Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

C O N N E C T IC U T

HORSE

DEWORMING AN EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND GUIDE

March/April 2019 connhorse.com $4

IDLENOT FARM FARM FEATURE

NAUGATUCK STATE FOREST TRAIL GUIDE

DURHAM ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM LEND A HOOF

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

March/April 2019

Anne Connor Photography

contents

16

18

Steve Frischling/Lyme Fire Company

14

Sally L. Feuerberg

Stacey Stearns

8

20

features 8

Deworming

An Easy-to-Understand Guide

16

Idlenot Farm

Patricia Norcia Dressage

20

Farm Feature

D.A.R.T.

Durham Animal Response Team Lend a Hoof

14

Naugatuck State Forest

18

Mount Sanford Block

Diane Ciano

Riding with the Sisterhood

22

It’s Tax Time

The Hobby-Loss Rule

Above the Bar

Horseperson Feature

Trail Guide

in every issue 5

From the Publisher

27

This Olde Horse

39

The Neighborhood

7

Your Letters

28

Partners

42

Is This Your Horse?

Overherd: News in Our Community

33

Nutmeg State Events Calendar

24

4

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

From the Publisher

I

know spring is coming because just getting within two

recognize junior exhibitors who have shown the best horse-

feet of my ponies creates a static-cling effect that covers

manship and sportsmanship. This is the youth who is not win-

me in horse hair, especially

if I’m wearing polar fleece.

Soon shiny, buttery coats will

ning but who is working hard and has a great attitude.

To learn more and request a

appear. And with the snow

free award for your event, visit

receding, the riding ring will

connhorse.com/youth-awards.

become usable and some conditioning can begin.

In this issue you’ll discover,

Soon the red-winged blackbirds, killdeer, robins, and eastern bluebirds will fill each

or rediscover, a vast array of

morning with a symphony as I

Connecticut events: they begin

feed, muck, and put the curry

on page 33.

and shedding blade to the horses’

Now that the competition

winter coats. These mornings are

season is upon us, be sure to

peaceful, and I feel connected to

request a free Connecticut Horse

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Youth Award for your event. These awards are one of the ways Connecticut Horse gives back to our community. They

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CON N EC T ICU T

HORSE vol. 4, no. 5 March/April 2019

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.

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editor Kathaleen Emerson

feature writers Sally L. Feuerberg, Sean T. Hogan, Esq., Alessandra Mele, Lara Rudowski, Stacey Stearns

contributors Diane Ciano, Patti Crowther, Joan Davis, Kathy Diemer, Allison Forsyth Chris Greer, Raymond Hill, Kelly D. Hitt, Diana Kuen, Shawnalee Kwashnak Jeanne Lewis, Amanda Lindberg, Suzy Lucine, Howard Schatzberg

public relations & advertising sales Lara Rudowski . lara@connhorse.com . (860) 841-9070

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the fine print 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.

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

Your Letters To the Editor: Just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoy Connecticut

Horse. I just read it cover to cover. [January/February 2019] It’s such a pleasure to read something that isn’t just a glamour magazine for the rich and famous farms, equitators, and all their winnings.

This is a magazine for all types of riders and disciplines as well as stories about the workings of the everyday horse world.

Very interesting reading about the re-use of manure. When I worked at Miss Porter’s School 60 years ago they sold their refuse to a mushroom farmer for re-purposing.

Cynthia Jensen, Cheshire

Send your letters to editor@connhorse.com or Connecticut Horse, 99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096.

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Deworming An Easy-to-Understand Guide larvae develop into adults and lay eggs larvae enter large intestinal mucosa

horse eats grass and ingests larvae

eggs pass out in manure

eggs in manure develop into larvae

larvae move onto grass

by Stephanie Sanders

W

hen it comes to internal parasites and your horse, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news: There’s evolving resistance by parasites to chemical dewormers. The good news: Though the problem of resistance is serious, with a savvy schedule developed with your veterinarian, coupled with good stable management practices and fecal testing, you not only can stay a stride ahead of an infection but can potentially save money by decreasing how often you deworm and lessen your horse’s chances of a case of colic as well.

Dewormers were introduced to the horse community more than 50 years ago. Now, the easy-to-use paste dewormer can be found in every barn, local tack shop, and vet’s truck.

Effectiveness, safety, and ease of use in controlling internal parasite populations and minimizing parasite-related diseases, including the dreaded colic, were the benefits to horse owners in the 1960s with the introduction of the first benzimidazole-type drugs (Panacur, Safe-Guard) that were highly effective at eradicating large strongyles.

When tubes of paste dewormers were first introduced and available to the consumer without involving a veterinarian, the most common and concerning internal parasite was large strongyles.

The goal of those initial tubes of dewormer was to eliminate adult large strongyles before they could lay eggs 8

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

and infect pastures and paddocks.

Because strongyle eggs reappeared in manure about two months after deworming, most parasite control schedules involved deworming every two months.

“In terms of management priorities, an effective parasitecontrol program is second only to supplying clean, plentiful water and high-quality feed.

It’s that important.”

American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)

In 1966, J. H. Drudge and E. T. Lyons were the first to describe a modern equine anthelmintic program based on suppressive treatments. With the availability of Panacur and Safe-Guard, Drudge and Lyons used the best scientific evidence available at the time to recommend a treatment protocol involving year-round, bi-monthly treatment of all horses.

This protocol has since then been denoted the standard interval dose regimen. If you’re still following this 53year-old program, this article is for you!

Today, dewormers are used in parasite-control programs but concerns about effectiveness have emerged due

to parasites’ increasing resistance against various dewormers.

Now, we’re seeing that small strongyles, roundworms, and tapeworms are the leading causes of parasite infection and parasite-related diseases.

The life cyles of these worms differ from that of the large strongyle. This is one reason that frequent deworming on a two-month schedule is not effective in controlling small strongyles, roundworms, and tapeworms.

Large strongyles are now rare, and small strongyles are the parasites of concern in adult horses, while roundworms remain the parasite most frequently seen in foals and weanlings.

While different worms have different life cycles, all types progress through similar stages: eggs hatch and develop into larvae, migrate through a host body and mature into adults that, in turn, lay from hundreds of thousands to millions of eggs daily. Horses are infected with eggs or larvae by eating grass, grain, or hay contaminated with manure or by physical invasion, via the mouth or skin. (Think of that mouthy foal or young horse that tastes everything.)

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), “In terms of management priorities, an effective parasite-control program is second only to supplying clean, plentiful water and high-quality feed.

It’s that important.”

Left untreated, the damaging consequences of parasite infection can lead to obstruction of blood vessels or the gastrointestinal tract, tissue invasion/ destruction, toxic reactions, anemia, depletion of nutrients, and increased susceptibility to disease such as colic.

In short, stopping a parasite problem before it starts is your best defense.

Fecal Egg Count Testing Schedule horse’s age

fecal egg counts

fecal egg count reduction test

deworm

youngsters

routinely to determine roundworms

annually until more than two years old

deworm foals for roundworms, after weaning focus on small strongyles, tapeworms

adults

once or twice per year

every three years for each dewormer drug class used

deworm spring and fall after first hard frost, additionally for high egg shedders as needed

elderly

same as adults, some elderly horses are high egg shedders

every three years for each dewormer drug class used

same as adults

upon arrival

same as adults

Growing Resistance Stopping parasite infection early is more important than ever because parasites are continuously becoming resistant to dewormers. Nature has a way of adapting its creatures to a changing environment and that resistance is happening now.

Resistance develops with repeated use of dewormers to populations of worms that have resistant genes. Over time, those organisms with the greatest resistance to a drug pass on their genes, allowing ever-greater numbers of their species to remain unscathed. Ultimately, enough of a proportion of the parasite population will possess resistance genes, resulting in dewormer treatment failure.

Dewormer resistance is a major threat to the current and future control of worm parasites in horses. It will be years before a new class of dewormer is developed and tested for use in the horse.

According to the AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines, “Resistance is real and researchers have identified it in the United States against three classes of dewormers.” A large majority of the studies have been performed in the southeastern states, but there’s little information for the Northeast.

However, here are the current levels of resistance seen in the southeastern states for the four dewormer drug classes: Benzimidazoles – generic names: fenbendazole and oxibendazole; brand names: Panacur, Safe-Guard, Anthelicide EQ – widespread resistance in small strongyles in the Southeast, no resistance in large strongyles, and early indications of resistance in roundworms.

Macrocylic Lactones – generic names: ivermectin, moxidectin; brand names: Ivermectin, Zimectrin, Quest Gel, Ivercare – early indications of resistance in small strongyles, no resistance in large strongyles, and widespread resistance in roundworms.

Pyrimidines – generic name: pyrantel pamoate; brand names: Strongid, Exodus, StrongyleCare, Equi-Mintic, Equi-Aid – common resistance in small strongyles, no resistance in large strongyles, and early indications of resistance in roundworms.

Isquinoline-pyrozines – generic

new horses

Fecal egg counts help you know your horse’s level of worm egg shedding. Collect a manure sample prior to deworming.

Fecal egg count reduction tests are the only way to know if your dewormer is

effective. Perform a fecal egg count before deworming, deworm the horse based on results, and perform another fecal egg count 10 to 14 days after deworming.

name: praziquantel; brand names: Quest Plus Gel, Zimectrin Gold – no resistance known.

There’s considerable concern about the eventuality of worms becoming resistant to virtually all the drugs currently available. In parts of South America, Australia, and South Africa, large sheep ranches went out of business because worms on those ranches became resistant to every drug available. The eventuality is rather frightening, because theoretically, worms should develop resistance to just about any dewormer.

So what’s a horse owner to do?

The Lowdown on Egg Loads Successful defense begins by working with your veterinarian and diagnosing which parasites your horse is carrying.

Fecal Egg Count Test A fecal egg count test, (two types are recommended by the AAEP: Modified McMaster Procedure and Modified Wisconsin Technique), quantifies the number of eggs per gram of manure. If the infecting parasites are at the stage in their life cycle when they are producing eggs, a fecal egg count can help estimate the worm burden. The fecal egg count test does not tell you the worm

burden in the horse, but the number of eggs being shed by those worms. From there, one infers the parasite load in the horse.

For example, horses with small strongyle egg shedding of 0 to 200 eggs per gram are considered low (pasture) contaminators; 200 to 500 eggs per gram are moderate contaminators; and eggs per gram of 500 or more are high contaminators — shedding the most eggs in your pasture, paddocks, and stalls. If you have multiple horses, 20 percent of your horse population passes about 80 percent of all parasite eggs on your property.

In our Connecticut climate, test adult horse’s manure in the spring when the grass begins growing and again in the fall after the first hard frost.

Horses should not have received dewormer treatment at least eight weeks prior to the sample, preferably 12 weeks.

Since we have cold winters here in the Nutmeg State, you won’t need to deworm adult horses during the winter because the cold prevents parasites from developing into an infective stage.

Once you’ve tested an adult horse several times to determine his shedding status, his classification as a low, moderate, or high contaminator is unlikely to change.

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

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Dewormers Demystified BENZIMIDAZOLES generic names: fenbendazole, oxibendazole brand names: Panacur, Safe-Guard, Anthelicide EQ effective against: large and small strongyles, encysted small strongyles, roundworms, pinworms resistance*: prevalent in small strongyles in Southeast, early indications in roundworms

MACROCYCLIC LACTONES generic names: moxidectin, ivermectin brand names: Quest, EquiMax, Zimectrin, Equimectrin, IverEase, IverCare, Rotectin effective against: large and small strongyles, roundworms, pinworms, bots resistance*: early indications in small strongyles, widespread resistance in roundworms

PYRIMIDINES generic name: pyrantel pamoate brand names: Strongid, Equi-Aid, StrongyleCare, Equi-Mintic, Exodus effective against: large and small strongyles, roundworms, pinworms, bots resistance*: common resistance in small strongyles, no resistance in large strongyles, early indications in roundworms

ISQUINOLINE-PYROZINES generic name: praziquantel brand names: Quest Plus Gel, Zimectrin Gold effective against: large and small strongyles, roundworms, pinworms, bots, tapeworms, threadworms resistance*: none known * Based on information for the southeastern states

that have been studied. No studies yet in Northeast.

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

Foals, yearlings, and young horses have higher burdens of parasites and are much more susceptible to disease.

As young horses age, their immune system is better equipped to eradicate worms. Consult with your veterinarian if you have a youngster on your hands as they carry more roundworms and need a specialized fecal egg count and deworming schedule.

Horses more than 20 years of age tend to have special parasite control needs as they are typically high shedders. Work closely with your vet to determine the best practices for your elderly horse.

Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test A fecal egg count reduction test — running a fecal egg count before and after administering a dewormer — can help your veterinarian assess the efficacy of the dewormer used and identify the possibility of parasite resistance on your farm.

The test involves comparing the fecal egg count in a fresh manure sample, taken the day a horse is dewormed (before deworming), with a second sample, analyzed 10 to 14 days after deworming.

Although egg counts can vary, if the second egg count has not decreased by at least 98 percent compared to the first for ivermectin and moxidectin and at least 90 percent with other dewormers, it’s likely that your dewormer isn’t doing its job and/or your parasites have developed resistance.

For dewormers that are effective with your horse, recheck about every two years with a fecal egg count reduction test to be sure their effectiveness has not decreased.

If a fecal egg count reduction test suggests your product is working effectively, use it. If not, discuss with your veterinarian the next steps for your horse and farm.

