Massachusetts Horse December/January 2014

ANNUAL DRESSAGE ISSUE!

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

HORSE

DANCING DOWN THE CENTERLINE page 8

December/January 2014 mahorse.com $3

JANE SAVOIE saMas nefit 3 1 0 e 2 The Horse B than s e t r t o e culchus raised m tar Equi , S ry w Sho for Blue Sanctua ed s e 0 r s s ai 00 or $10, Draft H al monie rofits ture the tot tts nonp ing use bring assach 8,000!

M for to $4

THE OUTSIDE REIN page 20

THE WINTER HORSE page 24

WOMPATUCK STATE PARK page 30

Make Your Dream a Reality with your own custom built Amish horse barn.

Amish crafted barns and run-in sheds delivered fully assembled to your site.

Post and Beam Structures of All Sizes and Applications.

More Custom Building Examples on our website!

Fully Assembled Shed-row and Run-in Barns.

Delivery Anywhere in the Country.

Horse Barns • Run-In Sheds • Riding Arenas • Certified Homes • Garages 1195 VA Cutoff Road, White River Junction, VT 05001

1-800-441-6057 • www.carriageshed.com Make a stable investment by buying a #1 Amish-quality horse barn at The Carriage Shed.

2

December/January 2014

Massachusetts Horse

3

4

December/January 2014

contents

December/January 2014

columns 20 Jane Savoie

The Outside Rein

8

Dave Galehouse

Amy E. Riley

Guest Columnist

24 The Winter Horse 14

Advice to Melt Away Your Troubles

Horse Sense

28 Berkshire Equine

16

Lend a Hoof

Š Archive Boiselle / Gabriele Boiselle

courtesy of Suzanne Markham

Therapeutic Riding Center

30 Wompatuck State Park

Whitney and Thayer Woods

Trail Guide

24

in every issue

features 8

Dancing Down the Centerline

7 From the Editor

16

Intuition, Determination, and Dressage

Musical Freestyles at Every Level

horseperson profile

18 14

Elysium Farm Horse Heaven farm spotlight

Suzanne Markham

Bauke

31 This Olde Horse 32 Overherd: News in Our Community 38 Bay State Happenings 39 Junior Horsemanship Awards 40 Partners

A Cheeky, Hardworking Show-off

44 Events Calendar

horse profile

46 Massachusetts Marketplace 48 The Neighborhood 49 Is This Your Horse?

49 Advertiser Index

Massachusetts Horse

5

Handcrafted Leather Gifts

M ASSAC HUS ETTS

HORSE vol. 12, no. 4 December/January 2014

ISSN 1945-1393

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 phone: (413) 268-3302 • fax: (413) 268-0050 • mahorse.com Massachusetts Horse magazine is an independently owned and -operated all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for the Bay State. © 2014 Massachusetts Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

publisher/editor Stephanie Sanders-Ferris • steph@mahorse.com • (413) 268-3302

Quality leather goods made to your specifications: handmade western saddles . chaps . chinks . halters . bridles . reins breast collars . belts . harnesses . repairs . restoration Hand-crafted gear using high quality materials and workmanship.

Careful fitting for horse and rider.

Blue Dog Leather

www.bluedogleather.com South Shore Dr., Orange, Mass. 978.544.2681 Open most days. Call ahead to be sure.

copy editor Doris Troy feature writers Andrea Bugbee, Alessandra Mele, Stacey Stearns contributors Mary Brazie, John Dougherty, Denise Kellicker, Kay Konove, Diane Merritt, Jennifer Moreau, Laurie Neely, Liz Russell, Lauri Sugar county desk liaisons Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties Alessandra Mele • (413) 949-1972 • alessandra@mahorse.com Bristol County Melissa Root • (508) 863-0467 • melissa@mahorse.com

Orion Farm Wherere Stars A !

Born

Massachusetts . Florida

established 1988

Essex County Holly Jacobson • (978) 356-5842 • holly@mahorse.com Essex and Middlesex Counties Sophiea Bitel • (781) 286-0729 • sophiea@mahorse.com Barnstable, Norfolk, and Plymouth Counties Laura Solod • (617) 699-7299 • laura@mahorse.com Worcester County Debra Becroft • (203) 909-1391 • debra@mahorse.com Angie Tollefson • (636) 459-5478 • angie@mahorse.com advertising main office • (413) 268-3302 • ads@mahorse.com Advertising deadline for the February/March issue is January 5.

on the cover: Highland Pony Delilah.

VE Photography . vephotography.com

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

If you want to be the best, you have to train with the best!

Local to national champions, we can help you reach all of your riding goals.

All levels of lessons available for ages 4 and up, plus adults.

Quality horses and ponies for sale or lease. Boarding, training, and showing.

S. Hadley . (413) 532-9753 . www.OrionFarm.net 6

December/January 2014

@Mass_Horse

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.

from the editor The ninth annual Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show, on

classes and divisions? Email steph@mahorse.com. I’d love to

October 5 in Goshen, raised more than $10,000 for Blue Star

hear from you.

You’ll notice a change in this

Equiculture and Draft Horse Sanctuary.

Massachusetts Horse has now given back to

issue: We’ve switched to paper that

its community more than $48,000 since

contains a higher percentage of recy-

its inception.

cled material. We continue to print with soy-based ink, because you can

Thank you to all the hardworking volunteers who helped the show run

count on Massachusetts Horse to care

smoothly and end on time. With record-

about the environment.

This holiday season, remember to

breaking entries, some classes had 25

support your local businesses. Keeping

exhibitors.

our hard-earned dollars in the Bay

October 4 and will benefit the Central New England Equine Rescue, of West Warren. Have ideas and suggestions for

Alessandra Mele

Next year’s show will be held on

State makes all our lives a little better.

All the best, Rachel McPherson riding Patriot’s Promise at the ninth annual Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show.

Stephanie

Massachusetts Horse . . .

Supporting Your Community

Katie Upton . katieupton.com

Alessandra Mele

The 2013 Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show raised more than $10,000 for Blue Star Equiculture Draft Horse Sanctuary, bringing the total monies raised for Massachusetts nonprofits to $48,000!

To learn more, visit mahorse.com.

Massachusetts Horse

7

Dancing Down the Centerline

Musical Freestyles at Every Level Jennifer Fanning and Rieke S.

by Stacey Stearns

T

here’s riding — and there’s riding to music. There’s riding to music — then there’s dancing to music.

Five local equestrians and an internationally known freestyle designer tell us what dancing to music is all about. First, though, let’s meet them.

FEI Rider and USDF gold medalist Helen Cast, of Helen Cast Dressage in Georgetown, and her Hanoverian stallion, Donnersohn, are competing at Intermediare I. “It’s rewarding when you can ride a clean freestyle and be comfortable enough that you know the freestyle and can ask your horse for a little more, or make an adjustment without panicking,” she says.

“My mom always liked freestyles,” says Hilary Millett, of Oak Hill Farm in Pepperell. “When she got sick, in 2011, I did one at first level so she could see it.

Paddington is a fourteen-point-one-hand Quarter Horse we rescued in 2003. He works cattle and ropes, but I think he enjoys dressage more than anything. We were champions in the first-level freestyle and then reserve champion in the second-level freestyle at the USDF Region 8 Championship this year.”

Adult amateur Linda Roache, of Andover, Connecticut, rode her first 8

December/January 2014

freestyle this October on her Connemara, Paradox Pippin, at first level. “A piece of the Northeast Regional Adult Amateur Championship is that the individual competition requires a musical freestyle,” she says.. “I had seen it done before and thought it was intriguing. I wanted to do the competition, so I needed a freestyle.”

Jennifer Fanning is a junior exhibitor and rides with Simone DeTemple at Dreamfield Farm in Marshfield. She’s been competing in musical freestyles for two years. “In 2011, I did my first freestyle at the Children of the America’s Dressage Invitational [CADI], held at Bearspot Farm in Acton, with Lord Sterling, a pony I was riding at the time,” she says. “At this show, you have to ride the FEI Children’s Preliminary Test and a FEI Children’s Freestyle.”

Meghan Licata, from Sheffield, is the barn manager and assistant trainer at Weatogue Stables in that town. She rides Dream Weaver, aka Angel, a 16-year-old International Sport Horse by Idocus, who’s owned by Weatogue’s trainer, Bobbi Carleton. “Angel and I have been riding a second-level freestyle and are also working on new music for a thirdlevel freestyle for 2014,” Meghan says. “I

started competing in freestyles in 2012, and fell in love with them.”

Terry Ciotti Gallo, of Klassic Kur in Winter Springs, Florida, is a professional freestyle designer. For the last 24 years Terry has been developing freestyles and educating riders so they can choreograph their own. She has developed some famous freestyles, such as Respect for Debbie McDonald and Brentina and Avatar for Steffen Peters and Ravel.

Do Your Homework It makes sense to select the music before you do the choreography, but with the magic of editing, you can choreograph first, then fit the music to it. In either case, give yourself and your horse plenty of time to learn the routine.

“Be patient and start early,” Terry says. “If you’re doing a freestyle at the fall New England Dressage Association show, start the previous January. There are a lot of how-to articles about freestyles. Do your homework; get the score sheet and the rules so you don’t make silly mistakes. Be prepared before you step into the process. Watch freestyles on YouTube. Which ones had an impact on you and why? Give yourself enough time for the entire process.”

Jennifer Anttonen

Helen Cast and Donnersohn.

Hilary Millett and Paddington.

“I find a good test ride that I already have and watch it on my computer and put music to it,” Helen says. “That helps me know how long it takes to ride a circle, a short side, and so on. Next, ask someone to videotape your horse in all gaits and from different angles.”

“If, like me, you’re not technically savvy, the process is a bit more difficult,” Linda says. “I got a scoring sheet for the freestyle and reviewed that. It was extremely helpful: you should read that before you do anything else. I had a videotape of my horse and me doing all of the movements of a First-Level test.

Then we were ready to begin.”

Music “The music search is the longest part of the process,” says Terry. “At the lower levels, don’t get carried away with what music you like. Remember that the most important criterion is what will be good for your horse. That’s known as ‘suitability,’ and you’ll be judged on it. You must actually ride to the music to make that decision.

“Next, the music has to be cohesive.

You can’t throw in jazz with classical.

Also, you’re going to be living with your music for a long time, so choose something you like a lot. [Good advice, but Massachusetts Horse

9

Hilary went a different way.] Because you’re putting so much time into this, it’s fine to use the music when your horse goes up to the next level.”

“Don’t use the same music other people are using or music people have had big success with,” says Helen. “You need to make your freestyle unique.”

Recognizable music from commercials and TV shows is appropriate, as long as it appeals to a broad audience.

“It’s also important to figure out what music sounds good loud,” Helen says. “Make sure all of your music has the same decibels all the way through your program, so the sound doesn’t change.

“People are getting better at making good music choices, but the weakest link is how they edit it,” Terry says. “That doesn’t seem to be done well. When it’s time to edit, you can download software from the Internet, but be aware that there’s a learning curve, or take it to a professional who knows exactly how it’s done. No matter who does the editing, make sure the final result sounds like a seamless composition, no disruptive cuts.”

“It’s really important to have help from someone who knows what she or he is doing,” says Hilary. “Finding music that

Equus IntEgratEd thErapy helping horses heal humanely

the Masterson Method is an intuitive approach to equine bodywork that incorporates and invites the horse’s participation. by working “with” the horse instead of “on” the horse, greater and longer-lasting results are attainable.

ted Moser, LMt a Masterson Method practitioner 413.522.0658 Call today! your horse will thank you! www.equusintegratedtherapy.com ted@equuusintegratedtherapy.com serving horses in western Massachusetts and southern Vermont and New hampshire.

10

December/January 2014

fits your horse is also critical. I wouldn’t have chosen my music; I don’t particularly like it. But the music is perfect for Paddington and he loves it.” Hilary used the same swing music with a Brazilian reference for her first- and second-level freestyles.

“My freestyle uses Irish street music,” says Linda. “We wanted to fit Pippin’s personality, plus he’s little, so the music needed to match him. My trainer, Gretchen Geronim, found Dancing Feet. I like it and Pippin really likes it too: He perks up whenever he hears it.”

“Simone gave me a few options as to what kind if music I’d like to ride to with my Friesian mare, Rieke S,” says Jennifer.

“We chose music from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Simone mixed the music according to my routine; we had done the choreography first. Then I rode my freestyle several times at home to confirm the timing of transitions, and Simone adjusted the music accordingly.”

Choreography “Pick choreography that’s not difficult,” says Helen. “It should be simple and flow so it’s pretty to look at. Then you can build on this for the future; you should

be able to adapt your freestyle to the next level.”

“Consider what the difficulty level will be,” Terry says. “I just finished working with a first-level horse and we went from the salute immediately to canter because the horse could. That transition is allowed, and it’s beyond what would be expected for the level.

“Also think about the angles that make your horse look good,” she says. “If your horse needs support during shoulder-in, do that on the rail. Later, you can increase the difficulty in your freestyle by taking it off the rail.”

The routine as a whole is the rider’s responsibility. “The rider really needs to be aware of the entire design cohesiveness and make sure the pattern is something the judge can identify,” Terry says.

“Don’t be so creative that the design doesn’t make sense. You don’t want the judge thinking, ‘Was that really a shoulder-in?’ It’s the combination of the movements that gives a freestyle creativity, and separates one rider from the next. It also makes it less like a test and more of a dance.”

Freestyles are about you and your horse. If he has a beautiful extended trot, showcase that. If there’s a weakness,

don’t put it in the beginning of the routine — or at the end. If during practice you and your horse are struggling at a certain level, compete in the freestyle at a level lower so you the two of you can shine.

The best choreography is collaborative. The trainer should be involved at the lower levels because that person knows your horse and what he’s capable of and what he does well. “This year, I had a lot more input into creating my first-level freestyle,” says Jennifer. “I choreographed the routine and Simone made some edits to place my free walk and my canter lengthening.”

“Ann Guptill, a trainer and freestyle designer from Equestrian Arts Production in East Haddam, Connecticut, helped me with the music and choreography,” says Linda. “I also worked extensively with my trainer, Gretchen, on the choreography because she knows Pippin’s strengths and weaknesses. She helped incorporate the required and optional movements in a way that highlighted Pippin. My freestyle can also be adapted for second level.”

“I also have Ann Guptill help with my music,” says Meghan. “For me, finding the music is the most challenging

Massachusetts Horse

11

part. Choreography is fun because you can incorporate your own personality and strengths. For example, in my second-level freestyle, we show the counter canter on a serpentine with simple changes on the centerline. You want your choreography to be unique, and to show off your horse’s abilities.”

“I worked with Applause Dressage in Vancouver for my first freestyle, and Luna Tunes in California did my second-level freestyle and is collaboratively working on my third-level freestyle with me,” says Hilary. “You’re not just riding to music: You’re dancing, and a lot of small adjustments need to be made as you’re riding.”

As always, practice, practice, practice. “Practice your freestyle a lot before you compete,” says Helen. “I’ve never

“Make sure the requirements for the level are in the freestyle,” says Helen.

“Keep it simple and clear — it should be relaxing. Freestyles are a challenge to do on your own; you need people to help you. Look for independent opinions and help on the music and choreography from either professionals or friends. It’s also important to check in with people who don’t know horses to see how the music matches the movements.”

WhoTookThat Photography

Finishing Touches

Meghan Licata and Dream Weaver.

ridden the same freestyle twice; I change a line here or there each time. This is

especially true if you get ahead or behind the music. When you rehearse, pick a venue with a good sound system (bad speakers will make the music sound tinny) and an arena that isn’t scary to horses.”

“The most challenging part about freestyles is the improvisation that comes with it,” says Jennifer. “If you’re riding ahead or behind the music, you have to either take out some movements or throw in new movements on the spot. It takes a lot of thinking on your feet and paying attention to where you are in the music, as well as how you’re riding every step.”

“Use all the resources you have available,” says Meghan. “Find the right music and then listen to it all the time.

You want to know every cue and where every transition comes. Then you can relax and have fun riding in rhythm to the music and your horse.”

“Thinking outside the box during my freestyle challenged me. It never rides the same, so you have to be superadjustable,” Hilary says. “The first thing I had to learn was to have fun, because it’s not about riding letter to letter.”

