm-family.com NORTHBOROUGH 508.393.9327 Jeff.Pichierri@farm-family.com

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October/November 2017

WESTFORD 978.467.1001 Donald.Ludwig@farm-family.com WILLIAMSTOWN 413.458.5584 MaureenOMara@farm-family.com WORCESTER 508.752.3300 Thomas_Carroll@farm-family.com

From the Publisher

T

he loss of a horse is life-chang-

beautiful fall day. I’m heading out the

ing. These beautiful creatures

door to pull carrots, some for me and

weave their way into our heart

some for my ponies.

Be sure to visit us at Equine Affaire

and soul and when we part, it’s devastating. In this issue, feature writer

November 9 to 12. This year we’re shar-

Alessandra Mele has written Saying

ing booth 428 in the Better Living

Goodbye: A Guide to Deciding,

Center with the MSPCA at Nevins Farm.

Grieving, and Healing. Alessandra and

We’ll have back issues available and dis-

her family had to let eight-year-old, 18-

counted subscriptions to Massachusetts Horse and Connecticut Horse. Stop by and

hand Mikey go a few years ago and she brings her personal experience as well as insights from several Bay State equestrians to this article. Plus, our regular columnist and equine specialist Nicole

Twenty-four-year-old Haflinger mare Caszual has been at Pocketful of Ponies Farm since she was weaned. She’s taught many beginners to ride and has been free leased to a handful of 4-H’ers over the years. Her personality is like a giant yellow labrador retriever and she’s worth her weight in gold. I hope to enjoy her company for years to come.

Birkholzer writes about how her little herd helped her feel more connected

tell us what you’d like to see in these pages and how you think we’re doing.

Or let’s just talk horses!

Enjoy this lovely season and we’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

Today is a perfect autumn day —

at a time of loss and how incorporating

crisp air, blue sky, and a breeze to keep

the horses into the farewell moments of

away the bugs. My winter supply of hay is

a herd mate helped them process the

in the barn and three cords of wood are

event.

stacked on the porch: time to enjoy this

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HORSE vol. 16, no. 3 October/November 2017

ISSN 1945-1393

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editor Kathaleen Emerson feature writers Nicole Birkholzer, Andrea Bugbee, Sophia Hall, Alessandra Mele, Cora Shillinglaw, Stacey Stearns contributors Susan Goldfischer, Suzy Lucine, Lori Mahassel, Diane Merritt, Karen Morang Jennifer Moreau, Laurie Neely, Annamaria Paul, Lisa Wohlleib reporters Alessandra Mele • (413) 949-1972 • alessandra@mahorse.com Cora Shillinglaw • (508) 737-6810 • shillinglawc@gmail.com Holly Jacobson • (978) 356-5842 • holly@mahorse.com Karen Morang • (508) 797-2828 • karen@mahorse.com

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Expert Tack Repair

Gently Used Blankets and Tack for Sale

© Feed Me Apples by Lindsey Molyneux of Huntington. This driftwood sculpture is for sale along with driftwood horse heads, small copper sculptures, and prints of Lindsey’s work at lindseymolyneux.com.

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Jennifer Safron www.jennstackandblanket.com JennsTackRepair@comcast.net 114 Coburn Ave., Gardner, MA (978) 340-5576 Please call for hours 6

October/November 2017

Massachusetts Horse is printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper.

the fine print The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Massachusetts Horse staff or independent contractors, nor can they be held accountable. Massachusetts Horse will not be held responsible for any misrepresentations or any copyright infringement on the part of advertisers. Massachusetts Horse will not be held responsible for typing errors other than a correction in the following issue. All letters addressed to Massachusetts Horse, its publisher, editor, and staff are assumed for publication. Photos, stories (verbal or printed), notifications, news items, and all other material that is submitted, including all materials and photos not specifically solicited by Massachusetts Horse, are assumed to be legally released by the submitter for publication. Massachusetts Horse assumes no responsibility for damage to or loss of material submitted for publication. Reasonable care will be taken to ensure the safety and return of all materials.

Your Letters To the editor: I picked up the Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship award Saturday at the Berkshire Humane Society. Thank you so much for supporting Berkshire Humane Society’s 25th Annual Benefit Show at Overmeade Farm in Lenox.

ShawnaLee Kwashna k

Nikki Kellogg, Berkshire Humane Society, Pittsfield

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Libby Hopkins, Amherst

To the editor: I just got a postcard to renew my subscription. I would like to renew for two years. Your magazine is really good, especially the calendar of events!

Let us know your thoughts!

Paul Barton, Seekonk

We’ll enter you to win a $75 Cheshire Horse gift card!

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Massachusetts Horse

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A Guide to Deciding, Grieving, and Healing

by Alessandra Mele

A

supple Amish-made harness, collar, and bridle hang in my tack room, untouched for three years now. They stir up several emotions each time I see them: happiness, at the memory of gentle tugging on those lines grasped in my hands; anger, when I think of the determination with which I sought the equipment out, only to use it a handful of times; sadness, as I notice small spores of mold forming along the traces; and gratitude, for the time I was allowed with my gray horse who wore the harness proudly.

When we commit ourselves to owning horses, part of the journey is saying goodbye. More often than not, it’s up to us to determine the right time for that final goodbye. When my eight-year-old Shire Mikey suffered a broken scapula, that decision came all too soon.

Although difficult to face, it helps to prepare yourself and know the options available when it comes to ending life, honoring remains, coping afterward, and, ultimately, healing.

My Goodbye Mikey came into our family on the brink of his eighth birthday, having 8

October/November 2017

spent most of his life at a rescue farm waiting for his forever home. My brother, sister, and I had fallen in love with him a year earlier when we began working with him in harness, and we witnessed him overcome anxieties, gain confidence, and grow strong. We knew Mikey belonged with us, and brought him home on a happy, snowy day in March. The possibilities were endless.

It soon became difficult to imagine a time when the middle stall wasn’t occupied by the gentle, 18-hand giant.

Our herd loved Mikey; they had never been so peaceful out in the pasture together. We continued to practice driving him in the Amish-made harness, pulling a wooden stone boat my brother had built. I searched Craigslist for a cart that we could ride in through the trails all summer long.

June came, and Mikey became terribly sore. Scratches had always been a problem for him, as they often are for draft horses. We reluctantly shaved his beautiful white feathers and dutifully applied ointment, despite his protests.

Then one day, I arrived for morning feed to find his right front leg swollen up like a balloon. I’d never seen any-

© Vikarus

Saying Goodbye thing that severe, and called the vet.

Cellulitis, she declared upon inspection, and he was put on a regimen of pills along with regular cold hosing.

Movement helps, so we pulled him from his stall for a daily walk. It hurt, but he never once said no.

A too-warm week went by, the swelling remained, and things seemed to only get worse. It became harder to go for those walks, even as we cheered him on and offered endless carrots. He didn’t want the carrots. He wasn’t hungry. He didn’t want hay, then he didn’t want grain. He was sweating and we couldn’t keep his fever down.

The vet was baffled, returning ready to take x-rays. The rest of the herd was anxious. They knew long before we did.

The x-rays showed that Mikey had a broken scapula. The vet was in awe of the fault line that cut clean through the image of his monumental, indestructible shoulder bone; a break that could have only happened over time; perhaps it was bone cancer. She was devastated at her misdiagnoses and delivered the news to us with sad eyes. It was hardly a question, but we all nodded in agree-

© Fred Froese

“Making an end-of-life decision for my mare, Friday, was the most painful thing I’ve had to endure. I felt my heart rip two ways. I knew I had to make the call, but that was the last thing in the world I wanted to do.

ment: Mikey’s time was now. Had we known the severity earlier, it would have been days ago. We wept at the thought of repeatedly asking him to walk with a broken shoulder. He would truly do anything we asked of him.

We gathered around Mikey, choking on ill-prepared goodbyes and kissing his handsome face. Once he was comfortably sedated, the vet explained that it was time, and it was okay if we left; this was not always easy to witness, especially given his size. Under such heavy sedation, the moments we had shared while he was still lucid were what would remain. We saw that he was at peace, and knew he was in trusted hands. We left our hearts in his stall, walked slowly away from the barn, and wept for this terrible loss.

Facing the Final Decision The end-of-life decision is one that the majority of horse owners will ultimately face, as grim as it may be to consider.

Most of us would rather not think about it, pushing it to the back of our minds in that murky, someday realm. I admittedly had given it little thought up until the point of Mikey’s illness as all of my

horses are in their prime and in good health. Whether it’s an old friend having lived out those golden years to the fullest, or a sudden injury that will rob a younger horse of the comfort and function he deserves, the decision is always a difficult one to make.

The questions that come into our minds when we are put in this position are physically and emotionally grueling.

Deciding to let go of a best friend is a complicated process. Cait Robinson of Ware remembers the torment of making the final call all too well. “Making an end-of-life decision for my mare, Friday, was the most painful thing I’ve had to endure,” she says. “I felt my heart rip two ways. I knew I had to make the call, but that was the last thing in the world I wanted to do. I had plans for us; we were going to go swimming in the lake with our best friends, we were going to work cattle. I wanted so badly to be selfish, but Friday had never been selfish to me. She had saved me many times over the years, and I knew it was time I saved her from suffering.”

Even when we prepare ourselves, the reality of the choice in that moment can feel insurmountable. “I had made

my 31-year-old ‘heart horse’ John the promise many years earlier that when he told me it was time, I would listen,” Melinda Lawrence of Attleboro says. “As I agonized over the decision, someone said to me, ‘better a day too soon than a moment too late.’ That really stuck with me, as I knew I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if he went down in his stall and couldn’t get up again, or became injured. I knew he didn’t deserve that.”

None of us want to see our horses suffer, and this, above all, keeps us selfless in the end.

Consider your horse’s situation as rationally as you can. Listen to your veterinarian carefully and take her recommendation into the highest consideration.

Veterinarians are well versed in these situations, and will only recommend euthanasia when it’s absolutely necessary. Look into your horse’s eyes, and put their needs ahead of your own.

The decision-making experience is different for everyone and it’s almost always helpful to have someone by your side when you decide your partner’s time has come. Whether it is your trusted vet, a best friend, family members, or a trainer, fellow horse people Massachusetts Horse

9

know the weight of this decision and can offer words of guidance and comfort. Empathy is powerful. I’ll never forget a barn mate who remained with my family while we said goodbye, and silently returned to clean out Mikey’s stall and put away his things for us afterward. That meant the world.

The Final Moments Logistics are difficult to think about at this point, but you will need to decide where the horse will be euthanized.

Given their size, ease of transport following death is critical to consider. An open, easily accessible area is usually best, but speak with the person who will handle removal first. When we were considering this for Mikey, we were very pleased when the crematory service we worked with told us to allow Mikey to remain in his stall where he was most comfortable; they were confident they would be able to access his body without a problem.

Whether or not you would like to be present at the moment of death is a deeply personal decision. I had hoped that I would be able to remain by my horse’s side, but found that I was overcome in the moment. I stayed with Mikey through his sedation until he 10

October/November 2017

looked as he was only sleeping, and felt good about that.

Once sedated, the vet will then administer the lethal injection. It’s important to understand that equine euthanasia is not always easy to witness.

Most horses will fall to their knees slowly and drift away, but collapse, falling backward, and muscle twitching can happen and should be something you’re prepared to see. The final moments are heart wrenching no matter what, and you should do what you feel most comfortable with.

Eileen Byrne of Lowell stayed with her gelding until he passed, and remembers the final moments as difficult, but also cherishes the sense of peace they both gained. “I petted Nate, talked to him, and told him how much I loved him and that I was sorry to let him go,” she says. “I do think he felt better knowing I was there. The vets told me to step away for my own safety as they administered the drugs. I couldn’t bear to see him go down so turned away. Once he was lying down I went over to him and sat with him until he was gone. It started to rain so I covered him up. I was heartbroken.”

Alessandra Mele

“We saw that he was at peace, and knew he was in trusted hands. We left our hearts in his stall, walked slowly away from the barn, and wept for this terrible loss.”

An Eternal Resting Place A big question that every horse owner ought to contemplate before they are faced with saying goodbye is how they’ll honor their horse’s remains. Burial versus cremation will depend on your transportation abilities, access to an appropriate piece of land, and budget.

I had always assumed burial was a fine option for our horses, considering they were kept on our own land.

However, when it came time to lay Mikey in his final resting place, my vet strongly recommended cremation. She stressed that due to his size, a do-it-yourself burial in the back field would be difficult and probably gruesome. I trusted her on this one. She then suggested a professional equine cremation service and I will always be grateful for that; his body was treated with true kindness and his ashes were returned in an elegant handmade trunk.

This is not to say burial isn’t a viable option. The UMass Extension Center for Agriculture, Food, and Environment provides these guidelines for burying livestock, including horses: “Burial must be no less than six feet deep with a minimum of 30 inches of soil cover. Burial must be in welldrained soils and be at least two feet

Yulia Chupina

Let the kind words fill your heart, cry over cherished photos, and take time to simply reflect and relax.

above the highest groundwater elevation. Burial must be at least 100 feet from a private well, 200 feet from a public well, 50 feet from an adjacent property line, 500 feet from a residence and more than 100 feet from a stream, lake, or pond. Burial cannot be in a wetland, floodplain, or shoreline area.” If your plot is within these parameters, it’s perfectly possible to bury your horse respectfully, and have a beautiful spot to return to and remember your beloved partner.

If you don’t have a place like this, professional equine cremation or burial at a designated pet cemetery are excellent options. Angel View Pet Cemetery and Crematory in Middleboro is one such service that offers both equine cremation and burial, aiming to make the process as easy and dignified as possible.

“Not everyone has a facility that allows them to bury their horse at home and a lot of horse owners want to be able to keep their animal’s remains close, so cremation can be a great option,” says Cathy Beasley of Angel View. “We aim to treat each situation with the utmost compassion, respect, and care.”

Not everyone is familiar with how the cremation process works, so Cathy explains what to expect: “Most often

horses pass with the assistance of a veterinarian, so usually the horse owner will call us ahead of time. Then we can send someone to come pick up the remains and transport here. The horse owner is also welcome to transport the horse here beforehand, and have the vet euthanize here. This saves on the transportation fee.”

Cathy assures that the transportation process is done as carefully as possible, by a true professional: “I often get calls from clients in praise of the gentleman who transports the horses,” she says. “It’s not a pretty business, given the size and weight of these animals, but he does an excellent job carrying out the task with as much dignity as possible.”

Angel View is equipped to privately cremate horses. “Horses can be privately cremated, and our crematorium is large enough for them to remain completely intact. This way, you can be sure that you are receiving only your horse’s cremains, in their entirety,” Cathy says. “The ashes are then returned to you in an urn of your choice,” she says. Some horse owners may elect communal cremation, which is also an option. In this case, ashes are not returned but are buried on Angel View’s grounds.

Burying your horse is also an

option at Angel View. “Our grounds are beautiful and very peaceful, and private burial is certainly an option open to our equine clients,” says Cathy. “You’ll have a private plot and can choose a personalized marker and create a serene memorial to return to and remember your horse.”

Grief and Self-Care The worst day ever may be over, but the grieving process has just begun. Coping with loss is a journey that’s different for everyone and, no doubt, always takes time. Deal with grief at your own pace, in your own way, and never hesitate to reach out for help.