It’s easy to keep using the same products for years — maybe because there’s no reaction in your horse. But it’s also possible that no reaction means no parasites are being killed. They could be resistant, and without a test, how would you know?

Wrapping Up Tapeworms What a fecal egg count will not pick up is the presence of tapeworms, because tapeworms shed eggs only sporadically.

Grazing horses become infected when they ingest, while on pasture, mites that have consumed tapeworm eggs from the manure of infected horses. The most common species reach about two inches as adults, whereas others grow upward of 30 inches long.

Tapeworm segments are usually not detected in manure, so infection won’t be obvious until the horse is in surgery or has died. The most deadly colics are often a result of these parasites. In addition to colic, tapeworms can also cause unthriftiness and diarrhea.

How can you confirm if tapeworms have infected your horse? A saliva test that determines your horse’s tapeworm burden is now available. Previously, the most reliable method of identifying tapeworms was a blood test to measure antibodies specific to tapeworms.

The new test, EquiSal Tapeworm, works by identifying levels of tapewormspecific antibodies in your horse’s saliva. The saliva test is just as accurate as the blood test at predicting the presence of tapeworms, and it can also predict the severity of the infestation. A higher saliva score indicates that your horse is carrying a larger number of tapeworms. EquiSal is not available in the U.S. However, U.S. labs will be able to conduct the test in 2019.

Since fecal egg counts only identify small strongyle and roundworm burdens, once a year (the fall, after the first hard frost, is a good time), administer a dewormer that is also effective against tapeworms to adult horses.

What You Can Do Good stable management is the first and best line of defense because inevitably parasites will find their way into the intestines of almost every horse. What exacerbates the problem are conditions that perpetuate high parasite loads: overcrowding horses on pasture, not cleaning stalls and paddocks to minimize fecal contamination, and not tracking parasite loads, not only in your current horses but in new arrivals as well.

Parasite control boils down to a deceptively simple, three-step strategy.

Strategic Deworming First, decrease the number of egg-laying, adult parasites by running fecal egg count tests and fecal egg count reduction tests and deworm horses based on findings and your veterinarian’s recommendations.

All horses on a farm should be included on a deworming schedule.

The way you deworm has to be strategic. The goal is not to eradicate worms entirely in your horse, but to reduce the number of eggs your horse is shedding to reduce pasture infection.

Pasture/Paddock Management Next, get rid of larvae and eggs your horse could ingest by removing manure

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from all feeding areas. The pickup and disposal of manure yields dramatic results and longer intervals between needed deworming — an important benefit considering the increase in drug resistance by parasites.

If you remove manure within 48 hours from paddocks and pastures, there’s considerably less risk of contamination. Don’t drag pastures with manure unless you’re rotating horses to a different pasture and spreading manure on a pasture where horses will not be grazing. Spreading manure exposes the manure to air, heat, and light, which will destroy parasite eggs IF the temperature is above 77 degrees for a few weeks or above 104 degrees for a few days. If you drag a pasture/spread manure on a live [actively grazed] pasture, you’re actually doing the parasites’ job for them and helping them travel.

Notice the “rough” areas of your pastures and paddocks, the places the horses use as “toilets.” The majority of horses will defecate in these areas and will not graze on the grass that grows in these areas. This is to avoid the ingestion of parasite eggs. (One of my Haflinger mares didn’t get this evolutionary memo and grazes in the rough areas. As a result, she’s a very high egg shedder.)

When you drag a pasture where horses will be grazing before the eggs are destroyed by air, heat, and light, or feed hay where there’s manure, you’re forcing your horses to eat in their “toilet” and increasing the number of worm eggs your horse ingests.

New Arrivals When a new horse comes into a barn it should be stalled away from others for two weeks, which is enough time for any viruses in transit to go away. Begin a fecal egg count reduction test the day you deworm the horse (upon its arrival at your farm). Collect all manure from both the stall and isolation paddock. Be sure the manure goes off the farm, directly into compost, or is plowed under on crop fields. At the appropriate 10 to 14 days after the initial fecal egg count test, do another to finalize the fecal egg count reduction test. You want to be sure the dewormer used was effective and that the new horse’s parasite load is known prior to introducing this horse to turnout buddies where he could contaminate your pastures, paddocks, and your horses with egg shedding.

Horses can hold paste in their mouth for five minutes before spitting it out.

Not all paste dewormers are particularly palatable, and it can be a challenge to get your horse to swallow it. If you can administer a flavored paste, you’re likely to be more successful.

The critical step is in the dosage.

Most horse owners are familiar with using a measuring tape to get the heart girth measurement to estimate the weight of their horse. Although muscle

If you drag a pasture/spread manure on a live [actively grazed] pasture, you’re actually doing the parasites’ job for them and helping them travel. weighs more than fat, using a tape is a good place to start. However, there’s a more accurate way to estimate the horse’s weight.

Weight tapes use a horse’s heart girth measurement alone, but by adding body length to the heart girth measurement you get a more accurate weight for horses older than one year.

Measure the heart girth — the midsection of your horse, immediately behind the elbow and withers. Next,

Equine Worm Guide worm

population

symptoms

resistance

bots

all horses in summer

none, bothersome, a way for flies to breed

none known

large strongyles, bloodworms

uncommon in adult horses

severe colic, blood clots in arteries, intestinal damage

none known

pinworms

widespread, less common in adult horses

tail rubbing, skin irritation around the anus

some

roundworms

widespread on breeding farms, foals, weanlings

airway inflammation, small intestine impaction, poor growth

pervasive

small strongyles

widespread

weight loss, diarrhea, dull hair coat, poor performance, lack of appetite, lethargy

pervasive

tapeworms

horses more than six months of age

spasmodic colic, colic

none known

threadworms

widespread

diarrhea, sometimes unthriftiness

none known

Dosages and Weights Deworming results will be only as good as its application. Giving a horse an adequate dosage can be a big challenge.

12

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

measure from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock. Then, use this equation: (heart girth x heart girth x body length) divided by 330. For a weanling divide by 280 and for a yearling, divide by 301.

Now you have a more accurate weight for your horse.

Deworming medications are not effective when given in an inadequate dose, so always err on the side of giving more rather than less of the recommendation for your horse’s weight.

Consult your veterinarian, who may suggest that because deworming medications are very safe, even at higherthan-recommended doses, you should administer the dose for an additional amount of pounds more than you think your horse weighs. Your vet may suggest that if your horse weights 1,100 pounds, you dose the horse for 1,250 pounds.

When it comes to foals, smaller ponies, and Miniature horses, however, overdosing can become a problem, so you should always consult with your vet before determining the appropriate dose, and take extra care during the actual administering to ensure that an overdose does not occur. Make sure that little stopper is firmly in place so you don’t mistakenly give a 250-pound Miniature horse a 1,250-pound dose!

What if your horse spits out some

dewormer? It’s much easier for your horse to spit out the paste when he can combine it with a wad of food, so before administering the dewormer check to be sure he has no hay, grass, grain, or treats in his mouth.

It’s a good idea to have extra dewormer on hand in case more ends up on the outside of your horse's lips, on the ground, or on you than you expected. You want to be sure the correct amount all goes down the hatch, so to speak.

These drugs are not effective when given in small amounts over a period of time. The whole dose must be administered at one time. If your horse doesn't swallow his full dose within 12 hours, wait a few days and start over with a new plan and another full dose.

Rewarding your horse with his absolute favorite food after you are sure he’s swallowed the dewormer is one way to help him stay open to you putting dewormer and other medications in his mouth. I did this with my Haflingers from the time they were weanlings.

Once they were about a year old, they got so excited to be dewormed that I had to be sure I kept the tubes and caps securely in my pockets. My horses have been known to try to eat the actual dewormer tube! This is because they anticipate their favorite food via the “treat bucket” after every deworming.

(They also swallow the dewormer immediately in anticipation of said treat.)

deworming our horses. What it does mean is that, whenever possible, we should deworm fewer times a year and select the deworming agent with care.

Using fecal tests allows us to do just that, deworm less frequently and more accurately.

Continuing the old methods of deworming every two months, or whatever you may have done in the past that doesn’t include fecal tests, is contributing to the parasites’ ability to become resistant to the current dewormers.

As parasites evolve and develop resistance to dewormers, we too, as owners, must evolve in our efforts to come up with a better system of horse care, incorporating a closer relationship with our veterinarian, a more rotational cycle of dewormers, and more vigilant stable management protocols.

Stephanie is the publisher of Massachusetts Horse and Connecticut Horse. A lifelong horsewoman, she’s been a riding instructor and a breeding manager at an 80-horse Arabian farm where she foaled out mares, collected stallions, and administered the vaccination and deworming programs.

Stephanie currently lives in the foothills of the Berkshires on Pocketful of Ponies Farm.

Dedicated to Effective Worm Control Convenient Fecal Egg Count Test Kit includes postage both ways, collection kit, processing sample and email results.

Working with Your Veterinarian A recent study in the United Kingdom found that deworming strategies were 75 percent more effective when veterinarians were involved in the deworming program.

There’s a lot more to it than just picking out a tube of paste from a shelf and hoping your horse is cured.

Veterinarians are able to act as your horse’s health consultant. They do it every day, with each physical exam, with every animal. Not only can they advise on when to give dewormers, there are times when they will advise against it.

This is just as important.

Today’s products have negated the need for such old-fashioned approaches as tube worming, but they’ve also disenfranchised veterinarians from the process.

Essentially, to stay one step ahead of the worms work closely with your veterinarian to customize a parasite control program — one that addresses the problem completely.

As parasites develop resistance to dewormers regularly used to treat against them, the answer is not to stop

parascreen.com

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Dr. John Byrd (800) 544-0599 hlab@horsemenslab.com horsemenslab.com

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

13

Trail Guide Hamden

by Stacey Stearns

Naugatuck State Forest Mount Sanford Block

H

There was no one at Camp Laurel on the day of my visit.

Access to the forest on the southern border requires crossing YMCA property.

On the Brooksvale Trail you ride through YMCA Camp Laurel, and it’s requested that you stay on the trail while on the camp property and not go off trail. The land is private property and trail use is allowed as a courtesy.

parking on the side of the road. The GPS coordinates for the north parking lot are W72 57.032, N41 28.042.

I chose the south parking lot, which is on Downes Road in Hamden, at the end of the cul-de-sac, and entered the forest through YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel. The GPS coordinates for this parking lot are W72 56.803, N41 27.013. I recommend those with horse trailers park here. While the

after his death, and in 1931 donated 2,000 acres to the state in his memory.

That land is now Naugatuck State Forest and it comprises five blocks covering approximately 5,000 acres across eight towns. The Mount Sanford Block is 712 acres of mixed hardwood forest in Cheshire and Hamden. Nutmeg State residents enjoy a variety of recreational uses in Naugatuck State Forest.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) manages the Naugatuck forest for timber, firewood, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Trail uses include hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Hunting is allowed in season. Youth group camping is allowed in the Mount Sanford Block.

The YMCA owns 20 acres of land that abuts the Mount Sanford Block near its southern border. The YMCA land is home to Camp Mountain Laurel (referred to on the map as YMCA Camp Laurel). Camp Mountain Laurel is the YMCA’s summer day camp, and is heavily used during the summer months.

The eastern border of the Mount Sanford block is adjacent to Brooksvale Park, a 500-acre property owned by the Town of Hamden. This park is not open to equestrians. The Regional Water Authority owns the land to the west of the Mount Sanford Block in Bethany, and this area is not open to equestrians, either. However, all of these parcels of land contribute to the vast acreage of forest and open space in an otherwise heavily populated section of New Haven County.

parking is on the side of the road, it’s a relatively quiet area when compared with Route 42.

There are no amenities available at the forest, so you will need to download and print (or save to your phone) a map of the forest at ct.gov/deep. Watch the forest borders on your map and don’t cross into the land off-limits to equestrians. It’s important for all of us to respect trail use rules to maintain access. Pack water for your horse, and anything else you might need.

The Quinnipiac Trail is blue-blazed and for foot traffic only. Many of us are familiar with the 800 miles of the blueblazed trail system of Connecticut Forest and Park Association. The Quinnipiac Trail is the oldest trail in the blue-blazed hiking system, and is 24 miles running through Naugatuck and Sleeping Giant State Park.

Stacey Stearns

arris Whittemore was a member of the Connecticut State Forest and Park Commission, and made his money as an industrialist. In 1921, he started buying parcels of land in the Naugatuck Valley with the intention to donate the land to the state for preservation and recreation. Harris passed away in 1928 before he could make his donation. However, his family continued to collect parcels of land

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

A Leg Up Parking is a bit challenging for horse trailers. The northern entrance is located on Route 42, near the town border between Cheshire and Prospect.

The parking area is small — you must arrive early if you want to park here, and place your trailer strategically or risk being blocked in. Route 42 is hilly, and the parking lot is on the side of one of these hills. Although there are a few places along the side of Route 42 and the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour, traffic is fast. I don’t recommend

Out Riding It What the Naugatuck State Forest Mount Sanford Block lacks in mileage, it makes up for with its beauty and character. The Brooksvale Stream, Sanford

Brook, and Hickory Brook all run through the Mount Sanford Block. The forest also boasts healthy stands of trees and wildlife.

Arielle Spencer of Coventry is a lifelong equestrian, and trailered over to the forest with me to ride. “Riding through Naugatuck State Forest was very quiet and peaceful,” Arielle says.

