Massachusetts Horse April/May 2018

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

HORSE ANNUAL EVENTS ISSUE!

OLDEST RIDING CLUBS IN THE BAY STATE

CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND EQUINE RESCUE

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WENDELL STATE FOREST TRAIL GUIDE

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contents

April/May 2018

columns 20 Wendell State Forest courtesy of Westfield Riding Club

Trail Guide

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22 My Horse Has Come Undone. Why? Horse Logic

34 Bay State Events Calendar Massachusetts Only!

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24

features

in every issue

8 Riding Forward Together 18 Sandy Howell A Look at Some of the Oldest Riding Clubs in the Bay State

Curly Horse Advocate and Author

Lead Feature

Horseperson Feature

5 From the Publisher 7 Your Letters 26 Overherd 30 Partners 34 Events Calendar

16 Divinity Farm It’s All About the Relationship Farm Feature

24 Central New England Equine Rescue Lend a Hoof

47 This Olde Horse 48 The Neighborhood 50 Is This Your Horse?

Massachusetts Horse

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April/May 2018

From the Publisher

I

n this issue we feature the oldest equestrian clubs in the

Bay State. I grew up at Briggs Stable in Hanover where I

was a member of the Hanover Hunt and Riding Club. I

competed and volunteered at the annual June Show and the summer Wednesday night Mini Shows. That spirit of volunteerism led me to be the president of the Hampshire County Riding Club for a five-year term as well as in all areas of my life, including Massachusetts Horse’s Junior Horsemanship Awards program, the annual Benefit that’s raised more than

Lisa Hern-Silvester riding P.J., Tammy Rubio on Oliver Twist, and Stephanie Sanders (publisher) with Levaggio at Briggs Stable in Hanover in 1982 at the annual Barn Turnout. Throughout our childhood, we were members of the Hanover Hunt and Riding Club.

$65,000 for equine rescues in the Bay State, being a 4-H leader, and mentoring with Valley Venture Mentors. Being part of a riding club in my youth, having hard-working equestrians as my role models, and a family-inspired work ethic have been the positive influences in my life. Enjoy the lead feature and join a riding club in your neck of the woods!

The writers and reports whose work you read in these pages are all members of the Bay State equestrian community, and we’re always looking to add to our stable of wonderful talent. Interested in writing for us? Email samples of your writing and a bit about yourself to steph@mahorse.com.

Photography more your thing? Visit mahorse.com/submissions to learn how to submit photos for our covers. (You’ll also find our writer guidelines there.)

In this issue you’ll discover, or rediscover, a vast array of Massachusetts events: listings begin on page 34. When you’re enjoying one of them — either as a participant or spectator — look for the bright yellow cargo van with Massachusetts Horse signs and do stop and say hi. I may just have Miniature Horse Peanut in the back!

Massachusetts Horse

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HORSE vol. 16, no. 6 April/May 2018

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editor Kathaleen Emerson feature writers Nicole Birkholzer, Andrea Bugbee, Meghan Drysdale Sheryl Hodge, Alessandra Mele, Stacey Stearns contributors Kathy Feehery, JoAnn Hamson, Suzy Lucine, Lori Mahassel, Diane Merritt Lynda Mockler, Laurie Neely, Lynn Paresky, Katelyn Parsons Annamaria Paul, Julia Pesek, Elizabeth Wheaton, Lisa Wohlleib reporters Alessandra Mele • (413) 949-1972 • alessandra@mahorse.com Cora Shillinglaw • (508) 737-6810 • shillinglawc@gmail.com Holly Jacobson • (978) 356-5842 • holly@mahorse.com Karen Morang • (508) 797-2828 • karen@mahorse.com

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

Your Letters To the editor: Just home and getting a chance to enjoy a much needed snow day with a cup of tea and the latest issue of Massachusetts Horse.

Almost spit tea across the room when I turned to next to last page! It’s Pepper the mule and me, dressed in our finest (and warmest) Christmas attire at the Bay State Trail Riders’

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December Ride in Grafton. Our group of six ladies and their horses (and one mule), dressed as reindeer, had a blast on the wonderful trails, and hope to do it again.

Massachusetts Horse is always such a wealth of information.

Thank you!

Terry Lupien, Winchendon

To the editor: I re-subscribed to Massachusetts Horse at Equine Affaire and once again, I’m blown away by the quality of the magazine.

This is the one magazine that I literally read cover to cover.

Fantastic work!

Paula Beck, Chester

To the editor: I would love a copy of the February/March issue of Massachusetts Horse that has the article on Dunroven Farm in it. That’s where I ride! We loved the visit with the writer,

Let us know your thoughts!

Sheryl Hodge.

Cathy Case, Littleton

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All letters received by May 5 will be entered in the drawing. Send your letters to: steph@mahorse.com or Massachusetts Horse, 99 Bissell Rd., Williamsburg, MA 01096.

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Riding Forward Together A Look at Some of the Oldest Riding Clubs in the Bay State

West Newbury Riding and Driving Club circa 1920.

by Alessandra Mele

Y

ou couldn’t write the history of equine sport in Massachusetts without a chapter or two on riding clubs. Across the state, equestrians have been gathering for decades in the name of a shared appreciation for horses and riding. Countless groups have sprung up, offering local horse shows, dinners in the clubhouse, overnight trail rides, social outings, educational seminars, and more. A handful of these clubs have withstood the tests of time.

Riding clubs aren’t just gatherings of yore, though. Some of the oldest clubs in the state are as active as ever, boasting large and involved memberships, much-anticipated events, and keen fundraising abilities. More than that, these established organizations continue to build strong, caring, inclusive communities around horses, which the community so desperately needs.

Through thick and thin, these clubs ride forward together and plan to do so for generations to come.

West Newbury Riding and Driving Club As one of the oldest riding and driving clubs in Massachusetts, West Newbury Riding and Driving Club (WNRDC) has watched the available space to ride and enjoy horses shrink since the club was founded in 1920. In response, they’ve taken it upon themselves to preserve 8

April/May 2018

riding opportunities, whether it’s maintaining and protecting trails, organizing rides and events, or educating its youngest members.

“The club has been around in different iterations since 1920, but it was most recently invigorated by members who were instrumental in preserving a large parcel of land in town,” says Kathy Feehery, who served as president for nine years. “That really reconstituted the club as a way to help preserve riding land.”

The club operates on Pipestave Hill Equestrian Area, which is town-owned.

It includes rings, fields, trails, and a cross-country course. The land was nearly lost in the 1970s when commercial and housing developers were offered the property. However, members of WNRDC stepped in, alerting the horse community and conservationists who rallied to have West Newbury purchase the land and place it under protection. They were successful, and it remains open as an equestrian sanctuary today.

Since then, WNRDC has embraced Pipestave Hill as its home to the fullest.

“It’s one of the few facilities anyone can come ride on, and no one is charged,” Kathy says. “As a result, we hold most of our events there. We’re an all-volunteer group maintaining it, so it’s not always the same top-quality that you might get

from a private facility, but we do take pride in it and love to see riders enjoy it.”

Riders certainly come enjoy it.

WNRDC runs two horse trials each year, many trail rides, clinics, social events, and more. “We keep our events very educational,” Kathy says. “The horse trials are schooling trials that are meant to teach riders how to event safely. I started out volunteering at the events and now I help run them. This will be our thirtieth year hosting the horse trials.”

Many of the trail rides WNRDC hosts are for the benefit of local charities, especially those that support the preservation and maintenance of trails.

In particular, WNRDC hosts an Adventure Trail each fall in support of the trails. “It’s a non-competitive trail ride that offers challenges, obstacles, and jumps, encouraging fun out on the trails,” Kathy says. “It’s a fundraiser we do specifically to support the trail network in the area.”

“We have nearly one hundred members now,” Kathy says. “Some are in it for the social aspect, some for the trails, some for competitions, and we all share a love for our horses and enjoying them together.”

That community aspect is what drew Kathy in the first place, and continues to do so. “I joined about 30 years ago because I loved trail riding, but didn’t

Hanover Hunt and Riding Club 1935 Annual June Show at Briggs Stable in Hanover.

have a horse, and was surprised when a friend told me I could still join,” Kathy says. “Since then, this community is something I’ve always supported and believed in, and I’ve met so many wonderful people this way.”

WNRDC considers preserving the trails and land a top priority and Kathy knows that preservation of community and camaraderie among horse people is just as important. “Some members I’ve been riding with for years, some I met recently over a pot luck dinner,” says Kathy. “It’s a beautiful way to bring people together, all for the love of horses.”

Hanover Hunt and Riding Club Of the 86 years that Hanover Hunt and Riding Club (HHRC) has been in operation, John Dougherty has been

involved for 50 of them. “I married my wife, I didn’t have a choice,” he says, joking. He married into the Briggs family, owners and operators of Briggs Stable in Hanover, where Hanover Hunt and Riding Club calls home. John has been president of the club for more than ten years, and while getting hitched may have wrapped him into it, family, friends, and bringing horsemanship to the community keep him passionate about keeping the club active and growing.

There’s always a flurry of activity happening at Briggs Stable, and the efforts of the HHRC contribute significantly to that. “We host our big June Show every year, a huge tack sale in the spring, trail rides, pot luck dinners, brunch rides, and more,” John says.

“We rely on volunteer efforts, and they’re always successful events thanks to the club members.”

Not only is HHRC one of the oldest riding clubs in the state, it’s also one of the largest, boasting around 200 members. “There are members that have been involved longer than I have, and it’s through their commitment and involvement that the club is able to stay alive,” John says. “The Briggs family and those dedicated members are really the glue that holds it all together.”

While HHRC has certainly withstood the test of time, John notes things have changed in many ways, slowly, over time. “In earlier years, members were down here all the time fixing fences, painting jumps, and getting ready for shows, taking part in all the activities we offer, all together, as a family,” he says.

“Now, it’s more difficult for families to commit as much time as they’d like.

There’s a lot going on.”

Even so, John works to make sure there are plenty of activities available throughout the year, appealing to a wide range of riders, and is always pleased by the support he gets from members and volunteers. “Our members are upstanding people and are willing to volunteer their time, whether it’s at the Special Olympics event hosted at the stable every fall, running the club’s food booth at its Mini Shows throughout the summer, or pitching in at the June Show. Our clubhouse was built from the sales of hamburgers and hot dogs over the years — we get the job done!”

The Annual June Show, which John manages, is the most highly anticipated event of the year for HHRC. This year will be the club’s 86th annual show. “I found a horse show program for the second annual horse show back in 1933,” John says. “Our club logo is still the same, but things have really changed. There were pair jumping classes, and family classes where mom, dad, and all the kids would be in the ring competing! It’d be nice to do something like that.” John does like to add new, interesting classes, and is trying out some Hunter Derby classes this year, including one for those who want to give it a try over smaller fences.

John shakes his head in wonder at the ability of the club to hold events weekly for its members back in the old days — dinners, moonlight rides, trail outings — the list goes on. “I’d always like to do more, but times change and you just do what you can,” he says. John, Massachusetts Horse

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his family, and the dedicated members of HHRC are certainly doing all they can, offering all sorts of events, and the strong riding community that they have built thanks them for it.

Felton Field as its home base, which is owned and operated by the town of Barre. Although it remains locally focused, the club is open to everyone these days. “It’s available to anyone from anywhere who wants to be a part

commitment to fostering education around horses, especially in young people. The spring and fall horse shows that BRDC hosts directly benefit the BRDC scholarship, which typically awards local students $600 to $800 scholarships Barre Riding and toward furtherDriving Club ing their educaThe town of Barre and tion. There are horses have always also equestrian been deeply interscholarships twined, and the Barre available to chilRiding and Driving dren and adults, Club (BRDC) is at the to help encourheart of that relationage involvement ship. As Clare Barnes with horses. “The rifles through some of club is very comthe club’s oldest documitted to teachments, she’s surprised ing young people again and again to see the responsibility names she recognizes. that comes with “So many of the last horses, and the names of people riding scholarships are with the club way back one way we then persist today; famemphasize the ilies tend to stay importance of involved over time and Barre Riding and Driving Club members getting ready for a ride in the country in 1951. education,” Clare generations,” she says. Left to right Dr. Theodore Rice, Mrs. Edwin Bloom, George Palmer, Dr. Lester Felton, and Helen Weber. says.

“People stick with us.”

“Even before It’s thanks to that I joined, the club dedication that the was offering vacclub has lasted as long cination and as it has. Local riders dental clinics to first began gathering as its members,” early as 1938, holding Clare says. “We’ll “horse frolics” at the bring in a veteritown’s Old Home Days narian, and Entertainment event in members have which local citizens the opportunity would enter their to bring their horses and ponies for horses and pay prizes, and proceeds only for the vacwould benefit the cinations; no American Red Cross. farm call fee.

The club was officially The program incorporated as a nonwas started parprofit organization on ticularly for peoApril 14, 1951. ple who had Clare herself has Westfield Riding Club. Look at the number of spectators! backyard horses been involved for 30 that weren’t getting shots or seeing a years, and has seen her children grow of the local equestrian community, and vet. Although you don’t often see situaup on their mounts in the club, and caters to all breeds, disciplines, and tions like that today, members still take now has a young granddaughter joining ages,” Clare says. advantage of this great benefit as it the ranks. “The Barre Riding and With around 50 members, the club helps keep their horses healthy.”

Driving Club has been a big part of our remains very active in the town and Programs like these show BRDC’s lives as horse people. I joined it for my offers lots of events and educational commitment to its members and comchildren to enjoy, and keep involved to opportunities. “We host two horse munity, and the members remain make sure it stays around,” Clare says. shows a year, a variety of trail rides, clinfiercely dedicated to the club as a result.

She has been the club treasurer for 15 ics, we’re very active with 4-H, and “The people are what keep it going,” years. annually award equine scholarships,” Clare says, thinking of those family BRDC started out as a club for says Clare. names that persist over club records.

Barre residents only, of which there BRDC takes particular pride in the “People stay very active, holding posihave always been many involved in scholarship program they have built, tions for years, because they would hate equine sport. The club has long used and sees it as a manifestation of their 10

April/May 2018

to see anything happen to the club.

Even after I finish my term as treasurer, I’ll certainly remain on the board to help make sure this is around for my granddaughter, and generations of local riders to come.”

Westfield Riding Club If you’ve ever been to one of the Westfield Riding Club’s horse shows, held on its grounds tucked secretly away in a quiet corner of the Whip City, you know how busy it can get. “This past spring, we fit the maximum number of trailers we could possibly squeeze into the grounds, and had to block off the entrance!” says Sarah Bonini, president of the Westfield Riding Club (WRC), laughing. “We couldn’t fit anyone else!”

On show days, horses of every breed, size, shape, and color under all sorts of tack can be found trotting in a tightly choreographed warm-up area in the freshly mowed grass. Gearing up for 80 years of operation in 2019, WRC’s events remain highly anticipated, well attended, and deeply loved.

“I grew up a member of the Westfield Riding Club, getting my start in the 90s,” says Sarah, a resident of Southwick. She remembers fondly many days of showing on the grounds, riding with friends, and gathering in the clubhouse. She’s held the position of president for eight years, with the goal of keeping that camaraderie alive. “My childhood memories of the club and being able to ride here as a part of this community are so vivid, and I’d hate to see it not be there. That club feeling is so worth preserving, and I just want to make sure there’s always a board in place to preserve that mission.”

