Massachusetts Horse October/November 2016

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

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HORSE

Foxhunting Issue

2

October/November 2016

contents

October/November 2016

columns 20 Foxhunting Youth Spotlight

24 Swift River Lisa Eaton

Petersham

16

8

Trail Guide

40 Bay State Happenings

14

Karen Morang Photography

Carole MacDonald

Event Photos

18

features 8 Bay State Foxhunting

5 From the Publisher

16

Four Hunts to Follow

7 Your Letters

Myopia Hunt Club Stables Steeped in Foxhunting Tradition Farm Feature

14

Ginny Zukatynski Huntsman and Master of Foxhounds Horseperson Feature

in every issue 26 Overherd: News in Our Community 34 Partners 40 Bay State Happenings 41 This Olde Horse

18

Blue Star Equiculture

42 Massachusetts Events Calendar

Draft Horse Sanctuary

47 The Neighborhood

Lend a Hoof

48 Is This Your Horse?

48 Advertiser Index 49 Massachusetts Marketplace

Massachusetts Horse

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From the Publisher and a breeze to keep away the bugs. My winter

T

and about covering events all over the state. Many photos

supply of hay is in the barn and three cords of

are posted on our Facebook page with additional informa-

wood are stacked on the porch: time to enjoy this beautiful

tion about upcoming events; others are published in the

oday is a perfect autumn day — crisp air, blue sky,

Massachusetts Horse’s county desk liaisons have been out

fall day. I’m head-

Bay State

ing out the door to

Happenings depart-

pull carrots, some

ment in each issue

for me and some

of the magazine

for my ponies.

(see page 40). Let us know when

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HORSE vol. 15, no. 3 October/November 2016

ISSN 1945-1393

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 phone: (413) 268-3302 • fax: (413) 268-0050 • mahorse.com Massachusetts Horse magazine is an independently owned and -operated all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for the Bay State. © 2016 Massachusetts Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

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Foxhunting making waves in Massachusetts!

The end of Norfolk Hunt’s Joint Meet with Myopia Hunt ending on Barney’s Joy Beach in South Dartmouth.

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

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Just a quick note to let you know how much I appreciate the Massachusetts image and star above each article. Everytime I read an article, my eyes gaze up to learn where in the Bay State this article will take me. Also helpful if I want to recommend a service, the map tells me right away if the service is conveniently located.

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Bay State Foxhunting

Karen Morang Photography

Four Hunts to Follow

Heather Player, the huntsman of the Norfolk Hunt, on a 2015 day of hunting in Grafton.

by Holly Jacobson

L

ike an old English print come to life, foxhunting is alive and well in the Bay State, and you’ll find the experience welcoming and exhilarating.

If you’ve ever longed to gallop across the countryside, hack out with the hounds, or enjoy a good tailgate breakfast, there are four established clubs in Massachusetts and a few others that have hunt territory in the state.

The Myopia Hunt, Norfolk Hunt, and Old North Bridge Hounds are members of the Masters of Foxhounds Association; the Nashoba Valley Hunt is the fourth Massachusetts club.

Aside from the pageantry of redcoated riders and horses and hounds hurtling through the woods over stone walls and chicken coops, these clubs are dedicated to keeping open space intact for everyone.

Three clubs practice drag hunts — that is, hunts with no live quarry. A line of scent is laid for the hounds to hunt, and this showcases the artistry of training and hunting foxhounds, and provides many opportunities to view them at work.

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October/November 2016

Many hunt clubs offer beginner clinics and other activities for both adults and juniors. You don’t even need to ride or have a horse to join the fun and excitement.

Following the hunt on horseback, on foot, or by car is a great way to get to know the local hunt. From hunt balls to hunter paces, from tea parties and brunches to the blessing of the hounds and puppies, the network is a social one. Riding to hounds is all about camaraderie.

Foxhunting Basics When you ride to the hounds, you’re following a well-bred pack across beautiful country, with tradition and structure as essential components of the experience.

Hunts ride at the courtesy of its landowners, who invite the hunt to use their fields and trails, and often allow the placement of fences for the horses to jump. Many hunts work closely with land conservation organizations.

Subscribers are members of the hunt, and they can ride in all meets and participate in all other activities and events. Patrons support the hunt, but

don’t actually ride, although they may participate in other events. Cappers don’t subscribe, but are able to ride in hunts.

Spring roading introduces hounds, riders, and horses to the hunt at a quieter pace, in that there’s no scent to follow. Summer hound exercise focuses on continued training of the hounds.

During cubbing — which is preseason hunting that teaches young hounds to work within a pack — a scent is laid.

Hounds, riders, and horses are still improving their fitness for the formal hunting season, when the hunts are longer and faster.

Groups of riders are organized by fields (groups) called flights. First flight leads and are the jumpers. Second flight may have a pick-and-choose option or be a flat-only group that follows the full route. The hilltopping field follows at a walk-trot with short cuts to observe the hounds at work.

