Connecticut Horse March/April 2018

C O N N E C T IC U T

HORSE

INSURANCE

March/April 2018 connhorse.com $4

CONFUSED? A GUIDE TO THE BASICS

HOP RIVER STATE PARK TRAIL TRAIL GUIDE

STIRRUP FUN STABLES RESCUE LEND A HOOF

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March/April 2018

contents

March/April 2018

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20

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Stacey Stearns

Tara Benyei

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24

features 8

Insurance

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Confused?

A Guide to the Basics

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Dr. Candace Benyei

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Full Speed Ahead

Larimar Show Stables

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Jill Curtis

Why It Matters

Farm Feature

Above the Bar

Stirrup Fun

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Hop River State Park Trail

Stables Rescue

Horseperson Feature

Truth in Advertising

Humans Helping Horses

Trail Guide

Lend a Hoof

in every issue 5

From the Publisher

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Happenings

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This Olde Horse

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Your Letters

32

Partners

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The Neighborhood

Overherd: News in Our Community

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Nutmeg State Events Calendar

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Is This Your Horse?

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Connecticut Horse

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March/April 2018

From the Publisher

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to step over so I can open her stall door. A look at Cat’s hip oday is a beautiful sunny spring-like day — blue skies, leads her to make room for the wheelbarrow. Peanut is conmuddy pastures, and the first red-breasted robins poktent to follow me everywhere, ing around for lunch. including into the feed room, The days are getting longer where he eats his ration baland it feels as though spring ancer while Ella kitty rubs is not far off. between his legs (he’s a One of the things I Miniature horse). Sometimes often think about when takhe even bumps into me from ing care of the morning behind when I stop suddenly. chores is how I am around That cracks me up, as does the my horses. I’ve always been look he gives me every time super observant — checking this happens. for cuts, swellings, and odd As part of my continuous or different behavior — and quest for knowledge and new in recent years I listen and skills, this spring I’ll be attendsee even more. ing plenty of horse-related I’ve found that my things to do in the Nutmeg horses can read my body lanState. Check out our extensive guage and intent, better Connecticut–only Events than I ever could’ve thought, Calendar on page 38. with the smallest change in See you out there! my hand, my voice, my eyes, my posture. The lightest Abigail Golden and Truly won the Connecticut Horse Youth Award at the January touch of my fingertips on 21 Shallowbrook Cabin Fever Show in Somers. Congratulations! Want a free youth Caszual’s shoulder tells her award for your upcoming event, visit connhorse.com/youth-awards.

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CON N EC T ICU T

HORSE vol. 3, no. 5 March/April 2018

ISSN 2378-5721

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 phone: (413) 268-3302 (voice/text) • connhorse.com Connecticut Horse magazine is an independently owned and -operated all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for the Nutmeg State. © 2018 Connecticut Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

publisher Stephanie Sanders • steph@connhorse.com • (413) 268-3302 editor Kathaleen Emerson feature writers Andrea Bugbee, Krista Chandler, Sally L. Feuerberg Sean T. Hogan, Esq., Alessandra Mele, Stacey Stearns contributors Diane Ciano, Sarah Crisp, Patti Crowther, Joan Davis Allison Forsyth, Sally L. Feuerberg, Cynthia Haberin, Raymond Hill Elizabeth Marquis, Susan Mitchell reporters Sally L. Feuerberg . sally@connhorse.com . (203) 339-0357 Sarah Griffin . sarah@connhorse.com . (203) 560-4419 Kelly McKenna . kelly@connhorse.com . (860) 480-3944 Linda Morton . linda@connhorse.com . (860) 822-3006 advertising Main Office: ads@connhorse.com (413) 268-3302 (voice or text)

© Stacie Lynch Percheron foal Utopia’s Zane; bred, born, and raised in Goshen at Utopia Percherons owned by Brian and Stacie Lynch. utopiapercherons.com facebook.com/utopiapercherons

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

the fine print

Celebrating 20

years and more than 196,000 surgeries!

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March/April 2018

The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Connecticut Horse staff or independent contractors, nor can they be held accountable. Connecticut Horse will not be held responsible for any misrepresentations or any copyright infringement on the part of advertisers. Connecticut Horse will not be held responsible for typing errors other than a correction in the following issue. All letters addressed to Connecticut 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 Connecticut Horse, are assumed to be legally released by the submitter for publication. Connecticut Horse assumes no responsibility for damage to or loss of material submitted for publication. Reasonable care will be taken to ensure the safety and return of all materials.

Your Letters To the Editor:

To the Editor:

Thank you for the wonderful article written about the horses and volunteers at Hay Burr Inn. We’re so grateful that you honored our rescue with this article!

Thank you Connecticut Horse for helping draw attention to the efforts to save Pachaug State Forest. It’s such a beautiful, horse-friendly destination, truly a natural gem, and could be forever ruined by the proposed gun range. Hopefully equestrians throughout Connecticut will realize the danger, raise their voices, and demand their precious equine trails remain open. Connecticut Horse really does care about our local trail riders and open space resources!

Cynthia Haberin, president and founder Hay Burr Inn, Plainfield

MaryAnn Smith, Treasure Hill Farm Equestrian Center, Salem

To the Editor: Connecticut Horse is a truly a wonderful horse magazine. It features great stories of riders and spotlights different barns and trail associations in the area. I look forward to its arrival and read it cover to cover.

Kathleen Curran, Ridgefield

To the Editor:

Send your letters to editor@connhorse.com or

Great article about Hunters Run Stable in Connecticut Horse’s latest issue. Thank you for capturing the spirit of Hunters Run Stables.

Connecticut Horse, 99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096.

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Starting our fourth year of news, photos, event coverage, features, and more!

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Confused? A Guide to the Basics

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here are certain things people simply don’t like to think about: taxes, death, and insurance, for example.

We go about our day-to-day routines with our horses, many of us wrapped in a bubble of “It won’t happen to me,” which only makes it an even more brutal intrusion when the unthinkable does happen.

Maybe it’s human nature to cringe at thinking ahead to the worst, or maybe it’s weighing financial output against calculated risks, but whatever it is, it can interfere with you protecting yourself adequately in case of an emergency.

Properly insuring your horses and your farm is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family.

For a commercial facility, insurance is an important part of being in business. For the average horse owner, those of us with one, two, or three equines in our backyard, insurance may be something that gets pushed aside.

Indeed, many of us aren’t aware of just how many types of coverage are available, or what all of the options are.

Sure, most of us know about mortality coverage. But what about major medical? Loss of use? Personal liability?

Think your homeowner’s will cover 8

March/April 2018

that last one? Better check that policy before you need to use it.

So are you one of the ones still thinking “It won’t happen to me”? Let’s take a look at some potential scenarios.

The First Scenario You aren’t a commercial farm or operation, just an enthusiast. You love to show and have been successful at it for

When it comes to horses, you can’t be too safe.

Be prudent: Protect yourself and your barn from serious financial repercussions. years. You load up your horse to take him to a local show. Prince has always been a nice, calm horse, bomb-proof.

You arrive at the show, offload him, and tie him to the side of the trailer when suddenly a neighboring trailer’s awning is sent flying by a huge gust of wind. Prince explodes, tears himself loose from your trailer, and takes off through the grounds.

Along the way, he knocks down a show mom and cuts his leg. The show mom has to be taken to a hospital because she hit her head when she fell,

and Prince requires three stitches in his leg. You’re stunned when you receive a bill from the show mom for her hospitalization and now have a vet bill too.

Who’s responsible for the damages?

Well, actually, you are. Even though the wind knocked loose someone else’s awning, it was your horse that tore through the grounds. And now those bills are being presented to you.

Everyone who owns a horse should purchase a liability policy for it.

Stand alone liability policies for personal horses start at $350. Richard Bourgault, an agent at A & B Insurance Group in Westford, explains the coverage: “My preference is to find a homeowner company that will cover personal horses on and off premises. Some homeowner companies will cover up to five horses.”

“If the number of personal horses gets too great there are companies that will write a hobby farm policy that will compete costwise with a homeowner policy,” Richard says. “This is a better insurance strategy, because if you have the need for a liability umbrella policy, that umbrella will also cover your horse exposure that’s covered by the underlying policy, bringing all of your protection into play.”

“Liability umbrella policies

Shoot That Horse Photographny

Insurance

car and dents it. Susie is crying and holding her wrist, so to the hospital she goes for x-rays.

A commercial operation should have in place general equine liability along with care, custody, and control policies at the very minimum. Commercial liability insurance protects the policyholder from lawsuits from either your action or inactions causing injury or damages. Usually it will cover up to $5,000 in medical payments without lawsuits.

That’s an important distinction: without lawsuits. In the case of Susie’s accident, not only is her hospital trip to x-ray her wrist covered, but the dent in the fender of her mother’s car is too. If Ranger had sustained an injury in all of this, however, he wouldn’t be covered unless he had his own medical coverage policy in place.

depositphotos

The Third Scenario

increase the coverage limit you have on any policy that the umbrella policy goes over,” says Richard. “So if you have a homeowner or farm policy with $1,000,000 of liability coverage and you add a liability umbrella for $1,000,000 you now have $2,000,000 to settle any liability claim covered by the homeowner or farm policy. Just keep in mind that if a situation is excluded on the homeowner or farm policy it’s also excluded on the umbrella. If the situation is covered by the homeowner or farm policy it will be covered by the umbrella as well.

“Limits of liability on a homeowner or farm policy start at $100,000,” says Richard. “The option for higher coverage amounts are available at $300,000, $500,000, and $1,000,000. If you want more than $1,000,000 you can purchase a liability umbrella policy in $1,000,000 increments up to $10,000,000.”

Now, regarding the stitches Prince needed after his romp through the grounds, unless you have a major medical policy on him, and very likely even if you do have one, you’re paying that bill. Liability won’t cover damages to your horse: it covers only damages caused by your horse to someone else.

For damage to your horse, you’ll need a major medical policy in place.

This type of policy has a deductible and

offers major medical coverage for up to a certain amount per year in protection for your horse. This covers diagnostics, and reimburses you for your vet bills . . . a very important distinction here: reimburses. Many people are under the impression that they just submit the bills to the insurance company, but it doesn’t work that way. You have to pay your bills first and then you get reimbursed for them, minus any deductibles.

Another thing to bear in mind with this scenario is that the event you attended probably also carried insurance. So you think, why wouldn’t the event itself cover this accident? Well, event coverage is a tool designed to protect an event holder from lawsuits from third parties. Though the event holder would be covered if the show mom sues it, you won’t be.

The Second Scenario Little Susie is taking lessons at your barn. She’s riding Ranger, a longtime school horse. Ranger’s getting a little long in the tooth, though, and lately has taken to stumbling. While walking through the parking lot to the outside ring, Ranger stumbles. Susie hasn’t been paying attention and goes off over his shoulder, causing him to step sideways away from her. Unfortunately, he bangs into the fender of her mother’s

You take good care of your horses. You make sure they’re eating properly, are dewormed regularly, have vet care, and get good hay. Therefore, it comes as a shock when one of your horses starts colicking . . . and he doesn’t respond to walking or traditional treatment. To your horror, the vet diagnoses a twisted gut, and you find yourself en route to Tufts. Your horse is only eight years old.

You gulp, hand over your credit card, and watch the charges mount.

Colic is one of the most dreaded words a horse owner can hear. A horse is built with an internal schematic that’s a recipe for disaster. Many feet of intestine loop back and forth, packing its barrel full of gut. It can’t burp or vomit.

Horses love to roll around on the ground, and will often eat things they shouldn’t. Now add humans and their artificial environments for horsekeeping and it’s no wonder that colic is such a common occurrence.

You can build in protection for your horse by purchasing policies specific to colic. Most companies offer some level of colic surgery within the mortality insurance. You can also purchase a policy specific to the care and treatment of colic, often up to $7,500 worth. And as anyone who has ever experienced this can testify, in an equine hospital you can reach $7,500 in a matter of days.

The Fourth Scenario Alice and Peggy were out trail riding.

Peggy was on a young horse, one that Connecticut Horse

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wasn’t too good about crossing water.

They reached a small brook, and her youngster started to refuse. Peggy asked and asked him to cross, but the horse refused every time. Alice was sitting on her old-timer to Peggy’s left. She was riding western, with an eight-foot set of split reins tied in a knot so she wouldn’t lose a rein when she dropped them on her horse’s neck. She was sitting quietly, waiting, with the reins hanging in a low loop below the neck. Peggy asked her youngster again, and that’s when he lost it. Wheeling to his left, he thrust his head beneath the neck of Alice’s horse . . . right through the loop of reins.

Suddenly both horses were panicking and bolted through the woods, tied together. Peggy and Alice hit the ground and sustained injuries; the horses sustained injuries too. Fortunately, all the injuries were minor.

There are a couple of things that could happen here. Peggy’s homeowner’s insurance might cover damages to Alice and her horse. Homeowner’s is supposed to cover damages caused due to negligence by the policyholder. If they were riding on Peggy’s land, she’d have a chance at having the claim honored if her company hadn’t specifically excluded horses. Otherwise, Peggy had better hope she had a personal liability policy on her horse, because she could be held liable for the damages to Alice and to Alice’s horse.

Many of you are probably wondering why your homeowner’s wouldn’t cover accidents like this one. After all, it would cover liability from pets, if your cat scratched the neighbor’s child, say, or your dog gnawed their rare oak deck furniture. So why wouldn’t it cover equine damages?

Maureen O’Mara, an agent with Farm Family/American National Insurance Company in Williamstown,

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March/April 2018

explains that Farm Family was founded specifically to handle the agricultural needs of the farming community.

“During the more than three decades that I’ve been an agent with Farm Family/American National,” says Maureen, “the focus of farming has shifted from such agrarian activities as cattle/animal raising and crop farming to now include more equine-related activities. The role of the horse went from the farm work animal to the backyard pet, and can now often be found as part of a business venture with significant changes in liability exposures.”

“Farm Family has adjusted and refined the business liability coverage on its special farm package contract to address the varying liability needs often found in the horse world,” Maureen says. “Horse boarding, riding lessons, off-premises rides and carriage activities, horse sales, breeding operations, pony rides, horse training, and many more are now common activities found within the horse community, and are, as such, businesses.”

“The personal liability of the standard homeowners policy most often excludes commercial/business/farm activities from their contracts,” Maureen says. “Some carriers specifically exclude any horse exposure. A company that allows liability for personal horses will usually limit the number of horses owned from to one to four.”

“As we all know, horses have a mind of their own, and people take their gentle manner and kind eye as a sign that nothing could ever go wrong around them,” says Maureen. “Sudden noises, a barking dog, kids running through the fence to see the pretty pony, or a gust of wind can send a fearful gentle giant fleeing. These are things that your standard homeowners contract may cover, but you want to know those specifics

before something happens, not after.

Be sure to check with your insurance carrier to assure you have the right coverage for your specific equine needs. A dollar spent now could save you thousands later.”

The Fifth Scenario You own a small commercial barn and you have equine general commercial coverage in place. You’re trailering your own horse to an event and your neighbor, John, asks you to take his horse too. You have room in your trailer, and John’s always been a good neighbor, so you say sure, and you don’t charge him for it.

