Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

C O M M U N IT Y

HORSE

Spring/Summer 2023 | $7.50 | communityhorse.org

CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS & RHODE ISLAND

COMMUNITY NEWS LOCAL FARMS HORSEPEOPLE TRAIL GUIDES MASSACHUSETTS CONNECTICUT RHODE ISLAND EVENTS

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

contents

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Spring/Summer 2023

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7 From the Publisher 7 Your Letters 8 Preseason Checklist: Before the riding and showing schedule heats up, use this five-point checklist to make sure you and your horse will be ready to go.

18 Farms 36 Horsepeople

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50 Horse Logic 54 Trail Guides 64 Grand Prix Guidance 66 Youth Awards 68 Overherd 70 Partners 82 Events Calendar 109 Directory

54 Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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COMMUNIT Y

HORSE CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS & RHODE ISLAND

vol. 3, no. 1 Spring/Summer 2023

ISSN 2766-5011 PRINT; 2766-502X ONLINE

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096

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phone: (413) 268-3302

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communityhorse.org

Community Horse is owned and operated by Community Horse Media LLC and is an all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. © 2023 Community Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

publisher Stephanie Sanders • steph@communityhorse.org • (413) 268-3302

editor Kathaleen Emerson

public liaison Sally L. Feuerberg . (203) 339-0357, sally@communityhorse.org

feature writers Christine Barakat, Mark R. Baus, DVM, Nicole Birkholzer, Alessandra Corbett Sally L. Feuerberg, Chrissy Marie, Jennafer Maselli, Dee McVicker, Kara Noble, Stacey Stearns

contributors Katie Hylen, ShawnaLee Kwashnak, Pictorial Tales Photography, Kristen Vallejo

advertising & questions main office • (413) 268-3302 • info@communityhorse.org

Mare and foal #5

by Katie Upton, katieupton.com

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

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

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

From the Publisher community /kə'myoonədē/ noun 1. A group of people living in the same place.

2. A feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common interests.

Community Horse is just that, a group of equestrians in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island with shared interests and goals. Our goal is to build our equestrian community. We do this by focusing the features, articles, and calendar in every issue on local farms, equestrians, trails, and events; by giving the members of more than 60 organizations free online

subscriptions and promoting those groups in our pages; and through our free Youth Awards program.

In this issue, see the Community Horse Youth Award winners on page 66. These young equestrians represent the future of our horse community and that future looks bright! Request a free Youth Award for your upcoming equestrian event. Visit communityhorse.org/youth-awards.

As we come out of winter, I am happy to be covered in horse hair. Happy Spring!

Your Letters To the Editor: Just wanted to send a quick thank you for including us in the article Equine Safety Networking: Helping Horses in Need [Fall/Winter 2022]. It’s a great

resource, and I’m excited to share it with folks. Thanks again for including us, and I hope all is well with you!

Heather Robertson Director of Development and Marketing MSPCA Adoption Centers, Methuen, MA

Let us know your thoughts!

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

All letters received by August 5 will be entered in the drawing. Send your letters to: letters@communityhorse.org or Community Horse, 99 Bissell Rd., Williamsburg, MA 01096.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Before the riding and showing schedule heats up, use this five-point checklist to make sure you and your horse will be ready to go.

by Dee McVicker and Christine Barakat

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t this time of year green shoots are at last poking through the soil in pastures and robins can be seen flitting down fence lines. But at many barns there’s another sure sign of spring: riders pulling tack out of storage and restocking their grooming kits in eager anticipation of the first big trail ride, show, or clinic of the season.

Those debut outings can be a little rough, though. Horses who are otherwise sensible and sedate may jig and bolt.

Others lag behind the group, too winded to keep up. One horse may be tender footed and another so rotund after a lazy winter that his saddle no longer fits. And then there are the practicalities to contend with: leaky buckets, flat tires and crucial travel paperwork that somehow got misplaced.

Of course, you’ll be able to muddle through, but wouldn’t it be nice to skip false starts and frustrations as you get ready for peak riding and showing season?

There are no guarantees, of course, but with a little planning and preparation, you can keep unpleasant surprises to a minimum as you get your horse ready for your first major event of the year. To help you, here’s a basic pre-season checklist — start 8

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

with these areas and add your own based on your goals and your horse’s needs.

Health Status Any horse about to head back to work after several months of relative ease will benefit from a visit from the veterinarian.

Not only will a spring checkup take care of routine health-care issues, it can uncover developing problems that might worsen later in the season.

You may also want to request a brief lameness exam. A veterinarian may detect mild joint soreness, the slight thickening of a tendon or other subtle signs of trouble that are best addressed early. If anything suspicious appears, ask your veterinarian whether this would also be a good time to take radiographs to look for any changes in chronic orthopedic conditions and to establish a new baseline for comparison in subsequent exams.

This visit is also the time for spring vaccines, giving your horse’s immune system a chance to arm itself before insects are out in full force and your horse begins traveling. Which ones your horse needs depends on his age and your plans for the year. Immunizations against rabies, tetanus, West Nile virus and eastern and

©ShawnaLee Kwashnak, shawnalee.com

Preseason Checklist

©ShawnaLee Kwashnak, shawnalee.com

western equine encephalitis — the “core vaccines” — are recommended for all horses, and your veterinarian may suggest additional shots to protect against strangles, influenza, and other diseases based on your horse’s particular risk.

If your plans include traveling to shows, clinics, and other organized events, you’ll want your veterinarian to pull blood for a Coggins test and prepare other necessary health paperwork that such venues generally require. Look into what you’ll need well in advance — some shows and other venues have new requirements that include specific vaccinations.

Make multiple copies of these right away.

Keep one set in your truck and another in your tack box to increase the odds of being able to find a set when you need them. Keep the originals in the house for safekeeping.

If you and your horse are going to be crossing state lines, those states may require a heath certificate from your vet so look into that as well.

Weight Weight gain and loss can be easy to overlook under winter blankets and heavy hair coats. Weight changes affect everything from saddle fit to systemic health,

so you’ll want to get a clear idea of your horse’s status and decide how you’ll manage it well before your first competition, event, or major trail outing.

Get a literal “feel” for how much body fat your horse is carrying with a vigorous grooming session using a curry and your hands. Consult a body condition score chart if you’re unsure of the meaning of deposits over various anatomical points. A target score for most horses is between five and six.

Also pay attention when you tack up.

Weight loss or changes in muscle tone can cause the saddle to bridge across the back or pinch his withers. Even if it fit perfectly fine last fall, assess your horse’s tack as if it were brand new and be prepared to make accommodations until his body condition normalizes: Often, you can “shim” with pockets of padding or use a swayback pad that will raise the saddle up off the back until your horse returns to his usual fitness level. If your horse has gained considerable weight, you may have to temporarily substitute another saddle that has a wider tree.

You may also be tempted to make immediate adjustments to your horse’s diet. But be mindful of how his lifestyle and environment may be changing in the Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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coming months. For instance, pounds may melt away as a horse’s workload increases even if you don’t reduce his grain ration. And a return of spring pastures may help a lean horse fill out in the coming weeks. Talk to your veterinarian before making any nutritional adjustments (that first veterinary check-up is a good time to have the conversation) and then implement any recommended changes slowly.

If your horse has a history or risk of arthritis, look into the benefit of starting a joint supplement while you’re considering diet and nutrition. A “loading” dose of a supplement you are currently giving may also be appropriate in the weeks leading up to a return to work, but don’t make any such adjustments without speaking to your veterinarian first.

Fitness How much conditioning your horse will need to return to peak form depends on his previous level of fitness, how he spent his downtime, and your performance

goals for the season. If he has been turned out all winter in an active herd with space to run he may have retained some of his fitness. You can get back into a regular riding routine with such a horse much more quickly than you can with one who spent most of his winter days confined to a stall or a small paddock.

The natural exercise of pasture living, however, won’t prepare a horse for the collection, bending, lateral flexion, and mental focus that may be required of him in a discipline-specific event.

No matter your sport or discipline, reconditioning starts with slow work — walking and jogging. On your first ride, limit your time in the saddle to less than an hour at this slow speed. Then, over the course of several weeks, increase the speed or distance of your rides, but never both at the same time. Pay attention to your horse’s level of fatigue. You’ll need to push him a bit to increase his fitness, but be careful to avoid exhausting him. A return to fitness will stall if a horse needs weeks or months off to recover from an injury.

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

Been there . . . . . . jumped that.

Assisting owners, riders, and trainers with: • Equine Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Entity Selection & Formation • Equine Taxation • Ownerships, Partnerships & Syndications • Land Use & Agricultural Exemptions • Sales & Leases • USEF & FEI Hearings

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Katie Upton

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katieupton.com 12

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

A heart rate monitor can help you keep track of your horse’s increasing fitness: A well-conditioned horse’s heart rate will usually return to below 60 beats per minute within 10 or 15 minutes of stopping exercise. Remember that it’s not just cardiovascular fitness that matters. Your horse’s tendons, bones, and ligaments need time to adapt to the demands of work as well.

Be sure to add in recovery days to your fitness regimen. A horse’s body will rebuild stressed structures during downtime, which leads to the increased strength you’re aiming for. You’ll need to work a horse at least four times a week to improve his fitness, but at least two very easy rides or completely off days in the pasture are equally important.

After a few weeks of foundation work, you can add in discipline-specific skill work, such as jumping, spins, or stops.

Avoid repetitive drills. Not only do they stress a horse physically, but they can cause him to burn out mentally before you even hit the show circuit. Changing up your daily routine not only keeps a horse emotionally “fresh” but challenges various parts of his body physically.

Transport Whether your first big event of spring is a clinic, show or organized trail ride, chances are you’ll need to trailer to the location.

Don’t wait until the day before to give your rig a once-over, though. An unsafe or unusable trailer will make all your horsespecific preparations for naught.

If you’re not mechanically savvy, you may want a mechanic to take a look at your trailer if it has been parked all winter.

If you’re comfortable doing the inspection yourself, however, you can work through the vehicle on your own, looking for trouble spots.

Start by ensuring the hitch is still easy to operate and that the welds that attach it to the trailer look solid. Any cracks are a serious concern and need to be addressed before you do any transport.

Next, walk around the trailer to check the tires. Dry rot may have set in over the

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Feed Consultations Pleasant View Farms has a full-time equine specialist and nutritionist who can assess your individual horse’s needs and make recommendations on the most beneficial feeds.

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winter. You’ll recognize it by tiny cracks in the rubber. Tires with dry rot need to be replaced, as do any with treads worn down to less than a quarter-inch deep. If the tires appear to be in good shape, make sure they are inflated to the correct PSI, which should be listed on the sidewall.

Inspect the ramp, making sure it’s easy to raise and lower and is extremely steady underfoot. Look for corrosion in the springs and hinges. Similarly, swing all doors and windows to see whether they move easily.

Make sure the floors are solid.

Manure and urine left over winter can cause wood floors to rot and metal to rust. Use a screwdriver to check the integrity of both types of floor; if the tip goes into the material, it needs to be replaced.

With a friend’s help, test the brake lights and turn signals.

Then check that your trailer breakaway line is secure and works so that should your trailer separate from your

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truck while on the road, your trailer will safely come to a stop.

Finally, make sure your horse still loads willingly. If he was a hesitant loader before his winter break, he may have fallen into bad habits. Even a seasoned traveler could do well with a reminder session before you’re running late on the morning of an event.

If you trailer long distances or frequently, ask your veterinarian about your horse’s risk of gastric ulcers and whether he may need medication on trailering days.

Gear Spend an afternoon going through and inspecting your gear, from tack to buckets to sheets to grooming tools. Even if you think it was in good shape when you stowed it last fall, you may not have noticed early signs of failure, or its condition may have deteriorated over the past few months.

Lay out your horse’s summer wardrobe over a fence line. This airs the items out while giving you a chance to

notice any signs of rodents who overwintered in their depths. Check sheets, saddle pads, traveling boots, and other such garments. Wash any that seem less than clean and make arrangements to repair and replace items as necessary.

Do the same with your grooming tools. Lay them out, clean them up and repack your box with the coming activities in mind.

Now’s also a good time to order fly spray so you’re not caught without it on the first buggy day of the year.

Then check season-specific equipment that may have gone unused over the winter. The water containers you keep in the trailer, for instance, may have cracked in the cold. You’ll want to know that now, not when you’re loading up to hit the road.

It’s especially important to scrutinize tack closely. A failure of a stirrup or girth can be dangerous. Check every spot where leather meets metal; tack often fails at these stress points. Any cracking or tearing is cause for replacement. Tug, wiggle and pull all hardware, looking for signs of insecurity or weakness. Also inspect stitching and lacing, which is typically an easy-enough repair, assuming the leather itself is still in good condition.

The adage, “If you fail to plan you plan to fail,” might seem a little overwrought when talking about a return to riding this spring, but there’s certainly some truth to the admonition. An easy transition from idle to active with your horse involves many steps, variables, and opportunities for things to go amiss, so the sooner you can start, the more time you’ll have to reach your goal. Then, when you enter the ring or head down the trails, those weeks of preparation will pay off.

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This article was first published in EQUUS magazine, volume #450 and is reprinted with permission. To subscribe to EQUUS visit equusmagazine.com or call (800) 829-5910.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Moosup

Farm

Falls Creek Farm Back In the Saddle

by Sally L. Feuerberg

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alls Creek Farm, located in Moosup, Connecticut, encompasses 350 acres. It’s also surrounded on three sides by the Pachaug State Forest, Connecticut’s largest state forest, giving the property access to countless trails, roads, and woodlands that offer an idyllic setting. The farm features open fields, streams, and three large ponds — a true paradise for both equestrians and nature enthusiasts.

The farm’s horse show history is legendary. In its heyday, the farm was also a

vast greenery. “I knew this was a special piece of property the minute I saw it,” she says. “I have a newfound energy here!”

Both Marisa and her three horses are happy to call this farm home.

wedding venue and a destination for family vacations. It offered many options for formal and corporate affairs and an abundance of various sporting activities. The property has lain dormant for five years, waiting for its moment in time to awaken once again. Now, with the resurgence of spring, a new owner and a new instructor, Falls Creek Farm has rekindled its spirit.

It’s experiencing a revitalization of its past splendor, and the possibilities are exciting!

Falls Creek Farm’s new owner is Marisa Rokstad, a Californian equestrian who was enamored with the farm’s stunning beauty, vibrant sunsets, and lush,

cross, are handling the transition very well. It’s quite a contrast to what they were used to in California. Although we were able to ride in the nearby parks, the availability of open space was limited. The first time I let my mare, Donut, into her new expansive paddock on the farm, she wasn’t quite sure what to do. She seemed to be looking to me for guidance as to how to behave, but I guess that natural horse instinct took over. All my horses have now adjusted to their newfound freedom of being able to wander untethered. It was quite an emotional moment for me to watch.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

CH: You have three horses that have traveled from California to Falls Creek to be part of your new adventure.

How have they handled the transition?

Marisa: My Quarter Horse, Donut, my Hanoverian, Lotus, and Mira, my Arabian

CH: What are the ongoing improvements and upgrades taking shape at Falls Creek Farm?

Marisa: Some have already been instituted such as new footing and fencing, painting, and ongoing general upgrades. We’ve also been installing new lighting and bringing things up to code. A lot of energy has gone into the cleanup of the old show barn as well. We’re working on putting a fresh face on the entire property.

2022. However, I’ve shown at the farm many, many times. I even held an internship at the farm after high school when it was home to a Quarter Horse trainer.

Falls Creek Farm had a huge part in shaping my professional education. It’s where I was first introduced to both the American Quarter Horse Association show circuit and later, the National Reining Horse Association show circuit.

The fact that I’m now teaching and training in the same ring is surreal to me.

CH: What’s your vision for the farm’s future?

CH: How and when did you get started with horses?

Marisa: Falls Creek Farm is the perfect location for a New England equestrian center! Florida and other locations have large equestrian venues and Falls Creek Farm, with all the property has to offer, can become a premier equestrian and vacation destination. Once up and fully operational, we’ll be able to accommodate major horse shows, clinics, equestrian demonstrations, events, and more.

We’ll not only improve on what we have but will be adding so much more.

Along with the updated wedding venue, a new farm-to-table restaurant with produce from greenhouses, fruit trees, and fields on the farm is possible. Also, renovated and new lodging, more family-friendly activities, and other offerings are definitely on the agenda. Falls Creek Farm’s potential is enormous!

KARA WALDRON-MURRAY instructs at Falls Creek Farm. Her association with the farm can be traced to her earlier days of horse showing and her past training.

Is it kismet that Kara is here? Perhaps.

Regardless, her strong connection to the farm is evident and her passion about the farm’s future is inspiring.

CH: How long have you been affiliated with Falls Creek Farm?

Kara: I’ve been renting space at Falls Creek since it reopened in November

Kara: My mother was a talented crosscountry and jumper rider in her youth and had her own riding school as a young adult in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

You can say I was born into the horse life.

My mother’s retired show horse lived in our backyard in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and my sister and I grew up riding.

When I was about seven years old, my parents purchased Stepping Stone Ranch in West Greenwich. The ranch, along with its horses, was in tough shape when my parents acquired it. We had 25 horses, and the farm is 118 acres. I don’t know how she did it while raising two young children. Growing up with so many horses to ride, the tutelage my mother gave my sister and me is what helped shape me into the horse professional I am today.

CH: Could you tell us about the amenities that Falls Creek Farm includes with board?

Kara: Falls Creek Farm is truly a one-of-akind horse paradise. Our main barn is more than 15,000 square feet and houses 48 horses. There are tack rooms, a wash stall, a bathroom, and an attached, covered sixty-foot round pen. Connecticut winters can be brutal, so walking into a heated barn is amazing.

We are blessed with large fields, runin shed options for good weather, and smaller paddocks for those horses that Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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need them. We’re committed to ensuring the horses get to be horses and spend time outside. Even our show horses have access to grass and turnout time.

When most people think of Falls Creek Farm, images of its indoor stadium come to mind. The indoor arena is 26,000 square feet with seating for 1,200 spectators. It houses a lounge/restaurant facility, an announcer’s booth, a tack room, and a bathroom with showers inside the show barn. There’s an outdoor concession stand, a barbecue pit, and a picnic area plus 60 camper hookups.

There are two outdoor rings for warm ups.

able for all types of riders. We teach the English disciplines both on the flat and over fences and western riding for both shows and recreational purposes. We host clinics quite often for both our in-house riders and the public. There’s no onesize-fits-all instruction program because individual goals and needs are different. I create a plan with each client. I have several students who want to show, and I have just as many who don’t. We also attend local pleasure rides and foxhunts in the fall and winter. I’m passionate about creating well-rounded riders who can function independently and enjoy the sport for all it has to offer.

CH: It seems that Falls Creek Farm has something for everyone who rides.

What type of lessons do you offer? Do you have lesson horses?

CH: What are the ages of your students?

Kara: I try to cater to everyone’s interests.

We have safe, quality school horses suit-

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

Kara: I start teaching children when they are four years old and have a strong youth program. You’ll spot us at many local shows throughout the year. Even more exciting is our growing adult program.

It’s not uncommon to see a group of

adult riders coming back from the trails, attending a clinic here at the farm, or enjoying the brunch we hold once a month. We try to create in-house events that both our youth riders and adult riders will enjoy.

CH: Do you have horses available to lease?

Kara: Yes, of course! We have everything from quarter-, half-, and full-leases available.

CH: What do you enjoy the most about your involvement and work with Falls Creek Farm?

Kara: For me, it’s like a homecoming. I walk into the barn every day and smile at the horses looking back at me. I feel so blessed to be able to share my lifelong passion with other like-minded people.

CH: Are you excited about the future growth, improvements, and revitalization of Falls Creek Farm?

Kara: The whole horse community is excited. When Falls Creek Farm closed, it was a huge blow. Horse shows that ran for years had nowhere to go. To see these associations coming back is amazing. The new owner is passionate about the farm, and her love of horses is infectious! I see only good things ahead for the farm, the community, and all the horses that call it home.

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

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Farm

Plymouth

by Jennafer Maselli

RidingLight Performance Horses

ike many equestrians, Alex Frey has had a lifelong interest in horses, and dreamed of turning it into a career. As a child, Alex was fascinated by western disciplines. Against the odds posed by their location and surrounded by a predominantly English equestrian community, Alex found their way to reining. Becoming a better rider and trainer was Alex’s primary goal, and every decision since has reflected that.

Now operating their own program, RidingLight Performance Horses, based

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family vacation in New Hampshire. Then came pony camp. I loved it immediately and bugged my parents for lessons, but out on the Cape, where I grew up, it can be tricky finding a barn. Because most of the barns offered English programs that’s where I started, but I had always wanted to try a western discipline. When I was 11, my dad found a western pleasure barn and I was completely hooked. A few years later, I had the opportunity to ride some reining and all-around horses. It was great fun, and I knew reining was what I wanted

in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Alex is helping to grow the Northeast riding community by offering a welcoming and inclusive program to anyone interested in learning the art of reining. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Alex’s focus is always on how to make others feel welcome in the horse world. Alex’s bubbly personality and enthusiasm for all things equine is contagious and a reminder to others that riding is supposed to be fun for everyone involved.

to continue learning. Once you get the reining bug you never want to do anything else.

CH: How did your love of horses and reining begin?

Alex: I was about five years old when my grandma took me for a pony ride on our 24

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

CH: How did college help develop your career?

Alex: My first choice for college was the University of Findlay in Ohio because it’s the number one school in the nation for its western riding program. I was so excited when I got in, I cried. When we first arrived, we each had an individual meeting to talk about our goals for the program. My goal was to ride reining horses as well as I possibly could. All of Findlay’s trainers are incredible ranking professionals. While there, I learned from

top name professionals who have dedicated their lives to the sport: Jerry Coleman and Meri Marsh, and even American Quarter Horse Association and National Reining Horse Association Hall of Fame trainer Clark Bradley. I rode with Clark and Jerry every day and became very close with them. I still go out to visit Jerry. Findlay gave me the opportunity to work a Quarter Horse Congress, which was exhausting but fun, and I learned so much from it. I graduated with a dual degree: western riding with a focus on instruction and equine nutrition, and equine business management.

CH: What are some of the lessons from your time with Clark Bradley and Jerry Coleman that have stayed with you?

Alex: Clark always reminded me that “you can’t build a house on a shaky foundation” and the same goes for horses. He would say, “A good horse with a good foundation will beat every expensive horse, even on their bad days.” It’s true for any equestrian discipline and I think about it constantly. We must always remember that we aren’t training these horses just for ourselves. The real goal is to train them so that any child or amateur could get on and feel safe and successful.

Jerry was always preaching to go back to the basics. If you’re having a problem or struggling somewhere, make it as simple as possible. He taught me that oftentimes this means moving from ridden work back to groundwork. You’ll never get it under saddle if the horse is confused by it on the ground. Ever since, I’ve made it a priority once a week to go back to my basics, my foundation, my groundwork with all my training horses.