“We only encountered a few walkers on the trail system, which I very much enjoyed. The forest, even in winter (everything being brown), was beautiful. I hope to go back in the fall to see the foliage change as there are some spectacular views.”

There’s a three-mile loop you can ride using Brooksvale Road and Brooksvale Trail. You can also extend your ride by exploring Cromie Road and the Quinnipiac Trail Connector for a total of almost six miles of trails. The gas pipeline runs through the forest, and although we didn’t ride along it, you can create a second loop using the pipeline and Cromie Road, rather than an out-and-back trail.

From the parking lot on Downes Road, head north through YMCA Camp Laurel (on the white trail) until it connects to the blue and red Cromie Road.

This is an old fire road, so it’s wide and fairly smooth. You’re only on Cromie Road for 0.2 miles before you take a right on the yellow-blazed Brooksvale Road trail. This 0.8 mile trail travels east until it connects to the white-blazed Brooksvale Trail along the boundary of Brooksvale Park in Hamden. Brooksvale Trail has been re-routed in places; follow the blazes.

You will turn right, or head south, on Brooksvale Trail, and ride for 1.1 miles west, and back to Downes Road.

Parts of this trail leave the state forest, so be sure to stay on the trail in this section. Once you arrive back at Downes Road, you can head back up on the white trail to Cromie Road if you want to ride more. This time, when you get to the yellow trail, continue riding straight on Cromie Road, the blue and red trail.

Cromie Road travels north in the forest and up into the Cheshire section, and is also referred to as the Quinnipiac Connector Trail because it connects to the blue-blazed Quinnipiac trail that we’re not allowed on with our horses.

The Quinnipiac Connector Trail ends at the parking lot on Route 42.

Here, you’ll turn around and re-trace your ride back through the forest to Cromie Road, and back down to the parking lot on Downes Road.

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I was surprised by how hilly the woods were here. Sometimes we all fall into the trap of thinking Connecticut is a flat state, but Naugatuck State Forest provided some challenging climbs and descents. Mount Sanford has an elevation of 890 feet; it’s accessed via the blue-blazed Quinnipiac Trail. There were plenty of rocks! I recommend hoof protection. As with many of our forests in the Nutmeg State, there were also tree roots snaking across the trails in places.

Brooksvale Stream cuts through the Hamden section of the forest and you’ll have several chances to cross it on your ride. During times when the stream is full it’s cheerful babbling noises are a

welcome trail companion as it runs through the forest.

Nearly 100 years ago, Harris Whittemore had a vision for a large swath of forest land that could be used for recreation. Today, his vision lives on in Naugatuck State Forest, as it offers trail users, including equestrians, a welcome respite from the busy towns and cities that surround it. Come explore the trails in the Mount Sanford Block at a leisurely pace; you won’t be disappointed.

Happy trails!

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

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

15

Farm Feature

Clinton

by Lara Rudowski

Idlenot Farm Patricia Norcia Dressage

T

In love with the feel of the Iberian horse breeds and the graceful beauty of dressage, Patricia absorbed all of the classical training the horses received in their schooling and returned with a thorough knowledge of how to work with Iberian breeds.

For 20 years, Patricia pursued a career as an actress and director in New York City, but kept dressage at the heart of her passions. She imported her first

Patricia Norcia and PRE Valiente.

Asty.

Norcia who has revived the grounds with a classical style of horse riding.

Patricia’s worldliness and incredible talents blossomed from a young age.

A native of Rome, Italy, she grew up in New York City in a musical family with a love for artistry, classical guitar, and dance.

When she was 14, Patricia began riding at the local equestrian school on Long Island. She lessoned as a jumper and branched off into trail riding, but was still looking for her niche in the sport.

“I knew that I wanted to do something that was more artistic and then I saw dressage,” says Patricia. At 25, she dove in headfirst and travelled to study the origins of the discipline in Europe.

“I took my first trip to Spain and that was it! I had the opportunity of working with a great man. I studied with Luis Ramos Paul, the head of the Spanish Riding School, for seven years and got certified there.” (Patricia is also certified with the British Horse Society and the American Riding Instruction Association.)

beloved horse Valiente from Spain and her family of equines quickly grew, as she rode in the city in Riverdale.

“Why don’t you teach, Patricia? You can work off your board,” others said, encouraging Patricia to change course.

Patricia was riding competitively and in Baroque exhibitions. “With four horses, board was more expensive than my apartment in New York, so that’s how Idlenot Farm started,” Patricia says.

It was Patricia’s husband who initiated the move to a rural farm, where they would raise their two children and she could accommodate her expanding student clientele. Idlenot Farm was a stark contrast to the city, but the ideal, intimate setting to import more horses and train with them.

“We specialize in alternate breeds — Baroque horses (PREs [pura raza española], Lusitanos, Lipizzaners, and Friesians), Morgans, Quarter Horses, and others,” says Patricia.

“The goal of the training here is to create a horse that is in balance, on the haunches, and light in the hand — a very classical way of riding,” she says.

“The best gift that I can give to the horses is to make as many balanced, supple, straight, and knowledgeable riders as I can.”

“I try to create a very intimate setting that people can learn in, where the rider can take a riding lesson and it will just be the student and me in the ring,” says Patricia. “You can feel free to be embarrassed, but also focus. I create a riding experience where you can feel

Brenda V. Cataldo

he long-standing name of Idlenot Farm in Clinton has been synonymous for its dairy production, but horses have always shared a piece of the beautiful, quiet property. Years later, the warmth and charm of the original dairy farm still remains, but with an addition of stalls, grass paddocks, and a spacious indoor arena. Idlenot Farm now sits in the care of owner and dressage trainer Patricia

16

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

Donna Dunn and Astyages Interagro.

safe, feel comfortable, but more importantly, ride on educated horses.”

Smiles and hellos are kindly exchanged between every person that passes in the barn aisles and the love shared for the friendly bunch of muchcherished horses is greater than any achievement in the saddle. A handful of dedicated young ladies eagerly help out at the barn for extra lesson opportunities and to simply spend more time with the horses.

Patricia’s daughter, Francesca Edwards, has been learning classical dressage from her mother since she was eight and now teaches alongside her.

Francesca has inherited both her mom’s charisma and passion for horses — there’s no challenge she hesitates to approach.

Idlenot Farm focuses on all aspects of both competition dressage in United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) levels, as well as classical exhibitions, which allow for creative expression through choreography and costumes.

“There are two schools of dressage — competition dressage and the more classical French school, which is what I was trained in. I’m very well versed in competition dressage, as well, so we cross-train, which is really the modern way," says Patricia.

Lisa Schmidt, a USDF “S” judge, instructor, and Grand Prix competitor in dressage, met Patricia during her time in Riverdale, New York City. Lisa regularly comes out to Idlenot Farm to give clinics and teach, where she is continuously impressed by Patricia’s approach.

“What has always struck me about everyone I’ve taught there is that they’re completely dedicated to Patricia and believe in her training methods,” says Lisa. “Many people have been with her for a very long time. Most impressive to me is all of the youth, of people under twenty-one, that she draws to her barn and the opportunities that she gives them to learn about horse management. She has so many horses that she puts her students on that give them different feels and experiences. She’s always very encouraging and every baby step is an important step. It’s such a great opportunity to see different aspects of dressage.”

“I travel quite a lot, judging as well as giving clinics across the country,” says Lisa. “I see quite a lot of farms, different horses and types of people, and I have the most fun whenever I visit Patricia.”

Kathy Crockett, one of Patricia’s dedicated clients and an Idlenot Farm boarder, discovered more than a love for dressage when she and her then strong-tempered mare, Belle, newly came into the discipline together.

“I’ve been with Patricia for eighteen months,” says Kathy. “In that time, I’ve learned cumulatively more than in my thirty-plus years of riding. I’ve always wanted to get my PhD in something and I feel like I’m getting it in dressage. You know everything that’s going on both within your own and your horse’s body. Patricia strives for a position in accuracy, and tenfold, in this time I have seen my ability as a rider and my confidence go up, as well as my mare, Belle, blossom into a very relaxed, more balanced, and physically healthy horse. Patricia is a miracle worker for horse and rider!”

Perhaps what draws and keeps many people at Idlenot Farm is the wellrounded training. There’s a superior amount of work done out of the saddle on rider fitness. Patricia, who maintains

a consistent, core exercise routine herself, advocates that all riders must first and foremost find their own center and balance when learning to ride.

“We have a big interest here in bodywork,” says Patricia. She and longtime client Donna Dunn have developed a widely popular Pilates program geared specifically toward equestrians of all disciplines.

“When I hit a riding plateau, Patricia told me, ‘A horse and rider are a pair and one can’t get better without the other,’” says Donna. Donna tried different ways of exercising to improve her seat and knew she’d hit on something when she took a few Pilates classes and saw a dramatic difference in her posture, core, and everyday aches and pains.

“I knew right off the bat that this is the missing link to riders improving,” says Donna. “Patricia teaches all the nuances of riding and it’s great for people who like to understand. I’ve gotten into the biomechanics of it as well and I’ve been able to adapt that with my Pilates training to help people work out issues.”

Donna and Patricia develop custom exercises for Idlenot Farm’s students and locate the specific areas to reform. “[There are] clients who are collapsing to the left or can’t separate their upper body from their lower body,” says Donna. “I can develop exercises to help people identify and correct those issues. The goal is to make that become an unconscious correction so that it doesn’t take away from the quick, instant aids you need to give the horse.”

“I have people who come to me, who are falling all the time and getting injured,” says Donna. “I teach them how to stabilize their powerhouse in unexpected situations and with that strength comes confidence — a confidence that their body now knows what to do to offset that.”

The 14 stalls at Idlenot Farm cannot often accommodate new boarders, but Patricia offers lessons at private barns and many of her clientele are happy to trailer in to the farm.

Patricia is always moving forward with her work and enjoys delving into the creativity of dressage. For years, she’s drawn from her artistic roots and choreographed dressage routines for the Dancing With Horses company — a stunning concept where horses and dancers express movement and emo-

tion in musical performances together.

Patricia also creates one-of-a-kind opportunities for her clients that extend beyond the ring. She organizes annual trips abroad to visit the prestigious riding schools of Italy, Spain, and France so her clients can see firsthand how the horses they ride and own become as gracious and intelligent as they are.

Idlenot Farm is uniquely built on the belief that a connection and deep understanding between a horse and rider are the pivotal part of learning and success.

“We try to integrate the artistic aspect of dressage with really good training,” says Patricia, walking with boots painted in mud and a horse in hand. “It’s beautiful and it’s creative.

It’s like you’re dancing —you become one with the horse and you’re both dancing!”

Singer/songwriter Lara Rudowski enjoys performing, spending hours at her piano composing, and writing stories and spoken-word poetry. Inspired by travel and the everyday details of life, she can often be found, camera in hand, at equestrian events capturing her love of horses and riding since childhood.

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

17

Horseperson Feature

Plymouth

by Sally L. Feuerberg

Diane Ciano Riding with the Sisterhood

iane Ciano and the Connecticut Horse Council (CHC) have nurtured a pivotal and enduring relationship with the State of Connecticut, which is not an easy task considering today’s complicated and diverse horse-related issues. Whether it’s equine health concerns, disaster planning for horses, preventing anti-horse zoning regulations, working against excessive state legislation, or introduc-

D

most gratifying achievement has been, she will tell you without hesitation that it was the formation of the CHC’s Volunteer Horse Patrol (VHP).

“That’s my proudest accomplishment, establishing the Volunteer Horse Patrol,” says Diane. “The CHC partnered with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection [DEEP] in 2003 to create the Volunteer Horse Patrol to ride and serve in state parks

Diane and Aladdin.

Diane and Walking in Midnight.

Diane and Walking in Midnight on the trail.

ing bills relating to trail access for horses, Diane and the CHC are ready for whatever challenges arise.

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Diane and was immediately captivated by her warmth, her heartfelt appreciation for all the horses she has owned and interacted with throughout her life, and her continuing devotion to trail riding. I was also impressed by her steadfast commitment to the CHC, a nonprofit established in 1971 dedicated to serving all aspects of our state’s horse community. Diane’s countless hours of dedication to the CHC and her ongoing efforts to support and represent her fellow horsemen are unprecedented.

Diane has been a member of the CHC for more than 35 years. She is third vice president, editor of the CHC newsletter, chairperson for the Trails and Road Safe Committee, and has served on numerous state task forces, including the Connecticut Equine Advisory Council and Greenways Council. Her resume is distinguished and extensive, but if asked what her

and forests. Since then, the VHP has added more than 88 additional areas including municipal parks, private lands, and land trusts. Its primary responsibility is to serve as auxiliary eyes and ears on the lookout for what’s happening on the trails. It also assists the DEEP and other land management administrations with non-enforcement tasks such as promoting trail etiquette and educating and advocating road safety for riders and nonriders alike.”

During my visit, I quickly realized that Diane’s admirable traits, skills, and the boundless energy necessary to succeed most likely developed in her early childhood and surely as an entrepreneurial and resourceful teenager.

“I believe many of us are born with the love for horses, as with me. I grew up wishing I could have a horse, and maybe get one for Christmas!” Diane says. “Of course, I didn’t realize this was out of the question since my dad died at a young age and my mom raised six children by herself, but I would always dream that someday I would have my own horse. When I was seven, I remem-

ride other people’s horses. “In my youth, I was involved with the Prospect 4-H Club and as I got older, I became a leader of that group,” says Diane. “It’s no longer in existence although it was for many years.”