The club was founded in 1939 by a group of horse enthusiasts local to Westfield who wanted to create a community around the use, care, breeding, and protection of horses and develop an understanding of horsemanship — all while having a good time. The five acres on Fowler Road were donated to the club in the early 1950s, and have remained the center of all club activities since. “We were recently cleaning out the clubhouse, and found all these old games members used to play, along with a set of china for more than 40 people!”

Sarah says, laughing. “There would be big parties, overnight campouts, dinners — everything was a big social event. You just don’t see that now-adays, but I’d love to be able to do something like that.”

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these days — the members will happily upon a grassy haven cleared for riders booth, beautiful grass fields, ample settle for paper plates — but the WRC and their horses to enjoy. This place is parking, and three miles of trails in the still offers a variety of activities through- the center for all Hampshire County woods. They turned an old farm house out the year. “We put on two open Riding Club (HCRC) activities. “We’re into a clubhouse, and began enjoying shows every year, one in June and one so lucky to have a very large parcel of lots of social gatherings in the clubin September, which typically draw land which is absolutely gorgeous, and a house. Soon, they were organizing trail around 90 riders,” says Sarah, who man- very quiet and serene place to ride,” rides and horse shows.” ages both shows. “We also have several says Jamie Kubosiak, president of Today, the 80 or so HCRC memorganized trail rides throughout the HCRC. The spot holds as many memobers enjoy it similarly. “We’ve hosted so year, a Games Day in August, a winter ries as it does hoof prints, and has many different events over the years,” clinic, and monthly club meetings.” drawn club members back for trail Jamie says, recalling ride after ride.

Members of WRC receive unlimited rides, horse shows, and clinics season “We’ve had all different types of horse use of the grounds, discounts at local after season. shows, gymkhanas, trail rides all over tack shops, and admission to any of the Even before the 45 acres were western Massachusetts, scavenger hunts, club-sponsored rides. For riders who are acquired, HCRC was well known for its obstacle courses, a variety of clinics, fun only interested in trail riding, there’s a dedication to horsemanship and builddays, and more!” special discounted Jamie’s always membership that impressed by the allows for participawork club memtion in the club’s trail bers are willing to rides. “Our memberput into maintainship base is made up ing and growing of about 40 families,” the club. She Sarah says. “The served on the majority help out board of directors where they can, before becoming always coming out for president, and the major events.” feels being While WRC has involved in the seen many happy club is rewarding. rides over the years “It’s easy to stay thanks to dedicated active in HCRC members, Sarah realbecause it izes that going forbecomes a very ward it’s important to gratifying experiwork with other riding ence: when you Hampshire County Riding Club members riding in the parade at the dedication of the Coolidge Memorial put work into clubs to strengthen Bridge in Northampton on October 12, 1939. The four-horse team was owned by Sidney G. Carl of each other. “We’d love Hatfield and Earle M. Parsons and Sons of Northampton. On the seat with Sid is his son Curly and cleaning up the to know what we can sitting in the “corral” was Sid Carl, Jr., followed on horseback by 40 riders from the club including grounds, build a do for other clubs, cool obstacle Rob McQueston, Sr., Alexander Proulx, Ruth McQueston, and Robert Bean. and explore ways to course, and plan a help one another out,” she says. “The horse show, people come and enjoy it ing community. “The club was officially future is in partnering to reach future rid- incorporated on January 10, 1946, but with their horses, and that makes us feel ers and generate excitement.” great.” was actually in operation years before Sarah wants to see the club move This work ethic has always been a that, as a group of 30 or so horsemen forward. She’s working hard to ensure it who regularly gathered to ride,” says value of HCRC, passed down through the generations. “We appreciate the with the help of many enthusiastic mem- Jamie. “Records show that founding hard work of our predecessors who bers. “The fact that we have members members rode in a parade at the dedimade the grounds what they are, and that can say ‘I rode here as a kid’ and cation of the Calvin Coolidge Bridge in thank the existing members who mainrecall fond memories of favorite rides, Northampton back in 1939.” tain them today,” says Jamie. “The club special horses, and fellow members is Early club members met regularly has withstood the test of time because what keeps the club going,” she says. in Northampton, but as the club took “The stories are what make it tick. My shape and developed through the 1940s of a devoted group of core members who work tirelessly to keep things movson will be three this year, and it would and 50s, there was a need for more ing in a positive direction.” be great to bring him into a Lead Line space to host events and expand offerBut along with the work comes class and be able to tell him, ‘Mommy ings. In 1967, the club purchased the plenty of fun. You’ll see it in the creativdid this when she was your age!’ I want parcel of land in Goshen that the club ity that goes into obstacle courses, the to see this passed on from generation to calls home today, and set to work makgeneration, and I’ll be here as long as it ing it rideable. “Membership had grown cheering during Fun Day gymkhana classes, and the laughter coming from takes to see it through.” to nearly 100 riders by then, and everythe trails as horses weave through the one worked to help clear part of the Goshen forest. “This is a very friendly Hampshire County Riding Club wooded property,” Jamie says. and welcoming club where members Follow a narrow dirt road into the cool, “Members created a usable space with can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere,” says deep woods of Goshen and you’ll come two large riding rings, a secretary’s 12

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color page

Massachusetts Horse

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Jamie. Anyone who visits the HCRC grounds during a club event will see all the happy horses and riders drawn to the place, and heartily agree.

Hanson Riding Club Variety and versatility are key traits of any good riding club and Hanson Riding Club (HRC) truly exhibits these qualities, and has done so since 1956.

They’ve got something for everyone.

“With a membership as big as ours, you have to have options for everyone; we want all members to feel included,” says Micaela Shea, the HRC president.

Micaela estimates the club’s membership is nearing 200 riders, representing a variety of breeds, disciplines, ages, and backgrounds. “We have longtime members who’ve been with us since the beginning, and riders who’ve just discovered us and joined.” Micaela herself has been involved since the early 2000s, when she joined as a child, eager to participate in horse shows.

To accommodate everyone, HRC offers many events and activities “We host four open shows each year, versatility competitions, a huge tack sale, lots of trail rides, opportunities to ride in parades, a beach ride, our highly anticipated Supreme Invitational Show, and more,” Micaela says, trying her best to

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keep track of everything that’s going on this year alone. “We’re always looking to add more and improve. What else should we offer? We’re always open to suggestions.”

The particularly impressive aspect that speaks to HRC’s versatility is that it makes all this happen without its own club grounds. Through partnerships with local barns and riding facilities, utilization of public lands, and cooperation with other clubs, HRC is able to hold events wherever they are best able.

“Briggs Stable in Hanover has been a longtime partner with us, as well as Balmy Acres in Middleboro,” says Micaela. “We’ll have our trail rides at Miles Standish State Forest in Carver and hold the beach ride at Rexhame Beach in Marshfield,” Micaela says.

Micaela knows that a big part of why it works is due to the enthusiasm of the club members. “The dedication of our board members and volunteers keep this club running,” she says.

“Everyone is doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, to make sure the club is maintained and continues on.

It’s not easy, but we remain proactive and involved.”

HRC’s October Rexhame Beach Ride routinely draws crowds of riders in support of local animal shelters and

charities, and is completely volunteer run. “We’ve raised more than $10,000 in seven years. It’s always a favorite ride among local riders,” Micaela says.

Whether it’s at the horse shows, out on the trails, at a local parade, or club meetings, you’ll see the same willingness to pitch in and create fun experiences that appeal to everyone. “When I was showing as a kid, I always found a good sense of competition, and everyone has always been so friendly,” Micaela says. “That camaraderie alone is enough to make anyone want to stay in the club and see that it continues on for years to come.”

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

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Massachusetts Horse

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Groveland

Farm Feature

Divinity Farm It’s All About the Relationship

by Andrea Bugbee

ccording to Wendy Richardson, Maria Hurley of Divinity Farm saved her horse’s life.

A few years ago, Wendy bought a 15-year-old Quarter Horse/Tennessee Walker who, among other antics, bucked, reared, and escaped, galloping

A

horse she could be. The horse just responded to her.”

“Maria’s a gift to the horses,” Wendy says. “She really is.”

If you ask Maria, however, she’ll say horses are the gift. Not her.

“They’re big animals,” Maria says.

dampen Maria’s passion for horses. “As I grew older, my horse craziness progressed,” she says, laughing. “Anything to do with horses was just my thing.”

In adulthood, Maria has ended up with two kids, two horses, and a twoacre farm quietly cushioned by woods

Angelica Hurley riding Poco at Crane Beach.

Maria Hurley with Poco Bella at a Bradford Equestrian Center Dressage Show where they competed in western dressage

Massimo Buonopane on Lacrime at Divinity Farm.

madcap down the road. “A totally reputable vet in my area told me that I should euthanize her; that she was dangerous,” Wendy says.

Desperate and short on alternatives, Wendy called a number she had seen advertising riding lessons at a little farm in Groveland.

That number was Maria’s.

“Within an hour I saw a difference,” Wendy says, recalling the day Maria met with her and put her mare into a round pen. Using a little Monty Roberts, a little Pat Parelli, and a lot of Maria’s personal experience, Wendy’s firey mare softened and submitted.

Within six months, Wendy, who’d been afraid to even blanket the horse, was using her to trail ride.

“Eventually I had my two-year-old on that horse,” Wendy says. “Maria totally showed me another side of this animal. How she does it, I’m not sure.

She just uses her body and her voice.

Literally, within an hour, Maria was on her back showing me what an amazing

“They can be dangerous, but horses are all about healing. I can’t imagine my life without them. I talk to my horses.

There’s a sense of easement when I’m around them. I love the way they smell.

I love the way they make me feel. I love their compassion, their unconditional love, and the trust that we build. Horses aren’t just about riding. They’re about building a relationship. They’re about building trust.”

near Groveland’s Bradford Ski Area and Johnson Pond. With a five-stall barn and a 180 x 70 outdoor sand ring, she describes Divinity Farm as, “ . . . a small, cozy little family farm that’s been licensed and insured for many, many years.”

When her children were younger (she has a son, Zachary, now 18, and a daughter, Angelica, now 16), Maria had five horses and taught up to 30 lessons a week. She ran camps for the Girl Scouts and for the Pentucket Educational Program, which serves the North Shore towns of Groveland, Merrimac, and West Newbury. She had (and still has) a therapeutic riding program. At one point, she even offered vaulting lessons.

Maria also led the Little Trotters 4-H Club out of Divinity Farm. “It was so beneficial in teaching the children about leadership and public speaking,” she says. “We met weekly at the farm, and at the Topsfield Fairgrounds during winter.” Through 4-H, Maria’s children and students enjoyed field trips to

16 April/May 2018

Anything To Do with Horses Maria’s passion for the relationship between people and horses began while she was still in elementary school — because that’s when she became a riding instructor. “I was eight years old and my mom said I could have a pony if I worked for it, so I started teaching,” she says. “I had two girls that I taught on the weekends. They paid me five dollars each. That gave me ten dollars a week, or $40 a month for board.”

Hard work and responsibility at a young age did absolutely nothing to

places such as Dover Saddlery, the New England Equine Rescue North, and the MSPCA’s specialized equine ambulance program. The Little Trotters 4-H hosted Book Night at the Farm for the Groveland Library and they hosted and attended many horse shows.

“It was a lot of fun,” Maria says.

“On the weekends I would have nine kids at a horse show with three horses.

It was a lot of work, too, but I had a great group of kids.”

Whether teaching horse management, hunt seat, western, natural horsemanship, dressage, western dressage, trail riding, or leading a field trip, Maria says, “My goal for myself, my children, and students was to be exposed to that constant growth as a horseperson. I like to share my experience and what I know with others. Whatever I know is something I can share with someone else so they can benefit from it with their own horse and their own training.”

“A lot of people might come to me just to learn how to ride,” Maria says, “but I don’t necessarily just teach that.

The motto of our farm is, ‘It’s all about the relationship.’ That’s what I teach.”

Ten Minutes to Maria’s!

Seven years ago, divorce shifted Maria’s financial flexibility. She now works as an executive assistant away from the farm, but her passion for connecting horses and people remains solid.

Despite a 40-hour work week, she continues to teach lessons on evenings and weekends during the three seasons the footing in her outdoor ring is suitable.

She also travels out to teach and, when snow and ice spill over the ground, she hauls to an indoor arena to practice western dressage under Cathy Drumm.

Throughout the cycles of these seasonal and life changes, Anthony and Maria Buonopane of Saugus have been bringing their sons, 8-year-old Massimo Buonopane and 21-year-old Anthony Ferullo, to Divinity Farm for therapeutic riding lessons. “Maria’s a very passionate, very patient person,” Maria Buonopane says. “She has an incredible way of making the kids feel relaxed.

Both of my kids have autism. It centers them. It sets the path for the rest of the weekend.”

“The primary reason why we do the lessons is because there’s data out there that special needs kids really benefit from therapeutic horseback riding,”

Maria Buonopane says. The other reason they do it, she says, is because, with a hectic week packed with the hard work of school and therapies, her children simply enjoy it.

“Both my sons know when it’s time to go to the horses,” this busy mom says. She adds that, if there’s ever a Saturday morning when her sons are tired or just getting over a cold, she checks in with them to see if they still want their lesson. “I never get a ‘no,’ ” she says. “It’s always a ‘yes.’ ” Massimo, who recently became verbal, likes to count down the minutes to Maria’s farm while driving there in the car. “Ten minutes to Maria’s!” he’ll say.

According to Maria Buonopane, therapeutic riding at Divinity Farm is more than just riding a horse. Instead, she says, it’s talking, it’s tactile, it’s stretching and moving, and learning throughout. With Maria, her children brush the horses. They talk about the tools used to care for and ride these beautiful animals. They name the letters around the ring. And, with assistants at their side, they ride Maria’s two horses: Lacrime and Poco Bella.

Poco Bella is the pretty buckskin Quarter Horse Maria competes in western dressage. She’s Anthony’s mount.

Massimo, however, gets to ride Lacrime.

“That horse is the main man of my life, I’ll tell you,” Maria says, describing the flashy, black Arabian she got as a foal 30 years ago. “If the kids get on him, he’s all head low, sweet, extra cautious. He’s just awesome. But if I get on him for a spin, he’s all that and a bag of chips — still!” Maria says.

Maria Buonopane notices this gentleness, too. “The horses, they’re almost human the way they react,” she says, observing. “If they could talk, they’d be saying to me, ‘Don’t worry! I’ve got the kids!’ ”

Being Around Horses Is Divinity Itself Interestingly, Maria Buonopane doesn’t only describe Divinity Farm as a good experience for her sons, she says it’s a good experience for her, too. Just being there, outside and around horses, rebalances her. “It does something to you,” she says. “It’s just a really nice, enlightening experience.”

That nice, enlightened feeling — or divinity — is very much a part of Maria’s purpose and intention.

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“There’s a piece of my farm that’s like an outreach,” she says. “It’s about spirituality; a connection. I’ve had some people in my program that don’t even ride. They just come to visit. They come to talk. Being around horses is like spiritual divinity in itself. I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s just a very deep thing. It’s almost magical. I teach people how to come down to that place.”

Working full time, parenting, and keeping up both a farm and a lesson program is a hefty load for Maria, yet she doesn’t view it as a burden. “It’s never been easy,” she says. “I’ve got a whole lot of energy — it’s positive energy, too. I’ve always been able to do what I love to do, and that’s be with horses. I’ve been blessed to be able to do that, and by the people they bring into my life.”