The master of foxhounds (MFH) is responsible for and governs all aspects of the hunt, determines the route it will follow, and instructs the huntsman. The MFH also designates field masters and whippers-in (see below).

The huntsman selects and breeds foxhounds to establish an effective pack. The huntsman maintains the kennel and provides all the care; trains the hounds to respect his commands, stay gathered around him/her, follow the scent, and ignore other scents; and to hunt and to return to the huntsman upon command. The huntsman tells the human “fox” where to lay the lie (scent) about 20 minutes in front of the hounds. The huntsman instructs the hounds to spread out and find it.

Whippers-in generally ride close to the hounds, but go where they’re needed: to aid the huntsman by slowing or turning the hounds, for example, or to direct the hounds back to the scent or huntsman.

The jumping field master follows the huntsman and leads those who opt to jump, ensures that the field does not interfere with the hounds or the huntsman, and stays directly behind the huntsman, but may decide to take the field on a slightly different route from that of the hounds in order to protect the land or fellow jumpers. This person must know the territory well, as he or she leads the field over the hunt fences and knows which jumps and footing are safe.

The hilltopping field master leads those who go at a slower pace. He may position the hilltopping field to be able to view the hounds at work.

The landowners are crucial, as it’s their generosity that allows the hunt to take place on their property, and they often construct and maintain the jumps. It’s common courtesy for every member of the hunt to greet landowners, and to thank them warmly.

Each hunt has its own etiquette and protocol, as well as designated attire for both cubbing and the formal hunting season. You’ll find the hunt’s fixture card online that lists the dates and locations of events for the season.

For some exciting videos, go to youtube.com and type in the name of one of the Massachusetts hunt clubs.

Myopia Hunt South Hamilton, myopiahunt.org Joint Masters of Foxhounds: Kim Cutler, Ted Mehm, and Nicholas White The Myopia Hunt Club, founded in 1882, derives its name from several founding members — notably four brothers who wore glasses (myopia means near-sighted) and who formed a

baseball team, the Myopia 9, after graduating from Harvard. One ballplayer, also a horseman, introduced the others to foxhunting. However, the land around their Myopia Club in Winchester proved unsuitable and the present day Hamilton land was purchased.

With more than 80 subscribers, the hunt has been instrumental in keeping land open and works devotedly with the Essex County Trail Association, the Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms, and the Greenbelt Association to upkeep the extensive trail system that runs from Hamilton to Newbury and is open to the public.

In addition, the hunt maintains the Myopia Schooling Fields adjacent to the town’s Patton Park where spring and fall hunter paces are held as well as the annual Myopia Fall Horse Show. The Myopia Hunt also maintains Givney Field, the oldest continuously played polo field in county.

Joint Master of Foxhounds (MFH) Kim Cutler says riding out with the horses and hounds in fall, surrounded by the autumn colors, prompted a friend to comment, “This feels like a painting in motion.” Kim couldn’t

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knowledge of the hows and whys of the hunt protocol, especially when training the puppies — whether it’s meeting local dog walkers in the schooling fields with the pack or parading the pack at Sunday polo matches, where the public is invited to mingle up close with the friendly hounds.

Daphne. The hunt uses land managed

by Department of Fish and Wildlife in central Massachusetts.

“It’s very unpredictable, but that’s part of the fun; we’ll jump fallen trees and walls, and time is determined by the coyote,” says Daphne. “They’re clever and usually travel in a large circle.”

Lisa Wohlleib

agree more. However, she advises riders not to wait until fall, but instead to come out in the spring during roading and in the summer for hound exercise.

“Come out early,” she says, “as the season is a progression and rides get longer and faster.”

She highly recommends the sum-

The New England Joint Meet hosted by the Myopia Hunt Club at Appleton Farms in Ipswich.

mer hound exercise for those who’d like to try hunting or riding in the country in a group. “The hound exercise is much looser than the formal hunts,” says Kim. “It’s a great opportunity for a new person or horse to get closer to the hounds and ride in a crowd.” Dress is informal. The ride, designed for people who feel confident at the walk, trot, and a controlled canter, lasts about an hour.

Myopia Hunt Club Stables, operating separately from the Myopia Hunt, has horses to lease, as well. The stable offers private lessons, cross country lessons, unmounted clinics with hunt staff, and summer hound exercises.

For juniors and children there are opening meets which can be led by an unmounted individual, to get a feel for the hunt. With 19 junior subscribers, Kim says the Myopia Hunt is planting the seeds for the next generation while giving younger riders an appreciation for open space and respect for the hunt’s traditions.

“There’s no cell phones and no talking while the hounds are working,” Kim says.

Myopia encourages juniors to show the puppies, and reaches out to Pony Clubs with kennel tours and education.

Kim loves sharing her extensive 10

October/November 2016

After Labor Day, formal cubbing starts, followed by the opening meet.

The hunt meets Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, culminating on the popular Thanksgiving Day Hunt, which many spectators follow.