I then had to ask Diane when and how she finally got her first horse. “I danced for my first horse!” she says, laughing. I was very eager to hear this story!

“It was around 1974 and I was about 17 years old,” Diane says. “A local radio station was sponsoring a dance marathon at a car dealership in Watertown. First prize was one thousand dollars and a color television.

Second prize was two hundred dollars’ worth of Baco’s Frozen Food. I entered with my boss at the time and we danced for a total of sixty-one hours with breaks of only ten to fifteen minutes, which occurred every four hours.”

“During the marathon, I was interviewed and asked what I would do if I won the money,” says Diane. “Of course, I said I’d buy a horse! Unfortunately, we came in second, but sur-

Sally L. Feuerberg

ber my sisters and I screaming in the car whenever we saw a horse, “Daddy, stop, there’s a horse!” I even recall when my fourth-grade teacher told my mom that I needed to write book reports on other subjects beside horses!”

But how do you make your childhood dreams come true when the obstacles seem insurmountable? For Diane, joining the local 4-H club gave her the opportunity to learn and to

18

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

prisingly a gentleman who had heard my comments got ahold of me. He explained that his daughter was at college and was not riding her horse anymore. In exchange for my second-place winnings, I could have the horse! Her name was Shiloh. She was probably around 15 years old and had some Arabian in her, but there were no papers. Basically, she was a pinto horse.”

Diane vividly recalled one of her most memorable rides with Shiloh.

“Shiloh and I did an eight-day Cross State Ride together,” she says. “We rode anywhere from twenty-five to thirty miles each day, with one day off in the middle of the week, and I did it all bareback, because I couldn’t afford a saddle at that time!”

Diane’s adoration for Arabian horses followed her into adulthood and even into her married life with a unique and precious gift that was given to her by her husband, Gary Rutkauskas. “My husband bought me a half-Arabian mare named Rani as a wedding gift,” says Diane. “She was a beautiful bay mare and I rode her everywhere.”

Diane eventually bred Rani to an Arabian stallion and she foaled a chestnut filly Diane named Abracadabra.

“Rani lived to be 38 years old,” says Diane. “Abra had to be put down at 20 as we could not help her despite the many healing modalities we tried, but her cancer just would not regress. She was a great little mare, with the best hooves, and I never had to put shoes on her. As you know, Connecticut grows rocks on the trails, but she was very surefooted and fun to ride.”

“Following Abra, my husband bought me my third Arabian, Aladdin,” says Diane. “He was a real unique horse and my friends could attest for the comical and sometimes dangerous things that he did. He always looked so beautiful, though. He pranced all the time, even over rocks and never missed a beat! He flew over streams! Sometimes I felt he had wings! Everyone was amazed on how I stayed on him, but I was never afraid of falling off and never did! It was like we were glued to each other!”

“It was great having these beautiful horses and I loved them so much,” says Diane. “When Aladdin died in my arms at 28, I just didn’t want another horse, having lost three beautiful steeds that took me to the top of the world so many times in my life. I will forever be grateful for having them. They were truly a gift in my life.”

“I really didn’t want another horse

after Aladdin died,” says Diane. “It was very heartbreaking for me without him and oftentimes I didn’t even want to go down to the barn. It was almost two years later when I mentioned to my friends that I might start looking for a horse. I wasn’t quite ready to make a commitment, but it was probably less than two weeks and my friends told me about a free horse to a good home.

Thanks to great friends Patti Crowther and Vevette Greenberg, it turned out to be Walking in Midnight, a black Tennessee Walker, which I have now.

Very different than the Arabians I’ve had. He’s a real sweetheart and I just love to sit and gait with him.”

Diane has been a stalwart representative of the VHP with all of her horses no matter where the trails have taken her. “We patrol around the state but also travel out of the area,” says Diane.

“Through the CHC, we secured a grant to revamp an old outdated horse campground in Natchaug State Forest, the Lost Silver Mine Horse Camp. Many of the volunteers were VHP members who helped to clear and improve the small campsites, put in picnic tables, a kiosk, and solar toilets. Three trails systems were marked for five-, ten-, and fifteenmile loops.”

Through her many journeys, projects, and achievements with the CHC, Diane has developed cherished friendships that have lasted decades. She and some of her closest riding companions have even formed a unique comradeship that Diane calls “the Sisterhood of the Riding Pants and Kowboy Ken.” Kowboy Ken Forcier, Diane explained, had always been riding and camping with the group, and they concluded

that it was only right that he be appropriately identified with the Sisterhood.

If you ask Kowboy Ken, he’ll tell you, “Yes I’m proud to be accepted into ‘the Sisterhood’! They’re a great bunch of ladies, not just knowledgeable horsewomen, but great dependable friends I can call on any time I need help.”

Meg Sautter is also on the CHC’s board of directors and is Diane’s longtime friend and trail riding partner. “I met Diane in 2003 when I applied to become a member of the Connecticut Horse Council Volunteer Horse Patrol,” Meg says. “I was retired, had my very first horse, and was looking to do some riding. Diane and I hit it off immediately. She had lots of ideas on places to travel and I had a truck and trailer. She was an experienced rider; I had just started in 2000. We both had Arabians; mine an anomaly of the breed — levelheaded and very brave. As for Diane’s horse, well let’s just say Aladdin was somewhat spirited.”

“The years have flown by,” Meg says. “I’m still retired and now Diane is too. We still traverse the state laughing and enjoying our horses. In conjunction with our work and association with the CHC, we’ve attended protests in Hartford as well as many equestrian award ceremonies, and we’ve also been instrumental in passing numerous pieces of legislation. I look forward to many more years of laughing and riding with Diane and the Sisterhood!”

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.

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

19

Lend a Hoof Durham

by Alessandra Mele

D.A.R.T Durham Animal Response Team

A

think of the fate of beloved animals in her own town should disaster strike.

“The stories that came out of Katrina really affected me, and I talked to my fellow veterinary techs about it,” says Sue. “We could all relate to the anguish animal owners must have been feeling, faced with the circumstances and choices they had. It made me want to have a plan, and offer assistance to animal owners in these difficult situations.”

This idea set in motion plans for an animal emergency response team, and

with Sue as a veterinary tech, and now manages public relations and outreach for DART in addition to being an active member of the response team.

Even with community support, it was initially a slow process getting the word out about DART’s capabilities, and calls for help were few and far between.

“It was a matter of building up a reputation, as well as a supply of equipment and skills,” Tiffany explains. “But, with each call we learned something and added to our arsenal, there became a greater need for us, and we grew. Before

the middle of the night, what’s the plan? How many more inches of snow before this roof gives out? When a big storm hits, how many days could we go without power? Who would I call first?

The nonprofit Durham Animal Response Team (DART) was formed in the spirit of easing those fears. The near 20-person team of all-volunteer animal professionals in the Durham area is equipped to respond to emergency situations involving large and small animals, bringing expertise, level heads, and compassion to some of the most difficult days an animal lover may face. If disaster strikes at your barn, it’s good to know DART is ready and willing to help out however they can.

Sue soon found support among colleagues and within the larger community for her efforts. Sue and a few other veterinary technicians “brought the idea to Dr. Steve Levy, a local veterinarian who was also Durham’s Emergency Management Director at the time. He thought it was great and was eager to put the idea into motion,” Sue says. “We called ourselves the Durham Animal Response Team, and what started out as just three people in 2006 has grown steadily over the years. Now we’re at almost twenty strong with a wide variety of services to offer our community.”

The Durham community knew Sue was just the person for this sort of job, and had no problem getting behind her in a big way. “Sue has lived in Durham her whole life, and her family is one of the oldest in town,” says friend and fellow DART member Tiffany Hesser.

“Growing up, her family had a cow farm here, and she’s been a trusted veterinary technician for years. She’s a big part of the community, and those of us that knew her were eager to jump in and get involved.” Tiffany also worked

we knew it we were going on calls in Middlefield, then Killingworth, Deep River, Middletown, and Lyme. Now, we are able to go wherever we are needed, so long as we have the people and equipment available to respond.”

Over the years, DART’s services have taken many different forms, but the goal remains consistent: offer assistance, support, and expertise during and after emergencies and disasters involving animals. Sue and Tiffany retell all sorts of calls that reflect their team’s versatility, from the historic October snowstorm during which they opened a pet shelter to assist those without power to a house fire that prompted the discovery and rescue of 85 dogs. “There are such a wide variety of calls, and animals behave differently in every situation,” Tiffany says. Sue agrees, and adds, “It keeps us working very closely as a team, and allows us to learn something every time we’re called out.”

Jim Rossi

courtesy of D.A.R.T.

s horse owners we’re prone to worry, the little nuances of regular barn duties keeping us up at night. Did I remember to lock the gate? Should I have put his heavier blanket on tonight? Ugh, I don’t think he’ll have enough joint supplement to get through the weekend. The questions run through our minds at a furious posting trot.

But lurking even deeper in the thoughts of every horse person are the worst-case scenarios that can bring on a cold sweat midday. If a fire started in

Taking Action Sue White of Durham remembers seeing heartbreaking photos after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 showing abandoned dogs stranded on roof tops, lost horses swimming for their lives, and soggy cats huddled in trees. A technician at a veterinary hospital in Middletown, the stories of animals left behind made Sue 20

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

Building a Team When disaster strikes, DART is dispatched via the 911 system. It’s an entity of the

Town of Durham’s emergency management system, and when DART’s services are needed, it’s requested by state or local police, fire departments, or often animal control officers calling into the 911 system. DART maintains close relationships with each of these departments to ensure they are summoned when necessary so that they may provide the best possible resources in an emergency situation involving animals.

DART brings together a team of people with a wide range of skills when it comes to animals and emergency response. Everyone that goes out on emergency calls with the team is Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certified, and has gone through specialty trainings made available by DART. In addition, DART works with local professionals that can assist the team when appropriate. “We have a range of abilities available to us within our team, and try to always dispatch the right people to the right calls,” Tiffany says. “We also have horse trainers and large and small animal veterinarians that we regularly reach out to and who can be great assets to our team on certain calls.”

Both Tiffany and Sue remark on the increase in large animal calls over the last few years, and the team has responded accordingly by increasing training in large animal rescue, and obtaining the appropriate equipment for these jobs. “We have some horse people on the team, but it’s to everyone’s benefit to get some additional training,” Tiffany says. “We’ve had representatives from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm up in Massachusetts come teach equine safety and about equine ambulance services, and last year we had Billy Smith Horsemanship come out and teach us about equine behavior and training techniques.” These types of educational opportunities enhance the entire team’s ability to respond to situations involving horses and beyond.

The measures the team takes to ensure they are prepared for whatever unlikely situation a 911 call may send their way pays off when they are able to achieve a positive outcome. Tiffany remembers a call in September 2017 that illustrates this perfectly. “A hunt club in Old Lyme was hosting an event, and a woman had ridden her horse into a marshy area where he became completely stuck,” she says. “DART was dispatched, and by the time we got there, the horse was stuck in mud all the way up to his stomach. Working with the Old Lyme fire department, we were able to use a glide, a large flat device on which we can get the horse situated, tied

down, and hobbled, then attach it to hauling equipment and pull the horse out. We were able to do just that, getting at his legs and freeing them from the suctioning mud. We pulled him up onto dry land and he walked away fine. The key here was that we were contacted quickly. This isn’t always the case when a horse has gone down or is stuck. The longer you wait, the more exhausted the horse gets, and the less of a chance there is for a happy outcome.”

Even with great results, there’s always something to learn from each call, and this case was no different. “We realized after that event that we really needed a set of jetting wands, a tool that breaks the intense suction that mud can create around the legs of horses,” Tiffany says. “A friend of DART actually fabricated the tool for us after hearing this story, and now we have an excellent set of jetting wands in our supply of equipment!”

Community support like that is what really keeps DART in operation, and DART team members do all they can to give back and provide valuable services in return. “We’re so fortunate that there are so many people that love animals here and are all so generous and willing to offer support,” Sue says.

“Every year, we like to give back to the community in an educational way,” says Tiffany. “We’ve done barn fire safety and preparedness trainings in conjunction with veterinarians and firefighters, small animal CPR certifications, and even wildlife talks. We love getting involved and sharing our skills with the community.”

Building a Community Expanding on that community is one of DART’s main goals going forward. As Tiffany pursues public relations efforts for the team, she knows the value of networking and having people with resources just a phone call away. “We’re always looking for new team members that are willing to become CERT certified and join us on calls, but perhaps even more important is building our call list that extends throughout the state,” Tiffany says. “We’d like to have a list of trusted people that we know can be reached when we’re in need of local resources, whether it’s trailers, stalls, hay, equipment, or particular skills.”

Tiffany encourages anyone who is interested in assisting DART in this way to contact her.

She laughs, thinking of a particular example where this system worked especially well. “One night we had the state police call us at one a.m. because a woman in Higganum had awoken to her dogs barking at a horse that had wan-

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“Down by the Sea” 21 acres meadows Point Judith Pond, Rhode Island Price reduced to $1,999,000 (314) 414-0070. dered onto her front porch!” Tiffany says. “In that case we were able to quickly use our connections to contact a farm just down the road with an extra stall so that we didn’t need to find a trailer in the middle of the night. We just walked the horse down to the farm where he could safely wait to get back home.”

Additionally, fundraising is always a priority for DART as it enables the team to purchase and maintain the special equipment needed. “We do a lot of local fundraisers throughout the year that help us acquire the tools and equipment we need, and are always happy to accept donations,” Tiffany says.