Longeing, ground driving, round penning —something, just to keep it fresh in their minds. It makes a huge difference.

On a lighter note, Clark always used to tell us to “boogie, boogie, boogie,” whether that was while working on our big fast circles, or even on the young horses. It was a funny reminder to keep moving forward with purpose, to keep the

horses moving their hooves. I find myself telling my lesson students that all the time now.

CH: What does your program look like currently and where do you hope to see it go?

Alex: I started off traveling to clients and it really set the tone for my program.

Most of my clients were requesting colt starting, and that has remained a huge part of my business.

When I got my Massachusetts teaching license in 2019, and officially started RidingLight Performance Horses, I began operating out of the barn in Falmouth where I first attended pony camp. It was funny to see it come full circle. With the facility being private, my program has stayed close-knit over the last few years.

I have several horses in training now and teach five days a week. Most of my lessons are privates on my main horse, Wynona. She’s a big blue roan Mustang that I restarted when she was seven years old and have shown all over the country in Ranch Horse and All-Around classes.

Wynona is patient with all my students and great at helping me babysit the young training horses.

Expanding RidingLight Performance Horses has always been my goal, and I recently moved my program to Majority Winters Stables in Plymouth, where I’ll be teaching and training. I’m looking forward to being able to take in more training horses in the future. Eventually, I hope to find my own facility.

More immediately, I’m excited for the show season with the three-year-old reiner I have in training. We’ve got the Eastern Pennsylvania Reining Horse Association, Central New York Reining Horse Association, and Ohio Quarter Horse Association circuit shows coming up.

CH: What are your favorite parts of your career as a trainer?

Alex: I really love colt starting. I’m thankful it’s a huge part of my program because I have so much fun playing with the youngsters; I could do it all day.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Stretch Classes for Equestrians

Seeing the transformation from just a baby that doesn’t know much to a more mature horse with a job is incredible. It requires a ton of patience, but the reward is absolutely worth it. There’s no better feeling than watching a horse that you trained — and were the first person to back — go out and accomplish their job.

You know you did right by them.

Teaching is another favorite for me.

It’s important for trainers to keep teaching. How else are we going to bring new people into the sport? Getting new students involved and sharing a love of horses with them is rewarding.

CH: As a young professional working to grow your own business, how do you find inspiration, especially on the challenging days?

Be the best you can be in the saddle.

Be 100% to give your horse your all.

• Loosen up back, spine, knees, and ankles.

• Strengthen quads and core.

• Gain upper body flexibility.

Judith is a retired international dancer/performer who studied in NYC with Joseph Pilates in the late 60s.

She teaches Barre Stretch & Posture classes for the ALFA program, Fitchburg State University.

Focus on stretches to get ready for your ride.

ZZ Productions Judith Lindstedt zz.judithproductions@gmail.com 26

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

Alex: Horses are a way of life, and it’s a lot of work. It’s easy for it to take over everything. I make it a priority to set aside time for things other than just my horses, my clients, and my business. I’ve always had an appreciation for learning, so I decided to go back to school for a third bachelor’s degree, this time in graphic design. Art is something I’ve always enjoyed and done on the side, and I thought, “Why not?” It gives me other personal goals and gives my brain time to think about something different.

And honestly, most of the time, the things I’m drawing are horses, and the graphic design projects I take on are for horse publications. For me, it’s just another way of making myself a more rounded equestrian and sharing my love for the sport.

It doesn’t mean I enjoy my career any less, it just means I don’t feel entirely consumed with worries about my business.

CH: What do you hope to contribute to the equine community as a trainer?

Alex: I want to produce great horses and great students. But more than that, I want to help make this sport more accessible to students. Inclusivity can be a huge hurdle in equestrian sports. I’ve had a lot of

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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students come to me because they feel different, for whatever reason, and couldn’t find a barn that felt welcoming to them. I take a lot of pride in being there for those students and promoting inclusivity. We need to embrace that equestrians come in all shapes, sizes, colors, gender identities — whatever it may be.

I’ve had my fair share of obstacles in the horse world around my identity, but I’ve been lucky to be supported by great clients that are like family to me now. I want to provide that support to others as they encounter their own obstacles. I want to inspire other equestrians to be who they are.

y

Jennafer Maselli, a freelance editor and writer, lives in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. As a horse owner and rider, Jennafer enjoys everything from trail riding to reining to playing polo, and is an active USEF competitor with her Irish Sport Horse and Thoroughbred-cross geldings.

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MASSACHUSETTS

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Amherst Farmer’s Supply 320 South Pleasant St., Amherst (413) 253-3436 amherstfarmerssupply.com

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

A.W. Brown Pet & Garden Center 144 Shaker Rd., E. Longmeadow (413) 525-2115 . awbrown.com Bridgewater Farm Supply 1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357 bridgewaterfarm.com Essex County Co-op 146 S. Main St., Topsfield (978) 887-2309 essexcountycoop.com Greenfield Farmers Co-op Exchange 269 High St., Greenfield (413) 773-9639 greenfieldfarmerscoop.com Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange Rte. 32, Gilbertville (413) 477-6913 . hardwickfarmers.net Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926 sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com

G. M. Thompson & Sons 54 Middle Tnpk., Mansfield Depot (860) 429-9377 . gmthompson.net Litchfield Blue Seal Store 99 Thomaston Rd., Litchfield (860) 482-7116 . blueseal.com Lock, Stock & Barrel 770 Amity Rd., Bethany (203) 393-0002 . lsbfarmsupply.com Meriden Feed & Supply 846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden (203) 237-4414 facebook.com/MeridenFeed

RHODE ISLAND Allie’s Tack & Feed 3700 Quaker Ln., North Kingston (401) 294-9121 . shopallies.com Leeway True Value 790 Great Rd., North Smithfield (401) 765-2222

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31

Farm Westerly

Downeast Performance Horses

by Kara Noble

D

owneast Performance Horses is an equestrian center based at Misty Meadows, a former golf course turned horse farm in Westerly, Rhode Island. Downeast Performance Horses is all about exploring the possibilities for working with horses — from English and western riding to driving, starting, and training horses to riding lessons, and boarding. Lyndsey Etter, founder and

that’s why I named my business Downeast Performance Horses. It’s a way of bringing Maine with me.

manager, recently spoke with Community Horse about Downeast Performance Horses and its diverse programs.

her. So, I just figured out what I could do to get her to go. Then I started taking lessons in barrel racing and pole bending at AndWeMet Farm in Brunswick. I became interested in western disciplines and natural horsemanship, competing in barrels until I was about 18. The farm owner, Sharon Kenney, taught me the ropes. I received a lot of good instruction there. I also trained with and learned a lot from Cathy Lewis at Kicks & Giggles Farm in Wiscasset.

When I was in high school, I started working at local farms and moved to English riding. My first English trainer, Caitlyn Donahue, at Sprintpoint Farm, was big into eventing and Pony Club. She helped me retrain my horse as a hunter jumper, and I got started in dressage and

CH: Why did you choose to use Downeast — a term that usually refers to Maine — in the name of an equestrian center in Rhode Island?

Lyndsey: I grew up on a farm in Maine, in the Wiscasset area, about 45 minutes from Portland. We weren’t a rich family, but we always had ponies and horses. I couldn’t afford saddles or bridles, and I was mostly self-taught at first. I had a lot of fun riding — I still have one of my childhood horses, a Quarter Horse/Paint/Arabian mare named Addy. Her full name is Little Miss Attitude — and she still has plenty of attitude at 24! My childhood shaped me, and 32

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

CH: How did you make the transition from horse-loving farm kid to equine professional?

Lyndsey: I got Addy when I was 12 and she was a barely broke five-year-old. She was awful, and I had no guidance to help

eventing. The farm owner, Gena McGrath, taught me a lot of natural horsemanship.

I wanted to stay with horses, so I went through the four-year Equine Business Management program at Johnson & Wales University in Providence. While there, I started teaching beginner riders at a farm in Exeter, and got involved in restarting ponies. After college, I worked as the farm manager at Twin Peaks, a big Angus and Hereford-mix cattle operation run by Bruce Thunberg in Matunuck. The trainer there, Justin Bouchard, taught me a lot about cutting, and starting and training two-year-olds.

Bruce also sent me to Ohio to train with Zoe Woodland, who specializes in cutting.

I’d drive out there and stay with Zoe so we could start working horses at 4 a.m.

When I was in my twenties, I worked for a while as an assistant trainer at a Saddlebred and Arabian saddle seat farm.

They did a lot of driving, and that’s where I learned to drive and how to train horses to drive.

Martin Black in Idaho also influenced a big part of my natural horsemanship and colt starting after I opened my business. In 2018, I actually got to stay out on his ranch for a few weeks and ride young horses with him.

CH: What gave you the confidence to start your own business?

Lyndsey: When I was 19, Bruce asked me to make a sale video for an eight-year-old chestnut Quarter Horse mare named Peaches that I’d been working with for about a year. In the video, I rode her bridleless and bareback, and that’s what sold the horse. To this day, when [that video] comes up as a memory on Facebook, the person who bought her will tag me and say, “You really portrayed what that horse could do.” It was cool to know people believed in what I could do, and that I made difference in what that horse could do.

After that video, I got more opportunities to train. I worked with a mare named Lena, a cutting horse with a lot of anxieties. Now she’s an all-around western riding horse. We bred her and she had a black colt, Nugget, that I own now.

Nugget is one hundred percent trained

by me, and he’s a fantastic animal. That is a very proud moment of mine!

CH: When and how did Downeast Performance Horses get started?

Lyndsey: It started in August 2017. At first, I would travel to train horses at other farms. People would contact me about a horse that had been sitting, and asked me to get on it and figure it out.

And maybe give some lessons afterward Bob and Carol Crandall have a pair of Haflingers, and they had me out to train at their farm. It turned into more, working the Haflingers and managing the farm. They own Misty Meadows, which is the property I now lease for Downeast Performance Horses. It’s a beautiful farm. Bob is 74 now and we call him Bob the Builder; he built everything here by hand. He’s like a father to me, and I owe a lot to him. Carol is like a mother to me and I love her too.

CH: What kind of facilities do you have available on the farm?

Lyndsey: The farm has about 30 acres, all open with very few trees. There are 12 paddocks with run-in sheds, about an acre or an acre-and-a-half each. We keep three to five horses per paddock, mares with mares and geldings with geldings to avoid any issues. We have 10 Thoroughbreds, some Quarter Horses and Quarter Horse crosses, warmbloods, a Lipizzaner mare, the Haflingers, two Mustangs, two Miniature Horses, and some ponies.

The barn itself is a big, tall, green and white Morton building and it’s beautiful. Everything here is green and white, down to the white vinyl fence and green gates. Everything matches!

We just added another thirteen-stall barn, so we now have 27 stalls, all attached so you don’t have to go outside to get to the 72' × 164' indoor arena.

We’ve got a lounge and office upstairs, bathrooms, hot and cold running water in the barn, plus tack and feed rooms.

We currently board twenty horses, plus six school horses. We have a great community of boarders, and a waiting list of boarders.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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CH: How much training do you do and what is your horse-training focus?

Double B Ranch Horsemanship for All Disciplines

Jeannette FullerPhotography

Training . Lessons . Boarding . Certification

Training We train horses and their owners. Natural horsemanship is all about the human nurturing a relationship with the horse so strong and close, so as to earn the horse’s complete trust. We do this using soft and quiet techniques, which are always in the best interest of the horses.

CH: You also teach riding on top of all that. How many lessons do you teach each week?

Jeannette FullerPhotography

Lyndsey: We have three instructors; together. we teach 30 to 35 lessons per week. I teach 10 to 12 of those. Sarah Klimek has a strong background in English disciplines, especially hunters, and some background in therapeutic riding. Rachael Rowley-Aquitante has more of a western background, and she teaches several of our western riders.

Intense Horsemanship Lessons Ranch/Trail Obstacle Course Cow Working/Cow Sorting (mechanical cow on premises) Ranch Roping . Team Penning . Reining Training Performance Horses Flat Work/Jumping . Equitation/Classical Dressage

The Team: Christine Burrelli . Bob Burrelli, Jr. Bob Burrelli, Sr.

www.doubleb-ranch.com (508) 746-8545 70 Jordan Road, Plymouth, MA 34

Lyndsey: I’m training five or six horses at any one time; some are boarders’ horses, and some are from outside. I don’t have a niche. I’m eager to learn new things and I like to do a little bit of everything. I get calls from people who want me to start horses, teach them to drive, fix problems.

I work with a lot of young horses, so I guess you could say that’s my focus. I’m also training my colt, Nugget, and my Lipizzaner mare.

I am also working with a student to train Arian, a Mustang from Nevada. We picked him up in June 2022. He was a stallion for four and a half years, so we’re working with some hormone issues and getting ready to start him. I’m also working with Sakari, another Mustang from last year.

I’m also venturing into mules and just bought my first pair of driving mules from Mississippi that are just to have fun with. Their names are Boon & LuLu.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

CH: How do you take care of nearly 30 horses plus give lessons and find time for training?

Lyndsey: We have a staff of nine amazing people — Ally, Kaya, Liz, Zoe, Grace, Sue, Shea, Jordan, Lauren, and Parker — who handle rotation schedules, feeding, cleaning, turnout. They’re a wonderful group, and they’re what makes this place run day in and day out. I really appreciate them and all they do.

But my right-hand person is my boyfriend, Andrew. He’s my hay provider, my traveling partner, and he does a lot

with the upkeep around the place. He’s always a huge help to me. I love him and he’s a great person to have in my life.

Bob Burrelli

CH: What are your dreams and goals for Downeast Performance Horses?

Academy of Natural Horsemanship

Lyndsey: I started from nothing, and I was a nobody. I look at where I started and where I am today, and I can’t believe I’ve made it this far. There are hard days, but I wake up every morning and love what I do. I’ve learned you can get to the top if you work hard, have the skills, and plenty of grit. Some people think I’m crazy, but I’d like to add another barn nearby, maybe get more into cattle and the western world. I have some wild dreams. I like helping horses and people, and I feel like the possibilities are endless.

In the Traditions of the Vaquero (Classical Dressage Principles)

www.bobburrelli.com 508-224-9430

y

Kara Noble is a writer and editor who lives on a hobby farm in Montgomery, Massachusetts, with her husband, Jerry, an Icelandic mare, a Shetland pony, and a pair of very opinionated miniature donkeys.

Licensed and certified horse trainer and clinician with more than 40 years experience in all disciplines. Uses natural horsemanship to solve your horse’s problems. Beginning with ground work to achieve harmony and trust, you’ll then move on to riding for that balanced partnership so essential to all phases of riding.

If you want help with your horse, or to hold a clinic, please contact us. Call for a free demonstration!

The transformation will amaze you.

Double B Ranch 70 Jordan Road, Plymouth, Mass. bobburrelli.com . 508-224-9430 Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

35

Horseperson

Woodbury

by Alessandra Corbett

Tess Vogel The Hoof & Paw Co.

ess Vogel twists open a small tin and applies some of the silky golden salve inside onto her wrist. Her German Shepherd is observing nearby, sniffing the air. The distinct herbal aroma hints at a blend of all-natural ingredients: New Zealand manuka honey, wormwood, comfrey, marshmallow root, and witch hazel bark make up The Hoof & Paw Co.’s

T

turned to my mother and said with complete confidence, “Mommy, I’ve finally found my passion in life!” From then on, I took lessons consistently. I started showing in Short Stirrup on the A-Circuit with my leased pony named Tilly and got to travel to lots of local shows.

When I was a kid, riding was truly allencompassing — if I wasn’t at the barn, I

signature formulation, Manuka Honey Salve. Tess explains the benefits of each select ingredient with excitement. “I wouldn’t put anything on my animals that I wouldn’t be comfortable putting on my own skin,” she says.

Combining a lifelong love of horses and dogs, a curiosity for scientific research, and a knack for marketing, Tess began The Hoof & Paw Co. in 2021 as a line of topical products that’s safe and effective for horses, dogs, and humans.

She develops and makes all her products at her farm in Woodbury, Connecticut.

For Tess, it’s all about giving the animals we love the best possible care.

was thinking about the barn and my pony, and when I could get there next.

I continued to ride throughout my childhood and showed on the A-Circuit until I was in high school. Unfortunately, when the recession hit in 2008 the showing had to stop. I had a hard time letting it go, but I still wanted to be around horses however I could. For me, horses were never a hobby; they were a lifestyle. I picked up working student positions and different jobs at barns. I made the most of it, and still felt lucky that I could be around horses at all.

CH: How did your passion for horses begin?

Tess: My first riding lesson was when I was seven years old. Immediately afterward, I 36

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

CH: How did that early experience with horses shape your life today?

Tess: So much of the person I am now is a result of having the responsibility of caring for horses at a young age. It instilled in me the ability to be organized and

Looking for your

dream Equestrian property?

Selling your farm?

Consult Amanda today!

As an Equestrian Specialist with William Raveis, Amanda is passionate about helping her clients realize their dreams. She is a Realtor who grew up on the Cape and has won numerous awards in sales and for her excellent customer service. Dedication, honesty, and passion all describe Amanda.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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accountable and made me driven to achieve my goals. It also gave me a sincere appreciation for all life forms, and an instinct to care for animals.

It became more difficult to stay involved with horses as I went off to college and started working, but I’ve always tried to keep them in my life in some capacity. Right now, I work part-time at a local plant nursery, and I also run The Hoof & Paw Co., which is my line of natural, animal wellness products. I’m not riding at the moment but thankfully, running my business has kept me very involved with horses.

CH: How’d you start The Hoof & Paw Co.?

Tess: I started The Hoof & Paw Co. by first making custom horse- and dogthemed decals. I discovered Etsy, and began selling my decals there, and found I really enjoyed the product development process. In college, I majored in biology and always had a curiosity toward researching natural ingredients. I first started making a paw balm for my German Shepherd, and soon expanded into equine products. I started looking for overlap between the two species, since horse owners typically have dogs, and as a result developed an entire line of wellness and grooming products that are safe and effective for both horses and dogs.

My background is unique and has really shaped the way I’ve built my business. My biology major gave me a strong interest in science and research, and my mother had her own marketing firm. This specific skill set allowed me to build the business in my own vision, and I’ve been able to carry out all the roles it requires myself. Right now, I do everything from product development to quality control to label development to fulfilling orders.

CH: How do you develop products?

Tess: A lot of initial research goes into each of our products. I love reading peerreviewed studies, and have a natural curiosity toward learning about ingredients. There are a lot of “old wives’” 38

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

remedies on the internet these days. Some of them might work — unfortunately many of them really don’t. This is where research is so critical. All the ingredients used in my products have had thorough, peer-reviewed studies performed on them to prove their effectiveness and safety, and our suppliers perform routine purity and safety tests. The quality of our ingredients is very important to me.

Everything in our products is plantbased; we use a lot of plant extracts and colloids. And each product is thoroughly tested. First, I test the products on myself, then on my own dogs, and then on horses.

It usually takes a long time to develop a product and get it just right, and I like to spend a lot of time formulating and testing before it goes to market. I’m also always thinking about the user experience, and how a new product might make the grooming or care process better. I want each product to be developed in a way that will make our customers’ lives a little easier, creating stronger, better relationships with their animals.

CH: What’s your favorite The Hoof & Paw Co. product?

Tess: Our All-Natural Hoof Oil for Horses is our most popular product and it has also become my favorite product. The most important ingredient in this formula is natural venetian turpentine, which is quite difficult to acquire — it can only be found in Europe. It’s a tree resin, which is a natural product, unlike the refined turpentines in other hoof products that can be relatively dangerous. Our hoof oil is actually our simplest product to make, but a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into its development, and I’m really pleased with the way it came out. As a horse person, it’s one of my favorite grooming products to use. It’s so satisfying to apply a fresh coat of hoof oil!

CH: What are some of your goals for the future of The Hoof & Paw Co.?

Tess: One aspect I love most about running this business is helping educate customers on the benefits of natural,

plant-based products and I would love the opportunity to do more of that. I would like to see The Hoof & Paw Co. become an educational resource for a more holistic approach to animal health care and horsemanship.

We want our customers to understand that natural doesn’t necessarily mean better. It’s only when natural ingredients are coupled with thorough research, precise formulation, and responsible marketing that the perfect natural product is created. I’m working on developing a blog and some product literature right now to help me connect with customers more deeply on these educational topics. That will help this business go beyond simply selling a product and will really be helping people make informed decisions for their animal’s overall wellness.

I want to grow the business, add products to our line, and continue to improve our products. I love getting customer feedback and thinking about how we can give them better experiences. As we grow, I still want to keep the business at a size where I can manage quality and ensure that each product going out into the world is always the best it can be.

CH: How about your future with horses? Do you think you’ll get back in the saddle?

Tess: My boyfriend and I recently bought a house here in Woodbury with a barn and land! We’re working on fixing up the barn and installing a fence; I hope to bring horses home this summer and get back to riding.

CH: What brings you the most joy in running The Hoof & Paw Co.?

Tess: When we care for animals, we are giving them our heart; in return they give us their hearts back in a big way. Our animal companions deserve to be treated with every ounce of love and respect we have, and I believe our products can help do that. It’s so fulfilling to see a product come to fruition, and then used to improve an animal’s life.

It truly warms my heart when a customer reaches out and tells us that one our products made their dog or horse more comfortable. The stories are incredible — I love having that connection with our customers, and seeing their animals thrive.

y

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

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Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Serving the North Shore since 1951 Helen Noble, VMD . Robert Orcutt, DVM Elizabeth Lordan, DVM Nicole Syngajewski, DVM Delaney Patterson, DVM

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Horseperson

Westport

by Alessandra Corbett

Gretchen Almy Artist

F

or artist Gretchen Almy, the key to capturing the essence of any horse on canvas rests within the eyes. “If I don’t get the eye just right,” she says, “it feels like just another horse painting, flat and without personality. I believe that the soul of these animals is written in the eyes.

Only horsepeople can really understand that deep sense of connection when you look into the eyes of your own horse —

Massachusetts. Whenever I went to visit her, I’d pet the horses, learn their names, give them carrots, muck stalls — whatever I was allowed to do. When I was six, my father’s cousin, who owned the horses, gave me a lesson on a little brown and white pinto named Pony Boy. I was hooked.

I began taking lessons at a small farm in Connecticut not long after and learned

Soulful

you see right into his soul, and he, in turn, peers into yours. That’s what I’m trying to capture in my work.”

We all know that special feeling, and it’s remarkably present in each of Gretchen’s paintings. Gretchen’s life with horses has informed and inspired her process, resulting in a breadth and depth of work that celebrates the equine spirit.

Whether it’s a realistic portrait, an abstract original oil painting, or a brief study as she observes the nuances of a canter, that sense of connection is always present.

CH: How were horses a part of your life growing up?

Gretchen: I was a typical horse-crazy kid. I grew up in Connecticut, and my grandmother lived on a farm in Westport, 40

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

the importance of good horsemanship. In high school I rode at Old Salem Farm in New York, where I rode with Robin Greenwood. I met a lot of incredible riders and talented horses there; it was an amazing opportunity with some of the best training I had experienced.