“This is me,” she says simply. “It’s what I do.”

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

Massachusetts Horse

17

Hampden

Horseperson Feature

Sandy Howell Curly Horse Advocate and Author

by Meghan Drysdale

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est Ridge Farm in Hampden is home to Sandy Howell, breeder of the rare Curly horse and successful author of novels featuring the Curly horse as well as other breeds. Sandy grew up in Pennsylvania and has always embodied a love for horses that began when she was just a child taping photos of horses to her bedroom wall in admiration.

That combination of love for and fascination with horses is the “special sauce” Sandy brings to each of her novels.

Sandy got her undergraduate degree from UMass Amherst, later earning her master’s degree in education from Westfield State University. She taught in the health division at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) for 28 years. Now semiretired, Sandy teaches an online class each semester for STCC, which allows her to devote her time to her horses and her writing.

“My journey with the American Curly horse, and as an author, began some years ago when I read a piece in an equine magazine about a rare horse with a curly coat,” says Sandy.

“Fascinated by a horse drenched in rich American history, I decided to learn more about this rare breed known as the American Bashkir Curly or American Curly horse.”

Sandy became extremely interested in breeding the American Curly horse (in some circles referred to as the Great Plains Curly horse) once she began her research. She learned that there were not many left, as they were being rounded up by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) because they’re part of the wild horse herds that roam and graze on BLM land. Sandy thinks they may have been a staple to indigenous peoples of the Americas because of their hardiness and trainable mindset.

Sandy made it her mission to show the public that these horses are some of the best out there, and joined the small but growing group of American Curly breeders. As she began breeding and showing the American Curly horse and sharing their story with the public, many people became interested in this rare breed.

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April/May 2018

“Through much research I found a breeder in Pennsylvania, purchased two Curly mares and began my fun-filled journey with this unique breed,” says

Sandy. “Two years later, I purchased a Curly colt from a farm in Virginia and began my American Curly horse breeding program.”

Sandy received letters from tribes across the country, thanking her for her dedication to saving the Great Plains Curly horse and preserving its legacy

that their ancestors so loved. Her efforts, combined with a handful of like-minded breeders, have increased the Curly horse population significantly and as of 2015 there were 5,000 within the United States. Sandy’s most proud of making other people happy from her efforts, all while preserving her favorite breed of horse and spreading the joy of Curly horses throughout America and internationally.

As an author, Sandy has mined her personal life and her vast equine experiences as the basis for her novels. This is true for both of her book series, which have equine partnerships intertwined with life lessons. Her Samantha Steele series is relevant to teenage and adult audiences, whereas her Angels Club series appeals to ages 9 and older.

The Samantha Steele series includes four books. In Book 1, Spirit of a Rare Breed, we meet Samantha Steele, the main character, and follow her adventures as she builds her American Curly breeding program. The next three books in this series are all mysteries, with the fourth and final one still in the works.

Samantha Steele goes through a lot of the same experiences that Sandy has had in her life. “There are pieces of me in her,” Sandy says. These books are not only for Curly horse lovers, they seem to have a little something for everyone.

Even if you’re not a horse person, there are lessons and stories that may be relevant to you.

“My love of horses and sharing stories about my journey with them drew me to write my Samantha Steele series,” says Sandy. “Through Samantha, I share my passion for equine rescue and therapeutic riding programs. Although Curly horses star in each novel, other breeds are woven into each story line.”

Sandy’s other series, Angels Club, is co-written with Courtney Vail. The two met at a Meet the Authors group in western Massachusetts, where they discovered they were a great fit — Courtney was spectacular at writing dialogue for children, whereas Sandy was the horse knowledge expert.

“We first sit down together and we think of what lesson we want in this

book,” Sandy says. “How can we incorporate the powerful healing of horses into these stories? And, what lessons and trials can we give young people through horses?” The two authors decide what kind of horse they want in the novel, what the story line will be, and who the main characters are. They each write different sections of the book and weave them together in order to create a singular voice and feel. “We know we’ve done a good job when we don’t know where Courtney’s part ended and mine began, and where mine ended and hers began,” says Sandy.

These series were written to address major issues within children’s lives. The entertaining series shows children of all ages how they can empower themselves through their love of horses and by helping others. Horses are in these novels to help the characters through hard times.

“Co-author Courtney Vail and I collaborated on the middle-school series Angels Club to show how much horses can impact lives and build confidence in young readers,” says Sandy. “Our readers learn how horses can be catalysts to overcome obstacles and empower them. The diverse series features youngsters of different ethnicities and physical capabilities, proving that everyone can make a difference. Each book tells the story through the eyes of the main character, while touching on lessons we all need to be the best we can be.”

The Angels Club is a group of young people who team up to fight back against bullying and help people who are in need. For example, the Angels Club will help a family that’s in need financially by fund raising. But, the club is a secret and its members receive no individual recognition for their work. They always leave a note after helping someone that simply says, “An angel has touched you.”

The authors have built this series around a motto that all children can learn to follow: “The more you help others, the more powerful you become,” says Sandy.

In Book 3, The Fight to Save Mustangs, the main character Emily has cerebral palsy. She wants to be an amazing hunt seat equitation rider but her lower legs can’t be that still. She decides that barrel racing is something that she can be spectacular at. The lesson here? “You can be the best at what you can be, not at whatever you want to be,” says Sandy.

These books are realistic fiction.

Sandy wanted to include real life lessons, even if it means the main character experiences disappointments. No matter what the situation is within the novel, there’s always therapeutic riding and rescue horses intertwined within the storyline of the Angels Club books.

“These are books of hope, enlightenment, and stories of how young people survive and become more powerful,” Sandy says.

“I always have some kind of mystery involving horses dancing around in my head,” Sandy says. She wants to bring to light issues on race, bullying, wild horses, rescue horses, and therapeutic riding. Sandy and Courtney wanted to be realistic in a way that other books for young teens are not — straightforward and honest. Their readers may see how cruel some children can be to one another, but they also learn how others can build each other up after going through a difficult time.

Sandy’s books have won the 2016 Moonbeam Children’s Silver Medal for Best Young Adult Series, the 2017 Independent Publishers of New England Silver Medal for Best Young Adult Series, and the 2017 Equus Film Festival Winnie Award.

“The Native Americans from Massachusetts sent me their council shield (Morning Star) as well as letters of support,” says Sandy. “They were honoring my attempt to save the Curly Horse and my desire to promote and tell their story. The Native Americans knew all about the Curly horses while most horse enthusiasts had never heard of them.”

Sandy’s love for horses is matched by her generosity to others. She donates regularly to rescue horse groups and has donated a set of her books to Black Lives Matter in Vermont.

Lost Legacy, the fourth book in the Samantha Steele series, along with The Lost Warrior Princess, the fifth book in the Angels Club series will be available at Equine Affaire in November. Sandy will be at the Taborton Equine Books booth signing her novels and visiting with readers. Be sure to stop by and say hello.

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Meghan Drysdale is a United States Dressage Federation bronze medalist and is a veterinary science major at Becker College. She has two horses — Rosie, a Hanoverian that she rides dressage and George, a Morgan that she competes in endurance. Meghan also enjoys working with horses that have behavioral issues.

Massachusetts Horse

19

Trail Guide

Wendell

by Stacey Stearns

Wendell State Forest

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endell State Forest doesn’t have an off-season or quiet time. It’s popular year round.

In the summer the picnic area, baseball diamond, swimming, and boating are a draw. Other activities this hidden gem offers are biking, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, ice-skating, mountain biking, and snowmobiling. While Bay State equestrians won’t have the trails to themselves,

The headquarters for Wendell State Forest are at 392 Wendell Road, in Wendell, also known as Millers Falls.

The address on the map says 392 Montague Road. Either should work in your GPS. The forest is located at the town lines of Wendell, Montague, New Salem, and Erving.

Hours are from sunrise to sunset.

There’s a parking fee of $8 for

Wendell State Forest is sure to be a favorite.

The forest spans 7,566 acres of rolling, tree-covered hills with streams and ponds interspersed among the trails. Wendell is located west of the Quabbin Reservoir and south of the Millers River, in north central Massachusetts.

The drive to Wendell State Forest is very forested and rural. I drove through Pelham, and saw the lookout to Quabbin Reservoir. I also drove past Lake Wyola State Park, and many other conservation areas and private lands with logging activity. Erving State Forest is to the north, on the opposite side of Route 2 and 2A. The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages Wendell State Forest. It was purchased by the state in the 1920s. Wendell is known for its good parking and ample dirt roads among the trail riding community. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the dirt roads in the 1930s.

Massachusetts vehicles and $15 for outof-state vehicles. On the February day I visited there was no parking fee. This could also be the case in the summer, depending on where you park.

Universal access features are available, including paved hiking trails and seated skiing and ice-skating equipment for use in the winter. There is also a pavilion, restroom facility, picnic tables, and grills in the picnic area.

Wendell State Forest welcomes school groups in the spring through fall seasons for a wetlands program on invertebrate adaptations. If you ride on a weekday during these seasons, be advised that you might meet a large group of children out “ponding” near the main forest headquarters and visitors center.

The 10-acre Ruggles Pond and its surrounding area host most of the forest’s visitors, especially in the summer, and is an area that equestrians should avoid. There are beavers in the southern end of Ruggles Pond. Another popular location is Wickett Pond, which has

a boat ramp for non-motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks.

On the trails I saw dogs, hikers with walking poles, and snowmobile tracks.

All of the other trail users were polite.

Remember when you’re out on the trails that you represent all equestrians, and that most other trail users you meet won’t have interacted with horses before, and may be nervous.

Stacey Stearns

A Leg Up

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April/May 2018

Maps are available at the forest headquarters. On a Monday during school break in February, this area was abuzz with children and their parents who were sledding and ice-skating.

The map box at Dirth Road was empty. However, while I was getting organized to head out on the trail, a park employee stopped and added a few more trail maps to the box. You can also download a map at dcr.gov and save it to your smartphone or print one at home.

Parking One parking option for equestrians is in the area for snowmobiles and events.

There’s a large sign at the entrance to the parking area. If you come in to Wendell State Forest from the Montague side, this parking area is beyond the main office. If you’re coming from the opposite direction, it would be before you reach the headquarters.

The composting toilets at this location were open in February.

There are a couple of other parking options available for horse trailers. A two-horse trailer can maneuver in the small parking area at Dirth Road if there aren’t other cars in the parking lot.

Out Riding It “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” This is one of many famous quotes from John Muir, an early advocate for the wilderness in the United States. He’s known as the Father of the National Parks. In Wendell State Forest, there are plenty of dirt paths to explore.

Wendell State Forest was heavily burned in the early 1900s and what we see today is the re-growth that occurred.

In 2004 the mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking communities volunteered many hours to create a network of multi-use single track trails under the guidance of the park ranger and trails supervisor. In 2006, the State Forest was hit by an F2 tornado. Areas in the forest were devastated as oaks, maples, pines, and cedars were taken down, leaving behind a lunar-like landscape. Twelve years later those areas have new trees about 15 feet high.

Part of the Metacomet-Monadnock (M-M) Trail passes through Wendell State Forest, on the eastern side of the park, and through the forest headquarters. The M-M trail is technical in places and isn’t usually horse friendly.

Linda Levitre of Conway is one of the ride managers of the Leverett Competitive Trail Ride held each May. “Our 25-mile ride used to use Wendell State Forest for half of our ride, years ago when it was sponsored by the Northeast Morab Club,” says Linda. “It’s a fun place to go. They paved the connector road so we got cut off.”

The dirt roads that are the trails within Wendell State Park had snow cover on them and were icy underneath the day I was there. Despite the slippery conditions, the ride and trails were beautiful. I could tell that there were rocks and roots in places where the snow was melting off the trails. I recommend boots for horses that aren’t shod.

From Dirth Road, I went up toward Wickett Pond, and then rode parallel to the pond before heading west on Wickett Pond Road and north on Perry Farm Road. Perry Farm Road crosses the paved Farley Road, and then you can ride east on Stone Road and connect to Bear Mountain Road. All of

these are dirt roads and Bear Mountain Road circles back down toward the parking areas. It connects to Saxon Bridge Road and back onto Wickett Pond Road and Dirth Road.

“Another reason to avoid the Ruggles Pond area is the beavers took over a critical crossing spot,” Linda says.

“This further blocked access from the Leverett side.” As long as you are parking and riding in from the areas described, you can easily avoid this area.

Trails are also available on the opposite side of Montague Road. You can cross at the park headquarters, and ride a loop from Chestnut Hill Road, across to Burkhart Road, and back to Montague Road and the park headquarters. There are also dirt roads and trails to the far north of the forest near Route 2A and Erving State forest that is on the opposite side of 2A. With miles of dirt roads and canopies of trees overhead, Bay State equestrians can spend many happy hours in Wendell State Forest. See you on the trails!

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

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Massachusetts Horse

21

Horse Logic

My Horse Has Come Undone. Why?

by Nicole Birkholzer

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Once the predator is no longer a threat and the horse can come to a stop, he needs to release the tension he has accumulated. If he doesn’t, the slightest bit of stimulation — a branch cracking or a leaf falling — could set him off again into flight mode.

Therefore, as soon as the horse

Angie Dahlquist Tollefson

e’ve all been there — enjoying a great ride, when, seemingly out of the blue, our horse blows a fuse. Consider the following examples.

It’s a beautiful spring day, and you’re riding through your neighborhood.

You’ve just passed a big yellow street sign, watched a squirrel grab an acorn on the side of the road, and made it past a barking dog in the neighboring yard without your horse missing a beat or taking a side step. Then, suddenly, he sees a mailbox across the street, and bam! He spins on his haunches, unseats you in the process, and gallops back to the barn.

In the riding arena, you and your horse have warmed up nicely, executing smooth walk to trot transitions as two other horses enter the ring, but when you ask for a trot to canter transition your horse comes undone.

He speeds up, cuts a corner, and then throws a mighty buck on the long side of the arena, not necessarily unseating you, but surely unsettling you.

What happened? And how can a horse go from nice to “naughty” in a moment?

The answer is in his DNA. He has to do it in order to survive.

Survive what, you might wonder — a ride in the neighborhood, a ride in the arena?

Although our horses are domesticated, they are still prey animals. And as prey animals, horses are ever vigilant, absorbing much of the stimuli they’re exposed to in their daily environment, causing stress on their nervous system.

When these moments accumulate and the energy becomes hard to contain, the horse releases the accumulated stress in his own particular way. He may buck, spook, or spin to release the tension that has been building up.

In order to stay alive, horses in the wild always have to be on the lookout for predators. If he sees a predator, his body immediately tenses as he prepares to take flight. As the horse gallops off, his nervous system is on high alert and his adrenaline goes through the roof.

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April/May 2018

feels safe he rolls on the ground, and once he gets up, shakes vigorously to discharge the extra energy. After that his nervous system is back in balance, and he’s then able to breathe more fully, graze, and engage again with his herd mates.

The horse’s nervous system is designed to release accumulated stress, but the ability to self-regulate has been taken away from many — if not most — domestic horses. Unfortunately, when the horse lives in a stall or small fenced enclosure, his movement is restricted and he can’t release stress naturally through movement — galloping, rolling, followed by a full body shake.