Happy Holidays from

25 Forest Lane, Millis, Mass.

508-376-2564 • www.appleknoll.com

Safety System Jumps For Sale rfect The pe as Christm gift!

Rent Apple Knoll Farm for Your 2014 Event!

Apple Knoll Farm’s facilities offer multiple dressage rings, a large indoor arena, and several jumping arenas as well as a full cross-county course through training level.

The facility is available for rent for shows, clinics, and special interest groups.

Keep up with us at: www.appleknoll.com and on Facebook: Apple Knoll Farm Equestrian Center.

Why not kick off the 2014 season by joining us in Aiken, South Carolina? Email Adrienne Iorio for details: msamberfrog@mac.com.

12

December/January 2014

“I like it when people try their own freestyles,” says Terry. “It gives them an appreciation and critical-thinking skills because they’ve been through the process. I did two freestyle clinics at the same barn. A vet took the clinic the first year and then went home and worked on her freestyle. She came back the second year and rode her freestyle for me. It was great: she’d done all the work herself and there was nothing for me to correct.

She was educated, sought more education, and did everything right.”

The Salute “I didn’t love freestyles when I first started them,” says Hilary, “but something clicked this year and now it’s a lot of fun. I recently went to a dressage show and rode only tests. I watched the freestyles and wanted to be out there doing mine; it’s in my blood now. We plan to debut our third-level freestyle in the spring. I’m hoping to earn my USDF Freestyle Bronze Bar with Paddington next season.”

Meghan and Angel are also working toward their Freestyle Bronze Bar. “I’d like to thank Bobbi for all her help, and for giving me the opportunity to ride her amazing mare and showing me just how much fun dressage can be,” says Meghan. “It takes a village — my friends and family have also given me continued support, as has Equestrian Arts Production.”

“Rieke does lovely walk-canter transitions,” says Jennifer. “I liked that we were able to include them in our routine and show off the work we’ve put into them. I could tell Rieke loved our freestyle, too.

She perks up at the sound of the music, and making your horse happy is always important.”

“Freestyles are a fun way to approach dressage and interesting for amateurs to explore,” Linda says. “It’s fun for the riders and spectators, and the horses enjoy riding to music. Hearing your music start at a show is thrilling. Freestyles really make you think about the whole process of how a dressage test is created.”

“I use the same process with everyone,” says Terry, “but sometimes it just comes together differently and there’s a magic moment — that one thing when the choreography, music, and horse go together and a chill goes up your spine.”

“My first freestyle, years ago, was the scariest,” says Helen. “I was so nervous I didn’t wait for the bell and just started.

The judge rang her bell and made me start over. Now Donnersohn is ranked nationally for his I-1 Freestyle. It’s much

more work than a test, but worth waiting for — a good freestyle looks like you’re really dancing to the music. I’ve seen a lot of good freestyles at all of the levels and what I take away from all of them is the fun. Enjoy!”

“Seeing my mom’s smile when I ride a freestyle is wonderful. That’s why I started doing this,” says Hilary. “Plus, when you nail a freestyle, it’s an amazing feeling, and you dance yourself down that centerline.”

Stacey Stearns is a lifelong equine enthusiast from Connecticut who enjoys competitive trail riding with her gelding and learning the ins and outs of dressage with her mare. When not in the barn, she reads and writes about horses.

In the next issue we’ll feature reining, Quarter Horses, Paints, and Appaloosas plus Bringing Your Horse Home.

Want to be interviewed? Place an ad?

Email us at info@mahorse.com.

Massachusetts Horse

13

Elysium Farm

Harvard

Horse Heaven

by Andrea Bugbee

C

BBV Photography

“My staff,” says Abbey, “are very senertified financial planner Abbey sitive to the horses’ needs as well as to Henderson not only enjoys horses and dressage, but she likes those of the riders. They’re all very prohorse in their approach, and extremely starting businesses, too. In 2010, when, positive. They’re always focused on she says, “the universe sort of conspired what’s good in the horse and in the ride, for it to be a good time,” she purchased and on taking what’s good and improvthe former Apple Valley Farm in Harvard. She renamed the property Elysium, ing it.” which is Greek mythology’s word for “paradise.”

Elysium Farm consists of almost 10 acres in a pastoral setting near wetlands that draw geese, herons, foxes, and deer. There’s a regulation-size outdoor riding ring, and the central stable holds a 70' x 150' arena with custom footing. It’s flanked by two aisles of stalls, a cozy advantage in winter. A smaller, five-stall barn stands separately.

The facilities are perfect for dressage training, Susie Symmes riding her Danish Warmblood, Anastasia. but the backdrop balances Boarders may also ride with anyone work with peaceful space for grazing, else who’s licensed and insured, for a hacking, and just being. ring fee.

Abbey knew she’d found a good “A lot of riders assume they have to investment because as Apple Valley it was be professional to ride with Kathy,” says originally owned by international dresColleen, “but that’s not the case. Many say sage rider, trainer, and coach Kathy they can’t believe the difference in just Connelly. A one-time US Equestrian one lesson. She always gets results. She’s Team member and a US Grand Prix and unbelievably knowledgeable, and clear World Cup champion, Kathy winters in Florida but continues to teach at Elysium and concise about what she expects. She’s never harsh, but she makes you work during the rest of the year. hard. You want to work for her. She’s always learning, and even though I’ve been International-level Instruction “Kathy was very much the founder of this working with her for years, there’s always something new to learn from her.” place in the dressage world,” says Abbey.

Colleen began her career training “I like to think we kept all of the wonderyoung horses, and trained her Grand ful things Kathy started and just brought Prix horse with the help of experts such it up to the next level.” as Kathy.

For one thing, Elysium is still very “One thing for me as an instructor much a dressage center, though riders of is being positive,” she says. “I’m big on varying levels, and even from different praise for the rider and I’m big on praise disciplines, are welcome. And Kathy is for the horse. One thing I find with lots now one of three resident trainers. of riders is they need a true connection Teaching alongside her are assistant with the outside rein, because if you trainer Colleen O’Connor-Dzik and don’t have the outside rein, you don’t Susie Symmes, who doubles as Elysium’s have the horse. I’m also big on forward barn manager.

December/January 2014 14

and self-carriage, that the horse is doing the work, not the rider.”

Kathy’s and Colleen’s goals are the same, but the small differences in how they teach are all for the good: “With both of us,” says Colleen, “ it’s the same approach but maybe different language, so the rider thinks about things a little differently.”

Feeling at Home When Abbey, who has ridden for most of her life, founded Elysium, she wanted dedication to horsemanship, but she also wanted to nurture what she calls a “laid-back culture.” Far from coolly competitive, boarders from Elysium hack their horses together on the nearby Oak Hill conservation land, they chat while grazing Warmbloods and Morgans on lead ropes, and, every so often, they socialize at farm-organized events such as a recent wine-and-painting night out.

Abbey meets with the boarders throughout the year to collect ideas and feedback, and she sends monthly emails to keep the community apprised of Elysium’s new boarders, projects, and happenings. “I love the fact that it’s really a community,” she says. “Happy people and happy horses make for a great business.”

“It’s a very nice atmosphere, a super group of people,” Colleen says. “Everyone cheers each other on. It’s not a competition; it’s all about camaraderie.

That’s one of the things that sets this barn apart, but it’s the positive energy I most enjoy. I’ve been to a lot of barns, and this one fits me; I think of it as home.”

Fastidious Care From the beginning, Abbey wanted a facility that emphasizes all-day turnout, superior footing, and detail-oriented, consistently excellent horse care. Now

for barn manager Susie Symmes, Elysium Farm is all of that and more: Colleen thinks of it as home; for Susie, it is home.

Susie lives in a comfy Cape on the Elysium Farm grounds. She manages the barn while her husband, Bob, manages the facilities. Her workday starts with the 6:30 A.M. feeding and it doesn’t end until the 10 o’clock night check and final haying. In between, she provides most of the care for the 23-stall stable: cleaning, customized turnout, grain up to four times daily, free-choice hay, fly spraying, blanketing, deworming, wrapping, bandaging, holding for the farrier . . .

“Susie’s a top-class manager of all things great and small,” says Kathy.

“She’s professional, caring, and extremely knowledgeable, and my students all love her. The care they’re getting for their horses is top-notch. All I have to think about is my job — the training.

Feeding, vet care, turnout, voilà — all done! That’s Susie.”

“I think I’m probably the most particular person out there,” says Susie. “As I walk around, I’m not looking at the ground. I’m looking at the horses. I’m looking at the fences. We pride ourselves on our horse care, being proactive, not ignoring little things.”

She describes herself as “a very hands-on barn manager,” with a wellthought-out philosophy. It’s based on continuity of care. “I can pick up on things pretty quickly when I don’t have to rely on other people to tell me what they see,” she says. “If a horse’s affect doesn’t seem quite right, we do something about it. There’s not much of a wait-and-see attitude. I don’t like the horses to go too long without someone looking at them, or without hay.”

Horse owners talk about Elysium Farm with the same enthusiasm with which loving parents describe the perfect day care. “The place is immaculate,” says Nancy Blase, of Worcester. “The water buckets are clean, the stalls are clean.

Everything is in its place. I think what makes Elysium stand head and shoulders above other barns is the quality of care given to the horses. I never have to worry about my horse. He’s monitored closely, and if anything should go awry, the next phone call is to me. I trust them implicitly.”

Nancy has boarded her 20-year-old

Pre-Holiday Auction December 8 10 A .M.: New and used tack, equipment, stable supplies, trailers, buggies.

2 P.M.: Fresh and locally-consigned horses for sport, pleasure, or family use.

Always an outstanding sample of riding horses, child-safe ponies, and young stock for winter projects. Preview photos, auction policies, directions, and consignment information online at www.farmheritage.com.

The Raucher Family, Heritage Farm Staff and Community would like to thank our many friends and business contacts across New England for their support as we ride into our 42nd year!

We wish each and every one of you, whether you have two legs or four, a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season wit h Best Wishes for 2014!

Whatever your interests, we have something for you.

Don’t be a stranger here!

Look for an expanded calendar of events at Heritage Farm in 2014: Auctions • Hunter Shows • Stock Horse Shows • Dressage Shows Open to buy, sell, or trade horses 7 days a week, by appointment.

Nice Horses for Nice People.

Auctions . Hunter Shows . Stock Horse Shows . Dressage Shows . IEA

The Raucher Family 30 Florence Road, Easthampton, MA (413) 527-1612 . www.farmheritage.com Oldenburg gelding at Elysium since it opened, in 2010. “We had a scary episode once when my horse came out of his stall dead lame after having been completely sound,” she says. “I was out of town, and they handled everything. They called the vet and prevented a full-blown laminitis. He was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, but now he’s a happy, healthy horse, and that’s because of the care he got.”

Elysium’s motto is “This isn’t just another barn. This is peace of mind about

your horse.” With excellence in training, community, and care, Nancy says, “I just think of it as being horse heaven. It’s a really great place for my horse — and for me.”

Andrea Bugbee is a freelance reporter. She lives with her husband and their children in Southwick.

Massachusetts Horse

15

Monson

Suzanne Markham

Intuition, Determination, and Dressage

by Andrea Bugbee

A

courtesy of Suzanne Markham

sk Monson horsewoman Suzanne to her horses. But it was Avatar, Don’s Markham about being a United predecessor, who proves that Suzanne is States Dressage Federation more than just a trainer who found an (USDF) gold medalist, and she immediawesome horse. ately starts talking about her horse.

“Avatar was my everything, for sure,” Her Hanoverian gelding, she says. She bought the 19-year-old Donarlicht, is now 13. “I got him when school horse for $2,500 from Skidmore he was one,” says Suzanne. “I’d had College after riding him and just getting really nice horses before him, but with“that feeling.” At the time, he had a flyout this horse, I couldn’t have done what ing change. Paired with Suzanne, he proI did.” gressed to help her win bronze, silver, Don, as Suzanne calls her four-legged dance partner, is athletic, black, and businesslike. He spends most of his time herded with two other horses in an outdoor paddock with free-choice shelter, which he rarely uses. “I’m big on turnout,” says Suzanne. “I’m probably the only Grand Prix rider whose horse doesn’t live inside.”

She bought Don from breeder Rachel Ehrlich, of Greengate Farm in New Braintree. She brought him home after watching him move and simply “getting the feeling,” as she puts it, that the two would do well together. “I believe, more than anything else, Suzanne Markham with Airius,Donarlicht, and Degas. that the horse has to have the will and the desire to learn,” she says. “I and half of her gold. When Suzanne had also go a lot on personality.” to retire Avatar from showing because of Her intuition with Don was spot on. navicular symptoms, she kept him active When he was two, Suzanne trucked by teaching him Spanish Riding School him to Pennsylvania to the international movements she learned on YouTube.

Dressage at Devon show, where he (The Spanish Riding School, in Vienna, scored magnificently in the breed diviis the oldest training academy for sion. Once he began his under-saddle Lipizzaners and their balletic moves.) training, Don mastered the Federation By the time Avatar died, at 29, Equestre Internationale (FEI) Young Suzanne had taught him the levade, Horse tests. He was four years old. which is rearing on command, and the By the age of six, Donarlicht had capriole, which is when the horse leaps been named USDF Horse of the Year. into the air while kicking out behind.

When he was seven, Suzanne took “He was unbelievable,” says Don back to Devon. The pair competed Suzanne, the marvel still heard in her at Prix St. Georges and finished first out voice. “There was nothing you couldn’t of 52. When he was nine, Suzanne qualiteach this horse. It was incredible. He fied for the dressage national champihad a heart of gold. Avatar was my onships in Gladstone, New Jersey. There, teacher.” she and Don competed against the top One Talented Trainer 15 riders in the country at Intermediare You might not get Suzanne to claim any Level 1 and with the horse she “just had responsibility for her success, but others a feeling about” finished seventh overall. have a lot to say about her as a trainer.

Suzanne, a USDF bronze, silver, and Longtime friend and fellow dressage gold medalist, credits her own successes 16

December/January 2014

rider Angela Prenosil, of Thorndike, puts it this way: “A lot of people can ride, and some people can ride at the Grand Prix level, but not everyone can train a horse to the Grand Prix level, which Suzanne has done twice already.”

It usually starts when horses are young. “Suzanne’s forte is the young horses, starting them out,” says Angela.

“I’ve ridden some of her four-year-olds and I’m amazed at how correct they are.

So easy. Her timing is impeccable, and she gives the horses the time they need. She’s patient and unemotional. She has a really good ability to stay neutral when stuff happens, and as a rider she’s brave. You never see any negativity.”

Donna Leonessa, of Coventry, Connecticut, ran the USDF-instructor certification program last year, when Suzanne went through it. “It’s a grueling, two-day test,” she says, “and Suzanne did an amazing job at every phase.

The depth of her knowledge and her training ability clearly showed through. Suzanne definitely stood out. As a teacher, she could brilliantly assess the riders and horses. She handled everything with grace and earned the certification with flying colors.”

Divinity Dressage Anyone who sees Suzanne’s striking new boarding and training stable is immediately aware of her double dose of determination. With the talent and dedication of her husband, Eric, and her father-inlaw, Kenny, the family built the entire facility themselves. Indirectly named for Avatar, which means “divine being on earth,” Suzanne, Eric, and Kenny have spent the last 18 months putting together Divinity Dressage, located on 76 acres in Monson.

It’s a 14-stall boarding and training stable with a 72' x 200' indoor arena over German Geo Textile (GGT) footing.

There are ample grass and dirt paddocks, a heated and air-conditioned tack room and viewing lounge, an indoor wash stall, and 12' x 40' run-outs attached to most of the stalls. The facility has custom touches throughout.

“My husband and my father-in-law are wonderful people,” Suzanne says, “and a lot of friends came and helped us, too. We know a good group of people.”

Discipline and a willingness to learn were the only resources in Suzanne’s toolbox when they started the endeavor: “I general-contracted the entire project, but I didn’t know even what the pitch of a roof is until I started this. It’s been a great learning experience.” She and her mother sanded and stained each door, as well as the arena kickboards she’s still installing when she has the time between lessons, feeding, mucking, and riding.