Being reflective and recalling beautiful memories is a positive way to celebrate the time you shared with your horse and the life he lived. Paige Cerulli of Plainfield recalls the comfort that writing about her feelings brought her after the passing of a beloved pony.

“I’ve written about the pony in many different outlets, including blogs and poems,” she says. “One of the poems about his loss was published, and many horse owners have reached out to let me know how the poem helped them through their own grief.”

The sense of community that can be gained after a loss is often very helpMassachusetts Horse

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ful when navigating grief. Fellow horse lovers understand the difficulty of letting go, the challenges of coping, and the sorrow that an empty stall brings.

Cait Robinson was surprised to receive comfort via Facebook when she posted a photo of her mare Friday in memoriam. “Hundreds of people reacted to the post,” Cait says. “I was shocked.

Everyone knew Friday; she was a celebrity in her own right! She frequented horse shows and hunter paces for years, was a staple in the 4-H world, and gave lessons to generations of riders. People I didn’t even know were sharing photos and stories about how my horse touched their hearts. Hearing all the ways my special horse was special to hundreds of others helped ease the pain of losing her.”

Let the kind words fill your heart, cry over cherished photos, and take time to simply reflect and relax.

However, if you find yourself overwhelmed or unable to move forward, recognize when you need help. “Grief is grief,” says Cathy of Angel View, who sees daily the intense emotions that a loss of an animal can bring. “All mental health specialists understand those kinds of losses and are happy to talk.”

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October/November 2017

There’s no shame in seeking counseling and many people find the assistance of a professional immensely helpful.

Returning to the barn after your horse has passed can be a complicated step in the grieving process; some are eager to surround themselves with other horses, and some need a break from the place that is suddenly missing their best friend. Remember the joy horses have always brought you, and return to them when you’re feeling strong. They will surely bring you comfort. “I took about a year off from riding,” says Paige. “I returned eventually, though, once I was ready. Give yourself time, but don’t cut horses out entirely. There’s likely another horse out there who will be different from the horse you lost, but whom you can also learn to love.”

Keeping the Memory Alive Even as time goes on, the memory of a special horse never fades. You’ll want to do what you can to keep that memory as vibrant as possible, whether it’s framing a favorite photo, keeping a lock of mane, or hanging a monogrammed halter in a special place. There are small things you can do just to keep you thinking about the good times.

A popular remembrance is having hair from your horse’s tail braided into a piece of jewelry. This can be a beautiful memento to wear as a bracelet or necklace; a part of your friend you can always keep close. Erica Avratin runs the Horsehair Studio in Bridgewater where she creates stunning personalized pieces from mane and tail hair, often from horses that have passed on.

Erica loves creating a physical remembrance of a horse that meant so much to someone. “It’s a beautiful way for a horse owner to keep their memories close by having a piece of that special horse with them all the time,” she says.

Erica makes the process very simple, and wants to help customers create a piece that is special and personal. “A pencil-width section of the tail should be cut,” she says. “There’s an order form on my website that can be sent in to me with the hair. I offer standard, popular designs for bracelets and necklaces and anything can be customized with different styles, beads, charms, and engravings.” In a few weeks, a beautiful memento will arrive in your mailbox.

Erica understands what the final piece means to someone who has lost a dear horse, and strives to honor that horse’s memory in her craftsmanship.

“I want to make pieces that are worthy of the creatures that mean so much to us,” she says. “I use top-quality materials and a high level of workmanship to ensure that these last a long time and keep the memory alive forever.” The finished pieces certainly carry that weight. Erica recalls occasions when clients burst into tears upon seeing their bracelet or write kind letters of gratitude afterward.

Another powerful way to memorialize your late horse is by having a portrait professionally painted. Janet Crawford has been depicting horses and dogs on canvas all her life, and frequently paints memorial portraits of horses. “People want to have something they’ll have forever as a tribute to the animal; a piece they’ll enjoy looking at and having fond remembrances of their horse or pony,” Janet says. “A memorial portrait does just that.”

Janet works with each client to best represent the animal in an oil painting.

“Most people have a lot of photographs of their horse, so we’ll go through those together and choose the one that best captures the animal’s features, and I’ll work from that,” she says. “We’ll decide on a size and format, and then it typically takes me about a month to paint the portrait, depending on time and complexity.”

Unveiling the final portrait is often an emotional moment, seeing your beloved horse’s features immortalized in oil paints. Seeing clients happy with their portraits, and the comfort it can bring, always brings Janet joy. “It’s a nice way for the owner to keep the animal with them forever in their heart and in their home.”

Forever is for certain; although our equine partners are only with us for a limited amount of time, we hold the memories they give us for all eternity.

Each time I see that oakbark harness, touch the lock of Mikey’s mane, or laugh with my brother and sister at the good times, Mikey is alive within me.

Saying goodbye is perhaps the hardest thing we face as horse owners, but the love they give us in the time we spend with them certainly makes it all worthwhile.

Alessandra Mele, who lives in Wilbraham, works in marketing at W. F. Young/Absorbine. She enjoys spending time with the horses on her family’s farm, especially riding her Quarter Horse, JoJo.

color page

Massachusetts Horse

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Horseperson Feature

Westminster

Jenn Safron Equestrian Entrepreneur Cleans Up

by Andrea Bugbee

I

to ply her craft or to meet with customers. Second, blanketing horses was coming into vogue, and the increasing orders for repairs kept jamming her sewing machine because the blankets were caked with dirt and hair.

Ever the thinker, Jenn solved the first problem by moving her business

Robin Grant Briner

n 1979, Jenn Safron was an equestrian studies major taking a tack repair class at William Woods College in Missouri. She was a senior that year and, like lots of seniors, she was mostly looking for an easy A. What she ended up finding, however, was the pedal to a skill that stitched her love of horses into a lifelong career.

“That class in college wasn’t meant to start your own business, but I saw there was a need for it,” says Jenn, who lives in Westminster.

Before she even graduated, Jenn’s classmates had started asking if she could fix their broken halters and reins.

After earning her Bachelor of Science degree, she began her first job as a riding instructor at Smithfield Farm in Lunenburg. She couldn’t resist repairing the school tack there. When that was ship-shape, Jenn started knocking on stable doors to advertise her services. Steadily, she built an informal flow of customers to keep her busy when she wasn’t instructing.

Before long, an enterprising tack shop owner, Ray LeBlanc of Colt Cromwell in Acton, lassoed Jenn away from the lesson ring and set her up for business in his shop. The career shift suited her and Jenn eventually purchased all of Ray’s repair equipment, operating her own, independent business within his store. By the age of 23, she owned her own business offering onsite tack repair to Colt Cromwell customers.

Jenn says she inherited her business acumen from her father, James F. Pritchard, and her talent for sewing from her mother, Mimi Pritchard. For an enterprising entrepreneur, she’d been born with two ideal gifts. But by 1986, Jenn had two big problems, too: First, Ray had decided to retire and sell his store, so Jenn no longer had a space

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October/November 2017

home, then bringing herself to customers so they wouldn’t have to come to her. She set up a delivery schedule with 12 stables in the Acton/Concord area. Once a week, she would pick up whatever needed to be repaired. Then, the following week, she would return it, fixed, when she loaded her eight-foot truck bed with the next round.

Next, Jenn solved her dirty blanket problem by installing a 35-pound Maytag front-loading washing machine in her basement. To save her sewing machines, the horse blankets simply had to be be washed before she could repair them. Intuitively, she made blanket cleaning part of her business.

Ousted from the tack shop and into her basement, Jenn’s Tack and Blanket Service suddenly had a squeaky clean start.

“Before I knew it, I had so much work I couldn’t do it in a week, so I changed my [delivery] schedule to every two weeks,” Jenn says. She would wash 40 horse blankets in a day, stringing a colorful mosaic across her back yard to dry. In between cycles, she’d

replace the elastic on leather girths, reattach fasteners on horse boots, refurbish broken halters, and renew tattered horse blankets shredded in frisky paddock games.

“Business grew, and grew, and grew with the horse blankets,” Jenn says. In the 1980s, an average horse might have had one blanket for extreme weather.

Today, however, it’s not at all unusual for horses to have multiple articles of “clothing.” They have sweat sheets, coolers, quarter sheets, lightweights, heavyweights, and hoods.

All of these bulky, hair-caked items tax the limits of home washers.

They stink to high heaven when loaded into the back of a passenger car, and they elicit growls from Laundromat owners who see horse owners furtively stuffing manure-yellowed blankets into their machines.

In comparison, Jenn’s service is irresistibly easy to use. She leaves a drop-off/pick-up schedule and order forms at the stables in her area. Two weeks and a reasonable fee later, the blankets re-appear, clean, repaired, and rescued for another season. Jenn’s business model was so successful that, by 2012, she knew she had a choice. She could either close her business because she couldn’t manage the volume, or she could expand.

Once again, this equestrian entrepreneur saw an opportunity instead of an obstacle. She purchased a 30,000 square foot industrial building in Gardner.

“It was a scary adventure to buy a building this size and bring it up to repair,” Jenn says. “But it’s worked out well. Those customers who saw my business out of my basement say, ‘How did you ever do this out of your house?’ It’s quite an operation; it’s something to be seen.”

Today, blanket cleaning and repair is 80 percent of Jenn’s business.

Shocked by the number of horse owners who don’t write their names on their blankets, she’s vigilant about keeping orders straight. She has three employees, a total of four commercial washing machines (and her original Maytag at home still works!), and indoor drying space for 260 blankets.

Every other Wednesday, she rents a 12foot box truck so she can personally deliver to 35 barns. She also has five drop-off points: Complete Equestrian in Bedford, Erikson Grain in Acton, the Horseman’s Exchange in Littleton, SmartPak in Natick, and the Farmer’s Exchange in Townsend.

“I’ve gone from washing 40 blankets a day to 140 blankets a day,” Jenn says. “I’ll go from somebody’s backyard barn to the A circuit show barn; from western, to hunter/jumper, to dressage.

I’ve got clients who winter in Florida. I have clients throughout central Massachusetts, and, of course, I have walk-ins who bring their repairs to the shop.”

In addition to cleaning and stitching all of those blankets, Jenn still does tack repair and she engraves brass nameplates, has a consignment shop for gently used blankets and tack, offers custom embroidery, and makes hip hobo bags out of old blankets (these are definitely worth scrolling through on Facebook when you begin your holiday shopping).

“The great thing about Jenn is she knows horses. She knows what the clients want, and she’s been great at keeping up with the times,” says Lisa Samoylenko, who has owned and operated Eleazer Davis Farm in Bedford for 25 years, and has used Jenn’s services for nearly as long. “To me, she’s the only game in town. She’s convenient, she’s competitively priced, and she does an excellent job. She keeps all our blankets in service for a very long time.”

“Oh my lord, she’s made blankets useable after horses have tried to destroy them!” Sibley Hannigan of Larkspur Farm in Harvard says. “She’s repaired halters, saddles, bridles, reins.

She’s done all of the leather repair I’ve ever needed over the years.” Sibley, a dressage rider, has known Jenn since the two worked together at Colt Cromwell back in the 1980s. “Jenn has literally built her own thing. She’s a very creative businesswoman, and she’s honest. If she doesn’t do something, she’ll let you know who does.”

Erin Renfroe is another of Jenn’s

longtime customers. Erin runs Water’s Edge Farm in Concord, which is a competitive eventing barn with 34 horses.

“We obviously have a lot of blankets,” Erin says. “A lot of our horses are clipped, so they have multi-level blanketing. Jenn comes every two weeks and picks up or returns blankets. If you tell her you need something more quickly, she’ll put a rush on it. I don’t know of anything else like it in our area. She does a wonderful job. We’d be lost without her, truthfully.”

There’s a reason Jenn’s clients return season after season. “I really like pleasing my customers. That elates me,” Jenn says. “I work hard to keep everybody happy. I’m very proud of my workmanship.” Quality work, barn door delivery, an eventer’s resilience, and natural savvy about the services horse owners need have brought Jenn from a college kid making a little extra money to a businesswoman with a service stables order like grain.

Jenn did keep up her passion for eventing for many years, training under Stephie Baer and Sandy Osborn.

Eventually, however, she made the decision to sell her horse, Dewey, whom she had brought up to training level. “I’d be riding and I’d feel guilty that I should be working. Or, I’d be working and I’d feel guilty that I should be riding,” she says. As her mounted time dwindled, she eventually found a hobby that fits both her love of animals and her demanding schedule.

“I do dog agility now, and that fits the bill quite nicely,” Jenn says. Instead of horses, she now owns two dachshunds: Bailey, who is presently working on his ninth championship, and Harley, a smart, new rescue. “I’m still working and training with an animal. I’m getting that bond. I’m competing. I have a great time with them. Now I tell people I’ve gone from jumping three feet six inches to four inches,” she says, laughing.

Sibley, however, notes that not all of Jenn’s pastimes are quite so tame. “You know,” she says, hinting that this eventer’s need for speed remains strong, “Jenn drives stock cars.” It turns out, this horsey seamstress drag races her 1968 Chevelle every year at the Orange Drag Strip Reunion.

Andrea Bugbee is a Pony Club mom, an IEA mom, and a backyard horse enthusiast. She does most of her writing while she waits for her daughter in the parking lots of numerous wonderful stables scattered throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

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Massachusetts Horse

15

Farm Feature

Littleton

by Sophia Hall

Harmony Horse Stables An Appetite for Success xx

J

ust at the corner of the appropriately named Trot Road, nestled on a quiet residential street in Littleton, is where you’ll find Harmony Horse Stables. Owned by the Cecere family for more than 25 years, this farm is a gem. When you pull in the driveway, on your left are several paddocks and run-in stalls, and to your right is one of three riding rings, the entrance to the main barn, office, as well as the indoor riding arena.

farm begin with feeding, checking horses, and turnout. “I’ll prep the indoor ring or the outdoor rings for training horses and lessons,” says Don. “Right now, it’s a late-summer day program going on which starts at 9:30.

We’ll try to get at least half of the barn cleaned out before the students arrive, so they can work in that part of the barn.” The barn’s day program offers lessons for beginner through advanced riders, as well as plenty of horsemanship

Part of the Harmony Horse Farm Interscholastic Equestrian Team.

On the morning of my visit, barn manager Don Pollard, assistant manager/trainer Kara Kobernick, and students were tacking up horses for the morning lessons.

Before coming to Harmony Horse Stables, Don was a dairy farmer for more than 35 years, but has always had horses. Don now keeps his horse Moose at the stable, where Moose helps teach students when Don isn’t riding him.

Don loves his work and notes that caring for horses is very challenging at times and also so rewarding. “I’m an animal person and that’s why I like it here,” Don says. “[The owners] really care about the animals. They’re always keeping track of their use and constantly bringing new horses in for the lesson program.”

What’s an average day look like?

Like so many barns, mornings at the 16

October/November 2017

Giving riders so many options explains why there are numerous teams out of Harmony Horse Stables, including an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team, an Athletic Equestrian League (AEL) team, a very popular and successful eventing team, as well as riders showing at the various farms for jumper shows, horse trials, and dressage shows.

When asked about the how riders progress Don says, “We’re very proud of

Alana Deacon on Cricket at the Central Massachusetts Horse Show Series.

and, of course, includes some fun — adding some sparkles to the lesson ponies, among other activities.

There’s a wide variety of disciplines and abilities at Harmony Horse Stables.

The farm is home to 33 horses, including 13 boarders. There are several school horses that take riders to small and local schooling shows, there are riders who compete in dressage and eventing, and those who prefer some light pleasure riding.