After all, supporting a team like DART will contribute to your own peace of mind — should disaster strike at your barn, there will be knowledgeable and caring people ready to respond.

“If I were in a predicament with my own horses, I know that local people would come and help me, so I couldn’t be more pleased to be able to go assist others in times of need,” Sue says.

“When we’re able to help, and the outcome is good as a result, it’s very rewarding work.”

May horse owners of Connecticut rest a little easier, knowing DART and the caring community they’ve worked hard to cultivate is just a phone call away.

To lend a hoof and learn more about DART, go to facebook.com/pg/DurhamAnimalResponseTeam.

To volunteer and get more details, reach out to Tiffany at tiffanyhesser@hotmail.com.

Alessandra Mele is a freelance writer and designer in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. She enjoys spending time with the horses on her family’s farm, especially riding her Quarter Horse, JoJo. To see more of her work, visit thehomegrownstudio.com

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

21

Above the Bar

by Sean T. Hogan, Esq.

It’s Tax Time The Hobby-Loss Rule

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.

for a profit in two of seven years) 7. Any occasional profits earned 8. Financial status of the owner 9. The presence of elements of personal pleasure or recreation

high degree of knowledge and expertise in the Arabian breeding and showing industry. The horse farm operation had reported 19 years of consecutive losses. An issue arose as to whether or not the Arabian business operated to Take, for example, the following show a profit for three years in questwo tax court cases that show the varytion. The court found that all but one nternal Revenue Code (IRC) ing application of the hobby-loss rule. of the nine factors (listed above) Section 183 is commonly referred to In Price v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo favored the IRS and found that the taxas the hobby-loss rule. In general, it 2014-253, the taxpayers operated a fullpayers’ time involved and efforts provides that unless an indiexpended on behalf of the vidual or corporation is Arabian business was neutral. engaged in an activity primaIn contrast to Price, in the rily for profit, including one matter of Annuzzi v. involving horses, net losses Commissioner, T.C. Memo for any taxable year cannot 2014-233, the court ruled in be deducted and are forever favor of the taxpayer. In this lost. As a result, if your horse matter, the husband and wife activities are to be treated as a taxpayers owned and raced regular business, with losses Thoroughbreds and subsebeing deductible against quently added a breeding income, that horse business component to their operation activity must be engaged in consisting of one mare, which for profit. they bred and produced three The major issues are foals over the three years in “Nothing but losses, and now the IRS is trying to label us just a hobby!” whether the horse owner, durquestion. There had been sixing a taxable year, intended teen years of consecutive losses for their equine business or horse owner- service Arabian boarding, breeding, and five years of profit. The Court training, showing, transport, and sales weighed heavily the expert testimony of ship to be a profit-making activity. For business in addition to owning an auto the taxpayers’ trainer who had trained example, if you were to campaign a dealership. Professional trainers and their horses and won multiple races on horse at a series of selected horse shows staff were hired to assist with running their behalf. Given both the horses’ for the purpose of securing a favorable the business from the taxpayers’ farm, wins and verbal offers for their purlease or sale, one could argue that this is the profit-making intent. However, in the which had been upgraded to accommo- chase, the court found that there was an date the commercial business operaintent of the taxpayers’ horses (the show horse world the profit interest is tion.

The taxpayers themselves had a assets of the business) to appreciate in often when the horse wins, and many horse owners are reluctant to sell their horse while winning.

When reviewing an equine business the IRS looks to see whether the activity is engaged in for profit or is just a hobby of the individual. There are nine factors that the IRS takes into account, sometimes one of which is enough and sometimes eight of nine is not enough under relevant case law and IRS opinion letters. The factors include: stus.com

I

1. Manner of carrying on the business 2. Owner’s expertise and advisement 3. Time/effort expended by the owner 4. Expectation that the assets (the horse, etc.) will appreciate in value 5. Owner’s success in similar or dissimilar activities 6. The activity’s history of income and loss (if run for multiple years they look 22

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

value. Additionally, the taxpayers’ detailed books and business records, their consultation with other equine professionals, and the five years of profit helped to swing the court in favor of the taxpayer.

Although there were no changes to Section 183 under the recently implemented Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2018, horse owner taxpayers should be mindful of using beneficial depreciation under TCJA that would increase their tax losses and could potentially trigger a Section 183 challenge.

A horse owner or business owner should be sure to maintain thorough and complete records; seek expert equine, accounting, and legal advice when necessary; and prepare and update a business plan for their equine operations, all of which may assist the horse owner facing an IRS hobby-loss challenge.

Sean T. Hogan is an attorney in Westport and 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 USEF. He’s a governor of the Fairfield County Hunt Club and co-chairs the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Horse Show.

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

23

Overherd

News in Our Community The first Volunteer Day of 2019 is on Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Held several times throughout the year, Volunteer Day allows people of all ages and abilities to help with the various needs of the farm and horses. Volunteers may help with grooming, hand walking horses, cleaning paddocks and barns, and repairing fences and outbuildings.

Dress comfortably, wear waterproof shoes, and bring your own tools if you have them. Lunch will be provided.

Come celebrate Princess Fiona’s 12th birthday on Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fiona is a registered Thoroughbred mare that was rescued as a starvation case in 2013. Due to complications from her former neglect, Fiona can no longer be ridden. Available to sponsor, she loves treats and going for hand walks on the trails. Gift suggestions include horse cookies, carrots, apples, and granola bars. Or consider contributing toward her spring shots ($175), monthly medications ($180), or her wardrobe (shoes $150 or blanket $125). There will be hourly tours of the farm and cake for horses and humans.

View many of the horses, ages six to 30, as they strut their stuff in the ring at our Spring Horse Showing on Saturday, April 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Many are available for adoption, lease, or sponsor. Our tack shop will also be open, as it’s packed to the rafters with blankets, saddles, and many more wonderful items.

One of our featured horses is Star, a 13-year-old, 13.3-hand registered 24

Morgan/Arabian cross gelding that rides English or western and loves to ride for miles on the trails. He’s easy to load on a trailer, happy to lead or follow, and loves water. Star is available for adoption, lease, or sponsor, and requires an intermediate rider under 150 pounds.

more information, email horseinfo@gmail.com or call (860) 868-1960.

beginner rider. Baron is available for adoption, lease, or sponsor.

And last, but not least, is Legend, a 15-year-old, 16.1hand Appendix gelding that rides English and requires an experienced rider. He’s a very handsome boy that loves to go for strolls and get lots

n Kathy Diemer

Manes & Motions Ride & Stride Fundraiser

Kathy Diemer

H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut Upcoming Events

H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut invites you to celebrate Princess Fiona’s 12th birthday on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding center will hold its annual Ride & Stride fundraiser on Sunday, May 19, to support the program’s equine-assisted activities for children and adults with physical, developmental, and emotional needs. The event will be held at Machimoodus State Park in Moodus and is open to both horseback riders and walkers to enjoy the trails at your own pace.

Lunch is included. Event participants need to collect a minimum of $75 in sponsors with prizes awarded to top earners.

Preregistration is required. To learn more, email jpellino@hfsc.org or call (860)685-0008.

UPHA Chapter 14 Trainers Helping Horses

Jeanna Pellino and Becky Cahill at the 2018 Manes & Motions Ride & Stride Fundraiser. This year’s event is May 19 at the Machimoodus State Park.

Another horse you can meet during the Horse Showing is Baron, a handsome 13-year-old golden Belgian/Quarter Horse cross that enjoys trails, playing in the water, and getting lots of attention. This gentle 16.1hand, 1,900-pound gelding is dazzling to look at and happy to go either English or western for an advanced

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

of attention. Legend will be shown under saddle and is available for adoption, lease, or sponsor.

H.O.R.S.E. receives no town, state, or federal funding. Funds are raised through memberships, sponsorships, charitable contributions, and fundraising activities such as tack sales. All donations go directly to the horses. For

A member of the United Professional Horsemens’s Association (UPHA) Chapter 14 (all of the New England states and New York) organized a project called Trainers Helping Horses In Need (THHIN). This projects has escalated through Facebook by leaps and bounds, and there are now 15 trainers who have a rescue project in their barn. The rescues — registered Saddlebreds, Morgans, Hackney ponies, and cross breeds — have come from several different organizations. Trainers have 90 days to work with them in preparation for the UPHA Spring Premiere in West Springfield, Massachusetts April 17–20.

The trainers are footing

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Thank you to the horse community for the support that helps make this important service a reality.

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25

the bills on their project, along with clients and friends from across the country who are making monetary donations to support their efforts. Trainers from around the country are posting messages on Facebook encouraging one and all to support this great project.

During the UPHA Spring Premiere Show, all of the rescue horses will be stabled together with videos and photographs of their training program in front of their stalls. There will be information on how to apply to adopt a horse or pony. Also, members of some of the rescue organizations will be on hand to answer questions.

n Suzy Lucine

Manes & Motions Seeks Volunteers Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit volunteer-supported organization and part of the Hospital for Special Care community. Its mission is to

serve children and adults with physical, developmental, and emotional challenges through the benefits of equine-assisted activities.

Manes & Motions is seeking dedicated and compassionate community members, 14 years of age and older with horse experience to assist in its therapeutic riding program. To learn more, visit manesandmotions.com or call (860)685-0008.

Because of a Horse Author and artist Helen Scanlon of Hampton recently published her fifth book, Because of a Horse, a series of poems and artwork that offers tribute to horses, specifically their nobility and beauty. Horses have touched many areas of our lives and Helen captures the love and gratitude we feel for horses with her words and art.

Helen’s poetry tugs at your heartstrings, especially the poem called “#009,” about a rescue horse. The

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

poem “The Groom” reminded me of my long days spent as an assistant horse trainer, and the horses I loved and cared for. “My Ticket to the Ball” reminded me of how many sacrifices we make to have horses in our lives, and how I (and I suspect you as well) wouldn’t change that for anything.

There were horses I recognized in Helen’s poems, including UC Ringmaster, and horses I wished I had known, especially the Palomino pony Pickles.

The book concludes with the book’s title poem, and in reading it we reflect on who we are because of a horse.

Curl up with a cup of tea and revisit the horses from your past and present with Because of a Horse. To learn more, visit helenscanlon.com.

n Stacey Stearns

TEAM Mobile Unit Sterilizes 200,000 Cats The staff of the TEAM Mobile Feline Unit, Connecticut’s first and only mobile spay/neuter and vaccination clinic for cats, has completed its 200,000th sterilization surgery, proving that this small, but dedicated group is still driven to end feline overpopulation after two decades on the road.

“That’s a ton of cats,” says Arthur Heller, DVM, who has performed the majority of the surgeries aboard the 28-foot mobile clinic. “In fact, if you estimate that each cat weighs eight pounds, on average, that’s 800 tons of cats.”

This unprecedented achievement has not only improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of cats but has also prevented the birth of millions of unwanted kittens.

The nonprofit TEAM clinic was established in 1997 by executive director Donna Sicuranza of Westbrook, and the late John A. Caltabiano, DVM, of Old Lyme to make spay/neuter services more

affordable to pet owners and those caring for homeless cats so that more cats could be sterilized before they reproduce.

On its first day, 22 years ago, TEAM altered 12 cats.

Today, Dr. Heller, assisted by two veterinary technicians, can spay/neuter up to 35 cats daily.

TEAM senior veterinary technician Dina Sicuranza, also of Westbrook, joined the staff in 1998 and has assisted with nearly every procedure.

As part of the routine, she has given close to one million injections, cleaned 400,000 ears, and trimmed over three million nails.

Veterinary technician Susan King of Old Lyme joined the staff in 2016 and now has several thousand surgeries to her credit too.

The clinic also logs plenty of miles. TEAM currently travels to more than 25 communities statewide and the service is available to any Connecticut resident. Domestic and feral cats are welcome aboard. The fee of $110 per cat includes a brief exam, spay or neuter, vaccinations (rabies, distemper, upper/lower respiratory infection), nail trim, and ear mite treatment (if needed).

Parasite and flea prevention and treatment is also available.

The TEAM Mobile Feline Unit is a project of Tait’s Every Animal Matters.

For information or an appointment, residents can call (888) FOR-TEAM or go to everyanimalmatters.org.

KB Equine’s New Location “When I first visited the farm that KB Equine now calls home, I thought to myself, ‘Wow, I want my horses here,’” Katie Bogaert, owner, manager, and head instructor of KB Equine, says. “With its amazing views overlooking the vast apple orchards, to the endless acres of pasture with grass and woodlands, I knew for myself and the values of KB Equine how really important it is that we have

good turnout and good pasture. This site has just that. There’s also direct access to trails and fields right off the property, and that’s a huge plus.”

The move from her former location in Meriden was inevitable as Katie always dreamed of having a place to actually call her own. Now situated in Southington, Katie says, “This property has everything that will make an amazing equine facility, except the barn and indoor arena. So, I’m building all of that. I’ve recently installed an outdoor arena with top-of-the-line footing.

Construction of the barn and indoor arena is happening very soon.”

“I spent the entire summer on the tractor with a brush hog cleaning up the pastures,” says Katie. “There was quite a bit of land clearing to be done as there was a lot of unsafe overgrown vines, bushes, and old trees. New run-in sheds were constructed so each pasture has shelter. New fencing has been installed, as well as frost-free water lines to the pastures.”

Katie is not afraid of hard work and she’s never lost sight of all who have made this journey possible — friends, family, and Kirslyn Foster Yee, KB’s equine care manager and assistant trainer. “I’ve been working alongside some amazing people that have helped make this process transpire,” says Katie.