Though we humans know that horses living in our backyard or at a boarding barn are safe from attack by lions, tigers, and bears, our horses don’t know that. The horse does not think, “Ah, now that I live in Suzi’s backyard I don’t need to worry about predators.”

No, the horse is still a horse. Though he has been acclimated to, or desensitized by, the many things he encounters in his daily life, he can still go into fight, flight, or freeze mode when his sympathetic nervous system is overwhelmed.

(The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight or flight response.)

And there are many reasons for a domesticated horse to be overwhelmed. Anything in his environment can be overwhelming — tractors, dogs, herd mates, and people.

Just like us, horses tense up when they are startled by a sudden noise or when encountering an unfamiliar object. They may tense when an anxious or overly excited person enters their space.

They tense when they can’t get away from something that feels painful. They tense when they are in conflict with another horse and can’t find resolution.

Much more than us, our horses feel the moods, the anger, and the excitement in their environment, and they store it in their body. Because their space is limited and they don’t get to gallop off for a few miles and then roll when the predator, real or imagined, is out of sight, the horse holds a lot of the tension in his body until the horse blows a fuse. He doesn’t do this to hurt you; he does it because he’s a horse, a prey animal.

Horses can’t turn their sensors on or off depending on the time of day, the work they do, and the circumstances they live in. Horses are sensitive, sentient beings. Always. And that stress has a cumulative effect.

Unfortunately, blowing a fuse is not the only sign a horse is overwhelmed.

A horse that can’t naturally regulate his nervous system may develop health issues — ulcers and colic — and behavioral issues — balking, barging, nipping, kicking, weaving, and cribbing.

These reactions and behaviors are a cry for help. Think about it; horses only have so many ways to express themselves.

They don’t scream, and most often they can’t get away and if they do, they can only get so far, so they express their disease through certain behaviors.

We need to look at these behaviors as information, not as bad behaviors.

Horses do things for a reason. It’s up to us to find the reason and then remedy the situation to the best of our ability so the horse can go back to a state of wellbeing.

The next time your horse seemingly overreacts on the trail or in the arena for no apparent reason, ask yourself, “What happened before what happened happened?” This is a quote attributed to the late legendary horseman Ray Hunt. What’s going on in your horse’s surroundings to put him on edge? Not the thing that he spooked at, but the reason he’s uneasy overall.

The best way to find out is to take a couple of deep breaths to clear your mind before entering your horse’s stall or paddock. Then, once you’re next to your horse, take another conscious abdominal breath. Breaths are contagious and your horse may take your lead and take a nice deep breath as well to release some tension.

Then review the environment, the last few rides, the vaccination vet visit,

the farrier’s demands, a new horse in the stall next door — any circumstances that could have affected your horse.

Did a storm blown through the barnyard the night before your last trail ride?

Was one of the horses entering the arena a new horse, an anxious horse, and your horse picked up on it?

Maybe your horse is stressed because a herd mate is not feeling well.

Has your horse been moved to a new paddock that’s more exposed to the barn traffic?

Is there a new barn manager dishing out the meals and your horse has not yet become accustomed to the person’s energy? Or are you going through a stressful time in your life and your horse is picking up on that?

Once you have a few ideas about what might have added stress to your horse’s nervous system, see how you can affect or change the circumstance so your horse can go back to well-being and you can once again enjoy a calm and pleasant ride.

Nicole Birkholzer is on a mission to understand the logic behind our horses’ behaviors. Contact her and learn more about horse logic at horse-logic.com.

Help Your Horse Release Tension If your horse is blanketed, as soon as the winter or spring sun warms your face, remove your horse’s blanket for a while. Hopefully, he takes the opportunity and rolls. Yes, yes, yes — you do want your horse to roll and get dirty. Because after he rolls he’ll shake and when he shakes he literally shakes some of the stored-up tension out of his system.

Before you grab your currycomb and brushes to groom your horse, try using your hands. Take a nice deep breath and let your hands glide across your horse’s body in a gentle and relaxed way.

If your horse wants his neck scratched follow his lead. After a couple of good scratches take a deep breath and step back, and see if your horse shakes his head and neck; maybe he does the full body shake.

If your horse moves his butt toward you, take a breath and stroke and massage the muscles in his hind end for a few moments. Take another deep breath and step back. Is he licking and chewing? That’s another sign of relaxation.

You can help your horse release stored stress and tension one deep breath at a time.

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Massachusetts Horse

23

West Brookfield

by Sheryl Hodge

Lend a Hoof

Central New England Equine Rescue

H

orses are not disposable! These noble creatures deserve unconditional love, and freedom from hunger, abuse, terror, and slaughter. This is why Vicky Berry and her daughter, Betsy Johnson, founded Central New England Equine Rescue (CNEER) in 2003 and began rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused, neglected, abandoned, and slaughter-bound horses of all breeds and sizes.

cleared, piles of cow manure removed, and so much more. It wasn’t pretty or pleasant work, but they were rewarded for their efforts with some amazing land for spacious paddocks and turnout. This was made possible with generous donations of supplies, money, and the gift of precious time from so

Major Milestones CNEER celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and has been recently ranked number five in the Great Nonprofits for animals in Massachusetts, an incredible and admirable feat for a mother and daughter team that started out with a humble hope to rescue two horses a year. “We are in awe of how fast the years fly by, and how slow some hours can pass when a horse is not doing well.

To even think it has been fifteen years makes us all smile!” says Vicky, with quiet pride.

“Our goal is to find loving homes for all when possible,” she says. “Some are companion only as they cannot carry riders. Some are babies from mares that were rescued from slaughter, some are wonderful athletes and some are trail lovers, but one thing that they all have in common is that they need a chance to be loved, and for fifteen years we’ve been doing our best to provide them with that chance.” With more than 200 rescues to date, Vicky and Betsy’s passion and drive are as strong as ever.

Vicky and Betsy are true gifts who not only save horses, they’ve also created a haven for them and for likehearted human souls that want to help.

In the beginning, from 2003 to 2013, the rescue was running out of two locations, Barre and West Warren. In 2013, the dream of having one central location became a reality when they found a property in West Brookfield. With a lot of help from dedicated volunteers, the original four-stall structure became a 12-stall barn, acres of brush were 24

April/May 2018

many caring people. They’ve done a lot in the five years that they’ve been in West Brookfield and there’s a great deal more to do.

Unsung Heroes None of what Vicky and Betsy have done, and continue to do, could be accomplished without their dedicated army of huge-hearted volunteers. “We have an executive board of five multiple-committee members, and more than thirty volunteers,” says Vicky. No one is given financial compensation for working at the rescue, but “to see a horse go from skin and bones and without hope flourish into the fun-loving, playful, healthy being it was meant to be is reward enough for all of us,” says Vicky.

The volunteers are a very special bunch. The passion they have for what they do is palpable and contagious. You can feel the love and respect all at CNEER have for the horses and each other. It’s an outstanding combination of the family you’re born into combined

with the family you choose. It’s a place where horses and people are given a chance to be who they really are.

One dedicated volunteer, Jodi, sums it up nicely “This is a barn full of heroes! I sometimes think I should be paying them [for this privilege],” she says, downplaying the fact that she too is one of those heroes.

“I truly wonder, is it us who saves these horses, or is it they who save our souls and remind us what this life is truly about, caring for one another?” says Vicky.

Perhaps the saving is mutual.

Vicky downplays her part in the daily running of the rescue; however, she’s an unbelievable force.

When you see Vicky in action, you’d never guess her age, and we’ll respectfully leave it at that! Let’s just say she’s not chosen a relaxing retirement, but a rewarding one. Her humbleness is part of what makes her so awesome.

Then there’s Betsy, who goes places no one wants to go to find and rescue horses in need. Her work takes a special combination of grit and kindness, and it leaves a mark, but she pays that price because every life saved matters. On top of that, “Betsy quietly, without notice, helps nurse very sick horses back to health. She puts in many sleepless nights to get them on their feet,” says Vicky.

There are so many folks to thank for their selflessness. “People like Jerry Doble who shows up every Saturday to muck out stalls, fix whatever needs fixing, in whatever the weather,” says Vicky.

“Linda Allington has been with us since our move five years ago and digs right in with her pink pitchfork. Doris, a retired biochemist, loves coming to help once a week. Joan helps when able and is also one of our adopters. Christie and Carson have been coming since 2016 all the way from Shrewsbury.

Brenda [drives all the way from Ashburnham] every Friday to lend a hand and help in any way she can.

“Allie and mom Chris; Karla, Sam, Kym and Bri; Kerry, Jeannie Prouty and the Gonyas (also one of our amazing foster families) and the Averys; Roxann, Kathy, Annie, Deb, Becky and Bob; Bill, Danielle, Annie, Tom; Billy and Pam travel from Auburn, Maine, on weekends to help. Peter, Hannah, Carrie, Heidi, Krystal, Mary, Dave, Wayne and Randy; Mike and Cheryl; Cindy drives from Chicopee; we’ve got some dedicated teen volunteers, Lily and Landon, and Stoney Hill Farm students that help exercise the horses during school break; and so many others.”

Why They Do What They Do Mama (aka Whisper) was in the slaughter pipeline when she came to CNEER’s attention. She’s a Haflinger cross that was in foal. CNEER was able to raise enough money to bail her out and have her shipped to the farm. She was terrified, her coat was caked with manure, and the only part of her that had any weight was her pregnant belly.

Amazingly, Mama delivered a healthy, gorgeous colt, Lukah. He’s been adopted by a wonderful lady who dotes on him daily. Mama, currently at CNEER, has come a long way since the day she arrived. She actually loves to be groomed now and is becoming more accepting of humans. Her history was definitely one of severe abuse. She’s still timid, but with her personal following of dedicated caretakers — volunteers Pam, Brenda, Anna and Wayne — Mama is blossoming.

Sophie, a recent rescue, was headed for slaughter. Her background is unclear, but she’s a Thoroughbred through and through. She is six years old and has had very little handling, and what little she had was clearly very traumatic. She’s learned to accept having a halter put on and taken off in the last few months without feeling she has to defend herself, and she can be led without being afraid of where she’s going. She arrived fearful and defensive, but with time and patience has shown she has a heart of gold. Sophie waits to be sure her friends are coming for dinner, and if one is slower than the rest, she will go back and walk alongside them. CNEER is hoping to raise enough money to send her to Peter Whitmore of It’s a Pleasure Training, located in Orange, for two months of training. Sophie will make someone an amazing friend and companion.

Eco Doce was two years old, in foal, and bound for slaughter when CNEER

intervened. She delivered a beautiful colt, Hero the KIDD. Both are purebred Lusitanos and even more important, they are smart and sweet. Both horses could’ve been lost due to neglect if it weren’t for CNEER. Eco Doce and Hero now have wonderful new homes and are thriving, living the lives they deserve.

Sometimes there are special friendships created at the rescue, like the two hackney cross ponies, Juliette and Little Ping, currently seeking adoption.

Staying together would be so great for them, and come on, they’re small, so why not take two!

CNEER’s amazing residents have so many stories and all are available for adoption. Not only will you find horses to love when you visit the farm, you’ll also experience the most phenomenal people ever. When you adopt, you’re not just rescuing one horse, you’re also paying it forward, giving CNEER the space to bring home another horse in need, and that kind of return is priceless.

always plenty to do and plenty of pitchforks for everyone! Or maybe you have an extra stall or two and want to foster one of these precious horses.

CNEER is dependent on your donations and receives no state or federal funding. You can give monthly, one time, sponsor a horse, and shop online using AmazonSmile and GoodShop.

There are lots of ways to volunteer, from helping at the annual benefit show to cleaning stalls to putting up fliers to fostering a horse. To lend a hoof, visit cneer.com/how-to-help.

Bring clean, usable blankets and tack to CNEER to see for yourself how special the rescue is. Reach out to Betsy and Vicky to schedule your visit, cneer.com/contact-us. And, while you’re there you have to meet Badonk, an adorable donkey and the CNEER mascot. Every equine resident will touch your heart and you just may find the one that’s meant to come home with you!

Other Ways You Can Help

Sheryl Hodge is a long-time editor, but more importantly a life-long horse lover. She’s a horse crazy girl who never gave up the dream of having her own horse. It took decades, but was well worth the wait as she’s now owned by a smart, sweet, and sassy chestnut Quarter Horse mare who inspires her on every level, every day.

The spare change you have floating around matters; it all adds up, and every bit helps. That pocket change could help save a life. Your time is equally valuable to CNEER. There’s

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Overherd

News in Our Community MSPCA Fee-Waived Adoptathon The MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen is promoting the adoption of horses and farm animals by hosting a FeeWaived Adoptathon April 1 to 15. After years of great success with fee-waived adoptathons for cats and rabbits, the MSPCA is expanding its program to include equines and all farm animals in an effort to spur much needed adoptions. Included in the promotion will be horses suitable as companions, pleasure riding, or project horses, as well as pigs, chickens, waterfowl, and goats.

Those interested in meeting some of the available horses and seeing what they’re capable of should plan to attend the Equine

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April/May 2018

Showcase on Saturday, March 31 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Pingree Riding

Arena at the MSPCA. At this kick-off, the horses will strut their stuff, meet guests, and show off their true potential.

The MSPCA will follow its usual adoption protocols during this promotion, but with the support of generous donors, will remove the barrier of an adoption fee to match great animals with wonderful new families. To learn more, visit mspca.org/ adoption-centers/fee-waivedadoption-faqs/.

n Julia Pesek

AHHS Junior Exhibitor of the Year Maggie Clark

MSPCA Nevins Farm resident Rayna.

She’s available for adoption.

Maggie Elizabeth Clark of North Andover received the 2017 American Hackney Horse Society (AHHS) Junior Exhibitor of the Year Award.

The award was presented on

February 3 during the annual United Profess-ional Horsemen’s Associa-tion (UPHA) Convention, held on Amelia Island, Florida.

This honor is awarded to a junior exhibitor who, through his or her efforts, has encouraged other youth to participate in the Hackney breed. This individual exhibits outstanding sportsmanship, suitability to the division in which they participate, presentation of the entries shown, and works to enhance the promotion of the breed through their representation.

Maggie has shared her love of Hackneys with anyone who will listen, from fairgoers at the Devon Horse Show, helping with the visitors at Devon on the Meet and

Greet tours, as well as sharing her ponies with friends.

Winning awards isn’t new to Maggie as she was named the 2016 UPHA Chapter 14 Hackney Junior Exhibitor of the Year.

At home, Maggie helps her mother, Kim Ann Timmons, care for their two ponies, five horses, and one boarder. Maggie works her own pony, 19-year-old Shadowlands Ishtar, whether long lining, driving, or riding. The 12-year-old learned all about caring for and working horses and ponies while helping her mother.

On school days, Kim helps Maggie work her ponies.

Maggie shows on the New England circuit, but so far, one of her favorite wins came during her first time competing at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in 2016. After a thirdplace ribbon in the qualifying class, Maggie rode her mare to the Road Pony Under Saddle Champion-

ship. “Winning at Devon the first year I showed there was exciting,” Maggie says. “It’s fun to show in front of such a large crowd, and I got to see my friends from the Saddlebred and Morgan worlds who were also at the show.”