When asked what the greatest challenge is, Don says, “The biggest challenge is making sure these horses stay sound and are physically fit. Keeping them sound and to the appropriate fitness level is especially key with the eventers because we have riders going from Beginner Novice to Preliminary.” Don also added that keeping the boarders and students happy is a top priority.

everything we’ve been able to do. This is a very special place for the riders and horses.”

The barn has more than 75 regular students. The facility also hosts clinics, which have included clinics with the late Mark Russell, Suzie Gornal, and Jerry Schurink. The barn also hosts some in-house schooling shows, as well as IEA and AEL shows from time to time.

“We’re here to do whatever our clients want to do,” says Don, as Kara nods in agreement.

“We do a lot of trailering out locally to get the conditioning in,” says Kara.

“We’re always doing something around here. It’s never very quiet!”

The barn has been succeeding in shows for years now. “I don’t think that there are many barns that do all the different things that we do on top of the

competing,” Kara says. This is the barn’s 13th year eventing, and they’ve had 57 riders qualify for American Eventing Championships (AEC) in those years. Kara just recently came back from the AEC where she placed 12th in a very competitive division.

Last year, Erica Jarrell, a longtime rider at Harmony Horse, and the rest of the Area 1 Young Rider Team brought home the gold from the NAJYRC. Erica, of Lincoln, boards and trains with her horses at Harmony Horse Stables, and so does her younger brother William, as well as her sister Rebecca, and mother Brenda. Both Erica and William were participants in this year’s North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. These are just some of the winning results for the hard working, determined riders, instructors, and horses at Harmony Horse Stables.

Kara has been working at the barn for more 15 years and considers the barn a staple in her life. Some families have been here for more 20 years. “We are very much a family here,” says Don. How did the farm get started?

Kathryn Cecere grew up on a breeding/lesson family farm. Kathryn got her first pony when she was in fourth grade and started teaching riding lessons at the age of 14. Kathryn’s husband Dennis teaches music at Berklee College of Music. The family’s history and love of music is where the name Harmony Horse Stables came from. For a while, they were naming horses inspired by music — they’ve had a Duke Ellington, Satchmo, and Penny Lane.

Kara explains how Kathryn has helped shape the riders at Harmony Horse Stables. “She’s an excellent teacher,” says Kara. “She’s taught all of us to be good horse people. She does the showing and the coaching and she’s great at that, but I also think she’s unique because during the winter when things slow down a little bit, Kathryn is really creative in the exercises she comes up with for everyone.”

One year, right after Christmas, they gathered a bunch of Christmas trees that didn’t sell and put them all in the indoor ring and made an obstacle course for riders to navigate. There were more than 20 trees, which sounds like quite the sight!

Harmony Horse client Brenda Jarrell says, “It takes a village to raise a

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true horseman. Harmony Horse provides that village. I’m pretty sure that every rider who’s wanted to qualify for a particular championship has done so.

I also know that riders uninterested in competition have valuable and meaningful experiences through Harmony Horse Stables as well. My daughter Rebecca was less interested in competing and more in training. Harmony Horse Stables helped her adopt and train a Premarin foal.”

“All of our boarders are home grown,” says Kathryn. “We help them buy their horses. All the wonderful

experiences, including sadness and happiness, I love it all. Harmony Horse Stables provides safe, educational, and rewarding lessons that will create memories for a lifetime.”

Knowing that when she drives to work she’ll get to be with horses makes her job so enjoyable. “I’m living my dream,” Kathryn says.

Sophia Hall, of Falmouth, is currently in her senior year at Wheaton College finishing her degree in English. Outside of class, she spends as much time as she can with her horse Toby and pup Charlie.

Sophia was a summer intern at Massachusetts Horse.

Massachusetts Horse

17

Horse Logic

A Mindful Death

by Nicole Birkholzer

O

ne of the most challenging experiences for equestrians is to take care of the death, or the pending death, of a horse.

Horses, in particular, have sensitive systems. They can change from being well to deathly ill in a very short amount of time, which can come as a surprise to us. When faced with the death of our horse we’re required to make decisions that can be overwhelming and downright scary. I’ve been there more times than I care to count.

In my experience, there are a few things to consider that can help you get through the process of letting go without losing your mind.

signs of struggle, nor did she look sweaty. Kerrie’s head, however, was twisted in a way that indicated instant death. By the time I got home and finally got to be with Kerrie it was clear to me she must have had a heart attack.

She had passed quickly, thank goodness.

Needless to say, my friend and I both felt terrible that we weren’t there when Kerrie passed away. Both of us wondered if there was anything we could

Kerrie’s Sudden Death

Becca Rose

Our Miniature mare Kerrie seemed a little lethargic the morning I left to facilitate a workshop in Maine. Kerrie and Shana, my Arabian mare, both prone to laminitis, were staying in a dry paddock for the Nicole and Kerrie. weekend. I figured Kerrie was bummed that she was not able to join the rest of the herd in the grassy fields but felt comfortable leaving her in the hands of a dear friend who had taken care of my animals many times before.

The next day my friend sent a text, “Kerrie is lethargic . . . simply standing in a corner.” I decided that Kerrie’s mental wellness was as important as her physical wellness and texted back, “Please put the muzzle on Kerrie and let her and Shana out, even if only for 10 minutes. It will raise their spirits.”

My friend did not get the message in time; she had already left for work.

When she got back to the farm in the afternoon I got another text, “Call me.”

My gut tensed . . . I felt this meant bad news. Indeed, when I called my friend said, “Nicole, Kerrie’s gone.”

My friend had found Kerrie lying lifeless in the middle of the arena. The footing around her did not show any 18 October/November 2017

have done to change the outcome.

Let me assure you, this type of thinking is not helpful. These unexpected deaths are not in our control and the best thing for our sanity is to grieve the loss without feeling guilty.

thing, she was worse. By 1 a.m. I had to make the decision to let Kaylaa go.

Just like every other time I had been in this situation, I was not sure what to do. And, like every other time, I questioned, Who was I to make the decision to end a life? And yet I also knew it was my responsibility.

Because emotions run so high in these stressful times I find it helpful to take a step back, take a few deep breaths to clear my mind and to look at the situation at hand. In Kaylaa’s case, I asked myself these questions: Has she horse gotten better since I first discovered her on the ground?

Is surgery an option?

Are there any other medical procedures that could be considered?

In the past, with a younger horse I had opted for surgery, but after conferring with my vet, for Kaylaa, the answer was no to all three questions.

Taking this moment to reflect I knew the responsible choice was to release Kaylaa and end her suffering.

Grieving in the Herd Making the Decision for Kaylaa Two and a half years ago, on a nice afternoon in May, I had spent an hour grooming Kaylaa, my 27-year-old Arabian mare, while the rest of the herd hung out with us in the barnyard.

When I arrived 90 minutes later to feed the herd their dinner hay, Kaylaa was on the ground rolling, covered in sweat.

She was colicking, and I called my vet immediately.

After the vet administered pain meds, did a rectal exam, and tubed Kaylaa, he had to leave to see several other horses who had also colicked that night. By the time he came back around midnight, Kaylaa was not better; if any-

The death of a horse can bring up a variety of emotions for us, and also for the rest of our horses, and that’s why I always include the entire herd in a goodbye ritual.

After I had a chance to visit Kerrie’s body, I invited my horses Cutter, Shana, and Kaylaa to come into the paddock to say their goodbyes.

Shana, who was present during Kerrie’s passing, simply walked over to Kerrie, put her nose on her flank one more time and told me, “I know what happened.” I responded, “I know baby, you were here witnessing it all.” I was relieved to see that Shana was feeling okay.

Cutter walked up slowly and hesi-

tated for a moment before searching for Kerrie’s nose to exchange breath.

He was confused that there was no more breath to be exchanged. Then he sighed deeply and walked away.

Kaylaa stalled coming over. Shana gave her a subtle nod that said, “Get your butt over there, it’s the thing to do” before Kaylaa walked up to Kerrie.

She gave Kerrie a fast sniff, pinned her ears for a second, and moved on. I was stunned. Kaylaa did exactly what she would have done with Kerrie if she was alive.

Next, I suggested for the three horses to leave the paddock, but they had a different plan. As if on command, Cutter and Shana started to gallop, buck, and kick out. They raced through the paddock, circled Kerrie, rushed past me, letting loose again and again, releasing their tension.

After a few moments, I started to laugh and that seemed to get them even more excited. I would like to believe that Kerrie’s spirit was released at that very moment.

Kaylaa’s passing a few years later was as shocking to me as it appeared to be for the herd, probably because she was the matriarch of her tight-knit herd of three. As Kaylaa was struggling, I’d put the other two horses, Cutter and Shana, in stalls. I didn’t want them to get in the way of Kaylaa and the vet. But Cutter thought otherwise. He was agitated and couldn’t settle in the stall, and eventually I realized that he was just as worried about Kaylaa as I was and that he needed to be near her to understand what was going on. So I haltered him and walked him over to Kaylaa who was lying on the ground. Cutter put his nostril to Kaylaa’s they breathed into each other and Kaylaa quietly whinnied when she recognized him.

Cutter stood like a statue, holding

vigil for Kaylaa for hours. When it was time to let Kaylaa go I brought Shana out as well to visit with Kaylaa. The same thing happened; Shana went nostril to nostril, and Kaylaa released another whinny in recognition. Both horses stayed motionless as the vet administered the euthanasia, yet the moment Kaylaa took her last breath, a split second before the vet announced her death, Cutter and Shana moved on their own away from Kaylaa. They knew she was gone.

That said, it took Cutter a while to accept this new reality. He walked up to Kaylaa several times, sniffing her, going nose to nose, nudging Kaylaa in hopes she would respond.

Before we went into the house, we covered Kaylaa with several horse blankets. By morning the blankets were on the ground. Cutter had used his teeth to pull them off of her.

Kaylaa was a family member. The horses had spent 24/7 together, and giving the herd a chance to say goodbye and be part of the experience was healing for all of us. Seeing Cutter grieve the loss of his herd mate made me more aware of how deep the connections between horses can run, and how important it was to honor their relationship.

Losing a horse is challenging. The hole each horse leaves will never be filled, yet by incorporating the other horses fully into farewell moments, I was not only giving them a chance to process the event, they also helped me feel more connected in the time of loss. Because of our rituals, I was no longer coping alone with the death of one of my horses — I became part of a sacred and intimate journey we all took together.

Nicole Birkholzer is on a mission to understand the logic behind our horses' behaviors.To book an animal communication appointment and watch her Horse Logic video series, go to: nicolebirkholzer.com

Bucking, balking, barging . . .

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Massachusetts Horse

19

Trail Guide

Hadley

Mount Holyoke Range State Park

by Stacey Stearns

I

adjacent to the Connecticut River, and its primary attraction is the Summit House. Although currently closed for renovation, the Summit House was a hotel in its heyday and remains a popular destination. Joseph Allen Skinner

Stacey Stearns

n the central part of the Connecticut River Valley, a seven-mile ridge runs between Hadley and Belchertown — Mount Holyoke Range State Park.

Through a patchwork of state, town, and private lands, the park is more than 3,000 acres, when the acreage of adjacent Skinner State Park on Mount Hadley is included.

There are 40 miles of marked trails when including those in Skinner, although some aren’t appropriate for horses.

Mount Holyoke Range State Park is approximately 1,000 feet in elevation, and is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Park maps are available at mass.gov/dcr and at the Notch Visitors’ Center on Route 116 in Amherst.

Recreational opportunities in Mount Holyoke Range State Park include hiking, horseback riding, hunting (in season), scenic views, picnic areas, cross-country skiing, and walking trails. With all of these options, Bay State equestrians need to be prepared to share the trails.

Unique History Lava flowed from the valley floor in central Massachusetts more than 200 million years ago, cooled and then upended, creating the Mount Holyoke Range. Glaciers also left their signature — the areas of smooth edges, bedrock, sand, and clay are attributed to glaciers.

There are parts of the region that I compare to an ocean of rocks; I recommend hoof protection for this ride.

J. A. Skinner State Park is 400 acres of forest on Mount Holyoke in Hadley, 20

October/November 2017

was a wealthy businessman who donated the land and hotel to the state in 1940.

The picnic areas, scenic vistas, and hawk-watching make Skinner State Park a favorite. Hawk watching during fall migration is especially popular at the Summit House. Self-guided geology walking tours are also available.

Some trails in Skinner State Park are suitable for horseback riding. An 11mile segment of the MetacometMonadnock Trail runs through Skinner and Mount Holyoke Range State Parks.

A Leg Up Be aware and respectful of private property that is intermingled with DCR and town land in both Skinner and Mount Holyoke Range State Parks. Hikers and mountain bikers outnumber equestrians as trail users; always be courteous to others, as you represent all equestrians when out on the trail. There are numerous species of rare and threatened flora

and fauna in Skinner State Park in particular — staying on designated trails is imperative for their protection.

There are maps and restroom facilities at the Notch Visitors’ Center. The maps show an enlarged version of what you can print at home; however, it doesn’t include the map of Skinner State Park.

I used both the maps from home and the one from the Visitors’ Center on my ride.

Pack water for yourself and your horse. Carry in and carry out all of your trash.

Remember to clean up hay and manure around your horse trailer at the end of your ride. During hunting season, wear blaze orange.

There are several parking options, but it’s a good idea to arrive early and park strategically. There is a dirt pull-off on Route 116 close to the South Hadley line before the Notch Visitors’ Center that’s better for trailers. You can ride around the DCR gate to connect to the trail system. If you want to ride in Skinner State Park at all, this is the easiest parking lot to use.

The Notch Visitors’ Center has a paved parking lot and bustles with activity on the weekends. If you pull in and go left, there is a grass and dirt area at the far end where a horse trailer can park but you’ll need to back up in here.

There’s a private shooting range on Route 116, just beyond the Notch Visitors’ Center. On the weekends, the sound of gunshots rings out steadily.

There are also two pull-off parking areas on Harris Mountain Road on the Granby town line that fit one horse trailer, or two, depending on size and

other vehicles. This is a quiet section of the park, and you can access the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail via the orange blazes of the Robert Frost Trail that runs in this section.

The parking area on Bay Road is too small for a trailer, and I never made it to the parking lot on Bachelor Street, finding too many other places to explore before I ran out of time.

The Horse Caves are located on the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, marked with white blazes, below the summit of Mount Norwottuck. They are rock overhangs made of sediment and it’s believed that rebels used them as shelter during Shay’s Rebellion in 1786.

The Seven Sisters is a favorite hike, with lookouts at various scenic vistas.

The rugged and steep trail isn’t appropriate for horses, and for those counting there are more than seven summits in the range.

Friends of the Mount Holyoke Range is a nonprofit organization that has assisted in land acquisition, trail maintenance, and outreach for 35 years.

The group offers nature walks, presentations, and sponsors an annual concert series and the Seven Sisters Trail Run. Their Facebook page has the most upto-date information, including dates equestrians will want to avoid the parks.

Parts of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail aren’t appropriate for horses. The summit trails in particular are steep and rocky. At places on these trails it’s straight rock face — I wouldn’t even want to hike this with a dog. Choose other trails for your ride. There’s a reason certain trails are closed to horses.

Heed the trail signs; it’s for your own safety.