“It took a lot of work to get the place to where it is today. Without them I would not have been able to make this happen.

They all deserve credit and recognition.”

In October, Katie moved her horses to their new home. “It’s been quite a stressful experience in order to make all this take place in such a short amount of time,” says Katie. “However, it has all proved to be worth every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears. Watching the horses run, graze, and live as they have been intended to live is truly magical and serene.”

“I will keep everyone updated with our building progress, an open house date, and how things are going,” says sKatie. “With all the work that has been done, and will continue to get done, KB Equine’s new home will surely be a place that houses happy horses and happy riders, as it currently does today.”

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Heart Rate and Stress “I use techniques with natural horsemanship and biomechanics in the saddle and on the ground,” says Rebecca Hathaway. “These are mirrored in the response from the horses over and over

Old Saybrook

This Olde Horse

Old Saybrook, 1909.

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email again. And now I can see heart rates in real-time layered on top of videos.

Hylofit gives me data on one of the central biomarkers of stress and happiness for both horse and human: heart rate.

This wireless, wearable technology with the app on my phone stores each session so that we can track our successes.

This is a brand new chapter for me.”

One way we can measure stress for both humans and horses is through heart rate — either physical exertion or emotional stress will increase heart rate.

Horses read our heart rate at 30 feet away and even help synchronize our heart rates at a distance of 15 feet. We cannot lie to a horse. They read the biomarkers of our stress or relaxation in our cardiac rhythm, respiratory rate, and muscle tension long before we’re even close to them. The closer we get to a calm horse, especially if we are touching them, the horse synchronizes our heart rate and makes it more coherent [in sync with the breath], steady, and organized. Coherent heart rates are directly linked with emotional states and the release of endorphin neurotransmitters. It’s true that horses make us feel better!

We humans don’t have the horse’s “super powers” to read heart rate at a distance of 30 feet, but we can improve our skills in reading horses’ body lan-

editor@connhorse.com.

guage and even be open-minded to the place where animals communicate ideas, feelings, and impulses without language. These skills are important in developing our relationship with our horse.

“A breakthrough moment for me was with one of the first horses that I tried the Hylofit equipment with,” says Rebecca. “Just standing in the barn aisle, having done no work, his initial heart rate was 100 beats per minute. A normal equine resting heart rate is 28 to 40. This horse looked a little tense, and he had a bit of history with some of the people who were also in the aisle right then, but he was totally holding it together. I walked into the aisle and saw his heart rate was 100 and I was blown away. My heart rate was also high for me, though I wouldn't have noticed.

Later, bucking, running and playing at liberty, his heart rate plummeted to 50.

Then doing some in-hand natural horsemanship it went down to 34. I was instantly obsessed with Hylofit.”

“Hylofit data helps us to verify what’s happening and when,” says Rebecca.

“There’s such enlightenment and synchronicity with my horses and students.

It’s opened up a whole new window into how we measure our successes!”

n Kelly D. Hitt

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

27

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?

had considered locating a 55,000-square-foot range on a 113-acre parcel near Pachaug State Forest, sparking opposition among Griswold residents concerned about noise from such a facility. Equestrians also got involved to oppose

public lands must receive a public hearing and a twothirds vote before being given away, swapped, or sold by an act of the general assembly. Thank you!

There’s been an update and improvement of the Department of Energy and

Connecticut Morgan Horse Association

Because of the sad passing of Ginger Tullai, the CHC is looking for a volunteer to serve on the Connecticut Equine Advisory Council to represent the equestrian community of the second congressional district. This is a state appointed position on the council. The Equine Advisory Council meetings are held quarterly at the Connecticut Forest and Park Association Headquarters in Middlefield at 6:30 p.m.

Any member who lives in any of the towns in the second congressional district and would like to volunteer to represent equestrians of their district, or would like more information, should contact Diane Ciano at (203) 910-9919.

The Natchaug State Forest Lost Silver Mine Horse Camp is still closed due to dead and falling trees and will probably be closed for the year. Parking is available at a small lot just before entering the camp as the trails are still open, but riders need to be aware of the dangers.

Thank you to Connecticut Forest and Park Association member Dave Raczkowski who did clearing on the trails in Natchaug and Goodwin Forest.

At a press conference in Hartford, Governor Ned Lamont revealed that the state has abandoned plans to locate a state police gun range in Griswold. The state 28

©2018 Howard Shatzberg

Connecticut Horse Council

The 59th Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show will be June 5 to 8 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

this project since it would affect riding in the forest and camping at the Frog Hollow Horse Camp.

The Legislative Assembly is now in session. If any upcoming bills pertain to our equine community or public lands, members will be notified and asked to contact their legislators. Legislators may be contacted on any issues by going to cga.ct.gov/ asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp.

Passport to the Parks was passed, but sadly some language in the Passport to Parks authorization allows the general assembly to earmark $2.6 million in year one and $5 million in year two of the Passport funds as surplus (a.ka. the General Fund).

The CHC will be working with the Connecticut Forest and Park Association in 2019 to get the Passport to Parks funding to go to parks and not surplus.

Your yes vote on Amendment 2 created an amendment to our state constitution. This amendment requires that state-owned

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

Environmental Protection trail design and trail maintenance policy. The updated Connecticut Trails Recreation Plan contains the guidelines and the forms to be completed by any group seeking to create a new trail or reroute an existing trail. As in the past, state park supervisors are managing requests for new trails and re-routes from user groups and will be the first point of contact.

The policy and information can be found at ct.gov/ deep/ctrectrails.

CHC meetings are open to the public. Meetings are at the Eversource Energy meeting room at 107 Selden Street in Berlin at 7:30 p.m. on February 5, April 2, June 4, October 1, and December 3.

Join us on Sunday, March 24, for the CHC Volunteer Horse Patrol Annual Meeting and Open House at the Company 1 Firehouse, 1485 Main Street in Newington. Please RSVP to Diane Ciano at (203) 9109919 or spirit76@snet.net.

n Diane Ciano

Plans are underway for the 59th Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show (CMOHS), to be held June 5–8 in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

This show, sponsored by the CMHA, is a United States Equestrian Federation regular member show, a United States Dressage Federation recognized show, and a Western Dressage Association recognized show. Sandy Sessink is the show manager and Kristina Vine of Northford is show chairperson.

Judges for 2019 are Kurt Hufferd of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Kathleen Peeples of Oxford, New Jersey. Kurt will be judging Morgan Stallions In Hand, Morgan Mares In Hand, Morgan Park, Morgan English Pleasure, Pleasure Driving, Friesian, and Opportunity Roadster.

Kathleen will be officiating Morgan Geldings In Hand, Specialties In Hand, Morgan Hunter Pleasure, Morgan Western Pleasure, Beginner’s Walk Trot Pleasure, all equitation, Road Hack, Lead Line, Opportunity Pleasure classes, and Academy classes.

The show will be livestreamed by Serio Video again this year. CMOHS is known for its hospitality, and this year is no different. We’re pleased to offer a move-in pizza party on Tuesday, an ice cream social on Wednesday, exhibitor party on Thursday, the Hall of Fame Retirement Ceremony on Friday, and the Belmont Party — including watching the Belmont Stakes on the big screen — on Saturday.

Youth of the Year contestants will be joining us on Saturday in three divisions — Walk-Trot, Junior, and Senior.

The top contestant in the senior division will receive $500 toward travel to the Morgan Grand National to represent the CMOHS in the National

n Stacey Stearns

Connecticut Renegades The Renegades held its annual meeting at Lock, Stock & Barrel in Bethany

where they planned a full shooting season for 2019.

The first event of the season is always a new horse and rider clinic. This event is open to all new horses and riders but is limited to 10 horse and rider teams.

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

Jeanne Lewis

Youth of the Year Contest.

Last year’s winner, Sophie Proctor, was named National Youth of the Year.

CMOHS has hosted a Therapeutic Lead Line class for many years. We’re expanding the class this year to include a fund-raising event during the class. Join us for this special class and help support our therapeutic lead line riders. Bidding for items in our silent auction will be open all week — proceeds support our youth and therapeutic lead line activities. New this year is a You be the Judge program with prizes. Stay tuned for more information; this is a fun event you won’t want to miss.

To learn more, visit ctmorgans.org or visit our Facebook page. We’ll see you at the show!

Jess Martin riding Cappy being assisted by Chris Anson on Arrow at the 2018 Renegades New Horse/New Shooter Clinic. The 2019 clinic is on April 13 at the Old Bethany Airport.

The clinic will be held on Saturday, April 13, at the Old Bethany Airport. This clinic is a great way for horses and riders to obtain the basic instructions

veteran members and their horses will be alongside the clinic participants to help with the training.

The remainder of the season is full of competitions, practices, and another clinic where the Renegades will welcome back world and national champion Kenda Lenseigne.

If you’d like to join us, we’re always looking for help at our matches including keeping score, helping with gates, balloons, and more.

Stay in touch through our Facebook page at CT Renegades - Mounted Shooters or at ctrenegades.com.

n Allison Forsyth

Connecticut Trail Rides Association

where riders learn about safe gun handling. Last is the mounted session where riders will learn how to safely introduce horses to the sport. Throughout every step

The first ride of the season will be at Hammonasett Beach in Madison. Hosts for this ride are area vice-presidents Cathy Clouse and Christel Maturo. Please note that all rides are open to

335 Middle Road Turnpike, Woodbury, CT Dressage Show

Horse Trials

Schooling Shows

April 28

Three divisions: Elementary,

Classes from Walk Trot to Short

Beginner Novice, and Novice

Stirrup and Open Hunters to

June 9

Schooling Jumpers

August 11

May 19 . July 21

September 22

August 18 . October 13

Dressage Show & Combined Test May 5

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 March/April 2019

29

reserved for horse shows that are dedicated not only to technical excellence, but also to philanthropy and community involvement. Only 16 horse shows in the entire nation have received this honor.

ride at White Memorial in November. Several more rides are in the works.

We will participate in the Granby Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27.

Everyone planning to ride in the Memorial Day Parade

Chris Greer

members, but, for insurance reasons, only a limited number of rides will be open to non-members as guests.

Please contact the ride host to learn if a ride is open to non-members. At the time of this writing, the insurance company and the CTRA board have not determined which rides will be open to guests.

Camp Boardman’s opening is the weekend of April 13 and 14. This will be the first lot-holding weekend for 2019, and the first weekend that you’re allowed to bring your campers.

Please stay in touch at our Facebook page, Conn Trail Rides Association - CTRA.

n Patti Crowther

Join us for the 96th annual June Benefit Horse Show — our grandest event of the year — June 18 to 22, to benefit the EQUUS Foundation.

Over 1,000 international, national, and local riders will call Westport’s storied Fairfield County Hunt Club home as they compete in world-class events featuring Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation classes. Show highlights include a $50,000 Grand Prix, with ringside charity luncheon, as well as a $10,000 Welcome Stake class.

Competition takes place daily from 8 a.m. until dusk.

In addition to featured equestrian events, participants will enjoy gourmet lunches, a grand farm-totable dining experience, an authentic Texas barbecue, pony rides, cigar rolling, live music, and more.

We’re proud to announce that once again the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has designated the June Benefit Horse Show as a heritage competition — the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a horse show by the USEF. This distinction is 30

Cassandra Orpen and Whisper jumping in the $50,000 Fairfield Grand Prix at the FCHC 2018 June Benefit Horse Show.

Amanda Lindberg

Fairfield County Hunt Club

Kris Strain leading her pony, Star, at the GHC Share the Road 2018.

For more show information, as well as sponsorship and vendor information, visit junebenefithorseshow.com.

For questions regarding the Fairfield County Hunt Club or the June Benefit Horse Show, contact diana@huntclubonline.org

n Diana Kuen

Granby Horse Council The GHC is at work planning events for 2019. The first trail ride will follow the Blessing of the Mounts, which is usually held the last Sunday in April. We’ll have a Scavenger Hunt Trail Ride in July, a Poker Ride in August, a Beach Ride in October, and a

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

must attend the May 4 and May 19 desensitization sessions. These sessions are free for all members even if they don’t plan on riding in the parade. The one-hour sessions will expose horses to a variety of stimulants — flags, balloons, strollers, umbrellas, drums, gunshots (from a distance), balls, plastic bags, and more — in a safe, enclosed arena at Holcomb Farm. The Parade Unit consists of members on foot carrying the club banner, followed by a three-horse color guard, several other parade-trained horse and rider teams, members called walkers, who maintain a safe distance

between the horses and the public, and our very own “pooper scoopers” who follow the group. The GHC Parade Team is also available for other parades. Photos of previous parades and contact information are at granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

The second annual Share the Road event will take place Saturday, June 8 , in Granby. The objective of this event is to educate the public about the nature and value of horses in our towns.

Activities in the Salmon Brook Park riding ring will include pony rides, children’s games, and informal presentations about safety when meeting horses on foot, on a bicycle, or in a motor vehicle.

It’s time to renew your GHC membership! Member benefits include a monthly newsletter, monthly meetings with an educational or entertaining program, trail rides, drill team, parade team, pot luck picnics and luncheons, annual banquet, Christmas party, annual scholarship, Open Farm Day, a subscription to Connecticut Horse, and connections with others who enjoy horses.

High school students have until March 31 to apply for the GHC $500 scholarship. To learn more and apply, visit granbyhorse councilct.com.