Along the way, you get cut off by someone, causing you to swerve hard to the right. A trailer wheel drops into a ditch and flips the trailer. John’s horse has to be euthanized because of the injuries it sustained. John presents you with a vet bill and wants you to replace his horse for the value of his horse, some $25,000.

This is a case in which you should have had care, custody, and control coverage in place. This type of endorsement provides the stable owner a layer of protection. Melody Taylor-Scott, equine protection specialist at

Corinthian Insurance Agency in Medway, explains: “Care, custody, and control (CCC) is an endorsement added to a farm’s commercial equine liability policy. This coverage is usually purchased by boarding/training/riding stables to protect the business owner from claims brought against them by clients whose horse is injured, gets sick, or dies because of negligence or a mistake on the stable owner’s (or employee’s) part, up to the limit of the CCC endorsement.”

“Premiums for the CCC endorsement are generally based on the average number of horses in a stable owner’s care and the limits of the endorsement; the higher the limit and number of horses the higher the premium,” says Melody.

“One very important exception for the stable owner is that Care Custody and Control coverage does not apply to horses they own or lease,” says Melody.

“However, these horses are covered by the stable’s commercial equine liability for any bodily injury or property damage to a third party they might cause.

They should purchase a mortality policy with the major medical endorsement for coverage when their horses get sick or injured.”

In the event a non-owned horse in the stable owner’s care causes bodily injury or property damage to a third party, both stable owner and horse owner could be held responsible. The stable owner’s liability policy protects the stable owner and not their clients. Horse owners are responsible for any property damage or bodily injury their horse causes and should carry their own private horse owner’s liability policy. Horse owner’s coverage could come from their home and umbrella policies as well, however many homeowner’s policies do not cover this exposure and it is best to check with your agent to be sure.

“The trailering scenario is a common question in the horse community, especially for smaller operations,” says Melody. “One gray area of this particular question is the neighbor. If John keeps his horse at his farm and walks it over to put on your trailer, is he a client? Technically the CCC coverage is designed for boarders or horses in training which are in the care of the stable owner either on or off premise. It’s not designed for a business that ships horses professionally. Commercial shippers who are regularly shipping non-owned horses from a number of barns require

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cargo insurance which is more expensive. In either situation I strongly suggest you get a signed release from the horse’s owner, drafted according to the state’s guidelines, relieving you of liability and spelling out the details of shipping the horse.”

“Most CCC policies will cover incidental transportation of horses in your care,” says Melody. “Incidental transit is typically limited to non-owned horses who board or train at your stable. It’s always best practice to be honest and straightforward when filling out your insurance applications with your agent.

Remember your agent is trying to best protect you with the proper coverages and needs to thoroughly understand all of the activities, receipts, and services you provide to your clients so cooperation is essential for your agent to give the best protection for your operations.”

The Sixth Scenario Maria finally received her instructor’s license and wants to work as a freelance teacher. She doesn’t have a place of her own and doesn’t want to work for just one facility. Can she legally practice her trade now?

If Maria goes to work at a farm that has in place an equine general commercial policy, it should cover both employees of that farm and independent contractors. For added protection, she should purchase her own general commercial liability policy. This coverage will follow her no matter where she teaches. “Shop around and ask questions,” says Maureen, of Farm Family Insurance. “Ask about what the policy covers and what sort of deductibles it may have.”

“It’s a lot more affordable than most people think it is,” Maureen says.

In a Nutshell

Register at:

pomfrethorseandtrail.com 12

March/April 2018

As you can see, insurance is a worthwhile investment. But what exactly should you get? Call around and talk to agents. Get advice to see what sort of coverage best suits you, get quotes, research companies.

Ask people who have insurance if they like their company. If they’ve ever had a claim, how well was it handled?

Were they satisfied with the results?

As a rule of thumb, commercial operations should have — at minimum — a general equine liability policy and a care, custody, and control endorsement added to it.

If you have a horse that’s valuable, it

would be to your advantage to have at least mortality insurance, as well as major medical and possibly loss of use.

Private Owners You need at minimum a personal liability policy covering your horse. You also want mortality if the replacement value is more than you could afford out of pocket, and major medical if it is a competition horse, valuable, or your horse of a lifetime. The more you use your horse, especially if you travel with him, the more coverage he should have.

Commercial and Private Owners Research whether the equine insurance company can pick up your homeowner’s policy as well. Some companies offer policies for the barns and outbuildings associated with a farm, along with coverage for equipment. Having your insurance needs met through one company could streamline things if you ever have a claim.

When it comes to horses, you can’t be too safe. Be prudent: Protect yourself and your barn from serious financial repercussions. In today’s litigious society, it’s unwise not to take care of yourself and your family first.

Remember to shop around and ask questions, and don’t be afraid to compare companies until you find the right fit.

Coverage for Horses

Mortality This type of policy is strictly for death.

Some companies, such as Hallmark Insurance, have a clause that says a horse is still covered up to 30 days after the expiration of the policy. Check with your agent to verify the coverage period and the conditions attached. You must have a realistic assessment of a horse’s replacement value. If a horse is valued much higher than is plausible, the company may send someone to appraise the animal.

On average, this policy is available for foals on up to age 19. There’s usually some colic surgery and theft coverage built in. Premiums are assessed on a horse’s insured value, ranging from 3 percent on horses up to 15 years old to as high as 12 percent on horses 16 and older.

Major Medical and Surgical (MMS) Some companies offer this in addition to the mortality insurance. MMS typically covers medical and surgical proce-

dures, including diagnostics necessary as a result of accident, illness, injury, or disease.

This coverage is available for horses aged six months up to about 15 years.

Some companies offer a surgery-only addendum to a mortality policy, meaning that coverage would be for surgical costs, not diagnostic testing. Ask your agent for details. MMS coverage usually runs from $7,500 to $10,000. This type of policy is a must for anyone who does heavy competition with her horse, such as an eventer.

Colic Medical and Surgical Coverage A condition-exclusive policy, this covers strictly colic-related medical and surgical expenses.

Loss of Use (LOU) This coverage is for horses that are injured or otherwise compromised such that they can no longer be used in the manner they were intended for. This loss of use may be the result of an accident, illness, injury, or disease. Coverage may pay up to 50 percent of the insured value; check with your agent. This coverage is available for select coverage only.

Note: In some cases, the ownership of a horse is turned over to the insurance company upon payment of an LOU claim, so be sure to get full details from your agent about the restrictions and conditions of this sort of policy.

Named-Perils Coverage You can insure against specific events, such as fire, theft, wind, lightning, and accident. Some agencies will allow you to pick the coverage you want; others group them in tiers of protection.

Personal Liability Coverage This policy covers an owner in case of damage or injury caused by her horse to a third party. It does not cover things like someone riding your horse with your permission. You may purchase a policy from $25,000 up to $1 million.

Coverage may be added to an existing mortality policy or be a stand-alone policy for up to five horses, with the ability to purchase coverage for more than that many. Everyone who owns a horse should invest in this coverage; many boarding stables are now making this a requirement. Premiums start at $25 a year.

Professional Coverage

Equine Commercial General Liability This coverage is very important if you perform any commercial equestrian activities, such as boarding, instruction, training, breeding, and buying and selling horses. The policy can be augmented to provide on-premises coverage for independent trainers or instructors while acting within the scope of their duties at your operation. Premiums start at around $500 a year. Be sure to have your agent explain exactly what’s covered, what sort of aggregate it carries (multiple incidents in one year), and what the maximum coverage will be.

Also find out what other policies could be purchased with this one: perhaps Care, Custody, and Control (see below).

Care, Custody, and Control (CCC) Consider this coverage if you board, train, or breed horses for others. If one of those horses is injured or dies while in your care and you are found negligent, this policy will provide for the medical care or replacement cost of the horse up to the coverage limits. Legal defense costs are also covered. This policy extends to trailering horses too,

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although there may be a range limitation in place, such as up to 100 miles from home or within the United States only. Every barn owner who has horses that belong to someone else should carry this policy.

one who wants to hold public events.

Many companies offer policies for oneday events too. Some of them will even cover the setup and break-down required for that event.

Equine Clubs and Associations Equine member organizations that would like to protect themselves can obtain this liability coverage. The basic policy provides coverage for several public event days during the year, and coverage for additional days is available. This policy helps to protect your group if you are faced with a lawsuit by a third party.

Defense fees, as well as property damage and/or bodily injury, are covered.

This sort of coverage is a must for any-

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March/April 2018

Farm Coverage You can establish almost any degree of coverage you want, from Equine

Commercial General Liability (ECGL) and CCC to coverage for your residence, structures, equipment, livestock, and more. Having all of your insurance needs covered by one company can eliminate the lag time incurred when several agencies must determine whose coverage applies to the situation. Ask your agent to explain the various packages. Most companies offer tiers of protection, for a homeowner with one or two horses, a private owner of several horses, or a commercial operation taking place at your residence. Make sure you have your equipment properly covered, as well as your buildings.

Connecticut Horse

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Farm Feature

Deep River

by Sally L. Feuerberg

Larimar Show Stables

J

ill Curtis, owner and head trainer of Larimar Show Stables in Deep River, was just about to give up on her daunting search to find the ideal place to relocate her expanding hunter/jumper barn in Connecticut.

She was raised in Indiana, where available open tracts of land, quintessential for managing horses, were a lot more plentiful than here in the Nutmeg State. It was then that a client, eager on continuing her lessons with Jill, sug-

amenable for planting, top soil was laid and grass seed was planted. For the strategic design and construction planning phases of Larimar, Jill sought guidance from her well-established network of fellow trainers, stable owners, and a few very respected and trusted mentors.

This extraordinary assemblage included U.S. Olympic show jumper Nona Garson; two-time bronze medal-winning U.S. Pan American Team rider, Todd Minikus; Sandy Kelly, the owner of

gested an unusual site that she knew of for sale. Jill kept an open mind and decided to investigate this unconventional property.

Stepping Stone Farm in Albany, New York; Shaine Brooks, Sandy’s daughter, who spent nights working on the plans; and Bastian and Margot Schroeder of Equijet. “I worked with Sandy several years ago and when I have a question or a conundrum, even to this day, she’s always just a phone call away with valuable advice,” says Jill.

“On my trip to Wellington, Florida, that winter I brought pieces of paper with me that were cut out to represent a main barn, an indoor arena, an outdoor ring, utility buildings, possible paddock area configurations, and an overall layout of the property,” says Jill.

“With some suggestions and opinions, I was hoping to generate various options on what would be the most advantageous and efficient arrangement of Larimar. I was a groom as well as a barn manager prior to owning my own business, so I also knew what I did and didn’t like for my design. You realize I’ve been sketching my ideal horse farm on napkins since I was ten years old!”

It was with these valuable recommendations and her own past experiences from 15 years of showing and

Building the Vision It was March of 2015 when Jill and her partner, Kevin Wakelee, Larimar’s facility manager, first set eyes on an abandoned 115-acre quarry located in Deep River. As the two climbed a pile of rocky rubble, they discovered a vast piece of land covered with overgrown brush, gravel, and stone. This once active quarry that had ceased operations in the 1970s had become not only an eyesore, but a regular hangout for local teenagers throughout its many dormant years. But Jill and Kevin had a unique vision and a special intuition about the place. They looked beyond the surface and imagined what might be, seeing significant potential where others just saw impossibility.

It was January of 2016 when Jill finally closed on the property, and immediately, the monumental task of clearing and prepping the neglected terrain began. Once the weather was 16

March/April 2018

teaching in the hunter, equitation, and jumper rings that Jill’s childhood dreams finally came to fruition. That spring construction commenced and within seven months, officially on December 12, the horses, staff, and clients triumphantly moved into the new Larimar Show Stables.

Beauty, Form, and Function The maintenance and hay storage buildings, indoor arena, and main barn

are painted a rich, deep red with traditional white trim, an image of stately farmland elegance and simplicity. The main barn, with its sturdy stone foundation, is a striking focal point of the property, and is perfectly positioned across from a beautifully serene pond.

It’s a magnificent structure immaculately built by Franklin Builders, an Amish company in Pennsylvania. The significant details of both Jill and Kevin’s classic finishing touches are evident throughout the building. The stable includes more than 40 stalls with individual fans that are also in the grooming areas. Farrier, vet, and wash stalls with heat lamps are included in the design. The layout is configured with a unique open-air, high ceiling concept — a feature Jill insisted on for maximum healthy airflow and circulation above the stalls.

An interior hub of face-to-face grooming stalls with a center aisle allows for an area where owners, riders, and staff can prepare horses for tacking and treatments. It also serves as an excellent location for handlers to conveniently interact with each other.

The spacious indoor arena allows year-round riding, and the outdoor ring measures 350' x 150' to give the ultimate riding experience during nicer weather. There’s a trail system on the property that backs up to the Cockaponset State Forest trails and a 26-acre quarry with a beach area where both horse and rider can swim to escape summer’s oppressive heat.

Twenty-four hour security is in place with video cameras that allow monitoring capabilities on phones and devices by Jill and her staff, along with a state-of-the-art fire security system. Jill and Kevin live onsite and someone is always on the premises 24/7.

“In the main barn, wi-fi is available as well as a washer and dryer, individual lockers, and custom-built tack and blanket rooms,” says Jill. “A heated lounge with a viewing area is located next to the indoor arena, providing Larimar’s clients the perfect venue to watch lessons, mingle, enjoy a game of pool, relax, or participate in the barn’s popular poker night.”

There are many other events and after hours activities that occur throughout the year, such as birthday and holiday celebrations, an open house, wiffle ball and touch football games, and even group field trips for paintball. Jill recounts a recent fall event. “Just this past October we held a Haunted Halloween Hayride and 40 clients showed up dressed in costume!

My 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood Super G even participated disguised as the Headless Horseman’s horse, says Jill. “In the summer, we have barbeques, swimming parties, and bonfires on our beach. We hosted our first clinic with Nona Garson this past December, and it was a huge success. We were happy to see all different level riders and horses take part. Nona created a customized session for each group and we all learned something new.”

A Caring and Committed Crew “Kevin has been with me for four years now,” says Jill. “He did all of the woodwork on the barn and apartments. He manages the facility fire and alarm system, builds fences, cuts the grass, and drags the ring — something we do every day to provide the best footing to our clients’ horses. Kevin plows the snow and fixes and maintains the machinery.”

“Shannon McDonald is our pri-

mary barn manager as well as an assistant trainer,” says Jill. “She joined Larimar in July and she became an essential and indispensable asset almost immediately. We love her spirit, work ethic, and the experience she brings to the table with both her riding and her training. In addition, this was our first year participating in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and Shannon also coaches our team.”

“Adrienne ‘Dee Dee’ Wilbur is Larimar’s other assistant trainer and she’s been with me for five years,” says Jill. “She’s been in the trenches from the beginning. She and her daughter Brynn, who at two years old is Larimar’s youngest rider, have been an integral part of the barn.”

“Micaela Caulkins started as a client and then took on additional duties to become a barn manager,” says Jill. “Her attention to detail is intense and so appreciated. I can’t stress enough how relaxed I feel with the group I have. In a big facility with so many horses, feeling relaxed about their care is amazing! The team brings professionalism, knowledge, and skill to the job to a great degree.”