Out Riding It Mount Holyoke Range State Park is a wooded refuge with steep slopes. The park runs from east to west, creating a variety of forestlands. These include birch-beech-hemlock stands on the north side of the range and oak-hickory on the south. Thickets, streams, ponds, and wetlands are located throughout the vast area.

“Some of the best horse trails are between the Notch (east side of Route 116) and Harris Mountain Road,” says Sue Caisse of Leeds. Sue grew up in the area, and owns a Morgan mare that she trail rides. “As a kid I rode the entire eastern side and still prefer those trails.

I tried the western side but there are a lot of mountain bike riders over there.”

If you head out on the trail from the parking lot at the Notch, you’re riding the eastern side of Route 116 and this is where most of the bridle trails are. As you start off from the Visitors’ Center area, trails are wide with occasional tree roots. There are a lot of trail users around the Notch, but they disperse as you ride deeper into the woods.

Early in your ride, decide whether to explore the trails on the north or south side of Mount Norwottuck. If you go north, you head out on the blueblazed Laurel trail from the parking lot toward the Northside and Sweet Alice trails, before coming back on orange blazes of the Robert Frost trail, which runs parallel to the MetacometMonadnock.

Riding in the southern end of Mount Norwottuck offers more miles, wetlands, and thickets. Take the orange Robert Frost trail out of the Notch, then connect to the Southside trail. From the Southside trail, you can ride a loop using the Upper and Lower Access trails, riding alongside ponds and wetlands. Be attentive to side trails in this region, as a few are favorites among the mountain bikers. Serpentine, Roller Coaster, and Twister are also in this section and can be technical in places.

Although trails in the Mount Holyoke Range State Park are marked, some are not as well marked as others.

DCR and the Friends of the Mount Holyoke Range actively perform trail maintenance but it’s a vast area. Always carry a map, go slow, and make sure you’re on the correct trail. The numbers on the map are also out on the trails to assist you.

Trail intersection or direction changes are marked with double blazes.

Before heading off, be aware of weather predictions and sunset. Start early and wear appropriate clothing — preferably in breathable layers.

DCR implemented a Location Identification (LID) system at Mount Holyoke Range State Park for locating lost or injured trail users. At most trail intersections you’ll see a 5.5 x 7.5 inch white sign with the park telephone number and a three-digit number. Signs are placed eight to ten feet off the ground. The number on the sign corresponds to the numbers on your trail map, and an arrow on your map at each

Trailers 2017

intersection shows the direction you’re facing when looking at the sign. You can use the map and LID signs to find your desired direction, or if you get lost. In case of emergency, be aware of your most recent LID number, and call 911 for real emergencies.

The wild, rugged beauty of Mount Holyoke State Park is bewitching. The challenging trails draw my focus to my ride and the trail ahead. Although I didn’t make it to the Horse Caves, I marveled at the rebels for riding on such trails, which were probably more technical back then.

The rhythmic sound of wind in the trees and quiet conversations of other trail users offer a sense of security as I gaze toward the next bend in the trail.

Mount Holyoke Range State Park is not a place you visit once; rather it’s a park to explore time and again.

Happy trails.

Stacey Stearns, a lifelong equestrian from Connecticut, enjoys trail riding and endurance with her Morgan horses.

Massachusetts Horse

21

Lend a Hoof

Pony Clubs Setting the Standards for Equestrians

by Andrea Bugbee

W

hat if you went to a horse show and were judged not just on your ride, but on whether your billets were oiled, whether you showed up to your classes on time, and whether you had proper emergency equipment in your trailer?

What if you had to take a written equine knowledge test at the beginning of the day, or if you could lose points for tying your hay net too low?

If all that sounds like a dream

These adults volunteer because, once, they were like these young people, too.

“We’re the only kids I can think of that enjoy having a tack-cleaning party,” says 15-year-old Norfolk Hunt Pony Club member Emma Stiller. “You enjoy the same things. There’s a constant stream of conversation. Even when you’re not doing fun things, it’s still really fun. It’s

“Before I joined Pony Club,” says Aly Werth of Bedford, “I had a very small view of the horse world.” Since 2006, when she began lessoning at Hybid Farm Pony Club Riding Center in Acton, Aly has traveled to the USPC Championships East more than five times. She competed both nationally and internationally in knowledge. She competed nationally as captain of her mounted games team. She competed in

Emma Stiller

Aly Werth

Sierra Kuzmeski

rather than a nightmare, then you’re probably in Pony Club.

The United States Pony Club (USPC) is 460 clubs strong, with 17 clubs based right here in Massachusetts.

First cousin to the British Pony Club, the USPC promotes sportsmanship, stewardship, and leadership through horses. It offers an outstanding education program, opportunities for both beginning and high-level advancement, yearly national championships and symposiums, knowledge competitions, a youth congress, international exchanges, and access to reasonably priced lessons and clinics close to home.

Many of the equestrians who join Pony Club as kids go on to become Pony Club parents, instructors, and leaders. Almost all who stay in Pony Club do so as volunteers. These generous adults spread their passion for, and knowledge about, equine husbandry to enthusiastic young people eager to lug water or pick up a manure fork for the love of their horse.

almost a break from school and other parts of life to get together with other Pony Clubbers and enjoy everything it has to offer.”

Emma is an eventer from Sherborn who will be competing at Training level the second she can convince her mare Winnie to reliably go through water.

Emma’s favorite part of Pony Club is the camp she attends each summer with other club members from her region. There, she learns skills that make her a better rider and horse person. She’s also gotten to try two Pony Club disciplines that are harder to find: tetrathalon and mounted games.

Tetrathalon (or “tet” as Pony Clubbers call it) is a multi-discipline competition that combines riding with swimming, running, and target shooting. Mounted games are a silly, athletic, frenetic blast.

Most games are in relay format. Some include flags, buckets, or plastic groceries. All require speed, bravery, balance, and magnanimously cooperative ponies.

dressage, which required her to prepare and perform her own musical freestyle. She also competed more than once as her team’s stable manager.

Because Hybid Farm is a Pony Club Center (that means it’s a lesson stable that offers the Pony Club program) Aly enjoyed all those awesome experiences without owning a horse of her own. “You used to have to own a horse,” she says, “but since they added centers [in the early 2000s], I was able to participate.”

Aly, now 23, is a young professional working in marketing, but she can (and does) participate in Pony Club as a youth member until she is 25. After 25, she can join the Horsemasters Program.

USPC horsemasters enjoy most of the learning and riding opportunities available to youth members. The program connects adults to affordable clinics and lessons, and it connects youth members to terrific adult role models.

The USPC Horsemasters Program is a blue ribbon all around.

© Brant Gamma Photos

Games, Guns, and Gallops

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October/November 2017

Rally Ho! If camps, lessons, and clinics are the weekly waltzes of Pony Club, then rallies and ratings are the grand balls. In Pony Club-ese, “rallies” are similar to horse shows, and “ratings” are assessments members take in order to move up a sequential scale of riding skill and knowledge.

Emma “shows” at events, but she also participates in Pony Club “rallies.”

Here’s how she explains the difference between the two: “A horse show is mostly just the riding. You don’t have the team aspect or the horse management,” she says. “At a rally, you’re judged on your equipment, how clean it is, do you know why you’re using it; how clean your horse is. The parents aren’t allowed to be [in the stable area], so it’s really just you and your friends doing everything.”

Wait. Pony Club leaves a bunch of kids alone with their ponies and trailers all day at rallies? Yes! Rally competitors are, of course, supervised by Pony Club officials, but all goes well because rallies aren’t just about riding. Participants also gain (or lose) points for safety, horse management, timeliness, and tidiness. Are mounts properly tied? Do they have hay and water? Are their sheaths, docks and ears clean? Is the team’s trailer area orderly and appropriately stocked for emergencies? Rather than hovering, parents keep busy by manning the ring gates, resetting jumps, scribing, announcing, and making the judge’s lunch.

“They’re so excited that they do it for themselves; nobody’s done it for them,” says Sue Shiels of Hanson. Now a regional supervisor for the USPC Southeastern New England Region, Sue has been involved with Pony Club since she was a kid rallying with Milton’s Ponkapoag Pony Club back in the 1970s. “They learn about horsemanship, care, teamwork, sportsmanship, independence, and responsibility. It’s just all-encompassing.”

Pony Club hosts rallies in a variety of disciplines including eventing, show jumping, and dressage. Depending on a region’s interest, they also host western rallies, as well as rallies for tetrathalon, games, and polocrosse (which is a heart-pounding mix of polo and lacrosse played on horseback).

Typically, rallies begin at seven in the morning and continue into the afternoon — even when it rains. The kids span from elementary school

through high school, and, working on mixed-age teams of four or five, they dust each other’s boots, calm each other’s jitters, hold each other’s horses, whine a little, laugh a lot, and make friendships that last for years.

Pony Club Community Wednesday night is Pony Club night at RER Ponies in Hatfield, a United States Pony Club Center. The mission, values, and curriculum set forth by Pony Club are at the core of much of what RER Ponies does. “We have Junior Pony Club for riders four to ten years old, Pony Club for kids older than that, and most recently, Adult Pony Club,” says Heather Reynold, RER Ponies owner and center administrator. Heather’s a true advocate for the well-rounded horsemanship that Pony Club instills

“They’re learning responsibility for their horses as a partner.

That’s fundamental. It’s never just about the competition.”

Amanda Ellis xxxx Full Circle Riding Center, Haverhill xxxx

through education. “First and foremost we are an educational facility. We’re the definition of what a USPC Riding Center is and we provide educational opportunities for all. We’re continuously learning from each other, and that process remains our main focus.”

“For me, being a Pony Club center means being able to provide education to the community,” says Heather.

“Providing the Pony Club curriculum means so many can be educated with a firm safety background, a way to be able to have well-rounded, recognized horsemanship values and standards. Being a center means you don’t have to have your own horse and we can provide the quality pony club education to many more riders with the center’s horses.

I’ve recently introduced the Horsemasters Program and the adults are loving being able to strive for a goal on and off their mounts. Being able to say they have achieved a certification for them is huge! They’re so proud of the team they belong to, just as the kids are.”

The result of this goal-oriented approach, combined with a strong sense of community, is confident, self-

sufficient riders. “My daughter Sierra has blossomed at RER Ponies, and is eager to learn all she can here,” says Margarita Kuzmeski. “She wants to spend as much time as she can here and has gained exposure to so many different elements of horsemanship as a result.”

Twelve-year-old Sierra agrees: “I’ve been riding here for seven years, and I feel like I’ve progressed a lot. I love being around the horses and learning from Heather.”

Knowing How You Rate Amanda Ellis runs Full Circle Riding Center in Haverhill. She applauds youth education programs such as 4-H, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and Future Farmers of America. “But I’ll tell you what makes Pony Club exceptional,” she says. “We have a Standard of Proficiencies, which is unique. Whether you’re six or twenty, there’s a very specific program laid out, and that program is respected throughout the professional riding community.”

Pony Club’s rating system is a little like working one’s way up a report card.

Everybody starts at a D. A D2 level rider, for example, must demonstrate correct diagonals, be able to apply protective and bell boots to their mount, understand correct leads, perform an emergency dismount, demonstrate control and balance over a low jump course, etc. From beginning to most advanced, the USPC rating levels are D1, D2, D3, C1, C2, C3, B, and A. If you meet an A level Pony Club rider (like Sue), then you have met a rider who really knows what they’re doing.

“I’ve done a rating each year,” says Emma, who recently passed her C3 certification. The test was held in Connecticut. It spanned over two days and included nine other candidates hailing from as far away as Maine and New Jersey. In order to pass, Emma had to demonstrate her proficiency in stable, standing, and abscess bandaging.

She had to safely and properly longe her horse in a bridle, saddle, and side reins. She had to ride a dressage test, jump a course at 3'3", glide over a 3' grid with no stirrups, and tackle five Training level cross-country jumps. She had to demonstrate competence riding continued on page 46

Massachusetts Horse

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Overherd

News in Our Community Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is actively involved in all of them. A quick synopsis, and where they stand in the leg-

The 18th annual Eastern Regional Pleasure Trail Ride at the North Brookfield Sportsmen’s Club will be held November 5, rain or shine. The ride is New England Horse and Trail affiliated and will have eightmile and 17-mile options.

The ride will include judging on obstacles that would be encountered on a pleasure trail ride. Riders may enter either judged ride in one of the seven divisions: Men’s Rider, Women’s Rider 49 and Under, Women’s Rider Over 49, Novice Rider, Junior or Pony Club Rider, Novice Horse, and 4-H Rider, or they can enter the unjudged ride at either distance.

The entry fee is $55 for adults, $35 for juniors and Pony Club members, and $30 for 4-H members with a current 4-H card. All registration and entry fees for the judged ride must be received

by Sunday, October 29. Late unjudged entries will be accepted until the ride fills or Thursday, November 2, whichever comes first.

More than $3,000 in prizes and many breed awards will be given out after the ride at the full dinner, which is included with the price of entry. (Pre-ride coffee and donuts are also included.)

Dinner choices include roast beef cooked on a spit or chicken barbecue. Non-riders may purchase a meal ticket in advance for $15.

To learn more and register for the ride, contact Larry Underwood at (508) 867-7855.

Beacon Hill Equine Roundup There are several equinerelated bills being considered by the legislature. The 24

October/November 2017

Collectively, these two bills would establish criteria by which equine dentists are deemed certified, as well as to lay out which procedures they

Kendra Bond

Eastern Regional Pleasure Trail Ride

Peace for Ponies will celebrate William’s one-year birthday November 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 12 Great Neck Road in East Wareham. “William is a poster child for donkey rescue and teaches us compassion every day,” says Kendra Bond, Peace for Ponies founder. “There are hundreds of funny videos and pictures of William. Follow us on Facebook and watch our rescues heal and find amazing homes.” To learn more, visit peaceforponies.com.

islative process, follows:

HB 3265 – An act requiring the use of helmets for equestrian riders and drivers. This bill has been around for a couple of legislative sessions.

Earlier versions required all riders, regardless of age, to wear helmets whether on public or private property.

MFBF worked with the bill sponsor to narrow this to helmets for riders and drivers on public property and for those under age 18 taking lessons. The bill is currently before the House for a vote.

It must then go to the Senate.

HB 1997 – An act relative to licensure of equine dentists. HB 2145 – An act relative to equine dentistry.

can undertake. While equine dentists have been operating for decades in Massachusetts, state law states that only veterinarians can perform dental procedures on horses.

MFBF is concerned that there aren’t enough qualified dentists in the Commonwealth to meet the needs of horse owners. MFBF supports these bills. The Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association opposes them.

The bills were heard during the summer by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. The Committee has yet to vote on the bills.

SB 480 – An act relative to horseback riding instructors’ license. Massachusetts is one

of the few states in the country to require a riding instructor license. The exam has little to do with actual riding instruction and is burdensome to obtain — often resulting in significant hiring delays for commercial stables. What’s more, it’s poorly enforced with many unlicensed instructors operating without consequence.

Because of this, MFBF has proposed doing away with the license. We do support language in the bill that would require CORI checks of all staff in commercial stables that work with children.

This bill has yet to be heard by committee.

Whether these bills become law or die on the hill will depend largely on how many voters weigh in for or against them. MFBF members should look for email alerts prompting them to contact their legislators. We send these alerts out at key points in the legislative process using a system that makes it nearly effortless to weigh in.

If you aren’t a member of the MFBF and want to become an active part of this process, please consider joining. MFBF offers a 10 percent discount to its members at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. This discount will usually more than pay for a membership.