“After Maggie won the very first Road Pony Under Saddle class, she was stopped by a mob of fans in front of the Malvern Saddlery shop on her way back to the stalls,” says Janet Crawford Hicks of Rodney Hicks Stable in Pittsfield. “As Maggie answered questions about her pony and the division, Jill, the owner of Malvern Saddlery, said to me that she had only seen a crowd like this around Grand Prix and Olympic show jumping rider, McLain Ward. Maggie and her mother did a lot for the Hackney pony breed that night.”

No matter the color of the ribbon, Maggie always has a smile on her face and

puts her pony first. She also has a very open mind and is always looking for ways to improve her ponies’ performances. Maggie often talks with judges and professionals to get their opinions and advice.

Maggie had a new project to work with during the past winter months. She purchased the five-year-old Hackney pony Scandal from Courtney Cahill, who had the pony in training with Rodney Hicks of Richmond.

Rodney drove the mare, and now Maggie has her going well under saddle, and is looking forward to their show ring debut in the Road Pony Under Saddle division.

Even though she’s only 12, Maggie has plans to open a barn with her friend from Maine, Tatum Miley, who won her first Morgan world championship this past October. Odds are good these talented girls will make their dreams come true.

n Suzy Lucine

Cavallo Equestrian Center Welcomes New Trainers Cavallo Equestrian Center in Westford welcomes trainer Jacquelyne Toher-Ferguson.

Jacquelyne grew up on her family’s farm in Carlisle, learning natural horsemanship from her parents, Deb and Dave Toher, beginning at age three.

Jacquelyne competed professionally in dressage for eight years and plans to continue this year with the goal of achieving her gold medal in dressage. Jacquelyne specializes in horses with behavioral issues, reschooling off-the-track Thoroughbreds, starting young horses under saddle, and conditioning Grand Prix dressage horses.

In 2016, Jacquelyne participated in the Extreme Mustang makeover where she gentled and trained a Mustang in 100 days.

Training horses is Jacquelyne’s life passion.

Apprenticing with Jane Karol

Ventura Stables Opens in Berkley!

Caroline Ventura has more than 25 years experience as an equine professional.

Specializing in Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Saddle Seat, and Halter. All breeds welcome!

Boarding . Training . Lessons . Summer Camp Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation Horse Farm of Distinction Caroline Ventura . 115 South Main Street, Berkley, Mass.

(774) 226-0569 . venturastables@gmail.com

venturastables.com Massachusetts Horse

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of Bearspot Farm deepened her love for dressage.

Jacquelyne believes in always being a student, which is why she spends countless hours auditing clinics with some of the best trainers in the country.

Kati Aaron is the new assistant trainer. Her foundation is western, taking influences in natural horsemanship from such trainers as John Lyons and Pat Parelli.

She’s primarily competed on the New England Pinto Horse Association and New England Reining Horse Association circuits. Recently Kati began to focus on her dressage education.

To learn more about Cavallo Equestrian Center and its programs, visit cavalloequestriancenter.com.

Groton House Begins Its Next 40 Years This June, across the beautiful rolling fields of Groton House Farm in Hamilton, horses and riders will follow

tracks made over the past 40 years by legends in the sport of eventing. Novice through Preliminary riders will gallop lanes once taken by eventing’s

Watkins. Many a junior Novice rider competed at their very first horse trial there as well. It’s all part of the rich history of an event

Nine-year-old Brooke Emmelmann and JM Hey Victory won the Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award at the Westfield Riding Club in October.

Brooke rides at Kline View Stables in Southwick.

superstars —Mike Plumb, Bruce Davidson, Denny Emerson, Karen Stives, David O’Connor, Karen O’Connor, Bobby Costello, and Torrance

held at Groton House when the sport first came to the U.S. The very first events at Groton House ran in the late

1950s, before there was a United States Combined Training Association (now the United States Eventing Association), when there were few rules and regulations, unlimited dimensions and distances, and no specifications for height, width, drop, and depth of water.

Then came a three-day event at Groton House, the brainchild of Iris Winthrop Freeman, sister to longtime event organizer Ann Getchell. Iris was integral in bringing the sport to the United States. Iris went to watch Badminton in South Gloucestershire, England, and persuaded her father, Frederic Winthrop, and neighbor, Col. F.R. Appleton, to launch an event at Groton House and Appleton Farms.

Neil Ayer came to watch and caught the bug. In 1963, Neil put on the first Ledyard Farm Horse Trials in Wenham. The rest, as they say, is history.

In 1978, the local Pony

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April/May 2018

n Elizabeth Wheaton

Bay State Equine Rescue Winter in New England is never easy but it can be extra difficult for those of us with horses. This winter, Bay State Equine Rescue (BSER) has seen many challenges and all of us here are getting very excited for longer days, green grass, and trail rides with the horses.

At the beginning of win-

ter, the faucet that supplies water to our horses froze during a rough week where the temperature did not exceed 10 degrees. This resulted in the volunteers carrying buckets of water from the house to the barn.

A limited number of water buckets on hand meant multiple trips back and forth.

Water can always be a chal-

what is predicted is always a guessing game.

The horses are starting to shed, reminding all of us that warmer weather is on the horizon. Hopefully spring arrives soon and we can enjoy flowers blooming, new grass for the horses, and frozen water buckets will be a distant memory.

BSER’s annual Shavings

tfiphoto.com/Barry

Club was asked to organize the Eastern New England Pony Club Rally at Groton House. Groton House decided to run an open horse trial as well. That year, 50 riders entered the competition.

By the mid-eighties, it took two consecutive weekends to accommodate the demand. Competitors came from up and down the East Coast, eastern Canada, and beyond, riding Novice through Advanced with more than 600 entries, and a waiting list at every level.

In 1996, Groton House was chosen as an observation trial for the Atlanta Olympic Team and as a mandatory outing for the Pan-Am team in 1999.

Beginning in 2009, Groton House returned to its origins as a single weekend horse trial. Groton House offers Novice through Preliminary, with the addition of hybrid divisions — Training Novice, Preliminary Training, and Intermediate Preliminary for those looking to move up a level in competition.

June 29 to July 1, 40 years of tradition will continue at Groton House — big stabling tents with picnic table comradery and tête-à-têtes about the best approaches to obstacles on the course, Saturday night fried chicken dinner, three phases across three days, and come Sunday’s show jumping, the pageantry of music as magnificently braided and turned out horses and their riders celebrate with the victory gallop.

Mike Plumb over the ramp fence at Groton House in 1980.

lenge for horse farms during winter. De-icing and trying to insulate water buckets to prevent them from icing overnight is a constant battle.

Another struggle for those of us here in New England is snow — and lots of it. One night we had about 17 inches of snow.

Snow overnight requires early morning snow removal so the volunteers can make it to the barn and get started with barn chores on time.

One morning, while attempting to plow the back pasture so we could put hay out, the plow truck got stuck and the horses had to patiently wait for breakfast while we shoveled the truck out of the pasture during a nor’easter.

All the blankets for our horses are donated, and we were fortunate to have several piles of donated blankets to select from when the temps dropped severely.

Blanketing can be a challenge here. Some of our horses are new and still gaining weight and then we have some who have the opposite problem. Trying to determine when to blanket and if the weather is going to be

Sale will be April 28 at Camp Marshall in Spencer. You must order your shavings in advance. The minimum order is 10 bags. The price is

$4.90 per bag up to 199 bags, and $4.75 per bag for 200 or more bags. Each bag is 3.25 cubic feet compressed and 7.5 cubic feet when loose. To learn more contact Sharon at (508) 892-0233 or email sah@baystaterescue.org.

n Lynda Mockler

Overherdisms • “If you look like you just fell off, the judge will give you extra points because she feels bad for you.”

• “My approach to combinations is to close my eyes and pray.”

• “Sometimes I get mad at my horse for being so lazy, but really, who am I to judge?

• “I made my horse an insta and now he gets more like than I do.”

• “These breeches fit before I ate all those nachos.”

• “Don’t tell anyone that I got third out of three. Third sounds like a good placing if you don’t know how big the class was.”

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

Bay State Trail Riders Association Volunteers are necessary for any organization to be successful. BSTRA couldn’t have our rich calendar of riding events and major trail work days without our volunteers.

In 2017, 74 people stepped up to the plate. Total volunteer hours were 2,127! This included trail work, staffing the rides, marking the trails, setting up jumps, attending meetings regarding the future of trails, making calls, and sending out communications on BSTRA’s behalf.

To show our gratitude to this hard-working group, we invited them all to a luncheon on March 4 at Willow Brook Restaurant in Mendon. We were happy to see that so many came out to receive their recognition. It was a nice afternoon of friendship, recognition, delicious food, and door prizes — and the beginning of a new tradition of showing our thanks to our volunteers.

There is more work to do in 2018! BSTRA can use your help clearing trails on April 28 and 29, May 5, June 2, and June 16. We’re also looking for help setting up jumps on May 19 for the May 20 Spring Hunter Pace. To learn more about volunteering, visit bstra.org.

The Early Memorial Day Benefit Ride, a new ride to

Custom Made Jumps, Tack Trunks, Bit Boxes, and More!

BSTRA’s calendar, will be May 12 at Stone Arbor Farm in Upton. This New England Horse and Trail affiliated ride offers five and eight mile routes and is followd by an optional versatility course and a large raffle. Lunch will be a cookout with all the fixings.

Remember to collect sponsors for the National Trails Day Ride on June 10.

This ride, sponsored by Yered Trailers, will be held at Apple Knoll in Millis and will have a fabulous raffle table.

While sponsorship is optional for the ride, prize packages will be given to the top eight participants who collect the most sponsorship money. Sponsorship papers are at bstra.org.

See you on the trails!

7 Lynn Paresky and Annamaria Paul

Hampshire County Riding Club The HCRC grounds are located in Goshen in the Berkshire foothills, on a scenic dirt road easily accessed off Route 9. The 48 acres includes two rings situated in a large grassy area with the addition of a couple of miles of woodland trails, and an obstacle course in the forested area. The club has hosted dozens of horse shows, gymkhanas, obstacle competitions, scavenger hunts, clinics, and competitive and pleasure trail rides.

This year we’ve scheduled a variety of club activities and events taking place at our club grounds and elsewhere. Starting on May 6, we’ll be hosting a full day, two-part clinic with Peter and Philip Whitmore. The morning will feature a versatility

Willow Brook Farm

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obstacle training session with Peter to work on the skills required to guide your horse through various obstacles.

There will be obstacles galore. In the afternoon, Philip will demonstrate and provide hands-on instruction in teaching your horse tricks.

Our woodland obstacle course will be open for practice. Participation is open to the public.

May 19 we’ll be hosting an Open House at the club grounds. This will provide club members and their guests with an opportunity to spend a casual day at the club with their horses and friends — a perfect day to acclimate your horse to other horses and practice your skills in the rings or on the woodland obstacle course and trails.

A number of trail rides, the Chesterfield July 4th parade, camping weekends, and various activities for members and guests at our

grounds round out the schedule. The trail riding season kicks off with the annual Pancake Breakfast ride April 8, on the dirt roads of Worthington to the Red Bucket Sugar Shack.

Other monthly rides will take us to the Chesterfield Gorge, Hawley State Forest, Northfield Mountain Recreation Area, and Hammonasset Beach. There are camping weekends scheduled for the Wagon Wheel Campground in Warwick and a weekend invite from the Barre Riding and Driving Club at Felton Field in Barre.

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

7 Diane Merritt

Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation MFBF annually awards Horse Farm of Distinction honors to stables that achieve a level of excellence in overall horse

health, stable management, and compliance with public safety. This program was established to recognize stable operators who set and achieve high standards.

The program has been in place for more than 20 years and awards 30 or more stables with the Horse Farm of Distinction honor annually. MFBF’s equine advisory committee is hoping to see the program continue to grow with more applicants from across the state.

Stables are judged on the following criteria to qualify for this award: in the Horse Health Management category, general appearance of horses and evidence of an equine health program; in Farm Management, overall condition of farm and facilities, control of pests and vermin, condition of stalls, condition of turnouts, pastures, riding surfaces, and fencing; condition of tack and equipment, emergency

Keith Angstadt

removal and evacuation procedure, equine and human first aid, fire protection and prevention, and manure management program.

Those stables that score 85 percent or higher are considered a Horse Farm of Distinction and receive an award sign to showcase this honor at their farm. Additionally, MFBF may recognize award winners in press releases and other publications.

Applications for the Horse Farm of Distinction are being accepted now through May 31. Evaluations and judging are completed by qualified equine professionals during June, July, and August.

There’s a nonrefundable annual application fee of $50 for first-time applicants, and $25 for renewing applicants.

Fees cover the cost of administering the program.

Only members of MFBF may apply for this annual

ew ting N Accep rses o ts & H Studen in in g for Tra ent g Stud Workin on Positi

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award. To become a member, visit mfbf.net. Please note that a membership in MFBF entitles you to a 10 percent discount at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

MFBF hopes you apply for the award this year!

To learn more, contact us at info@mfbf.net or (508) 481-4766.

7 Katelyn Parsons

Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association We’re preparing for our upcoming shows for 2018!

Our annual Novice Show will be held April 13 to 15 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. For all of you first timers as well as seasoned novice exhibitors, this is one show you do not want to miss! This show has quickly risen through the ranks as one of AQHA’s top ten novice shows, coming in at number three for 2017!

New this year is the Eastern States venue with its indoor

coliseum, airy warm-up pens, and ample stalling.

Join us for the annual Spring Show May 16 to 20 at the Eastern States Exposition. We will have six judges!

This makes it a worthwhile journey to New England for a pleasant spring weather show.

Our next general meeting will be held April 7 at 6 p.m. at Briggs Stable in Hanover.

A reminder: you must attend two meetings between November 1, 2017 and October 31, 2018 in order to be eligible for year-end awards.

We hope you can join us for the 2018 show season! To learn more about MQHA and its upcoming events, visit massqha.com.

7 Lori Mahassel

Myopia Hunt Club Myopia Hunt Club has a full calendar of events planned for spring. Spring roading is scheduled to begin Saturday,

Want to Reclaim Your Pasture?

Extreme Brush Mowing

Our machine mows and mulches brush and trees up to six inches in diameter.

We clear the unwanted overgrowth and undergrowth in your pastures, home sites, property lines, right of ways, food plots, and more. Big and small tracts, ponds, pastures.

We’re honest, reliable, and will get the job done.

Call Gordon today at 617-744-9767!

32

April/May 2018

April 28 and run through June 9 on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. Spring roading provides an opportunity for horses, riders, and hounds to build fitness as we ride out at a slower pace and for a shorter amount of time than in our formal hunting season. Attire is the less formal rat catcher.

Hound exercises begin June 13 and take place Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m., for approximately an hour, through August 25.

Dress is casual for hound exercises — collared shirt — and are an ideal opportunity for those who want to learn about fox hunting and test their horse’s suitability prior to the start of our formal hunting season. Hound exercises are free and a great lowkey way to introduce green horses to the hustle and bustle of hounds running to and fro, as well as riding in a larger group of horses.

Our Spring Hunter Pace is scheduled for May 20. In a hunter pace, small groups of riders are sent out on a route that mimics a normal fox hunt. The goal is to ride at a pace that most closely approximates the pace of an actual hunt, and there are divisions for all levels of riders, including jumping and non-jumping. Our hunter pace provides another option for riders curious about fox hunting to get some informal exposure to riding and jumping through the countryside.