Before I went to college, I was grooming to help offset lessons. Those were long days, and I distinctly remember thinking, “This is not what I want to do with horses.”

I loved horses, working hard, and showing, but what I didn’t like was the way many of these horses waited all day long for their riders. I knew that wasn’t for me, as I cherished the relationships I had with horses the most.

I attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Virginia and rode

ul

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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hunter/jumpers with Janet McBrien.

After college, I taught riding lessons at Camp High Rocks in North Carolina; I went out West and wrangled horses in Wyoming; worked with foxhunters and eventers in Kentucky; and eventually came back to the East Coast, where I managed a dressage farm in Rhode Island. These early experiences made me a versatile horsewoman and allowed me to appreciate all disciplines. I learned that at the end of the day, disciplines and breeds don’t really matter; all of us horsepeople are connected by the love of the animal, and we’re all willing to work hard for the sake of our horses.

CH: How about art? When did you start painting?

Gretchen: I started drawing horses as a child and always loved anything creative. I majored in fine arts in college and received incredible guidance from professors I am still in contact with today. I had a great experience at a small liberal arts school learning art history, the use of different

mediums, and how to create and express myself through art. I became passionate about abstract expressionist painting and was inspired by Joan Mitchell, Richard Diebenkorn, and Franz Marc.

When I was working with horses after college, there wasn’t a lot of time to make art. There was a point when I realized it was unlikely that I would ride in the upper levels or have the means to pursue it, and I didn’t necessarily want to spend the rest of my life mucking stalls. With a degree in art, I decided to interview for graphic design jobs and worked at a promotional goods company for a while, then custom embroidery, and later in picture framing and design. In those careers, I wasn’t necessarily fulfilling my creative dreams, but I was developing skills that would later enhance my own business.

My father died of cancer when I was 29. He had just gone back to woodworking, which was his true passion in life. I realized that I didn’t want to arrive at the end of my life and not have pursued something I really enjoyed. That was

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

when I returned to painting and began to make plans toward becoming a full-time artist.

CH: How did you turn your love of horses and painting into a business?

Gretchen: I started out doing pencil portraits for friends and local horse owners, and then I had an opportunity to create cover artwork for the Norfolk Hunt Club’s horse show program. In return, they offered me a vendor booth at their show, which exposed more people to my work and allowed me to make connections. I did that for several North Shore horse shows, often trading artwork for vendor space. I would show my portraiture, sell gift items with my artwork on them, and hopefully get some commissions. As with any new endeavor, the beginning was rough but very exciting, and the business slowly started to grow.

As I made more connections, I received bigger opportunities that helped my work gain recognition, including artwork for the Myopia Hunt Horse Show, Fieldstone Show

Park, the Fidelity Jumper Classic, and the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament. I was getting the opportunity to paint some of the greatest show jumping riders of our time, including Mclain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Margie Goldstein Engle.

In 2007, I was asked to create a cover for the National Horse Show, which was in Wellington, Florida, at that time. I remember my mother taking me to the National Horse Show as a child, and that was always special to me. To be able to design a cover for that show was gratifying. They gave me a booth at the show, which was my first exposure to the Winter Equestrian Festival. I made some wonderful connections there, which allowed my business to grow even more, and I began to make a name for myself in painting commissions.

CH: What is your process for creating a painting?

Gretchen: For pencil and oil custom portraiture, I work closely with the client throughout my process to best portray

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their animal. To begin, I always try to photograph the animal myself if possible. I love to see how the animal interacts with the owner so I can create something very personal. Then, I’ll help the client determine which image is going to work best as a portrait, often creating several layouts in Adobe Photoshop to help the client visualize the final piece. I use the chosen full-size image as a reference and begin translating it onto canvas or paper. I’ll sketch freehand, and then often grid or establish measuring lines to make sure

photographs at a horse show, snap pictures of horses in the field, or reach out on social media for image submissions; then I’ll comb through those images looking for moments that inspire me. I’ll play around with cropping, look at the relationships between shapes, lines, color, positive and negative space, then start to treat the images more like paintings than actual horses. I’m always trying to abstract the equestrian form while keeping the semblance of correct conformation and allowing the spirit to shine through. I’m

proportions are correct and maintained.

Finally, I begin filling in and building up the image; I call it sculpting on paper.

Pencil is a layering process and takes time, starting with the darkest areas and slowly shading in from there. Oil is a more finicky medium that requires me to wait after applying each layer. Each portrait goes through a stage where it feels like an “ugly duckling,” or maybe a “gawky twoyear-old” in horse terms. But as I keep working, suddenly the animal begins to come to life. At that point, I know I’m in the homestretch and it’s nearly finished.

The process for creating my original artwork is quite different and is based solely on inspiration I’ve gathered. I might take

constantly experimenting with techniques and materials to see what makes an interesting painting. I like to work on several pieces at once to help me think creatively and to refresh my eyes. I never get tired of it!

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

CH: Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces?

Gretchen: One piece that comes to mind was a bit of a fluke: it’s actually a painting done over another painting. It started out as a commission where my client wanted a portrait of her dressage horse done in a less traditional way. While looking through images for inspiration, I saw a photo of her horse that caught my eye; the horse was looking out of his stall at a

bit of an odd angle. The horse’s coat was just magnificent, and I really liked the negative space the shape of his body created. It felt like a great image to paint over a painting I’d already done and try to abstract it a little. It was a breakthrough piece for me that allowed me to start thinking about painting a little looser. It’s a small piece that hangs in my studio as a reference point, and I strive to create some of that feeling in every piece I’ve created since.

One other piece that stands out is a painting based on a photograph of a horse in a field, cast in beautiful lighting.

I painted this image probably ten times, and the final image I created was done using raw umber and white. I felt like I finally captured the essence of this horse, but in a style that was more abstract and expressive. It just worked. I called it Soulful, and it’s one of my all-time favorites. I entered it in the Equus Film and Arts Festival in California, and it earned a runner-up recognition.

CH: What brings you the most joy in this work?

Gretchen: Horses and dogs have been in my life for as long as I can remember, and my connection to animals runs very deep.

Animals are my family, and I honor that in my art. Horsepeople can relate to that deep connection. I truly believe that the best artists in my field are the ones who are familiar with that bond and understand these animals. The paintings need to capture the presence of a horse, which is larger than any piece of paper or canvas.

That’s something that only animal lovers can truly understand. Witnessing the connections between humans and their animals, and being entrusted to capture those relationships, is immensely rewarding and offers me endless inspiration.

y

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

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Horseperson North Kingstown

by Chrissy Marie

Kaleigh Marie Braveheart Beasts

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and external functioning is easily apparent, even to those who are unfamiliar with this type of training. The spectacular sight of Alkimus and Elgin floating around Kaleigh like black and white scarves elegantly dancing upon the wind is not only a phenomenal vision; it also inspires horse lovers to consider their

Kaleigh Marie with full brothers Alkimus and Elgin.

Kaleigh Marie and Alkimus bridleless riding.

ter and lead rope. Instead, she uses liberty training and the incredible relationship this work has allowed her to create with her horses. Inside the indoor arena, the chill in the air is quickly forgotten when taking in the unique arena decor. LED color-changing lights, a spotlight, and music set the scene for an experience that brings every horse-crazy child’s dream to life, while horse-infatuated adults are equally in awe.

Testimonials from Kaleigh’s clients express high praise, respect, and admiration for this immensely talented horsewoman.

Clients describe her as a kind, patient individual who possesses a gift for communicating with horses. After observing Kaleigh work two horses simultaneously at liberty, her deep connection to and understanding of both horses’ internal

relationship with their own horse from new perspectives.

Kaleigh’s background is filled with variety from rehabilitating rescued equines, thrilling large audiences while performing with her horses, training with Lipizzaner stallions, driving Mammoth donkeys, working draft horses, and training oxen to Roman riding bridleless, work at liberty, and more.Today, she continues to grow her business, Braveheart Beasts, as she performs with her horses and connects with her students through clinics, lessons, and online coaching.

Pictorial Tales Photography

n a beautiful spring afternoon at Fairwinds Farm in North Kingstown, Kaleigh Marie of Braveheart Beasts retrieves two of her four horses. The nearly identical tobiano geldings, Alkimus and Elgin, are Friesian-Paint crosses and full brothers. When Kaleigh gathers them up, she doesn’t rely on a hal-

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

CH: How did you choose the name Braveheart Beasts for your business?

Kaleigh: My mom and I came up with the name. When I began training animals, I trained everything from horses to don-

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keys, mules, and even cows to ride, drive, do tricks, and work at liberty. Braveheart Beasts really captures the essence of my work with so many different species doing so many different things.

CH: What does working at liberty mean to you?

Kaleigh: Liberty is about learning to communicate with horses in a way that makes sense to them, which is something I call relationship-based training. “When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change,” is a quote that I live by when working with horses.

Sometimes we need to consider the training struggles we encounter from a different light; in doing this we’re able to change our understanding of what’s happening and then handle it in a better way for the horse.

CH: How did you become involved with liberty work?

Kaleigh: It’s a bit unusual. My family wasn’t into horses, but I was completely infatuated with them from the time I was a little girl and started riding when I was five years old. At age 11, I got a job working on a dairy farm in my hometown. The owner gave me a pair of twin bull calves and told me to teach them to be working oxen. I spent a lot of time trying out techniques that I could use to teach them in a way that they would understand. They wore a yoke to pull a cart and logs around the farm, but I also taught them to ride bridleless and work at liberty, which is something people weren’t used to seeing.

I competed with them in 4-H at county fairs all over the Northeast where we would give demonstrations. From there, I started traveling and teaching clinics.

CH: How has your work with a variety of different animals contributed to the training you are doing today?

Kaleigh: With each different animal I’ve had to learn to understand them on an individual level. I needed to see who they were and where they were coming from in life.

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CH: What is the first skill set you teach to a horse new to liberty work?

Kaleigh: Everything starts with body language, sequence, and getting the horse to focus on you. I have a system of exercises and teaching tools designed to get a horse to the point that they can begin work off the line. Being able to walk, halt, and back up on cues from my body are essential skills to develop prior to working at liberty for the first time. I also pay attention to how a horse handles pressure and how the horse perceives the world around them. From there, I use liberty work to help improve that perception.

This is where relationship building begins.

CH: How long did it take to develop the level of training we see in Elgin and Alkimus?

Kaleigh: Alkimus is such a big presence, and Elgin is a fierce little horse! I’ve been working with Alkimus for five years and Elgin for four years, but for me it’s not about the years—it’s about the hours. We have put those hours in to get here. If you put the time in, a horse could be working consistently at liberty in several months.

CH: What message do you want to bring to the horse community through doing liberty work?

Kaleigh: I want people to not only have a relationship with their horse but also help them understand how to have that relationship without having to sacrifice ambitious goals. A lot of times people think you can only have one or the other, but you can absolutely have both!

CH: What has been the most rewarding aspect of liberty work?

Kaleigh: Having horses who choose to be with me and want to do the work I’m pursuing. These horses love their jobs. Being able to share that experience with others and helping them find that feeling with their own horses is amazing. Liberty also gives me the chance to become as wildly creative as I can be!

CH: How has liberty work benefited you as a horseperson?

Kaleigh: Working at liberty holds me to very high standards. I have to be aware of my body language, thoughts, and emotions to make sure I’m communicating with them as effectively as I can. The horses are very sensitive and pick up on everything I’m feeling, so I’ve got to be at the top of my game.

CH: Can you break down the process of working multiple horses at liberty simultaneously?

Kaleigh: Sure! It is a lot of multitasking. I divide my attention among my horses.

Sometimes it’s fifty-fifty, sometimes it’s eighty-twenty, so it’s important that they are confident in doing what I ask when they are working alone before working together.

There’s a lot of communication between us when I work Alkimus and Elgin as a team. Each directs their attention to both myself and the other horse, while I’m also tuning into each of them.

Think of us being connected through invisible strings that keep communication flowing wherever we are in the ring.

We’re each aware of not only what we are doing, but what the other two are doing and trust one another to be where we need to be. It’s not just about their trust in me; I trust them as well.

CH: Where did your classical dressage background come from?

Kaleigh: I discovered my passion for classical dressage when I studied with the Tempel Lipizzans in Old Mill Creek, Illinois, for a winter. It was the most intense and transformative four months of my riding career. Since then, I’ve let my interest in classical dressage develop by playing with body mechanics, self-carriage, and positive reinforcement both on the ground and under saddle.

bit. When I travel, I can be on the road for up to three or four weeks at a time with myself, my assistant, and the horses.

It’s always an adventure!

Our first stop will be Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the Horse World Expo to perform in Theater Equus, followed by the Michigan Horse Expo in Lansing, and finally onto Hamburg, New York, for the Western New York Equifest. I will be traveling the U.S. for more clinics and performances throughout the year, and I’m excited to be traveling to the United Kingdom to teach and train this year as well.

It’s the stuff of my dreams. y Chrissy Marie is a freelance writer and assists in managing and operations at her parents’ Connecticut farm. She enjoys restarting off-the-track Thoroughbreds and continues to develop her riding and equine management skills.

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Horse Logic

Relaxation Is Contagious

by Nicole Birkholzer

I

Of course, the extra bonus was that the other horse and his rider benefited as well.

This vignette shows two important things. First, that we are in it together.

There is no question that our energy affects others and vice versa. Second, it shows us that we have a profound positive impact when we take the relaxation route:

arena had a near meltdown. My client, aware of the energy that was building, inhaled deeply and exhaled fully. Her mare followed suit, releasing a big shuddering breath out her nostrils. The horse on the other end of the arena promptly responded with a big snorty exhale.

What a thrill! Instead of tensing up and holding her breath, a default for most of us, my client had done the exact opposite. She exhaled; she released and relaxed. Her exhale softened her spine, softened her arms and seat, and softened the connection to her horse. The horse realized her person was not concerned; therefore, she could also relax and focus on her person again instead of the other horse.

when we choose to expand rather than contract; when we become aware that we hold our breath and then change that pattern by fully releasing so others can too.

Relaxation is also a gateway to healing. My mare, Shana, recently injured one of her legs and needed surgery and hospital care. It was my third visit with Shana since she’d been hospitalized. I walked down the rubber-matted aisle keeping an eye out to the left. There she was, in stall number three. I took a deep breath as I entered Shana’s stall; she was finishing up her hay. I told Shana we had permission to go outside and eat grass, but I wanted to check in with her before we headed out.

Kristen Vallejo

f you ride a horse, you know that one of the biggest worries is having one horse set the next one off — especially when you’re on board.

During a recent barn call, my client was faced with precisely that situation.

She and her warmblood mare, often a bit spicy, were trotting around the arena when a horse at the other end of the

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As I stood on Shana’s right side, I watched the large warmblood diagonally across from us. The horse was in a sling, held with chains that were hooked to an apparatus hanging from the ceiling. I had admired the horse on my last visit. He was calm despite the giant hammock under his belly. He couldn’t move. Like a statue, he was always in the same spot in the middle of the stall.

While I was watching the other horse, Shana stepped closer to me and turned her head, asking me to scratch her face and around the ears where her coat was stuck together. She had a thick winter coat in a building set to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. She was sweating during the day, and her coat stuck together during the night when temperatures fell.

After a few rubs, Shana stepped back and shook her head, releasing some tension. Excellent, I thought. Accustomed to living outdoors and roaming free, staying in a hospital was a different world for her.

Plus, with all the procedures and interactions with strangers, as friendly as they were, I felt the tension throughout Shana’s body.

After her quick release, Shana came back for more. Again, I scratched as Shana moved her head this way and that way. And again, she stepped back and shook her head and, this time, her neck.

Shana returned a third time, asking me to scratch, now also down her neck and chest. And after that rubdown, she initiated a three-quarter body shake. Her belly went left and right as she blew out through her nose. I exhaled loudly as I felt the tension drop off my mare.

Next, Shana walked off to the left and stopped at the door. Now she was ready to go outside. Checking in with Shana had been the right thing to do.

After three releases, she was undoubtedly less tense and more relaxed for our adventure outdoors.

I followed Shana to the door and told her we had to put the halter on before getting the vet tech to help us get outside.

As I reached for the halter, I heard a loud banging and clanking of chains.

Clattering and more chain-rattling noises followed. I looked around to see where the noise was coming from. My eyes fell on the warmblood across the aisle, who was now wiggling, hopping, and moving oddly around while his sling swayed.

What was happening? Was he having a meltdown? Did I need to let the staff know?

Suddenly, the giant horse shuddered from his head, down the spine, to his tail in a humongous release. An instant later, he was once again perfectly still, in his sling, eating hay.

I exhaled.

This was remarkable. Shana’s releases had triggered the warmblood into a release as well, a full, head-to-tail release.

While Shana did not yet trust her injured leg to hold a full release, she did get three-quarters of the way; the warmblood brought it home for the team.

Isn’t it fantastic to know how everything is interrelated? To witness how herd dynamics work, and to understand that we are part of the herd?

I was the grounder on that day. As I helped Shana to ground herself, she grounded more and more to the point that she was ready to go outside. Her grounding helped the warmblood to ground as well.

It’s genius. We have so much to offer if we focus on ourselves first. Breathe.

Breathe. Breathe.

My client’s breath inspired her horse to exhale, and as a result, her horse encouraged the other horse in the arena to exhale.

My calm and rooted energy inspired Shana to release. In turn, the warmblood felt the tingles and jingles, creating an opportunity for his release.

Trust that your breath will be contagious because it is. The best thing you have to offer is bringing your most embodied self to the barn. Take three deep conscious breaths as you step out of the car or out of your house. Creating this tiny mindful moment to be with yourself is powerful. Focus on your inhale and release tension with your exhale. Say “hi” Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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to your body. Allow your body to respond.

It will soften and become more receptive.

As your relaxed, embodied self walks up to your horse, your horse will also relax.

And who knows who you might positively affect along the way?

All you need to know is that your relaxed self is — for sure — contagious.

y

Nicole Birkholzer professionally and telepathically communicates with animals across the world. In her phone sessions and workshops, she helps you discover the secret to communicating with your animals successfully. Nicole shares the world through your animal’s eyes in her podcast, Let’s Have a Chat! She’s the author of Pet Logic and Horse Logic. To learn more, visit mindful-connections.com.

LET’S HAVE A CHAT! with Nicole Birkholzer DO YOU WONDER when your companion shows a quirky or unexpected behavior? There is a reason for it. Tune in to “Let's Have A Chat!” as Nicole Birkholzer, animal communication specialist, author, and inspiring speaker explains the world through our animals’ eyes. Listen in and discover the secret to communicating with your animals successfully.

mindful-connections.com

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Granby

by Stacey Stearns

S

Trail Guide

Salmon Brook Park

almon Brook Park in Granby, CT, is a multi-use recreation facility with an equestrian ring at the far end of the property. The Granby Horse Council (GHC) works steadfastly with the town to create an equestrian-friendly community, and this is one of their many contributions. There’s a trail system connected to Salmon Brook Park, courtesy of multiple private property owners, making the park a welcome equestrian destination.

maintenance is a labor of love because we want to ride here. We’ve seen all types of wildlife including bears, coyote, deer, and a bobcat on our rides.”

“The Salmon Brook Park trail is a pleasant one-hour loop with very good footing,” says Joan Davis, GHC president.

“It’s open all year, has easy hills, forests, fields, and two stream crossings.”

The trails that start in Salmon Brook Park connect with private lands, and then with the McLean Game Refuge — a 4,400acre nature preserve. The refuge provides a large swath of natural area and protected habitats. Adding the horse-designated trails in McLean to the Salmon Brook Park trails makes a two-hour ride.

Holly and Jay Ely, along with their daughter, Nora, are also members of GHC and maintain the Salmon Brook Park trails on behalf of the club. They’ve lived across the street from the park for more than 45 years and ride there almost daily.

“I love the trails,” Holly says. “Trail

around your trailer before leaving.

Equestrians must respect the private property by staying on the established trails and riding along the edges of crop fields. Trails aren’t marked because they cross private lands. It’s easy to get lost, so I recommend riding with someone who knows the trails or on an organized ride.

Riding with GPS or a similar app can help if you venture out on your own.

Horseback riding in the McLean Game Refuge is only allowed on trails marked with a yellow rectangle, and only between April 15 and November 30.

Download a trail map at mcleancare.org/ game-refuge/recreation/ before you go.

(Here you’ll also find notices and unplanned closures.) Riders must dismount and kick manure off the trails in the game refuge. McLean has numerous trail cameras for the purpose of studying

A Leg Up

Stacey Stearns

Parking is in a paved lot near the horse ring. I pulled through two spots in the middle of the lot. There were two other trailers when I arrived on a Sunday afternoon, plus one in a lot up along Route 20. Clean up

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wildlife. These cameras have also documented riders on unauthorized trails.

Equestrians run the risk of losing the privilege of riding on the beautiful trails if we don’t follow the rules.

Out Riding It The Salmon Brook trails are a loop. The first option is to cross the stream just past the dog park, but we chose the second option, riding out past the riding ring (you can use it to warm up first if you want) along the edge of the soccer fields.

This part of the trail runs parallel to Salmon Brook, and you’ll catch glimpses of it through the trees as you ride along.

At the end of the soccer area, as the fields are curving around, there is a trail into the woods.

This trail winds its way through the woods and climbs a hill toward Route 20; we rode along the back side of the parking lot where I’d spotted the other horse trailer. The trail ducks back into the woods onto private property. We went down a wooded hill, and came out in a

large open space, where we rode along the edges of corn- and hayfields, again on private property.

It was easy to ride the edges of the cornfields, with one leading into the next.

We went through a smaller field, which the town owns, and then came to our first stream crossing. I loved this; it was so pretty, with the trees and sky reflected off the water. We crossed the stream and continued, finding our way around more cornfields, and then crossing the stream again in an area where farm equipment obviously crosses too.

Salmon Brook looks more like a river in places. “The stream crossings should be avoided after a lot of rain; the current is strong,” says Holly. I had several opportunities to offer my horse water and enjoy the view.

We reached a dirt road that heads uphill on the back side of one of the cornfields and continued along the road back to the park, by the dog park, completing the loop.

We would have needed to continue

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further to reach McLean. The horseaccessible trails are the Meadow Trail and Sandy Trail on the McClean map. You must get to the Barn Door Hills Road parking lot to reach these. McLean trails are truly a unique treasure, as you wind your way through the woods and around the edges of open fields.

We rode for about two hours with all the extra twists, turns, and loops. I want to go back another day to explore the McLean Game Refuge. I loved riding in this area, soaking up both the quiet stillness and the happy burbling of Salmon Brook. The trails at Salmon Brook Park and McLean Game Refuge provide a natural refuge for equestrians to unplug from their hectic lives.

The generosity of the private landowners, and work of GHC members and others to maintain equestrian access and the trails is much appreciated. y Happy trails!