To join, go to farmbureau.co/ online-application.

n Brad Mitchell

Lexie Ferris Is on a Roll Alexandra “Lexie” Ferris, a recent graduate of Ipswich High School, is beginning a new chapter in her life. She is attending UMass Amherst where she will be a pre-vet major, with a focus on equine physical therapy.

Massachusetts Horse

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Lexie is a fourth-generation horsewoman. She’s had an incredible final year of her junior exhibitor career, most recently being awarded the Anna Ela Memorial Scholarship during the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show on August 19. Earlier this year, Lexie was awarded the UPHA Chapter 14 Scholarship. Last year, Lexie received the coveted United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award.

Lexie first entered the show ring in Lead Line classes and over the years she’s competed Morgans in Hunter and Saddle Seat divisions and has worked for carriage pleasure driving, Hackney, Friesian, hunter/jumper, Morgan, and American Saddlebred facilities, expanding her knowledge in any way possible.

She’s competed on an Interscholastic Equestrian Association team for six years. Lexie has been a member of the Massachusetts Youth Council for four years and USEF Equestrian Athlete Lettering Program for three years. She’s won accolades such as the 2014 North Shore Horsemen’s Association New Hunter Reserve Champion title, 2014 Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association Outstanding Youth Award, and 2015 North Shore Horsemen’s

Massachusetts Horse

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n Suzy Lucine

Marissa Rossetti Wins at AQHA Region 6 Super 6 Eleven-year-old Marissa Rossetti of Sutton won high point awards at the Region 6 Super 6 American Quarter Horse Association Show.

“She won her division Walk Trot 18 and Under High Point Champion along with many circuit awards and top

three placings in her classes,” says Marissa’s mother Aimee.

“Marissa has only been riding for two years.”

“Marissa started asking

sionate about either one.

“I grew up riding horses and my father has a horse farm in upstate New York so I signed Marissa up for riding

Bryan Nigro Show Photography

Association Children’s Equitation Champion title.

She continues to work, ride, and teach lessons at Northgate Stables and Taylor River Farm and rides at the hunter/jumper barn Over the Oxer.

“I’m so fortunate to have a granddaughter with an intense love of horses,” says Barbara Ackley of Windrush Stables. “I’m so proud of her and her amazing work ethic.

I’m also proud of her diversity working with different breeds and disciplines. I love all of this about her, and so much more!”

and Quarter Ridge Farm has been a hay customer for years. At the moment we do not own our own horse but we are fortunate that we are able to share Hubbas LIL [aka Lily] with her owner Hailey Marie Fournier.”

We asked Marissa what characteristic she most values in a horse? “The characteristic I value most is trust,” says Marissa. “If I feel a connection with the horse I feel safe and confident.”

“My favorite horse is Lily,” says Marissa. “She’s just special in her own way. She’s a big, beautiful, gray Quarter Horse. We have a great connection and I’m not afraid to try new things with her.”

Congratulations, Marissa!

Pickle Lily Tribute Marissa Rossetti riding Hubbas LIL, aka Lily owned by Hailey Marie Fournier.

me if she could take riding lessons [two years ago],” says Aimee. “She’d already tried playing soccer and tried gymnastics but was not very pas-

lessons with Charlene McDonald of Quarter Ridge Farm in Westborough. My family runs and owns D & J Farm Supplies in Northbridge,

Named for a relish, Pickle Lily, a spicy black lesson pony of unknown origins, left hoof prints on many hearts as a deeply treasured star steed for Back Bay Farm in Ipswich.

Bring your horses home!

Right off Route 20 in Charlton and only minutes from 90 and 290, this custom-built home sits on three acres with a Circle B barn. It’s a wonderful place to call home for everyone. The three-stall barn has rubber mats and a walk up hayloft that holds 250 bales. All the stalls have windows that open and the tack/feed room is a blank slate for you to organize the way you want. The riding arena is level and has excellent drainage. The Cape-style home is perfect for a large or multi-generational family. Boasting two master suites and a partially finished basement. The kitchen has been upgraded with cherry cabinets and counter tops. The first floor master suite has a sitting room with sliders to the back covered porch. Too many amenities to list. $609,900.Many photos at 30BayPathRd.com!

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October/November 2017

ered with post-its for anatomy lessons, dressed as a Rastafarian with dreadlocks or a princess wearing a tulle tutu, though sometimes she still had decided opinions about wearing too much decor.

est of children to groom her.

Most Back Bay Farm riders, grooms, and parents have Pickle memories and entertaining stories.

A mother of one of her last regular riders, Kate

became family. Thank you, sweet old girl.”

n Holly Jacobson

Jean Degutis Inducted into NEMHS Hall of Fame

Michelle Donovan Licciardi

“I’ve never received so many condolences from people I haven’t heard from in twenty years,” says Robin Petersen, owner and head trainer at Back Bay Farm, after Pickle’s passing at 26 years of age.

Bought from horse dealer Charlie Lane of Rockport for $800, the medium-sized mare arrived quite sassy and tested many a young rider in her early days.

But over the years, Pickle learned her role well and quietly, solidly launched an untold number of riders from longe line to learning to steer and posting, to first canters and cross rails. She chaperoned so many safely to their first show ring experiences and reigned as a short stirrup specialist.

Occasionally, with older kids, she showed off her athleticism at home by jumping the bigger jumps.

She carried many on beach rides, trails, and was a camp favorite, whether cov-

PIckle Lily with Arianna Licciardi, one of many riders she started in her 18-year career at Back Bay Farm in Ipswich.

Her true value was that she was not push button, you actually had to ride her, which made her a superb yet tolerant teacher. She stood patiently for even the small-

Cotter had known Pickle for 15 years. “She taught my daughter to trust, to try, to be brave, and showed Grace the golden treasure of loving a pony,” says Kate. “Pickle

This year was the 78th annual New England Regional Morgan Horse Show (NEMHS). The theme of this year’s show was equitation. The front cover of the show program noted, “Dedicated to equitation, the pursuit of excellence in horsemanship.”

The theme appropriately led the show committee to their 2017 choice for the NEMHS Hall of Fame, the highly accomplished, unparalleled instructor and horsewoman, Jean Degutis of Equitation Unlimited at Janbark Farm in Plainville.

From Lead Line to Walk Trot to Adults, Jean’s riders have won every saddle seat equitation title imaginable at state, regional, national, and world levels.

For those who think

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on multiple generations of Morgan riders. For Jean, equitation is not an end in itself, but prepares riders to enjoy the sport and to elicit

the long list of Jean’s trained equitation champions, but by the number of her students who have become leading professionals in our commu-

It’s fitting that Jean was honored in Northampton, where so many of her riders have taken victory passes, set records, and left memories for all who respect good horsemanship.

n Suzy Lucine

Bethani Chadbourne Photography

Bay State Equine Rescue

Madelyn Norton riding Rosie at the Azrael Acres Open Show in Uxbridge.

Madelyn’s mother Morgan owns Chana Dero Stables, a newly established farm in Douglas. The farm was bought in early 2016 and the doors opened for boarding and lessons in May. The property boasts a new outdoor ring with a full course of jumps, trails on property and leading off the property, all day or 24/7 turn out, and onsite training is available. All breeds and disciplines welcome. Morgan has more than 20 years of training and horse care experience.

“One of our goals is to offer the quality care your horse deserves at an affordable price,” says Morgan.

top performances from beautiful Morgan partners.

This is evident, not only by

Susan Rainville Dressage Training from the Ground Up

nity and competitive amateurs in the Morgan show ring.

Bay State Equine Rescue (BSER) recently rescued Irish, a three-year-old Thoroughbred. Irish was bred for greatness on the track, but somehow ended up starved, left outside with overgrown hooves, covered with kick and bite marks, and infected with strangles.

Despite her awful start in life, she is kind and sweet.

Irish was ultimately dumped in an auction house. How did this happen? The volunteers at BSER ask themselves this every time a neglected, abused, abandoned horse is turned over to them.

Irish never had a chance. Somehow, through no fault of her own, she

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equitation is about posing on horseback, you’ve not witnessed a riding lesson with Jean. She’s taught young people horsemanship. Her students have been expected to meet challenges presented by various horses, and riding a variety of horses has always been part of the Jean Degutis experience. These students are taught to solve riding problems, skillfully applying the use of their bridle, communicating through their seats, getting the best performance from their mount, and being fully engaged with the process of preparing and understanding the horses that they ride.

They’re expected to be thinkers, riders who can respond on a moment’s notice whether working out an issue with their horse or executing with precision the most demanding of individual equitation patterns.

In a career that has spanned five decades, Jean has put a recognizable stamp

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ended up in the wrong human hands. Often a rehabilitated horse carries a stigma. Many folks think less of rescue horses. BSER brings them back to life and waits patiently for their forever person to show up and give them a home. Many of our horses have gone on to live full, productive lives with caring owners.

BSER will hold its fall shavings sale Saturday, October 21. Shavings pickup is at Camp Marshall in Spencer from 9 to 11 a.m.

You must preorder your bags, and there’s a minimum order of 10 bags. Just $4.90 per plastic-wrapped bag for up to 199 bags.

Orders of 200 or more bags are only $4.75 per bag! To place your order, contact Sharon at sah@baystate rescue.org.

The rescue has been abuzz lately. BSER obtained their new home, a 10-acre facility, two years ago. The property has a three-bedroom house and a six-stall barn, and was a diamond in the rough needing lots of tender loving care. We recently added a new barn to accommodate our charges. Countless volunteers have been sprucing up the facility, including fresh paint on the house and barns, brush clearing, and a new ring. We’re grateful to all the volunteers who’ve helped make the new property a welcome safe haven for our rescues.

n Karin Orsi

Smith College and Stoneleigh-Burnham School Partner Thanks to a new partnership, Smith College equestrian students will ride and train at the barn at StoneleighBurnham School, an independent school for girls in grades 7 to 12 distinguished by a long history of equestrian education and competition.

Smith College Athletics Director Kristin Hughes and

members of the Smith equestrian team toured numerous local riding facilities to identify a new home base following the closing of Fox Meadow Farm, the oncampus barn that had previously served Smith students.

Stoneleigh-Burnham stood out among possible new barns, particularly with regard to its increased space and superior facilities.

“Stoneleigh-Burnham’s equestrian center is widely recognized as being one of the best in the country,” Kristin says. “Having toured it with the team, we’re confident that this new arrangement will provide interested students with top-quality riding opportunities.”

Stoneleigh-Burnham will offer training and coaching in a wide range of disciplines, a number of which are not currently available to Smith students, such as dressage. Smith will provide free transportation for the 30minute drive, will host shows out of the StoneleighBurnham facility, and will provide financial assistance for riding-related expenses to any student who qualifies.

“Although we were disappointed by the college’s decision to close the Smith barn, we feel beyond excited for the new opportunities Stoneleigh-Burnham has to offer,” says the leadership group of the Smith equestrian team. “We’re confident that together with their incredible resources and trainers we can continue being as competitive as we always have. At its core, our team is about supporting each other and bettering ourselves as riders. We would like to thank our former coach Sue Payne for her years of dedication to teaching us that.”

“We’re very pleased to welcome Smith College riders,” says George Halkett, director of the StoneleighBurnham Equestrian Center.

“We recognize and respect the rich heritage of the Massachusetts Horse

31

Smith College riding program and are excited to have the opportunity to continue this program here.”

“Smith has a long and proud history around equestrianism — both as a varsity sport and outside of varsity competition,” says Kristin.

“We’re committed to continuing our students’ successful tradition in the years to come.”

Smith College has no immediate plans for the oncampus equestrian property that’s no longer in use.

nizes dressage riders and horses whose combined ages total 100 years or more.

Arlyn is 76 and Whispering

case Bill McMullin. The Dressage Foundation provides a Century Club ribbon and wall plaque to each

Arlyn Diamond Joins Century Club Arlyn Diamond of Leverett was inducted into a special group of senior dressage riders and horses in August at Xenophon Farm in Montague. The ages of Arlyn and her horse, Whispering Doc Hollywood, qualify them to become members of the elite Dressage Foundation’s Century Club.

The Century Club recog-

Arlyn Diamond and Whispering Doc Hollywood qualified as members of the Dressage Foundation’s Century Club with judge Bill McMullin and Xenophon Farm’s Elaine Kachavos.

Doc Hollywood is 24. In addition to having ages totaling 100 or more, Arlyn and Doc needed to perform a dressage test of any level at a dressage show and be scored by a dressage judge, in this

horse and rider team. Family and friends helped make Arlyn’s ride a celebratory event.

The Century Club was formed at The Dressage Foundation in 1996 and

since that time, the Century Club has grown into a meaningful and popular endeavor, and has more than 300 members to-date.

The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) donor-driven organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the sport of dressage. The organization solicits contributions, appropriately allocates the donations, and awards grants and scholarships to dressage riders of all ages and levels. For more information, visit dressagefoundation.org.

Joe Medico Grant at New England Equitation Championships The Joe Medico New England Equitation Championship Grant is sponsored by J. R. Hudson Horse Transportation and will be awarded to two junior riders.

Joe was a driver for J. R. Hudson Horse Transportation for more than 20 years and he passed away in April. Joe

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always had a smile on his face and was the first to lend a helping hand. To commemorate his dedication to the New England horse community, J. R. Hudson Horse Transportation is sponsoring two grants of $1,250 each.

These grants will go to qualified New England Junior Medal riders who demonstrate a financial need in order to participate in the New England Horsemen’s Council Championships.

After thorough review, the Joe Medico Grant Committee will award riders based upon the required essay that will be comprised of two parts.

Katy Colleton Receives Service Award The New England Morgan family took time to remember a very special member of the community, Stephen Nava, at the annual New England Morgan Horse Show (NEMHS). Many Morgan enthusiasts had watched Stephen grow up at the Three County Fairgrounds, first sitting on the lap of his father, Fred, while dragging the ring. In the blink of an eye, it was Stephen who was dragging the ring, driving the water truck, and doing any job that needed to be done for the show, as well as lending a hand to his mother, Christine Nava-Moulthrop.

He loved everything about the show and the show’s participants, organizers, and spectators loved everything about Stephen.

The Morgan community mourned his loss earlier this year and stepped up to honor the young man with a memorial award. The Stephen Nava Distinguished Service Award was established to remember the wonderful spirit of this special young man and his love of the NEMHS. The award was given to Katy Colleton. As they did with Stephen, many who attend the show each year watched Katy grow up. She was a quiet little girl, the daughter of the vivacious

Susan Colleton. Katy was not your average show kid. Her time was not spent competing in the ring, but outside away from the action. She could be found in hospitality, the ribbon booth, passing out programs, and any odd job that needed to be done.

Katy went off to college, but returned to Northampton the last week of July every year for the NEMHS. She created a wonderful youth corner under the tent, quickly becoming a NEMHS trademark. The kids loved Katy and her Youth Activity Center.

Thanks to her giving spirit, children could always find things to do.

Members of the show committee were honored to present the award to Katy.

Her work ethic, love of the NEMHS, and her willingness to help others embodies the spirit of Stephen. He would be pleased that his friend Katy is the first recipient.

NEMHS appreciates the Nava family’s gesture for the honor of keeping Stephen’s memory alive through memorial donations to the show in his memory. Stephen was a special part of this show and he continues to be missed dearly.

n Suzy Lucine

Overherdisms • “Your horse’s job is to jump the fence and your job is getting her there.”