“There were nights when it would be minus-ten degrees,” she recalls. “We’d be there in our snowsuits putting up plywood panels at eleven o’clock with air nailers that kept freezing.”

A year and a half later, Divinity Dressage is, well, divine. Paddocks are offset by perennial gardens and beech trees, and there are lots of birdbaths.

Much of the acreage is wooded, and it yields enough trails to make any dressage rider feel like a Montana cowgirl.

teaching and learning. Suzanne’s very good about explaining and giving you a good feel for what you’re trying to learn.

She’s a great instructor.”

Tami Martino, a boarder from Redding, Connecticut, echoes Jen’s praise: “My horse has been with Suzanne for eleven years. I know Suzanne very well as a horseman and as a person, and I wouldn’t leave my horse with just anyone. She has a great mind for the needs and welfare and overall program and care of the horse, and she has a connection with every horse she comes in contact with. Suzanne is like the last of the Mohicans, in my view. She’s very kind, very attentive to the horse, and pays attention to the safety of the horse and its well-being. I have a great amount of respect for her.”

In the end, dressage competitor and trainer Suzanne Markham continues to pass praise for her achievements on to the horses she rides. “I’ve always just kind of gone with my gut for what I feel a horse needs,” she says. “Horses teach me everything. They never cease to amaze me.”

Sharing What She’s Learned Over the course of her career, Suzanne has trained under Rick Albertson, Lendon Gray, Ashley Holzer, and Gunner Ostergaard, and has attended clinics under Robert Dover, Kyra Kyrkland, Steffen Peters, and Conrad Schumacher. The advice from these world-class equestrians has helped shape Suzanne’s training philosophy.

“I believe forwardness is the key to getting horses to connect, getting them to engage,” she says. “Nine times out of ten, people aren’t moving forward to the bit. When you don’t have that element, it’s the number one problem. You’re not getting the full potential. After that, you then start working on the issue of straightness. Horses aren’t ambidextrous: They’re typically stiff left, hollow right. In dressage, we want everything as even as possible. That’s what makes everything so beautiful. That’s how you get the brilliance you see in a Grand Prix test.”

Once a horse is forward and straight, Suzanne says, getting the more advanced movements flows naturally.

Says Jen Hoynoski, a Middlefield dressage rider who travels 90 minutes each way for lessons: “Suzanne does do a great job.” Jen gives Suzanne’s lesson horse Airius the reins after working on right haunches in, walk pirouette, left haunches in. “Between her and the school horses, this has been excellent for

Happy Holidays!

Thank you to all our customers for your business and loyalty.

We look forward to providing continued exceptional service in 2014.

Equine ~ Farms Mortality • Major Medical & Surgical Farm Packages (Auto & Home) . Horse Associations & Clubs Director & Officer Coverage . Horse Shows, Clinics, Expo Coverage Instructor’s Liability

www.donrayinsurance.com Call Terri Ray today!

Terri is a horse owner showing locally & nationally.

(781) 837-6550 terriray@donrayinsurance.com Marshfield, MA

Massachusetts Horse

17

Millis

Bauke

A Cheeky, Hardworking Show-off

by Stacey Stearns

F

courtesy of Jodi Pearson-Keating

or Suzanne Walker, a Friesian geld- he did first level and dabbled with second.

Then Suzanne took over the reins more ing named Bauke (pronounced and he didn’t compete. We continued his BOW-ka, as in take a bow) was her training except for the flying changes.” dream horse.

“Sometime during 2009,” says “I bought Bauke as a three-year-old in 2003,” says Suzanne. “I wanted a Friesian because I wanted a horse that was not too tall [Bauke was 15.1 at age three; he’s around 16.1 now]; and had good bone, a high neck set, and a good temperament. I didn’t want a show horse — just a really sweet guy who would be my best buddy for many years to come.” In addition, the breed is known to be able to do piaffe.

Suzanne, who lives in Sharon, purchased Bauke from Belinda Nairn-Wertman, of Inspo, in Williston, Florida.

(Belinda competed in the 1984 Olympics and trained and rode the stallion Goffert.) She had imported Bauke from Holland as a yearling. His sire is Jillis, who also sired two stallions that Bauke and Jodi Pearson-Keating. reached the Grand Prix level.

Suzanne, “Jodi’s young dressage prospect Belinda told Suzanne he had decided he would much rather jump a very good canter and loved the gait. than do dressage, and I realized that “Bauke was backed in the spring of Bauke wanted to be a rock star and was 2003,” Suzanne says. “I saw him in the way more talented than I’d imagined. summer and brought him home in And he loves being in the limelight and I October. I thought he’d be my kind, had no plans for showing.” quiet horse that could eventually do It was time to make a change. “I piaffe and passage and help me move up made Jodi a half owner,” Suzanne says, in my training.” and that year Jodi competed Bauke at second level. She taught him flying The Journey Begins changes that winter and spent 2010 com“Bauke has been in training with Jodi peting at third level and a bit of lower Pearson-Keating, of Tall Oaks Farm in fourth level. “In 2011,” Suzanne says, Millis, from the minute he came home,” “they were doing fourth and Prix St. Suzanne says. “I rode him intermittently Georges.” when he was young, took him to clinics, It's been a wonderful journey, she and went on some off-the-property trail says, “and along the way they’ve won rides.”

His first show was at King Oak Farm, many classes, gotten some great scores, and showed the dressage world that in Southampton, as a four-year-old.

Friesians can canter.”

“Bauke competed in training-level tests one and two,” Suzanne says. “He won his class and was reserve high point for the Mr. Personality day.” It’s clear she’s still proud of him.

“You don’t have to worry about self-es(He scored in the 70s.) teem issues with Bauke,” Suzanne says “Bauke competed at training level with a laugh. “He’s a gelding with a again as a five-year-old,” says Jodi. “At six strong personality. You could describe 18

December/January 2014

him as cheeky, a show-off. But he’s also loving and very affectionate. Bauke still thinks I’m here to serve him, and loves me madly.”

Bauke also has a sense of humor.

There’s a metal gate on his stall so he can’t nip the horses on the cross-ties. When Suzanne is there, he sticks his tongue through the gate and runs it down the grates so it makes a plopping noise.

Bauke has also been known to drink out of water bottles and share Suzanne’s lunch.

“He does funny things all the time and is an entertaining horse,” says Jodi. “I would also describe him as arrogant, pushy, and a workaholic.

Bauke loves to work and loves his job.”

Jodi and Bauke attend clinics and work with trainers regularly. Jodi says the highlight of a Steffen Peters clinic several years ago was realizing that Bauke was going to be a Grand Prix horse.

A year ago Suzanne sold her share of Bauke to Jodi. “He sort of wound up in my lap,” Jodi says. “He was purchased as the dream horse for a client; at the time, he wasn’t a horse I’d have looked at for myself. When Suzanne offered the deal to ride him, that cemented our partnership, and now he’s all mine.”

Jodi says she and Bauke are a team.

“When I ask something, he tries really hard,” she says. “We’re schooling Grand Prix and we competed Intermediare this season. We hope to be showing Grand Prix next season, when the one tempis are confirmed.”

No matter how talented the horse, training is always ongoing. “Our current challenge is single tempi changes,” says Jodi. “It’s difficult to compete at the upper levels with a non-Warmblood.

Friesians move up and down like a driving horse, so I’m always working with him to make bigger, better gaits.”

“My life’s dream was to have a fancy dressage horse,” Suzanne says. “I realized one day that I was living it because I never dreamed who was riding the horse.

And I still think Bauke is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.”

Looking Ahead

courtesy of Suzanne Walker

“Bauke moved up the levels really fast,” Suzanne says. “Jodi had him schooling second level when I stopped riding him in 2009. Now he’s schooling Grand Prix, and that’s the ultimate goal. I think he’ll

be a competitive Grand Prix horse regionally — he and Jodi are a match made in heaven.”

Suzanne was Bauke’s groom until last year. She still rides at Tall Oaks Farm and half leases a horse there, so she sees Jodi and Bauke all the time.

There are many moments that stand out, but Suzanne says she’s most proud of how well Bauke has done in competitions.

“He’s such a good example that it doesn’t have to be a textbook Warmblood to be successful [in dressage],” Jodi says.

“Hard work, time, and patience pay off.

Bauke also has a temperament and a work ethic that enable him to flourish.

“Two years ago we placed in the Prix St. Georges at the USDF Championship.

That was my first goal — to break into FEI, and that was really cool,” Jodi says.

“My goal for the future is to show Grand Prix and for Bauke to continue to be a healthy, sound horse who’s happy in his work.”

Bauke is 13 now (and has a fan club cheering for him at shows). “I’ve been riding him for ten years,” says Jodi, “and it’s a pleasure to work with him.”

Natural Balance Equine Dentistry Restoring Motion through Balance in the Equine Mouth Improved Topline and Performance, Increased Flexion

Horses . Ponies . Minis . Donkeys Wendy Bryant, EQDT (413)237-8887 . w-bryant@comcast.net wbryantnaturalbalancedentistry.com Certified practitioner in Natural Balance Dentistry®.

Trained under Spencer Laflure of Advanced Whole Horse Dentistry Learning Center.

Bauke and Suzanne Walker enjoying lunch.

Massachusetts Horse

19

The Outside Rein

guest columnist

The Secret of Riding

by Jane Savoie

M

Learning to Use the Outside Rein

Here I’ll be describing some exercises to help you become more aware of the outside rein, as riders instinctively rely more on the inside one.

The first exercise is simple: Ride at all three paces on the second track, the one that’s one meter away from the wall or fence. One meter is a good, close distance because the wall exerts some sort of magnetic pull that draws a horse back toward the track. In addition, it’s a small enough distance for you to tell if you’re staying equidistant from the track.

The goal is to get around the ring exactly one meter from the wall without having to make any corrections or adjustments. Pretend you’re on a fourinch-wide balance beam and any deviation off your line means you’re about to fall off. If the horse is between the aids, it’s easy to keep him one meter from the wall.

Once you can do that, increase the difficulty of the exercise by making a circle. Still riding one meter off the wall, form a circle that begins and ends at exactly the same point. When you finish the circle, continue riding straight ahead, maintaining the one-meter dis20

tance from the wall. The critical points are when you start and finish the circle.

You’ll need the outside rein both to turn the horse onto the circle and to straighten him to tell him to go straight ahead again.

To add an even greater degree of difficulty, turn down the centerline and leg-yield over to the wall. When you’re

Rhett Savoie

any years ago, while visiting the stable of the late Hector Carmona, in New Jersey, I was intrigued by a sign in his indoor arena that boldly proclaimed: THE SECRET OF RIDING IS THE OUTSIDE REIN. I soon discovered that the outside rein (also known as the rein of opposition) has many critical jobs: You control speed with it, steer with it, and keep your horse straight with it. When you combine the outside rein with driving aids and bending aids for three seconds, you’re giving the “connecting aids” to put your horse on the bit. You also use a momentary closure of seat, leg, and hand to give a half halt. (The half halt is one of the essential concepts in riding because it enables you to improve the horse’s balance — an issue we deal with constantly in training.)

December/January 2014

one meter from it, interrupt the leg yield with the outside aids and redirect the horse’s energy so he travels straight ahead. Because he’ll be inclined to continue his sideways momentum and end up on the track, you’ll have to use the influence of the outside aids.

Connecting the Aids Once you have a handle on using the outside rein, ask the horse to step through it and come on the bit by giving what I call the connecting aids. During the connecting aids, there’s a collaboration among three sets of aids: the driving aids (both legs and the seat), the bending aids (both legs and the inside rein), and the rein of opposition (the outside rein.)

Imagine what would happen if you were to apply the driving and bending aids to their maximum without adding the rein of opposition . . .

That’s right: The horse would be running very fast on a very small circle — not good for balance. With the addition of the outside rein, however, an imaginary door shuts in front of the horse. As he maintains his speed and

straightness while yielding to the outside hand, which is closed into a fist, he bends the joints of his hind legs to a greater degree and changes his balance and shape.

When you’re ready to give the connecting aids, you’ll combine the three sets of aids for approximately three seconds. Sometimes you’ll use the aids for just one second, but it’s best for the green rider to think in terms of the connecting aids lasting for the amount of time it takes to take a full breath.

As you breathe in, tighten your stomach and the small of your back: You should feel this as a wave that travels up your stomach into your chest. Your shoulders go back and down and the wave then travels down your back into your seat. At the same time, close your legs and maintain the horse’s bend with your inside hand. As he begins to move forward and bends to a greater degree, you’ll feel a surge of energy come into the rein. This is the moment to close your outside hand into a fist.

The outside hand says to the horse, “You’re not allowed to speed up or bend to a greater degree than you already have. Instead, you must yield to the outside hand, and because you’re being driven forward, you’ll bend your hind legs more.” At the end of your full breath, relax all the aids and resume a light but pleasant contact with your legs on the horse’s barrel and your hands on his mouth. Then you can ride him forward in a new state of balance and attention.

Stepping through the Outside Rein When a horse steps through the outside rein, he feels like an organized package rather than a jumble of disconnected parts. On circles, he “fills” the outside rein; the rein then envelops his neck.

His silhouette or shape is round, and the power from his hindquarters travels uninterrupted over his back through a long and beautifully set neck.

Because he moves through his whole

body like a dancer rather than holding his back rigidly and shuffling along with his legs, he’s more comfortable to sit on — especially at the trot and canter.

He’s so uncomplicated to ride that you have a sense of anything being possible within the very next step. For example, if you’re in extended trot, you can just as easily be in collected trot by the next stride. Or if you’re backing up, you can effortlessly strike off into the canter.

As you use driving aids, you experience a comfortable interaction with your outside hand. You create energy with those aids, and the outside rein recycles that power through the horse’s body without any conflicts — sort of like a flywheel that continues to turn by itself because it doesn’t meet any resistance.

There’s a cooperative relationship between the driving aids and the outside rein: The use of one benefits the other.

Not only can you feel when the horse steps through your hand, but you can see it as well. As the horse steps through your hand, you’ll notice that the horse’s neck changes shape. It gets longer and rounder, and often lowers.

His neck is widest at the base and gets progressively narrower to behind the ears. (If his neck is widest in the middle, he’s not stepping through the outside rein.)

When the relationship between the driving aids and the outside rein isn’t right, however, the use of the aids complicates the feeling in your hand. The horse might speed up and run through your hand, become hollow, pull, come against your hand, or lean on it. He feels as if he’s jammed up against your hand with the kind of resistance or blockage you’d meet if you were trying to drive a car with the emergency brake on. You’ll also probably feel that you have to resort to doing too much with the inside rein for basic things such as steering and maintaining the horse’s round shape.

XEnophon

Farm Janice & Elaine Kachavos

Clinics dressage & Combined test

Bill Warren

international Judge

schooling series

Verne Batchelder

equitation classes . Western dressage tests Year-end banquet

sharon McCusker

Fei trainer Fei trainer

80 sundErLand rd., rtE. 47, MontaguE, Mass.

413.367.9828 . X Enophon FarM @ aoL . CoM

HorSeS SMall aniMalS exoTiCS aCupunCTure CHiropraCTiC HoMeopaTHY pHYSiCal THerapY

Testing the Connection After you’ve pushed the horse through the outside rein with connecting aids, you can tell if you’ve been successful by softening the inside rein forward for a couple of strides. If the horse maintains his shape and position while you give the inside hand forward, you know he’s stepping through the outside rein.

Start the test on a circle where the bend of the circle will help you to put him through the outside rein. Give a set of connecting aids for three seconds.

Close your calves, close your outside hand into a fist, and maintain flexion to

HouSe CallS. Full-ServiCe SMall-aniMal HoSpiTal. GrooMinG, peT SupplieS.

FaMilY veTerinarY CenTer Bud allen, M.S., d.v.M., roBin Karlin allen, d.v.M. 99 Main ST. (rTe. 9) HaYdenville, Ma (413) 268-veTS • FaMveTS.CoM • inFo@FaMveTS.CoM Massachusetts Horse

21

RER Ponies A recognized United States Pony Club Center

New Expanded Facility Standard Dressage Ring Additional Stalls . Large Grass Turnouts Stalls Available for Full Board Specializing in Training Young Ponies to Become Great Children’s Mounts

the inside by lightly vibrating the inner rein.