Stacey Stearns, a lifelong equestrian living in Connecticut, enjoys trail riding and endurance

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Wilbraham

by Stacey Stearns

Trail Guide

McDonald’s Farm

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still peaceful and enjoyable. I heard and saw lots of birds and small wildlife, so the hum of human activity became background noise.

Sharron Cochran of Hidden Hollow Acres in Monson is a Bay State Trail Riders Association member, and says, “There are nice trails at McDonald’s Farm. The trails are in very good condition. There are two large fields with nice

Parts of the farm were separated out after Altan’s death. The playing fields at Wilbraham Middle School, where the trail ends, were once part of McDonald’s Farm. But the core parts of the farm, 29 acres total, including a barn and Alton’s primary tractor trail, named Alton’s Way in his honor, are there to be enjoyed by all types of trail users. Alton’s Way, along with several side trails, extends beyond the property, thanks to the Minnechaug Land Trust and others.

You are never far from civilization at McDonald’s Farm. On my visit, I could hear someone using a leaf blower at one of the nearby houses, a fire truck heading somewhere, and the shouts of children and referee whistles were clearly audible from the middle school. However, it was

wide-open trails. Between those fields are woods with smaller, winding trails that are fun to ride. You can also ride the power lines for a bit.”

Stacey Stearns

he town of Wilbraham purchased the late Alton McDonald’s farm and forest. Alton was originally from the city and met, then fell in love with, Helen Brosch. They married and moved to her family’s farm, which he also fell in love with. Alton took over the farm when his father-in-law retired. Alton also served the town as police sergeant and fire commissioner.

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A Leg Up Use Washington Street in Wilbraham for your GPS. Once you’re on Washington Street, there are signs (alongside the street signs) for McDonald’s Farm parking. This parking lot is open in the spring, summer, and fall. The road into the parking area is dirt, one lane, and unimproved.

There is a large field to park in — there were three other horse trailers when I arrived. I pulled into the field and then out the driveway when it was time to go. In the spring, when the ground is wet

and soft, continue up the driveway past this field to park in the field by the barn.

I was glad to have hoof protection on my horse. The trails were rocky with a lot of roots. There were stones on the trail along the power lines too. Use fly spray as there’s a bog area along the edge of the Cedar Swamp Trail.

Download a map to your phone prior to your visit: wilbraham-ma.gov/295/ Altons-Way-Trailwalk.

Out Riding It I started out on Alton’s Way, and headed right from the field up the small hill toward the barn. Once past the barn, I was in the hayfield, where I encountered three riders from Reddington Rock Riding Club finishing up their ride. I chatted with them about how much they enjoy riding at McDonald’s Farm.

Alton’s Way heads south toward the middle school and is a wide trail that loops gently through the landscape. It’s an out-and-back trail, with several side trails, so I chose to ride all the way down to the middle school, and then explore the side trails — Cedar Swamp, Coleman Cove, and Oaks — on my way back.

The trail takes you through different types of ecosystems; there are power line sections you can ride too. I rode through sections where the ground was completely blanketed by oak leaves. Some stretches were quite green with all the pine trees.

My favorite stretch was riding through the woods, and then spying another one of Alton’s fields coming into view.

On my way back down Alton’s Way, I explored all the side trails. When I got back to the McDonald’s Farm Preserve property, in the field where I could see the barn, I took a right onto Jasmin Trail, and headed back that way. It comes out on Lake Trail, and I took a right on this, and followed it down to the end, before heading back the way I had come, past Jasmin Trail, and finally back to the parking lot.

McDonald’s Farm is a gem. It was 70 degrees and a Sunday afternoon when I rode there in early November. Beside the

other equestrians, the only other trail users I saw was a woman on a mountain bike and two people walking dogs, but they were far off in the distance on the other side of open fields, so we never actually ran into each other. We often share the trails on rides, so it was nice to have a quieter trail mostly to myself.

Trails are well marked with signs for the different loops and blazes. There are several small trails in addition to those on the map, so you can loop through and around different areas to add more miles.

Even though there is limited mileage here, I enjoyed looping back around and riding sections again, and the few hours I spent here didn’t seem redundant at all.

Alton McDonald loved this land and spent his life working it. He would be pleased to know that it’s preserved and used by others.

Happy trails! y Stacey Stearns, a lifelong equestrian living in Connecticut, enjoys trail riding and endurance with her Morgan horses.

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Trail Guide

Newport

Sakonnet Greenway Trail

by Stacey Stearns

N

ewport, Rhode Island, often conjures up images of stately mansions, nightlife, jazz festivals, and the beach. It’s also an equestrian area, with Newport International Polo located in nearby Portsmouth, and many other horse enthusiasts calling it home.

The Sakonnet Greenway Trail, traversing through the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth, offers 10 miles of trails to a variety of trail users, including equestri-

rience and enjoy. The best part is not having to deal with car traffic, just fellow riders and walkers.”

ans, along the edge of Newport Vineyards and the Newport National Golf Course.

Newport is located on Aquidneck Island — the largest island in Narragansett Bay. The Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) was formed in 1990 to preserve and steward open space on the island. The ALT has more than 2,766 acres protected, including farmland, in various properties throughout the island. Five of the properties are open to the public; the Sakonnet Greenway Trail is the only one that allows horses.

“The Sakonnet Greenway is a favorite trail of mine to enjoy with my horse,” explains Sabina Silvia of Ponies to Go Farm in Middletown. “It provides a dedicated, well-maintained, scenic trail system that offers a variety of ecosystems to expe-

are small and would be difficult with a horse trailer.

Check the calendar on the ALT website (ailt.org/alt-events/) before visiting to ensure there aren’t any events planned. Trail maps are also available on the ALT website. You can download a trail map to your phone before your ride.

Horses aren’t allowed on the stretch of trail between the golf course and the Portsmouth Loop Trail, but that still leaves about eight miles to explore.

This is a low-lying area on an island; the trails can be wet in areas, so it’s best to avoid coming after too much rain as well as during warm winters and early spring. We don’t want to tear up the Greenway, which could lead to limited equestrian use.

A Leg Up

Stacey Stearns

The best parking area for trailers is the Wyatt Road Soccer Complex, located at 50 Wyatt Road in Middletown. There was only one other car there on a Sunday afternoon in early December. The Albro Woods and Mitchell’s Lane parking lots

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The Greenway encircles fields that are actively farmed; this is one of the reasons it’s imperative to remain on the Greenway section and not ride across fields or make your own route. We also rode through residential areas, right behind people’s houses in some stretches.

Clean up any manure your horse may leave on the Greenway by kicking it off to the side. Pack whatever you’ll need, including water for your horse and fly spray, and clean up around your horse trailer at the end of your ride. Hoof protection is recommended as there are some road crossings and rocky areas.

Out Riding It Our ride started by continuing through the parking lot, toward the trail sign, and onto the Greenway to begin the Loop trail. The trail follows the road before cutting to the right and toward Newport Vineyards on the section known as the Middletown Southern Loop. We came upon a small stream and a large, sturdy bridge early in the ride. You could cross the water, but the bridge is made for horses. There are openings into the large grassy field that the trail encircles, but none of the fields are meant to be crossed.

Small trail markings at the intersections offer guidance when multiple loops converge. The first is where the Middletown Southern Loop connects with the Middletown Northern Loop and the section of the Greenway near Albro Woods. The Southern Loop is marked with yellow arrows while the Northern Loop has green arrows. You can stay to the left at every intersection here to remain on the perimeter trail or ride a figure eight in this section to add some mileage.

The far end of the Northern Loop connects back into the Southern Loop where you ride through a small wooded area. This is a lovely stretch of trail, with shade and beautiful trees, including a fun little maze section where we seemed to zig-zag around the trees.

We came to a left turn that heads

toward Mitchell’s Lane, rode through the parking area and took a left onto the road. You do have to ride down the street for a short distance to the next small parking area and pick the Greenway back up as it heads around the perimeter of the Newport National Golf Course. The roads on Aquidneck Island are narrow, and while drivers are respectful, use caution.

There was another large, sturdy bridge as we headed toward the golf course, and then the golf course stretched out in front of us. I’ll admit, I’ve never ridden around a golf course, so this was a fun and rare opportunity to ride along a notable course.

The golf course section is ridden as an out-and-back because of the pedestrian-only section. Turn around when you get to Bramans Lane, and re-ride the section before heading back across Mitchell’s Lane and onto the Southern Loop. Here, you’ll take a left and head back toward the Wyatt Road Soccer Complex. The Greenway cuts through fields and along the road, bringing the ride to a peaceful end as you meander back.

I enjoyed seeing the sweeping views of the open space, with the constant chatter of birds in the background as they flitted about between the grasses and the brush and hedges along the Greenway.

Many of my past associations with Aquidneck Island have revolved around the Newport Mansions, and I was thrilled to be back exploring the area enjoying the view between two ears after riding the beaches last November.

Happy trails!y Stacey Stearns, a lifelong equestrian living in Connecticut, enjoys trail riding and endurance with her Morgan horses.

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Grand Prix Guidance

Communicating with Your Veterinarian

by Mark R. Baus, DVM

S

not as vital for the small animal veterinarian. This relationship with the equine veterinarian takes time to develop and involves mutual trust between the vet and the horse owner.

Historically, equine veterinarians were known for a life centered only on working on horses. In today’s culture, it’s

Chances are good that you already use one of these talented veterinarians to help you with your horse’s health issues. I want to offer some advice to make sure that the relationship with your veterinarian remains as healthy as your horse!

One of the many differences between an equine veterinarian and a small animal veterinarian is that the horse owner and their veterinarian will often develop a relationship that is deeper and more personal than the relationship between a small animal veterinarian and a small animal owner. The equine veterinarian needs to understand the unique characteristics of the horse and the owner’s relationship with the horse in a way that is

widely recognized that developing healthy habits, including exercise, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing hobbies and passions, leads to longer and more fulfilling lives. This, in turn, creates happier and more dedicated veterinarians.

Still, it is well known that equine veterinarians already work more hours than other veterinarians and in many cases, more than other professionals.

Despite this, your veterinarian does want to hear from you and cares deeply about you and your horse. The first thing to learn from your veterinarian is how they prefer to communicate with you.

There are many choices here. Do they want you to call the practice’s main num-

Katie Hylen

ome horses have few medical problems, but those are certainly not the majority. To make matters worse, the more you expect from your horse, the more likely that he is going to have a problem. And it’s often a complex problem.

Fortunately, our community is blessed with many excellent veterinarians.

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ber and leave a message? Do they want you to send a text message? How about the other texting options like Facebook Messenger, What’s App, and email?

Notice I did not mention calling them directly on their mobile phone.

And when do they want to hear from you? After your horse has been limping for a week? After your horse has stopped eating for a few days? Probably not! Even if you don’t think your vet needs to make a visit, it’s essential to let them know that an appointment might be necessary and discuss what you should be doing in the meanwhile. Your veterinarian’s schedule is likely jam-packed, so an early heads-up helps them plan accordingly.

Photographs and videos can be beneficial in making decisions regarding scheduling an appointment or tracking response to therapy. How you send this content to your veterinarian will determine how clear your photo or video clip is. Some veterinarians use telemedicine apps to handle this content, but your veterinarian can tell you the best way to send that important photograph or video.

Let’s talk about after-hours emergencies. It’s well known that this is the single most crucial issue facing the retention of young equine veterinarians. Every other profession has figured out how to deal with emergencies, but equine veterinarians are still expected to work 50 to 60 hours a week while on call for emergencies.

If you are the least bit concerned about how your horse is doing and you are worried that he might not be okay in the morning, call your primary care veterinarian. All equine veterinarians appreciate the ability to decide if early intervention is necessary or if a monitoring plan can be put in place. Do not sit on a problem and elect to call prior to going to bed; this will likely ensure a more negative outcome for your horse and a stressed veterinarian. You need to call at the first sign that your horse might have a serious problem.

Here is another thing to consider when you place that after-hours emergency call: If your veterinarian tells you that your horse will be okay until the morning, believe them. I would challenge any equine veterinarian to go on more

hand-holding emergencies than I have, but it’s essential to understand how disruptive these after-hours visits genuinely are to your veterinarian.

In summary, do not hesitate to talk to your veterinarian anytime, day or night, when you are truly worried about your horse. Follow your veterinarian’s directions carefully and see how your horse is in the morning. If he takes a turn for the worse, call your veterinarian back.

During your relationship with your veterinarian, chances are good that your horse will present with a problem that your vet cannot figure out. I have many of these cases, and I do not hesitate to recommend a second opinion when necessary. If you’re in a position where you think your vet needs help with a case, do not hesitate to ask for a second opinion.

It’s perfectly fine to ask for a specific doctor for a second opinion, but I suggest asking your vet for their recommendation. As difficult as this may be, it’s better to ask your vet for a second opinion versus finding another veterinarian without their knowledge.

Let’s go over these suggestions in summary: • Ask your veterinarian the best way to communicate with them.

• How should you send photographs and videos?

• Contact your veterinarian at the first sign of a serious problem.

• Contact your vet after hours if you are worried about your horse’s health, but do not insist that they make a visit to ease your mind.

• If you are unsure about how your vet is handling a case, ask for a second opinion.

You will be surprised at how well your veterinarian will respond to these suggestions. They will likely try even harder to keep your horse in top form.

y

Mark R. Baus, DVM founded Grand Prix Equine in 2009. He’s provided care to horses in the same region and for many of the same clients for more than 30 years. Mark began the Connecticut Equine Podiatry Group to foster relationships between farriers and veterinarians.

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Youth Awards The Community Horse Youth Award is given to the junior exhibitor who has shown the best horsemanship and sportsmanship at an equestrian competition. This is the youth who is working hard with a great attitude. This junior is taking good care of their horse, cheering on their friends, and helping others. Want a free award for your upcoming equestrian competition in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island? Visit communityhorse.org/youth-awards.

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yElise Foley won the Youth Award at the

yAbby Miller of Uncasville, Connecticut, won the

Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council (MHC) Classic Horse Show and Pleasure Finals held at Briggs Stable in Hanover, Massachusetts, on September 11, 2022.

“What clenched winning the award for Elise was that she puts her horse first!” says Felicia Knowles, MHC vice president. Congratulations, Elise!

Youth Award on September 25, 2022, at the Ayer Mountain Farm Cross Country Derby. Abby was not a rider but a volunteer. All day she assisted horses and riders with a smile on her face. Abby says, “Crosscountry is exciting and I hope to compete in it one day.” Congratulations, Abby!

yKassidi Murzyn was the Youth

yFourteen-year-old Charlotte Behnke, of Higganum, Connecticut,was

Award winner at the Pony Club Rally/SECT Horse Trials on October 23, 2022. Kassidi is a member of Shetucket Valley Pony Club and was the stable manager, which is an unmounted member of the rally team. Teams consist of three to four riders and a stable manager. Teams compete in not only riding but also in horse management. Kassidi helped her team as well as members of other teams. Congratulations, Kassidi!

awarded the Youth Award at the New England Miniature Horse Society year-end awards banquet. This photo was taken last summer with Pecan Hollows Antonios Tomas, a.k.a. Tomas, a three-year-old Miniature horse.

Congratulations, Charlotte!

Additionally, but not pictured: yScarlet Selby, 11, of Hope, Rhode Island, won the Youth Award at the Cornerstone Farm Schooling Show with Bubblicious. Congratulations, Scarlet!

yJoanna Bell-Calado, 10, of Somerville, Massachusetts, won the Youth Award at the Knightriders Gymkhana, with Whiskey Junebug.

Congratulations, Joanna!

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Overherd

News in Our Community

Fun Read for Middle Schoolers

In a previous edition of Community Horse, (Fall/Winter 2021) I had the pleasure of reviewing an engaging book, Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal, by New York Times reporter, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and equestrian Sarah Maslin Nir. Sarah’s newest literary creation, The Flying Horse: A girl &

and a horse learn to soar, is the first in a series of middle-grade novels, Once Upon a Horse.

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a children’s book, but I found myself immediately engrossed in this refreshing and interesting story. The story follows two parallel journeys that ultimately lead to the partnership of a horse, Trendsetter, and a young girl, Sarah. These two quests are filled with obstacles, disappointments, lessons, encouragement, and bravery for both the horse and the young seventh grader. Reading this book stirred memories of my childhood, when reading equestrian classics was the ultimate escape.

I recommend this book to anyone 68

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

who knows a child that has the passion only fellow horse enthusiasts can understand. And if you share that spark, read it with them. You will also be caught up in and touched by the adventure!

n Sally L. Feuerberg

New Book by Sarah Grote Rescued by Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR), Spencer and Oliver are Percheron geldings with an amazing story to share. These two horses exemplify CDHR’s mission to save the lives of draft horses suffering from starvation and neg-

lect. Once nourished, Spencer and Oliver flourished and became draft horse ambassadors for the organization. Their story, Journey of the Dream Team, by Sarah Grote is written from their perspective. Readers will follow Spencer and Oliver’s journey from rescue to rehabilitation to retraining to CDHR superstars. Themes of love, connection, friendship, beauty, appreciation, grief, and loss are woven throughout the book. Sarah’s love and respect for Spencer and Oliver, and for CDHR are evident through her writing and beautiful photography.

Sarah Grote is an award-winning photographer and painter residing in central Connecticut. Her work has been accepted into galleries, juried shows, and museums.

Sarah has been the official photographer for CDHR and the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum since 2014. She was unanimously elected to CDHR’s board of directors in 2015 and is currently vice president of the organization.

y

Want to see your news here?

News published in Overherd is free! Submit your happenings and interesting equestrian announcements in the body of an email, in Microsoft Word, or Google Docs to news@communityhorse.org by August 5, 2023. Photos are welcome too and must be large/high resolution photographs.

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Partners Looking for a way to get more involved in your equestrian community? Listed here are nonprofit clubs, associations, and rescues in your neighborhood. Each listing’s heading is color coded by state. l Connecticut l Massachusetts l Rhode Island

Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut ahcofct.org

The Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut (AHCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, encouraging, and stimulating interest in the outstanding qualities of the beautiful and most versatile equine, the Arabian and half-Arabian horse. AHCC is the largest Arabian Horse Association-recognized club in Region 16, an area that includes New York and most of New England.

Barre Riding and Driving Club barreridingdrivingclub.com

campmarshall.net

campmarshallequestriancenter.net Camp Marshall, in Spencer, Massachusetts, provides a positive learning experience for youth in a safe and fun environment with hands-on outdoor and agricultural experiences that foster respect, independence, and positive self-esteem. This is a private, nonprofit organization with a long tradition of providing a 4-H–based camp experience to youngsters each summer.

Children do not have to be 4-H members to attend Camp Marshall. Weekly equestrian summer camps and vacation camps are just a few of the activities for equestrians. Additionally, a horse show series is held at Camp Marshall.

The nonprofit Barre Riding and Driving Club (BRDC) promotes interest in horses, furthers ideals of equine education and sportsmanship and raises funds for scholarships. The 80-year-old BRDC hosts a spring and fall trail ride, clinics for members, and a horse show series at Felton Field in Barre, Massachusetts. Proceeds from the BRDC Scholarship Show, one of the shows in the series, are used to award academic scholarships to local students, as well as equine scholarships to children and adults to assist in their equine pursuits.

Charles River Dressage Association

Bay State Trail Riders Association

City to Saddle

bstra.org

The Bay State Trail Riders Association (BSTRA) keeps access to trails open for equestrian use. BSTRA advocates for multiuse trails that are horse friendly and include hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The organization strives for the acquisition, maintenance, and preservation of trails to benefit all trail users. BSTRA’s projects have made improvements in forests and parks in 33 towns in the Commonwealth. BSTRA offers organized trail rides in Massachusetts, and a few in Rhode Island.

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Camp Marshall Worcester County 4-H Center

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

crdressage.org

The Charles River Dressage Association (CRDA) provides an affordable, quality dressage schooling show series, clinics, educational lectures, and sponsorships to its members and the local community. The schooling show series are held at Briggs Stable in Hanover, Massachusetts. In addition, CRDA strives to offer a friendly casual forum in which riders can compete and gain knowledge about dressage.

citytosaddle.org

“Give a child a leg up!” That’s been the City to Saddle motto since the launch of this program in 2004. It underscores the mission of providing equestrian opportunities for underserved children — programs that enrich the lives of boys and girls in so many ways — fostering confidence, selffulfillment, and joy. City to Saddle is a grassroots Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization run by a devoted group of volunteers.

Connecticut Barrel Horse Association ctnbha01.com

The Connecticut National Barrel Horse Association club provides safe, fun, and competitive events for all who wish to barrel race not only in Connecticut, but throughout the New England Area. All levels of riders from beginner barrel racers thru advanced are encouraged to join.

Connecticut Color Breed Association connecticut-color-breed-association. mailchimpsites.com

The Connecticut Color Breed Association offers five open horse shows per year at the Glastonbury Hunt Club and at Falls Creek Farm. A Trail Riders Program and a Dressage Program reward members at the annual awards banquet.

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue ctdraftrescue.org

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue is an allvolunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of draft horses bound for slaughter, in addition to

the victims of starvation, neglect, or abuse, or surrendered by owners no longer able to provide for their needs.

Since its inception in 2011 by founder, executive director, and equine veterinarian, Stacey Golub, 130 horses have been rescued and the majority adopted into loving new homes.

Connecticut Dressage Association ctdressage.org

The Connecticut Dressage Association (CDA) is a nonprofit organization promoting dressage in the Northeast through education and opportunity. CDA is also a Group Member Organization of the United States Dressage Federation, which offers schooling shows, recognized shows, clinics, and year-end awards.

Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Association cdctaonline.com

The Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA) is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization

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committed to providing instruction, education, and competition opportunities for dressage and event riders in Connecticut, as well as promoting horse care and safety for its members. CDCTA participates in the United States Dressage Federation Regional Schooling Show Awards Program for its schooling shows and the Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program.

CDCTA also offers clinics and seminars.

Connecticut Gymkhana Association facebook.com/connecticutgymkhana

The Connecticut Gymkhana Association promotes fun-filled competition and strives to educate its membership.

Connecticut Horse Council cthorsecouncil.org

The Connecticut Horse Council (CHC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving all aspects of the horse industry in Connecticut. CHC is an affiliate of the American Horse Council. Since 1971, CHC has worked to be the voice of the

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horse industry in Connecticut. CHC has been involved with zoning, enacting state laws, equine health issues, disaster planning for horses, and more. CHC regularly interacts with legislators, town boards, and others in its dealings with horse-related concerns. The organization also advocates for horse owners in Connecticut and is a resource for those seeking information.

Connecticut Horse Shows Association chsaonline.com

The Connecticut Horse Shows Association (CHSA) welcomes all riders who seek good sportsmanship and enjoy competition.

CHSA was established in 1928 to encourage and promote the interest of Connecticut horse shows. CHSA has approximately 100 affiliated shows each year enabling riders and horses to compete for more than 100 year-end awards. CHSA also has a scholarship program for members pursuing higher education and has given more than $50,000 in scholarships.

Connecticut Morgan Horse Association ctmorgans.org

The Connecticut Morgan Horse Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying the Morgan breed.