Some of Jill’s clients have been with her throughout her career. Their enthusiasm and devotion to Larimar is just as tenacious as Jill’s. Susan Strecker is Jill’s longest-term client. Susan’s two children, Cooper and Ainsley, have been riding under Jill’s tutelage for six and a half years.

“Jill built this beautiful barn, and in my thirty-eight years in the horse world, I’ve never seen a barn so thoughtfully laid out,” says Susan. “It’s a haven to the horses with huge grass paddocks and smaller all-weather paddocks that both serve horses coming back from injuries as well as a safe place for the horses to be turned out in inclement weather. Jill always puts the horses and riders first.

She’s one of the most hardworking professionals I’ve ever known. She’ll teach from before the sun rises until well after it sets. She takes the time to get to know each horse and rider and creates a training plan to best suit both.

Needless to say, my kids are very happy here!”

Teri Henry has been with Jill for more than two years and says, “I moved to Larimar after my daughter went to college. Marisa had been showing our horses Chacos and Rififi but I was not as advanced as she was, so I knew I

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DawnBonin.com . BabcockHill.com would need help keeping the boys in shape while improving my riding. I drive nearly an hour from home, and even farther from work, to keep my boys with Jill. The combination of the facility along with Jill’s outstanding training makes it worth the drive.”

Despite its abundant amenities, Jill believes that Larimar is comprised of more than just its impressive landscape, features, and buildings. Its unifying core, as well as its heart and soul, are its dedicated staff and loyal clients, whom she affectionately refers to as her “barn family.” Jill’s ardor and commitment to both are unwavering and she is grateful to all who have become such an intrinsic part of Larimar’s continuing success and very promising future.

“I can’t tell you how much my customers and staff mean to me and the farm,” says Jill. “I truly believe we have one of the strongest barn families around.”

Sally L. Feuerberg is the president of the Middlebury Bridle Land Association and a longtime resident of Newtown. Trail riding and continuing her lesson programs are her passions, along with the care of her family, horses, and farm.

Connecticut Horse

17

Horseperson Feature Redding

by Krista Chandler

Dr. Candace Benyei Full Speed Ahead

T

rating their passion for environmentally friendly farming, animal welfare, and holistic practices.

Since its opening in 1972, Whimsy Brook Farm has been a staple in Redding. The hills and valleys that surround the property were once part of an expansive dairy farm. As Candace’s pride and joy, the farm has evolved in its 46 years. What was once home to a small white Cape on a two-acre lot now spans six acres of scientifically designed pastures and riding arenas, two barns, and two garage shops.

The layout of the farm works wonderfully for day-to-day activities and it also ensures the property can be as ecofriendly as possible. With well-planned water pathways and the very first Department of Energy and Environmental Protection–approved uncovered compost facility, Whimsy Brook Farm seems to manage itself. However, credit for the smooth operation of the farm

goes to the strong hands and creative mind of Candace herself.

Connecticut State University, and Fairfield University.

How It All Began

Wearing Many Hats

Growing up in Weston, Candace’s love for the land first started with lessons in gardening from her father and the support of her local 4-H club. “A large portion of me by blood is a farmer,” she says, recalling memories of her childhood that predate the technologies that

To say that Candace keeps a busy schedule doesn’t begin to describe this accomplished woman’s multi-faceted world. As president and manager of Whimsy Brook, her supervision, instruction, and maintenance skills, along with her strong team of instruc-

dominate today’s world. Growing up in the dirt and around animals inspired her creativity.

For Candace, problem solving is the key to everything. Her undergraduate years brought her out West to Colorado College. That was just the beginning of her immersion in academia. “I’ve always had a love for solving mysteries,” says Candace. “That’s the most rewarding piece that ties everything together. Watching vegetables grow from seedlings, training a horse, teaching riding lessons . . . I look at all angles and invest a lot of time into research.”

This should come as no surprise when you look at her ever-growing list of credentials. Whimsy Brook Farm has seen her through years of academic success, from biochemical research and acquired psychotherapy skills to lectures and professorial work for the University of Bridgeport, Southern

tors and barn crew, keep the facilities working smoothly.

Candace runs her own psychotherapy practice on-site, the Institute for Human Resources, which specializes in holistic therapeutics and conflict resolution for individuals, couples, groups, and families.

Her active role in ministry, spiritual, and energy medicine coordinates with her role as acting executive director for Burning Tree, an organization that advocates for the development sustainable community as well as congregational conflict resolution.

Candace also has an ongoing role within the administration of the familyowned and operated Schulhof Animal Hospital. The clinic focuses on both complimentary/alternative as well as traditional western medicine. Her expertise and research for holistic approaches to veterinary medicine enables the practice to incorporate

Tara Benyei

hough winter has been bitter cold and icy this year, the hustle and bustle at Whimsy Brook Farm never seems to stop. Weekends are packed with riding lessons, Pony Club activities, and adult-structured horse management classes. As longtime residents of Fairfield County, Candace Benyei, PhD and husband Christian Benyei, DVM have built rapport in the horse community, incorpo-

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March/April 2018

treatments for environmental, behavioral, emotional, nutritional, and physical conditions.

A Holistic Perspective Candace advocates for nontraditional therapies, using advancements to help both two-legged and four-legged creatures. Homeopathy first came into Candace’s life when she sought out answers to her own health. “My father always taught me to keep an open mind,” says Candace. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

“It’s been especially helpful for the treatment of Lyme disease,” says Candace. “I’ve brought back many a horse who came to the farm crippled from this or that, and it turns out they had Lyme.”

Modern treatments and testing for Lyme fall short. Many of us ourselves know the impact that Lyme disease has over our bodily functions. Seeking a way to not only treat the symptoms, but to find a rooting causality, has become a fieldwork puzzle for Candace.

Candace explains some of the leading-edge technologies she has brought to both the clinic and the barn.

Advanced Allergy Therapeutics is one such treatment where Schulhof Animal Hospital leads the way, featuring a noninvasive approach to the relief of long term biologic sensitivities that can cause skin, respiratory, digestive, and behavioral problems. Nutritional supplements and herbal medicines are additional complementary approaches to wholebody treatment, used at both the farm and the animal hospital.

Shifting to a Lesson Barn Many in the horse community understand the impact of the economic downturn in the past decade. Candace’s premiere training, sales, and breeding services quickly became aspirations of the past. Trailering to shows at three in the morning and returning well into the late hours of the night to do barn chores also turned into things of the past. The key to a successful business is knowing how to work with the economy and clients that you have.

Shifting into a primarily lesson barn came with its own set of challenges. Well-rounded skills in riding instruction and horse science are integral pieces of Candace’s philosophy. It’s important to keep the horse happy and healthy from the inside out, which is how her non-GMO custom feed plan and long list of alternative therapies work. A holistic approach to horse care

only begins inside the body. Being able to carefully and knowledgeably observe movement, behavior, and practice specific palpations are also crucial.

Candace has developed her own technique of “aware riding” that benefits both horse and rider as a team.

Careful consideration of how posture, balance, and harmonization affect each movement are key to each lesson, where effective communication involves listening to your horse as well as yourself. Round pen and longe line lessons are a common feature, and don’t be surprised when your reins go missing!

Back to Basics Keeping the farm as organic as possible is one of Candace’s continuous goals.

The planning for garden plots, insect population, and compost management needs constant attention. And, as the saying, “once a scientist, always a scientist” goes, Candace is no stranger to research and data. This is especially important when it comes to arena, stall, and pasture maintenance.

Having run this business for more than 40 years, she’s taken pieces from every experience. The rubber footing that was added to the outdoor arena seven years ago has yet to be changed or added to, and stays ready for use yearround. Pelleted bedding is used to manage cost and storage space, and composts the fastest. Fly predators and fly traps are used spring through fall to maintain a flyfree environment. Staff are specifically trained for observations in all aspects of horse welfare, from water consumption to behavioral changes.

Candace is active in the Fairfield County Farm Bureau and participates in Connecticut’s Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter, that works to promote healthy agriculture in both food and land care. Named a State of Connecticut Horse Farm of Environmental Distinction, Whimsy Brook Farm is committed to sustainability, conservation, and eco-friendliness.

Storm water management systems, solar panels, and the use of cedar oil for ticks are just a few additions that have become part of the proactive environmental approach at the farm.

Positive Community Candace speaks lovingly about building a place where all can learn and interact in a fun, yet safe setting. Training never stops here on the farm, especially the activities in Whimsy Brook Farm’s programs — Youth Riding and Horse Science with levels for beginners, inter-

mediate, and advanced riders; Barn Rat; Summer Youth Camp; Horse Savvy; Adult; Basic Horse Management Certification; and Advanced Horse Management and Training. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the farm’s from-the-ground-up instruction and become horsemen and horsewomen.

Participants can even earn certificates for their achievements.

Beaming with pride and ready to start the Pony Club meeting, Candace offers the perfect atmosphere for educational, team-based engagement. On one such occasion, children of all ages gather for quiz prep under Candace’s diligent coaching. She tests them on their knowledge of breeds, coat color, basic health care, and stadium jumping rules to help them prepare for the upcoming Pony Club Quiz Rally, a pointbased competition that requires efficient teamwork. When the children are asked about their favorite part — besides riding of course — it’s the team activities.

Looking to the Future Candace doesn’t see herself slowing down any time soon. While her practices keep her busy at home, she and Christian do manage to slip away to a small-town residence in the high-desert range of goat country in New Mexico.

Life out West isn’t much different than here at home—in New Mexico they are also part of a close-knit community that deeply relies on one another. “After a few weeks, I miss my cat, but it’s good to get away,” she says.

As for Whimsy Brook Farm, Candace has many aspirations. She hopes to merge her psychotherapy practice with her horses, engaging both human and equine needs in equine assisted psychotherapy. Starting a Pony Club Horsemasters Group for adults is also a likely venture offering those older than 25 more educational opportunities.

“Humans, animals, and the environment need to be an integrated whole if we are all to survive,” says Candace. “We believe that a horse is not just a hoof, a hock, or a back, but an integrated whole with particular emotional needs as well as physical attributes. And, riders are not just hands and legs but entire bodies with individual learning styles and abilities.”

A third-generation horsewoman and recent graduate from the University of Connecticut’s English program,She writes from the hills of Connecticut where she resides with her faithful equine and canine companions, Holly and Penny.

Connecticut Horse

19

Lend a Hoof

Lebanon

Stirrup Fun Stables Rescue

by Andrea Bugbee

I

Humans Helping Horses

t’s feeding time at the busy Stirrup Fun Stables in Lebanon. Mud from a recent thaw has hardened into hoof-shaped craters and mounds, causing the blanketed animals to step gingerly across their paddocks toward three preteen girls carrying black rubber ground feeders. The girls, snug in

Lebanon is a pastoral New England town marked by open farmland and a bonding sense of community. Jeanna

suggested euthanasia. “We used every resource we possibly could,” says Jeanna. “I had to at least try.” She worked with her vet, as well as UConn and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to tailor a specialized diet.

“We just tried everything until something worked, and when it did

Shaton

Baggeara

Collin

thick boots and colorful hats and jackets, chatter to both the herd and each other in the same, happy timbre. They say they like this rescue so much they wish they could sleep there.

It’s 34 degrees outside.

The three girls are Lebanon residents Lena Byers, Ellie Harmon, and Kayla Osga. They’re just a few of the 33 students who participate in Stirrup Fun Stables’ Work and Ride lesson program, an ingenious balance of volunteer service and community outreach that allows Stirrup Fun’s owner, Jeanna Prink, to provide for the 24 rescue horses that have found their way into her care since 2008.

“This wasn’t anything I’d planned or grew up dreaming about,” says Jeanna, whose “real” job is running a hair salon at the Lebanon Senior Center. She’s standing behind her house, which is hugged by a horseshoe of paddocks, run-in sheds, and outbuildings. Amidst scattered trees are two dozen horses, five volunteers, an English mastiff puppy named Pippa, and a caramel-and-cream colored billy

grew up on a dairy farm here, with horses and 4-H filling her youth. She had one horse as an adult when her father, James McCaw, said, “Your horse needs company.”

James had come across a big, black gelding named Baggeara whose owner couldn’t keep him because he kept bucking whenever she rode. The owner suspected spinal issues. “What he really had was an attitude,” Jeanna says. With patience as her training tool, Jeanna eventually coaxed him back to civility.

Her vet, Dr. David Anderson, saw Baggeara’s improvement, as well as Jeanna’s father’s 200-acre farm with its wide, grassy turnout and stream for clean, running water. He mentioned that she had the perfect space for a horse rescue. “He brought me another horse, and then another one,” Jeanna says. Then he brought her Shaton.

Shaton was a heartbreakingly malnourished gray Arabian in his mid-twenties unable to eat hay. “He was our first dietary project,” Jeanna says. The gelding’s outlook was so grim going into his first winter at the rescue that the vet

work, it was great,” says Jeanna. “We call it the Shaton diet, and we still use it on other horses.” The diet consists of lasagna-like layers of stick-to-your-ribs nutrition for skinny, quidding equines.

Jeanna’s special recipe calls for a blend of Nutrena Safe Choice Senior, Nutrena Triumph, soaked alfalfa cubes, soaked beet pulp, cool calories, Nutrena Empower, and other supplements.

Now 35, Shaton is a healthy, brighteyed, curious fellow. His special regimen has helped other horses that have arrived at the rescue malnourished, including Heidi, an adorable gray mare with random big, black spots. “She was a bag of bones,” Jeanna says. “She had patches of hair missing. There were whip marks. She limped because her hooves were so bad.”

“Now she’s a real love. She’s the best horse,” volunteer Mary Lou Randall pipes in as she walks by. Mary Lou is a retiree who has helped at the rescue for more than two years. Today she’s supervising the Work and Ride kids while they feed, pick out paddocks, and get their horses tacked up. The

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March/April 2018

goat named Bodie who’s hunting down trouble like a pig hunting truffles.

How to Accumulate 24 Horses in 10 Years

kids are totally on task though, so Mary Lou has time to play with Pippa the puppy, who is chasing the water hose between buckets.

Still another of Stirrup Fun’s “best” horses, a Hanoverian named Collin, came to Jeanna abused. He wouldn’t let anybody touch his head or neck and he refused to let men near him. “I would sit for an hour at a time out in a field, wearing a baseball cap because somehow that attracted him, until he would approach me,” Jeanna says. Within two very patient years, a devoted volunteer was able to take him to shows. “He’s been with us ten years now, and he’s the best horse — for a man,” Jeanna says, grinning. Big and safe, Collin is now Stirrup Fun’s go-to horse for dads on family trail rides.

Horses Rescue People, Too The stories about the rescued horses go on, but the next part of Jeanna’s tale is the reason she ended up keeping so many of them. “I got into this for the horses,” she says, “but I had no idea how much it would do for the people.

Horses are therapy, even if you don’t need therapy.”