Keep up with our activities on Facebook at Granby (CT) Horse Council.

n Joan Davis

Middlebury Bridle Land Association Is it just me, or did this winter seem to go on forever?

The combination of unexpected negative single-digit temperatures, bone-chilling windchills, treacherous ice, and snow made it seem to go on forever. It definitely made a lot of us reconsider our decision to call the Nutmeg State home. But take heart, the calendar tells us it won’t be much longer before

Fortunato Farm 552 North Roast Meat Hill Road, Killingworth, CT 06419 860.209.7044 (call or text)

Born to Run, Trained to Win

r 24 Heated Stalls r 180 x 172 Outdoor Sand Ring r 140 x 60 Indoor Riding Arena r 26 Acres and Abuts Cockaponset State Forest r Porta - Grazer Distributor r Western Alfalfa Distributor r Owners Live on Premises r Specialize in Retirement Care r Join us for our fun Barrel Lessons! r Open to the Public

All In Farm

Melissa & Joseph Santos 48 North Forty Rd., Woodbury, CT . (203) 948-3374

Brittany O’Hara State Director (860) 819-5429

3D Barrel Racing Join us for fun-filled evenings!

May 10 . May 17 . May 31 . June 7 June 21 . July 12 . July 26 . Aug. 9 Aug. 23 . Sept. 6 . Sept. 27 Oct. 4 (make-up run) . Oct. 11 (make-up run) • Membership fee of $25 (per horse and per division) is due

by May 17 in order to qualify for year-end awards.

• Entry fee: $25 Open and Youth; $5 Pee-Wee. • Entries close 7 p.m.

• Rain dates will be posted.

• Follow us on Facebook at All In Farm Arena for updates.

• Contact: Missy Santos (203) 948-3374, Kacey Fortier (203) 996-5577, Jan Crotta (203) 988-9685 • Directions: Use Lighthouse Road to 48 North Forty Road.

Do NOT use Saw Pit Road as it’s inadequate for trailers.

CTNBHA01.com May 4, Saturday $500 Added Money Saddleview Farm, 192 Schaffer Rd., Bethany, CT May 19, Sunday Run ’N Gun, 123 Seekonk St., Norfolk, MA June 9, Sunday Brooklyn Fairgrounds. 15 Fairgrounds Rd., Brooklyn, CT June 22, Saturday Jackpot State Fundraiser Harwinton Fairgrounds, Locust Rd., Harwinton, CT July 12, Friday All In Farm, 48 North Forty Rd., Woodbury, CT August 4, Sunday Brooklyn Fairgrounds, 15 Fairgrounds Rd., Brooklyn, CT August 11, Sunday Harwinton Fairgrounds, Locust Rd., Harwinton, CT September 7, Saturday Saddleview Farm, 192 Schaffer Rd., Bethany, CT September 20 to 22 NE State Championship Show Falls Creek Farm, 368 Bailey Rd., Oneco, CT October 5 Awards Fundraiser Jackpot Harwinton Fairgrounds, Locust Rd., Harwinton, CT Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

31

32

will be notified via email.

The MBLA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the many generous landowners, and especially the Larkin Family, who grant us the privilege of riding on their land.

Thank you for your support!

Shawnalee Kwashnak

n Sally L. Feuerberg

field exercises somewhat as there was a lot of sodden soil. All in all a great time was shared by 20 riders and 10 ground staff. Everyone was grateful we could hold the event.

We were able to have two hunts in December, as

The Middlebury Bridle Land Association’s annual Fall Hunter Pace at Larkin Farm in Middlebury will be September 15.

Raymond Hill

warmer weather arrives and we can forget about all the challenges Mother Nature has thrown our way. It’s safe to say that the reappearance of spring and the opportunity to ride on some of our state’s diverse and gorgeous trails will make all of our bad memories of winter disappear.

If you’re looking forward to getting back in the saddle this spring and exploring some of these awesome locations, consider joining the MBLA. The MBLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of some of the most spectacular private trails located in Middlebury. Working in partnership with the Larkin Family, our members work to upgrade and maintain existing trail systems as well as acquire and expand our riding territory and bridle trails for generations to come for horseback riding.

The MBLA welcomes all discipline of riders to enjoy our trails and join us in our efforts to save and defend our equestrian heritage. Your membership support is vital.

Each day we are losing more and more open space to development, never again to be claimed for riding. Your membership strengthens our efforts to safeguard these treasured bridle lands.

Single membership is $40 and family membership is $60. Family membership is up to four riders per household. Supporting membership for nonriders is $25.

Membership forms and waiver forms can be found at middleburybridle.org.

Membership also includes a discounted rate for our Annual Fall Hunter Pace held every September at the Larkin Farm. Our Annual Membership Dinner Meeting will be held in April.

Once exact dates of both of these events are determined, middleburybridle.org and our Facebook page will be updated. Current members

Tanheath Hunt Club huntsman Sherri Colby working with new hounds at Ayer Mountain Farm in Franklin.

Tanheath Hunt Club The winter weather has been a roller coaster so far, but through it all the Tanheath Hunt Club has been able to do some activities. Usually, the winter months are a quiet time for us as hunts and rides go, but we will go out when weather permits.

We had our annual Hunter Trials on December 1, at Ayer Mountain Farm.

It’s an excellent location with fields, jumps, and a water crossing. The trials are normally held in November but were rescheduled due to rain and wet field conditions. For safety reasons, we slowed the

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

well as our annual trail ride at Bluff Point on New Year’s Day. The weather was chilly and quite windy, but otherwise perfect for the 15 hardy riders who participated.

Throughout the year, and especially in the winter when there are less competing activities, it’s important to work with the hounds.

And with eight youngsters it’s even more important.

The puppies — Cupid, Chase, Captain, Cisco, Cody, Chaos, Calypso, and Cricket — are just over a year old now. Huntsman Sherri Colby, her staff Leslie Cashel, Deb Pollard, Kim Lussier,

and several volunteers have been working with the hounds each week. The new hounds were field exercised with mounted riders, otherwise known as roading, on December 20 at Ayer Farm in Franklin. The exercises were successful and the hounds were able to join the pack for a formal hunt on December 29. “They are bold and friendly and keen to run!” says Sherri. The hounds will also be prepared for the New England Hound Show in May and possibly our spring hunts.

Our annual Master’s Dinner was held at the Main House at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret. The dinner is open to anyone who’s participated in Tanheath Hunt Club events. The January 19 dinner had 70 participants. The evening started with the usual cocktail hour, followed by a multi-course dinner. We had a very successful raffle to raise money for the care of the hounds. Awards were given for a number of categories.

We are planning our 2019 schedule of events. For more information, visit tanheathhunt.com and follow us on Facebook at TanheathEvents.

Subscribe Today!

n Raymond Hil

connhorse.com

Connecticut

Events March 2 RRRC SPRING FLING TREC SEMINAR AND EQUINE NUTRITION, Stafford Springs. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

2 CONNECTICUT HORSE SYMPOSIUM, UConn, Storrs. horsesymposium.uconn.edu 2 IEA HUNT SEAT ZONE 1 REGION 9 SHOW, Gales Ferry. rideiea.org.

2 IEA HUNT SEAT ZONE 1 REGION 9 SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. rideiea.org.

2 PINK FLAMINGO SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Epic Farm, Middlefield. showbrv.com.

2 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Litchfield. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

9 CHSA CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS, Fantasia, North Haven. chsaonline.com.

3 BIG ASS-TOUNDING BIRTHDAY BASH AND OPEN HOUSE, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

9 YOUTH EQUESTRIAN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. showyeda.com.

3 BRV SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

9 MITCHELL FARM EQUINE RETIREMENT NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION, 10 a.m., Salem.

RSVP to volunteer@mitchellfarm.org.

9 VOLUNTEER GENERAL ORIENTATION, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

9 – 10 USEF A RATED SHOW, Pines Farm, Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

10 BRV SHOW, North Meadow Farm, Winchester. bhcmanagement.info.

10 CABIN FEVER SHOW SERIES, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

2 NEATO YEAR-END AWARDS POT LUCK DINNER, Voluntown Peace Trust. (860) 235-1098.

9 CONNECTICUT MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION AWARDS BANQUET, Wallingford. ctmorgans.org.

10 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

2 FROSTED SCHOOLING DAYS JUMPER SHOW, Harwinton. oakendalefarmct.com.

9 MEG BLACK CLINIC, Westbrook.

(203) 650-3148 or showbrv@gmail.com.

12 HORSE HANDLER TRAINING, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

33

16 FROSTED SCHOOLING DAYS DRESSAGE SHOW, Harwinton. oakendalefarmct.com.

30 BRV SHOW, New Canaan Mounted Troop, New Canaan. bhcmanagement.info.

16 BRV SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

30 SPRING TACK AUCTION, Middlesex Livestock Auction House, Middlefield. bluebirdmeadowsfarm.com.

16 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

17 USING WORK IN HAND TO DEVELOP BALANCE, Ashford. narniastables.com.

17 USEF CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

17 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

23 SMITH-WORTHINGTON SADDLERY ANNUAL MARCH SALE, Hartford. smithworthington.com.

23 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

23 FCHC NEHC CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

24 USING WORK IN HAND TO DEVELOP BALANCE, Ashford. narniastables.com.

30 BRV SHOW, Fair Hill Farm, New Milford. bhcmanagement.info.

30 FIONA’S BIRTHDAY, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, Washington. horseofct.org.

34

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

30 ANNUAL HOOF STOMP to benefit the Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue, Jacques Cartier Club, Jewett City. hayburrinn.org or (860) 213-1028.

30 CMHA HOT CHOCOLATE RIDE, Hammonasset Beach, Madison. Open to all breeds. ctmorgans.org.

30 HOOFIN’ IT FOR HORSE FEATHERS BENEFIT DANCE, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

30 – 31 USEF A RATED SHOW, Pines Farm, Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

31 REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

31 FROSTBITE SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, White Birch Farm, Portland. (860) 581-0307.

31 OX RIDGE HUNT CLUB SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

31 CTRA BEACH RIDE, Hammonasset Beach, Madison. cttrailridesassoc.org.

April 6 PINK FLAMINGO SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Epic Farm, Middlefield. showbrv.com.

6 VOLUNTEER GENERAL ORIENTATION Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

6 BRV SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. bhcmanagement.info.

6 SPRING I RATED HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

6 USEF CHJA SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

7 CABIN FEVER SHOW SERIES FINALE, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

7 CTRA GINGER TULLAI MEMORIAL RIDE, Machamoodus, East Haddam. cttrailridesassoc.org.

7 BRV SHOW, Fair Hill Farm, New Milford. bhcmanagement.info.

7 CDCTA HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR DRESSAGE TEST SCORES with Ann Guptill, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. cdctaonline.com.

9 HORSE HANDLER TRAINING, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

12 FRIDAY NIGHT SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

14 REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES FINALS, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

13 NEATO RIDE, Bluff Point, Groton.

(860) 235-1098.

14 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Connecticut Equestrian Center, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

13 CTR NEW HORSE/SHOOTER CLINIC, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

19 – 20 USEF A RATED SHOW, Pines Farm, Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

13 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW AND TWOPHASE, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

20 OX RIDGE HUNT CLUB SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

13 HORSE PARADE, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, Washington. horseofct.org.

20 CTRA BIG D RIDE, Cheshire. cttrailridesassoc.org.

13 USHJA CHJA CHSA OPEN SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

20 CHSA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Litchfield. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

13 MITCHELL FARM EQUINE RETIREMENT NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION, 10 a.m., Salem.

RSVP to volunteer@mitchellfarm.org.

25 – 28 WESTBROOK HUNT CLUB SPRING FLING SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

13 – 14 CDA RIDE REVIEW RIDE with Bobbi Carleton. Sperry View Farm, Bethany. facebook.com/ctdressageassoc.

13 – 14 CTRA CAMP OPENING, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

27 GRTA TRAIL CLEAN UP AND PICNIC, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

27 RRRC SPRING SHOT CLINIC, Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

14 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

27 – 28 MASTERSON METHOD BEYOND HORSE MASSAGE HANDS-ON WORKSHOP, Dawn Bonin Horsemanship, Coventry. mastersonmethod.com.

14 FCHC NEHC CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

27 – 28 USEF USDF RATED DRESSAGE SHOW, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

Calendar of Events Open Shows

All shows at Falls Creek Farm in Oneco.

Something for everyone!

Shows start Friday at noon.

June 7 to 9

July 19 to 21

August 16 to 18

Dressage & Two Phases

All shows at Falls Creek Farm in Oneco.

Traditional and Western Dressage.

June 1 (show #1)

June 2 (show #2)

August 10 (show #3) August 11 (show #4)

Trail Rides

All rides will have mileage points.

April 28 LeGrand Reynolds Horseman’s Area Escoheag, Rhode Island

May 26 Patchaug State Forest, Voluntown, CT

June 22-23 Patchaug State Forest, Voluntown, CT (camping available)

August 25 LeGrand Reynolds Horseman’s Area Escoheag, Rhode Island

September 22 Patchaug State Forest, Voluntown, CT

October 20 Patchaug State Forest, Voluntown, CT

tristatehorsemen.com

info@tristatehorsemen.com (860) 564-4700

Come Ride with Us! Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

35

28 DRESSAGE SHOW, Frazier Farm Training Center, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

4 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Litchfield. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

28 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

4 MARK LEONE CLINIC, Westbrook.

(203) 650-3148 or showbrv@gmail.com.