Myopia Hunt is open to the public and welcomes experienced riders with an appropriate horse to join in at any time. Even if you don’t have a horse, there are all sorts of opportunities to participate by volunteering! We need people to help check in riders, at the beginning of hunts or at our special events like our hunter paces and hunter trials; fence judges for the hunter trials; to assist with road crossings; to help

clear trails and mend fences; or administrative help like inputting scores . . the list goes on and any assistance is always appreciated.

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

7 Lisa Wohlleib

New England Equestrian Center of Athol Winter didn’t want to quit this year, but by our annual General Meeting on March 21 it was finally beginning to relinquish its hold. In addition to reviewing what was done over the past year and outlining what’s planned for 2018, board member Annie Zukowski gave a presentation on trail riding and horse camping locations in the Northeast. After all, with spring finally here, it’s time to start planning those day trips, campouts, and vacations with our equines.

This month and next, NEECA kicks off the season with some housekeeping, rides, games, and clinics.

You’ll find the calendar and necessary contact information at neeca.org. The season begins on April 14 with the Annual Spring Cleanup Day at the NEECA Equestrian Park in Athol. It may sound like work — and it is — but it’s also a fun day of spending time with horse loving friends, and sharing stories and ideas for the park over lunch.

On April 22, the NEECA Gymkhana Series gets under way with divisions for everyone from lead liners to experienced gamers. If you’ve never done gymkhana, NEECA is the perfect place to give it a try. The games are fun, supportive, and an

opportunity to safely work on confidence for both you and your horse. There’s an in-hand division for Miniature Horse lovers and one for drivers, too.

On April 28, in response to the enthusiastic reviews at the Elwin Bacon Memorial Fun Day, NEECA is hosting a Spring Scavenger Hunt on the park grounds. Ride out in teams to find and photograph the listed items, and get to know the trails and open areas throughout NEECA’s many acres. No matter how many or how few items you find, laughter is guaranteed.

Susan Harris returns for her annual clinic at Windswept Farm in Petersham. (Check neeca.org for the dates.)

Susan’s clinics usually fill up well in advance, but there could still be space left, and there’s a waiting list in case of last minute cancellations.

To ride with Susan Harris, contact Caroline at brycarmansfield@aol.com.

The annual Spring Trail Ride at Lake Dennison is scheduled to take place on May 19. New England Horse and Trail miles will be recorded for those keeping track, and riders can order lunch when they arrive to check in. We hope you’ll join us!

On May 27, the first of a series of western/English dressage clinics with Cathy Drumm takes place at the Equestrian Park. Cathy’s individual and semi-private sessions have become a highlight of NEECA’s clinic offerings. She’s a delightful and skilled clinician, and everyone that’s ridden with her has reported having new skills and a better understanding of their equine partner.

And finally, to wrap up a busy month, the second NEECA Gymkhana series will be held on May 28.

To learn more about

these events and more, visit neeca.org and like New England Equestrian Center of Athol on Facebook.

7 Laurie Neely

North Shore Horsemen’s Association In 2018, the NSHA Pleasure Shows are back in Massachusetts at Bob-Lyn Stables in Amesbury. (Last year the shows were in New Hampshire.) We’ll have two rings running — one indoor and one outdoor. We will be affiliated with Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council (MHC) as a C-rated show and will have a full slate of classes including the MHC Classic classes.

The series of four shows will be held June 3, July 15, August 26, and September 23. We’ve lowered our entry fees to $15 for regular classes, $20 for championship classes, and $25 for the classic classes.

Join MHC and NSHA on or before the day of the show so you will be eligible for yearend awards at both organizations. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

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

Or, contact the Pleasure Shows Manager, JoAnn, at twinhills56@yahoo.com.

7 JoAnn Hamson

on demonstration of holistic healing methods and practices by Dr. Regina Downey, DVM. Dr. Downey is accomplished in alternative approaches to veterinary medicine, including applied kinesiology, acupuncture, flower remedies, and more.

The club will be running the 30th anniversary season of our schooling horse trial series, the Pipestave Hill Horse Trials, July 8 and October 7. Come join us for fun, relaxed competition and learn about three-phase horse trials. We have new class options this year, including dressage only, western dressage, and two-phase classes. Our competitors are eligible for the United States Eventing Association Area 1 Schooling Horse Trail Championships and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program Awards for off-thetrack Thoroughbreds.

Other club activities this season include a summer

barbecue, Pipestave Hill cleanup, and the September 16 Adventure Trail. The Adventure Trail is a fun, noncompetitive trail ride with challenges and optional jumping and obstacles.

Proceeds from the Adventure Trail benefit the Essex County Trail Association.

Like many nonprofit organizations, we depend on volunteerism to run our events and other club activities. We are grateful for all our volunteers. None of this would be possible without our volunteers, and we thank them with semi-annual raffles, youth scholarships, and recognition with our Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards.

To learn more, visit wnrdc.com and follow us on Facebook. We welcome new members and old and look forward to riding in 2018.

7 Kathy Feehery

West Newbury Riding and Driving Club As the WNRDC says goodbye to this winter, we look forward to a season of riding and social events for the club.

Earlier this season we learned about fitness for the equestrian and recovery from injury from Amber Toole, a personal trainer from Ocala, Florida. Our winter potluck will be rescheduled due to the nor’easters of March.

The second of our educational talks will be April 21 at 1 p.m. featuring a handsMassachusetts Horse

33

events Massachusetts

April 1 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

7 CNEER BENEFIT PASTA DINNER, John Boyle O’Reilly Club, Springfield. cneer.com.

7 DARE TO DREAM SPRING TACK AND MORE SALE, Orange. whitemulecom@yahoo.com.

7 STEVE ROBINSON CLINIC, Calico Performance Horses, Berkley. (774) 444-7076.

7 BSTRA TACK SALE, Uxbridge. bstra.org.

7 – 8 CLINTON JURY DRIVING CLINIC, Brookfield. (270) 723-7744.

7 – 8 FIELDSTONE APRIL, Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax. showfieldstone.com.

8 HCRC RED BUCKET PANCAKE RIDE, Worthington. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

8 JUMPER SHOW, Flying High Stables, Hamilton. flyinghighstables.com.

8 BSTRA MARCH MADNESS RIDE, Douglas. bstra.org.

8 HAE USED TACK SALE, Pepperell Community Center. (603) 400-1074.

8 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst. wnepha.com.

8 VIRGINIA LEARY CLINIC, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

7 WRC VACCINATION CLINIC, J & M Stables, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

8 HRC TACK SALE, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

7 HDA KRISTEN WHITTAKER CLINIC, Whit Acres, Norwell. heritage-dressage.org.

7 – 8 MICHAEL PAGE JUMPING CLINIC, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

8 HDA JUDGE’S PERSPECTIVE DISCUSSION WITH PATTY MONTANA, Briggs Stable, Hanover. heritage-dressage.org.

13 – 15 MASSQHA NOVICE SHOW, West Springfield. massqha.com.

14 HORSE JUDGING CLINIC, IHSA PRESENTATION, ESSENTIAL OILS WORKSHOP, Chesterfield Grange. kellimarie43@yahoo.com.

14 BEO MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE, Ludlow. belchertownequineorg.com.

25 Forest Lane, Millis, MA ~ (508) 376-2564 Cross-Country Derby

Tik Maynard Clinic

CRDA Dressage Adult Camp

Schooling Horse Trails

Norfolk Hunt at AKF

BSTRA National Trail Days Ride

CRDA Dressage Shows crdressage.org

NEDA Summer Dressage Show

April 22

April 28 – 29 - crdressage.org May 1

May 6 . June 3 . Aug. 12 . Sept. 30

AKF Summer Jumper Shows

May 20

June 13 . June 20 . June 27 . July 11 July 18 . July 25 . Aug. 1 . Aug. 8 Aug. 15 . Aug. 22 . Aug. 29 . Sept. 5 September 12 Finale with Awards

June 10 - bstra.org

August 11 - nemhs.org

May 12 – 13

July 15 - neda.org

NEMHS Mini Horse Show

Schooling Horse Trials Championships August 19

Karen Morang Photography

For a list of qualifying horse trials, visit schoolinghtc.com.

Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/SchoolingHTC.

Prize lists and entry forms at:

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

Rent our facilities for horse shows, clinics, and other equine activities. Our cross-country course is open for schooling by appointment, weather permitting.

34

April/May 2018

14 BRDC VACCINATION CLINIC, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

15 NEFHC FRIESIAN BREEDING CLINIC, Granby. mountainviewtrainingcenter.com.

22 SNECDA ARENA DRIVING FUN DAY, Blackbridge Farm, Southbridge. snecda.org.

14 PONY EXPRESS TACK SALE, Dudley-Gendron Post, Sutton. daniellecyr2007@gmail.com.

15 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

22 SCHOOLING/FUN SHOW, Calico Performance Horses, Berkley. (774) 444-7076.

14 – 15 BERNIE TRAURIG CLINIC, Westford. cavalloequestriancenter.com.

14 – 15 DEBBIE HOYT BANFIELD SHOW PREP CLINIC, Douglas. (508) 341-1492.

15 DESENSITIZING AND VERSATILITY CLINIC, Berkley. (774) 444-7076.

16 – 20 SMARTPAK KID’S WEEK, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. smartpack.com/retailstore.

17 – 19 GLORIA OLEYNEK JUMPING BOOT CAMP, Berkley. (774) 510-9284.

22 SUNRISE PLEASURE AND WMAA SHOW SERIES, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

22 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford. (978) 374-0008.

21 GLENCROFT FARM SPIRIT RIDE, Southampton. glencroftfarm.com.

22 OPEN HOUSE AND VENDOR FAIR, Berkley.

(774) 510-9284.

21 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

22 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

15 MHC SHOW, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

15 TRAILER SAFETY WORKSHOP, JH Eventing, Sutton. (978) 875-2036 or jh-eventing.com.

21 ANDREA WALDO CLINIC, RER Ponies, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

22 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. wnepha.com.

15 MHC SHOW, Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

21 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

15 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, South Hadley. wnepha.com.

21 CNEER VERSATILITY CLINIC, Cardinal Ridge Equestrian Center, Barre. cneer.com.

15 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

21 – 22 SMARTPAK SPRING SALE, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. smartpack.com/retailstore.

15 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE, Sherborn. coursebrookshows.com.

22 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

15 SPRING FUN SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

22 HORSEMANSHIP DEMONSTRATION, Birch Glen Stables, Rowe. peacehavenfarm.com.

22 FHANE SPRING TACK SALE, Feeding Hills.

(413) 519-1165 or brooksidefriesians@yahoo.com.

22 SPRING TWO-PHASE, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

22 COMBINED TEST WITH CROSS-COUNTRY SCHOOLING, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

23 NEFHC DRESSAGE SHOW, Townsend. nefhc.com.

28 SOUTH EAST HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. southeasthunter.com.

Briggs Stable

86 Annual th

June Show

New!

Hunter D erbies 2 ', 2 '6 " , 2'9" Outside Course Warm-ups 6:30 to 8 A .M.

Saturday • June 9 Trailer Parking Starts at 6 A .M.

Mini Shows Wednesday evenings starting at 6 P.M. June 20 to August 29 All members of the Hanover Hunt & Riding Club are eligible for year-end awards.

Lead Line . Therapeutic . Walk Trot . Games Jumping . Equitation . Pleasure Great food and drinks available at the Hanover Hunt & Riding Club food booth.

Briggs Stable • Route 139, Hanover Centre, MA

Briggs Stable • 623 Hanover St., Hanover Centre, MA (781) 826-3191

Affiliated with NEHC, MHC, and SSHC MHC, NEHC, and SSHC Medal Classes

Class lists may be downloaded at www.briggsstable.com.

Show Manager: John Dougherty (781) 826-3191

Program may be downloaded at www.briggsstable.com.

Visit Briggs Tack Shop, a full service shop, while at the show!

Massachusetts Horse

35

28 TRAILER LOADING FOR SUCCESS, Topsfield Fairgrounds. (508) 479-5266.

28 – 29 HEATHER BLITZ CLINIC, North Dartmouth. ridinginspired.com

5 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

28 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, RER Ponies, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

29 MIKE MARQUEZ CLINIC, Craig Memorial Equestrian Center, Leverett. (413) 336-0851.

5 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

28 OPEN HOUSE, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

29 MHC SHOW, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

5 BRDC SPRING TRAIL RIDE, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

28 BSTRA PARK SERVE DAY, Upton State Forest. bstra.org.

29 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.com.

28 HORSEMANSHIP DEMONSTRATION, Peace Haven Farm, Plainfield. peacehavenfarm.com.

29 CMHSS OPEN SHOW, Spencer. cmhss.net.

28 MYOPIA HUNT SPRING ROADING BEGINS, Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

28 COMBINED TEST, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

29 COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

5 WESTON WAYLAND HUNTER AND PLEASURE SHOW, Weston. westonshows.com.

5 ECTRA 25-MILE COMPETITIVE TRAIL RIDE, Leverett. craigequestriancenter.com.

5 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

29 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Bellwether Stables, Pittsfield. wnepha.com.

5 CARI SWANSON CLINC, Cavallo Equestrian Center, Westford. cariswanson.com.

29 GFF SHOW I, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

28 BSER SHAVINGS SALE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. baystaterescue.org.

28 EQUINE EXPO AND PARAPHERNALIA SALE, Topsfield Fairgrounds. (978) 768-6275 or kljoreo@aol.com.

28 – 29 STATE 4-H ROUNDUP, mass4h.org.

28 – 29 CRDA DRESSAGE ADULT CAMP, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

28 – 29 SUZY STAFFORD DRIVING CLINIC, Townsend. nefhc.com.

5 – 7 MARY WANLESS CLINIC, Medfield. cutlerfarmequine.com.

May 1 NORFOLK HUNT, Millis. appleknoll.com.

2 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

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

5 HRC PARADE CLINIC, Thankful Hearts Stable, East Bridgewater. hansonridingclub.org.

6 WESTON WAYLAND DRESSAGE AND TWO-PHASE, Weston. westonshows.com.

6 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford. (978) 374-0008.

6 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com.

6 SCHOOLING/FUN SHOW, Calico Performance Horses, Berkley. (774) 444-7076.

New Beginnings Stables Offers Quality Boarding with Exceptional Care!

The 50 acre New Beginnings Stables is a beautifully-landscaped hidden gem in Middleboro offering individualized care for your horse.

75' x 165' Indoor Arena with GGT Footing . 100' x 180' Outdoor Arena with GGT Footing . Trails . Individual Turnout . 10' x 12' Matted Stalls . Wash Stall

Hunt Seat . Eventing . Jumping . Dressage Training and Lessons with Hunter/Jumper Coach of 2017 IEA Champions Team . Sue Buchanan USEF “S” Dressage Judge & FEI Dressage Trainer/Competitor A peaceful private property that offers superior personalized services for you and your horse in a friendly, drama-free atmosphere.

Full Board $750 . Customized Training Board Options . Small Barn Pricing with Big Barn Amenities

Call owner Lynnette Cennami at 617 . 750 . 7239! newbeginningsstables@outlook.com newbeginningsstables.com 36

April/May 2018

Conveniently located off Route 44 in Middleboro.

Six minutes from the Middleboro Rotary.

Nearby to Routes 24, 495, and 3.

Just 45 minutes south of Boston and 15 minutes from the Bourne bridge.