The club has numerous events throughout the year, including the annual Connecticut Morgan Horse Show in June; all are welcome, including all breeds of horses.

Connecticut Renegades ctrenegades.com

Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooters holds matches for one of the nation’s fastest growing equestrian sports.

The Renegades offer a new horse/new shooter clinic each spring. Additional matches are held throughout the riding season.

Connecticut Trail Rides Association cttrailridesassoc.org

Formed in 1940 to help promote the sport of trail riding, the Connecticut Trail Rides Association is based in Goshen. It’s a family-

oriented group that trail rides throughout the state from early spring through fall.

Granby Horse Council granbyhorsecouncilct.com

Founded in 1979 by residents of Granby, Connecticut, the GHC is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote the protection of the rights of horses, other equines, and the horse people in the town of Granby; the education of horse owners and the public; educational and charitable causes in the community; and riding activities such as trail riding, parades, and demonstrations.

Granby Regional Horse Council granbyregionalhorse.org

Since 1994, the nonprofit Granby Regional Horse Council (GRHC) has served the needs of equestrians in greater Western Massachusetts. GRHC offers educational lectures, organizes trail rides, hosts an annual horse show, and works with other groups to save trails and open space.

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Greenwich Riding and Trails Association The Greenwich Riding and Trails Association (GRTA) preserves, protects, and promotes open space, historical trails, and the tradition of horseback riding. The GRTA organizes several annual equestrian events as fundraisers to support this mission. GRTA’s Nichols Nature Preserve is a 94-acre property open to horseback riding.

that began in 1932. The HHRC holds numerous events throughout the year, including the annual June Horse Show, the Wednesday night Mini Shows, trail rides, a used tack sale, and an annual awards banquet. HHRC is located at Briggs Stable in Hanover, Massachusetts, where the Hanson Riding Club, Heritage Dressage Association, and the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council also hold shows.

Hampshire County Riding Club

Hanson Riding Club

thegrta.org

hampshirecountyridingclub.org

hansonridingclub.org

The Hampshire County Riding club is a nonprofit organization that offers fun and educational presentations and events for equestrians of all ages and disciplines, including organized trail rides, competitions, clinics, and seminars at the club’s 47-acre grounds in Goshen, Massachusetts.

The Hanson Riding Club (HRC) hosts trail rides, horse shows, clinics, and a yearend awards banquet. Shows are held in Massachusetts at Briggs Stable in Hanover and Balmy Acres in Middleboro. HRC offers four organized trail rides each year, including a benefit beach ride, in addition to two versatility events. Throughout the year, HRC organizes clinics with trainers and judges. In addition to its scholarship program, HRC also offers two reward programs — the Ambassador Program and Milestone Points.

Hanover Hunt and Riding Club briggsstable.com

The Hanover Hunt and Riding Club (HHRC) is a volunteer-based organization

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary hayburrinn.org

Hay Burr Inn’s all-volunteer staff is dedicated to saving the lives of horses that are victims of starvation, neglect, abuse, bound for slaughter, or whose owners are unable to provide for their needs. The nonprofit organization’s goal is to rehabilitate and restore the physical and emotional health of the horses and when possible, to find them a loving foster home, or continue to give them the special, intensive care they need to live out their days in peace at Hay Burr Inn’s Plainfield, Connecticut, location.

H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut horseofct.org

The Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, established in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected horses. In addition to rescue, H.O.R.S.E. maintains an ongoing commitment to educating the public on

proper horse care. Open house and horse showing events, as well as volunteer days and a basic horse care clinic provide opportunities to support H.O.R.S.E and meet the horses.

Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council mahorsecouncil.com

The Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council (MHC) is comprised of equestrians of all breeds and disciplines with a focus on hunter/jumper, equitation, and pleasure styles of riding. The Council offers support and guidance for those interested in the Massachusetts show circuit, the MHC Finals, higher education scholarships, marketing and communication internships, or the year-end banquet.

Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association massmorgan.com

The Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association hosts one of the largest allMorgan horse shows in the country. Its members are eligible for generous academic scholarships and year-end awards.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association

Nashoba Valley Hunt

massqha.com

Located in Royalston, Massachusetts, Nashoba Valley Hunt is dedicated to the enjoyment of foxhunting. Members enjoy their time out with the hounds while riding horses, bicycles, walking, or following along in their vehicle. It’s a time to enjoy the countryside as well as work the hounds. Each meet ends with a traditional hunt breakfast where members can enjoy each other’s company and share the follies of the hunt. Hunting season typically runs from opening meet in September to late December, or whenever the snow and ice make the footing too treacherous.

The Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association is organized to educate youth and adults about the American Quarter Horse; its temperament and history; to advocate for the best interests of Quarter Horse owners, riders, and enthusiasts, as well as the breed; to promote and encourage breeding, performance, and competitions involving the American Quarter Horse within the Commonwealth; and to encourage sportsmanship and youth activity.

Middlebury Bridle Land Association middleburybridle.org

The Middlebury Bridle Land Association (MBLA) in Middlebury, Connecticut, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of our region’s bridle trails for horseback riding. The MBLA welcomes riders of all disciplines to enjoy its country trails and join in its efforts to save and defend our equestrian heritage.

Membership strengthens MBLA’s efforts in safeguarding treasured bridle land. Each day equestrians are losing more and more open spaces to development, never again to be claimed for riding.

Myopia Hunt Club myopiahunt.org

The Myopia Hunt Club, established in 1882, welcomes all equine enthusiasts to participate in foxhunting. The Myopia Hunt gathers just north of Boston, Massachusetts, with foxhunting meets in Hamilton, Ipswich, Topsfield, Essex, Rowley, Newbury, and West Newbury.

Equestrians can participate as subscribers, patrons, or cappers, and enjoy foxhunting by following the hunt. The Myopia Hunt is grateful to have such beautiful countryside — a combination of both public and private property whose owners have generously granted it access. The spring season begins in late April/early May. Fall roading starts in September.

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

nashobavalleyhunt.org

New England Equestrian Center of Athol neeca.org

The New England Equestrian Center of Athol (NEECA), is a horse park in North Central Massachusetts. Through grants, fundraisers, numerous equestrian events, auctions, and tack sales, along with handson workdays at the park, NEECA members continue to maintain and improve this 200-acre horse park. The park offers a fenced-in main arena with a public address system and a second arena, which can be divided into two warm-up rings or a driving or dressage arena; a round pen located near the main arena; a trail loop with a versatility confidence course; and a large trailer parking area adjacent to the main ring.

Newtown Bridle Lands Association nblact.org

The Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) is a nonprofit volunteer organization formed in 1978 in the town of Newtown, Connecticut. NBLA’s goal is to foster an interest in horseback riding as well as to preserve, protect, and maintain riding and hiking trails in the community.

NBLA works with landowners and developers to maintain and expand crucial links in Newtown’s trail system.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Quality Horses for Sale Dressage . Jumpers Eventers . Trail Horses

New Canaan Mounted Troop newcanaanmountedtroop.org

The New Canaan Mounted Troop (NCMT) is a nonprofit youth development and therapeutic equestrian center located in New Canaan, Connecticut, whose mission is to build leadership, responsibility, and confidence in youth through sound horsemanship and to enrich the lives of individuals with special needs through equine assisted activities.

North Shore Horsemen’s Association facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064651723107

The North Shore Horsemen’s Association holds pleasure shows at Bob-Lyn Stables in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and hunter shows in Hamilton. An awards banquet finishes the year.

Old North Bridge Hounds oldnorthbridgehounds.org

The Old North Bridge Hounds (ONBH), established in 1969, is registered with the Masters of Foxhounds Association.

ONBH’s hunt country, primarily in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is a combination of suburban and rural territories.

Like most hunt clubs, ONBH engages in drag hunting, not live foxhunting. This ensures that the hounds will follow a scent laid on a prescribed course; it also ensures participants a nice run every time the hounds go out. Hunts are Tuesday and Saturday mornings during the hunting seasonsThe ONBH also holds a hunter pace series.

Peace For All Animals peaceforallanimalsrescue.org

Peace For All Animals is a rescue organization whose goal is to help donkey foals, pregnant jennys, and many other animals in need. They are in East Wareham, Massachusetts and serve the South Shore and Cape Cod Area.

Contact Cari Swanson at cari@cariswanson.com. cariswanson17 78

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

Pomfret Horse and Trail Association pomfrethorseandtrail.com

Pomfret Horse and Trail Association (PHTA) is a nonprofit, volunteer organization formed in 2007 to preserve,

protect, and maintain open space and the century-old system of riding and hiking trails in Pomfret, Connecticut. PHTA promotes responsible horseback riding practices and minimal-impact trail use, holds educational clinics, and supports local land trusts and other nonprofit organizations. PHTA’s goal is to preserve the town’s rural heritage through community-minded trail use, horse keeping, and riding. The PHTA holds two organized trail rides annually.

Rhode Island Arabian Horse Association

Reddington Rock Riding Club

rifederation.wixsite.com/rifrc

reddingtonrockridingclub.org

Reddington Rock Riding Club (RRRC) is a private organization founded in 1962 when the club’s founding members purchased 18 acres in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Today the property, which borders the 7,000-acre Shenipsit State Forest, is known as Camp Glazier. RRRC sponsors trail rides, fun days, educational events, and assists in maintaining bridle trails in the area.

riarabianhorseassociation.com

The Rhode Island Arabian Horse Association (RIAHA) is a small group of dedicated equestrians — owners, trainers, riders, breeders, admirers — who are enthusiasts of the Arabian and half-Arabian. RIAHA conducts several events throughout the year, including horse shows, clinics, and demonstrations, as well as regular meetings.

Rhode Island Federation of Riding Clubs Since 1966, the Rhode Island Federation of Riding Clubs (RIFRC) has organized horse clubs and individual horse people in Rhode Island and bordering states into a single body. This action works toward establishing and maintaining bridle trails and equine activities. The RIFRC has lobbied for legislation, supported 4-H, and is an active member of Rhode Island Trails Advisory Committee. RIFRC members have maintained the LeGrand Reynolds Horseman’s Area, in Exeter.

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Rhode Island Horseman’s Association rihorseman.com

The Rhode Island Horseman’s Association is a group of hunter, jumper, and equitation riders, trainers, and farms that attend affiliated horse shows at member farms throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts including the annual Rhode Island Equitation Championships.

Southern New England Horsemen’s Association snehassociation.com

The Southern New England Horsemen’s Association holds a horse show series of six shows at the Glastonbury Hunt Club in Glastonbury, Connecticut.

South Shore Horsemen’s Council sshconline.org

The South Shore Horsemen’s Council (SSHC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the interest and education of horsemanship. Since 1962, the SSHC has offered a series horse shows with year-end awards in more than 65 divi-

BACON’s EQUIPMENT

sions, with many special awards. The series of three shows are held at Rozena’s Field in Raynham, Massachusetts. Two affiliated shows are held at Briggs Stable in Hanover — the Hanover Hunt and Riding Club June Show and the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council’s “The Classic.”

Tanheath Hunt Club tanheathhunt.org

In July of 1958, a small group of people met at Glean Maura Farm in Ashland, Massachusetts, and formed the Tanheath Hunt Club (THC) as an added attraction to the riding schools in the area. The schools would rent horses to guests for the day of the hunt. In April 2014, the club reincorporated in Connecticut, and voted to change from a live hunt to a drag hunt. A new kennel was constructed in North Franklin, close to THC fixtures. In addition to foxhunts, the club holds spring, summer, and fall hunter paces; intro to foxhunting clinics; the Blessing of the Hounds; hunter trials, and a turkey trot.

Western Massachusetts Appaloosa Association westernmassapp.weebly.com

The Western Massachusetts Appaloosa Association (WMAA) has been a regional club, holding a charter from the national Appaloosa Horse Club since the 1960s, with members throughout New England.

The WMAA’s primary goal is to support and promote the Appaloosa. The WMAA holds the Yankee Color Classic Appaloosa and All Breed Show annually.

West Newbury Riding and Driving Club wnrdc.com

Sales and Repairs for more than 40 years.

29 GOSHEN RD. (RT. 9) WILLIAMSBURG, MA

(413) 268-3620 baconsequipmentinc.com 80

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

The West Newbury Riding and Driving Club (WNRDC) preserves and improves riding opportunities in West Newbury; organizes riding activities with members of the equine community and the general public; and promotes camaraderie and understanding with all users of the preserved open space areas. The WNRDC is dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of open trails in its local communities for the purpose of passive recreation and the benefit of the environment. The WNRDC holds two horse trials annually to raise funds to

continue to improve the town-owned Pipestave Hill Equestrian Recreation Area, in West Newbury, Massachusetts.

The club also holds an annual Adventure Trail competition, with funds from that event going to benefit trail work in West Newbury.

STOP KICK USA

Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association wnepha.com

The Western New England chapter of the Professional Horsemen’s Association (WNEPHA) holds an annual awards banquet for equestrians attending WNEPHA–affiliated hunter/jumper/ equitation horse shows at member farms in Massachusetts and eastern New York.

Westfield Riding Club westfieldridingclub.org

The Westfield Riding Club (WRC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1939 by a group of horse enthusiasts committed to fostering healthy horses, good riders, and excellent horsemanship. The WRC plans a year full of exciting events including shows, trail rides, clinics, educational seminars, parties, contests, and raffles.

The WRC owns five acres in Westfield, Massachusetts. The grounds feature a rustic meeting house with a kitchen, fireplace, and a nice porch; a riding arena complete with a judge’s booth, as well as a cookshack, a small storage barn, and plenty of room to park trailers.

y

In every issue, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island equestrian-related nonprofits can be listed here and have their events listed in the Events Calendars. Each member of the nonprofits will receive a free one-year online subscription. Club officers and board members receive a free one-year print subscription — thank you for volunteering!Our goal is to build our equestrian community, and one of the ways we do this is through our Partners Program.

Nonprofits gain exposure in the community and new members. These new members help clubs become stronger, building a better community for all of us.

Would you like to see your local organization or nonprofit listed here? Email partners@communityhorse.org.

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774 . 222 . 1144 stopkickusa.com terri@stopkickusa.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

81

events CONNECTICUT

April 1 CTRA GAY CITY RIDE, Hebron. cttrailridesassoc.org.

1 – 2 CHJA NEHC USEF PINES OPEN, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.net.

2 CHJA OX RIDGE SHOW, Westport. chja.net.

2 TANHEATH HUNT, Bass Farm. Scotland. tanheathhunt.org.

2 WGHA GO FISH RIDE, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

22 COOPERATIVE HORSEMANSHIP, Dream View Farm, Meriden. luckystarhorsemanshipny.com.

22 BEAUTIFY HAY BURR INN, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

22 NEHC OX RIDGE SHOW, Westport. oxridge.com.

22 SPRING HORSE AND TACK SALE, Middlefield. (860) 883-5828.

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

22 – 23 LISA NASTRI BARREL RACING CLINIC, Sonny Brook Farm, Middletown. (860) 306-1750.

8 CHJA SPRING SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

22 – 23 CHJA CHSA NEHC USEF PINES OPEN, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.net.

8 HORSE SHOWING, Washington. horseofct.org.

23 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

8 CHSA SPRING SHOW I, Gales Ferry. chsaonline.com.

23 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

9 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Magnolia Run Equestrian Center, Willington. chsaonline.com.

23 CDCTA DRESSAGE SHOW RIDE-CRITIQUE-RIDE, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. cdctaonline.com.

9 – 10 USEF NEHC SHOW, Ashford. eastfieldfarm.net.

27 – 30 CHSA CHJA NEHC SPRING FLING SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

15 USHJA CHJA CHSA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

15 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

15 OPEN AIR TACK AND TAG SALE, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

15 – 16 LISA NASTRI BARREL RACING CLINIC, Sonny Brook Farm, Middletown. (860) 306-1750.

16 TANHEATH HUNT, Ayer Mountain Farm, North Franklin. tanheathhunt.org.

16 REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

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22 NBLA SLOW AND GO RIDE, Newtown. nblact.com.

29 FAIRY TALE SCAVENGER HUNT, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

29 TACK AND TAG SALE, Tolland Agricultural Center, Vernon. tac_events@outlook.com.

29 – 30 ANDREA MONSARRAT WALDO “TAME YOUR LIZARD BRAIN” CLINIC, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. horsepowerfarm.info.

29 – 30 DRESSAGE SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry.

(860) 464-7934.

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

30 DRESSAGE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

16 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

May

21 – 28 MUSTANG GENTLING RETREAT, Wild Ride, Sterling. wildridect.org.

6 CDHR GELDING CLINIC, East Hampton. ctdraftrescue.org.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

5 – 6 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

83

6 CDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. ctdressage.org.

6 VOLUNTEER DAY, Washington. horseofct.org.

19 YARD SALE FUNDRAISER, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

6 CHJA SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

19 BREECHES AND BOWTIES SPRING GALA, Wee Burn Country Club, Darien. newcanaanmountedtroup.org.

6 GRTA DOGWOOD RIDE, Sabine Farm, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

20 OPEN HOUSE, Washington. horseofct.org.

6 FLYING FREE’S GALA, Woodstock. flyingfreetherapeuticriding.org.

20 CHJA CHSA MHC NEHC SHOW, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

6 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Willington. magnoliaruneqcenter.com.

6 COWBOY MOUNTED SHOOTING NEW HORSE/NEW RIDER CLINIC, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

6 CHJA NEHC, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

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

20 BSTRA LIVELARK PLEASURE RIDE, Thompson. bstra.org.

21 NEW ENGLAND HOUND SHOW, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret Center. tanheathhunt.org.

21 HORSE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

21 CTRA MACHAMOODUS RIDE, Moodus. cttrailridesassoc.org.

6 – 7 LISA NASTRI BARREL RACING CLINIC, JK Farm, Oxford.

(860) 306-1750.

21 CGA FUN DAY, Lock, Stock, and Barrel, Bethany. facebook.com/ConnecticutGymkhana.

7 CTRA GAY CITY RIDE, Hebron. cttrailridesassoc.org.

21 CCBA SHOW SERIES, Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

7 TANHEATH HUNT INTRO TO FOXHUNTING, Ayer Mountain Farm, North Franklin. tanheathhunt.org.

7 CGA GYMKHANA, Hillside Equestrian Meadows, Wolcott. facebook.com/ConnecticutGymkhana.

7 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

7 SNEHA SHOW, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

13 SMOKIN’ GUNS, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

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

13 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

13 – 14 CHSA CHJA NEHC PINES OPEN, The Pines, South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

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15 NEHC SHOW, Eastfield Farm, Ashford. eastfieldfarm.net.

21 CHSA CHJA SPRING SHOW II, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. chsaonline.com.

27 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Westport Hunt Club, Westport. chsaonline.com.

28 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. chsaonline.com.

28 TANHEATH HUNT, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret Center. tanheathhunt.org.

29 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Terry Allen Farm, Terryville. chsaonline.com.

June 2 MEDAL DAY I, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

13 – 14 LISA NASTRI BARREL RACING CLINIC, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. (860) 306-1750.

2 – 4 TRI-STATE HORSEMEN’S OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Moosup. tristatehorsemen.com.

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

3 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

14 USHJA CHJA CHSA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

3 WGHA SASQUATCH RIDE, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

14 GHC PARADE PRACTICE, Holcomb Farm, West Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

3 – 4 FWPHA CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

4 CTRA NATCHAUG RIDE, Eastford. cttrailridesassoc.org.

10 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

4 COMBINED TEST, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

10 PAINT WITH HORSES, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

4 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

10 BASIC HORSE CARE CLINIC, Washington. horseofct.org.

4 FWPHA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. fwpha.com.

10 VERSATILITY COMPETITION, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

4 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

4 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

4 CYNTHIA JENSEN MEMORIAL SHOW, Terry Allen Farms, Terryville. chsaonline.com.

4 CHJA SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. chja.net.

5 MEDAL DAY II, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

8 – 11 5A BAKER PRODUCTS CHARITY HORSE SHOW, Somers.

5abakerproductscharityhorseshow.com.

10 BIG BARN BASH, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

10 – 11 CHJA BLUE RIBBON VENTURES CLASSIC, Westbrook. chja.net.

11 TANHEATH HUNT, Ayer Mountain Farm, North Franklin. tanheathhunt.org.

11 GHC BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR TRAIL RIDING CLINIC, Holcomb Farm, West Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

11 CTRA MOUNTAIN LAUREL RIDE, East Hampton. cttrailridesassoc.org.

11 SNEHA SHOW, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

11 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

11 GRTA GREENWICH SHOW, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

15 – 18 OX RIDGE JUNE SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. oxridge.com.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Fox Ledge Farm

17 CDA VIRTUAL DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, ctdressage.org.

17 CHSA CHJA NEHC PINES OPEN, The Pines, South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

Dressage Training with a Winning Tradition

18 TRI-STATE HORSEMEN’S DRESSAGE SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. tristatehorsemen.com.

Ann Guptill

18 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

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

age Dress Show ling Schoo eries S 19

Offering:

ly 1 . Ju June 2 ust 16 Aug

Board . Training . Lessons . Clinics All Levels Welcome . Exercise & Layup Conditioning Show Prep, Coaching . Indoor & Outdoor Facilities Schooling Show Series . Trails & Open Fields Staff On Site 24/7

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

Summer Fun Schooling Show Series

June 24 a August 26 a October 28 Western & English der Bolen Mark in Trail Lead Line . Youth 11 & Under ta Moun ics Teen 12 - 15 . Adult 16 & Over Clin 6 - 2 Showmanship . Trail . Equitation 5 2 y Ma Pleasure . Equitation Over Fences Jumper . Beginner Canter . Games . Command

Boarding . Lessons . Leasing . Training . Clinics

a Mountain Trail Course s

MOUNTAIN LANE FARM

18 KENT HORSE TRIALS, Kent. usevengint.com.

18 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Willington. magnoliaruneqcenter.com.

18 – 19 NEHC SHOW, Eastfield Farm, Ashford. eastfieldfarm.net.

20 HAY BURR INN ANNUAL MEETING, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

20 – 24 FAIRFIELD JUNE SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

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

22 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

23 – 24 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

23 – 25 CTRA CAMPOUT. Moodus. cttrailridesassoc.org.

24 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

24 TANHEATH HUNTER PACE, Cedar Rock Farm, Hampton. tanheathhunt.org.

24 CHSA SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. chsaonline.com.

24 – 25 CDCTA TAG AND TACK SALES, East Haddam. cdctaonline.com.

25 CGA GYMKHANA, Saddleview Farm, Bethany. facebook.com/ConnecticutGymkhana.

25 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

25 CCBA SHOW SERIES, Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

25 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

25 CHJA SHOW, New Canaan. newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

Temple, New Hampshire . (603) 554-7217 MountainLaneFarm.com 86

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

29 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Avon.chsaonline.com.

