interiors
PROJECT
Eastern White Pine adds a natural, warm look to the horse-mounting area of the indoor riding arena at Full Circle Farm in New Hampshire.
Wood Gallops Full Circle In Riding Facility Eastern White Pine adds authenticity to an outdoor-activity structure.
I
n the Connecticut River Valley of New Hampshire,
fun. It was this core belief that led them to the expansion
Accredited Center. To accomplish the growth of the ther-
close to the Vermont border, Full Circle Farm is firm-
of services and infrastructure. They had a larger vision—
apeutic riding program, the indoor riding arena was cho-
ly established as a successful horse-riding facility. The
expand existing services to include a therapeutic riding
sen for expansion. Originally constructed in 2001, the
program for a range of ability levels.
metal building measured 180 x 80 ft.
160-acre property offers anything and everything riders of all levels could want—varieties of riding trails criss-
“The vision was to build-in lifts, waiting areas, and
cross the property and are regularly groomed. Dotting
THERAPEUTIC RIDING
additional elements to allow us to expand the therapeutic
the landscape are 15 large paddocks, three barns, a tack
Launched in April 2014, Full Circle Farm’s year-round
riding program,” explained Tony Dattola, a 15-yr. em-
room, wash stalls, a water complex, a cross-country field,
therapeutic riding program is designed for children and
ployee of and current property manager for Full Circle
galloping track, outdoor rings, and an indoor riding are-
adults and offers mounted and unmounted activities.
Farm. “We needed basic provisions like a space for our
na. Services offered at the farm include riding lessons for
Within the program, the therapeutic benefits of riding
guests to tack their horse in the same barn in which they
all skill levels, full-service horse boarding, and special-
depend on the individual goals and expectations of
would ride, while protecting them from the elements.”
ized clinics for riders and others.
the rider, but generally fall into three categories: physi-
Helping bring the vision to life were local partners
The three barns hold as many as 20 stalls combined,
cal (improved balance, coordination, muscle tone, and
LaValley Building Supply and Jim Martin of James Mar-
some with drop-down grills to allow the horses to social-
flexibility), social (increased confidence, patience, and
tin Builders, both of Newport, NH. Together, the team
ize with visitors in the aisles. A heated tack room takes
self-esteem), and cognitive (enhanced focus and listening
conceived, designed, and constructed an addition to the
the edge off winter riding, while large lockers, kitchen-
skills). Unmounted activities, for those guests for whom
indoor arena, with special focus on engineering the steep
ettes, and accessible bathrooms are present throughout
riding would not be beneficial or might be unsafe, focus
roof to protect against snow load.
the property.
on grooming, leading, and natural horsemanship.
Completed in Spring 2015, the new spaces are useful
Owners Steven and Deborah Cossingham believe
As the program—which has received numerous glow-
and beautiful. A much-needed kitchenette and accessible
that riding is beneficial for all ages and abilities, and op-
ing reviews from past participants— strengthens, the facil-
bathroom were added to the first floor, along with three
erate their business with a strong focus on ensuring rider
ity is working to become a PATH (Professional Associa-
stalls for riders to ready their horses indoors. Skylights
safety, along with learning horsemanship and having
tion of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International
and mirrors enhance the riding experience. Large mirrors
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COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
JUNE 2017
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