New England Equestrian Center of Athol’s

Upcoming Events

Gymkhana Series

April 22 . May 20 . June 24 . July 22 Aug. 19 . Sept. 16 . Oct. 14 Lead Line to All-Out Competitors; all abilities!

Frank at (978) 833-2634 freeway3289@gmail.com

Spring Scavenger Hunt April 28

Frank at (978) 833-2634 freeway3289@gmail.com

Spring Trail Ride

May 19 at Lake Dennison

AnnMarie at winchendon35@gmail.com

Susan Harris Clinic

Dates TBD - check neeca.org!

Windswept Farm, Petersham

Friday lecture, daily groundwork sessions, balance, body awareness, riding in small groups.

Caroline at (978) 249-2813 brycarmansfield@aol.com

Cathy Drumm Dressage Clinic Series

Western & English May 27 . June 17 . Sept. 23 . Oct. 21 Additional dates may be added!

Pam at pamdeg2002@yahoo.com

Equestrian Showcase

June 9 Versatility Challenge, Step-up Challenge, Drill Team Competition, Tack & Collectible Auction, Tack, Equipment, and Food Vendors Peter at (978) 652-2231

Horse Show

July 15 Felton Field, Barre

Peter at (978) 652-2231

Youth Fun Day August 4

Pam at pamdeg2002@yahoo.com

MIG Equine

MIG Equine

Karen Morang Photography

All take place at the Equestrian Center unless otherwise noted.

Elwin Bacon Memorial Fun Day October 20

Rita Martin Memorial Versatility Competition

Frank at (978) 833-2634 freeway3289@gmail.com

Helen at helendrums@msn.com

Ellinwood Country Club, Athol Althea Bramhall at (617) 678-9300 or althearealtor@gmail.com

August 11

Campout & Versatility September 7 - 9

Fall Social November 3

Margo at westwindfm@aol.com

Trailer Safety/Driving Skills Clinic Date TBA - check neeca.org!

Caroline at (978) 249-2813 brycarmansfield@aol.com

Become a member and be part of something special for generations to come!

Protecting and preserving land for equestrian interests and hosting events for the enjoyment and education of horse lovers.

New England Equestrian Center, 802 New Sherborn Road, Athol

Go to neeca.org for all the details!

Massachusetts Horse

37

6 HCRC WHITMORE BROTHERS TRICK TRAINING AND OBSTACLE CLINIC, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

Myopia Hunt Join us in 2018 for fox hunting and much more!

Spring Roading begins April 28 Spring Hunter Pace ~ May 20 Casual Summer Hound Exercises June - August

6 PLYMOUTH COUNTY 4-H TACK SALE, Marshfield Fairgrounds. (774) 404-7022.

118th Myopia Horse Show August 31, September 1 & 2

6 HORSEMANSHIP DEMONSTRATION, Birch Glen Stables, Rowe. peacehavenfarm.com.

Fall Hunt Season begins September 22

6 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Adam Cropper “r” judge, Xenophon Farm, Montague.

(413) 367-9828 or xenophonfarm@aol.com.

Hunter Trials ~ October 21 Fall Hunter Pace ~ November 4

6 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

Myopia has many opportunities to participate, watch, and volunteer.

For more information, please visit

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

www.myopiahunt.org.

We invite you to join us as we preserve the future through the traditions of the past.

6 HORSE POWER TWO-PHASE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

6 GFF SHOW II, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

© Eric Schneider

6 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Rehoboth. palmerriverriver.com.

38

April/May 2018

9 CATHY DRUMM WESTERN DRESSAGE SERIES, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com.

11 – 13 HUDSON VALLEY ARABIAN SHOW, West Springfield. (860) 302-2061.

Massachusetts Horse

39

11 – 13 NHHJA SPRING SHOW, Three County Fairgrounds, Northampton. nhhja.com.

11 – 13 HUDSON VALLEY ARABIAN SHOW, West Springfield. hvaha-show.org.

12 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

12 CATHY DRUMM WESTERN DRESSAGE CLINIC, West Springfield. hvaha-show.org.

12 GRANBY SADDLE CLUB SHOW SERIES, Granby. (413) 530-9003.

12 BSTRA EARLY MEMORIAL DAY RIDE, Upton. bstra.org.

12 NEMHS SANDY CROOTE CLINIC, Run and Gun Ranch, Norfolk. nemhs.org.

12 AEL HUNT SEAT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, South Hadley. athleticequestrian.com.

12 SCHOOLING EVENT, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

12 STEPHIE BAER YOUNG RIDERS CLINIC, Sherborn. coursebrookshows.com.

12 DILARA DRUKKER DRESSAGE CLINIC, Berkley. (774) 510-9284.

12 – 13 TIK MAYNARD CLINIC, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

SHOW SERIES

June 10 . July 8 August 26 . September 9 Classes in Halter, Showmanship, Equitation, Pleasure, Hack, and Trail.

Cheshire Fair Horse Shows Show Manager: Judy Goodell Questions: Judy Goodell: judy@cheshirehorse.com (603) 762-1962 Hazel Young: hazel1082@yahoo.com (603) 283-8140 40

April/May 2018

Year-end Awards Banquet Room here for more details about show series!

CHESHIRE FAIR

August 2 to 5 cheshirefair.org Cheshire Fair Horse Shows

13 STEPHIE BAER CROSS COUNTRY CLINIC, Sherborn. coursebrookshows.com.

16 – 20 MASSQHA SPRING SHOW, West Springfield. massqha.com.

20 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

13 MHC SHOW, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

16 – 20 FIELDSTONE SPRING FESTIVAL, Halifax. showfieldstone.com.

20 WRC ROBINSON STATE PARK RIDE, Agawam. westfieldridingclub.org.

19 HCRC OPEN HOUSE, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

20 HANSON RIDING CLUB OPEN SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

19 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

20 BSTRA SPRING HUNTER PACE, Douglas. bstra.org.

13 SPRING SCHOOLING EVENT, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

13 BSTRA SCAVENGER HUNT, Upton State Forest. bstra.org.

13 HUNTER PACE, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

13 SUNRISE PLEASURE AND WMAA SHOW SERIES, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

13 SSHC SHOW, Raynham. sshconline.com.

19 MYOPIA HUNT SPRING HUNT DINNER, Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

20 SCURRY CHALLENGE, Weston. snecda.org.

19 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

20 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

20 SCHOOLING THREE-PHASE, Groton Fairgrounds. grotonponyclub.org.

20 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Blythewood Stables, Pittsfield. wnepha.com.

20 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

20 MHC SHOW, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

13 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

13 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

13 HUNTER PACE, Douglas. tanheathhunt.com.

20 CMHSS OPEN SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.net.

20 BRDC PETER WHITMORE VERSATILITY CLINIC, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

22 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

15 SPRING FUN SHOW, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

20 HRC OPEN SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

15 MHC SHOW, Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

16 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

16 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

20 MYOPIA HUNT SPRING HUNTER PACE, Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

20 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SERIES, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

24 –27 GREATER BOSTON CHARITY SHOW, Topsfield. greaterbostoncharityhorseshow.com.

25 – 27 AHCC SHOW, West Springfield.

(860) 302-2062.

26 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

Massachusetts Horse

41

26 DRESSAGE AND TWO-PHASE, Hamilton. grotonhousefarm.com.

26 – 27 NORFOLK HUNT HORSE SHOW, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

June

2 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

2 SOUTH EAST HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. southeasthunter.com.

3 MHC SHOW, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

3 ANN GUPTILL FREESTYLE CLINIC, RER Ponies, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

3 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Harmony Hill, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

26 – 29 BSTRA MEMORIAL DAY CAMPOUT, Carver. bstra.org.

2 NEDA SPRING SHOW I, Marshfield. neda.org.

27 NEDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Strongwater Park, Tewksbury. neda.org.

2 – 3 BRDC WEEKEND CAMPOUT, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

27 CCEA OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

2 – 3 ALLISON SPRINGER CLINIC, Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

27 HRC RIDE, Carver. hansonridingclub.org.

3 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

27 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Sherborn. coursebrookshows.com.

3 NEDA SPRING SHOW II, Marshfield. neda.org.

6 – 9 CONNECTICUT MORGAN AND OPEN SHOW, West Springfield. ctmorgan.com.

27 RECOGNIZED DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

3 SCHOOLING/FUN SHOW, Calico Performance Horses, Berkley. (774) 444-7076.

7 – 10 CCDS PLEASURE DRIVING SHOW, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

27 NEMHS AMHA MINIATURE HORSE SHOW, Run and Gun Ranch, Norfolk. nemhs.org.

3 MHC NEHC Show, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

9 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

3 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com.

9 HHRC 86TH ANNUAL JUNE SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

3 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

9 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

3 HORSE POWER TWO-PHASE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

10 USEF LOCAL HUNTER SHOW, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

3 GFF SHOW III, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

10 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

27 MUSICAL SHOWCASE, Stoney Hill Farm, Barre. stoneyhillfarm.org.

27 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.com.

31 – June 3 CRAA SUMMER SPECTACULAR SHOW, West Springfield. (413) 433-2701.

Independence Stable

3 NSHA PLEASURE SHOW, Bob-Lyn Stables, Amesbury. northshorehorsemens.org.

3 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

6 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

Hampshire County Riding Club Events!

APRIL 8 - Worthington Red Bucket Pancake Breakfast Ride RSVP ASAP! Ride limited to 20 riders.

MAY 6 - Whitmore Brothers Obstacle & Trick Training Clinic NEW

2018 Dressage Schooling Shows Traditional & Western Dressage Tests

May 5 - “L” judge Doris Carlson June 3 - “L” judge Roberta Carlton Aug. 12 - “L” judge Linda Currie Sept. 9 - “L” judge Krystal Wilt Check our Facebook page for updates!

404 S. Washington St. Belchertown, Mass.

(413) 284-0371 independencestablellc.com 42

April/May 2018

!

NE W MAY 19 - Open House at Club Grounds - Casual day of socializing for horse and rider/handler; practice bringing your horse off the farm; utilize the rings, fields, trails, woodland obstacle course, and dirt road.

JUNE 24 - Chesterfield Gorge Ride

JULY 20-22 - Camping at Wagon Wheel Campground

SEPTEMBER 9 - Hawley State Forest Ride

OCTOBER 14 - Northfield Mountain Fall Foliage Ride

OCTOBER 21 - Fun Day & Scavenger Hunt hosted by Hilltowns Misfits 4-H Club

NOVEMBER 4 - Hammonasset Beach State Park Ride

All rides open to members and guests. RSVP for rides and learn more at:

HampshireCountyRidingClub.org

!

10 COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

14 – 17 CQHA SPRING SHOW, West Springfield. cqha.com.

20 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

10 GFF SHOW IV, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

16 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

20 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

10 HRC TRAIL RIDE, Myles Standish State Forest, Carver. hansonridingclub.org.

16 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

20 –24 PLYMOUTH ROCK HUNTER/JUMPER, Halifax. showfieldstone.com.

10 CCEA OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

16 SUNRISE PLEASURE AND WMAA SHOW SERIES, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

22 GYMKHANA, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

10 BSTRA NATIONAL TRAILS DAY RIDE, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. bstra.org.

16 – 17 BUCK DAVIDSON CLINIC, Sherborn. coursebrookshows.com.

22 – 24 PATRIOT REINING CLASSIC, Northampton. patriotreining.com.

10 WRC 4-H AND OPEN SHOW, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

17 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

24 HCRC CHESTERFIELD GORGE RIDE. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

10 MEDAL DAY, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

17 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

24 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

10 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

17 CMHSS OPEN SHOW, Spencer. cmhss.net.

24 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SERIES, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

10 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Lainey Johnson “L” judge, Xenophon Farm, Montague.

(413) 367-9828 or xenophonfarm@aol.com.

17 MHC SHOW, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

13 CATHY DRUMM WESTERN DRESSAGE SERIES, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com.

17 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

13 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

18 BEVIN DUGAN EVENTING CLINIC, RER Ponies, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

13 – 16 SUMMER KICKOFF OPEN SHOW, Northampton. vtspringclassic@aol.com.

20 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

24 JUDGED PLEASURE RIDE, Oxford. bstra.org.

17 SSHC SHOW, Raynham. sshconline.com.

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

24 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

Annual Combined Test April 28

Introductory, Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, & Preliminary

24 SUMMER CLASSIC THREE-PHASE, Hamilton. grotonhousefarm.com.

24 BRDC SHOW SERIES, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

Annual Schooling Event May 12

Introductory, Beginner Novice, Novice, & Training

Using the new 2018 dressage tests. All levels judged, scored, and timed as a recognized event.

Relaxed, friendly, and well run with quality jumps and courses in an outdoor stadium. Great prizes!

For more information contact:

Mina Payne at mpayne@sbschool.org or (413) 773-8333 574 Bernardston Road, Greenfield, Mass. . sbschool.org Massachusetts Horse

43

27 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

8 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

27 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

9 MHC SHOW, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

27 – 28 USDF/USEF DRESSAGE SHOW, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

28 SUMMER NIGHTS JUMPER SERIES, Groton Fairgrounds. grotonponyclub.org.

11 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

11 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

11 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

Presents the 23nd

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

Plus services for the horse, rider, and driver.

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

28 – 29 NEMHS AMHA MINIATURE HORSE SHOW, South Hadley. nemhs.org.

28 – 30 ARABIAN SHOW OF NEW ENGLAND, West Springfield. (716) 984-3636.

29 JUMPER SHOW, Hillside Meadows, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

Bay State Trail Riders Association

National Trails Day Ride June 10, NEHT affiliated Apple Knoll Farm, Millis Join BSTRA at its National Trails Day Ride and be part of the movement to recognize the importance of trails. Enjoy riding five or eight miles of beautiful trails while raising funds for our trail system.

To learn more and register, visit bstra.org.

If you like trail riding, free gift bags, a huge raffle, lunch, and a chance to win a major prize package, as well as supporting trails, this event is for you!

Sponsored by Yered Trailers of Medfield

April/May 2018

14 POKER RUN, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

14 MEDAL DAY, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

29 – July 1 GROTON HOUSE FARM HORSE TRIALS, Hamilton. grotonhousefarm.com.

July

1 MHC SHOW, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

1 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

4 MARION 4TH OF JULY SHOW, Washburn Memorial Park, Marion. marionhorseshow.com.

4 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

4 – 8 BSTRA FOURTH OF JULY CAMPOUT, Douglas. bstra.org.

4 – 8 NH HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

15 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SERIES, Wolf Rock Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

15 SUMMER SCHOOLING EVENT I, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

15 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

15 NSHA PLEASURE SHOW, Bob-Lyn Stables, Amesbury. northshorehorsemens.org.

15 HRC OPEN SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

15 NEDA SUMMER DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

15 BRDC SHOW SERIES, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

5 SCARLET APPLE HORSE TRIALS, Groton. appletreefarm.org.

15 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

6 – 8 REGIONAL 4-H SHOW, Three County Fairgrounds, Northampton. mass4H.org.

15 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

7 – 9 SEACOAST MORGAN SHOW, Topsfield Fairgrounds. nhmorgans.com.

15 BSTRA DOMNARSKI FARM PLEASURE RIDE, Ware. bstra.org.

8 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford. (978) 374-0008.

15 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

8 MHC SHOW, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

16 – 22 REGION 6 SUPER 6 SHOW, West Springfield. massqha.com.