Now put a loop in the inside rein by softening your hand forward toward the horse’s mouth for a couple of strides.

Does he stay bent along the arc of the circle? Do his speed, balance, and frame remain the same? If so, you know he’s connected through the outside rein. If anything changes, give the connecting aids again and then redo the test.

Next, challenge yourself by doing this same test on a straight line, where you don’t have the bend of the circle to help the horse fill the outside rein.

When you give the inside rein away

Tune ups for Horses and Ponies Freelance Instruction plus Private and Group Lessons

British Horse Society trained and USDF competitor, Heather Reynolds Dostal www.RERponies.com 8 Circle Drive, Hatfield, MA (413) 427-2026

Brands we carry Abady Alpo Blue Seal Canidae Diamond Eukanuba Friskies Iams Kaytee Merrick Natural Balance Nature’s Recipe Neura Nutrena Nutro Wysong Old Mother Hubbard Pedigree Pinnacle

Poulin Precise Pro Plan Purina Purina Mills Science Diet Sensible Choice Solid Gold Triple Crown Triumph Wellness Whiskas Wild and caged bird and small animal feed.

Kakadu Oilskin Coats.

Country Corral 35 Main St., rear, Rte. 9, Williamsburg, MA (413) 268-0180 countrycorral@aol.com M-F 9:30AM - 5:30PM, Sat 9:30AM - 4:00PM

Stalls Available Customized Training Program Tune up this winter for your 2014 season.

King Oak Farm offers boarding, training, horses for sale, clinics, instruction, IHSA and IEA teams.

Emphasis is on dressage, eventing, and equitation.

Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year!

For more information, visit KingOakFarm.com Est. 1978 or call (413) 527-4454 183 College Hwy., Southampton, Mass.

22

December/January 2014

Right behind A-1 Hilltown Pizza in Williamsburg center.

after the connecting aids, ask yourself if the horse’s spine stays parallel to the track or if his neck bends to the outside.

If it does the latter, does it bend a little or a lot? The amount the horse’s neck bends to the outside tells you the degree to which he’s connected (or not) through the outside rein.

Once you know the horse is stepping through the outside rein on circles and straight lines, do the same test during lateral work. Start a shoulder-in, a haunches-in, or a half pass.

Give the connecting aids and then soften your inside hand forward for a stride or two. Does the horse maintain his bend and position? If he does, you’re in business. If not, you’re probably helping him too much with the inside rein rather than pushing him from both legs through the outside rein.

But what if at this point you’ve ridden a bunch of connecting aids and the horse just doesn’t seem to understand stepping through the outside rein? It seems that every time you drive him forward and close your outside hand, he stiffens against the rein and raises and shortens his neck. So what now?

What I do is to use the momentum of a lengthening to give my horse the idea that he must go forward “through” the closed outside hand.

To accomplish this, start on a circle where you know the outside rein has to be more definite because of the bend. Then ask for a lengthening. When you’re really motoring along, close your outside hand into a fist while maintaining the lengthening. As you do this, the inside rein is doing its usual job of keeping inside.

If the horse lowers, stretches, lengthens, or rounds his neck even an inch, soften the aids and reward him. If he doesn’t, keep lengthening while maintaining your closed outside hand and vibrating your inside hand until you see

his neck lower even slightly. (In the beginning, this could take halfway around the circle.)

When the power of the lengthening carries him forward through your closed outside fist and he becomes rounder, soften the aids and praise generously.

If the horse still stiffens against your hand when he feels you use the outside rein, give increasing connecting aids. Start with light connecting aids, but over the course of about three seconds, increase the pressure.

If you need “more leg,” tap the horse with a whip at the same time you’re using the driving aids and your hands.

Now here’s the important part.

While you’re doing this, watch the horse’s neck very carefully. The moment it becomes even slightly longer, relax all the aids. By lengthening his neck, the horse is telling you he’s starting to step “through” your outside hand. He should be instantly rewarded by both softening all the aids and praising him.

Then start again with light connecting aids. Increase the pressure only if necessary. Always start with light connecting aids rather than strong ones, to give the horse the opportunity to respond to subtleties.

(Always ride using the most refined aids possible: It’s not much fun for either you or the horse to ride from strength.)

In this way the horse learns that when he arrives at your closed outside hand, he should soften and yield to the action of the rein. He has other options besides jamming up against your hand.

He needs to view the outside rein as a wall — but it’s an invisible wall that he can step through.

Jane Savoie earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She rode hunters as a child, evented in college, and began specializing in dressage in 1976, when she moved to Vermont. Jane was the 1996 and 2004 Olympic dressage coach for the Canadian three-day-event team in Atlanta and Athens, and coached several dressage and threeday-event riders in their preparations for the 2000 Olympics. She’s now a coach and a writer. Learn more about her at www.janesavoie.com and www.dressagementor.com.

In the next issue we’ll feature reining, Quarter Horses, Paints, and Appaloosas plus Bringing Your Horse Home.

Want to be interviewed? Place an ad?

Email us at info@mahorse.com.

Need Hay? Quality Horse Hay Specializing in small loads of 100+ bales delivered to Hampden and Hampshire Counties. Large loads anywhere in New England.

Dried-inside Round Bales.

Jay Noone (413) 222-8286 • hayjayhorses@yahoo.com Local & long distance horse transportation . 4 x 6 stall mats . bagged shavings Massachusetts Horse

23

The Winter Horse

Advice to Melt Away Your Troubles

by Alessandra Mele

A

s you watch the temperatures slowly drop, awake to a delicate coating of frost on the earlymorning pastures, and find yourself in pitch dark by the six o’clock evening feed, questions of winter barn management creep to the front of your mind.

You lie awake under ten blankets because you haven’t turned on the heat just yet, anxiously trying to remember how you and your horse survived last winter. “What size blanket does he wear?

Did I ever get it cleaned? Where did I store the sand? How much hay will we need?”

The unpredictable but usually tough conditions our winters present horse owners leave us all with a lot of questions as the days grow shorter and colder. To help keep your horse at his best no matter what the season brings, here’s some insight into a few of those uncertainties.

I’m freezing!

Is my horse warm enough?

When you feel frozen solid no matter how many bulky layers you wrap yourself in, it’s tempting to close the barn up tight and smother your horse in fluffy blankets to make him cozy. Before you decide to shut out the cold, though, consider your horse’s needs — he may be more at ease in the elements than you think.

Most horses are able to live outside year-round, comfortable with little assistance from their humans. With this in mind, don’t seal up the barn. You may 24

December/January 2014

be cold, but chances are your horse is doing a great job of heating himself.

Fresh air is crucial, and it’s important to keep it circulating. Dust, ammonia, and moisture will build up if you don’t, and that presents a big danger to your horse’s respiratory system. Heated barns are an enticing option, but are generally an appropriate solution only for a large barn in which all horses are clipped and working. Horses are naturally happy and healthy in fresh cool air. A good solution for keeping your bones warm in between chores? Heat the tack room!

As for bundling up your horse, be wary of over-blanketing. Horses come well equipped for winter temperatures — as it gets colder and colder, they get fluffier and fluffier. If you don’t plan on heavily exercising your horse, just let him puff up and grow his winter fuzz, a fine alternative to blankets. His all-natural coat offers surprisingly good protection from the cold. It’s a good idea to have a waterproof shell on hand, though, to shield him from rain, snow, and sleet when the weather gets messy.

It’s never pleasant to be wet in frigid temperatures.

If you plan to work your horse through the winter and decide to clip him, or if your horse isn’t able to grow a heavy coat, blanketing is a must. Cover the clipped areas with a blanket and a hood, so his bare parts won’t be exposed.

Choosing a blanket can be tricky — the variation of weights, materials, sizes, and coverage options are overwhelming.

When you’re shopping, keep in mind the conditions your horse will be exposed to and the type of blanket that will be appropriate. Heavy, waterproof turnouts are great for romps in the snow; a stable blanket is suitable for time spent in the stall. Above all, make sure the blanket fits. A poorly fitted blanket can give your horse sores, cause rubbing, strain his back, and be a hazard if it keeps falling off and twisting. Always thoroughly groom your horse before you blanket, and regularly remove it to fluff up hair and allow his skin to “breathe.”

How should his diet change?

There’s nothing like comfort food to warm a midwinter day. For a horse, this means lots of good grassy hay. The green grass he blissfully chomped through the warm months has disappeared, and he’ll need something to keep his jaw moving and his belly full. The average 1,000pound horse should consume 2 percent of its body weight per day, and forage should make up the majority of that diet.

Make sure you meet these requirements with hay, as other forage options aren’t available in winter.

Increase hay intake during especially cold days to fuel the horse’s inner furnace — the process of digesting fiber keeps him warm. Hay digests slowly, so constantly providing him with plenty of hay will have him generating heat longer. Slow feeders are an excellent solution here, as they enable a horse to eat a controlled amount of hay but all day

Massachusetts Horse

25

long. There is no need to increase the amount of grain in order to increase the number of calories: The horse processes grain quickly, and too much puts him at risk for colic and other digestive issues.

He’ll do best with some extra hay to keep him busy, warm, and full.

As you adjust your horse’s intake, keep an eye on his weight or, rather, a hand on his weight. A thick winter coat and a heavy blanket can conceal a horse’s true weight, and just looking doesn’t give an accurate judgment.

Instead, frequently remove the blanket and run your hands along his body. If your horse is old or in compromised health, weight drops easily in winter.

My water buckets are solid ice: What can I do?

Maintaining good hydration is essential.

First, make sure your horse has constant access to fresh, clean water. As the temperature falls below freezing, it can be a challenge to keep that water liquid — but a block of ice is useless. There are a number of safe and effective ways to prevent water from turning into ice, and even to heat it.

Try an insulated bucket cover, a heated bucket, or a coil heater. An auto-

matic waterer with a built-in heater is very convenient if you’re willing to install a system.

No matter how you keep water available, always take the utmost caution to ensure that it’s a safe option for your barn. Install according to the directions and perform required maintenance.

Carelessness with a heater can result in fire or electrocution.

Once you’ve solved the ice problem, getting your horse to drink is critical. In winter, horses may be more reluctant to seek water than they are when it’s warm, at which time a cool drink holds lots of appeal. You must get him to drink to avoid impaction colic from all that hay.

Hydrating properly will move things along smoothly through the digestive tract. Serving up ice cold water won’t be inviting to a horse who wants to stay cozy.

Instead, provide water close to room temperature, or even lukewarm. Salt is a great tool for getting horses thirsty and drinking, so keep a free-choice salt block for your horse to lick, or supplement his food with salt. Spraying hay lightly with saltwater is an easy way to accomplish this, and soon after eating he’ll want to quench his thirst.

I don’t have an indoor arena, so how can I keep my horse in shape?

Training Lessons Coaching Showing Melissa Lalli Trainer Licensed Riding Instructor OHSA-carded Judge Belchertown, Mass. dreambigperformancehorses.com

413-218-1681 26

December/January 2014

Activity keeps a horse’s muscles and tendons strong, his digestive system working, and his brain occupied. Without an indoor arena, however, exercise is a tough requirement to meet. The kind of work you do with your horse depends on how the footing holds up: Frozen ground, icy conditions, and slippery mud are dangerous.

Safety is always the first thing to keep in mind. If the ground is frozen and slippery, don’t attempt a full workout. Riding in fluffy snow can be fun and a good workout for both of you, but he must be barefoot or wear proper snow shoes that will protect against buildup in the hoof and slipping on ice. Longeing is usually a good way to get your horse moving. Even just a few laps out on the line will get his blood circulating and muscles working. Even hand-walking around the farm is better than no movement at all, especially if you have some good hills to tackle.

Make sure your horse is staying active out in his pasture as well, not just planting himself in front of a hay feeder all day. Create paths through deep snow for him to walk along, and feed hay

along a track by setting heaps at a distance from one another. This will encourage him to wander from pile to pile, almost like when he’s grazing.

Should I pull the shoes?

Winter hoof care is largely dependent on what your horse’s activity level is going to be. If he wears shoes and you’re not going to do much riding, farriers usually recommend removing a horse’s shoes in the winter — that is, if the hoof conformation allows for it. Going barefoot gives increased circulation to the hooves, which in turn produces stronger, healthier hooves. Going barefoot is good for a healthy horse, and will be a little easier on your wallet.

If he has to wear shoes, there are other ways to make sure your horse’s hooves are winter-ready. Snow pads, poppers, studs, and rim pads are all effective ways to deal with snow and ice. Talk with the farrier to see what he recommends; he knows your horse.

The weather outside is frightful — can my horse go out and play?

Staying consistent with turnout is a virtually impossible task when the weather

begins to change; any schedule you developed in the warm months will be thrown to the blustering wind. Checking the weather obsessively, you debate whether to leave the horse in for the day or risk him getting caught in a freak blizzard. Unpredictable and unforgiving weather inevitably cuts down on outsideplay time, but it’s important to get your horse out there whenever you can.

Provide some sort of shelter: It’s your ultimate defense against the wind, snow, sleet, and rain. A run-in shed in the pasture will enable your horse to take cover when he needs it. A run-out paddock that still gives him access to his stall is an excellent setup, one that gives him the freedom to go out in the weather or to stay in, where’s it’s dry. If your situation doesn’t include an effective shelter, be wary of turning out your horse when the forecast is for threatening weather.

Sometimes keeping a horse inside for a day is the safe thing to do.

Also consider footing. Icy areas around the barn and in fields are extremely dangerous. Take care to manage ice where it forms: break it up and then sprinkle it with sand. If a particular area in a pasture often gets slick, fence it

off to keep your horse away.

Mud is another common problem.

It causes slipping, getting stuck, and injury. It’s also a breeding ground for bacteria and funguses that can cause infections to the horse’s hooves and legs.

Manage mud as well as you can: Fence off bad areas, don’t feed and water in the same part of the pasture every day, and make sure there’s adequate space in the pasture for the number of animals it contains. Mud happens in almost every pasture; not letting it get out of hand is the key.

The challenges of winter are a source of much stress for horse owners, but don’t lose sight of the many joys the season brings: your horse playing like a foal in a fresh blanket of snow, adorning the barn with wreaths and greens, a white trail ride when there’s a break in the cold . . . happiness.

Alessandra Mele is a recent graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where she was captain of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association hunt-seat team. She lives in Wilbraham, and enjoys riding her Quarter Horse, JoJo, and volunteering at Blue Star Equiculture, in Palmer, where she’s learning to drive draft horses.

SLOW BALE BUDDY Small Mesh Slow Feeder • Mimics grazing • Controls gluttony • Calms aggressive and anxious horses • Eliminates waste Available in all bale sizes.

One year warranty.

(866) 389-9952

www.bigbalebuddy.com Massachusetts Horse

27

Lanesboro

lend a hoof

Berkshire Equine Therapeutic Riding Center

by Alessandra Mele

A

small organization in the quiet hills of the Berkshires is changing lives in enormous ways.

When Lori Wojtkowski established the Berkshire Equine Therapeutic Riding Center at Whispering Pines Farm in Lanesboro, she didn’t set out to gain lots of students, or even to make any money. With a few good, talented horses and a handful of hardworking volunteers, she wanted to create a unique program that focuses on the individual rider, celebrating her or his unique challenges and helping each to move forward. The difference her efforts are making in the lives of these children is no small thing, and after just a few months of operation, Lori is feeling the remarkable impact as well.

this,” she says. “I thought, This is what I’m meant to do.”

Lori has pursued the next chapter in her equine career with passion. She now operates Berkshire Equine Therapeutic Riding Center, out of her farm, as a PATH International–certified

Lori is a lifelong horsewoman with roots in showing Morgans. She began her career in the early 1980s and enjoyed much success in and out of the show ring. She worked at several prestigious farms, holding the position of head groom at the Kohler Morgan Facility, in Kohler, Wisconsin, and later training at Green Meads Farm, in Richmond.

Retiring from the Morgan show world in the 1990s, she and her husband, Chad, settled in Lanesboro, where they decided to build a barn.

Whispering Pines was built in 1994, originally a 30-foot barn that seemed as if it would suit Lori’s post–show ring endeavors. “We thought it would be enough — but we just kept adding,” Lori says with a laugh. Today, Whispering Pines Farm is a 24-stall facility with a large indoor arena and plenty of turnout space.

