PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Norwood, MA Permit #7
localtownpages
Holliston Vol. 1 No. 4
Postal Customer Local
Free to Every Home and Business Every Month
March 1, 2013
Equus caballus, and Us With its beautiful, large expanses of land, it may not be surprising to find just so many wonderful horse farms within the town of Holliston. Local Town Pages took a look at some of these farms, their owners and the culture that has grown among them.
Lil’ Folk Farm Riding Academy Expands Programs and Arenas BY REBECCA KENSIL Eleven years ago, Lil’ Folk Farm opened. The owners, Nancy and David Dubin, hosted birthday parties and summer camp for children. They started the programs with their very first pony, Blackjack. Today, Blackjack still plays an integral part in the farm by greeting visitors and providing rides, but now the farm has expanded. About a year after the farm opened, they began to offer riding lessons for children and even adults. Now, they are planning a therapeutic riding program to open on April 1 in addition to a new second indoor and outdoor arena, which will help with the year’s programs. Nancy explains why they decided to start a children’s therapeutic riding program. “We wanted to be all-inclusive place for any child of any ability to learn to ride. So, for us, we felt like the natural progression was to offer therapeutic riding,” says Nancy. For this new program, the
Newfound Farm to Open in Spring BY REBECCA KENSIL Holliston is home to many riding academy farms, but there will soon be a children’s horsemanship education center in town. Newfound Farm, owned by Pamela and Justin Brown, will officially open in May with the goal of teaching children the basics and beyond in a structured and energetic environment.
Lil' Folk has added an IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Team) program this year. Shown, from left, are Lindsey Bihuniak with Star, Annie Orcott, Anna Bihuniak with Boston, Sydney Sack with Dash, Faith Orcott and Olivia White with Roxy. Anna Bihuniak, shown center, has made regionals. Lil' Folk is also gearing up to offer therapeutic riding and is building an indoor, heated riding area, shown at inset.
owners will be using a couple of current horses and ponies and acquiring a few more. Nancy says, “They definitely need to be a special kind of horse – very tolerant, patient – a horse who doesn’t spook too easily.”
She also says Lil' Folk hosts lessons for children with mild autism already, but a quieter space would be useful. Currently, Foley Construction is building a heated arena for therapeutic riding at the farm. “We really feel as though we need a separate facil-
ity, because you need to create a safe environment for therapeutic lessons,” says Nancy. The new building will have nine stalls for therapeutic horses, an overhead
The owners are looking forward to providing lessons complete with progress reports, prepared lesson plans, and guest speakers. The farm will issue monthly progress reports highlighting student’s development based on industry-established benchmarks and best practice. Pamela and Justin will teach the basics of horse care, such as tacking, grooming, and
LIL’ FOLK
NEWFOUND
continued on page 7
continued on page 2
or visit our website: www.aayoufitnessstyle.com
206 E. Main St. Milford Nathaniel Plaza
508-488-6567
“Imagine all your favoriate brands in one Boutique! Shop for yourself, shop for your girlfriends and shop for your daughter in one spot!” Free People • Hudson • Alex & Ani • 3 Dot • Lilla P Miss Me • Lucky • Havianas • Ag Jeans • Splendid Hard Tail • So Low • Brighton and more!
• 24 hour secure access coed fitness center • Affordable Bodyworkz personal training program • State of the art equipment
Route 16 Liquors Liquor (new) • Wine • Beer • Lotto 1566 Washington Street, Holliston
508-429-1082
5OFF
$ 1564 Washington Street, Holliston, MA
• Senior fit programs
a 30 lb. bag of Taste of the Wild High Prairie or Pacific Stream only While supplies last
Friday March 1st thru Sunday March 3rd
309 Pond St • Ashland, MA www.anytimefitnessashland.com
Specializing in foods, treats and toys only
508-881-4900
(774) 233-0640
FREE RAFFLE ENTRY Grand Prize 4 Week Training Package
2nd Prize
Treat Basket
3rd Prize
Cookie Basket