8 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague. (413) 367-9828.

18 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

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

18 CATHY DRUMM WESTERN DRESSAGE SERIES, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com.

8 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

18 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

8 COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

44

12 SUMMER NIGHTS JUMPER SERIES, Groton Fairgrounds. grotonponyclub.org.

29 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

Vendor Spaces Available . Free Parking

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

12 MASSACHUSETTS RIDE FOR THE RIBBON, Barre. ridefortheribbonma.org.

18 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

20 – 22 HCRC CAMPING WEEKEND, Warwick. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

1 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

20 GYMKHANA, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

1 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

21 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

21 MHC SHOW, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

1 – 4 CT SUMMER CLASSIC SHOW, Three County Fairgrounds, Northampton. ctasb.com.

21 GRANBY SADDLE CLUB SHOW SERIES, Granby. (413) 530-9003.

3 HORSE POWER TWO-PHASE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

22 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

3 JUMPER SHOW, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

22 SCHOOLING/FUN SHOW, Calico Performance Horses, Berkley. (774) 444-7076.

3 – 4 MASSACHUSETTS STATE 4-H SHOW, West Springfield. mass4h.org.

22 CCEA OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

4 MHC SHOW, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

4 GFF MEDAL, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

22 WRC OCTOBER MOUNTAIN RIDE, Lee. westfieldridingclub.org.

5 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SERIES, Wolf Rock Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

22 GFF MEDAL, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

24 – 27 HEAD OF THE BAY CLASSIC I, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

5 SUMMER SCHOOLING EVENT II, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

5 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

24 – 29 NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL MORGAN SHOW, Northampton. nemha.com.

5 HRC OPEN SHOW, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

25 HHRC MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

25 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

5 BSTRA LAKE DENNISON PLEASURE RIDE, Royalston. bstra.org.

Dressage Schooling Show Series

May 6 - Adam Cropper “r” judge June 10 - Lainey Johnson “L” judge July 8 - Corinna Scheller-Flemming “L” August 12 - Roberta Carlton “L” judge September 16 - Jutta Lee “r” judge

Dressage Clinics Bill McMullin Sharon McCusker Bill Warren Verne Batchelder

Like us on Facebook to see who’s coming!

5 WRC RIDE, Becket. westfieldridingclub.org.

26 SUMMER NIGHTS JUMPER SERIES, Groton Fairgrounds. grotonponyclub.org.

27 –29 YANKEE COLOR CLASSIC, West Springfield. westernmaapp.homestead.com.

28 SUMMER HORSE TRIALS, StoneleighBurnham School, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

28 HEAD OF THE BAY EQUITATION DAY, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

28 – 29 ELISA WALLACE CLINIC, Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

29 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

29 HORSE POWER TWO-PHASE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

29 BSTRA WEST HILL DAM RIDE, Upton. bstra.org.

29 THREE PHASE, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookshows.com.

30 – August 2 HEAD OF THE BAY CLASSIC II, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

August

1 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

5 BRDC SHOW SERIES, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

8 CATHY DRUMM WESTERN DRESSAGE SERIES, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com.

8 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

8 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

9 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

9 SUMMER NIGHTS JUMPER SERIES, Groton Fairgrounds. grotonponyclub.org.

9 – 12 NORTHAMPTON HUNTER/JUMPER, Northampton. biscuithillfarm.com.

10 – 12 WESTERN DRESSAGE AND OBSTACLES CLINIC, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com.

11 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

11 CNEER ANNUAL BENEFIT PICNIC, Ludlow Elks Club. cneer.com.

11 NEMHS MINI HORSE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. nemhs.org.

Stalls Available

Stalls available in the 16-stall barn with attached indoor arena. Nestled at the base of Mt Toby this “Massachusetts Horse Farm of Distinction” provides outstanding care for you and your horse.

XENOPHON FARM

30 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING CLINICS, LECTURES & COMPETITIONS! JANICE

& ELAINE KACHAVOS

80 SUNDERLAND RD., RTE. 47 MONTAGUE, MASS. 413.367.9828 X ENOPHON FARM @ AOL . COM Massachusetts Horse

45

11 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

15 – 19 SILVER OAK JUMPER TOURNAMENT, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

11 HUNTER PACE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

16 MHC NEHC Show, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

17 GYMKHANA, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

Hanover Equine Dental Terry Paul

Graduate of the American School of Equine Dentistry

Performance floating for all disciplines.

Serving all of southern New England.

eqdent1@verizon.net . (781) 630-0741

Tack Repairs & Restoration

saddles . chaps belts . halters bridles . reins harnesses dog collars & leashes

Blue Dog Leather 64 South Shore Dr., Orange, Mass.

978.544.2681 bluedogleather.com Open by appointment, please call ahead.

Barefoot Hoof Care Rehabilitation of Laminitis/Founder & Other Hoof Pathologies Transitions from Shod to Barefoot Maintenance Trims

Diet & Nutrition Analysis Total Body Health

12 COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

17 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

12 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

18 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

12 USEF SHOW, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

18 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

12 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Roberta Carlton “L” judge, Xenophon Farm, Montague.

(413) 367-9828 or xenophonfarm@aol.com.

12 SSHC SHOW, Raynham. sshconline.com.

19 CCEA OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

12 WRC GAMES DAY, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

19 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SERIES, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

12 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

19 BRDC SHOW SERIES, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

12 MEDAL DAY, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

19 MHC SHOW, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

12 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

19 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIPS, Millis. appleknoll.com.

15 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

19 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

15 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

15 – 18 MASSACHUSETTS MORGAN SHOW, West Springfield. massmorgan.com.

April/May 2018

21 – 25 FIELDSTONE SUMMER SHOWCASE, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

MANURE REMOVAL FOR LARGE & SMALL FARMS

Roll-off containers 10 to 30 yards on call or scheduled service. Full stock pile removals.

Lise Krieger

Certified Saddle Fitter

Balance, Strength, & Agility

46

19 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

Got Manure?

Classical Dressage & Work-In-Hand

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

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

19 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

15 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

Connection & Communication

Holistic Equine Services . Kathleen Ladendecker

19 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford. (978) 374-0008.

12 PHILIP WHITMORE TRICK TRAINING AND VERSATILITY CLINIC, Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

Natural Horsemanship Training

Achaina

18 – 19 “SUMMA IN THE HAMPTONS” PAINT SHOW, Northampton. nephc.com.

978-425-6181 MitranoRemoval.com Proud sponsor of Bear Spot Musical Freestyle and Oakrise Farm Shows.

saddle assessments fitting evaluations flocking . repairs consignments . sales

newenglandsaddlefit.com newenglandsaddlefit@comcast.net 203 . 685 . 2308

22 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

This Olde Horse

Hanover

22 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

22 NORTHEAST WESTERN DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

25 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

26 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.com.

26 MASSACHUSETTS HUNTER/JUMPER FINALS, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

26 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

26 CMHSS OPEN SHOW, Spencer. cmhss.net.

26 NSHA PLEASURE SHOW, Bob-Lyn Stables, Amesbury. northshorehorsemens.org.

26 BSTRA NORTHFIELD MOUNTAIN PLEASURE RIDE, Northfield. bstra.org.

26 BRIMFIELD TRAIL HUNTER PACE, Grand Trunk Trail, Brimfield. (508) 612-0031.

Hanover Hunt and Riding Club 1935 Annual June Show at Briggs Stable in Hanover.

29 HHRC MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

29 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

29 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Holly Hill Farm, Marston Mills. capecodhunter.com.

31 – September 2 MYOPIA HUNT HORSE SHOW, Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

September

1 HUNTER FINALS, Medway. capecodhunter.com.

Lessons 5 Training Clinics 5 Drill Team Horse Shows Games Nights Summer Camps

DRESSAGE

Susan Rainville

Dressage Training, Groundwork & Response Training for a more confident partnership.

USDF bronze & silver medalist

Dressage Schooling Show Series April 29 May 27 August 26 October 7

White Spruce Farms Central Massachusetts (978) 257-4666 whitesprucefarms.com

Recovery . Maintenance . Performance Therapeutic Massage . Bodywork . Reiki

(413) 320-7690 jobunny@comcast.net Massachusetts Horse

47

the

neighborhood

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

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

BARN CATS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• PAWS WATCH P.O. Box 7005, Warwick, RI 02887 cats@pawswatch.org, pawswatch.org Barn cats need homes! Healthy, fixed, vaccinated barn cats provide rodent control. Delivered!

BARNS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• CARRIAGE SHED Serving the Northeast, (800) 441-6057 carriageshed.com Barns, arenas, shed rows, custom buildings.

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

Keith Angstadt, USEF dressage judge.

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

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

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

XENOPHON FARM Montague, (413) 367-9828 xenophonfarm@aol.com Dressage schooling shows, clinics, lessons, boarding, training, trails, owners on site.

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

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

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

Routine preventive care, maintenance, diagnostics, extractions.

48

April/May 2018

Your Everything Equine “white pages”

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

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

FINANCING, LOANS, TAX PREP •••••••••••••••••••••••••• FARM CREDIT EAST (800) 562-2235, farmcrediteast.com Financing, loans, tax preparation, business consulting, financial planning.

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

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

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

STRAIN FAMILY HORSE FARM Granby, CT, (860) 653-3275 strainfamilyhorsefarm.com New England’s largest quality sales stable celebrating 50 years. Supplying NE with horses and ponies since 1967. Forty family, trail, and show horses to choose from. New loads every week. We buy horses, take trade-ins and consignment horses. Great three-week-exchange guarantee. Find us on Facebook.

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

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

FARM FAMILY INSURANCE farmfamily.com Boxborough: (978) 467-1001 Carver: (508) 866-9150 Centerville: (508) 428-0440 Easthampton: (413) 203-5180

Great Barrington: (413) 528-1710 Marlborough: (508) 485-3800 Middleborough: (508) 747-8181 Northborough: (508) 393-9327 Southwick: (413) 569-2307 Topsfield: (978) 887-8304 Wilbraham: (413) 887-8817 Williamstown: (413) 458-5584 Worcester: (508) 752-3300 JUDGES •••••••••••••••••••••••••• MARY BRAZIE Egremont, MA, (413) 528-2367 arabpinto13@yahoo.com Judging open, 4-H, carded; lessons.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Equine photography and events.

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

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

EQUINE HOMES REAL ESTATE LLC MA and NH, (800) 859-2745, ext. 704 equinehomes.com. sally@equinehomes.com Sally Mann, Realtor, MA and NH. STABLES, FARMS, BOARDING •••••••••••••••••••••••••• APPLE KNOLL FARM Millis, MA, (508) 376-2564 appleknoll.com Eventing training, lessons, schooling trials.

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

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

SANDYHILL FARM Florence, (413) 320-1881 sandyhillfarm@yahoo.com Boarding, ring, trails, lessons available.

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

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1 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

1 – 2 BLANDFORD FAIR SHOW, Blandford Fairgrounds. blandfordfair.com.

1 – 3 BSTRA LABOR DAY CAMPOUT, Carver. bstra.org.

2 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

2 RECOGNIZED DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

8 CNEER ADOPTERS AND FOSTER CARE GIVERS MEET AND GREET, West Brookfield. cneer.com.

9 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

15 HRC FIESTA DAY, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

15 GRANBY SADDLE CLUB SHOW SERIES, Granby. (413) 530-9003.

15 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

9 HCRC HAWLEY STATE FOREST RIDE. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

15 – 16 SNECDA PLEASURE DRIVING SHOW AND DRIVING TRIAL, Dudley. (508) 688-2622.

9 POLO, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

9 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

2 HRC OPEN SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

3 SCARLET APPLE HORSE TRIALS, Groton. appletreefarm.org.

5 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

9 FALL SCHOOLING EVENT I, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

9 WRC 4-H AND OPEN SHOW, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

9 MHC PLEASURE CLASSIC, Briggs Stable, Hanover. mahorsecouncil.com.

RER Ponies Training, Lessons & Sales

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

Heather Reynolds Dostal

7 – 9 IFSHA REGION 1 CHAMPIONSHIP, Northampton. newenglandfriesians.com.

9 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

7 – 9 NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC, Double B Ranch, Plymouth. bobburelli.com.

12 SUMMER JUMPER SHOW SERIES FINALE AND AWARDS, Millis. appleknoll.com.

8 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Sherborn. coursebrookshows.com.

12 – 16 HUNTERS AND HUNT SEAT EQUITATION — ZONE 1 HOTY FINALS, West Springfield. thebige.com/horseshow.

8 Circle Dr., Hatfield, MA 413.427.2026

14 GYMKHANA, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

RERponies.com . rerponies@gmail.com

8 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

8 MHC SHOW, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

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

Accepting new clients with 2017 expansion!

Massachusetts Horse

49

Carrier’s Farm

Is This Your Horse?

Karen Morang

Spencer

Is this your horse?

Bob & Nancy Carrier . (413) 527-0333 16 David St., Southampton, MA

Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Serving the North Shore since 1951 Helen Noble, VMD . Robert Orcutt, DVM Derek Cavatorta, DVM PhD Kirstin Anderson, DVM . Ashley Taylor, DVM Mary Ann Montesano, DVM

295 High St, Ipswich, Mass.

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

srhvets.com 50

April/May 2018

H U N T E R / E Q U I TAT I O N SHOWS April 29 May 6 May 13 May 20 June 3 June 17 June 24 July 1 July 8

Bellwether Stable Muddy Brook Farm White Horse Hill Blythewood Stables Harmony Hill White Horse Hill Emerald Glen Bonnie Lea Farm Bellwether Stable

DRES SAGE S HOWS English and Western Tests

April 8 April 15 April 22 June 3

Muddy Brook Farm Mount Holyoke College Heritage Farm Emerald Glen Featuring year-end awards in many divisions.

Full schedule can be found at

WNEPHA.com An organization for horsemen, by horsemen.

Scott Porter

70' x 135' indoor arena . 100 ' x 200' outdoor heated tack & lunch room . two round pens jumping field with obstacles . daily turnout quiet, friendly atmosphere . individual lockers all disciplines . owners on premises flexible turnout and shelter options

This photo was taken at the Emerald Equine Services Jumper Show at Camp Marshall in Spencer. If this is your horse, contact us at win@mahorse.com for a month’s supply of SmartPaks and more from the Bay State’s very own SmartPak, smartpakequine.com, and a two-year subscription to Massachusetts Horse.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRIDGEPORT, CT PERMIT

Amherst Farmer’s Supply 320 Pleasant St., Amherst (413) 253-3436 amherstfarmerssupply.com A.W. Brown Pet & Garden Center 144 Shaker Rd., E. Longmeadow (413) 525-2115 . awbrown.com Brattleboro Agway 1277 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT (802) 254-8757 . achilleagway.com

Bridgewater Farm Supply 1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357 . bridgewaterfarm.com Country Corral 35 Main St., Williamsburg (413) 268-0180 . countrycorralonline.com Dodge Grain Company 59 N. Broadway, Salem, NH (603) 893-3739 . dodgegrain.biz

#140

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

Hoosac Valley Coal and Grain 2 Gavin Ave., Adams (413) 743-0163 hoosacvalleycoalandgrain.com

Greenfield Farmers Co-op Exchange 269 High St., Greenfield (413) 773-9639 greenfieldfarmerscoop.com

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

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

Thibault’s Poultry 92 N. Spencer Rd. Spencer (508) 612-1907