Upon retiring from the Morgan world, Lori started to watch therapeutic riding lessons and became fascinated with the process and touched by the stories. Chad pointed out to her that she would make a great therapeutic instructor, and she decided to give it a try. Once she began volunteering at local programs, interacting with the students and witnessing the joys and strength horses brought them, she realized she had found her calling. “It had all led up to

28

December/January 2014

Martha Beliveau

Her True Calling

Tucker and volunteer Brittany O’Keefe.

instructor. Lori got the program rolling in the spring of 2013 and became PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certified in August.

From the beginning, the vision for Berkshire Equine Therapeutic has been unwavering and focused on one thing: attention to each child’s unique needs.

Thinking Outside the Box “This is a smaller, specialty program,” Lori says. “I teach a maximum of two students at a time and cap the program at ten. This is so I can watch them as closely as possible and give them personalized attention.” The small scale Lori insists on maintaining is what she feels sets apart her program, creating a comfortable, intimate environment for students.

Lori learns all she can about them before they start riding. Working with

the Brien Center, an organization for mental health services in Pittsfield, students who could benefit from a therapeutic riding program are identified.

Lori then gets to know the individuals and learns about their particular conditions. She even observes the kids in their classrooms, better to understand what their day-to-day interactions are like.

Riders at Berkshire Equine Therapeutic have a range of disabilities, among them varying degrees of autism, behavioral difficulties, and anxiety issues. Lori strives to apply therapeutic riding in a way that best suits their needs. “It’s so important to think outside the box,” she says. “I think people try to put these challenged kids in a box, but not everyone fits.”

The horses and the volunteers are carefully chosen, and are treated with the same attention the students receive.

Lori’s volunteers have gone through several workshops and learn their roles through her guidance. She values a strong work ethic: “If you want to work, you can ride.” The program horses work hard, too, and they get quality care. She is vigilant about not overwhelming them with the challenge of being therapeutic animals. “I don’t want the horses to burn out, and I think it’s important as an instructor to keep in touch with your horses,” she says. “Mine do a maximum of six lessons a week, and we make sure we vary their jobs.”

When it comes to running lessons, Lori likes to keep everything as consistent as possible, but at the same time lively and entertaining. “I’m very specific about the schedule here, because these kids respond to consistency. I like routine, the horses like routine, and it helps the kids,” she says. “The volunteers are each partnered with a student, and they get to know each other very well. They brush the horse together before the lesson, and they tack up together. One volunteer even spends time with her student braiding pink ribbons in her pony’s mane before every lesson.”

Lori likes to incorporate riding skills with games to make things fun and interesting, engaging students mentally and physically for an overall positive experience.

Rewarding Results Lori says the results she sees daily amaze her. She teaches with the goal that what the kids learn in the riding ring will translate into their everyday lives. She has been able to achieve this with two students in particular, Karlie and her brother, Tucker. Both live with autism but are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Tucker functions at a high level but battles with anxiety. Karlie is medically considered nonverbal.

Their mother, Martha, marvels at the progress both have made with Lori’s help. “Karlie certainly isn’t nonverbal with Lori!” she exclaims. “Lori quickly learned Karlie’s verbalizations and has even given her phrases to say when she needs to be adjusted in her saddle or is nervous about her horse. Lori has adapted her own directions and questions to be short and to the point, but in a steady, calm manner that both children respond to. My daughter has been and will continue to be much more of a challenge, but I have no doubt that she and Tucker have started building a connection with Lori that will last a lifetime.”

Reflecting on the progress that many of her students have made, tears come to Lori’s eyes. She takes each challenge seriously and is demanding about the way her program runs. At the end of the day, though, she says she finds herself overwhelmed by the emotions each success, smile, and hug brings her. Champion ribbons and show-ring photographs hang on the walls, but it’s working with her riders in the therapeutic program that makes her beam. That’s the ultimate reward.

“This doesn’t just change their lives,” she says quietly. “It also changes mine.”

For information on upcoming events at Berkshire Equine Therapty, and how to volunteer and donate, visit berkshireequinetherapy.org or find it on Facebook.

In the next issue we’ll feature reining, Quarter Horses, Paints, and Appaloosas plus Bringing Your Horse Home.

Want to be interviewed? Place an ad?

Email us at info@mahorse.com.

Barefoot Performance Natural Hoofcare Orthopedic Trimming and Holistic Lameness Rehabilitation

Dealer

• Trimming to promote the healing of: Coffin bone rotation (laminitis), club “feet,” navicular syndrome, thrush/white line problems, contracted heels, under run heels, cracks, poor hoof quality, shod to barefoot transitions.

• Genuine options to conventional shoeing and hoofcare.

Dealer

Betsy Merritt Natural Hoofcare Professional (413) 348-5798

• High performance barefoot and maintenance trimming of all equines including donkeys, ponies, and minis.

betsymerritt@hotmail.com Visit www.thehorseshoof.com to learn more about Natural Hoofcare.

Are you and your horse having problems?

Would you like your horse started under saddle and/or in harness?

Specializing in starting young horses correctly. 100% customer satisfaction using the round pen and natural horsemanship techniques. Over ten years experience starting horses as well as fixing existing problems. Your horse will go under saddle smoothly at all gaits.

Guaranteed to be accomplished at the end of the month (30 days) or the training is free. References available. The cost of the one-month training is $800, including board, in Orange, Mass.

It’s a Pleasure Training with Peter Whitmore (978) 652-2231 . www.itsaple asure t raining.com Massachusetts Horse

29

trail guide

Hingham

by Stacey Stearns

Wompatuck State Park

Wompatuck State Park, in Hingham, also known as Wompy, offers equestrians 4,000 scenic and wooded acres to enjoy.

The park — within 35 minutes of Boston — is maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and contains 12 miles of paved roads as well as many miles of wooded bridle paths and hiking trails.

Whitney and Thayer Woods, which abuts Wompy and lies within the town of Cohasset, makes a nice addition for a day in the park.

Wompy has an interesting history. It was named for the Native American chief known as Josiah Wompatuck.

In 1665 he deeded the park and surrounding land to English settlers. By the 1700s, colonists and ship captains held title to the area, but the land was never extensively developed. The tall trees were used for masts, and stone walls were built to denote survey and boundary lines.

During the 1800s, families maintained woodlots to heat their homes; the streams powered Stockbridge Mill to make shingles; farmers used the fields to graze their horses, sheep, and oxen; and water from Mt. Blue Spring was commercially bottled.

In 1941, the U.S. Navy acquired from private landowners all of the property in order to expand the Hingham Naval Ammunitions Depot.

This part of the land was called the Cohasset Annex. During World War II, the depot supplied most of the munitions for the North Atlantic naval forces.

At the end of the war, the area reverted to maintenance status only. It was reactivated and went into full military operation for the Korean conflict.

The Navy deactivated the Cohasset Annex again in 1962, and in ’63 declared the land to be surplus.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts took possession of the Cohasset Annex property in 1966. The following year, the Massachusetts Department of Natural 30

December/January 2014

and Whitney and Thayer Woods

Resources purchased the 3,496 acres to convert it to a public park.

It was dedicated as Wompatuck State Park in 1973, and has been open for recreational use ever since.

The paved roads that trail riders enjoy are from the ammunition depot,

and many remnants of the depot — foundations and railroad beds, for example — are in evidence.

With the exception of Union Street, the paved roads aren’t open to cars, thus giving trail riders direct routes when traveling from one part of the park to another. The terrain of the trails varies, and there are a number of single tracks in old-growth forests.

Know Before You Go The park is big, so equestrians have many choices: There are rocky sections and a few hills throughout Wompy.

Horses should have shoes or hoof boots.

The town of Hingham is often busy, so plan to arrive early to avoid traffic.

Wompy is also extremely popular with other trail users, so expect to share the trails.

There are bathrooms near the Hingham entrance. Although water is available in several locations, it’s wise to bring water for your horses so you don’t have to carry it from a source to the trailer. Check the local calendars before you go — both mountain bikers and runners occasionally host races and events at the park.

Ride with a trail map, as some people say they’ve had difficulty navigating the trails. Download and print one before you go or pick one up at park headquarters.

Overall, the park is well marked. Almost every intersection is numbered, and the numbers actually correspond to the park map. If you do get lost, the paved fire roads and the map will show you the way back to the parking lot.

The group Friends of Wompatuck keeps the trails well maintained.

Most of the bridges aren’t designed for horse traffic, however, so go around them. The Southeast chapter of the Bay State Trail Riders Association has replaced one of the bridges. This one is suitable for horse traffic, and labeled as such.

The Trail Take Union Street to the main entrance.

We parked in a grassy area off the access road to the maintenance building near the visitors center. You can also park in either of the main lots.

We rode the bridle trail, which is permanently marked and runs 8.5 miles from the north end of the park to the south. To get there from the main parking lots, ride back toward the gatehouse until you come to the paved road head-

ing left toward the administration building. The entrance to the bridle trail is here, on the left, and will take you up past the gatehouse.

From there, follow the bridle trail through the park. You’ll cross several trails and a paved fire road. When you come to the fork in the trail, go left and then travel along the back side of the campsites. Continue to follow the bridle trail past Holly Pond. You can stop here and offer your horse water at the pond or stream.

The bridle trail continues through the park, past the wildlife-management area, and then loops around and heads north, winding parallel to Prospect Street for a short distance.

Continue north on this new section of the bridle trail until you’re just past the campsites, where you’ll rejoin the section of trail you’ve already ridden.

Farther up the trail you’ll have a choice: Take smaller trails or paved roads to make a new route back to the trailer or continue on the bridle trail.

Whitney and Thayer Woods If you’re looking for a longer or more scenic ride, go through Wompy and over to Whitney and Thayer Woods, which is part of the Trustees of Reservations.

Whitney and Thayer doesn’t have a large parking area, so accessing the trails from Wompy is best for equestrians. It was

Gloucester

designed for carriages, and has 10 miles of carriage roads. It’s especially beautiful in spring, when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in bloom.

Print a map of Whitney and Thayer Woods from the Trustees of Reservations website (thetrustees.org.). The group also provides trail maps at the small parking lots. There are also large maps at major trail intersections; these will help you get your bearings. This park is well marked and beautifully maintained.

Equestrians have many choices of trails to return to Wompy, but I recommend using the map to explore a bit more of Whitney and Thayer.

Remember to be courteous to other trail users, clean up after your horse, and have a great ride.

Happy trails!

For a trail map, visit www.mass.gov/eea/agencies /dcr/massparks/

Dressage - Training through FEI Eventing - USEA ICP Level II Instructor USDF Silver Medalist . USHJA Certified Trainer Judging - USDF “L” Graduate with Distinction

TRAINING, INSTRUCTION, JUDGING, COACHING, AND CONSULTING.

Have a suggestion for Trail Guide?

22 ROOD HILL RD., SANDISFIELD, MASS. WWW.KATIEROCCO.COM PH: 413.258.4459 CELL: 413.429.6907

Email us at trails@mahorse.com.

This Olde Horse

Trailers 2014

March 1916 Gloucester snowstorm postcard.

Massachusetts Horse

31

C.J. Law Inducted into Athletics Hall of Fame On October 19, three-time Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Collegiate Cup national champion team coach and IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Carol “C.J.” Law and her 1985–86 Mount Holyoke College Lyons hunt-seat equestrian team were among the eight inaugural members of the MHC Athletics Hall of Fame.

That team was the first led by C.J. to capture an IHSA national championship title.

“Through adversity and personal tragedy, the team showed spirit and determination in establishing one of the top programs in the country,” said C.J. “It was the hard work and strength of the team that helped bring prominence to the equestrian program at Mount Holyoke College, as several members from the first championship team went on to help the program capture the national reserve champion in 1986–87. The character of the 1985–86 squad set the foundation for the success of the program today.”

Morgans Bring Home World Titles More than 1,000 Morgans from 45 states and four countries competed in the 40th annual Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show, held in Oklahoma, with some 300 classes and $400,000 in prize money.

Mike Carpenter went into the winner’s circle with Dragonsmeade Balenciago, owned by Dragonsmeade Farm, as Reserve World Senior Champion Mare.

Mike’s mare MCS Donna Loraine, named after his mother and ridden by Melissa Miskiv Keene, won the Grand National Four-Year-Old 32

December/January 2014

News in Our Community Hunter Pleasure Mares Championship. The victory was particularly special because his mother had recently passed away.

Mike drove JW Standing Tall, owned by Heidi Kunkel, to the Reserve Grand National

win the Grand National Walk Trot Hunter Pleasure 8 and Under Championship. Emily also rode Dragonsmeade Days Go On to the Grand National Walk Trot Classic Pleasure 9 and Under Championship and went on to win the World

Saddle Horse Report

overherd

David Rand holds the World Champion Stallion, ECP Anchorman, and is flanked by Dan, Leslie, and Hannah Kelley.

Four-Year-Old Park Harness Stallion Championship and the Reserve World Four-Year-Old Park Harness Championship.

Heidi drove her six-yearold gelding, Stonecroft Triumphant, to the Reserve Grand National Ladies Park Harness Gelding Championship.

Mike then drove him to the Grand National Open Park Harness Mares and Gelding Championship.

“When we take five horses to the Grand National and come home with four title winners, it makes facing the cold winter months in Massachusetts a lot easier,” says Mike. “I was pleased to take such quality horses to the show. It’s also gratifying to have people come up to me afterward and talk about them.”

Mike and Liz Murphy, of Legacy Stables, also had a successful Grand National.

The Murphys coached Emily Iovanna, riding her Pembroke Buster Brown, to

Walk Trot Classic Pleasure 11 and Under Championship.

“I was really happy to win my first world title,” says fourth-grader Emily. “Mega is fun to ride and easy to guide around the ring. He also trots really fast when I ask him to.”

Also showing under the Legacy Stables banner, Judy Candage won the Grand National Amateur Park Saddle Mares and Gelding Championship with MEM Blue Chip, owned by George Schott.

Liz Murphy, too, was in the winner’s circle, riding Pembroke Annabella, owned

by Brenda Varney, to World Ladies Hunter Pleasure Champion, Grand National Open Hunter Pleasure Mares Champion, and Reserve Grand National Ladies Hunter Pleasure Mares Champion.

The Kelley family, of Victory Lane, had a great show with the help of their trainer, David Rand, and his

assistant, Alyssa Wick.

Their stallion, ECP Anchor Man, led by David, was World Champion Stallion, World Senior Champion Stallion, and Grand National Five-Years-and-Older Champion Stallion.

Dan Kelley drove Intrepid Dynasty, owned by Grace Steere, to both the Grand National Amateur Roadster to Bike Championship and then the world title in that division.

Dan and Leslie Kelley’s daughter, Hannah, drove Fox Hollow Talk About Me to the Grand National Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 14–17 Championship and then, for the second consecutive year, to the World Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving Championship.

Riding Cherish Assets, Hannah won the Grand National Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14–15 Championship and the Reserve World Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14–17 Championship.

Aboard KJM Five Star, Hannah won both the Grand National and World Youth English Pleasure Championships.

For the second year, assistant trainer Alyssa Wick rode the Kelleys’ Dragonsmeade Carnegiehall to the Grand National Ladies English Pleasure Gelding Championship and the World Ladies English Pleasure Championship.

Nikki Rae Woodworth, of KGA Morgans, rode As Predicted to the Reserve World Park Saddle Championship and coached his owner, Chloe Deeb, to ride him to the World Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle Championship. Earlier in the week, Chloe and her brown gelding won the Grand National Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle 15 and Under Championship.

Nikki drove Springmill Superstition, owned by Sea Grass Farm, to the Reserve Grand National Park Harness Stallions Championship. On the first day of the show, Nikki and Cartier won the Reserve Grand National FiveYear and Over Gelding Championship. Owner Daisy Beisler rode him to the Reserve Grand National Youth English Pleasure Championship.

Chris and Larry Cassenti, of Chrislar Farm, came home with a string of ribbons and a cat that stowed away during their stopover in Missouri.

(They found Miss Kitty when they unloaded their horses at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. She made her rounds at the show and became well known and popular through daily posts on Facebook.)

Chris coached Ellen Atkinson to the Grand National Youth Hunter Pleasure Mares Championship riding Chris’s own Pondview Aurora. D. R. Lucky Douglas and owner Judy Martin won the Grand National Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure Stallions and Geldings Championship.