Originally, Jeanna says, the plan was to rehabilitate, then rehome, the animals she rescued. But so often, one of her young volunteers would fall in love with a particular horse and want to keep it. Because most of her volunteers can’t just take a horse home with them or pay full board at a fancy stable, Jeanna worked out a deal that gets deserving children a horse, and gets deserving horses a child. The rescue stays at Stirrup Fun, the child has a horse to call his or her own, and the family assumes the horse’s vet and farrier bills.

“It’s a way to make it work for everybody,” says Jeanna. “This isn’t a business for me. It really is a family. It’s a well-rounded group that works great together.”

Jeanna’s scheme is how 11-year-old Lena Byers has her own horse. “He’s a wild Mustang,” she says, smiling from under a knit character hat with big eyes and warm, floppy earflaps. “He still has a lot of wild in him!”

Lena has spent a lot of time at the rescue, and she’s learned to handle herself safely around horses. Three days a week, she gets off the school bus in front of Stirrup Fun Stables Rescue and spends the afternoon doing chores and working with Lakota. It’s an absolute win for both the pony and his pal.

Sixteen-year-old Meghan Clifford

has been coming to Stirrup Fun from Hebron for nine years. “I started coming here and I kind of didn’t leave,” she says, smiling half apologetically. Like Lena, she has her own horse at the rescue, a Quarter Horse mare named Zeva. After Meghan had worked with Zeva for more than a year, the mare developed moon blindness and uvelitis, completely losing her vision. Meghan never turned away from her rescue horse. She works with her still, even riding her and loading her into the trailer.

After Mary Lou became a Stirrup Fun volunteer, she started a 4-H group, Hearts and Hooves, right on the farm.

Using the rescue as their base, they participate in 4-H learning and activities and they’ve also organized hunter paces and gymkhanas. Standing in the farmyard keeping Bodie (the goat) from sneaking into the grain room, Mary Lou and Jeanna list all the skills the kids —

“Horses are therapy, even if you don’t need therapy.”

Jeanna Prink

and adults — gain from volunteering for this loveable, patched-together herd.

“Confidence,” they both say. Then they add accomplishment, communication, connection, purpose, and fun.

“I don’t know what I would do without my volunteers,” Jeanna says. “I don’t know where they come from sometimes.

They call me or email me or show up at my door.” Some, like Mary Lou, are there several times a week. Others are parents who pitch in to run horse shows.

One, a grandfather, stays with his granddaughter and fixes things (recently, he made manure sleds so the kids wouldn’t have to pull wheelbarrows through the snow). Another volunteer learned to groom and tack so she could help the kids, and she drives the horse trailer. A

woman named Lois donated an outdoor run-in shed that two horses, a gray and a chestnut, now companionably share.

Three winters ago, Stirrup Fun’s indoor arena collapsed in heavy snow.

The Lebanon community gathered together, held a fundraiser, and raised $25,000 toward a new one. Jeanna still needs to raise a little more money, but the community’s contribution is touching, and enormous.

Are you, too, someone who would like to give this powerful little rescue a boost? “Volunteer!” says Jeanna. For those who live nearby, there are myriad ways to get involved. Support Stirrup Fun’s fundraisers by joining a hunter pace, entering a show, or taking your colleagues on a team-building expedition. Sign the family up for a trail ride and let a rescue horse carry you through the woods on a beautiful New England day. Or, drop off your unused blankets, halters, water buckets, children’s riding gear, lead ropes, bits, bandages, and whatnot. With 24 horses on site, whatever you’re not using is bound to be helpful.

Finally, of course, “People can also make a donation at our website,” Jeanna says. The address is stirrupfunstables.com and hey, while you’re there, click on the Our Horses tab. Those beautiful, furry faces will remind you that the human/horse connection is what we horse people are all about.

To lend a hoof, visit stirrupfunstables.com or follow them on Facebook.

This feature is dedicated to Zeva’s memory.

(Zeva passed after the article was written.)

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

Connecticut Horse

21

Above the Bar

by Sean T. Hogan, Esq.

Truth in Advertising Why It Matters

This article is for educational purposes only, so as to give the reader a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. No attorney-client relationship exists between the reader and the author of this article. This article should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney.

three-foot fence horse, and even statements of age and breeding, if untrue or inaccurate, and which are made to induce the purchase of the horse by a

G

iven the digital world we now live in, it’s increasingly common to see horses and ponies advertised for sale on farm websites, Facebook, and often directly between individuals via text message. When creating an advertisement for the sale of a horse, a seller is often confronted with the question of whether or not to disclose a negative physical trait or bad habit of the horse that is known to them.

Advertising, whether a horse or any other product or service, is governed by both federal and state laws.

Generally speaking, as consumers we expect the description of the goods we are purchasing to be accurate. If an advertisement were to mislead us with regard to a significant characteristic of the item or service being offered, so as to persuade us to purchase the item this would be deceptive.

Connecticut General Statutes § 42-110b-18, states that,“It shall

be an unfair or deceptive act or practice to: . . . (b) Misrepresent the age, model, grade, style, or standard of merchandise or services; . . . (e) Misrepresent the nature, characteristics, standard ingredients, uses, benefits, quantities, or qualities of merchandise or services.”

When describing a horse and/or writing an advertisement, a seller must be aware that the statements being made, if false, could give rise to various causes of action by the buyer.

Seller’s representations such as sound, excellent stable manners, proven 22

March/April 2018

buyer, may give rise to a cause of action for fraudulent omission, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and/or breach of warranty.

It’s worth noting that the law does

recognize that some commentary used in advertising is puffery, or a general statement not based on fact made to promote the item (i.e., great horse or pretty mover).

Take, for example, the following two cases in which the seller either misrepresented the nature of the horse or allegedly failed to disclose relevant information regarding the horse being sold.

In the matter of Raudat v.

Leary, 88 Conn.App. 44 (Conn.App. 2005) the court heard a matter where the seller had placed an advertisement for the sale of a horse which stated, “Registered Appaloosa gelding, 15.3 hands, green broke, six years old, excellent ground manners, ties, clips, trailers. Needs miles. $3,200 negotiable.”

Upon seeing the advertisement, the buyer contacted the seller, who referred to the horse as, “green broke and needed some miles.”

Unknown to the buyer, the horse had a propensity to buck, and the buyer and her trainer were bucked off on several occasions. Subsequently, the buyer sued the seller alleging that the seller failed to disclose a material fact regarding the horse’s bucking.

Similarly, in the matter of Randazzo v. McCarthy, 2005 WL 2361588 (Conn. Super. Ct. 2005) the plaintiff purchased a horse for his daughter and subsequently learned that the horse was blind. The plaintiff sued the seller alleging fraud and breach of implied warranty of fitness for a particular use (as the horse was now considered unsound). As there was no evidence presented that the seller knew of or tried to mislead the buyer of the horse’s blindness, the claim of fraud was dismissed by the court. However, the court did find that the seller was a merchant pursuant to

the Uniform Commercial Code Article 2, and as such the implied warranty provisions applied to the transaction.

When drafting advertisements, sellers must be cognizant of the differences between puffery and making misrepresentations about the nature of the horse being sold.

As a matter of practice the seller must check advertisements prior to publication or posting for accuracy, and be mindful to update and/or correct the ad over time if the underlying details or material facts regarding the description of the horse change.

The truthfulness of the advertisement will always be the top defense to any claim brought by a buyer against a seller.

Sean T. Hogan is an attorney living in Westport and is licensed in New York and Connecticut, where his practice focuses on estate planning and assisting trainers, owners, and investors in equine-related transactions and litigation in Connecticut, New York, and before the United States Equestrian Federation. He’s a governor of the Fairfield County Hunt Club and co-chairs the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Horse Show.

Connecticut Horse

23

Trail Guide

Windham

by xx Stearns

by Stacey Stearns

Hop River State Park Trail

O

n a brisk day in January I went to the Hop River State Park Trail, managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). It’s part of the East Coast Greenway and runs through the towns of Andover, Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Manchester, and Vernon. The trail runs west to east — or vice versa — from Manchester to Windham, where it meets the Air Line Trail. These are two of the longest

Other parking options are available in Manchester, Vernon, Bolton, Andover, Columbia, and Coventry, for a total of 13 possible parking areas. I’ve only explored a few of them as many are small parking areas or pull-offs. For example, the parking area on Hop River Road is large enough for a twohorse trailer and accessed via Route 6.

But you have to cross a one-lane bridge with only a foot of space on either side to get there, and then turn around and

This section of railroad was completed in 1849 and connected Willimantic to Hartford, via Manchester. Railroads dwindled in use with the increase in automobiles. The railroad ties were

stretches of rail trail in the state.

Hop River is a former railroad line and this stretch is 20.2 miles. A map is useful to show you the intersections of roads that you cross. Each section of the trail has its own map at ct.gov/deep that you can download and print, or save to your smartphone before your ride. As with all sections of rail trail, Hop River State Park Trail is an incredibly popular multi-use trail. In addition to horseback riding, trail use includes biking, birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking/walking.

go back the way you came, or else travel on a narrow dirt road to exit from the other end. It’s not a parking option I would want to use with a trailer. DEEP recommends all horse trailers park at Bolton Notch State Park or Steele’s Crossing Road in Bolton, and access the trail from there.

Since it’s old railroad line, the footing is stone dust and the trail is relatively flat. Just remember, however far you ride out (there are mile markers on the map), you have to ride back.

Bicycles, strollers, dogs, and walkers are abundant. Etiquette on any trail, and especially the rail trail, is crucial.

Even though equestrians have the right of way, we cannot abuse that privilege.

Equestrians are often in the minority among trail users, and we don’t want to lose access.

A few simple gestures can leave a positive impression with other trail users. When you see others on the trail, slow down to a walk while passing. My horse has this figured out, and stops and walks past other trail users without any aids. Always be polite and greet others. Try to move your horse to the side

taken and scrapped for steel during the war effort. The area became overgrown, but conservation efforts have brought back the rail trail in many places for all users to enjoy.

The rail trail is often remote and quiet, especially in eastern Connecticut.

It’s a passage through time, with occasional reminders of the twenty-first century as you cross roads and pass by subdivisions. Since I usually park in Coventry, much of my time is spent on the rural sections of the trail.

Further west, the trail abuts the Belding Wildlife Area in Vernon, and passes through Valley Falls Park. Bolton Notch State Park, Hop River State Park, and the Hop River itself greet trail users on the eastern end. There is also municipal open space in this area.

The woods and fields along the rail set the stage for a serene ride. The trees arch over the trail in many places. Hop River State Park Trail is incredibly popular so you are rarely alone on the trail, but everyone enjoys the tranquility.

Impressive rock outcrops and woods along the trail keep it cool even in the summer months. I’ve never visited in

of the trail if he/she needs to leave manure, or dismount and kick it to the side on busy trails. Remember, everyone is out there for the same reason, and we need to enjoy the trails together.

Stacey Sterns

Out Riding It

A Leg Up There are several parking options for Hop River State Park Trail. On a Monday morning in January, I chose to park on Kings Road in Coventry and had the roadside parking area to myself. I pulled off on the side of the road before getting to the trail; you can see the large area on the right where others have pulled over. At the end of the ride, you can continue on Kings Road (a dead end), and turn around at the terminus of the road with minimal backing.

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March/April 2018

the fall, but have a feeling that should be on my trail ride to-do list.

A couple of really cool features distinguish Hop River State Park Trail from other rail trails in Connecticut.

Two of my favorites are the Bolton Notch Tunnel and the covered bridge in Andover. The tunnel is 100 feet long and well-lit, and takes you under Route 6. There are two other tunnels on the trail as well. The covered bridge was completed in 2012 and crosses over Route 316. Before the bridge was complete, it was difficult and dangerous for equestrians to reach the trail on the other side of Route 316. Continuing meant going down a steep embankment, over two guardrails, crossing Route 316, and then back up another embankment and onto the trail.

Ironically, the first time I rode the Hop River State Park Trail was the day they held the ribbon cutting ceremony for the covered bridge. I trailered over to Kings road with my friend Megan Thompson of Mansfield Depot, and we set off on our Morgan horses. We were cantering and galloping along, and slowing to a walk when we saw other trail users. As we approached the bridge, we saw a number of people in the street below, and we were curious about what was going on.

When we got a little closer, we could hear the speeches and saw the dignitaries sitting near the podium.

Megan and I looked at each other, unsure whether we should turn around or keep riding. But since we had come that far, and they obviously wanted people using the bridge, we kept going. We stopped to talk to a few other trail users at the bridge and then continued our ride. On our way back through the bridge, someone from the Connecticut State Parks Trails and Greenways Program snapped our picture.

There are many sections of the rail trail to explore. We rode Larkin Bridle Trail last year, and the Air Line State Trail is one I’ve ridden many times. For the same reason people enjoy travel by railroad I’ll continue to explore other sections of the rail trail. Each section has unique parts of its landscape, and fun features — who doesn’t want to ride through a tunnel and into a covered bridge?

Happy trails!

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

Connecticut Horse

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Overherd

News in Our Community After suffering a tragic barn fire this past December, Folly Farm of Simsbury is happy to report the riding school and polo school are both back up and running.

Folly Farm is looking forward to hosting its April 15 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, and Marshall and Sterling rated horse show as well as eight more shows in 2018.

The year-round polo school holds individual polo lessons as well as coaching chukkers every Monday and Wednesday evening. You can come watch a coaching chukker prior to signing up or just sign up and give it a try!

To learn more about Folly Farm, its riding school and polo school, call (860) 658-9943 or visit follyfarm.us.

Ox Ridge some of the finest available on the East Coast.

Chance joined the Ox Ridge team as co-head trainer and show manager in late 2017. He relocated from California where he has helped countless riders

pilates — as well as men’s and ladies’ locker rooms, a Members’ Pub Room, and use of a special events lawn and facilities.

Finals, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the USHJA Derby Finals, and the ASPCA Maclay Finals.”

Timmy is one of the country’s most prominent hunter/equestrian trainers

SaddleView Farm Quarantine Lifted

courtesy of Folly Farm

Folly Farm Rebounds

Folly Farm holds coaching chukkers every Monday and Wednesday evening in Simsbury.

After 104 years, the Ox Ridge Hunt Club is changing its name to the Ox Ridge Riding and Racquet Club. In addition to a new equestrian complex with world-class trainers, there will be a new clubhouse featuring eight squash courts — two doubles and six singles — making ORRRC the first club in the area to offer squash.

A new state-of-the-art indoor riding ring, two outdoor riding rings with highperformance footing, and fully renovated stables and paddocks are the main improvements to the equestrian center. Equestrian training programs, horse boarding and care, as well as lessons and clinics will be offered.

The training staff has expanded with two of the equestrian world’s trainers, Chance Arakelian and Walter “Timmy” Kees, making equestrian lessons and programs at 26

March/April 2018

courtesy of SunGold Stables

Ox Ridge Hunt Club’s New Equestrian Complex

SunGold Stables in Bethany hosted a Trick Training Clinic with Melissa Ashcraft in December.

improve skills and reach their goals. “I’m thrilled to be part of all the new changes coming to Ox Ridge,” says Chance. “It’s a great time to be part of the club.”