• “The next time I see ice, I want it to be in a glass with a nice cocktail!”

• “I’m worried my hunter is getting a body complex from everyone calling him Sausage and Mr. Fatso all the time.”

• “If I were arrested it would 100 percent be for stealing a cute pony.”

• “Entry fees should include unlimited Advil and vodka.”

• “If my horse were a person he’d be a gangster. Or, maybe a princess. Probably a gangster princess.”

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Partners Our goal is to foster connections within the horse community throughout the Bay State, and one of the ways we do this is with our Partners Program. Massachusetts organizations that partner with us receive a free one-year subscription for each member; space in the magazine for news, events, and photos; and a link from mahorse.com to its website.

Ride will be at Domnaski Farm in Ware on October 8.

Enjoy great trails with a good meal after the ride. The foliage is beautiful on this property!

GRHC’s annual Trail and Obstacle Course in Wilbraham is on October 22 at the McDonald Nature Preserve. Last year we raised money to give back to the trust that cares for this great shared trail. Ribbons will be awarded.

BSTRA member Susan Wheeler passed away August 25 while riding. Sue came up with the idea of the BSTRA Trivia Ride and organized it in 2016 and 2017. At this year’s event, several nonequestrian trail users stopped by after the ride to hear the trivia answers. As a result, she was working with BSTRA to expand next year’s event to include hikers and bikers.

The Hoof and Sneaker Poker Run was held just a few days after her passing.

Sue was planning to participate in the event as a hiker and had assisted with trail marking earlier in the week.

In her honor, a memorial hand was gathered by one of the hiking participants. Sue’s hand, a pair of fives, gave her first place. It seems fitting.

After the Poker Run, members reminisced about Sue. She was fun to be around and generous. At last year’s Poker Run, when another member’s horse was not doing well, Sue put the rider on her horse and led both horses back to the trailers, despite sweltering heat and humidity.

Sue will truly be missed.

BSTRA sends condolences to her family and friends.

7 Annamaria Paul

Granby Regional Horse Council GRHC would like to invite you on our last few rides of the season. The Fall Foliage 34

October/November 2017

Becky Kalagher

Bay State Trail Riders Association

ride we will fire up the grills in the picnic area for a potluck barbecue. If it’s chilly, we’re welcome to warm up and bring our potluck inside.

On Saturday, November 4, members will head to Hammonasset State Park on the Connecticut shore for a beach ride. Last year, our first beach ride proved to be quite a learning curve for riders and horses that had never before experienced

BSTRA member Susan Wheeler.

To learn more, contact Diane at (413) 527-9532 or follow us on Facebook.

Happy Trails!

7 Jennifer Moreau

Hampshire County Riding Club August and September provided us with long awaited, bug-free, brisk trail riding, but October is the month we’ve been waiting for.

HCRC has two final trail rides scheduled to round out our 2017 season. Our annual Fall Foliage Ride will be held at Northfield Mountain Recreational Center on Sunday, October 15. Riders will be provided with a map to explore the expansive trail network on their own or ride with a group. Following the

riding along the beach and in the ocean, but all seemed eager to return again this year. Hammonasset State Park has large parking lots and riding trails in addition to the beach. Both rides are open to HCRC members and their guests.

The HCRC Annual Meeting and Elections will be held Wednesday evening, October 18, at the Westhampton Library. This year’s guest speaker will be Marianne Lemelin of the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue in Granby. Come meet the team behind this new rescue in our area, learn about their adoptable donkeys, and gain knowledge about the plight of donkeys not only in the U.S. but

worldwide. The elections and meeting will follow the guest speaker.

To learn more, visit hampshirecountyriding club.org and follow us on Facebook.

7 Diane Merritt

Myopia Hunt Club One of our most colorful fall events is the Blessing of the Hounds and Landowners’ Picnic, a Columbus Day tradition. On Monday, October 9, we host a picnic for our generous landowners and share in the great foxhunting tradition of the Blessing of the Hounds. October also brings the exciting hunter trials.

On October 22, we’ll host a prep day for the New England Hunter Trials being held the following weekend on October 29. Anyone can come and enjoy a jump around some of the most beautiful countryside in Bradley Palmer State Park.

It’s a great way to condition a potential event horse because the course is very similar to a cross-country eventing course. It’s a casual affair; you can ride alone or in a group over courses of different heights for a small fee.

The ever-colorful Junior Halloween Hunt is scheduled for October 27. Creative costumes for horses and riders add to the fun of this annual event, but we do ask that all junior riders are turned out safely with heeled boots and a safety-approved helmet. Juniors are the future of our sport and we want to ensure safe outings and good times!

November 5 brings the very popular Fall Hunter Pace. Riders of all disciplines are encouraged to join us from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy the North Shore countryside. What’s a hunter

pace? It’s pretty much exactly that — a timed event over a cross-country course, with groups going out in intervals, trying to guess and ride to the exact time a hunt field would take to cover the same course. Safety is key and helmets are required; neat horse and rider turnout is encouraged. Your horse should be conditioned enough to handle the distance, but riders set their own pace, so walking and stopping is certainly allowed.

The entire event is incredibly organized — there will be plenty of staff, signage directing parking, clearly marked registration, a roped-off area for warm-up, starters, and a well-marked course. For riders contemplating a foray into foxhunting — or preparing for the cross-country portion of eventing — the Fall Hunter Pace provides a friendly, low key way to experience some of the same riding conditions of a formal hunt. The Fall Hunter Pace will be leaving from Groton House and costumes are encouraged!

On November 11, Myopia hosts the New England Hunts Joint Meet where all the hunts in New England gather for a hunt through some of our best country. Historically, there are at least 100 riders and horses that participate, and guests are welcome to join.

Myopia Hunt Club’s formal season concludes on November 23 with the traditional Thanksgiving Day Hunt departing at 10 a.m. from Appleton Farms in Ipswich.

Thanksgiving Day is the most widely attended of all our hunts and is an annual preThanksgiving feast tradition for many families. Appleton Farms, with its enormous open fields, provides a great viewing opportunity for riders, horses, and hounds. If you’re able to make your way to us on Thanksgiving, what

should you expect? The answer includes spectators, horses, hounds, and a lot of excitement.

With so many options and opportunities to participate, watch, and volunteer, we invite you to join us in our mission to preserve the future through the traditions of the past. For more information on the Myopia Hunt, including detailed scheduling information, please visit myopiahunt.org.

7 Lisa Wohlleib

November 4 will be our annual meeting along with the election of officers. This is the first meeting of our membership year and attending this meeting will count toward your 2018 show season points. We welcome new and returning members.

We wish all of our members great luck as they prepare for and compete in the upcoming majors, the 51st annual All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, October 3 to 29 followed by the Lucas

NEECA board of directors at the installation of the road sign in honor of NEECA founder Elwin Bacon. Front: Althea Bramhall, Pam DeGregorio, and Laurie Neely. Back: Frank Whitney, Sue Ellen Mowcomber, Pat France, Caroline Mansfield, and Peter Whitmore.

Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association Fall is here, bringing those cooler days and sapphire skies we all love. Training becomes less stressful for horse and rider alike with the comfortable temperatures.

By now the qualifying pointed shows for our club are complete. There’s one meeting left on our calendar year. Make sure you attend if you have not yet been to the two club meetings that are required if you’re expecting to receive a year-end award.

The meeting is October 7 at 6 p.m. The location has not been determined so check our Facebook page or massqha.com for further details.

Oil World Championship November 2 to 18 in Oklahoma City.

Congratulations to those youth members who traveled to compete in the Youth Worlds this August as well as our Select World exhibitors!

7 Lori Mahassel

New England Equestrian Center of Athol On July 4, NEECA lost its founding father Elwin Bacon. Elwin was one of the six original members of the organization formed for the express purpose of developing the New England Equestrian Center of Athol.

He was the driving force behind getting the park up and running and his perse-

verance, incredible work ethic, and vision for what it could become is why NEECA is in existence today. So, when you’re riding the trails, using the ring, trying the obstacles on the confidence course, driving your horse or pony, or participating in any of the many events NEECA sponsors throughout the year, give a nod to Elwin, or consider making a contribution in his memory to NEECA. Without Elwin none of it would have been possible. In his honor, the board of directors voted to name the main road into the park Elwin Bacon Way, and on August 12 board members gathered at the park entrance for the unveiling of the new sign.

During September, NEECA members participated in a clinic with Cathy Drumm, enjoyed a two-night campout on the park grounds, a versatility practice and competition, and a gymkhana. For those who haven’t been to a NEECA gymkhana, Athol Orange Community Television station filmed some of the gymkhana events this summer; you can see them online at vimeo.com/aotv13.

The rest of the fall will see the final Cathy Drumm Clinic of the season on October 14 and the last gymkhana for 2017 will be the following day. Then, on November 4, awards for the gymkhana series and other events will be presented at the annual Fall Social, along with a catered buffet dinner and fantastic auction of goods and services — mostly, but not all, equestrian in nature. If you’ve been wanting to know more about NEECA, attending the Fall Social is a great way to find out all about us!

Membership in NEECA is run on a calendar year, but if you become a member in the fall, you get three extra Massachusetts Horse

35

Old North Bridge Hounds ONBH members and friend have kept busy through the end of summer and await the start of the Fall Hunt Season.

ONBH’s annual Saratoga

We’ve just wrapped up the Sidesaddle Clinic hosted by ONBH and presented by Sidesaddle Hall of Famer, our own Rhonda Watts Hettinger.

Carl Good

months of membership! All new memberships after October 1 carry over through the next year.

Membership is inexpensive, offers some terrific benefits, and supports everything that Elwin Bacon and the original founders dreamed of creating in what was then a rough 250 acres of woods near the Athol/ Petersham town line.

Today, thanks to the efforts and contributions of many, the equestrian park has two multi-use rings, a confidence (versatility) course, three miles of trails with available cross-country obstacles, and is growing every year. Information on membership, events, and forms can be found at neeca.org. Our Facebook page is New England Equestrian Center of Athol, where we regularly post news and information.

Enjoy the fall!

7 Laurie Neely

Old North Bridge Hounds Master of Foxhounds/Huntsman Ginny Zukatynski, Pat Jackson, and Wendy Good at Saratoga.

trip was a big hit again this year and included a trackside brunch watching horses and jockeys breezing, touring the town and environs, and, of course, the races themselves.

ONBH’s hunt season started September 12 in Stow followed by hunts in Lincoln, Groton, and Concord, with the last September hunt on Silver Hill Road in Concord.

The October fixture includes hunts on October 3 at Arena Terrace in Concord, a Joint Meet with Norfolk Hunt at Tufts Veterinary in North Grafton on October 7, a Columbus Day hunt at Surrenden Farm in Groton on October 9, and hunts on October 15 at High Ridge Wildlife Management in Westminster and October 17 on Strawberry Hill Road in Acton.

The always popular Annual Blessing of the Hounds and hunt will take place on October 21 at Historic Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury. The hunt will be followed by a lunch at the Inn. The blessing and hunt at the Wayside Inn is a great one for spectators. We then hunt on October 31 at Fox Brook Farm in Berlin.

The November fixture starts with a November 4 hunt on Brookline Street in Pepperell, a November 7

Boarding, Lessons, and Training in Douglas Quality care with knowledgeable and attentive staff.

We create an individual plan for each horse!

Large outdoor ring, access to trails,

Barefoot Hoof Care – Rehabilitation & Optimal Hoof Function Diet & Nutrition Analysis – Total Body Health Natural Horsemanship Training – Connection & Communication Classical Dressage & Work-In-Hand – Balance, Strength, & Agility

all-day or 24/7 turn out in a tranquil atmosphere.

Chana Dero Stables

Douglas, Massachusetts Owner/Trainer: Morgan Garrigus-Norton (774 )276-6039 Find Us on Facebook: Chana Dero Stables 36

October/November 2017

Achaina . . . Holistic Equine Services Kathleen Ladendecker xx

(413) 310-4692 . Achaina.com . kathy@achaina.com

hunt at Delaney in Stow, the New England Hunts Joint Meet on November 11 hosted by Myopia Hunt Club, and hunts on November 14 at Codman Estate in Lincoln, and November 18 at Fairhaven Road in Concord. ONBH’s Thanksgiving Day Hunt in Concord with our traditional Stirrup Cup hosted at October Farm is, of course, on November 23.

Upcoming special events include ONBH’s Fall Hunter Pace on October 1 at the scenic Red Rail Farm in Lincoln, and our annual Masters’ Dinner at the Wedgewood Pines Country Club in Stow will be held on December 9.

ONBH’s biggest event of the fall season is the upcoming New England Hunter Trials slated for October 29 at Great Brook State Park in Carlisle hosted again by ONBH. The Hunter Trials will have several divisions: Novice under 2'6", Hunter 3 to 3'6", Heard Cup 3'6" to 4", Pairs Over Fences (two riders), and Teams Over Fences (three riders). Come out and enjoy the New England Hunter Trials as a rider, spectator, or volunteer.

Guest riders and spectators are welcome to join us at any of our hunts and

events. Visit oldnorthbridgehounds.org for the complete fall fixture card, information about hunting, and all of our events. If you’re interested in riding with us as a guest at one of our hunts, please contact our Master of Foxhounds and Huntsman Ginny Zukatynski at (508) 751-3315 in advance of the hunt.

Or, if you would like to see what it’s all about or be a part of our hunt by assisting from the ground, feel free to

join us. Don’t forget to check the ONBH hunt line for last minute updates on the morning of hunts and other mounted events. You can also sign up to receive our email announcements at oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

Happy trails!

7 Susan Goldfischer

BLAZE ORANGE HORSEWEAR For hunting season, riding safety, and visibility.

Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Serving the North Shore since 1951

vests . tailbags . half sheets . halters helmet covers . collars . dog vests

The Original Equine Protectavest protectavest.com . (207) 892-0161

Helen Noble, VMD . Robert Orcutt, DVM Derek Cavatorta, DVM PhD Kirstin Anderson, DVM . Ashley Taylor, DVM Mary Ann Montesano, DVM

295 High St, Ipswich, Mass.

978-356-1119 (ph) . 978-356-5758 (f)

srhvets.com

Massachusetts Horse

37

Bay State Happenings USEA Area 1 Schooling Horse Trials Championships Apple Knoll Farm, Millis

Karen Morang Photography

To see more Bay State Happenings, find us on Facebook.

38

October/November 2017

Bay State Happenings Southern New England Carriage Driving Association Fun Scurry and Pleasure Show Celtic Cross Farm, Dudley

Karen Morang Photography

To see more Bay State Happenings, find us on Facebook.

Massachusetts Horse

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events Massachusetts

October 1 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. heritagefarmeasthampton.com.

1 HDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. heritage-dressage.org.

1 CRDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

1 BAKE SALE, YARD SALE, PONY RIDES, Canton Equestrian Center, Canton. Hosted by the High Flyers 4-H Horse Club. cantonequestrian.com.

1 BSTRA MOUNT JEFFERSON RIDE, Hubbardston. bstra.org.

1 ONBH FALL HUNTER PACE, Red Rail Farm, Lincoln. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

1 OPEN WESTERN SCRIMMAGE SHOW, Crimson Acres, Orange. kellimarie43@yahoo.com.

1 VERSATILITY SERIES, It’s a Pleasure Training, Orange. (978) 652-2231 .

3 ONBH HUNT, Arena Terrace, Concord. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

3 NORFOLK HUNT, Pinecroft Farm, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

1 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. rideiea.org.