Melissa Morrell took to the show two horses from Moreland Farm. She coached Grace Devlin to the Grand National Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 16-Year-Old Championship. Grace was riding MEM Main Street, owned at the time by Ken and Khaleah Robinson.

Also showing under Melissa’s guidance, Jillian Marks won the Reserve Grand National Ladies Amateur Hunter Pleasure Mares Championship. Jillian was riding Andreas Radiance.

Harry and Carolyn Sebring, of Sebring Stables, came home with a winner: Harry drove CBMF Crown Prince, owned by Ann Hailey of Copper Beech, to the World Open Park Harness Championship.

“It was a thrill winning this class with Prince,” says

Harry. “He’s a very special horse, one my family has had a hand in breeding, training, and development. And it was very special because my whole family was at the show and able to see the win.”

Assisted by their son, Jim, and Teresa Rosa, the Sebrings coached Alexa Bik and Goldencrest Northernlight to the Reserve World Youth English Pleasure Championship.

Teresa Rosa rode NDT French Impressionist, owned

by Patsy Lloyd, to the Grand National Ladies Park Saddle Geldings Championship.

Bay State Vista and Tori Wadsworth won the Reserve Grand National Bridle Path Hack Finals Championship.

Suzy Lucine

Cindi Rose Wylie Earns USEF “r” License The licensed officials committee of the United States Equestrian Federation, the national governing body for equestrian sport, granted Cindi Rose Wylie the license of recorded “r” dressage judge at its September meeting. With that license, she can judge training through second levels at USEF- and USDF-recognized competitions.

Cindi is a U.S. Dressage Federation gold, silver, and bronze medalist and a Grand Prix competitor and trainer.

She operates Quarterline Dressage out of her Rosebrook Farm, Georgetown.

Suffolk Downs Improvement Plan Clubhouse and grandstand renovations, state-of-the-art technology, enhancements to outdoor viewing areas, construction of dormitories, upgrades to the barn area, and new racing surfaces are all part of Suffolk Downs’s $40 million racing improvement plan. The plan is part of its proposal to develop a $1 billion world-class resort at the 78-year-old racetrack.

“We’ve been steadfast in our commitment to Massachusetts Horse

33

Thoroughbred racing, and this plan illustrates the broad range of racing-related improvements that will greatly enhance the experience of our customers,” said Richard Fields, principal owner of Suffolk Downs, the lone remaining Thoroughbred racetrack in New England.

“We’re very excited about this improvement plan and the many benefits it will provide for our members,” said Anthony Spadea, president of the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

dogs along the eight-mile stretch of beach. Among the participants were a number of MSPCA alumni (previously

Farm, one of the few openadmission care and adoption centers for farm animals in the region, has felt the impact

Patty Montana Clinics

‘Horses Helping Horses’ Fall Beach Ride The MSPCA’s Horses Helping Horses Beach Ride, at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, held October 26, raised almost $25,000, a record, for the Equine Center of Nevins Farm. Some 200 riders participated in the eighth annual ride, along with a handful of participants walking their

The center has in its custody more than 30 horses, with a wide range of abilities and needs, many of which are available for adoption. The center is also looking for foster homes. For more information and to view available horses, visit mspca.org/nevins or call (978) 687-7453 ext.

6113.

‘Horses Helping Horses’ Fall Beach Ride to benefit the MSPCA Equine Center at Nevins Farm, in Methuen.

adopted horses) and a handful of horses awaiting homes.

The event drew a record number of riders, many of whom had already collected pledges to support the center.

The MSPCA at Nevins

of the tough economy. As a nonprofit, with no support from state or federal agencies, to care for its animals the MSPCA is dependent on donations from individuals and from special events.

Kyriebrook Farm, in West Bridgewater, will host a series of clinics with resident trainer Patty Montana. They’ll be open to riders of any level in English and western dressage.

Patty is a USDF bronze and silver medalist and a USDF “L” graduate, so she offers the perspective of both a competitor and a judge. To learn more, visit kyriebrookfarm.com.

Mountain View Training Center Opens Belchertown Location Dan Dali Haber, owner of Mountain View Training

Ultimate Trail Comfort When you need comfort in the saddle, a Tucker is the answer.

New Location Now Open!

114 Coburn Ave., Gardner, MA State-of-the-Art Equine Laundry Facility Expert Tack Repair Gently Used Blankets and Tack for Sale Brass Name Plates Engraved Established 1980

Jennifer Safron JennsTackRepair@comcast.net (978) 340-5576 34

December/January 2014

Western & English apparel & tack horse & Fencing supplies • Card • gifts • Jewelry

Center, announces the opening of his third location, at 121 South Washington Road, Belchertown. (The other barns are in Hadley and Westfield.) “Continued growth over the past year has made it necessary to expand the business to a larger facility,” says Dan. The new barn boasts an indoor arena, a large outdoor ring, 17 stalls, and several areas for turnout.

For more information, contact Dan at (413) 222-7315.

Irishtown repeated his top call in the Thoroughbred In-Hand Class sponsored by Briar Hill Thoroughbreds, and placed consistently across several divisions under this year’s judge, Bob Crawford, winning the beautiful Irish crystal trophy sponsored by the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and awarded for High Point Suffolk Downs/

Brown, recognized the horse in the In-Hand class, and said Irishtown had won several races at Suffolk Downs while

Frank Hoek Photography

Irishtown Wins High-point Award

NE Raced Thoroughbred at the Northeast Thoroughbred Sporthorse Associations show.

Jill Weinstein, Irishtown’s

Jill Weinstein and Irishtown at the Northeast Thoroughbred Sporthorse Association Show.

rider, has owned him for four years and said she hadn’t done much with him off the farm since they were HighPoint Champion here at NETSA last year. Irishtown’s former racing trainer, George

in his barn!

Another horse to return this year was Konohashair, aka Kona, the young OTTB donated by New England Stallion Station and given to a new home last year at the

NETSA show. Madeline Szurley and her mom say Kona has turned out to be a wonderful horse. He won both his Walk-Trot classes and placed second in the In-Hand.

The October weather didn’t play along. It promised to be a nice day, then it began to rain at dawn and never stopped. An army of volunteers pitched in: The hunter course was moved indoors in short order and the courses were redrawn by designer Cyndy Lombard-Van Der Meer. The show ran smoothly, and the camaraderie of Thoroughbred enthusiasts brought everyone together for the benefit and promotion of the Thoroughbred.

OTTBs come in all sizes, shapes, and colors — something for everyone — and seeing well-behaved and beautiful athletes that were once somebody’s hopes and dreams for a racehorse competing in a new career proves how generous and intelligent

traILErs BuILt to Last

R.J. Sadowski, Jr. HorseMindShip™ Horsemanship and Riding Sessions 71 Pleasant St., Plainfield, Mass.

29

Great ear f-the-Y o d n E Deals! s in t price ! s e w o t L rtheas the No

Learn to: • Understand horse behavior • Apply horse psychology • Build a powerful relationship with any horse

ip Relationsh ar in em S g in d Buil tion ra st n o and Dem 1 December .

10 A .M. to

4 P.M

2014 Day Camps starting in May Reserve your space today by calling (413) 634-8800!

Only a few openings remaining!

Have fun: Introducing the New Victory Line Merhow 2 Horse Step Up with Dressing Room. delivery available on all models.

FInanCIng aVaILaBLE

• Day camps • Trail rides • Obstacles course • Private appointments at your farm or ours

Call R.J. or Paula for more information: (413) 634-8800 www.peacehavenfarm.com www.eomega.org/workshops/mind-whispering#-workshop-description-block

Massachusetts Horse

35

these off-track Thoroughbreds are.

Visit NETSA on Facebook and northeastthoroughbred.com for full show results and information.

Everlark Dressage is accepting new clients. To contact Morgan, call (508) 451-9096.

of the board of directors since 2006, co-chaired the annual Dances with Horses gala fund-

Melody Taylor-Scott

Everlark Dressage is now located at Cerulean Farm, a 35-stall, full-care boarding facility in Millis. Just 30 minutes west of Boston, Everlark welcomes all disciplines but specializes in dressage-based eventing, jumpers, and hunters.

Morgan Randall, a Massachusetts-licensed and level-1 Centered Riding instructor, has created an environment in which optimum athleticism is achieved through an individualized approach. She’s completed the coursework for her USDF instructor/trainer certification, and each training program is tailored to the participant’s goals.

Laura Solod

Everlark Dressage Opens New Facility

A horse and rider cool down after a lesson at the grand opening of Aspire Farm, in Walpole.

Remembering Paul Spiers We’re sad to report the passing of Dr. Paul Spiers, a passionate supporter of Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation. He was president

raiser for the past 15 years, and was a board member of PATH Intl. since 2001, serving as president in 2006–2007.

An accomplished rider and polo enthusiast at Myopia

Club, Paul was left a paraplegic in 1994 after a riding accident during a hunt. He rehabilitated in part at Windrush Farm, and returned to Myopia as a regular announcer at its events.

A forensic neuropsychologist and assistant professor of behavioral neurosciences at Boston University School of Medicine, Paul worked in research at MIT. His professional and academic résumé included writing, teaching, expert testimony, and mentoring throughout New England.

His combination of intellect, optimism, and humor made a positive difference for many.

He will be missed.

Aspire Farm Opens in Walpole The weekend of October 26 and 27 marked the official grand opening of Aspire Farm in Walpole. Co-owned by trainer Dave Thind, Aspire is a full-service, sport-horse training, rehabilitation, and boarding center catering to

Save the Date!

10th annual

Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show Sport horse training, boarding and rehab center

Katie Upton . katieupton.com

(617) 980-5585 33 Granite St., Walpole MA 02081

Subscribe Today! at mahorse.com

October 4, 2014

.

Goshen, Mass.

11 Division Awards . 13 Classics All proceeds go to Central New England Equine Rescue.

www.mahorse.com 36

December/January 2014

the needs of Boston- and Providence-area riders and their horses.

Both Saturday and Sunday featured eight lessons from training level to Grand Prix, as well as one jumping lesson. For the benefit of auditors, Dave explained classical riding theory: why each horse was warmed up the way it was and the reasoning behind the exercises. He then corrected riders’ seats and pointed out improvements of rider and equine biomechanics. Lunchtime biomechanics lectures on both days included the worldfamous stallion White Star, ridden bitless.

Aspire Farm has 29 stalls, world-class GGT footing, a heated viewing lounge, two tack rooms, new turnout paddocks, a designated longeing area, and a walking track. In addition, it enjoys direct access to a system of picturesque trails.

Myopia Driving Club Coaching Weekend In October, coaches from eight states brought the style, class, and precision of coaching back to the fields and hills of Hamilton and Ipswich thanks to the efforts and planning of Myopia Driving Club President Marc Johnson along with Harvey Waller, Ted Eayrs, and countless volunteers.

During the three days of driving, 12 coaches took routes from the Myopia Schooling Field: the Patton Homestead, Groton House Farm, Bradley Palmer State Park, Waldingfield, Appleton Farms, and Brackenside. It was a celebration of history by these sportsmen and collectors who keep alive the sport of coaching.

Dreams Can Come True NEER North’s Petey has found his forever home.

Taken in last May by NEER North, Petey has been adopted by Carole White.

While Petey was in rehabilita-

tion, he was discovered to be a well-trained horse who could trail-ride and show both western and hunt seat.

Through volunteer efforts of NEER North Petey has been given a new life as Carole’s trail companion.

New England Equitation Championships The five-day format for the New England Equitation Finals, now in its 38th year, made for a relaxed and enjoyable competition.

Co-chairs Amy Eidson and Cookie DeSimone, coordinator Kelley Small, and the NEEC committee, along with tireless staff and volunteers and a tremendous list of sponsors, produced one of the nation’s best medal finals.

The NEEC is the innovator of the Horsemanship Challenge class, which is the format used nationally for this test to determine the top all-around horseman. This year’s winner of the Katie Battison Horsemanship Award was Abby Bertelson, who also won the written, over fences, and overall awards. Caroline Johnson won the practicum phase.

Interspersed throughout the show are the special NEEC annual awards: Adult Older Sportsmanship Award, Kim Miller; scholarships: Adult, Jesse Fortier, and Junior, Isabelle Eastment; Younger Adult Sportsmanship Award, Gareth Benshoff; Adult High-Point Award, Alexandra Carlton; Judges Choice Awards, Acovibu, owned by Nancy Vinal and ridden by Haleigh Landrigan, and Abby Bertelson’s Eclypso; Nicholas Award, “Margot”; the Grooms Award, Larry Oliver; Lifetime Achievement Award, Richard Ulrich; Junior Sportsmanship Award, Michael Janson; and Sue Brainard Award, Jennifer Stiller.

Visit newenglandequitation.com for all the results.

Melody Taylor-Scott

Massachusetts Horse

37

Bay State Happenings Myopia Hunt Fall Hunter Pace

Sophiea Bitel

Hamilton, Essex County

Mary Wanless Clinic

Laura Solod

Cutler Farm, Medfield, Norfolk County

Equine Affaire

Angie Tollefson

West Springfield, Hampden County

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

38

December/January 2014

Junior Horsemanship Awards

Massachusetts Horse gives back to your 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?

Email award@mahorse.com.

These awards are made possible by Stephanie Sanders-Ferris, Massachusetts Horse publisher, and Absorbine.

Gianna Auriemma

Vivian Earabino

Una Carroll

Lindsey Nobes

Alessandra Mele

Morgan Blake

Sarah Bonini

Sophiea Bitel

Anna Tateosian

Massachusetts Horse

39

Partners Barre Riding and Driving Club The BRDC had a lovely evening at its annual show banquet. Thank you to Jill Poulin for all your hard work.

And thank you to all the participants (and parents) who supported the series. What a treat it was to see the kids all dressed up and proud of their ribbons! Looking forward to seeing you next year.

The BRDC sponsored its most successful annual Fall Trail Ride yet. After a hearty breakfast and a ride Saturday, there was a fabulous chicken dinner and homemade desserts. Sunday the sun came out (briefly) to brighten up the foliage for all who rode the beautiful trails. Thank you to all our volunteers for helping this event to be so successful. A special thankyou to Margo Petracone and Larry Marshall (president and co-president) for your tireless leadership and keeping this event ongoing.

7Denise Kellicker Colonial Carriage and Driving Society The 22nd Annual Lenox Tub Parade took place on Saturday, September 21, with 18 turnouts delighting the crowds along the way. Shakespeare and Company was again the perfect staging area for the event. Even a little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the drivers competing in the cones course. Glenn Van Oort was outstanding in his first gig as Parade Announcer — he also designed the cones course and described each vehicle and horse and their skills as they made their way through the course. Apples replaced the traditional yellow balls on the cones because a crisp fall breeze kept blowing the lightweight balls off the cones. Bill Broe kept things moving as cones captain, supported by 40

December/January 2014

our wonderful volunteers.

Many thanks to everyone, especially Maureen Gamelli for her tireless work on the event and Harvey and Mary Stokes Waller for their commitment to the Tub Parade, with their staff and with their beautiful coach, Old Times.

The October 23 CCDS meeting featured a Quiz Bowl conducted by Dick Lahey.

Dick has emceed this game at

events at colonialcarriage.org.

New members always welcome!

The Orleton Farm Pleasure Driving Show will be June 13 to 15. Stay tuned for details on new divisions and volunteer opportunities.

7Kay Konove Granby Regional Horse Council Thank you to everyone who made 2013 great! We made

Barre Riding and Driving Club’s Annual Show Banquet award winners.

many club and carriage association events. The Quiz Bowl is wonderful entertainment as well as educational. Remember all those children’s books on horses and the cowboy westerns in the movies and on TV? Turns out that’s valuable information to retain when Dick is around! Twenty-four enthusiastic players competed on eight teams, which were narrowed down to a three-way tie breaker. The team of Carol Terry, Jim Leahey, and Glenn Van Oort was the winner; all in the room felt like they’d won ribbons for their participation.

Upcoming events are the Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 8, and the 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Banquet on Saturday, January 25.

Membership renewals are now due. You’ll find the application form and information about past and upcoming

some new friends and attracted new volunteers, and we thank them all.