Flavia Callari, business manager and board member says, “Chance judges many of the top-rated horse shows nationwide, most recently the Capital Challenge. In 2018, Chance will be judging the East Coast Junior Hunter

and his riders have won the ASPCA Maclay, AHSA Medal, and USET Equitation Finals a total of seven times. Timmy has trained numerous hunters to championships and was recently inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame.

Members can also enjoy access to four lighted courts for platform tennis, and a fully equipped fitness center with classes for yoga and

In the January/February issue we reported that due to a confirmed case of EHV-1 at SaddleView Farm in Bethany, the farm was quarantined.

“We’re happy to announce that our state quarantine has been lifted,” reporrted SaddleView Farm’s Robin Norton on January 11.

“Thank you to those that reached out to us during this time and offered their assistance. Although we would have loved the help, we wanted to make sure that all of our fellow horse community was safe as well. We got through this virus with the help of our boarders.”

“SaddleView sure does have a great group of people that supported each other day in and day out,” says Robin.

“Lots of hours were spent taking temps, securing biosecurities, and bleaching surfaces.

All our horses are doing great and are happy.”

“Going forward, we have put hand sanitizers up for everyone’s use, a foot bath at the door, and have bleach bottles readily available,” says Robin. “SaddleView Farm as a whole did an amazing job in stopping the spread of this virus. As we have been told and are aware, this could have been anyone’s facility and we all need to continue to be open and honest to keep the Connecticut horse community the safest it can be.”

Trick Training Clinic with Melissa Ashcraft Luiza DaSilva and Meridith Vallillo hosted a Trick

lions show across the United States, Europe, and Canada.

She’s also qualified in Parelli fourth level natural horsemanship and colt starting, jumper, western, halter, driv-

bowing with one hoof, and the circus bow.

Luiza DaSilva, owner of SunGold Stables says, “Everyone had such a wonderful time and took something

Hay Burr Inn Fundraiser Gallop your way into a night of laughs and help raise money for loads of hay (and grain, and lots of other horse-related things) for the

courtesy of Ox Ridge Riding and Racquet Club

Training Clinic with Melissa Ashcraft at SunGold Stables in Bethany December 1 to 3.

Melissa is the owner and head instructor of Transitions Equestrian

Rendering of the new equestrian complex at the Ox Ridge Riding and Racquet Club, formerly the Ox Ridge Hunt Club.

Center, located in LaPorte, Indiana, and is an upperlevel dressage rider trained in classical Airs Above the Ground in hand and under saddle. Melissa spent five years as a featured rider traveling with the Lipizzan stal-

ing, and long lining. Melissa is also a very talented trick trainer and in this three-day clinic, Melissa introduced 12 participants and their horses to varied maneuvers such as the Spanish walk, rear, lie down, pedestal standing,

home from the session. It was the best clinic I’ve held. I would love to have four or five these a year because I found Melissa absolutely incredible!” Luiza participated with her horse Kasper.

n Sally L. Feuerberg

501(c)3 Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue of Plainfield.

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n Cynthia Haberin

Renowned Trainers Join Ethel Walker’s Equestrian Program Simsbury’s Ethel Walker School riding program is 28

March/April 2018

at all levels to help them reach their personal best.

Linda is an accomplished horsewoman who’s been riding since she was five

courtesy of Ethel Walker School

poised to step into a new era.

Trainers Linda Langmeier and alumna Joanna “Jo” Seaver have been appointed to lead the school’s eques-

Trainers Linda Langmeier and Joanna “Jo” Seaver joined Ethel Walker School’s riding program in January.

courtesy of U.S. Horse Wlefare

the show starts at 7. Bring your own snacks. There will be a cash bar, raffles, 50/50 drawing, live auction, and silent auction. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at funny4funds.com or through the rescue.

Funny 4 Funds has helped groups and causes raise more than $3 million in three years with 96 comedians on its roster, many who perform all over the country and have been seen on Comedy Central, HBO, and Conan O’Brien. This is one comedy show that will leave you “horse” from laughing.

Funds raised from the event will help Hay Burr Inn with its rescue efforts, and will provide the support needed to ensure the wellbeing of the equines currently at the rescue. One hundred percent of the profits go directly to aiding Hay Burr Inn’s four-legged residents.

Hay Burr Inn’s goal is to rescue the unwanted of the unwanted horses. It’s the Inn’s goal to intercept horses bound for slaughter and take them to our sanctuary where they can rest and be rehabilitated. We restore their health and their spirit, allowing them a safe place to recover from any medical or mental trauma of their past. Other horses come to us from severe neglect, abuse, and owner surrenders. Regardless of their origin, it’s the Inn’s goal to take in these horses so they can live out their lives in safety surrounded by the loving volunteers who care for them 24/7.

For tickets, donations, or to be a show sponsor go to funny4funds.com. For more information, contact Fiona at (860) 983-5899.

Riding students show some love to Faith, a nine-year old Welsh pony at the Hug A Horse event held at US Horse Welfare and Rescue. Faith, who was rescued directly from the slaughter pipeline in 2016, is one of eight rescued horses who welcomed visitors to the Nod Hill Farm in Avon. From left to right: Ally Bernstein Naples, Samantha Bernstein Naples, and Lowen Roberts.

trian program, bringing their world-class training to prepare team members for the national stage. The team joined Ethel Walker on a part-time basis in January and will step into their respective roles full time on April 1. The duo has most recently been working at Kelianda Farm in East Granby, where they have led students of all levels, earning titles at the highest regional and national levels under their guidance. Linda, who will serve as director and head trainer, and Jo, who will join as senior trainer, look forward to working with students

years old. As a junior rider, she won the ASPCA Maclay Equitation Finals in 1983 and was the winner of the 1988 Sugarbush Grand Prix and the 2013 Fidelity Grand Prix. She’s earned numerous championships in the hunter and jumper divisions at such shows as the Winter Equestrian Festival, Devon, Lake Placid, Vermont Summer Festival, the American Gold Cup, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Washington International Horse Show, and the National Horse Show.

Linda is a member of the

New England Equitation Committee and the Hampton Classic Advisory Committee.

At Kelianda Farm, she assisted with coaching students to the national level, including the ASPCA Maclay Finals, USEF Medal Finals, WIHS Equitation Finals, and the USET Talent Search Finals, where many placed with division ribbons.

Jo has qualified and competed in several top hunter prix and derbies. In 2017, she was second at the New England Hunter Jumper Association Hunter Derby Finals and had wins at Old Salem Farm, Vermont Summer Festival, Fairfield County Hunt Club, and HITS Saugerties. Previously, Jo held a similar role at Ethel Walker's where, in addition to teaching and riding, she assisted in running the local USEF show, the IEA show, and the Summer Riding Experience Program.

US Horse Welfare and Rescue Holds Hug A Horse Event Advocacy and affection were all around on January 21 at US Horse Welfare and Rescue’s Nod Hill Farm in Avon for the Hug a Horse Event that invited horse lovers to hug a horse as part of a national movement to raise awareness for horse welfare and safety. From Thoroughbreds to ponies, the equines received hugs from friendly faces as the organization shared its stories and championed its cause.

“It’s all about education and awareness,” says Susan Mitchell, founder, executive director, and full-time equine advocate. “By opening up our farm and encouraging people to get up close and personal with these beautiful, majestic animals, we help them recognize the need to protect and help horses that are in danger of shipping to slaughter.”

Founded just two years ago, the organization’s main focus is to promote the safety and well being of all equines and responsible horse ownership through rescue, education advocacy, and support.

With eight current rescues, 20 acres, and more than 50 volunteers, the organization hoped the event would help raise awareness.

“What happens to America’s unwanted horses is truly indescribable,” says Susan. “Few people know that many horses suffer tremendously when their owners can’t take care of them anymore and send them to a local trader or directly to auction. It’s up to us to advocate for these animals who can’t speak for themselves, to help them live their fullest, safest lives possible for as long as possible.

This event helped us educate more people and raised money for us to be able to help more horses. It was a big success.”

US Horse Welfare and Rescue provides valuable resources to help horse owners in need care for their animals with a hay bank, placement assistance, branding and microchipping, and many other services.

To learn more, volunteer, and donate, visit ushorsewelfare.org.

n Elizabeth Marquis and Susan Mitchell

Dust & Determination: A History of UConn Polo If there’s anything you want to know about polo, you’ll find it in Dust & Determination: A History of UConn Polo. Connecticut author Helen Scanlon gives a detailed, concise, and wellwritten overview of everything from the game itself and its history to the chronological progression of the polo program at the University of Connecticut (UConn).

Helen’s enthusiasm and description of her first encounter with polo leaves one with the urge to go see a game. On a visit to the UConn Cornucopia Fest, Helen thought it would be fun to check out the polo match at the Cornucopia Cup for a few minutes, then visit the dairy cows, or walk around Horsebarn Hill. “I wasn’t prepared to be completely hooked by the first chukker, but that’s exactly what happened,” Helen

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Dust & Determination is well written and easy to read.

Topics covered include a full description of polo and what constitutes a good polo pony; the beginnings of polo at UConn and on through the decades. Player memories from Tom Goodspeed, Cameron Smart, Taylor Cady, Emily Galloway, and John Bennett, Jr. are especially entertaining and enlightening, as are the pony profiles.

A full listing of each polo season includes players and coaches, and an entertaining interview with Larry Wasiele, creator of the bas-relief polo sculpture at the UConn Horsebarn Arena. The book concludes with an extensive appendix of resources about the sport. Throughout this nice volume, Helen’s beautiful artwork enhances her writing, and some chapters

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include historical photographs of UConn’s program and players.

Helen is the author of three other books as well as the creator of equine art and portraiture. To learn more, visit helenscanlon.com.

ing together for 15 years.

They carry a dedicated following and have played in some of the most prestigious venues in New England.

By supporting the gala,

diverse economic communities and backgrounds. Our participants include threeyear-olds with autism, teens and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities, veter-

be mailed in April. Many of our supporters choose a corporate sponsorship level, which gives them complimentary tickets as well as a host of other marketing benefits. If you would like us to add your family or your company to the invitation list, contact tburgess@highhopestr.org or call Karena Garrity at (860) 434-1974 extension 119.

How Sweet It Is

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Join High Hopes Therapeutic Riding at its Annual Gala on June 9 featuring a live and silent auction and a gourmet dinner by Gourmet Galley of Stonington.

you can positively impact the lives of many different individuals, their families, and their friends. High Hopes Therapeutic Riding is one of only a handful of organizations that serve such a wide range of individuals from

ans with PTSD, and families dealing with domestic violence.

The gala will feature both a live and silent auction and a gourmet dinner by Gourmet Galley of Stonington. Invitations will

• “Do you ever forget what a diagonal is in the middle of a flat class?”

• “Can I take a picture with your ribbon so my parents think I’ve won something?”

• “My dad has no idea which horse is mine so he takes videos every time a gray goes in to the ring.”

Nutmeg State Happenings Blue Ribbon Ventures Show at Fair Hill Farm

Kelly McKenna

New Milford

n Sarah Crisp

Overherdisms

Sarah Crisp

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding’s Annual Gala, which will be held on June 9, is one of Connecticut’s premier social and fundraising events, gathering supporters from across Connecticut and beyond for an evening of dining, dancing, and dedication to its mission.

This year’s event chairs, Hannah Childs and Emily Jewett, have chosen the theme How Sweet It Is as a fun way to recognize this event’s widely popular band Sugar and to represent the important work that High Hopes does. Sugar is a tenpiece band that’s been play-

March/April 2018

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

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

Interested? To learn more, email partners@connhorse.com.

Connecticut Horse 911, fire prevention and emergency disaster preparedness, and produce educational brochures for the public. We are an affiliate of the

The coverage is from January 1 to December 31, 2018, so it’s best to send in the annual fee along with your CHC membership dues as early as possible. The insurance is

It’s once again time to renew your CHC membership.

We’re a nonprofit volunteer legislative advocacy group representing all horse interests in Connecticut.

We monitor all issues that have an impact on the horse industry. CHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing every facet of the horse industry including owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed organizations, horsemen’s associations, commercial suppliers, and town horse councils. CHC represents equestrians’ interests with representation on the Connecticut Greenways Council and the Connecticut Equine Advisory Council. We provide information on legislation, road safety, trails, zoning, barn fire training,

Stacey Stearns

Connecticut Horse Council

Horseback riding at the beautiful Pachaug State Forest is in peril. To learn more, visit facebook.com/protectpachaugforest.

American Horse Council, whose primary concern is to oversee federal legislation, including taxes, which affect the horse industry.

As a member of CHC, you’re also able to purchase the Personal Excess Liability Insurance administered by Equisure for Association Resource Group (ARG) and their affiliates. This insurance is excess and not intended to be your primary equestrian liability coverage.

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The CHC can only be as strong as its membership.

Please join us!

Passport to the Parks Passes are a reality. Your emails, calls, and personal contacts with your legislators made a difference. Thanks to your involvement, the Passport to the Parks is in the bipartisan 2018–19 budget that was just passed overwhelmingly by your General Assembly.

What does this mean for you? This year two things will be different: (1) No more parking fees for you to get into any Connecticut state park (a savings of $9 to $13 per day.), and (2), you’ll have a $10 charge added to your DMV vehicle registration (paid every other year) that generates funding for the operation, maintenance, and enhancement of your state parks.

Your hard work as an advocate has made your state parks more sustainable (no longer totally reliant on the General Fund) and more people will get to enjoy parks and campgrounds because of your efforts. Thank you, and please pat yourself on the back!

Although there are a few elements of the Passport to the Parks that will likely need to be tweaked over time, the result is a large step in the right direction for state parks including $13.9 million in new revenues estimated in the FY 2019 budget for the Passport to the Parks fund; a new dedicated, nonlapsing Passport to the Parks Fund with better protection against sweeps or diversions; and no more parking fees at state parks for Connecticut residents.

The State of Connecticut

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Mansfield Center, CT . Just 10 minutes from UConn foxfirestables.net . (860) 543-1399 32

March/April 2018

along with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) and the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) have chosen the most desirable location to build a new Connecticut State Police Training Facility in and around Pachaug State Forest on Lee Road, in Griswold. Pachaug State Forest (part of the Last Green Valley) consists of 27,000 acres of dense forest and wildlife, precious wetlands and streams, and is a flyway for migrating birds.

Members of Keep Griswold Quiet, Friends of Pachaug Forest, and area residents know that this facility would have a direct negative effect on visitors, hikers, horseback riders, campers, hunters, kayakers, and many others who enjoy the outdoors. The ancient and historic Nehantic trail is located in Pachaug State Forest and cuts through the piece of property on which the state wants to build the range.

The proposed facility will have an extremely negative impact on the institutions and residents within a two-mile radius including schools, churches, Hopeville State Park campground and beach, and the residential neighborhoods of Griswold and Voluntown. The proposed facility is slated to be built on 113 acres of prime agricultural land on Lee Road, surrounded by Pachaug State Forest. The facility will include a 55,000 square feet building in addition to four outdoor ranges, control towers, and a parking lot for 125 cars. Troopers will need to drive a mile through the forest from the nearest established paved road.