3 MYOPIA HUNT, Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield. myopiahunt.org.

1 EQUINE SAFETY AND AMBULANCE TRAINING, Methuen. mspca.org/events.

6 – 9 GYMKHANA, POKER RIDE, AND CAMP OUT, Craig Memorial Equestrian Center, Leverett. (413) 336-1081.

A NEEC AL ANNU AL SOCI FALL N CT I O & AU 4 TH NOV.

GYMKHANAS

Clinics . Gymkhana Series Trail Rides . Camping at Center Youth Fun Day . Versatility Equestrian Showcase Dressage Clinic Series

Join Us! CLINICS

250-Acre Equestrian Park 240' x 100' Ring Warm-up Ring/Driving & Dressage Arena Versatility/Confidence Course Trail Loop with for Riders and Drivers

7 USEA-RECOGNIZED HORSE TRIALS, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

7 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Holiday Acres, Rutland. rideiea.org.

7 POLO MATCH, Boston Polo, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

7 WENDy MURPHY BENEFIT BARBECUE, Amerian Legion, Berkley. (617) 803-6767.

7 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Myopia Stables, Hamilton. rideiea.org.

7 JOINT MEET, Cummings Vet School, Grafton. oldnorthbridgehounds.org or norfolkhunt.com.

Follow us at New England Equestrian Center of Athol

CONFIDENCE COURSE

Join us today! $25 Individual Membership $45 Family Membership $250 Lifetime Membership $10 Youth Membership

A Municipal/Non-Profit Horse Park in Central Massachusetts

New England Equestrian Center, 802 New Sherborn Road, Athol

Go to neeca.org for all the details!

40

October/November 2017

7 NEER NORTH BENEFIT AUCTION, DoubleTree Hilton, Danvers. neernorth.org.

7 MYOPIA HUNT, Indian Meadow, West Newbury. myopiahunt.org.

8 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague. xenophonfarm@aol.com or (413) 367-9828.

8 VERSATILITY SERIES, It’s a Pleasure Training, Orange. (978) 652-2231 .

7 – 8 BRDC FALL TRAIL RIDE WEEKEND, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

8 TRICKS AND TREATS GYMKHANA AND FUN DAY, Blandford. kellimarie43@yahoo.com.

8 ANNUAL HORSE SHOW, Blue Rider Stables, North Egremont. bluerider.org.

8 SCHOOLING FUN SHOW, Calico Performance Horses, Berkley. calicoperformance@gmail.com.

8 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Beland Stables, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

9 ONBH HUNT, Surrenden Farm, Groton. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

8 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Ridgetop Farm, Holliston. rideiea.org.

9 NORFOLK HUNT, Twinfields Farm, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

8 THREE-PHASE SCHOOLING SHOW, Groton. grotonponyclub.org.

9 HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC, Dana Hall School, Wellesley. (339) 225-0419 or carly.corbacho@danahall.org.

9 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Red Acre Farm, Stow. rideiea.org.

8 WNRDC PIPESTAVE HILL HORSE TRIALS, West Newbury. wnrdc.com.

8 WNEPHA HUNTER FINALS, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. wnepha.com.

13 – 15 ERIC SMILEY CLINIC, Hamilton. blackoakstable.com.

14 HUNT SEAT SHOW, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

8 BSTRA FALCON FARM PLEASURE RIDE, Charlton. bstra.org.

7 – 9 SMARTPAK COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND SALE, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. See page 31 for coupon. smartpak.com/retailstore.

8 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Maplewood Farm, Berlin. rideiea.org.

9 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Four Winds Equestrian, Holden. rideiea.org.

9 MYOPIA HUNT LANDOWNERS’ PICNIC AND BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

14 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

14 IEA WESTERN SHOW, Crimson Acres, Orange. rideiea.org.

14 BENEFIT TRAIL RIDE FOR LOVELANE, Great Brook State Park, Carlisle. lovelane.org.

14 JOINT MEET, Barney’s Joy Farm, South Dartmouth. norfolkhunt.com or myopiahunt.org.

14 NEECA CATHY DRUMM WESTERN/ENGLISH DRESSAGE CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

14 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

14 MYOPIA HUNT JOINT MEET, Barney’s Joy Beach, South Dartmouth. myopiahunt.org.

15 SCHOOLING TWO PHASE/DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

15 WRC OTIS STATE FOREST RIDE, Otis. westfieldridingclub.org.

25 Forest Lane, Millis, MA ~ (508) 376-2564 CRDA Schooling Dressage Show October 1 crdressage.org

Miguel Anacoreta Soares Clinic October 21

AKF Halloween Hunter Pace

Karen Morang Photography

October 23

Prize lists and entry forms at:

AKF Halloween Jumper Show

CRDA Jacque Brooks Clinic

AKF Modified Two Phase

Show Jumps For Sale

October 28 Come in costume!

November 5 Dressage and Cross Country Derby Style in the Big Rings

Novermber 18 - 19 crdressage.org

Horses and Ponies For Sale/Lease Training with Adrienne Iorio Three-Day Eventing Competitor and Trainer

appleknoll.com. Check the website often as new events are added!

The facilities at Apple Knoll Farm are available for rental for horse shows, clinics, and other equine activities.

Our cross-country course is open for schooling by appointment, weather permitting.

Massachusetts Horse

41

15 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Bellwether Stables, Pittsfield. rideiea.org.

15 BSTRA ROBINSON STATE PARK RIDE, Agawam. bstra.org.

15 ONBH HUNT, High Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Westminster. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

15 WESTPORT HUNTER PACE, Westport. norfolkhunt.com.

15 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, North Gate Farm, Sudbury. rideiea.org.

15 AEL HUNT SEAT SHOW, Concord Equestrian, Concord. athleticequestrian.com.

15 HRC VERSATILITY EVENT, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

15 HCRC NORTHFIELD MOUNTAIN FALL FOLIAGE RIDE. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

15 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Harmony Hill Farm, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

15 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org.

15 HUNT SEAT SHOW, Evenstride Farm, Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

21 BSER SHAVINGS SALE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. Preorders only. Pricing from $4.75 to $4.90 per bag. Ten bag minimum. Sharon at sah@baystaterescue.org for ordering and info.

17 ONBH HUNT, Strawberry Hill Road, Acton. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

21 MYOPIA HUNT, Raymond Fields, Ipswich. myopiahunt.org.

21 – 24 MIGUEL ANACORETA SOARES CLINIC, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

17 NORFOLK HUNT, Smith Street, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

17 MYOPIA HUNT, Essex County Co-op, Topsfield. myopiahunt.org.

22 VIRGINIA LEARY DRESSAGE CLINIC, RER Ponies, Hatfield. rerponies.com or (413) 427-2026.

18 HCRC ANNUAL MEETING, Westhampton Library. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

22 VERSATILITY SERIES, It’s a Pleasure Training, Orange. (978) 652-2231 .

21 TEAM SORTING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

22 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com.

21 HORSES HELPING HORSES FALL BEACH RIDE, Crane Beach, Ipswich. mspca.org/events.

22 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW/WMAA SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

21 ONBH BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS, Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Sudbury. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

15 NASHOBA VALLEY HUNTER PACE, Shepley Hill, Groton. nashobavalleyhunt.org or (413) 329-3500.

21 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Reunion Farm, Plympton. rideiea.org.

15 VERSATILITY SERIES, It’s a Pleasure Training, Orange. (978) 652-2231 .

21 NORFOLK HUNT, Boggastow Farm, Sherborn. norfolkhunt.com.

22 HALLOWEEN HUNTER PACE, Spencer. campmarshallequestriancenter.net.

22 NORFOLK HUNTER TRIALS, Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

Subscribe Today!

22 FUN SHOW SERIES, Countryside Farm, Attleboro. countrysidefarmma.com.

at mahorse.com

42

October/November 2017

22 MYOPIA HUNT HUNTER TRIALS, Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield. myopiahunt.org.

28 HERRING BROOK FARM HUNTER SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarmma.com.

28 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Century Mill Stables, Bolton. rideiea.org.

22 HALLOWEEN HUNTER PACE, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

28 NORFOLK HUNT, Woodbury Manor, Sutton. norfolkhunt.com.

29 HALLOWEEN THREE PHASE SCHOOLING SHOW, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

22 BSTRA MOUNT JEFFERSON RIDE, Hubbardston. bstra.org.

28 MYOPIA HUNT, Copper Beech Farm, Topsfield. myopiahunt.org.

29 SOUTH COAST SERIES SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

22 VERSATILITY AND HAUNTED EXTREME TRAIL PACE, Mendon. spring-willow-farm.com.

28 HALLOWEEN JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. Come in costume! appleknoll.com.

22 RIDE-CRITIQUE-RIDE WESTERN DRESSAGE SHOW, West Newbury. wnrdc.com

28 HALLOWEEN SCHOOLING FUN SHOW, Calico Performance Horses, Berkley. calicoperformance@gmail.com.

24 NORFOLK HUNT, Foundry Street, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

24 MYOPIA HUNT, Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm, Newbury. myopiahunt.org.

26 – 29 TWIN STATE OCTOBERFEST, West Springfield. (603) 770-1884.

27 DRESSAGE EVENING SHOW, Silvercryst Farm, Southwick. (413) 569-5230.

27 GYMKHANA SERIES, Hillside Meadows, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

27 MYOPIA HUNT JUNIOR HALLOWEEN HUNT, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

28 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. rideiea.org.

28 TEAM SORTING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

28 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, August Farm, Holliston. rideiea.org.

28 CORNERSTONE FARM HUNTER SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

28 MYOPIA HUNT BALL, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

28 NEECA ELWIN BACON MEMORIAL FUN DAY, Athol. neeca.org.

29 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Verrill Farm Stable, Concord. rideiea.org.

29 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, White Spruce Farms, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.com.

29 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Silverstone Stables, Raynham. rideiea.org.

29 NEW ENGLAND HUNTER TRIALS, Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

29 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst. wnepha.com.

29 GREEN HILL STABLES SHOW SERIES, Berlin.

(978) 491-0264.

29 PLYMOUTH ROCK N ENDURANCE RIDE, Myles Standish State Forest, Carver. blackpondarabians@yahoo.com.

Eastern Regional Pleasure Trail Ride

18th

November 5 . North Brookfield Sportsmen’s Club . Rain or Shine

8 & 17 Mile Rides . Obtacles You’d Encounter on a Pleasure Ride . NEHT Affiliated $3,000 in prizes . Breed Awards . Dinner Banquet of Roast Beef or Chicken Barbecue . Raffle Divisions: Men . Women 49 & Under . Women Over 49 . Novice Rider . Junior/Pony Club . Novice Horse . 4-H’ers

Registration and entry fees must be received by Sunday, October 29 and are required for those riding in judged divisions.

Unjudged late entries accepted until ride fills or Thurday, November 2, whichever comes first. No late entries.

For more information, contact Larry at ERegTrailRide@yahoo.com or (508) 867-7855.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Absorbine, Vetericyn, Nutrena, Poulin Grain, and Cowboy Magic !

Massachusetts Horse

43

29 HALLOWEEN FUN SHOW, Spencer. campmarshallequestriancenter.net.

29 JUMPER SHOW, Evenstride Farm, Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

29 AEL HUNT SEAT SHOW, Harmony Horse Stables, Littleton. athleticequestrian.com.

Presents the 23nd

Equine Expo Paraphernalia Sale Saturday, April 28, 2018 . 9-3 Large marketplace of new and used items!

Plus services for the horse, rider, and driver.

Demonstrations All Day and a Silent Auction $5 Admission . children under 10 free Held in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1, Topsfield Vendor Spaces Available . Free Parking

Contact Kay at: 978-768-6275 or kljoreo@aol.com

29 HRC BENEFIT BEACH RIDE, Rexhame Beach, Marshfield. hansonridingclub.org.

7 ONBH HUNT, Delaney Multi-Purpose Complex, Stow. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

29 HERBS AND WHOLE FOOD SELF SELECTION CLASS, Ohana Farm, North Brookfield. fdhorsemanship.com.

7 NORFOLK HUNT, Charlescote Farm, Sherborn. norfolkhunt.com.

29 – 30 BILL McMULLIN DRESSAGE CLINIC, Xenophon Farm, Montague. xenophonfarm@aol.com or (413) 367-9828.

31 NORFOLK HUNT, Springdale Avenue, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

31 MYOPIA HUNT, Kittery Crossing Farm, Rowley. myopiahunt.org.

31 ONBH HUNT, Fox Brook Farm, Berlin. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

November

4 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

4 NORFOLK HUNT, Sweetwater Farm, Westport. norfolkhunt.com.

Jumper Shows

October 29 - Judge Scott Snowdon Spring Show TBD

Prize lists, rules, and online entry at evenstrideltd.com.

Olana & Scott Laffey (978) 465-9119 evenstrideltd.com

44

October/November 2017

5 MYOPIA HUNT FALL HUNTER PACE, Groton House Farm, Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

5 BSTRA TURKEY TROT, Carver. bstra.org.

4 ONBH HUNT, Brookline Street, Pepperell. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

October 15 - Judge Jeff Nowak November 26 - Judge Fred Hunt March 18 & April 15 (Judges TBA)

5 EASTERN REGIONAL PLEASURE TRAIL RIDE, North Brookfield. (508) 867-7855.

29 BSTRA BIG PUMPKIN RIDE, Upton. bstra.org.

3 – 4 MASSACHUSETTS TRAILS CONFERENCE, Leominster.masstrailsconference.com.

Hunter Equitation Shows

5 MODIFIED TWO PHASE, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. Dressage and cross country derby style in the big rings. appleknoll.com.

4 USPC CERTIFICATION, RER Ponies, Hatfield. rerponies.com or (413) 427-2026.

4 STEPHIE BAER CLINIC, Red Mare Farm, Hatfield. redmarefarmllc@gmail.com.

4 MYOPIA HUNT, Castle Neck Farm, Essex. myopiahunt.org.

4 RIDE-CRITIQUE-RIDE ENGLISH AND WESTERN DRESSAGE LESSONS with Linda Parmenter, Athol. neeca.org.

5 IEA WESTERN SHOW, Hillside Meadows Equestrian Center, Grafton. rideiea.org.

5 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Grazing Field Farm, Buzzards Bay. rideiea.org.

5 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, North Gate Farm, Westboro. rideiea.org.

7 MYOPIA HUNT, New England Equine Rescue North, West Newbury. myopiahunt.org.

9 – 12 EQUINE AFFAIRE, West Springfield. equineaffaire.com.

10 MARY WANLESS CLINIC, Cutler Farm, Medfield. cutlerfarmequine.com.

11 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. rideiea.org.

11 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Dana Hall School, Wellesley. rideiea.org.

11 NEW ENGLAND HUNTS JOINT MEET, Gardner Street, Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

12 NORFOLK HUNT JUNIOR MEET, Norfolk Hunt Kennels, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

12 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Myopia Stables, Hamilton. rideiea.org.

14 ONBH HUNT, Codman Estate, Lincoln. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

14 NORFOLK HUNT, Millborn Farm, Sherborn. norfolkhunt.com.

14 MYOPIA HUNT, KIttery Crossing Farm, Rowley. myopiahunt.org.

18 ONBH HUNT, Fairhaven Road, Concord. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

18 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Hillside Meadows Equestrian Center, Grafton. rideiea.org.