July 1 CHJA CHSA MHC NEHC SHOW, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

1 CTRA POKER RIDE, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

16 CCBA SHOW SERIES, Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

16 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

2 USHJA CHJA CHSA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

16 CDCTA DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. cdctaonline.com.

6 – 9 SHORELINE CLASSIC, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

16 CGA GYMKHANA, Hillside Equestrian Meadows, Wolcott. facebook.com/ConnecticutGymkhana.

8 VOLUNTEER DAY, Washington. horseofct.org.

16 CHSA CHJA NEHC PINES OPEN, The Pines, South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

9 GHC POKER RIDE, Salmon Brook Park, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

9 CTRA RORABACK RIDE, Harwinton. cttrailridesassoc.org.

9 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

12 RECOGNIZED DRESSAGE SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

12 – 15 SHORELINE CLASSIC, Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

14 – 16 TRI-STATE HORSEMEN’S OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Moosup. tristatehorsemen.com.

19 CDA RECOGNIZED DRESSAGE SHOW, Weatogue Stables, Salisbury. ctdressage.org.

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

20 CHJA OX RIDGE SHOW, Darien. chja.net.

22 CHRISTMAS IN JULY LIGHT WALK, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

22 HORSE PARADE, Washington. horseofct.org.

22 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

87

East Coast Horse Transportation Regular trips from New England to South Carolina and Kentucky and everything in between.

Crystal & Osman Villalta Cape Elizabeth, Maine . ME DOT/MC Authorized

(925) 705-0640 voice/text

22 CHSA CHJA MYSTIC VALLEY SUMMER SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. chsaonline.com.

23 HORSE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

23 CHSA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. chsaonline.com.

23 CHJA SHOW, New Canaan. newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

23 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

23 SNEHA SHOW, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

23 CHJA SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

23 CDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Weatogue Stables, Salisbury. ctdressage.org.

23 CHJA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

Four-horse slant load, matted walls and floors, dust-free shavings, soaked hay, water buckets, Ulcerguard available. Stalled layovers.

No deposit required.

“I highly recommend Crystal and Osman for transportation! They communicate well, have great prices, and have a safe setup.” ~ B. Fisher

25 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury chsaonline.com.

29 CHRISTMAS IN JULY LIGHT WALK, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

29 CHJA CHSA MHC NEHC SHOW, Hebron.

30 USHJA CHJA CHSA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

Ride out times: 8:30 a.m. to last rider out by 10:30 a.m.

Cost (includes lunch) $50 non-members, $35 members, $20 18 and under Held rain or shine • Limit 100 riders NEHTA ride • Registration closes May 28!

Contact ride secretary Gina Labbe at gjjacc@charter.net.

pomfrethorseandtrail.com

88

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

30 CHJA NEHC OX RIDGE SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

August

9 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

11 – 13 TRI-STATE HORSEMEN’S OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Moosup. tristatehorsemen.com.

4 – 5 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

12 – 13 ELISA WALLACE CLINIC, East Haven. jceventing.com.

5 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

13 CDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. ctdressage.org.

5 TRI-STATE HORSEMEN’S DRESSAGE SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. tristatehorsemen.com.

13 CGA GYMKHANA, Saddleview Farm, Bethany. facebook.com/ConnecticutGymkhana.

5 – 6 CCBA SHOW SERIES, Falls Creek Farm, Moosup. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

13 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

5 – 6 TACK SALE, Washington. horseofct.org.

13 CHSA CHJA SHOW, New Milford. chsaonline.com.

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

6 HORSE TRIALS, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

17 – 20 CHJA NEHC SHOW, Westport. chja.net.

6 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Terry Allen Farm, Terryville. chsaonline.com.

6 TRI-STATE HORSEMEN’S DRESSAGE SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. tristatehorsemen.com.

19 VOLUNTEER PICNIC, Washington. horseofct.org.

20 HORSE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

20 SNEHA SHOW, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

6 FWPHA NEHC SHOW, Westport. nehc.info.

Frazier Farm Training Center Dressage Show April 30

Combined Tests

June 4 . September 24

Horse Trials

Three divisions: Elementary, Beginner Novice, and Novice

August 6 . October 8

Schooling Shows

Classes from Walk Trot to Short Stirrup and Open Hunters to Schooling Jumpers

May 21 . July 23 August 20 . October 22

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

335 Middle Road Turnpike, Woodbury, CT

(203) 263-2627

.

frazierfarmct.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

89

24 – 27 CHSA FINALS, Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

26 CTRA TYLER MILL RIDE, Wallingford. cttrailridesassoc.org.

26 – 27 COWBOY MOUNTED SHOOTING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

27 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

27 HORSE TRIALS, Lakeville. townhillfarm.com.

September 2 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Terryville. chsaonline.com.

2 – 3 RIHA EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIPS, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. rihorseman.com.

3 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

3 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Quiet Rein Farm, New Milford. chsaonline.com.

9 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. chsaonline.com.

9 VOLUNTEER DAY, Washington. horseofct.org.

Tanheath Hunt Club Events Bass Farm Hunts . Scotland, CT . April 2 & April 30 Promoting dressage through education and opportunity with schooling shows, clinics, and year-end awards.

Schooling Dressage Shows May 6 Sperry View Farm, Bethany . Judy Dannemann “r” June 17 Virtual Show! . Susanne Hamilton “S”

Greene Hunt . W. Coventry, RI . April 9 Ayer Mountain Farm Hunt . N. Franklin, CT . April 16 Hunter Pace . Douglas State Forest, MA . April 23 Intro to Foxhunting . N. Franklin, CT . May 7 Mother’s Day Ride . W. Coventry, RI . May 14 Tyrone Farm Hunt . Pomfret Center, CT . May 28

July 23 Weatogue Stables, Salisbury . Judge TBA

Greene Hunt . W. Coventry, RI . June 4

August 13 R Folly Farm, Morris . Matthew Beasley “L”

Ayer Mountain Farm Hunt . N. Franklin, CT . June 11

Sept. 10 Sperry View Farm, Bethany . Corinna Fleming “L”

Hunter Pace . Cedar Rock Farm, Hampton, CT . June 24

Oct. 7 BelleFree Farm, Columbia . Liana Antanovich “L”

USEF Level 1Dressage Show July 19 Weatogue Stables, Salisbury . Sarah Geikie (S)

www.TanheathHunt.org Detailed prize list information available at:

ctdressage.org 90

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

Follow us on Facebook: Tanheath Hunt Club We are a small but dedicated group, passionate about horses and hounds, friendly and helpful to newcomers.

10 CDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. ctdressage.org.

10 SNEHA SHOW, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

10 CHSA CHJA NEHC PINES OPEN, The Pines, Moosup. chsaonline.com.

10 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

10 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

16 USHJA CHJA CHSA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

16 CTRA WADSWORTH FALLS RIDE, Wallingford. cttrailridesassoc.org.

17 CGA GYMKHANA, Saddleview Farm, Bethany. facebook.com/ConnecticutGymkhana.

17 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

17 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

22 – 24 WESTBROOK GRAND FALL CLASSIC, Westport. chsaonline.com.

HORSE POWER FARM An Eventing Facility Tame Your Lizard Brain Clinic Lessons x Training Clinics x Drill Team Horse Shows Games Nights Summer Camps

with Andrea Monsarrat Waldo April 29/30

Cross-Country Derbies May 5/6 . June 23/24 . Aug. 4/5 . Oct. 13/14

Tack & Tag Sale - April 15 Lessons • Boarding • Clinics Test & Tune • Schooling Ann Bowie BHSII(T)

CrimsonAcres.org Orange, MA

Canterbury, CT . 860.334.1772

horsepowerfarm.info Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

91

events MASSACHUSETTS

April 1 – 2 IEA ZONE 1 FINALS, West Springfield. rideiea.org.

2 SAM FANFLEET INTRO TO LIBERTY AND TRICKS CLINIC, Fitch Farm, Middleboro. (508) 944-5883.

2 DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

3 SAM VANFLEET INTRO TO LIBERTY AND TRICKS CLINIC, Chana Dero Stables, Douglas. (774) 276-6039.

9 USEF NEHC MHC HOLIDAY III, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

9 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Essex. hirokfarm.com.

15 USEF NEHC MHC SHOW, Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

15 USEF MHC NEHC SEHA MHJ SHOW, Medway. nv-farm.com.

15 NEECA EQUINE FIRST AID CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

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

15 SNECDA BOB KOOPMAN CONES CLINIC, Northbridge. snecda.org.

8 MQHA AWARDS BANQUET, Westminster. massqha.com.

16 CCDS SPRING CLINIC, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

8 MHC NEHC SHOW, Moss Show Stables, Westford. mahorsecouncil.com.

16 SCHOOLING TWO PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

We Speak Fluent Neigh!

A Few Stalls Available Now! Boarding . Training . Lessons for All Ages Accepting Students Ages 8 and Up Owner is an Eventer . Open to all riding styles!

All-day Turnout . Individual Turnouts Stalls with Run Outs Heated Tack Room . Indoor Arena Round Pen . Trails . Outdoor Arena

Kate Cameron

hase Two-P e Shows ssag r 29 ctobe & Dre .O

30 4 Plain Road, Hatfield, Mass. . July on up 8 2 y Poles ice of a d n M u o o (978) 739-4707 nd Gr petitors ch Line a Lead e-only com DF tests. www.RedMareFarm.com US ag ire.

Dress USEA or al att inform t u RedMareFarmLLC@gmail.com b Neat 92

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

Apple Knoll Farm Events CRDA Dressage Adult Camp

Northbridge Equine Challenge Series

Jumper Shows

April 29 & 30 . crdressage.org

June 7 . June 14 . June 21 . June 28 July 12 . July 19 . July 26 . August 2 August 9 . August 16 . August 23 . August 30 September 6 - Finale with Awards

Schooling Horse Trials May 6

Miguel Anacoreta Spring Clinic May 15 & 16

Lynne Kimball Davis Teaching Days May 13 & 14 . July 22 & 23 . Aug. 12 & 13 Sept. 23 & 24 . Oct. 21 & 22

Area I Schooling Horse Trials Championships September 10

NEDA Summer Dressage Show July 16 . neda.org

CRDA Dressage Schooling Shows

Landsafe Equestrian Clinic

May 21 . June 18 . August 6 crdressage.org

July 29 & 30

USEA-Recognized Horse Trials June 11 & October 7

lists Prize forms ry t n e m. and oll.co plekn ebsite p a : t a the w Check as events n e t of ded! are ad

Our MISSION is to provide a safe, comfortable, and well-equipped facility for horses and riders to develop the skills and confidence required for the sport of Eventing.

APPLE KNOLL FARM 25 Forest Lane, Millis, Massachusetts (508) 376-2564 | AppleKnoll.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

93

16 USEF NEHC MHC MHJ SEHA SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

26 FREE EQUINE CAREER AND COLLEGE FAIR, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Northampton. dmiller@smithtec.org.

16 AREA 1 YOUNG RIDERS SPRING TUNE-UP CLINIC WITH ERIN RISSO, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

29 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW SERIES, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

17 NEECA CARRIAGE DRIVING DAY #1, Athol. neeca.org.

29 – 30 CRDA ADULT CAMP, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

20 – 23 CQHA SPRING BREAKOUT SHOW, Northampton. cqha.com.

29 SNECDA KEITH ANGSTADT CARRIAGE DRIVING DRESSAGE CLINIC, Blackbridge Farm, Southbridge. snecda.org.

22 EQUINE EXPO AND TACK SALE, Topsfield Fairgrounds.

(978) 768-6275.

29 SOUTHEAST HUNTER SHOW, Medway. southeasthunter.com.

22 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Medway. capecodhunter.com.

29 NEECA POKER RIDE, Athol. neeca.org.

22 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

29 BSTRA NANCY MAENZO MEMORIAL RIDE, Douglas State Forest. bstra.org.

23 TANHEATH HUNTER PACE, Douglas State Forest, Douglas. tanheathhunt.org.

23 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

30 PETER WHITMORE VERSATILITY CLINIC, Fuller Family Equestrian, Westhampton. fullerequestrian.com.

23 USEF NEHC MHC SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

30 DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

23 SCHOOLING JUMPER SERIES, Herons Crest Stables, Athol. heronscreststables.com.

30 USEF NEHC MHC GFF SHOW I, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

Monthly Guest Clinicians Bevin Dugan, Mica Mabragana D4K Team Clinic, Virginia Leary, and Jessica Rizzi, and more!

Dressage Schooling Show Series April 30 - June 25 - September 10 The RER Ponies Dressage Show Series is part of the USDF Regional Schooling Shows Program and is a lowkey schooling show where many exhibitors will be experiencing their very first show while others will be using it as an opportunity to fine tune their test riding in a stress-free environment. Formal show attire is optional; riders may substitute with light breeches, boots, and polo shirt. All USEF, USDF, USEA rules apply.

Own a Pony Summer Camp - June 21 - 23 Full Week Summer Camp - July 17 - 21 Own a Pony Summer Camp - Aug. 1 - 4 Pony Club D Program Summer Camp Aug. 21 - 23

Heather Dostal

USDF “L” Graduate; Available for Lessons, Clinics, Training, and Judging.

54 Plain Rd. Hatfield, MA 413.427.2026 | rerponies@gmail.com

RERponies.com 94

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

WNEPHA JOIN US!

The Western New England chapter of the Professional Horsemen’s Association of America holds Hunter, Jumper, and Dressage Shows.

HUNTER/JUMPER EQUITATION SHOWS April 8 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

July 8 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

April 30 . Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst

July 9 . JW Equestrian, Southampton

May 7 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

July 15 . Harmony Hill Farm, G. Barrington

May 14 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

July 16 . Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst

May 20 . JW Equestrian, Southampton

July 23 . Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown

May 21 . Riverbank Farm, Dalton

Aug. 6 . Grindstone Mountain, Southampton

May 28 . Harmony Hill Farm, G. Barrington

Aug. 20 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

June 4 . Bellwether Stables, Richmond

Aug. 27 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

June 10 . Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst

Sept. 3 . Harmony Hill Farm, G. Barrington

June 11 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

Sept. 10 . Bellwether Stables, Richmond

June 18 . Grindstone Mountain, Southampton

Sept. 17 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

June 25 . Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown

Sept. 24 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

July 2 . Bellwether Stables, Richmond

Oct. 1 . Harmony HIll Farm, G. Barrington

Year-end awards in many divisions.

Full schedule can be found at

WNEPHA.com An organization for horsemen, by horsemen.

FINALS

r8

Octobe

om epha.c Visit wn r mo e! to learn

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

95

30 WNEPHA SHOW, Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst. wnepha.com.

6 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Medway. capecodhunter.com.

30 USDF DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, RER Ponies, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

30 SCHOOLING SERIES, Full Circle Equestrian, Berkley. fullcircleequestrian@gmail.com.

30 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

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

7 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOWS, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

7 HCRC LISE KRIEGER SADDLE FITTING CLINIC, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

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

30 CMHSS SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org.

30 NSHA HUNTER SHOW, Hamilton. nshorsemens.org.

May

7 RRDC OPEN SHOW, Rowley. rowleyridinganddrivingclub.webs.com.

7 SOUTH COAST SERIES HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

4 – 7 MQHA SPRING SHOW, West Springfield. massqha.com.

7 NEDA SEASON OPENER VIRTUAL DRESSAGE SHOW, neda.org.

5 – 6 LANDSAFE RIDER FALL SAFETY CLINIC, Scarlet Hill Farm, Groton. scarlethillfarm.com.

7 USEF MHC NEHC SEHA MHJ SHOW, Medway. nv-farm.com.

5 – 7 NHHJA SPRING SHOW, Northampton. nhhja.com.

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

6 SPIRIT RIDE COMPETITIVE TRAIL CHALLENGE, Glencroft Farm, Southampton. glencroftfarm.com.

10 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

Hunter Shows May 7 . June 25 . July 16 Aug. 6 . Sept. 24 . Oct. 29

Jumper Shows May 10 . May 24 . June 7 . June 21 July 12 . July 26 . Aug. 9 . Aug. 23 . Sept. 2 All Hunter Shows at Grazing Fields Farm in Buzzards Bay, Mass.

Classes for Lead Line through 2'6" Hunters and Equitation.

Ideal shows for novice exhibitors and riders on school horses.

Annual Banquet . High Point Awards!

All Jumper Shows at Valinor Farm in Plymouth, Mass.

Wednesday evenings under the lights.

Find us on Facebook at *South Coast Series Horse Shows* More information at southcoastseries.com or email mel@grazingfields.com 96

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

91 Annual st

June Show Saturday • June 10

2'9" 2'6" & rby r De Hunte ions!

Divis

Outside Course Warm-ups 6:30 to 8 A .M., Trailer Parking Starts at 6 A .M. Open Show with Ring and Hunt Course Affiliated with NEHC, MHC & SSHC . NEHC & SSHC Medal Classes Show Manager: John Dougherty (781) 826-3191 Program may be downloaded at briggsstable.com.

Briggs Stable

Mini Shows

Wednesday evenings starting at 6 P.M. • June 21 to August 23 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.

Visit e.com stabl s g g bri kly e ew e for th st! li s s cla

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

623 Hanover St., Route 139, Hanover Centre, MA (781) 826-3191 . briggstackshop@gmail.com

www.briggsstable.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

97

10 – 14 SPRING FESTIVAL I, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

14 MHC SHOW, Moss Show Stables, Westford. mahorsecouncil.com.

13 HCRC CATHY DRUMM WORKING EQUITATION CLINIC, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

14 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Groton. grotonponyclub.org.

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

14 MHC NEHC SHOW, Back Bay Farm, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

13 MHC SHOW, Moss Show Stables, Westford. mahorsecouncil.com.

14 SCHOOLING JUMPER SERIES, Herons Crest Stables, Athol. heronscreststables.com.

13 NEECA VERSATILITY CLINIC #1, Athol. neeca.org.

14 OPEN SHOW SERIES, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

13 – 14 BRDC SPRING TRAIL RIDING AND CAMPING WEEKEND, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

17 – 21 SPRING FESTIVAL II, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

20 WRC TACK, TAG, AND CRAFT SALE, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

13 – 14 NEPTHA SPRING FLING SHOW, Northampton. neptha.info.

20 WNEPHA SHOW, JW Equestrian, Southampton. wnepha.com.

13 – 14 STEARLING D.B. GRABURN CARRIAGE DRIVING CLINIC, Feeding Hills. brooksidefriesians.com.

14 WNEPHA SHOW, SJH Equestrian, Richmond. wnepha.com.

20 SHOW SERIES, Chana Dero Stables, Douglas. chanaderostables@gmail.com.

14 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

20 SHOW JUMPING HAWLEY BENNETT-AWAD CLINIC, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

Open Show Series June 18 k July 9 k August 6 August 20 k September 17 Divisions: Lead Line, Beginner Walk Trot, Walk Trot 11 and Under Open Walk Trot 12-17 Open, Walk Trot Adult Open, Walk Trot Beginning Canter Open Open GreenHorse Walk Trot Open, Short Stirrup, Medium Stirrup Open Hunter, Modified Hunter, and Driving

Spring Trail Ride May 13

Fall Trail Ride Weekend October 7 & 8 Trail rides offer 6.6, 10, 13, and 16 mile routes. Gravel roads, rail beds, woodland trails, and a small amount of pavement. NEHT affiliated Barre Riding and Driving Club is a Non Profit 501(c)3 club.

Most of our events are held at Felton Field in Barre, Massachusetts, a beautiful facility located on Old Coldbrook Road. Felton Field features two show rings, a food booth, secretary's booth, bathrooms, running water, and plenty of space for parking for cars and trailers. ! !

BarreRidingDrivingClub.com 98

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

New England Equestrian Center of Athol’s

Upcoming Events

Dawn Laughlin

All take place at the Equestrian Center unless otherwise noted.

Spring Work Day

Cones Driving Clinic

Mustang Challenge

April 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 28

September 2

Equine First Aid Clinic

NEECA Triathlon

Hunter Pace

April 15 • 1367 Pleasant St., Athol

June 17

September 16

Carriage Driving Days

Donkey/Mule Show

Driver Appreciation Day

April 17 . May 22 . June 26 . July 10 .

Aug. 14 . Sept. 11

June 24

September 30

Northeast Six Shooters

Driver’s Open Schooling CT

July 8

October 15

Open Horse Show

Heron’s Crest Stables Schooling Jumper Shows

Poker Ride April 29

Versatility Clinics

July 9 • Felton Field, Barre

MSPCA Large Animal Rescue Clinics

April 23 . May 14 . June 4 . July 2 Aug. 13 . Sept. 3

May 21 . June 11 . Aug. 20 . Sept. 10 . Oct. 1

July 15 . August 12 1367 Pleasant St., Athol

Fall Social

Trailer Safety Clinic

Side Saddle Clinic

May 27

August 27

May 13 . July 23

November 4 Dates are subject to change!

Check neeca.org or Facebook prior to attending!

Dawn Laughlin

Gymkhana Series

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!

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

99

21 SCHOOLING TWO PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

21 DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

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

21 CROSS COUNTRY HAWLEY BENNETT-AWAD CLINIC, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

Presents the 28th

21 NEECA GYMKHANA #1, Athol. neeca.org.

Equine Expo & Tack Sale 21 CMHSS SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org.

Saturday, April 22, 2023 . 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Large vendor marketplace selling new and used items!

Plus services for the horse, rider, and driver. Demos. $5 Admission . children under 10 free Vendor Spaces Available . Free Parking Held Indoors . Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds

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

21 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Course Brook Farm, Haverhill. coursebrookfarm.com.

21 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, August Farm, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

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

21 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague.

(413) 367-9828.

MHC Pleasure Classic Finals Sponsored by the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council Double Point MHC Show Affiliated with NEHC, SSHC Open and Breed Classes More than 100 exhibitors compete for great prizes and awards offered in a multitude of Open, Breed, Pleasure, Western, Saddle Seat, and Equitation classes in two rings to ensure a variety of classes.

Sunday, September 10, at Briggs Stable, 623 Hanover Street, Hanover, Mass.

Show Begins Promptly at 8 a.m.

Pleasure Classic Finals: Hunter, Saddle Seat, Western Walk Trot Pleasure Classics: MHC Walk Trot 10 & Under, SSHC Walk Trot 11 & Older (No qualifying needed for Walk Trot Classics)

Lifetime Pleasure Horse Achievement Award • Community Horse Youth Award

For more information, please visit mahorsecouncil.com.

100

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

21 HRC OPEN SHOW SERIES, Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

June

21 MANE-I-ACS SCHOOLING SHOW, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

3 NEDA SPRING DRESSAGE COMPETITION I, Halifax. neda.org.

21 IEA REGION 1 WESTERN FINALS, Pepperell. rideiea.org.

21 MHC SHOW, Cornerstone Farm, Haverhill. mahorsecouncil.com.

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

3 FRANKLIN COUNTY 4-H AND OPEN SHOW, Craig Memorial Equestrian Center, Leverett. mass4h.org.

3 SOUTH EAST HUNTER SHOW, Medway. southeasthunter.com.

22 NEECA CARRIAGE DRIVING DAY #2, Athol. neeca.org.

4 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

24 CCDS TAZ LESTER DRIVING CLINIC, Orleton Farm, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

4 WNEPHA SHOW, Bellwether Stables, Richmond. wnepha.com.

24 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

4 HCRC MELISSA ELLLIS INTRO TO LIBERTY TRAINING AND BRIDLELESS RIDING CLINIC, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

27 NEECA TRAILER SAFETY CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

27 NORFOLK HUNT SHOW, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

27 HCRC EQUINE EMERGENCY FIRST AID CLASS, Belchertown. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

27 – 29 BSTRA MEMORIAL DAY CAMPOUT, Carver. bstra.org.