Training will take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include some evening training/discharging firearms as late as 9 p.m. This would mean that as many as 32 troopers may be discharging firearms every day, from dawn until dusk.

Troopers, along with all other law enforcement agencies, will be allowed to practice on the weekends at this massive facility. The Connecticut State Police Swat Challenge is held annually and agencies from all over Connecticut participate with activities including helicopters and car chases.

Residents and organizing members of Keep Griswold Quiet and Friends of Pachaug Forest have the deepest respect

Cabin Fever Auction!

March 11, Sunday New and used tack at 10 a.m., followed by trailers and equipment, and horses and ponies of all sizes, ages, shapes, and disciplines. Stay tuned to our website and follow us on Facebook for updates! Always a nice selection of horses and ponies for sale. Watch videos and view photos at HeritageFarmEasthampton.com.

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n Diane Ciano

Connecticut Morgan Horse Association Think spring! CMHA has a lineup of events coming this spring to get us all back out34

March/April 2018

Hit the trails with us on Sunday, March 31. It’s the last day to ride on the beach until fall, and all breeds are welcome at our new ride, Hot Chocolate at Hammonasset. The ride is located at beautiful

Melissa Richardson Root

side and enjoying our horses.

CMHA events are open to horse enthusiasts from all breeds and disciplines.

Our Annual Banquet is Saturday, March 10, at Traditions in Wallingford.

Members will be receiving

Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show is June 6 to 9 in West Springfield, Massachusetts. This is an open show with classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackneys, and Friesians.Entries are due May 9.

Connecticut Renegades top five high point earners for 2017: Alan Green, Kayla Davis, Paige Forsyth, Sabrina Fecteau, and Tom Beckman.

information in the mail. The silent auction will benefit our youth scholarship.

On Saturday, March 24, CMHA is hosting an Equine Wellness Clinic at Wild Wind Stables in Northford. All horse owners and enthusiasts are invited to attend! We’ll have an equine massage demonstration with Wendy Rivers, a Morgan versatility demonstration, vendors, and a tack sale. Our vendors include: Paintings by Donna, Santoro Blanket Cleaning, County Saddles, and Connecticut Equine Massage.

The clinic is sponsored in part by a breed promotion grant from the American Morgan Horse Association.

expenses for participants in this class. New this year is a groom’s jackpot class on Thursday night. Come cheer for your favorites, and enjoy fun and food with us after the class. Like the horse show page on Facebook to stay up to date on all of the latest news. Show entries are due May 9.

To learn more, information on all of our upcoming events is available at ctmorgans.org. We hope to see you this spring!

n Stacey Stearns

Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooters

Jeanne Lewis Imagesa

for the Connecticut State Police, the dangerous job they do, and their need for an upgraded state-of-the-art training facility. However, Pachaug State Forest is not the right place.

Connecticut residents deserve Pachaug State Forest to remain a safe place for healthy recreational activities and for wildlife. It is not the place for a disruptive facility.

This project needs to be stopped and your help is desperately needed.

Please join the cause. We aim to raise awareness and we’re also seeking donations of every size to help offset the financial burden of legal fees. To donate, visit youcaring.com and search for Save Pachaug Forest.

Help us spread this message to everyone you know.

Check out the proposed solutions on at facebook.com/ protectpachaugforest and join the Protect Pachaug Facebook group.

Contact Representatives, Senators, and Legislators at cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafin dleg.asp and let them know that Pachaug State Forest belongs to all the people of Connecticut. A state police training facility will destroy this beautiful forest and rob us of a precious natural resource.

For more information on the range proposal process, go to ct.gov/ csprange/site/default.asp.

Saturday, March 10, is the CHC’s Volunteer Horse Patrol Annual Meeting. We welcome new and interested members. To learn more, contact Diane Ciano at (203) 757-1904.

Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. We’re working with New England Horse and Trail to get mileage credit. Parking is in the West Beach parking area.

Ride registration is at 9 a.m.

We’ll bring the hot chocolate and doughnuts. See you at the beach!

Are you planning your horse show schedule? Make sure you include the Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show from June 6 to 9 in West Springfield, Massachusetts. We have classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackneys, and Friesians. Our Therapeutic Lead Line class is open to any breed, and we have grants to help cover

At the Renegades Annual Awards Banquet the newest member inducted into the Renegades Hall of Fame was Sabrina Fecteau of Harwinton. The Hall of Fame has become a great way to acknowledge those members who have dedicated years of service to our club.

The 2017 State Champions, earning the highest number of points during the season, were none other than Sabrina and her fiancé Tom Beckman. This achievement was also recognized by our national organization, the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, with additional prizes, including free entry into a National Championship event in 2018.

Other recognized members included Alan Green who was named the “Sharpshooter” for the most accurate season, and Chris Anson along with her horse Painted Arrow for the most improved horse and rider team. Shyanne Ostrander, Deb Sommers, and Bill Hurst were also presented with special recognition awards.

Each year, the Renegades take great pride in recogniz-

resulted in the tragic loss of 24 horses. Connecticut Emergency Animal Response Service (EARS) has been giving free seminars around the state that educate attendees on how to assure your barn is safe and how to save your animals should fire occur. If

Patti Crowther

a horse is not a prerequisite!

Several of our members are nonriders and just enjoy being part of a fun group. If you’d like to join and be more involved, we’re always looking for help at our matches including keeping score, helping with gates, bal-

CTRA members enjoying Wadsworth Falls.

RSVP for all rides and events; please be sure to do so.

Our official camp opening is the weekend of April 21 and 22. Contact camp director Pat Gogoyla at (860) 485-9092 to see how you can help get Camp Boardman ready for the season.

April 29, Ginger Tullai is hosting a ride at Mansfield Hollow Park in Mansfield.

Mount up time is 10:30 a.m.

To learn more and RSVP, contact Ginger at (860) 705-5537.

Remember to renew your membership for 2018.

New membership applications were mailed to everyone in December. You can also obtain one from our Facebook group page and on cttrailridesassoc.org.

Wishing you all a happy and safe spring.

n Patti Crowther

Granby Horse Council

Jane Dalal

ing one of our hard working mounts with an award. The Eternal Sorrel Bar Award, named after the first recipient, is awarded to a horse who has given a great deal to the sport of cowboy mounted shooting. This year Arwen, a beautiful palomino mare owned by Heather Hicks, was presented with this distinction. Arwen not only led her owner through countless shooting patterns for more than 10 years, she also helped many other riders of all ages to get their start in the sport.

The first event of 2018 will be a New Horse and Rider Clinic on Saturday, April 28, at the Old Bethany Airport in Bethany. Clinics are a great way for horses and riders to obtain the basic instructions required for a good foundation in cowboy mounted shooting. The day begins with an overview of the sport, including all the necessary rules on how to safely start training. Next is a lengthy ground session where riders learn about safe gun handling. Last is the mounted session where riders learn how to safely introduce their horses to the sport. Throughout every step, veteran members and their horses are alongside the clinic participants to help with the training.

The first competition of the season will be Smokin’ Guns in Bethany on May 12.

On Memorial Day weekend, the Renegades will host a two-day Border Wars Competition with the Northeast Six Shooters.

The Renegades are always welcoming new members. If you have an interest in horses and would like to find out more about our sport, please come to an event and introduce yourself to one of our many friendly members. Riding or owning

Granby Horse Council’s first trail ride of the season will be the Blessing of the Mounts and a ride on the Holcomb Trails on April 28.

loons, and more.

To learn more, visit ctrenegades.com.

n Allison Forsyth

Connecticut Trail Rides Association Happy March fellow CTRA members. I hope when you’re reading this, the temperature is spring-like and the sun is shining. The severe cold was a big deterrent to riding for most of January.

I’m sure you all have broken hearts for our fellow horsemen and women at Folly Farm after a barn fire

you are interested in hosting a seminar, I’m sure they would be happy to arrange one. To learn more, visit earsct.org.

On March 25, Debbie Sommers will be hosting a beach ride at Hammonasett State Park in Madison.

Mount up time is 11 a.m.

Contact Debbie at (203) 6238512 for details.

Area vice-president Jen Boggiatto is hosting a ride at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth on April 15 at 10:30 a.m. To learn more, call Jen at (203) 915-1027.

It’s common courtesy to

The GHC is riding straight into the spring with a variety of activities already planned.

Our meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month and include an educational or entertaining program. The March meeting will be at the Holcomb Farm in West Granby. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. At the March meeting, we’ll welcome Sergeant Doreen Mikan from the Granby Police Department. Doreen will answer questions relating to riding horses on public roads.

From April through September we meet at various locations. Our April meeting will be held at Magnolia Stables in West Suffield.

Owner and trainer Taylor Verbridge will explain the joys and challenges of keeping mini donkeys. In May, we’ll meet at the Copper Hill Equestrian Center in West Suffield where we’ll learn about Kristin Soto’s vaulting program.

Connecticut Horse

35

n Joan Davis

the triumphs and successes of running the equine rescue facility that she’s led for more than 35 years. During the discussion, it was suggested that the club take a

hosted a Touchstone Crystal Party by Swarovski Fundraiser. Colleen donated a percentage of the proceeds of her sales of this exquisite jewelry line to benefit the

Diane Horton Photography

The first trail ride of the season will start with the Blessing of the Mounts on April 28. This ride begins at the Holcomb Farm at 1 p.m. and heads to the West Granby Methodist Church for the blessing and then onto the Holcomb Trails.

There will be at least eight more rides, the Equine Obstacle Play Day, and the Share the Road event. Share the Road will take place June 9 (rain date June 10) coinciding with Massachusetts’ Share the Road Event.

To learn more, visit granbyhorsecouncilct.com and follow our Facebook page, Granby (CT) Horse Council, to keep up on activities and changes.

Photographer Diane Horton spoke at the MBLA End-of-the-Year Dinner Meeting. Diane photographs the annual MBLA Hunter Pace.

The MBLA’s End-of-the-Year Dinner Meeting was held at the Shepardson Community Center in Middlebury on Friday, December 15, and although the group in attendance was not very large in number, it was definitely an enthusiastic, warm, and festive pre-holiday gathering.

The weather was a sloppy mix of rain, snow, and ice on that particular evening, but there was no way that the MBLA members who attended were going to let the outside conditions put a damper on the traditional event that celebrates another successful end to the club’s season.

The meeting started with brief opening comments by MBLA president, Sally Feuerberg, who then introduced the guest speaker, Patty Wahlers, president of H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut in New Preston.

Patty shared her experiences, challenges, and struggles, as well as anecdotes of some of 36

March/April 2018

Sherri Colby

Middlebury Bridle Land Association

Six-week-old Tanheath Hunt puppies.

field trip to H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut this spring to meet some of Patty’s beloved rescues.

The MBLA also welcomed hunter pace photographer Diane Horton. The club appreciates Diane’s talent, dedication, and service and considers her an integral part of our yearly hunter pace planning.

An abundant dinner and dessert followed with a catered feast by Jesse Camille’s in Naugatuck, a raffle of horse-themed prize buckets, and a little something different — MBLA Member Colleen Colbert

MBLA’s trail maintenance, development, and preservation program. The club hopes to continue this endeavor in the spring when the MBLA will hold its Membership Dinner Meeting.

The Membership Dinner Meeting will be in April on a date to be determined. Once a date has been coordinated, members will be notified via email and on the MBLA Facebook Page.

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Tanheath Hunt Club Although winter is generally quiet for the club, the

weather has made it quieter than usual. Our plans for hunts in December and January were dashed. Master Cathy Leinert’s Bluff Point New Year’s Day ride was cancelled as were hunts in January.

Cathy was able to attend the Master of Fox Hunting Association’s Annual Meeting in New York City recently. She’ll give a full report to our members at our next meeting.

The executive committee gathered at our kennels on January 13 for the first meeting of the year to plan 2018 events. Topics included hunts, membership, subscriptions, capping fees, finances, by-laws, and other new business. Additionally, attendees enjoyed a tour of the hunt’s kennels and saw all our favorite hounds. We heartily thank Sherri Colby, our huntsman, and her husband Bob for all the work they do, maintaining the kennel and training the hounds.

The most exciting news is that the Tanheath Hunt Club is proud to announce the arrival of a litter of hound puppies born in December! What a Christmas present. The puppies are growing every day and are a playful and happy bunch of five males and three females.

They’ll be a wonderful addition to our pack when old enough.

The general election will be held April 20 at the Annual Membership Meeting. To learn more, visit tanheathhunt.com.

We continue to add new members. Interested in joining? Visit tanheathhunt.com and facebook.com/tanheath events.

n Raymond Hill

Connecticut Horse

37

Connecticut

Events March

3 CONNECTICUT HORSE SYMPOSIUM, University of Connecticut Storrs Campus. horsesymposium.uconn.edu.

3 RRRC AND WRC WINTER LUNCHEON AND CLINIC, Figaro Restorante, Enfield. Speaker Rebekah Powell, Qigong Instructor/Practitioner and Reiki Master. westfieldridingclub.org.

3 CVDC MEETING, East Haddam Grange. ctdrivingclub.com.

3 CHJA SHOW, Sweetwater Farm, Clinton. chja.net.

3 NEATO ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER, Voluntown. (860) 235-1098.

3 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris.foxcrossingequestrian.com.

38

March/April 2018

4 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Westport. bhcmanagement.info.

10 – 11 PINES OPEN, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

4 WINTER SHOW SERIES, Oak Meadow Farm, East Windsor. rideoakmeadow.com.

11 CATHY DRUMM LESSON DAY, Hayes Equestrian Center, Plantsville. cathydrumm.com.

4 CMHA AWARD BANQUET, Baci Grill, Cromwell. ctmorgans.org.

18 CABIN FEVER SCHOOLING SHOW III, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

10 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

11 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

10 CHSA CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS GALA, Fantasia, North Haven. chsaonline.com.

13 THERAPY HORSE WORKSHOP: EQUINE SELECTION AND TRAINING, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

10 CHC VOLUNTEER HORSE PATROL ANNUAL MEETING, Company 1 Firehouse, Newington.

(203) 757-1904 or cthorsecouncil.org.

14 VOLUNTEER TRAINING, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

17 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

24 IDA SHOW, University of Connecticut Storrs Campus. teamdressage.com.

17 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

24 CMHA EQUINE WELLNESS CLINIC, Wild Wind Stables, Northford. Open to members and nonmembers. ctmorgans.org.

30 – April 1 PINES OPEN, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

24 FIRST AID CLINIC, White Birch Farm, Portland. (860) 581-0307.

31 EVENTING DRESSAGE TEST PRACTICE, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

24 – 25 IEA HUNT SEAT ZONE 1 FINALS, Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield. rideiea.org.