18 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. rideiea.org.

18 NORFOLK HUNT, Millstone Farm, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

18 MYOPIA HUNT, Essex County Co-op, Topsfield. myopiahunt.org.

18 – 19 CRDA JACQUE BROOKS CLINIC, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

19 WILLIAM’S FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY, Peace for Ponies, East Wareham. peaceforponies.com.

26 AEL HUNT SEAT SHOW, Harmony Horse Stables, Littleton. athleticequestrian.com.

19 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, North Gate Farm, Westboro. rideiea.org.

December

19 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Century Mill Stables, Bolton. rideiea.org.

2 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Holiday Acres, Rutland. rideiea.org.

19 SCHOOLING FUN SHOW, Calico Performance Horses, Berkley. calicoperformance@gmail.com.

2 NORFOLK HUNT SCENIC BEACH RIDE, Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Buzzards Bay. norfolkhunt.com.

21 MYOPIA HUNT, Raymond Fields, Ipswich. myopiahunt.org.

3 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Rising Star, Medway. rideiea.org.

23 NORFOLK HUNT THANKSGIVING DAY HUNT, Northfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

3 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Canterbrook Farm, Hamilton. rideiea.org.

23 ONBH THANKSGIVING DAY HUNT, the Old Manse, Concord. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

23 MYOPIA HUNT THANKSGIVING DAY HUNT, Appleton Farm, Ipswich. myopiahunt.org.

25 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Four Winds Farm, Oxford. rideiea.org.

25 NORFOLK HUNT, the Saal’s Barn, Westport. norfolkhunt.com.

9 AZRAEL ACRES AWARDS BANQUET, location TBA. azraelacres.com.

9 ONBH MASTERS’ DINNER, Wedgewood Pines Country Club, Stow. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

9 JUMPER SHOW, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

10 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. rideiea.org.

Supporting our horse community since 2001.

26 HUNT SEAT SHOW, Evenstride Farm, Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

Donating more than 2,000 Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Awards to Bay State competitions.

Raising more than $60,500 for horse-related nonprofit groups through the Massachusetts Horse Benefit.

Providing free subscriptions to the members of 32 organizations and clubs.

In our 16th year of news, photos, and event coverage.

Dressage Schooling Show Series

October 8 - “r” judge Keith Angstadt October 28 - Awards Banquet Bistro 63/Monkey Bar, Amherst

October 29 & 30 Bill McMullin Dressage Clinic

Dressage Clinics

Bill McMullin Sharon McCusker Bill Warren . Verne Batchelder Like us on Facebook to see who’s coming!

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Massachusetts Horse

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. . . Pony Club continued from page 23

an unknown competitor’s horse — once on the flat, and on a different horse over fences. She even had to present a purposeful and effective warm-up.

The rating was intense, but it left Emma with a huge sense of accomplishment. “[Pony Club] is definitely challenging, but it really makes you think about everything you do,” Emma says. “I wouldn’t be how far along in riding and in horse care as I am if I weren’t in Pony Club. In the end, it’s very helpful.”

“They’re learning responsibility for their horses as a partner,” Amanda says.

“That’s fundamental. It’s never just about the competition.”

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46

October/November 2017

Like a huge, extended family, many riders who grew up in Pony Club rein back to help in adulthood. “You do things because other people helped you and, as you get older, you help others. It’s really satisfying teaching; giving back,” Aly says. “Those opportunities and those experiences I had I treasure so much. It just makes me happy to feel like I can give that to other Pony Club members.”

Sandy Niles of Sherborn shares Aly’s enthusiasm for bringing the program to more youth riders. Sandy is District Commissioner (the adult leader) of the Norfolk Hunt Pony Club, which serves the greater Walpole, Millis, and Wellesley area. Like so many USPC officials, Sandy grew up in Pony Club, and she volunteers her time to keep it

Subscribe today! at mahorse.com

active for today’s generation of young equestrians.

Aly, Sandy, and Sue are all Pony Club lifers, but that’s not necessary for you to lend a hoof to the youth who benefit from Pony Club. Anyone who values equine education for kids can make a donation by clicking on the GIVING tab at ponyclub.org.

Or, says Sue, “Donation of time or services is always a good thing, too.” If you have an area of expertise to share, a horse that needs more exercise, unused tack to donate, or open space for riders to romp on, then connect with your local Pony Club. To do so, go to ponyclub.org, pull down on the ABOUT tab, and click on FIND A CLUB/CENTER. But if you do, beware. Once you get involved with Pony Club, you just might become a permanent part of the family.

Andrea Bugbee is a Pony Club mom, an IEA mom, and a backyard horse enthusiast. She does most of her writing while she waits for her daughter in the parking lots of numerous wonderful stables scattered throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

Natural Balance Equine Dentistry

Fall River

This Olde Horse

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email editor@mahorse.com.

Dust control in Fall River.

Are you and your horse having problems?

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Peter specializes in starting young horses correctly. 100% customer satisfaction using natural horsemanship techniques. More than 20 years experience starting horses as well as fixing existing problems. References available. The cost of the one-month training is $1,000, including board.

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47

the

neighborhood

ASSOCIATIONS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• BAY STATE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION bstra.org Keeping trails open for equestrian use; organized trail rides; volunteer opportunities for trail clearing and maintenance.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY RIDING CLUB Goshen, MA, (413) 268-3372 hampshirecounty ridingclub.org Monthly trail rides, woodland obstacle course, scavenger hunt, and clinics.

BARN CATS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• PAWS WATCH Newport, RI, (401) 848-9867 pawswatch.org Barn cats need homes! Healthy, fixed, vaccinated barn cats provide rodent control. Delivered!

Your Everything Equine “white pages”

EQUINE ENTERTAINMENT •••••••••••••••••••••••••• DALE PERKINS/MESA FARM Rutland, MA, (508) 886-6898 daleperkinshorseshow.com Trick riding and much more.

EQUINE MASSAGE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• EQUISSAGE NE/NY MA, CT, RI, (860) 564-7759 equisportmt@sbcglobal.net Integrated body work for performance horses: reiki, Masterson Method, sports and therapeutic massage, myofascial release, cranio-sacral therapy, infrared photon therapy.

HORSEBACK AND BODY Northampton, MA, (413) 320-7690 jobunny@comcast.net Massage therapy for horses, humans.

DRESSAGE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• BRADFORD EQUESTRIAN CENTER Haverhill, MA, (978) 374-0008 Dressage for all disciplines and driving.

Keith Angstadt, USEF dressage judge.

HAFLINGERS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• SOMMER HILL FARM Adams, MA, (413) 743-9301 sommerhaflingers@yahoo.com One Haflinger is never enough.

CATHY DRUMM Pittsfield, MA, (413) 441-5278 cathydrumm.com Clinics, lessons, training, western and English dressage, hunter/jumper.

HORSES FOR SALE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• HERITAGE FARM Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-1612 farmheritage.com Auctions, sale horses, shows, clinics, boarding, lessons, and training.

FAIRFIELD FARM Rochester, MA, (508) 763-8038 dressageatfairfieldfarm.com Boarding, instruction, training, indoor.

MEG HILLY South Deerfield, MA, (802) 595-1258 mhilly@mtholyoke.edu USDF “L” judge; FEI rider; private, semiprivate lessons; clinics.

NANCY LATER LAVOIE Ashby, MA, (561) 714-7447 nancylaterdressagehorses.com Training, lessons, clinics. Accepting new students of all levels. Top-class facility.

WHITE SPRUCE FARMS New Braintree, MA, (978) 257-4666 whitesprucefarms.com Dressage shows, instruction, all levels/ages.

EQUINE DENTISTRY •••••••••••••••••••••••••• WENDY BRYANT, EQDT Northampton, MA, (413) 237-8887 wbryantnatrualbalancedentistry.com Natural balance equine dentistry.

Improved topline, maximized performance, increased flexion. Serving New England/New York.

NORTHEAST EQUINE VETERINARY DENTAL SERVICES LEAH LIMONE, DVM Topsfield, MA, (978) 500-9293 nevds.com Licensed professional veterinary dentistry.

Routine preventive care, maintenance, diagnostics, extractions.

48

October/November 2017

STRAIN FAMILY HORSE FARM Granby, CT, (860) 653-3275 strainfamilyhorsefarm.com New England’s largest quality sales stable. Supplying NE with horses and ponies since 1967. Forty family, trail, and show horses to choose from. New loads every week. We buy horses, take trade-ins and consignment horses. Great three-weekexchange guarantee. Find us on Facebook.

INSTRUCTION/TRAINING •••••••••••••••••••••••••• BACK BAY FARM Ipswich, MA, (978) 356-0730 backbayfarm.com Lessons, boarding, training, and sales.

INSURANCE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• CORINTHIAN INSURANCE AGENCY Medway, MA, (877) 250-5103 corinthianequine.com Equine protection specialists.

DON RAY INSURANCE Marshfield, MA, (781) 837-6550 donrayinsurance.com Farm, mortality, major medical and surgical, clubs, shows, instructors.

FARM FAMILY INSURANCE farmfamily.com Carver: (508) 866-9150 Easthampton: (413) 203-5180 Great Barrington: (413) 528-1710 Marlborough: (508) 485-3800 Middleborough: (508) 747-8181 Northborough: (508) 393-9327

Norwood: (781) 255-2002 South Deerfield: (413) 665-8200 Southwick: (413) 569-2307 Topsfield: (978) 887-8304 Westford: (978) 467-1001 Williamstown: (413) 458-5584 Worcester: (508) 752-3300 JUDGES •••••••••••••••••••••••••• MARY BRAZIE Egremont, MA, (413) 528-2367 arabpinto13@yahoo.com Judging open, 4-H, carded.

ED GOLEMBESKI Gill, MA, (413) 863-2313 riker119@comcast.net 4-H, open shows, clinics, lessons.

NORWEGIAN FJORDS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUE HERON FARM Charlemont, MA, (413) 339-4045 blueheronfarm.com Quality, purebred registered Fjords.

PHOTOGRAPHY •••••••••••••••••••••••••• KAREN MORANG PHOTOGRAPHY Find us on Facebook.

Equine photography and events.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA North Dighton, MA, (508) 863-0467 melissaroot.com Equine portrait photography and events.

REAL ESTATE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ALTHEA BRAMHALL HOMETOWN REALTORS North Quabbin region, (617) 678-9300 althearealtor@gmail.com Real estate is more fun with horse people!

EQUINE HOMES REAL ESTATE LLC MA and NH, (800) 859-2745, ext. 704 equinehomes.com sally@equinehomes.com Sally Mann, Realtor, MA and NH. BERNICE GIARD REALITY Oakham, MA, (508) 882-3900 oakham@charter.net Country properties.

STABLES, FARMS, BOARDING •••••••••••••••••••••••••• CARRIER’S FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-0333 rcarrier0333@gmail.com Indoor, outdoor arenas, round pens, fields.

GLENCROFT FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-8026 kraymond24@hotmail.com Boarding, pastures, ring, trails, fields.

STRAIN FAMILY EQUESTRIAN CENTER LLC Southwick, MA, (413) 569-5797 strainfamilyequestrian.com Boarding, lessons, training, sales, therapeutic riding.

TACK •••••••••••••••••••••••••• CHESHIRE HORSE Swanzey, NH, (877) 358-3001 cheshirehorse.com English, western, feed, supplies, trailers.

DR. COOK BITLESS BRIDLE (866) 235-0938 bitlessbridle.com Safe, gentle, effective alternative to using a bit.

SMARTPAK RETAIL STORE Natick, MA, (508) 651-0045 smartpak.com/retailstore Tack, equipment, supplements, blankets, apparel, gear, gifts, clearance outlet.

TRANSPORTATION •••••••••••••••••••••••••• J.R. HUDSON HORSE TRANSPORTATION West Bridgewater, MA, (508) 427-9333 jrhudsonhorsetrans.com Serving the lower 48 states and Canada.

VETERINARIANS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• FAMILY VETERINARY CENTER Haydenville, MA, (413) 268-8387 famvets.com Traditional and alternative care for dogs, cats, exotics, and horses.

SOUTH DEERFIELD VETERINARY CLINIC DR. ROBERT P. SCHMITT S. Deerfield, MA, (413) 665-3626 sdvc@aol.com Equine medicine, surgery since 1969.

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Junior Horsemanship Awards Massachusetts Horse gives back to our community through its Junior Horsemanship Award program. The award is given to the junior exhibitor who has shown the best horsemanship and sportsmanship at a competition in the Bay State. This is the junior who is not winning, but who is working hard with a great attitude. This junior is taking

good care of her horse, cheering on her friends, and helping others.

Want to give out a free Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award at your upcoming event? Visit mahorse.com/junior-awards. These awards are made possible by Stephanie Sanders, Massachusetts Horse publisher, and Absorbine.

Heather Lee

Caitlin McLaughlin

Emily Face

Taylor Smith

Heather, nine, won the series-end Junior Horsemanship Award at the final Merrimac Valley Dressage Show in Haverhill on August 20 riding Shenandoah Samoa.

Nine-year-old Caitlin is riding D. Donut at Back Bay Farm in Ipswich on August 31. “I ride in memory of my mom,� says Caitlin.

Emily, 13, won the Junior Horsemanship Award riding Solid As A Rock at the Berkshire Humane Society Benefit Show at Overmeade Farm in Lenox on August 27.

Seven-year-old Taylor won the Junior Horsemanship Award riding Honey at the Area 1 Schooling Horse Trials Championships at Apple Knoll Farm in Millis.

Massachusetts Horse

49

Hana Isihara

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Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association’s

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RER Ponies Training, Lessons & Sales

by BHS trained, USDF “L” Graduate & Bronze Medalist

Heather Reynolds Dostal Available for Judging & Clinics U.S. Pony Club Riding Center offering boarding, training, pony starting, and tune-ups. Professional, well rounded, goal-oriented lesson program for riders of all ages beginner through advanced.

Accepting new clients with 2017 expansion!

RERponies.com . rerponies@gmail.com 50

October/November 2017

Scott Porter

8 Circle Dr., Hatfield, MA 413.427.2026

Featuring year-end awards in many divisions.

wnepha.com Full schedule can be found at:

An organization for horsemen, by horsemen.

Amherst Farmer’s Supply 320 Pleasant St., Amherst (413) 253-3436 amherstfarmerssupply.com A.W. Brown Pet & Garden Center 144 Shaker Rd., E. Longmeadow (413) 525-2115 . awbrown.com Bernardston Farmer’s Supply 43 River St., Bernardston (413) 648-9311 bernardstonfarmerssupply.com

Brattleboro Agway 1277 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT (802) 254-8757 . achilleagway.com

Dodge Grain Company 59 N. Broadway, Salem, NH (603) 893-3739 . dodgegrain.biz

Bridgewater Farm Supply 1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357 . bridgewaterfarm.com

Essex County Co-op 146 S. Main St., Topsfield (978) 887-2309 essexcountycoop.net

Country Corral 35 Main St., Williamsburg (413) 268-0180 . countrycorralonline.com

Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange Rte. 32, Gilbertville . (413) 477-6913 hardwickfarmers.net

Hoosac Valley Coal and Grain 2 Gavin Ave., Adams (413)743-0163 hoosacvalleycoalandgrain.com Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926 sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com Thibault’s Poultry 92 N. Spencer Rd. Spencer (508) 612-1907 Massachusetts Horse

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