4 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

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

4 NEDA SPRING DRESSAGE COMPETITION II, Halifax. neda.org.

28 WRC TRAIL RIDE, Otis. westfieldridingclub.org.

4 SCHOOLING JUMPER SERIES, Herons Crest Stables, Athol. heronscreststables.com.

28 TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Red Mare Farm, Hatfield. redmarefarm.com.

4 SSHC SHOW, Rozenas Field, Raynham. sshconline.org.

28 WNEPHA SHOW, Harmony Hill Farm, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

28 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.com.

28 HCRC CHESTERFIELD GORGE RIDE, Chesterfield. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

28 NEECA CONES CLINIC WITH DEVIN BURDICK, Athol. neeca.org.

28 FRAN LATANE CLINIC, Westhampton. starwind-farm.com.

28 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

4 USEF NEHC MHC GFF SHOW II, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

7 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

7 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

7 – 10 CONNECTICUT MORGAN OPEN SHOW, West Springfield. ctmorgans.org.

7 – 11 CONNECTICUT CLASSIC, Northampton. cqha.com.

10 HHRC JUNE SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

10 OPEN SHOW SERIES, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

28 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

10 USEF MHC NEHC SEHA MHJ SHOW, Medway. nv-farm.com.

28 SCHOOLING SERIES, Full Circle Equestrian, Berkley. fullcircleequestrian@gmail.com.

10 WNEPHA SHOW, Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst. wnepha.com.

28 HRC TRAIL RIDE, Myles Standish State Forest, Plymouth. hansonridingclub.org.

10 OPEN HOUSE, Brookside Friesians, Feeding Hills. brooksidefriesians.com.

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11 HCRC PETER WHITMORE OBSTACLE VERSATILITY CLINIC AND COMPETITION, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

11 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

11 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague.

(413) 367-9828.

11 DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

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

11 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

11 MHC SHOW, Cornerstone Farm, Haverhill. mahorsecouncil.com.

11 NEECA GYMKHANA #2, Athol. neeca.org.

11 MYOPIA CARRIAGE CLASSIC, Appleton Farm, Ipswich.

(603) 658-2627.

11 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, August Farm, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

11 USEF NEHC MHC GFF SHOW III, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

11 HRC TRAIL RIDE, Myles Standish State Forest, Plymouth. hansonridingclub.org.

14 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

14 – 18 PLYMOUTH ROCK I, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

17 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW SERIES, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

17 NEECA TRIATHLON, Athol. neeca.org.

17 CAPE COD HUNTER, Medway. capecodhunter.com.

18 SCHOOLING TWO PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

18 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

18 WNEPHA SHOW, Grindstone Mountain, Southampton. wnepha.com.

18 HCRC FUN DAY, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

Open Show Series

Horse Trials

May 14 . June 10 . July 16 . Aug. 19

June 4 . July 9 . Aug. 12 . Sept. 23

Champion & Reserve in all Divisions!

Pre-Elementary through Novice!

Azrael Acres, 144 Williams St., Uxbridge, MA (508) 918-4531 Visit azraelacres.com for class lists, registrations, and more.

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

18 NSHA PLEASURE SHOW, Bob-Lyn Stables, Amesbury. nshorsemens.org.

18 NSHA HUNTER SHOW, Hamilton. nshorsemens.org.

18 CMHSS SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org.

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

24 NEECA DONKEY AND MULE SHOW, Athol. neeca.org.

24 –25 STATE 4-H SHOW, Northampton. ccsears@umass.edu.

25 WRC TRAIL RIDE, Huntington. westfieldridingclub.org.

25 WNEPHA SHOW, Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown. wnepha.com.

25 CARRIAGE DRIVING PLEASURE SHOW, Spencer. snecda.org.

18 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

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

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

21 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

21 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

21 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

21 – 25 PLYMOUTH ROCK II, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

23 SHOW SERIES, Douglas.chanaderostables@gmail.com.

23 – 25 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

25 SOUTH COAST SERIES HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

25 USDF DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, RER Ponies, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

25 BSTRA POKER RUN, Mendon. bstra.org.

25 SCHOOLING SERIES, Full Circle Equestrian, Berkley. fullcircleequestrian@gmail.com.

25 HORSE TRIALS, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

Merrimack Valley Dressage Shows with USEF judges April 2 - Keith Angstadt “r” (Test of Choice - Ride - Review) April 30 - Susan Buchanan “S” (Test of Choice - Ride - Review) May 21 - Katie Rocco “r”

June 26 - Susan Buchanan “S” August 13 - Leslie DeGrandmaison “r” September 10 - Janet Briggs “r”

Intro to 4th and Above . High Score Awards . Pony Club Discount . Offering USEA event tests and western dressage tests!

USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program Competitions.

Dressage Training & Instruction Keith Angstadt USEF Dressage Judge USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist ADS Combined Driving & Dressage Judge

Lynda Angstadt USDF L Graduate USDF Bronze Medalist

Kaylee Angstadt USDF Bronze Medalist PATH-certified instructor FEI 3-Star CDE Driver & ADS Intermediate Pairs

Full Care Facility . Individualized Programs . Excellent Footing . Indoor & Outdoor Arenas Ample Turnout . Reasonable Rates . Truck-ins Welcome . Competitions & Clinics

Bradford Equestrian Center Excellent Location – minutes from Routes 495, 95, and 93!

109 S. Cross Rd. & 318 Boxford Rd., Haverhill, MA . www.BradfordEquestrianCenter.wordpress.com (978) 374-0008 . kdangst@comcast.net or leangst@comcast.net Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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26 DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

7 – 9 NEPTHA SUMMER SIZZLER SHOW, Northampton. neptha.info.

26 NEECA CARRIAGE DRIVING DAY #3, Athol. neeca.org.

8 WNEPHA SHOW, SJH Equestrian, Richmond. wnepha.com.

27 – 30 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

8 NORTHEAST SIX SHOOTERS, Athol. neeca.org.

28 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

9 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

28 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

July

9 HCRC JAY QUINLAN RANCHING RIDING CLINIC, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

1 – 4 BSTRA FOURTH OF JULY CAMPOUT, Carver. bstra.org.

9 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

2 SCHOOLING JUMPER SERIES, Herons Crest Stables, Athol. heronscreststables.com.

9 WNEPHA SHOW, JW Equestrian, Southampton. wnepha.com.

2 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

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

2 MARION HORSE SHOW, Marion. marionhorseshow.org.

9 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

2 WNEPHA SHOW, Bellwether Stables, Richmond. wnepha.com.

9 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

4 – 9 NHHJA SUMMER FESTIVAL, Halifax. nhhja.com.

5 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

9 WRC TRAIL RIDE, Blandford. westfieldridingclub.org.

9 HRC OPEN SHOW SERIES, Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

10 NEECA CARRIAGE DRIVING DAY #4, Athol. neeca.org.

12 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

12 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

RO

BIN

D. P E T E RS

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12 SHOW SERIES, Chana Dero Stables, Douglas. chanaderostables@gmail.com.

12 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

13 USEF NEHC MHC MHJ SEHA SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

15 NEECA MSPCA LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

MHC NEHC HORSE SHOWS May 14 & August 17 50 CANDLEWOOD RD., IPSWICH, MA

BACKBAYFARM.COM

978-356-0730

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

15 USEF MHC NEHC SEHA MHJ SHOW, Medway. nv-farm.com.

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

16 OPEN SHOW SERIES, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

16 SOUTH COAST SERIES HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

16 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague.

(413) 367-9828.

21 NORTHEAST BAROQUE EQUESTRIAN GAMES SHOW, South Hadley. erahc.org.

16 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

22 USEF USEA HORSE TRIALS, Haverhill. coursebrookfarm.com.

16 WNEPHA SHOW, Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst. wnepha.com.

22 WORKING EQUITATION CLINIC: EASE OF HANDLING, South Hadley. erahc.org.

16 NEDA SUMMER DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. neda.org.

22 – 23 ERAHC BAROQUE BREEDS SHOW, South Hadley. erahc.org.

16 SCHOOLING TWO PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

23 SSHC SHOW, Rozenas Field, Raynham. sshconline.org.

16 MHC SHOW, Cornerstone Farm, Haverhill. mahorsecouncil.com.

17 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, August Farm, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

18 – 23 REGION 6 SUPER 6, West Springfield. massqha.com.

19 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

19 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

20 USDF USEF DRESSAGE SHOW, South Hadley. erahc.org.

23 NSHA HUNTER SHOW, Hamilton. nshorsemens.org.

23 WNEPHA SHOW, Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown. wnepha.com.

23 HCRC DAR STATE FOREST RIDE, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

23 NEECA VERSATILITY CLINIC #2, Athol. neeca.org.

23 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

23 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Course Brook Farm, Haverhill. coursebrookfarm.com.

Hampshire County Riding Club Events!

MAY 7 - Lise Krieger Free Saddle Fitting Clinic

JULY 9 - Jay Quinlan Ranch Riding Clinic

MAY 13 - Cathy Drumm Working Equitation Clinic

JULY 23 - Goshen DAR State Forest Ride

MAY 27 - Equine Emergency First Aid Class (Castlerock Morgans, Belchertown)

AUGUST 27 - Windsor State Forest Ride

MAY 28 - Chesterfield Gorge Ride JUNE 4 - Melissa Ellis Intro to Liberty Training and Bridleless Clinic JUNE 11 - Peter Whitmore Obstacle Versatility Clinic and Competition JUNE 18 - Fun Day at Club Grounds - Games for horse & rider/handler; kids & adults.

SEPTEMBER 24 - Hawley State Forest Ride OCTOBER 8 - Hilltown Misfits 4-H Club Open Fun Day OCTOBER 18 - Northfield Mountain Fall Foliage Ride Members participate at reduced rates!

For full event calendar and membership details go to hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

TS VE N B U ST E MO UR CL N I AT O UNDS O G R S H E N! GO

HampshireCountyRidingClub.org Hampshire County, Mass.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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22 – 29 NEW ENGLAND MORGAN SHOW, Northampton. nemha.com.

10 USEF NEHC MHC MHJ SEHA SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

26 – 30 HEAD OF THE BAY, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

10 – 13 CCDS DRIVING SHOW, Orleton Farm, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

26 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

11 SHOW SERIES, Chana Dero Stables, Douglas. chanaderostables@gmail.com.

26 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

26 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

12 USEF MHC NEHC SEHA MHJ SHOW, Medway. nv-farm.com.

28 – 29 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

12 NEECA MSPCA LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

29 – 30 LANDSAFE EQUESTRIAN CLINIC, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

12 – 13 NEPHC SUMMA IN THE HAMPTONS SHOW, Northampton. nephc.com.

30 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

13 DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

30 TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Red Mare Farm, Hatfield. redmarefarm.com.

30 BSTRA GALLOPING GOURMET RIDE, Royalston. bstra.org.

August

2 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

2 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

4 – 6 ARABIAN HORSE CLUB OF CT SHOW, West Springfield. ahcofct.org.

5 SNECDA CARRIAGE DRIVING MARATHON OBSTACLES CLINIC, Blackbridge Farm, Southbridge. snecda.org.

6 WNEPHA SHOW, Grindstone Mountain, Southampton. wnepha.com.

6 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

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

6 NEDA SUMMER CLASSIC VIRTUAL DRESSAGE SHOW, neda.org.

6 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

6 SOUTH COAST SERIES HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

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

9 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

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12 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

13 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, August Farm, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

13 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

13 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

13 WRC GAMES SHOW, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

13 SSHC SHOW, Rozenas Field, Raynham. sshconline.org.

13 SCHOOLING JUMPER SERIES, Herons Crest Stables, Athol. heronscreststables.com.

14 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

14 NEECA CARRIAGE DRIVING DAY #5, Athol. neeca.org.

16 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

16 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

16 – 20 SUMMER SHOWCASE I, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

17 MHC NEHC SHOW, Back Bay Farm, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

17 –20 BATTLE OF THE BREEDS NEW ENGLAND, Northampton. battleofthebreedsne.com.

19 OPEN SHOW SERIES, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

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

9 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

20 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

9 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

20 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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

20 NEECA GYMKHANA #3, Athol. neeca.org.

20 WRC TRAIL RIDE, Blandford. westfieldridingclub.org.

20 SCHOOLING SERIES, Full Circle Equestrian, Berkley. fullcircleequestrian@gmail.com.

20 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

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

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

20 MHC SHOW, Cornerstone Farm, Haverhill. mahorsecouncil.com.

22 – 26 SUMMER SHOWCASE II, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

Spirit Ride Competitive Trail Challenge May 6 b Southampton, Mass.

Six miles of trails and six judged natural obstacles on beautiful, private scenic trails with wooded forests, rolling hills, streams, and open fields.

First to sixth place ribbons and prizes for Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced riders.

Must preregister at GlencroftFarm.com!

Glencroft Farm

23 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

23 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

23 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

27 BSTRA 50TH ANNIVERSARY RIDE, Arrowhead Acres, Uxbridge. bstra.org.

27 HCRC WINDSOR STATE FOREST RIDE, Windsor. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

145 Glendale Rd., Southampton, MA (413) 535-9178 . GlencroftFarm.com

Independence Stable

27 WNEPHA SHOW, SJH Equestrian, Richmond. wnepha.com.

27 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

27 MJH FINALS, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

27 NEECA SIDE SADDLE CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

27 CMHSS SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org.

30 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

September 2 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Medway. capecodhunter.com.

2 MUSTANG TIP CHALLENGE, Athol. itsapleasuretraining.com.

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

3 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

3 NEDA FALL KICKOFF DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. neda.org.

Dressage Schooling Shows Traditional & Western Dressage Tests Dressage Sport Prospect In Hand

July 9 . Aug. 20 . Sept. 17 Personalized Boarding & Training Riding & Carriage Driving Instruction

404 S. Washington St. Belchertown, Mass.

(413) 284-0371

independencestablellc.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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events RHODE ISLAND

April

2 WGHA GO FISH PLEASURE TRAIL RIDE, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown. wghaweb3.wixsite.com.

25 WGHA HOWDY PARTNER TIMED PATTERN EVENT AND RIDE, Goddard Park, Warwick. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

July 2 RIHA SHOW, Sandy Point Stables, Portsmouth. sandypointstabes.com.

8 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge. squarespace.com.

9 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

9 TANHEATH HUNT, Greene, West Coventry. tanheathhunt.org.

15 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

15 WGHA SPRING THAW STEAK FRY AND MILEAGE AWARDS, VFW Post 9404, Coventry. wghaweb3.wixsite.com.

15 BSTRA GODDARD BRUNCH RIDE, East Greenwich. bstra.org.

15 RIHA SHOW, Sandy Point Stables, Portsmouth. sandypointstabes.com.

22 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

30 RIFRC BLESSING OF THE HORSES AND TRAIL RIDE, Escoheag. rifederation.wixsite.com.

May

16 RIHA SHOW, Dapper Dan Farm, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.net.

23 RIHA SARA ODEN BENEFIT SHOW, Heritage Equestrian Center, East Greenwich. rihorsemen.com.

29 – 30 JR ROBLES CLINIC, Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. dphorses.weebly.com..

30 WGHA POKER RIDE, Goddard Park, Warwick. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

6 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge. squarespace.com.

30 RIHA SHOW, Sandy Point Stables, Portsmouth. sandypointstabes.com.

6 WGHA CRYSTAL FISHER D’AREZZO MEMORIAL RIDE, Goddard Park, Warwick. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

August

14 TANHEATH HUNT MOTHER’S DAY RIDE, West Coventry. tanheathhunt.org.

5 RIHA SHOW, Dapper Dan Farm, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.net.

21 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

16 RIHA SHOW, Sandy Point Stables, Portsmouth. sandypointstabes.com.

28 RIHA SHOW, Sandy Point Stables, Portsmouth. sandypointstabes.com.

18 – 20 WGHA CAMPING WEEKEND, LeGrand Horsemen’s Area, Exeter. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

June

19 RIHA SHOW, Dapper Dan Farm, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.net.

3 RIHA SHOW, Sandy Point Stables, Portsmouth. sandypointstabes.com.

4 TANHEATH HUNT, Greene, West Coventry. tanheathhunt.org.

9 –11 WGHA CAMPING WEEKEND, LeGrand Horsemen’s Area, Exeter. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

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11 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge. squarespace.com.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

20 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

September 10 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge. squarespace.com.

Directory Listings l Connecticut l Rhode Island

l Massachusetts l Region

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION Mindful Connections® with Animals

Nicole Birkholzer; nbirkmc@gmail.com Phone consultations; barn calls serving MA, CT, and RI Is your horse suddenly shying at the mounting block? Not getting along with a pasture mate? There’s a reason for it. A phone call/barn visit gives you insights and clarity and provides you with a plan to bring your horse’s world back into balance. Ad on page 52.

APPAREL Anni Lyn Sportswear

anni-lyn.com Your source for fashionable and affordable riding apparel! Well thought-out designs and all at an affordable price. Free shipping, free returns, and no minimum, ever! Ad on page 20.

BARNS AND INDOOR ARENAS WeCover Structures

(866) 403-3811; wecoverequine.com Ride in bright, natural light year round. Talk to a design specialist today about your next indoor arena. WeCover designs and builds dream riding arenas using durable fabric roof panels and steel framing. Tailored to fit beautifully on your property, you will be glad you went for the premium solution. Ad on page 17.

BEACH HORSEBACK RIDING Newport Equestrian Academy

Middletown, RI; (401) 837-4188; newportequestrian.com Trail rides by beautiful beaches! Our popular two-hour horseback riding tour will take you by two beautiful beaches and out to a wildlife preservation. You’ll be delighted by panoramic views of miles of beach.

BRUSH CLEARING/PASTURE RECLAIMING M5 Landworks

Serving MA, RI, CT; (508) 510-2004; m5landworks.com Pasture restoration, field mowing, fence line clearing, underbrush clearing, bridle trail creation, forestry mulching. We’ll manage your overgrown land. Ad on page 71.

BEDDING R & R Pallet Corp.

120 Schoolhouse Road, Cheshire, CT; (203)272-2784 jrizzo.javanet@rcn.com; rrpalletcorp.com Uniform, clean, semi-dry hardwood and softwood bedding; mixed sawdust and shavings in bulk. Large quantities available $10 per cubic yard. Decorative mulch $10 per cubic yard. Firewood blocks $100 per cord. Pick up (we’ll load your truck)/local delivery available. Call for more information.

CAT SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC TEAM Mobile Feline Spay/Neuter Clinic

Throughout Connecticut; (888) FOR-TEAM; everyanimalmatters.org TEAM brings affordable spay/neuter and vaccination services for cats to more than 25 communities statewide. Any Connecticut cat — domestic, barn cat, stray, or feral — is welcomed aboard. Low cost. Call now to book your appointment.

EDUCATION, RIDING PROGRAMS The Ethel Walker School

Simsbury, CT; (860) 408-4200; ethelwalker.org Pamela J. Safford, Assistant Head for Admission and Enrollment, admission@ethelwalker.org At Walker’s, riders train on campus in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines to achieve regional and national titles under the guidance of our nationally recognized trainers. Ad on page 41.

EQUESTRIAN ATTORNEYS Sean Hogan, Esq.

Westport, CT; (203) 221-3250; seanhoganlaw.com Attorney focusing on estate planning and assisting trainers, owners, and investors in equine-related transactions and litigation in Connecticut, New York, and before the USEF. Ad on page 11.

Sowerby & Moustakis Law, PLLC

Massachusetts & New Hampshire (603) 249-5925; info@SMLPLLC.com; MassachusettsEquineLaw.com Horse owner Peter A. Moustakis has developed a passion and appreciation for matters related to equine law including contract law, transactional work, personal injury, and trust law. Equine contracts including purchase agreement, bill of sale, transportation release, equine facility boarding, liability, and lease agreements.

EQUESTRIAN FITNESS ZZ Productions

Judith Lindstedt; zz.judithproductions@gmail.com Stretch classes for equestrians. Be the best you can be in the saddle.

Be 100% to give your horse your all. Loosen up back, spine, knees, and ankles. Strengthen quads and core. Gain upper body flexibility.

Focus on stretches to get ready for your ride. Ad on page 26.

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES Amanda DeFazio Equestrian Specialist

(774) 392-4831; amanda.defazio@raveis.com amandadefazio.raveis.com Let Amanda help you find your dream equestrian property or sell your farm. Amanda grew up on the Cape and is passionate about helping her clients realize their dreams as an equestrian specialist with William Raveis. Ad on page 37.

Equine Homes Real Estate

Sally Mann; (800) 859-2745; equinehomes.com Featuring equestrian and country properties in New England and Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

109

Florida. Our team of Realtors understands and appreciates the unique nature of these properties and looks forward to matching you to the property that is right for you. Ad on page 3.

Vogel Team at William Raveis Real Estate

(860) 840-4720; lorivogel.com Team Vogel is dedicated to the listing and sale of equestrian estates, luxury properties, and professional horse facilities throughout southern New England. Years of experience, award-winning service.

We understand it’s not just a home, it’s a lifestyle. Ad on page115.

EQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICES Blue Rider Stables, Inc.

South Egremont, MA; (413) 528-5299; bluerider.org Where happy horses help make happy humans. We offer a holistic educational environment in which people and animals can safely interact, and through their mutual therapeutic experiences, broaden the scope of their lives. Year-round programs for children and adults, with and without disabilities.

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

Old Lyme, CT; (860) 434-1974; highhopestr.org High Hopes serves more than 170 children, adults, and veterans weekly through therapeutic riding and carriage driving; unmounted horsemanship; summer camps and specialty programs. Providing professional training and education for instructors. Always seeking interns and volunteer support.

New Canaan Mounted Troop

New Canaan, CT; (203) 966-0634; newcanaanmountedtroop.org We are a 501(c)(3) youth development and therapeutic equestrian center. We operate a comprehensive horsemanship program for youth ages 7 to 17 and a therapeutic program.

New Horizons Center for Equine Assisted Therapy

Foster, RI; (401) 397-9242; cornerstonefarmri.com Located at Cornerstone Farm. Offers riding and driving instruction to individuals with a wide range of disabilities utilizing the healing power of horses.

SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center

174 Morgan Road, Canton, CT; (860) 841-9930; spirithorsect.org Therapeutic horseback riding and nonriding lessons for people of all ages, with and without disabilities. Early intervention program, one-hour mentorship lessons, summer programs, and equineunified vocational agricultural training program.