31 CMHA HOT CHOCOLATE RIDE, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison. ctmorgans.org.

18 STRAIGHTNESS TRAINING GROUNDWORK AND TRANSITION TO LONGEING, Narnia Stables, Ashford. narniastables.com.

18 BRV HOOF PRINT JUMPER SERIES, ABF Equine, Coventry. bhcmanagement.info.

18 CHJA CHSA NEHC RATED SHOW, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

18 FAIRFIELD COUNTY HUNT CLUB SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

18 CHJA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

18 INVITATIONAL SPRING SHOW, End of Hunt Equestrian Center, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

24 CHJA SHOW, New Canaan. newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

24 SMITH-WORTHINGTON SADDLERY MARCH SALE, Hartford. Three hundred saddles up to 60 percent off! smithworthington.com.

25 CTRA HAMMONASSET BEACH RIDE, Madison. cttrailridesassoc.org.

30 EQUINE NUTRITION AND LIABILITY SEMINAR, Pleasant View Farms, Somers. (860) 7425725 or tollandcountyfarmbureau@gmail.com.

April

1 OX RIDGE CHJA SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

25 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

3 CHC MEETING, Northeast Utilities Building, Berlin. cthorsecouncil.org.

25 REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

7 MYSTIC SPRING RATED HUNT SEAT SHOW Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

25 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club,Westport. bhcmanagement.info.

7 CATHY DRUMM LESSON CLINIC, SaddleView Farm, Bethany. cathydrumm.com.

29 VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

7 SIGMA ALPHA FUN SHOW, University of Connecticut Storrs Campus. facebook.com/ 738582733018320.

Hay y Straw y Shavings Year-round Availability Premium Quality Hay & Straw Timothy • Alfalfa • Orchard Grass Brome • Wheat • Rye • Oat 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cuttings Small Square Bales • Round Bales Large Square Bales • Wrapped Balage Construction, landscape straw & mulch

Kiln Dried Pine Shavings 3.25 cu. ft. paper bags (fine flake) 3.0 cu. ft. plastic bags (medium flake) bulk shavings available

Large & Small Deliveries y Drop Trailers Available

(518) 495-7759 chichesterhay@gmail.com Connecticut Horse

39

8 CABIN FEVER SCHOOLING SHOW FINALE, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

8 REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW FINALS, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

8 WINTER SHOW SERIES, Oak Meadow Farm, East Windsor. rideoakmeadow.com.

15 CTRA CHATFIELD HOLLOW STATE PARK RIDE, Killingworth. cttrailridesassoc.org.

22 CEC DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. connecticutequestriancenter.com.

15 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

22 ANN MARIE GREGOIRE RIDE/RE-RIDE DRESSAGE CLINIC, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

15 NEATO BLUFF POINT RIDE, Groton. orgsites.com/ct/neato.

19 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

22 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. bhcmanagement.info.

22 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

8 SPRING SCHOOLING SHOW, Silver Lining Equestrian Center, Columbia. Benefit for Tara Farm Rescue. (860) 729-4317.

19 GRTA APPRECIATION PARTY, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

8 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Fair Hill Farm, Easton. bhcmanagement.info.

20 CHJA SHOW, Halcyon Equestrian, Morris. halcyonequestrian.com.

14 USHJA, CHJA, CHSA SHOW, End of Hunt Equestrian Center, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

21 OX RIDGE CHJA SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

26 – 29 WESTBROOK HUNT CLUB SPRING FLING A SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

21 CHSA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris.foxcrossingequestrian.com.

28 DESPOOK YOUR HORSE CLINIC, Happy Trails Farm, Danbury. (203) 778-6218.

21 ECDHA PLOWING INTO SPRING, Blue Slope Country Museum, Franklin. (860) 919-2239.

28 GRTA TRAIL CLEANUP AND PICNIC, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

21 – 22 PINES OPEN, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

28 GHC BLESSING OF THE MOUNTS, Holcomb Farm, West Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

21 – 22 CDA RIDE-REVIEW-RIDE CLINIC, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. ctdressage.com.

28 CT RENEGADES NEW HORSE/NEW SHOOTER CLINIC, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

26 CQHA SHOW, Oneco. fallscreekfarm.com.

14 TWO-PHASE AND SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

15 HOOF PRINT JUMPER SERIES, Fair Hill Farm, Easton. bhcmanagement.info.

15 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S RATED SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

40

March/April 2018

28 – 29 RATED DRESSAGE SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

29 SCHOOLING SHOW, Hayes Equestrian Center, Plantsville. hayesequestrian.com.

29 SCHOOLING SHOW, White Birch Farm, Portland. (860) 581-0307.

29 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

29 CTRA MANSFIELD HOLLOW PARK RIDE, Mansfield. cttrailridesassoc.org.

May

4 CHJA SHOW, Halcyon Equestrian, Morris. halcyonequestrian.com.

4 – 5 CROSS COUNTRY DERBY, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

5 SPRING SELF-RENEWAL AND LIBERTY WORKSHOP, Ashford. narniastables.com.

12 GRTA DOGWOOD RIDE AND COUNTRY LUNCHEON, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

5 CDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. ctdressage.com.

12 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

6 HUNT SEAT SCHOOLING SHOW, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

12 CT RENEGADES SMOKIN’ GUNS MEET, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

6 CCBA OPEN SHOW, Glastonbury Hunt Club, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

13 CDCTA SCHOOLING SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. cdctaonline.com.

6 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S RATED SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

13 USHJA, CHJA, CHSA SHOW, End of Hunt Equestrian Center, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

6 CTRA WHITE MEMORIAL RIDE, Litchfield. cttrailridesassoc.org.

19 DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

6 LEVEL 1 RECOGNIZED DRESSAGE SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

5 FAIRFIELD COUNTY HUNT CLUB SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

6 GRANBY PONY CLUB OPEN SHOW, Copper Hill Equestrian Center, West Suffield. granby.ponyclub.org.

5 CTRA BLESSING OF THE MOUNTS, Cheshire. cttrailridesassoc.org.

6 USEA COMBINED TEST, Riga Meadow Equestrian Center, Salisbury. rigameadow.com.

5 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris.foxcrossingequestrian.com.

12 NEPHA SHOW, Oneco. fallscreekfarm.com.

20 FAIRFIELD COUNTY 4-H BENEFIT SHOW, UConn Extension Grounds, Bethel. fairfieldcounty4H.edu.

August 19 Dressage Show and Two Phase

July 7 Summer Series Show II

October 27 CHJA/CHSA/NEHC Rated Show

June 23 & 24 Jane Savoie Dressage Clinic

April 22 Ann Marie Gregoire Ride/ReRide Dressage Clinic

August 12 Summer Series Show III

April 8 Cabin Fever Schooling Show

Lessons

20 SUMMER SERIES SHOW, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers.shallowbrook.com.

May 20 Summer Series Show I

March 18 CHJA/CHSA/NEHC Rated Show

•

19 CT RENEGADES PRACTICE, Bronco Billy’s, Granby. ctrenegades.com.

2018 Schedule of Events

March 11 Cabin Fever Schooling Show

Boarding

19 CHJA SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

•

Leasing

September 30 Summer Series Show IV

November 18 CHJA/CHSA/NEHC Rated Show

Check the shallowbrook.com often for new events and updated information!

•

Summer Horsemanship Program

•

IEA Team

247 Hall Hill Road, Somers, Connecticut • 860.749.0749 • shallowbrook.com Connecticut Horse

41

25 CHJA SHOW, Halcyon Equestrian, Morris. halcyonequestrian.com.

2 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S RATED SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

20 CTRA UPPER SALMON RIVER RIDE, East Hampton. cttrailridesassoc.org.

25 – 27 NEATO MEMORIAL CAMPOVER, Natchaug State Forest, Eastford. orgsites.com/ct/neato.

2 UCONN RIDING CAMP HORSEMANSHIP SAFETY CLINIC, University of Connecticut Storrs Campus. animalscience.uconn.edu/equineextension-events.php.

20 KENT SCHOOL SPRING HORSE TRIALS, Kent. onthebitevents.com.

26 – 27 CT RENEGADES BORDER WARS MEET, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

20 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SPRING CLASSIC, Fair Hill Farm, Easton. bhcmanagement.info.

26 – 28 CTRA MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CAMPOUT, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

20 PHTA CROSS TOWN RIDE, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. pomfrethorseandtrail.com.

27 CAROUSEL FARM SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. carouselhorsefarm.org.

20 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

27 CHJA SHOW, Clinton. chja.net.

3 CEC DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. connecticutequestriancenter.com.

27 CHJA SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. avonvalleyshowstables.com.

3 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

28 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

3 CCBA OPEN SHOW, Glastonbury Hunt Club, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

28 CHJA SHOW, Oak Meadow Farm, East Windsor. rideoakmeadow.com.

3 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

20 MYSTIC SPRING II HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

25 – 27 ANN HALLER CLINIC, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

26 WESTBROOK HUNT CLUB SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

26 USEA/USEF HORSE TRIALS, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

25 CTRA HAMMONASSET BEACH RIDE, Madison. cttrailridesassoc.org.

42

March/April 2018

June

1 PATRICK KING HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC, KB Equine, Meriden. kbequine.com.

2 DEB MURPHY CENTERED RIDING CLINIC, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

2 – 3 FWPHA SHOW, Fairfield Hunt Club, Westbrook. fwpha.com.

3 BETHANY HORSE SHOW, Old Bethany Airport. Bethany. bethanyhorseshow.org.

5 CHC MEETING, Northeast Utilities Building, Berlin. cthorsecouncil.org.

10 CHJA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris.foxcrossingequestrian.com.

7 – 10 SHALLOWBROOK CHARITY SHOW, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. bhcmanagement.info.

12 – 17 OX RIDGE A RATED SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

8 – 10 TSHA OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

8 – 10 RATED DRESSAGE SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

17 ABACUS EVENTS DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

17 SCHOOLING SHOW, Hayes Equestrian Center, Plantsville. hayesequestrian.com.

17 TSHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

9 GHC SHARE THE ROAD EVENT, location TBA. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

17 CHJA SHOW, Simsbury. wellawayfarmct.com.

9 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

19 – 23 FAIRFIELD COUNTY HUNT CLUB JUNE BENEFIT SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

9 VERSATILITY COMPETITION, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

20 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. (860) 873-8108.

10 CTRA GEORGE SEYMOUR LAUREL RIDE, East Hampton. cttrailridesassoc.org.

22 – 24 STRAIGHTNESS TRAINING MASTERY CLINIC, Ashford. narniastables.com.

10 GRTA ANNUAL SHOW, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

23 CT RENEGADES AMITY ROAD MAYHEM MEET, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

10 MANES AND MOTIONS FREEDOM RIDE, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. (860) 685-0008.

23 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S RATED SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

23 – 24 JANE SAVOIE DRESSAGE CLINIC, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

24 CHJA SHOW, Sweetwater Farm, Clinton. chja.net.

24 SCHOOLING SHOW, White Birch Farm, Portland. (860) 581-0307.

24 CAROUSEL FARM SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. carouselhorsefarm.org.

24 CHJA SHOW, Oak Meadow Farm, East Windsor. rideoakmeadow.com.

24 CTRA NATCHAUG STATE FOREST RIDE, Eastford. cttrailridesassoc.org.

24 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

24 CDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Grand View Stable, Columbia. ctdressage.com.

28 CHJA SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. avonvalleyshowstables.com.

29 CHJA SHOW, Watch Hill Farm, Ridgefield. watchillfarmllc.com.

335 Middle Road Turnpike, Woodbury, CT Dressage Show

Horse Trials

Schooling Shows

April 22

Three divisions: Elementary,

Classes from Walk Trot to Short

Beginner Novice, and Novice

Stirrup and Open Hunters to

June 3

Schooling Jumpers

August 12

May 27 . July 22

September 23

August 19 . October 21

Dressage & Combined Test April 29

Boarding . Training . Lessons . Shows Beginner Summer Camps . Show Summer Camps . Eventing Summer Camp Cross-country Course Open for Schooling

(203) 263-2627

.

frazierfarmct.com

Connecticut Horse

43

Independence Stable

29 – July 8 CTRA FOURTH OF JULY CAMPOUT WEEK, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

30 RECOGNIZED SPRING DRESSAGE SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

2018 Dressage Schooling Shows Traditional & Western Dressage Tests

30 CHJA SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

30 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

30 WESTERN DRESSAGE CLINIC, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

April 7 - “L” judge Roberta Carlton May 5 - “L” judge Doris Carlson July Aug. 12 - “L” judge Linda Currie 1 USHJA, CHSA SHOW, End of Hunt Equestrian Center, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

Sept. 9 - “L” judge Krystal Wilt Check our Facebook page for updates!

404 S. Washington St. Belchertown, Mass.

(413) 284-0371 independencestablellc.com

Presents the 23nd

Equine Expo Paraphernalia Sale Saturday, April 28, 2018 . 9-3

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15 CTRA RORABACK WILDLIFE AREA RIDE, Harwinton. cttrailridesassoc.org.

15 CDCTA SCHOOLING SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. cdctaonline.com.

15 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Riga Meadow, Salisbury. rigameadow.com.

18 CJHA SHOW, New Canaan. newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

1 CCBA OPEN SHOW, Glastonbury Hunt Club, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

19 OX RIDGE CHJA SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

1 CHJA SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

20 – 22 TSHA OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

5 – 8, SHORELINE I SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

21 UCONN SUMMER SCHOOLING SHOW, University of Connecticut Storrs Campus. animalscience.uconn.edu/calendar.php.

6 – 7 CROSS COUNTRY DERBY, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

22 BRV CHJA SHOW, Fair Hill Farm, Easton. bhcmanagement.info.

7 SUMMER SERIES SHOW, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers.shallowbrook.com.

22 CHJA SHOW, Sweetwater Farm, Clinton. chja.net.

8 ABACUS EVENTS DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

22 GHC LONG YELLOW TRAIL RIDE, McLean Game Refuge, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

8 CJHA SHOW, New Canaan. newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

8 HUNT SEAT SCHOOLING SHOW, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

10 – 14, SHORELINE II SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

March/April 2018

15 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

1 TSHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

Demonstrations All Day and a Silent Auction $5 Admission . children under 10 free

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

14 BAROQUE EQUESTRIAN GAMES SHOW, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center, Old Lyme. All breeds welcome. baroquegames.net.

18 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. (860) 873-8108.

8 CDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Carbery Fields, Lebanon. ctdressage.com.

Vendor Spaces Available . Free Parking

14 CT RENEGADES SUMMER SIZZLER MEET, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

1 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

Large marketplace of new and used items!

Plus services for the horse, rider, and driver.

Held in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1, Topsfield

14 NEPHA SHOW, Oneco. fallscreekfarm.com.

22 CHJA, NEHC, M&S RATED SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

23 CHSA SHOW AND TACK SALE, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris.foxcrossingequestrian.com.

25 OX RIDGE CHJA SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

28 CTRA MOONLIGHT RIDE, Mowhawk State Forest, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

11 LEVEL 1 RECOGNIZED DRESSAGE SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

28 CHJA SHOW AND TACK SALE, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris.foxcrossingequestrian.com.

12 – 15 ANN HALLER CLINIC, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

28 CHJA SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

28 DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

29 USHJA, CHJA, CHSA SHOW, End of Hunt Equestrian Center, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

16 – 19 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

17 – 19 TSHA OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

29 OX RIDGE CHJA SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

19 DRESSAGE SHOW AND TWO-PHASE, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

29 TSHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

20 PATRICK KING HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC, KB Equine, Meriden. kbequine.com.

29 CT RENEGADES PRACTICE, Bronco Billy’s, Granby. ctrenegades.com.

22 CHJA SHOW, Watch Hill Farm, Ridgefield. watchillfarmllc.com.

August

23 – 26 CHSA FINALS, TBA. chsaonline.com.