This fall season we held our Poker Ride from Dufresne Park, and Mark prepared a delicious meal. The gymkhana, also at the park, had just a small turnout, but those who attended said they had a fine time. We participated in the Belchertown Parade with the help of, among others, Jose, Diane, and Mark. Thanks to Pete for his demonstration.

Our trail ride in Southampton was wet, to say the least, which meant some people couldn’t make it, but those who did also enjoyed a meal by Mark. The last event was in Wilbraham: three trails to ride and a judged obstacle course. What a day! Special thanks to Flo Kibble and her friends from Riders of McDonald’s Preserve and to her husband for setting up

the cool obstacles and providing a lovely meal.

For more information about our winter clinics, visit granbyregionalhorse.org or call (413) 527-9532.

7Jennifer Moreau Hampshire County Riding Club We’d like to thank all of our members, their families, and our volunteers for helping maintain and improve the club grounds and making this year’s activities a success.

Members enjoyed the monthly Open Grounds Evenings, during which they and their horses used the riding rings for fun activities and training. Some tried western dressage; others practiced on obstacles or groundwork.

Of the ten rides this season, two took place at favorite locations. On October 20, we met at Northfield Mountain, where, using the trail map, small groups selected their own route to the mountaintop reservoir. Once there, we joined up for the return ride to the visitors center to pitch in for a hearty barbecue and campfire smokes.

There’s nothing like the late-autumn Turkey Trot Ride, held on November 10, through the rustling cornstalks of the Northampton Meadows to round out the riding season. It’s a lovely ride along the Connecticut River with the Skinner Mountain Hotel and nearby marinas for a background. Riders who have experienced our midsummer moonlight ride at the Meadows could finally enjoy the view.

Our annual meeting and elections were held October 16 at Meekins Library in Williamsburg. The program featured a presentation by Nicole Birkholzer, of Mindful Connections, who inspired us to see the world through our

horses’ eyes. There were refreshments, and the door prize, a set of horse clippers, was won by member Jo Bunny.

Newly elected to the board of directors: Lori Brogle, Nancy Ronan, and Kellie Marie Wainscott. Later there was an energetic discussion of plans for next year. Watch for our 2014 schedule of events, featuring shows, trail rides, new clinicians, and other activities.

Our rides are open to club members and guests (guests pay a small fee).

Membership benefits include discounts on club activities, a monthly newsletter, discounts at local businesses, use of the club grounds, and a free subscription to Massachusetts Horse.

For more information, visit hampshirecountyridingclub.org, find us on Facebook, or contact Diane Merritt at (413) 268-3372.

7Diane Merritt Hanover Hunt and Riding Club Briggs Stable and the HHRC have brought another summer of wonderful events to a close.

Our Mini Shows, held every Wednesday night for 10 weeks, were very successful. Our 81st annual June Show was held on a beautiful day despite a late start because of overnight rain. Competitors were amply rewarded with excellent footing conditions. The HHRC members again volunteered en masse to make it a memorable day. Every show manager knows the value of volunteers, and we’ve been fortunate to be able to rely on our club members for support. Too many to name, but a great big thank-you to all.

We again hosted the Massachusetts Special Olympics equestrian competitions. Briggs Stable, HHRC members, riders, coaches, and volunteers made this a spectacular day for competitors, families, friends, and spectators.

What an honor it’s been to host this wonderful event.

We officially celebrated the end of summer with our

annual Lobsterfest: lobsters fresh from the coast, two bushels of fresh-picked corn, salads, two tables of desserts, and much more: plenty to satisfy every palate.

Upcoming is the Christmas party in December; the annual awards banquet to honor high-point winners at the Holiday Inn in Rockland on Saturday, January 11; the annual Tack Sale in March; the 82nd June Show on June 14; and other events in the planning. Club meetings are held every second Wednesday at the HHRC clubhouse.

Please feel free to join us and add your two cents as we develop a program of interesting and enjoyable events.

7John Dougherty New England Equestrian Center of Athol NEECA finished the 2013 season with the annual Fall Social.

The event, held in November at the Athol/Orange Elks Club, included the traditional buffet dinner and this year a new element: an auction of donated items conducted by Quabbin Valley Auction. The bidding was lively on everything from grooming tools and blankets to fine art and gift certificates for services ranging from equine dental care to septic care. NEECA is grateful to Wayne Whitmore for keeping everyone laughing and bidding, and making the auction an outstanding success.

NEECA president Caroline Mansfield offered a review of the year’s activities, recognizing the board members and others, and awarded the 2013 Volunteer of the Year NEECA jacket to Athol’s Frank Whitney. Frank, with his wife, Rhonda, voluntarily maintained the footing in the arena at the Equestrian Park throughout the riding season.

All of us at NEECA wish you a wonderful start to 2014, and look forward to seeing you on the trails and at shows in the upcoming year.

7Laurie Neely

Educating People and Their Horses Steve Robinson, Professional Cowboy & Trainer

Rodeos . Horse Training . Old West Riding Adventures . Sale Horses Private & Group Lessons . Day Camp . Team Sorting . Roping & Rodeo Clinics Horsemanship Clinics . Calf Roping . Team Roping . Youth Rodeo Group

Route 8, Becket, Mass.

(413) 623-5606 Massachusetts Horse

41

South County Riders We wrapped up the season with a games show on October 6 on what turned out to be the only not gorgeous day all fall. We had four open shows and two games shows in 2013. All were at Egremont’s French Park, where the town built a riding ring this past summer. The club is now planning its annual potluck awards dinner, at which time year-end champion and reserve awards will be given in the following divisions: Halter, English Senior, English Junior, Western Senior, Western Junior, Lead Line, Walk Trot/Jog, Advanced Walk Trot/Jog, Green Horse, Gymkhana, and Games. South County Riders will begin its 2014 season on Mother’s Day. If you’re interested in attending our shows, which are open to members and nonmembers, contact Mary Brazie at arabpinto13@yahoo.com or (413) 528-2367.

7Mary Brazie

Southeast Hunter Association The SEHA Medal Finals Horse Show, held September 15 at Saddle Rowe Farm, was

The SEHA awards banquet will be January 5 at the Monponsett Inn, Halifax.

You’ll find details at southeasthunter.com or

Katilyn Decker showing Irish Creme in a trail class at a South County Riders’ show at French Park in Egremont.

a huge success. The weather was wonderful and a record number of competitors attended. All in all it was a great day for trainers, riders, their families, and spectators.

Everlark Dressage Boarding . Training . Lessons . All Disciplines Welcome

the Southeast Hunter Association Facebook page.

Thanks to all who support our annual show series.

SEHA is looking forward to

Morgan Randall

approach for

Millis, Mass.

optimum athleticism.

(508) 451-9096

www.everlarkdressage.weebly.com

Jasper Veterinary Care Acupuncture . Chiropractic . Reiki Nutritional support for your horse.

A caring, holistic approach to your partner’s performance, health, and well being Cape Cod based and will travel.

Angela Jasper, DVM , CVA (978) 578-5428 .

42

angelajasper12@yahoo.com

December/January 2014

7Lauri Sugar West Newbury Riding and Driving Club After WNRDC’s successful horse trials in October, Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award winner Una Carroll, wrote, “The course was amazing. I got 11th place on Mazy, but I won the Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award for best sportsmanship.” Said her coach, Lisa Eaton, “We would like to give you a huge thumbs-up on your show. I was very impressed. What an amazingly well-run, efficient, inviting, safe, appropriate, fun, engaging, and memorable show. It’s the best introduction to three-phase eventing around and I started here eighteen years ago.”

Comments like these reaffirm why WNRDC works so hard to maintain the Pipestave Hill and its events.

Now with riding activities

Bluebird Meadows Farm New & used tack buying & selling

An individualized

the 2014 season, with fun new things coming your way.

Mobile tack shop

cash Paid for used saddles

elizabeth Fazzino • steven brown (860) 604-8088 or 844-8689 • efazzino@yahoo.com North Granby, conn. bluebirdMeadowsFarm.com

course, building new jumps, and now managing the crosscountry phase of the horse trials. The Lifetime

reward for their diligence in heading out on the trails many days each season.

Membership in WNRDC

Horse, and admission to social gatherings. Volunteers are vital to the success of WNRDC, which raises funds to help support area trails and nonprofit organizations.

Twice yearly, the name of every volunteer is entered into a drawing for an opportunity to win a prize. High school seniors and college students who actively volunteer are eligible to apply for the WNRDC Scholarship.

For more information on events, volunteer opportunities, or membership, visit wrndc.com or the WNRDC Facebook page.

7Liz Russell

Alessandra Mele

slowed for the season, the club works to further its mission of promoting education through its annual winter series of free lectures on topics of interest to area horse owners. This year’s topics under consideration are trailer safety and maintenance issues, tack and equipment for trail riders, and a follow-up on last year’s ulcer talk, including a demonstration of a gastroscopy for a live look at a horse’s stomach. Also on the docket is a Centered Riding clinic to be held sometime in the spring.

At the annual meeting on November 1, elections for officers and board positions were held and the second yearly volunteer raffle drawing winner was picked. The 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Susan Beliveau, of West Newbury.

Susan is a long-time volunteer who has devoted much time and energy to enhancing the Pipestave cross-country

Lisa Cenis driving Wii in the September 21 Lenox Tub Parade.

Achievement Award went to Bob and Jean Pietrillo, a couple who have volunteered in many roles. They’ve also competed at the trials for many years and have earned a

is up for renewal in December.

We’re open to all, regardless of discipline and locale.

Membership provides access to educational opportunities, a subscription to Massachusetts

Massachusetts Horse

43

events December

7 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SERIES, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

15 MHC HUNTER SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

1 DRILL TEAM PERFORMANCE, Lanesboro. equustherapeutic.org.

7 – 8 SMARTPAK HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, Natick. smartpak.com/retailstore.

15 PATTY MONTANA DRESSAGE CLINIC, West Bridgewater. kyriebrookfarm.com.

1 RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND DEMONSTRATION with R.J. Sadowski. Location TBA. peacehavenfarm.com.

8 PRE-HOLIDAY AUCTION, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com.

28 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Windstar Farm, Sterling. rideiea.org.

8 MHC HUNTER SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

29 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SERIES, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

8 CCDS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

January

8 UPHA-14 WINTER TOURNAMENT SHOW, Chrislar Farm, Rowley. chrislar.com.

4 MHC HUNTER SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

8 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Rising Star Equestrian, Medway. rideiea.org.

5 MHC WINTER SERIES EQUITATION AND JUMPER SHOW, Westford. volofarm.com.

14 OPEN ARENA RANCH SORTING, Clover Creek Farm, Rochester. openarenaranchsorting.moonfruit.com.

8 CHANGES IN YOUR HORSE’S BEHAVIOR, North Grafton. vetceinfo@tufts.edu.

1 MICHAEL BARISONE CLINIC, Tall Oaks Farm, Millis. (508) 797-8451.

1 MHC HUNTER SHOW, Lakeville. hollowaybrook.com.

1 MHC WINTER SERIES EQUITATION AND JUMPER SHOW, Westford. volofarm.com.

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

6 AZRAEL ACRES AWARDS BANQUET, Village Haven, Forestdale, Rhode Island. azraelacres.com.

7 PHOA VERSATILITY CHALLENGE, Ten Broeck Farm, Pepperell. phoa.info.

15 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. wnepha.com.

11 MHC HUNTER SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

11 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SERIES, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

“I received Nickers Horse Treats as a present and my horse just loves them!”

In This Season of Giving, We Want to Give Back to You! When your organization buys a minimum of 144 bags of private label three-ounce Nickers Horse Treats, we will donate $50 to your organization.

When your organization buys a minimum of 20 bags of one-pound Nickers Horse Treats, we will donate $25 to your organization.

Offer good until January 31, 2014. .

NICKERS HORSE TREATS

44

December/January 2014

NICKERS HORSE TREATS Handmade, human-grade treats flavored with real maple syrup.

Made locally, enjoyed around the world. www.northwoodsanimaltreats.com . (877) 692-6928

11 OPEN ARENA RANCH SORTING, Clover Creek Farm, Rochester. openarenaranchsorting.moonfruit.com.

11 HHRC ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET, Holiday Inn, Rockland. briggsstable.com.

12 PATTY MONTANA DRESSAGE CLINIC, West Bridgewater. kyriebrookfarm.com.

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

12 WNEPHA SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

17 – 19 EQUESTRIAN TALENT SEARCH, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

18 NSHA AWARDS BANQUET, Danvers. northshorehorsemens.org.

18 MHC HUNTER SHOW, Lakeville. hollowaybrook.com.

19 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SERIES, Richmond. theberkshireequestriancenter.com.

19 WINTER SCHOOLING JUMPER SERIES, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

19 WNEPHA SHOW, Riverbank Farm, Dalton. wnepha.com.

25 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Dana Hall, Wellesley. rideiea.org.

25 CCDS ANNUAL MEETING AND BANQUET, Location TBA. colonialcarriage.org.

22 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, UMass Hadley Farm. ihsainc.com.

25 OPEN ARENA RANCH SORTING, Rochester.openarenaranchsorting.moonfruit.com.

March

29 FEED AND NUTRITION FOR THE SPORT HORSE, North Grafton. vetceinfo@tufts.edu.

1 MHC YEAR-END AWARDS BANQUET, Marlboro. mahorsecouncil.com.

February

1 IEA REGION 7 HUNT SEAT FINALS, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. rideiea.org.

5 ULTRASOUND: WHEN, WHY, WHERE? North Grafton. vetceinfo@tufts.edu.

8 OPEN ARENA RANCH SORTING, Clover Creek Farm, Rochester. openarenaranchsorting.moonfruit.com.

16 OPEN DRESSAGE SHOW, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

16 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Volo Farm, Westford. rideiea.org.

16 WINTER SCHOOLING JUMPER SERIES, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

16 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SERIES, Richmond. theberkshireequestriancenter.com.

22 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SERIES, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

22 OPEN ARENA RANCH SORTING, Clover Creek Farm, Rochester. openarenaranchsorting.moonfruit.com.

1 IEA REGION 3 HUNT SEAT FINALS, Dana Hall, Wellesley. rideiea.org.

1 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. ihsainc.com.

2 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. wnepha.com.

8 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, UMass Hadley Farm. ihsainc.com.

8 – 9 IEA REGION 1 HUNT SEAT FINALS, Evenstride Ltd., Byfield. rideiea.org.

16 GOLD JUMPER SERIES FINALE, WantCOOLER your Massachusetts event Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South listed Hadley. mhcriding.com. here?

It’s free!

22 – Just 23 IEA REGION HUNTdetails SEAT FINALS, email your4event to Walnut Hillevents@mahorse.com.

Farm, Plainville. rideiea.org.

k k k k 22 – 23 IEA k REGION 2 HUNT SEAT FINALS,

Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association’s

Hunter/Equitation Shows Featuring year-end awards in many divisions including: Hunters, Pleasure, Equitation, and English and Western Dressage. Medals from Short Stirrup to 3'.

December 15 March 16 Mount Holyoke ColRiverbank Farm lege Equestrian Center March 23 Berkshire Equestrian January 12 Center White Horse Hill March 30 January 19 Stillwater Farm Riverbank Farm April 6 March 2 Undermountain Farm White Horse Hill April 13 March 9 Biscuit Hill Farm Blythewood Stables

Western New England Dressage Show Series February 23 Blythewood Stables

HORSE POWER SHOWS TWO-PHASES - New for 2014!

HUNTER JUMPER SERIES DRESSAGE SERIES Room for riding with three large rings.

In an exciting expansion of the traditional horse show calendar, WNEPHA offers year-end high-point awards for both English and Western dressage classes. Tests offered for English include (USEF): Introductory Tests A, B, C Training Level Tests 1, 2, 3 Frist Level Test 1 Western Tests (WDAA): Introductory Level Tests 1, 2, 3, 4 Basic Level Tests 1, 2, 3, 4

No bruises or coughing for your horse with our sprinkler systems and super footing.

Parking is a breeze with our large driveway and ample space.

We offer three big shade tents, a horse bathing area, lots of nice green space, and a super friendly staff.

Great jumps, large and small dressage arenas.