28 CTRA RIDE, Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth. cttrailridesassoc.org.

4 USEF SHOW,Westport. huntclubonline.org.

5 SCHOOLING HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

4 NBHA BARREL RACING, Saddleview Farm, Bethany. ctnbha01.com.

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

2 GRTA MANE EVENT, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

4 SCHOOLING SHOW, Magnolia Run Equestrian Center, Willington. magnoliaruneqcenter.com.

5 COMBINED TEST AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

4 4-H AND CONNECTICUT HORSE ENTHUSIAST COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY, Hop River Trail, Andover. jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu.

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

5 PINK FLAMINGO SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Epic Farm, Middlefield. showbrv.com.

May

Manes & Motions RIDE & STRIDE

Join us for a scenic trail ride or walk at the beautiful Machimoodus State Park on May 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Ride & Stride will benefit Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center. To participate, riders and walkers must collect a minimum of $75 in sponsorships. Lunch is included.

For additional information and to register for the event, please call 860-685-0008.

5 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

5 NEATO CINCO DE MAYO RIDE, Pattaconk Pond. (860) 235-1098.

New New England’s Largest Quality Sales Stable Celebrating 50 Years.

England’s Largest Quality Sales Stable

Boarding

Lessons

Training

Leasing

Trails

2 Outdoor Arenas Indoor Arena

Covered Round Pen

www.hfsc.com

Clinics

Parties

Group Lessons

Show Coaching

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

Dressage is our Specialty Board . Lessons . Training All Breeds Welcome (especially Morgans)

Gretchen Geromin, trainer USDF certified instructor . USDF bronze medalist . British Horse Society certified

Mansfield Center, CT . Just 10 minutes from UConn foxfirestables.net . (860) 543-1399 36

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

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

5 SNEHA SHOW, Oneco. snehassociation.com.

5 CTRA RIDE, Natchaug State Forest, Eastford. cttrailridesassoc.org.

5 DRESSAGE SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. centerlineevents.com.

10 3D BARREL RACING, All In Farm, Woodbury.

(203) 948-3374.

11 MITCHELL FARM EQUINE RETIREMENT NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION, 10 a.m., Salem.

RSVP to volunteer@mitchellfarm.org.

11 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

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

19 SPRING II RATED HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

19 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Dawn Bonin Horsemanship, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

19 SNEHA SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. snehassociation.com.

19 BRV SHOW, Fair Hill Farm, New Milford. bhcmanagement.info.

19 MANES & MOTIONS RIDE & STRIDE FUNDRAISER, Machimoodus State Park, East Haddam. hfsc.com.

Dawn Bonin Horsemanship

Natural Horsemanship Lessons . Training . Boarding . Sales/Leases Two Outdoor Rings . Indoor Arena Miles of Trails . Versatility Course

19 PHT CROSSTOWN RIDE, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret Center. sjackson3773@gmail.com.

25 USEA USEF RATED HORSE TRIALS, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

See website for upcoming events.

Giſt certificates available!

11 CMSA SMOKIN GUNS, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

25 BRV SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

12 USHJA CHJA CHSA OPEN SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

25 – 26 CMSA BORDER WARS, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

12 CDCTA DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Westbrook. cdctaonline.com.

25 – 27 CTRA MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND RIDES, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

17 3D BARREL RACING, All In Farm, Woodbury.

(203) 948-3374.

26 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Connecticut Equestrian Center, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

18 CTRA CHC BLESSING OF THE MOUNTS RIDE AND BARBEQUE, Cheshire. cttrailridesassoc.org.

26 TSHA TRAIL RIDE, Patchaug State Forest, Voluntown. tristatehorsemen.com.

18 OPEN HOUSE, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, Washington. horseofct.org.

26 CCBA OPEN SHOW, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

18 BRV PREAKNESS PARTY, Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport. bhcmanagement.info.

26 CHSA SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. avonvalleyshowstables.com.

with Tyrone Farm and Pomfret Horse & Trail Association

18 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING, Colchester. treasurehillfarm.com.

27 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

18 CJHA NEHC CHSA RATED SPRING SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

27 CHJA SHOW, Terry Allen Farms, Terryville. terryallenfarms.com.

8 a.m. check-in opens; 10 a.m. last rider out Brick oven pizza lunch by the Rolling Tomato

19 SCHOOLING SHOW, Frazier Farm Training Center, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

31 3D BARREL RACING, All In Farm, Woodbury.

(203) 948-3374.

Coventry, Connecticut 860-742-2667 (barn) . 860-985-7611 (cell)

DawnBonin.com . BabcockHill.com

Fifth Annual

Cross-Town Ride Tyrone Farm, Pomfret

Register at:

pomfrethorseandtrail.com Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

37

June

2 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Connecticut Equestrian Center, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

7 – 9 USEF USDF RATED DRESSAGE SHOW, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

1 SHOW, Willington. magnoliaruneqcenter.com.

2 BETHANY HORSE SHOW, Bethany AIrport. bethanyhorseshow.org.

7 – 9 TSHA OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

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

2 TSHA DRESSAGE SHOW AND TWO PHASE, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

8 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

1 – 2 KIM PERLMAN CLINIC, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

2 RATED HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

8 MITCHELL FARM EQUINE RETIREMENT NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION, 10 a.m., Salem.

RSVP to volunteer@mitchellfarm.org.

1 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

2 CTRA RIDE, White Memorial, Litchfield. cttrailridesassoc.org.

9 GRTA 98TH ANNUAL SHOW, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

5 – 8 CMHA MORGAN AND OPEN SHOW, West Springfield. ctmorgans.org.

6 – 9 5/A BAKER PRODUCTS CHARITY SHOW, Somers. 5abakerproductscharityhorseshow.com.

Dressage Schooling Shows April 14 - Judge: Virginia Leary June 2 - Judge: Karen Roberts August 25 - Judge: Crystal Taylor October 27 - Judge: Sandra Beaulieu

Cross-Country Derbies

9 HORSE TRIALS, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

7 – 9 BRV CHARITY CLASSIC SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

9 NBHA BARREL RACING, Brooklyn Fairgrounds, Brooklyn. ctnbha01.com.

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Offering lessons and programs, upmarket boarding and facilities, shows and events, and a friendly, supportive community.

Dressage Training with a Winning Tradition

Ann Guptill

USET Pan Am Dressage Team Silver USDF Instructor & Certification Examiner USPC Graduate A . USDF “L” Judge Graduate

Offering:

Board . Training . Lessons . Clinics All Levels Welcome . Exercise & Layup Conditioning Show Prep & Coaching . Indoor and Outdoor Facilities Competitions . Wooded Trails and Open Rolling Fields Staff On Site 24/7

29-A Daniels Road, East Haddam, CT (860) 873-8108 . eqarts@snet.net www.foxledgefarm.net 38

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

How about a nice massage?

For your horse!

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

220 Talcott Hill Rd., Coventry, CT

Fox Ledge Farm

9 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Dawn Bonin Horsemanship, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

7 3D BARREL RACING, All In Farm, Woodbury.

(203) 948-3374.

May 26 . July 28 . September 8

(860) 942-3942 athene@ctequestrian.com

9 CTRA POKER RIDE, Machamoodus State Park, East Haddam. cttrailridesassoc.org.

connhorse.com 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

1 C 23 DRESSAGE SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. centerlineevents.com.

11 CCBA OPEN SHOW, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

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23 TANHEATH HUNT HUNTER PACE, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.com.

12 3D BARREL RACING, All in Farm, Woodbury. ctnbha01.com.

12 WILBER J. TALLEY MEMORIAL AND CHARITY HORSE SHOW, Ebony Horsewomen, Hartford. ebonyhorsewomen.us.

23 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Litchfield. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

13 CTR KENDA LENSEIGNE CLINIC, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

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15 VERSATILITY COMPETITION, Dawn Bonin Horsemanship, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

23 CCBA OPEN SHOW, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

13 BAROQUE GAMES SHOW, Old Lyme. baroquegames.net.

15 TOM KELNER MOUNTED ARCHERY CLINIC, Round Tuit Ranch, Enfield. (860) 749-7503.

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

14 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING, Colchester. treasurehillfarm.com.

16 CTRA MOUNTAIN LAUREL RIDE, Hurd Park, East Hampton. cttrailridesassoc.org.

29 CJHA NEHC CHSA RATED SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

16 CHJA NEHC SHOW, Well-A-Way Farm, Simsbury. wellawayfarmct.com.

29 – 30 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

18 – 22 FCHC BENEFIT JUNE SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

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

9 GREENWICH SHOW, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

11 – 16 OX RIDGE CHARITY HORSE SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

19 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. foxledgefarm.net.

30 OPEN SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

30 SNEHA SHOW, Oneco. snehassociation.com.

22 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

July

22 CMSA AMITY ROAD MAYHEM, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

22 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING, Colchester. treasurehillfarm.com.

22 NBHA BARREL RACING, Harwinton Fairgrounds, Harwinton. ctnbha01.com.

22 – 23 TSHA TRAIL RIDE, Patchaug State Forest, Voluntown. tristatehorsemen.com.

23 USEA KENT SCHOOL SPRING HORSE TRIALS, Kent. kent-school.edu.

23 CTRA RIDE, Upper Salmon River, East Hampton. cttrailridesassoc.org.

the

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The Northeast’s Premier Trailer Dealer Family owned for 42 years!

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

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7 BRV SHOW, New Canaan Mounted Troop, New Canaan. bhcmanagement.info.

Many more brands and models online at yeredtrailers.com!

10 DRESSAGE SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. centerlineevents.com.

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

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

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11 West Mill Street, Medfield, Mass.

(508) 359-7300 YeredTrailers.com

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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.

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

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Your Everything Equine White Pages BOARDING AND TRAINING

BARN CONSTRUCTION

BARN CATS

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“A happy horse rides in a Yered Trailer.”

7 SCHOOLING HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

10 – 13 WHC SHORELINE “A” SHOW, Westfield. bhcmanagement.info.

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5 – 7 WHC SHORELINE “A” SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

ARTISTS

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

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4 – 7 CTRA HOLIDAY WEEKEND RIDES, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

neighborhood

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30 BRV SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

21 3D BARREL RACING, All In Farm, Woodbury.

(203) 948-3374.

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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.

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

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

BRAIDING

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

EQUINE-ASSISTED ACTIVITIES

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

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.

LITCHFIELD BLUE SEAL STORE Litchfield, (860) 482-7116 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 VALLEY HOME & GARDEN CENTER Simsbury, (860) 651-5646 valleyhomeandgarden.com HAY AND SHAVINGS

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

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

HORSES FOR SALE

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

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

EQUINE RELATIONSHIPS

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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.

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

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FARRIER

LEGAL ADVICE

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

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.

FEED AND PET STORES

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BENEDICT’S HOME & GARDEN Monroe, CT, (203) 268-2537 benedictsgarden.com G.M. THOMPSON & SONS Mansfield Depot, (860) 429-9377 gmthompson.net H. H. STONE & SONS Southbury, (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons.benmoorepaints.com

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INSURANCE

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LOANS AND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

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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.

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

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MANURE REMOVAL,

TRACTORS/EQUIPMENT

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

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

LE MAY, INC. Newtown, CT, (203) 426-2497 (475) 529-8567 (mobile) agrimixmulch.com We buy manure. Containerized manure removal, many options/sizes.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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.

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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.

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.

RETIREMENT SANCTUARIES

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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 New, used saddles; saddle fitting.

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.

TACK SHACK Somers, CT, (860) 749-2802 tackshack.org Tack shops, awards, embroidery, equine laundry.

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.

Yes!

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Have your business and services in the print Connecticut Horse and on connhorse.com for just $49 a year. Plus, you receive a free one-year subscription!

Visit connhorse.com/ why-advertise to learn more and email ads@connhorse.com to place your ad!

myAGWAY of Bethel 74 South St., Bethel (203) 743-3232 . myagway.com

myAGWAY of North Haven 66 State St., North Haven (203) 239-1687 . myagway.com

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

myAGWAY of Manchester 33 Adams St., Manchester (860) 643-5123 . myagway.com

myAGWAY of Southington 1198 Queen St., Southington (860) 410-1726 . myagway.com

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

myAGWAY of Middlefield 147 Meriden Rd., Middlefield (860) 347-7229 . myagway.com

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

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

myAGWAY of North Branford 11 Whitewood Ln., North Branford (203) 483-7800 . myagway.com

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

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

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

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

41

Westport

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

Advertise with Us! Is this your horse?

This photo was taken at the Fairfield County Hunt Club’s USEF Show on February 17 in Westport. 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!

Connecticut Horse reaches your target audience.

h We have more than 6,000 readers of the print magazine.

h Plus online readers who generate more than 12,000 page turns per issue.

h We share your ad and Facebook posts with our 2,700 plus Facebook followers. h Our circulation includes paid subscribers; 55 tack shops, feed stores, and veterinary clinics; the members of more than 20 equestrian clubs and associations; plus our proprietary list of 300-plus stable and farm owners and managers.

h Additionally, Connecticut Horse is distributed at more than 15 events monthly. h Our advertisers tell us, “Connecticut Horse is the only print and online advertising that generates leads and customers for us.”

h Our readers tell us, “I read every issue cover to cover including the ads.”

Promote your business, services, and events!

call/text (860) 841-9070 . email lara@connhorse.com . connhorse.com 42

Connecticut Horse March/April 2019

Sally L. Feuerberg

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

Connecticut Horse

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRIDGEPORT, CT PERMIT

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