4 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S RATED SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

24 – 26 AREA 1 USEA CHAMPIONSHIPS, Town HIll Farm, Lakeville. townhillfarm.com.

4 CDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Weatogue Stables, Salisbury. ctdressage.com.

26 CEC DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. connecticutequestriancenter.com.

4 – 5 FWPHA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

26 CTRA STEEP ROCK RIDE, Washington Depot. cttrailridesassoc.org.

5 MYSTIC SUMMER PREMIERE HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

31 – September 3 CTRA LABOR DAY CAMPOUT WEEKEND, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

5 CTRA SALMON BROOK RIDE, Granby. cttrailridesassoc.org.

8 CJHA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

8 CT RENEGADES SHOWDOWN AT THE AIRPORT MEET, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

1 MYSTIC SUMMER FESTIVAL SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

2 CDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. ctdressage.com.

8 CHJA SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. avonvalleyshowstables.com.

11 NEPHA SHOW, Oneco. fallscreekfarm.com.

12 CHJA SHOW, Oak Meadow Farm, East Windsor. rideoakmeadow.com.

12 ABACUS EVENTS DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

12 CTRA ANNUAL AUCTION AND BARBECUE, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

12 CCBA OPEN SHOW, Glastonbury Hunt Club, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

12 SUMMER SERIES SHOW, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers.shallowbrook.com.

14 CHJA SHOW, Watch Hill Farm, Ridgefield. watchillfarmllc.com.

Erin Trawick-Smith, DVM (860) 615-9335 millingtonequine.com

September

6 CQHA SHOW, Oneco. fallscreekfarm.com.

10 – 11 CROSS COUNTRY DERBY, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

Serving Central & Southern Connecticut

8 DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

9 HUNT SEAT SCHOOLING SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

Subscribe Today!

9 SSF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

9 CCBA OPEN SHOW, Glastonbury Hunt Club, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

9 CT RENEGADES PRACTICE, Bronco Billy’s, Granby. ctrenegades.com.

9 GHC STRAIN TRAIL RIDE, Strain Family Horse Farm, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

connhorse.com

Connecticut Horse

45

Hartford

This Olde Horse

Mohawk Distribution Quality Equine Products

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email

editor@connhorse.com.

Dennis R. Paulhus, owner Ellington, CT . (860) 490-7509 MohawkDistributionCT@gmail.com mohawkdistributionct.com

How about a nice massage?

For your horse!

Ridgefield, CT (203) 297-3008 kathy.curran@snet.net

Brooklyn-Canterbury Large Animal Clinic Equines, Farm Animals & Camelids Serving Eastern CT & RI 24-hour Mobile Veterinary Emergency Service

Alice V. Ennis, DVM : B-C Large Animal Clinic, LLC

132 Westminster Road Canterbury, CT

860.546.6998 . BCLargeAnimal.com 46

March/April 2018

the

neighborhood

Your Everything Equine “white pages” New England’s Largest Quality Sales Stable Celebrating 50 Years.

ARTISTS

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BARN CONSTRUCTION

PORTRAITS BY SHAWNALEE Middlebury, CT, (203) 598-0065 shawnalee.com Charcoals, oils painted by hand.

THE CARRIAGE SHED (800) 441-6057, carriageshed.com Custom-built barns, shed rows, arenas, run-in sheds, Amish crafted.

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ASSOCIATIONS

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CHESHIRE HORSE COUNCIL cheshirehorsecouncil.org Trail rides and maintenance, community service.

S

Boarding Lessons

p

Valley Far ring m Indoor Arena

CONNECTICUT BARREL HORSE connecticutbarrelhorse.com

Sales Leases

Owned and Operated by the Ross Family Trainer: Jennifer Braiden 1125 Essex Rd., Westbrook, CT (860) 399-5000 . (860) 304-5848

Got manure?

Containerized Manure Removal Le May, Inc. Farmers of Natural Resources Fred LeMay . Newtown, Connecticut 203-426-2497 . 203-948-1586 (cell)

AgriMixMulch.com contactagrimix@gmail.com . akenworthman@gmail.com

CONNECTICUT COLOR BREED ASSOCIATION connecticutcolorbreed.com CONNECTICUT DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION ctdressageassoc.com CONNECTICUT GYMKHANA ASSOCIATION ctgymkhana.com CONNECTICUT HORSE SHOWS ASSOCIATION chsaonline.com CONNECTICUT MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION ctmorgans.org CONNECTICUT RENEGADES ctrenegades.com CONNECTICUT TRAIL RIDES ASSOCIATION ct-trailrides.org GRANBY HORSE COUNCIL OF CONNECTICUT granbyhorsecouncilct.com GREENWICH RIDING AND TRAILS ASSOCIATION thegrta.org MIDDLEBURY BRIDLE LAND ASSOCIATION middleburybridle.org NEWTOWN BRIDLE LANDS ASSOCIATION nblact.com POMFRET HORSE AND TRAIL ASSOCIATION pomfrethorseandtrail.com TANHEATH HUNT CLUB tanheathhunt.com BARN CATS

562 S Main St., Middletown, CT (860) 347-2531 www.midstatetractor.com

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TEAM MOBILE FELINE UNIT (888) FOR-TEAM everyanimalmatters.org Mobile spay, neuter, and vaccination clinic for cats.

KING BARNS (888) 354-4740, kingbarns.com Custom barns, arenas, out buildings, living quarters, complete design services, fine Amish craftmanship.

BOARDING AND TRAINING

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BABCOCK HILL FARM DAWN BONIN HORSEMANSHIP Coventry, CT, (860) 985-7611 babcockhill.com Natural horsemanship, lessons, training, boarding, sales/leases, clinics, versatility competitions, group lessons, and seminars.

FOXFIRE STABLES Mansfield Center, CT, (860) 543-1399 foxfirestables.net Dressage specialty, board, lessons, training, all breeds welcome.

FOX LEDGE FARM, ANN GUPTILL East Haddam, CT, (860) 873-8108 eqarts@snet.net Quality dressage instruction and training; beginner to Grand Prix.

SHALLOW BROOK FARM Bridgewater, CT, (203) 788-2122 shallow-brook.com Event, hunting, and pleasure horses; boarding, lessons, sales; 4,000 acres of trails, cross-country fences.

SPERRY VIEW FARM Bethany, CT, (203) 915-8293 sperryviewfarm.com Dressage, eventing, boarding, professional training, shows, clinics.

SPRING VALLEY FARM Westbrook, CT, (860) 399-5000 Hunter, jumper, boarding, lessons.

WHITE BIRCH FARM Portland, CT, (860) 581-0307 wbfllcct@gmail.com Boarding, training, trails, lessons, leasing, clinics, indoor arena.

WHIMSY BROOK FARM Redding, CT, (203) 938-3760 whimsybrookfarm.com Boarding, lessons, training, equine therapies, Pony Club.

Connecticut Horse

47

BRAIDING

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BRAIDEEZ BRAIDING WIRE braideez.com Makes braiding so easy! See videos and lessons at braideez.com.

EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY

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MANES & MOTIONS Middletown, CT, (860) 223-2761 manesandmotions.com Therapeutic riding for body, mind, soul.

LOCK, STOCK & BARREL (203) 393-0002 lsbfarmsupply.com Large-animal feed and pet food. Tack, farm supplies, and power equipment.

Blue Seal and Purina.

NORWICH AGWAY Norwich, (860) 889-2344 norwichagway.com SHAGBARK LUMBER & FARM SUPPLY East Haddam, (860) 873-1946 shagbarklumber.com

EQUINE MASSAGE

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EQUINE MASSAGE BY KATHLEEN Ridgefield, CT, (203) 297-3008 kathy.curran@snet.net A nice massage, for your horse!

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

EQUINE RELATIONSHIPS

VALLEY HOME & GARDEN CENTER Simsbury, (860) 651-5646 valleyhomeandgarden.com

G.M. THOMPSON & SONS Mansfield Depot, (860) 429-9377 gmthompson.net H. H. STONE & SONS Southbury, (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons.benmoorepaints.com LITCHFIELD BLUE SEAL STORE Litchfield, (860) 482-7116

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March/April 2018

ASSOCIATED REFUSE HAULERS Newtown, CT, (203) 426-8870 associatedrefuse.com Containerized manure removal in southwestern Connecticut.

PLEASANT VIEW FARMS Somers, CT, (860) 803-2777 pleasantviewfarmsinc.com Quality hay, straw, and non-GMO grain.

PHOTOGRAPHY

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JEANNE LEWIS IMAGES Wallingford, CT, jeannelewisimages.com Western events, barn shoots, portraits. Serving New England.

HORSES FOR SALE

STRAIN FAMILY HORSE FARM Granby, CT, (860) 653-3275 strainfamilyhorsefarm.com New England’s largest quality sales stable celebrating 50 years.

BENEDICT’S HOME & GARDEN Monroe, CT, (203) 268-2537 benedictsgarden.com

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PENDERGAST HAULING AND BARN SERVICES New Fairfield, CT, (203) 948-9493 Manure removal, arena-footing restoration, excavation service.

FARRIER

FEED AND PET STORES

MANURE REMOVAL,

IMPERIAL HAY TRANSPORT Royalton, VT, (802) 234-2141 imperialhaytransport.com Quality New York and Canadian hay; shavings. Maine to Florida.

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FARM CREDIT EAST (800) 946-0506 farmcrediteast.com Loans for equestrian facilities, farms, bare land. Equipment loans, leases.

Payroll services, farm business consulting, record keeping, appraisals.

HAY AND SHAVINGS

HORSE LOGIC horse-logic.com What is your horse trying to tell you?

Tuning in to your companion.

Understanding undesired behaviors from the horse’s point of view.

MATT LEWIS Colchester, CT, (860) 575-2455 foxglovefarm.com Professional horseshoeing for the performance horse.

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LE MAY, INC. Newtown, CT, (203) 347-2531 We buy manure.

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LOANS AND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

HERITAGE FARM Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-1612 farmheritage.com Open to buy, sell, or trade horses seven days a week, by appointment.

SARAH GROTE PHOTOGRAPHY Cromwell, CT, (860) 301-6647 sarahgrote.com Lifestyle, event, pet, and nature.

REAL ESTATE

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WILLIAM RAVEIS EQUESTRIAN raveis.com Specializing in equestrian lifestyle real estate.

RETIREMENT SANCTUARIES

INSURANCE

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DON RAY INSURANCE (781) 837-6550 donrayinsurance.com Competitive rates, great service, farm packages, event insurance, liability, mortality and major medical.

LEGAL ADVICE

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SEAN T. HOGAN, ESQ. Westport, CT, (203) 221-3250 seanhoganlaw.com Assisting owners, riders, and trainers with equine litigation, equine taxation, land use, ownerships, sales, leases, and USEF and FEI hearings.

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MITCHELL FARM Salem, CT, (860) 303-8705 mitchellfarm.org Permanent sanctuary for senior horses.

TAYLOR FARM New Hartford, CT, (860) 482-8725 taylorfarmct.com Horse retirement is all we do!

TACK

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ARBITRAGE TACK Oakville, CT, (860) 417-2608 arbitragetack.com Equipment you need at prices you can afford. We keep you riding.

MOHAWK DISTRIBUTION Ellington, CT, (860) 490-7509 mohawkdistributionct.com Repping Designs by Loriece, Garroutte Products, and La Victoria Performance.

SMITH-WORTHINGTON SADDLERY Hartford, CT, (860) 527-9117 smithworthington.com Fine English saddlery and tack.

TRACTORS/EQUIPMENT

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MIDSTATE TRACTOR AND EQUIPMENT COMPANY Middletown, CT, (860) 347-2531 midstatetractor.com Kubota, John Deere, Scag Power Equipment, Stihl, Honda.

TRAILERS

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PAUL CONGELOSEI TRAILER SALES Montgomery, NY, (888) 310-2246 congelositrailersales.com Finding just the right trailer? At Congelosi Trailer Sales, it’s easy!

VACATION

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MOUNTAIN TOP INN AND RESORT Chittenden, VT, (802) 483-2311 mountaintopinn.com Vermont’s premier equestrian resort with miles of trails through woods and meadows, cross-country course, outdoor arenas, luxurious accommodations, creative cuisine, spa, salon, private beach. A short drive from home but a world away!

VETERINARY

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BROOKLYN-CANTERBURY LARGE ANIMAL CLINIC Canterbury, CT, (860) 546-6998 bclargeanimal.com Serving eastern CT and RI. Equines, farm animals, and camelids.

GRAND PRIX EQUINE Hawleyville, CT, (203) 733-0789 grandprixequine.com Focused care for the performance horse. Johanna Kremberg, DVM, Mark R. Baus, DVM. CARA KNESER, DVM Bozrah, CT, (860) 823-8951 kneserveterinary.com Mobile 24/7 equine veterinary service.

TWIN PINES EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES Griswold, CT, (860) 376-4373 twinpinesequine.com Quality, compassionate care.

Benedict’s Home & Garden 480 Purdy Hill Rd., Monroe (203) 268-2537 . benedictsgarden.com

Litchfield Blue Seal Store 99 Thomaston Rd., Litchfield (860) 482-7116 . blueseal.com

Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supply 21 Mt. Parnassus Rd., E. Haddam (860) 873-1946 . shagbarklumber.com

G. M. Thompson & Sons 54 Middle Turnpike Mansfield Depot (860) 429-9377 . gmthompson.net

Lock, Stock & Barrel 770 Amity Rd., Bethany (203) 393-0002 . lsbfarmsupply.com

Valley Home & Garden Centre 16 Railroad St., Simsbury (860) 651-5646 . valleyhomeandgarden.com

H. H. Stone & Sons 168 Main St. S., Southbury (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons.benmoorepaints.com

Norwich Agway 217 Otrobando Ave., Norwich (860) 889-2344 . norwichagway.com

Connecticut Horse

49

Is This Your Horse?

xx

courtesy of Sonnenhof Equestrian Center

Connecticut’s own Smith-Worthington Saddlery is the proud sponsor of Is This Your Horse?

Crafting fine English saddlery and tack since 1794.

Available at fine tack shops throughout the U.S. 275 Homestead Ave. Hartford, Connecticut 860 . 527 . 9117 smithworthington.com

Is this your horse?

Boarding

Lessons

Training

Leasing

Trails

2 Outdoor Arenas Indoor Arena

Covered Round Pen

Clinics

Parties

Group Lessons

Show Coaching

239 Sand Hill Rd., Portland, CT 06480 (860) 581-0307 wbfllcct@gmail.com 50

March/April 2018

Subscribe Today!

This photo was taken at the Sara Vanecek Clinic at Sonnenhof Equestrian Center in Easton. If this is your horse, contact us at win@connhorse.com for a Smith-Worthington Saddlery leather halter and a two-year subscription to Connecticut Horse!

connhorse.com

Connecticut Horse

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRIDGEPORT, CT PERMIT

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