Wild Aire Farm wildairefarm.com . (508) 765-0641 926 Dennison Dr., Southbridge, MA Minutes off I84, MA Pike, Rtes. 20, 9, 290, 146, 395.

wnepha.com An organization for horsemen, by horsemen.

Massachusetts Horse

45

Massachusetts marketplace Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Serving the North Shore since 1951 Helen Noble, vMd . Robert Orcutt, dvM derek Cavatorta, dvM phd Kirstin Anderson, dvM . Ashley Taylor, dvM

Proudly serving the Pioneer Valley for over 25 years.

Complete Wellness Care including Dental, Lameness, and Reproduction State of the Art Digital Radiography

295 High St, Ipswich, Mass.

978-356-1119 (phone) 978-356-5758 (fax) www.srhveterinary.com

John L. Cowley, M.S., D.V.M. P.O. Box 1019, Easthampton, Mass.

(413) 527-4414 thehorsedoctor@verizon.net

recovery . Maintenance . Performance therapeutic Massage . bodywork . reiki

Jo bunny licensed massage therapist, certified equine massage therapist

(413) 320-7690 • jobunny@comcast.net

Independence Stable, LLC

Dressage Schooling Shows

MARILYN LEARY, REALTOR 800.859.2745, EXT 709 MARILYN@EQUINEHOMES.COM

Including Lead Line and Western Dressage Tests!

Lessons . Training . Boarding . Clinics

Belchertown, MA (413) 284-0371 independencestablellc.com 46

December/January 2014

WWW.E QUINE H OMES . COM

800 . 859 . 2745

Massachusetts marketplace RER Ponies Training, Lessons & Sales

by CHA certified, British Horse Society trained, and USDF competitor

Heather Reynolds Dostal Freelance Instruction . Lesson Horses Available U.S. Pony Club Riding Center

Charming private facility offering: Boarding, training, pony starting, and tune ups.

Dressage training facility, Monson, Mass.

“R” Dressage Judge; FEI Trainer/Competitor; Lessons, clinics, German imported horses for sale.

Indoor/outdoor arenas, all day turnout.

www.deeloveless.com

(860) 208-6017 . deeloveless2@comcast.net

Divinity Dressage A new, beautiful 76-acre facility in Monson, Mass.

• 72' x 200' indoor arena with GGT footing • 12 x 12 stalls with run outs • Excellent-quality hay fed free choice • Turnout includes both grass and dirt paddocks • Riding trails on property • Owner/trainer lives on property • Quality, professional care catered to your needs and your horse’s needs • A unique program created for each horse and rider.

Suzanne Markham is a USDF-certified instructor, an active Grand Prix competitor, and a bronze, silver and gold medalist. Young horses started.

Limited number of stalls. Upper-level school horse available for lessons.

Contact Suzanne Markham at avatar0583@aol.com or (413) 250-3155 to come by for a visit!

Portraits from Photographs Provide a photo of your pet or horse and I will create a beautiful portrait in pencil or colored pencil. Prices start at $125. Contact me at sjgrimwood@verizon.net for more information. Also see http://tgirlsue.dotphoto.com or Lifecapture on Facebook.

Professional, well rounded, goal oriented lesson program for riders of all ages beginner through advanced.

www.RERponies.com 413.427.2026 8 Circle Dr., Hatfield, MA

978-425-6181 cAll us first

MAnure reMovAl for lArge & sMAll fArMs roll-off containers 10 to 30 yards on call or scheduled service. full stock pile removals.

Barn/outbuilding demo & removal • fencing demo & replacement proud sponsor of Bear spot Musical Freestyle and the oakrise Farm show series.

www.mitranoremoval.com

Advertise Here for $49!

mahorse.com (413) 268-3302

Mass4H.org Massachusetts Horse

47

the

neighborhood

Your Everything Equine “white pages”

ASSOCIATIONS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BAY STATE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC. Douglas, MA, (508) 476-3960 www.bstra.org Preserving trails, pleasure/competitive rides.

EQUINE MASSAGE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• EQUINE SPORTS THERAPIES Brooklyn, CT, (860) 774-8027 www.equinesportstherapies.com Massage, digital thermography, aromatherapy, Reiki.

GRANBY REGIONAL HORSE COUNCIL Central & Western MA, (413) 527-9532 www.granbyregionalhorse.org Family-oriented trails, shows, clinics.

EQUISSAGE NE/NY Serving New England, (860) 564-7759 equisportmt@sbcglobal.net Certified Masterson Method practitioner, certified Equissage instructors, certified Equissage practitioners, equine bodywork, myofascial release, infrared photon light therapy, and Reiki.

FAIRFIELD FARM Rochester, MA, (508) 763-3224 dressageatfairfieldfarm.com Boarding, instruction, training, indoor.

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

HORSE-MIND-SHIP - RJ SADOWSKI Plainfield, MA, (413) 634-8800 www.peacehavenfarm.com Clinics, colt starting, farm visits.

PHOTOGRAPHY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• C A HILL PHOTOGRAPHY S. Dartmouth, MA (508) 789-0541 cahillphoto@gmail.com Equine, family, and farm photography in New England.

KIT CAT PHOTO & ANIMAL MASSAGE Central Mass., (636) 459-5478 kitcatmassage@gmail.com Certified equine and canine massage.

MORNING LIGHT FARM Brimfield, MA, (413) 563-3477 morninglightfarm.net Boarding, training, clinics, indoor, trails.

EDR PHOTOGRAPHY Auburn, NH (603) 548-5485 edrphotography@yahoo.com Equine/equestrian photographer for hire.

TOPLINE EQUINE MASSAGE Franklin, MA, (508) 254-7412 toplinemassage@yahoo.com Certified and insured.

NANCY LATER LAVOIE Ashby, MA, (561) 714-7447 nancylaterdressagehorses.com Dressage training level to Grand Prix.

KIT CAT PHOTO & ANIMAL MASSAGE Central Mass., (636) 459-5478 kitcatmassage@gmail.com Horses, pets, people, portraits, events.

EVENTING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• APPLE KNOLL FARM Millis, MA, (508) 376-2564 www.appleknoll.com Cross-country schooling, training, lessons, sales.

DEE LOVELESS Monson, MA, (860) 208-6017 www.deeloveless.com Full-service dressage training facility.

REAL ESTATE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• EQUINE HOMES — MARILYN LEARY Oakham, MA, (800) 859-2745 x 709 Specializing in equestrian, country properties.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY RIDING CLUB Goshen, MA, (413) 268-3372 hampshirecounty ridingclub.org Monthly trail rides, shows, gymkhana, educational speakers.

BAREFOOT TRIMMING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• IN BALANCE HOOF, JOANNE HUFF Holyoke, MA, (413) 695-0470 joanne_huff@yahoo.com Experienced barefoot trimmer for performance.

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

CLIPPER SHARPENING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• THE SHARPENING SHOP New Bedford, MA, (774) 992-7355 kleenkut007@gmail.com Clipper and shear sharpening by mail.

EDUCATION ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• EQUISSAGE NEW ENGLAND/NY www.equissage-ne-ny.com Equine sports massage therapy certification.

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

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

DILLON’S EQUINE DENTISTRY Yarmouth, ME, (508) 528-2242 www.dilloneq.com 20+ years, servicing New England.

ANDREW MORTIMER, EQDT Plainfield, MA, (413) 634-5656 amanda@bcn.net Health, performance floating, extractions.

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

48

December/January 2014

COURSE BROOK FARM Sherborn, MA, (508) 655-9318 coursebrookfarm.com Eventing, dressage, boarding, crosscountry schooling, clinics, shows.

GROOMING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• SCRATCH N ALL (888) 9-SCRATCH, (888-972-7282) www.scratchnall.com An animal-enrichment scratching and grooming pad.

INSTRUCTION/TRAINING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• LISL DONALDSON Palmer, MA, (413) 283-3706 woodenhorsefarm.com Equine-assisted therapies, camps, lessons.

MINIATURE HORSES, SUPPLIES ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• STAR LAKES MINIATURE TACK Atlasburg, PA, (724) 947-9939 www.starlakefarm.com Complete line of Miniature horse tack.

CATHY DRUMM Pittsfield, MA, (413) 441-5278 www.cathydrumm.com Clinics, lessons, training, and more.

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

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

INSURANCE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A & B INSURANCE GROUP Westford, MA, (978) 399-0025 www.abinsgroup.com AFIS designated equine insurance professionals.

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

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

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

HORSE RETIREMENT ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• GREEN ACRES RETIREMENT FARM Deansboro, NY, (914) 414-7872 greenacresretirementfarm.com Boarding packages starting at $225/mo.

JUDGES ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CARRIE CRANSTON Ashfield, MA, (413) 628-0152 equine79@msn.com 4-H, open shows, carded, references.

HORSES FOR SALE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 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-week exchange guarantee. Find us on Facebook.

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

LOANS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• FARM CREDIT EAST Middleboro, MA, (800) 946-0506 farmcrediteast.com Loans for equestrian facilities, farms, bare land, home sites. Equipment loans and leases.

BERNICE GIARD, REALTOR/BROKER Oakham, MA, (508) 882-3900 oakham@charter.net Country properties.

RIDING APPAREL ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• COUNTRYSIDE FARM RIDING APPAREL Sterling, MA, (978) 235-4004 www.countrysideridingapparel.com Custom and in-stock riding apparel, equestrian jewelry, JPC dealer, used apparel, consignments welcome.

STABLES, FARMS, BOARDING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CARRIER’S FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-0333 carrier0333@gmail.com Indoor, outdoor arenas, round pens, fields.

EMERALD FARM Bellingham, MA, (508) 966-2482 www.smithlyndequine.com Dressage, eventing, hunter, boarding, lessons, training, leases.

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

NEW MEADOWS FARM Pepperell, MA, (978) 502-0966 www.newmeadowsfarm.com Boarding, indoor, jump field, turn out, licensed instructor. Furnished one bedroom appartment for rent on farm. No smoking, no pets. $800 per month plus heat.

SUMMER CAMPS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT Chittenden, VT, (802) 483-2311 www.mountaintopinn.com Adults, children, camps, overnight accommodations.

VERSHIRE RIDING SCHOOL Vershire, VT, (802) 685-2239 www.vershireridingschool.com Eventing, children, adult programs.

TACK AND HARNESSES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUEBIRD MEADOWS FARM N. Granby, CT, (860) 844-8689 www.bluebirdmeadowsfarm.com Mobile shop. Buy/sell new/used tack.

TACK, BLANKET, HARNESS REPAIR •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUE DOG LEATHER (978) 544-2681 www.bluedogleather.com Quality repairs and custom work.

JENN’S TACK & BLANKET SERVICE (978) 340-5576 jennstackrepair@comcast.net Blanket cleaning, repair. Used blankets and tack for sale.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• FAVREAU FORESTRY Sterling, MA, (978) 706-1038 favreauforestry.com Removal of vegetation encroachments; manure.

is this your horse?

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

AMY J. RUBIN, DVM Sunderland, MA, (413) 549-5511 rubinaj69@yahoo.com Wellness and lameness exams, vaccinations, dentistry, emergencies.

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

VIDEO/DVD PRODUCTION •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ZZ CREATIVE VIDEO PRODUCTIONS Fitchburg, MA, (978) 345-7250 www.zzcreativevideo.com Horse show/events documentation, reasonable, professional, experienced.

Alessandra Mele

RAVENWOOD FARM Holden, MA, (978) 430-7946 www.ravenwoodfarmma.com Boarding, indoor, free-choice hay, lessons.

Is this your horse?

This photo was taken at the WNEPHA Western New England Dressage Series Show at Heritage Farm, Easthampton. If this is your horse, contact us at win@mahorse.com for a month’s supply of SmartPaks and more from Massachusetts’ very own SmartPak, smartpakequine.com. The October/ November winner was Anna Southard and her Miniature Horse Caddie.

advertiser index Angel View Pet Cemetery ........................... 51 Apple Knoll Farm ........................................ 12 Aspire Farm ................................................ 36 Aubuchon Hardware .................................. 37 Back Bay Farm ........................................... 43 Bacon’s Equipment .................................. 22 Barefoot Performance ............................. 29 Bluebird Meadows Farm ........................... 42 Blue Dog Leather ........................................ 6 Blue Seal Feed ......................................... 52 The Carriage Shed ....................................... 2 The Cheshire Horse .................................... 11 Country Corral ......................................... 22 Cindi Rose Wylie ......................................... 39 Dion Tack ................................................... 23 Don Ray Insurance Agency ......................... 17 Draft Horse Passion ................................... 17 Dragonfly Farm ......................................... 31 Dream Big Performance Horses ................. 26 Equine Homes .......................................... 25 Equissage .................................................. 41 Equus Integrated Therapy .......................... 10 Everlark Dressage ...................................... 42 Fairview Farms JJC ..................................... 49 Family Veterinary Center ............................ 21 Farm Credit East ........................................ 10 Farm Family Insurance .............................. 4 Ginette Brockway Real Estate .................... 19 Greengate Farm .......................................... 13 Heritage Farm ........................................... 15 Horse-Wellness.com ................................... 10

It’s a Pleasure Training ............................ 29 Jasper Veterinary Care ............................ 42 Jay Noone ............................................... 23 Jenn’s Tack and Blanket Service ................. 34 Joey Stetz Farrier Service .......................... 42 Just Horses ................................................ 39 King Oak Farm ............................................ 22 The Mane Place ......................................... 34 Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show ....... 7, 36 Mindful Connections ................................... 9 Natural Alternative Grazers ........................... 26 Northwoods Nickers Horse Treats ................. 44 On the Road Trailers ................................. 35 Orion Farm ................................................. 6 Peace Haven Farm ..................................... 35 Purina Mills ............................................. 50 Ravenhill Equine Wellness Center .................. 19 RER Ponies ................................................ 22 Slow Bale Buddy ......................................... 27 SmartPak Saddlery .................................... 33 Sunny Banks Ranch ................................... 41 Triple Crown .............................................. 3 Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association ..................... 45 Wild Aire Farm ........................................... 45 Xenophon Farm .......................................... 21 Yered Trailers ............................................. 31

now accepting Boarders New 20,000 square-foot Facility!

Full, Rough, or Semi-rough Board . All-day Turnout . Private Paddocks Minutes to Brimfield Trail System . Hot and Cold Wash Stall 100 x 200 Lighted Outdoor Arena . 180 x 65 Dust-free Indoor Arena 100 x 100 Outdoor Jumping Ring . Large Tack Room . Lounge Area Open Horse Shows . Jumper Nights . Two-phases After School Enrichment . Summer Camps

Beginner to advanced instruction Hunt Seat/Equitation, Dressage, Eventing, and Western Instruction

Great opportunity!

Looking for a place to conduct your lessons and training without having to rent a block of stalls? Want to continue teaching through winter? Need more equipment to advance your lesson students? Keep your independence and business. We offer affordable rates on your horses and ours. Contast us today!

121 Haynes Hill road, Brimfield, Ma (413) 245-3083 • www.fairviewfarmsjjc.com Massachusetts Horse

49

50

December/January 2014

Over 33 Years of Service

Cremains available to family within 72 hours.

Massachusetts Horse

51

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MONROE, CT PERMIT

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

Brattleboro Agway 1277 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT (802) 254-8757 . achilleagway.net Bridgewater Farm Supply 1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357 bridgewaterfarm.com

Erikson’s Grain Mill 113 Main St., Acton (978) 263-4733 Essex County Co-op 146 S. Main St., Topsfield (978) 887-2309 essexcountycoop.net

Beaver Valley Farm 17 Main St., Pelham, NH (603) 635-2597 . beavervalleyfarm.net

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

Family Pet & Garden Center 14 Columbia Rd., Rte. 53, Pembroke (781) 829-2220

Bernardston Farmer’s Supply 43 River St., Bernardston (413) 648-9311 bernardstonfarmerssupply.com

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

Ferestein Feed 360 Central St., Foxboro (508) 543-3613

#140

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

Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926 sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com

Morrisons Home & Garden 90 Long Pond Rd., Plymouth (508) 746-0970 morrisonshomeandgarden.com

Thibault’s Poultry 92 N. Spencer Rd. Spencer (508) 885-3959

Robbins Garden Center 28 Sutton Ave., Oxford (508) 987-2700 robbinsgarden.com