EQUINE DENTISTRY Dillon’s Equine Dentistry

Edward F. Dillon; Serving New England (508) 528-2242 (voice/text); dilloneq.com Overall dental care for horses, ponies, minis, and donkeys. Twentyfive years experience. Tooth extractions, no power tools, no sedation required, no farm call fee. New customers welcome.

See ad on page 35.

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Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Service

Leah Limone, DVM, DAVDC/Eq & Kim Allshouse, DVM Topsfield, MA; (978) 500-9293; nevds.com Board-certified equine dental specialists licensed to practice in MA, NH, VT, ME, RI, and CT. Comprehensive oral/dental exams, routine maintenance, advanced diagnostics with digital radiography and oral endoscopy, basic and advanced extractions. Ad on page 28.

EQUINE LAUNDRY Barn Laundry of Cape Cod

Harwich Port, MA; (508) 432-0552; barnlaundry.com Servicing MA and RI. Fast turnaround times, one to three weeks year-round, even during busiest seasons. Washes, re-waterproofing, and repairs. Professional equine-safe wash products to preserve waterproofing. Always air dried. Free gift with each order! Ad on page 21.

Jenn’s Tack & Blanket Service, LLC

Jennifer Safron; Gardner, MA (978) 340-5576 (voice/text); jennstackandblanket.com State-of-the-art equine laundry and repair facility. Delivery available at many stables throughout Central Mass. Visit website for pickup/drop-off locations or drop off at the shop. Expert tack repair.

Gently used blankets and tack for sale. Since 1980. Ad on page 42.

EQUINE RESCUES Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue

East Hampton, CT; (860) 467-6587; ctdraftrescue.org CDHR rescues, rehabilitates, retrains, and rehomes at-risk draft horses in the Northeast. We host gelding clinics, educate horse owners about responsible care, and help struggling horse owners.

Rising Starr Horse Rescue

Wilton, CT; (203) 257-8345; risingstarrhorserescue.org Rescue, rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome at-risk horses. Adoptions, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities. Lessons, summer programs, fun, and education. Free programs for veterans. We give horses a second chance at life.

EQUINE RETIREMENT FACILITY Oak View Farm

Washington Depot, CT; joegitterman@me.com Staff and owners live on this small farm with their own horses.

Large paddocks and fields with water on demand. 24/7/365 turnout. Daily hands-on checks, grooming, supplements. Same love and attention we give our own steeds. References available.

EXPOSITIONS & SALES Equine Affaire

West Springfield, MA; equineaffaire.com Equine Affaire, the nation’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering will be November 9 to 12, 2023. Learn from and mingle with many of the foremost trainers, coaches, competitors, judges, and experts in the horse industry and experience a wealth of equine and equestrian products. Ad on page 87.

Equine Tack & Paraphernalia Sale

Topsfield, MA; Kay at (978) 768-6275; kljoreo@aol.com April 22, 2023 in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds.

Large vendor marketplace selling new and used items, services for the horse, rider, and driver. Vendor space available. Ad on page 100.

FARRIER Heritage Horseshoeing

Grace Raucher; (413) 800-5243 (voice/text) Serving western and central Massachusetts. Trimming, horsemanship, hot shoeing. Ad on page 45.

FEED & FARM SUPPLIES Benedict’s Home & Garden

480 Purdy Hill Rd., Monroe, CT; (203) 268-2537; benedictsgarden.com Serving Monroe and surrounding area since 1950. Feeds: Blue Seal, Nutrena, Triple Crown, Kalmbach/ Tribute, New Country Organics.

Hay, shavings, straw. Horse/pet and poultry supplies.

Blue Seal

Find a dealer near you at blueseal.com. Ad on pages 30 and 31 Allie’s Tack & Feed, shopallies.com Amherst Farmer’s Supply, amherstfarmerssupply.com Bridgewater Farm Supply, bridgewaterfarm.com Browns Pet & Garden Center, awbrown.com Dodge Grain Company, dodgegrain.biz Essex County Co-op, essexcountycoop.com G.M. Thompson & Sons, gmthompson.net Greenfield Farmers Co-op Exchange, greenfieldfarmerscoop.com Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange, hardwickfarmers.net H.H. Stone & Sons, hhstoneandsons.com Litchfield Blue Seal Store, blueseal.com Lock, Stock & Barrel, lsbfarmsupply.com Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain, sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com Westerly Agway, westerlyagway.com

INSURANCE A & B Insurance Group

Licensed in MA, NH, VT, ME, CT & RI (978) 399-0025; abinsgroup.com Insurance for all your equine needs. Farm and equine, equine mortality, horse owner’s liability. Our agents have been serving the equestrian community for a combined 50 plus years. Ad on page 11.

American National

Boxborough, MA: Donald Ludwig (978) 467-1001 Carver, MA: Richard Blair (508) 866-9150 Centerville, MA: Mark Sylvia (508) 428-0440 Great Barrington, MA: Dominic Sinopoli (413) 528-1710 Lisbon, CT: (860) 376-2393 or (860) 808-6608 Middleborough, MA: Kevin Sullivan (508) 998-0512 Middlefield, CT: (860) 349-7064 North Adams, MA: Kim Perry (413) 398-5011 Northborough, MA: Jeff Pichierri (508) 393-9327 South Deerfield, MA: Tim Viles (413) 665-8200 Southwick, MA: The Mason Agency (413) 569-2307 Topsfield, MA: Scott Brockelman (978) 887-8304 West Greenwich, RI: Ashley Johnson (401) 397-1050 Wilbraham, MA: Sean Rooney (413) 887-8817 Williamstown, MA: Marcia Hawkins (413) 458-5584 Worcester, MA: Thomas Carroll (508) 752-3300 Ad on pages 60 and 61.

Don Ray Insurance

Terri Ray; Serving CT, MA, and RI (781) 837-6550; donrayinsurance.com Competitive rates, educated service, and help substantiating values.

Mortality and major medical, farm packages, horse associations and clubs, directors and officers, horse shows, clinics, expo coverage, instructor liability, and payment plans. Ad on page 79.

Pleasant View Farms

JUMP EQUIPMENT & TACK BOXES Salty Dawg Equine Services

Poulin Grain

MANURE REMOVAL Associated Refuse Hauler

Somers, CT; (860) 698-2388; pleasantviewfarmsinc.com Premium quality hay, small and large square bales, large round bales, timothy, timothy/orchard grass, orchard grass/alfalfa, alfalfa.

Bagged and bulk grains, bagged shavings pellets, hemp, and straw.

Pick up and delivery. Ad on pages 14 and 15.

Find a dealer near you at poulingrain.com.

Poulin grain offers premium feeds and personalized service since 1932. Formulated to meet the unique demands of the Northeast, Poulin Grain feeds are packed with the latest cutting-edge technology and industry-leading research in every bite — so you can always be sure they’re getting the best. Ad on page 75.

FINANCING & LOANS Farm Credit East

240 South Rd., Enfield, CT; (800) 762-3276; countrylivingloans.com Loans for building a country life. Financing for farms, home construction, land, equestrian facilities. Our lending experts specialize in financing rural properties. Ad on pages 22 and 23.

Serving MA, CT, and RI; (508) 259-6924; saltydawgequine.com Custom-made jumps, tack trunks, bit boxes, and more. Great for year-end awards. View photos at saltydawgequine.com and on Facebook. Ad on page 4.

Newtown, CT; (203) 426-8870; associatedrefuse.com Containerized manure removal for one to 100 horses; containers from 4- to 30-cubic yards. Serving Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield Counties in CT. Ad on page 73.

Mitrano Removal

Shirley, MA; (978) 425-6181; mitranoremoval.com We provide large and small horse farms with a manure removal program that suits the farm’s needs. Retain a 10- to 30-yard container and we provide removal service. Choose to stockpile your manure and we provide removal service. Ad on page 69.

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REHAB, LAYUP, AND RETIREMENT BOARDING Amberfield Farm

Newtown, CT; (203) 209-1439; amberfieldfarm.com Boutique-style equine rehab, layup, and retirement facility. Many amenities to ensure the comfort and safety of your horse. Fully customized care, access to therapeutic equipment, specialized medical management, quality feeds, and variety of turnout choices. Careful consideration is given to every aspect of your horse’s well-being.

SADDLES & SADDLE FITTING New England Saddle Fit

Lise Krieger; Serving New England (203) 685-2308; newenglandsaddlefit.com Certified saddle fitter for English and western saddles. Saddle assessments, fitting evaluations, flocking, repairs, consignments, and sales. Ad on page 69.

TACK REPAIRS & LEATHER WORK Awl for the Horse

Fran Hornick; (203) 371-5635; awl4thehorse@gmail.com Repair work for English, western, harness, and more. Refinishing, conditioning, custom work, leather carving. By appointment only; leave detailed message.

TACK & EQUIPMENT Briggs Tack Shop & Trailer Sales

Hanover, MA; (781) 826-3191; briggstackshop.com Full-service tack shop with everything for the horse and rider.

Authorized dealer of Kingston Trailers. Ad on page 47.

Cheshire Horse

Swanzey, NH; (877) 358-3001; cheshirehorse.com.

English and western tack, apparel and footwear, horse clothing, pet food and supplies, feed and supplements, stable supplies and fencing, horse/utility trailers, chicken coops, and gifts. Ad on page 2.

Meader Supply

Rochester, NH; (800) 446-7747; meadersupply.com English and western tack and equipment, driving supplies for all sizes, blankets, boots, first aid, fly control, hoof care, supplements, dewormers, work apparel, riding apparel, hay, grain, shavings, bedding pellets, feeders, stall mats, shelters, fencing, and farrier supplies. Free shipping when you spend $100, located in tax-free New Hampshire. Ad on page 29.

Triple Crown Tack Shop

West Boylston, MA; (508) 835-2773 triplecrowntack.com; info@triplecrowntack.com Triple Crown Tack Shop has been in the horse community for decades and our owners and staff are riders, here to serve all riders of all levels. We carry hunter/jumper casual and show apparel, as well as items for eventing, dressage, trail riding, and foxhunting including boots, helmets, tack, cleaning supplies, supplements, blankets, horse treats, collectibles, and gifts.

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THERAPIES BEMER

Amy Robb; (603) 381-1038; amy.robb@bemermail.com amy-robb.bemergroup.com BEMER- Low frequency PEMF technology for your horse’s health.

Performance, Recovery, Stress Reduction, & Prevention.

Free demos, sales, rentals. Will travel to you. Ad on page 13.

Equine Massage by Kathleen Curran

Redding, CT; (203) 297-3008; kathy.curran@snet.net How about a nice massage? For your horse! Certified by Equissage.

Call or email for your introductory offer!

Grey Mare Magna Wave

Jenny Cournoyer; Serving MA, CT, and RI (774) 329-7489; greymaremagnawave.com Grey Mare Magna Wave offers the best in pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Serving all of New England. Sessions to suit all needs.

Rentals available. Ad on page 53.

TRAINING, LESSONS & BOARD Apple Knoll Farm

Millis, MA; (508) 376-2564; appleknoll.com Our mission is to provide a safe, comfortable, and well-equipped facility for horses and riders to develop the skills and confidence required for the sport of eventing. Facility rentals. USEA horse trials, jumper show series, clinics, and more. Ad on page 93.

Babcock Hill Horses Naturally

Dawn Bonin Horsemanship Coventry, CT; (860) 985-7611 (cell); dawnbonin.com Lessons, versatility clinics and competitions, versatility course, sales/leases, two outdoor rings, indoor arena, miles of trails.

Back Bay Farm

Ipswich, MA; (978) 356-0730; backbayfarm.com A premier hunter equitation training and boarding stable. Riding lessons, showing, training, full board, sales, and leasing. Horse shows on farm; beach and country rides off farm. Travel to USEF local shows. New riders welcome! Ad on page 104.

Bob Burrelli Natural Horsemanship

Plymouth, MA; (508) 224-9430; bobburrelli.com Natural horsemanship trainer and clinician with more than 40 years experience training and teaching all disciplines. Create a better partnership with your horse through gentle, effective, and traditional Vaquero training methods. Starting colts, helping problem horses, and helping horse and rider partnerships. Ad on page 35.

Bradford Equestrian Center

Keith & Lynda Angstadt; Haverhill, MA (978) 374-0008; leangst@comcast.net Dressage training and instruction, full-care facility, individualized programs, excellent footing, indoor and outdoor arenas, ample turnout, reasonable rates, dressage competitions and clinics, and truck-ins welcome. Ad on page 103.

Carrier’s Farm

Nancy Carrier; Southampton, MA (413) 527-0333 Indoor arena, outdoor riding ring, round pen, fields, obstacles, trails, individual or group turnout, friendly adult atmosphere. All disciplines welcome, owner lives on premises.

Cathy Drumm

Teaching throughout the Northeast (413) 441-5278; cathydrumm.com Clinician, trainer, and coach of western dressage, working equitation, and mountain trail. Kindful training for horse and rider.

Happy, relaxed horses and riders are my objective.

Cornerstone Farm

Beth Stone; Foster, RI (401) 397-9242; cornerstonefarmri.com Instruction in all disciplines, quality boarding. Schooling show series: May 21, July 9, August 20, September 17, and October 15.

“Ride for the fun of it!”

Crimson Acres

Whitmore Family; Orange, MA; (978) 575-0341; crimsonacres.org Lessons, training, clinics, drill team, horse shows, game nights, boarding, and summer camps. We provide a safe educational environment. Dare to Dream Educational Farm Program. Ad on page 91.

Double B Ranch

tune. Cross-country derbies, perfect for the green eventer and the professional with a young horse. Dressage, stadium jumping, and cross-country training. Ad on page 91.

Horses With A Heart

Shana Holland; Chester, MA; (413) 354-7744 Infants through advanced riders. Problems, restarts, mounted and unmounted, horse therapy. Horses connect and communicate through body language, energy, and space. Body riding is safer, more harmonious, and healthier for horses. Will travel.

Independence Stable

Dottie Foreman; Belchertown, MA (413) 284-0371; independencestablellc.com Dressage schooling shows with traditional and western dressage tests. Riding and carriage driving instruction. Board and training with personalized attention for each horse and rider. Ad on page 107.

It’s a Pleasure Training

Peter Whitmore; Orange, MA (978) 652-2231; itsapleasuretraining.com Peter specializes in starting young horses correctly. More than 25 years experience starting horses as well as fixing existing problems.

Available for clinics and events. Board available as well as internship program. Ad on page 56.

Rebecca Hathaway Horsemanship

Plymouth, MA; (508) 746-8545; doubleb-ranch.com Horsemanship for all disciplines. Natural horsemanship training, lessons, boarding, and certification. Ranch/trail obstacle course, cow work, ranch roping, team penning, reining, flat work/jumping, and equitation/classical dressage. Ad on page 34.

Manager, Sandy Hook Equestrian Center; Newtown, CT (203) 313-6389 (voice/text); sandyhookequestriancenter.com Riding lessons, horse training, natural horsemanship, boarding.

Equitation, jumping, dressage lessons, horsemanship groundwork/ riding, haul-ins welcome. Self-esteem and confidence building, improve cognitive skills, problem solving, games, and fitness.

Fox Ledge Farm

Red Mare Farm

Ann Guptill; East Haddam, CT; (860) 873-8108; foxledgefarm.net USET Pan Am Dressage Team Silver, USDF Certified Instructor and Examiner, USPC Graduate A, and USDF “L” Judge Graduate.

Training, lessons, board, clinics. All levels welcome. Schooling show series. Wooded trails, and open, rolling fields. Ad on page 86.

Fuller Family Equestrian

Westhampton, MA; (413) 539-1242; fullershorsefacility.com Intimate boarding environment and quality care. Matted stalls, recently renovated indoor arena, jumping field, outdoor arena, private and neighborhood trails, group or individual turnout, indoor wash stall. Lessons with Chrysanthi Gavagan or bring in your licensed, insured trainer. Because it’s not just your horse, it’s your family.

Gold Rush Farm, LLC

5 Silver Hill Rd., Easton, CT (203) 268-9994; goldrushfarmsct.com Trail rides, lessons, summer camps, boarding, pony rides, pony parties, bonfire nights, and corporate events. We focus on building a strong relationship between horse and rider.

Horse Power Farm

Ann Bowie, BHSII(T); Canterbury, CT (860) 334-1772; horsepowerfarm.info Eventing farm specializing in lessons, boarding, clinics, and test and

Kate Cameron; Hatfield, MA; (978) 739-4707; redmarefarm.com Young horse training and starting. Lessons on your horse or ours.

Kids and adults. Boarding. Two-phase and dressage shows.

Eventing barn, open to all riding styles. Ad on page 92.

RER Ponies

Heather Dostal; Hatfield, MA; (413) 427-2026; rerponies.com Lessons, summer programs, clinics, training, starting, Pony Club.

Adults and children. Heather is a USDF “L” graduate and bronze medalist. Dressage, cross-country, stadium jumping. Ad on page 94.

Stonebrook Farm

Devin Burdick; Phillipston, MA; (978) 696-1269; stonebrookfarmdb.com Specializing in starting young horses for riding and driving.

Boarding, lessons, training, and coaching. Dressage and carriage driving focus. Devin is a USDF bronze medalist. Ad on page 56.

West Meadow Farm

Sandy Hodskins Bradford, NH; (603) 558-4155; westmeadowfarmnh.com Helping riders to have better partnership with their horse since 2009. Happy Horse, Happy Life Programs, Stockmanship Clinics, Linda Parelli Clinics, Joe Wolter Clinics, and more. Private lessons with Sandy Hodkins for an hour, a weekend, or a week! Your horse or ours. Sandy also travels to you and your horse. Ad on page 57.

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TRACTORS/EQUIPMENT Bacon’s Equipment

Williamsburg, MA; (413) 268-3620; baconsequipmentinc.com Kubota, Stihl, Land Pride, and Husqvarna. Sales and repairs for more than 40 years. Family owned and operated. Competitive pricing. We have what you want! Ad on page 80.

TRAILERS & TRAILER REPAIRS Briggs Tack Shop & Trailer Sales

Hanover, MA; (781) 826-3191; briggstackshop.com Authorized dealer of Kingston Trailers for more than 50 years! Fullservice tack shop with everything for the horse and rider plus we’re a Stübben Custom Authorized Dealer and Fitter. Ad on page 47.

Whitehorse Truck & Trailer Service & Sales

Northbridge, MA; (508) 641-9212; whitehorsetruckandtrailer.com We come to you for complete trailer service! New and used trailers for sale, trailer consignments, pre-purchase inspections, gooseneck and hitch sales and installation, truck modifications, brake controllers and repairs, and wheel/tire replacement. Ad on page 55.

TRANSPORTATION East Coast Horse Transportation

Crystal & Osman Villalta; (925) 705-0640 voice/text New England to South Carolina and Kentucky Regular trips from New England to South Carolina and Kentucky and everything in between. ME DOT/MC Authorized. Four-horse slant load, matted walls and floors, dust-free shavings, soaked hay, water buckets, Ulcerguard available. Stalled layovers. No deposit required.

Ad on page 89.

VETERINARIANS Beckett & Associates Veterinary Services

Mark R. Baus, DVM; Johanna R. Kremberg, DVM Luvie L. Abell, DVM; Caitlin C. Rothacker, DVM, DABVP Cleo A. Bubulka, DVM; Mel Batterton, DVM (203) 733-0789; grandprixequine.com Focused care for the performance horse. Dedicated to protecting and maintaining optimum performance in the equine athlete. We are committed to providing the best possible care in pursuit of this goal.

North Bridge Equine Associates

Fred Nostrant, DVM, Stephanie Shen, DVM Laura Parisio-Wood, BVetMed, MRCVS, CVMMP Eastern and Central MA, Southern NH (978) 337-1260; northbridgeequine.com Progressive sport horse medicine, performance evaluations, acupuncture, chiropractic, dentistry, wellness exams, emergency care. Compassionate and progressive veterinary practice that provides high-quality, personalized veterinary care. Ad on page27.

Ocean State Equine Associates

Hollie Stillwell, DVM; Enda Currid, DVM; Anne Marie Skiffington, DVM Kate Frazier, DVM; Alex Catalano, DVM; Megan Calitri, DVM Scituate, RI; (413) 766-6578; oceanstateequine.com Serving Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. Ambulatory and hospital-based services, lameness and performance evaluations, equine pre-purchase exams, preventative healthcare, dentistry, internal medicine, and emergencies.

South Deerfield Veterinary Clinic

Samantha C. Clay, DVM & Andraya Cole, DVM South Deerfield, MA; (413) 665-3626; sdvconline.com We provide preventive care and medical care for large and small animals. We’re accepting new clients! Ad on page 28.

Chip Beckett, DVM, Jennifer Webb, DVM Caitlin McIntosh, DVM, Stephanie Tornaquindici, DVM Glastonbury, CT; (860) 659-0848; beckettvet.net; info@beckettvet.net Farm calls and trailer-in appointments. Preventative care, medical diagnostics, dentistry, sports medicine, ophthamology, surgery, alternative medicine, vaccinations, reproduction, and emergency services.

SRH Veterinary Services

Connecticut Equine Clinic

Tri-State Veterinary Services

EquidDoc Veterinary Services

Twin Pines Equine Veterinary Services

Servicing large portions of eastern CT; (860)742-1580 connecticutequineclinic@gmail.com; connecticutequineclinic.com Multi-doctor ambulatory equine-exclusive practice, offering preventive care, dentistry, pre-purchase exams, lameness evaluations, sports medicine and regenerative treatments, and chiropractic care.

Caitlin Eaton, DVM; Liz Forbes, DVM; Tessa Lumley, DVM Central MA and beyond; (508) 885-4205; equiddocvet.com Veterinary care for your horses including 24/7/365 emergency coverage for our clients, preventative health care, lameness exams, parasite management, radiography and ultrasound, dentistry, prepurchase exams, geriatric exams, and more. Ad on page 43.

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Helen Noble, VMD; Robert Orcutt, DVM; Elizabeth Lordan, DVM Evice Bolton, DVM; Nicole Syngajewski, DVM; Delaney Patterson, DVM Ipswich, MA; (978) 356-1119; srhveterinary.com Large and small animal medicine and surgery. Serving the North Shore since 1951. A Heritage Veterinary Practice. Ad on page 39.

Lisa Dauten, DVM; Litchfield, CT (860) 459-0986; tristatevetservices.com Mobile large animal veterinary practice serving CT, MA, and NY. We provide skilled and reliable veterinary services to equines, cattle, swines, small ruminants, and camelids through science-based medicine, client education, and management ingenuity.

(860) 376-4373; twinpinesequine.com Serving eastern Connecticut as well as areas of Tolland, Hartford, and New Haven Counties; and Rhode Island. Full-service equine ambulatory practice offering quality, compassionate care for your horse. Ad on page 49.

View my latest listings at LoriVogel.com!

Platinum Broker Associate, William Raveis License #REB0750070 Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023

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Community Horse 99 Bissell Rd Williamsburg MA 01096

U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORTHAMPTON, MA PERMIT NO. 25

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