“The hunt is infectious,” Kim says, as is her passion for sharing the many aspects of the hunt experience. “It’s such a beautiful sport; we greet everyone with open arms.”

Nashoba Valley Hunt Royalston, nashobavalleyhunt.org Joint Masters of Foxhounds: E. Daphne Taylor, Edmund J. Taylor, and Russell Therrien Founded in 1964 by former members of the Groton Hunt (which was established in 1922 and disbanded early in 1964), the Nashoba Valley Hunt (NVH) is unique in that it provides the thrill of a live hunt following coyotes.

“Our hounds primarily follow lines from the night or early morning before [the hunt], says Joint MFH Daphne Taylor. “By the time we are out in the country the coyote is fast asleep in its den. The hound never sees it at all — it’s all about the chase for hounds and us.”

“It takes 20,000 acres to provide enough space for a live hunt,” says

Although NVH attracts a smaller group of about 20 riders up for the live chase, they boast an avid support group, including road whips who follow the hunt by car and help with road crossings. “Our on-foot members are very important and we’re a family-oriented group,” Daphne says.

Daphne is eye-catching in a hunting sidesaddle on her WarmbloodAppaloosa cross Tony. She did swap out her top hat for a helmet a few years back. “Sometimes I feel like a Victorian throwback,” she says, but she feels it’s a way to stay connected to the land, the way, and past generations.

One way the old traditions merge with the new is that all of the NVH’s hounds wear GPS collars so the huntsman can track them. This came in handy when two young hounds made a beeline for Kimball’s Ice Cream stand — all part of the unexpected of a live hunt.

NVH provides a variety of ways to join for a day — riding, biking, or riding along in a member’s car. If you’ve never been foxhunting and want to learn more about it, this is a great way to get acquainted. Social activities include cookouts, the Hunt Ball, and group outings to polo matches.

Nashoba Pack is made up of eight

Marilyn Stowe

which has more than 200 miles of trails couples of purebred Welsh hounds and Norfolk Hunt and 300 jumps. The hunt has also been four couples of American Walker Dover, norfolkhunt.com proactive in adding new fixtures to hounds. Nashoba Valley Hunt is the Joint Masters of Foxhounds: Owen P. keep the hounds, horses, and riders only pack in the United States that Hughes, Ruth E. Lawler, Thomas E. interested in exploring new terrain. breeds and hunts pure Welsh hounds.

Lewis, and Dominic W. Cammarata “All of our riding fields are strong In most mounted foxhunting, castand we put a premium on ing the hounds follows good safe sport,” says Joint the original English MFH Tom Lewis. method — that is, the Developing relationships entire pack is released with generous landowners into covert all at once. has been a priority, Because of dense forest enabling the Norfolk Hunt and rugged terrain in the to offer tracks from NVH territory, hounds Westport to Little are hunted in the fashion Compton, Rhode Island, of French hunting — that that wind over stone walls is, using a tufter or strike and along the Sound. hound, always an Whittier Farm in Sutton is American Walker. This another gem opening up hound, which is cast hundreds of acres. alone ahead of the pack, “The thrill is really in finds a line or scent trail Joint MFH E. Daphne Taylor hunting side saddle on her Warmblood-Appaloosa watching and following of the coyote and speaks cross Tony, Joint MFH Russell Therrien on Diva, and Libby Taylor on Missy. the hounds across wide on the line. The huntsopen fields and we have a good pack of man brings on the pack, the hounds Established in 1895 by a polo group hounds,” says Tom. The Norfolk Hunt hark to the strike hound, and the chase seeking to stay fit in the off-season, has four flights that follow the hounds. begins.

Norfolk Hunt is one of the oldest regisHe also points to the addition of Three hunter paces are also run tered foxhunts in the nation. The club skilled Huntsman Heather Player three each year, with the upcoming Fall began in Dedham, then moved to years ago as one reason the Norfolk Hunter Pace on October 16 at Shepley Dover in 1903. The Norfolk Hunt rides Hunt is thriving. Her first litter will be Hill in Groton. in the Charles River Watershed Area, hunting this fall.

Massachusetts Horse

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Suzanne Adams

Lawler. “Spectators are always encourTo encourage the next generation, Old North Bridge Hounds aged, and on Saturdays and holidays are Carlisle, oldnorthbridgehounds.org the Norfolk Hunt offers two juniorinvited to join us for a post-hunt tailgate Master of Foxhounds and Huntsman focused outings each year where young breakfast.” riders can get the experience of riding Ginny Zukatynski, Joint Master of All the fixtures during October and Foxhounds Marjorie Franko up front. Local trainers like Stephanie November are posted on their website Gill, of Gill Equestrian Center in The Old North Bridge Hounds so people can plan their fall.

Canton, often bring their young riders (ONBH), established in along for the exposure, 1969, rides primarily in the traditions, and fun.

Middlesex and Worcester Norfolk Hunt Pony County towns of Acton, Club members are eligiBerlin, Carlisle, Concord, ble to earn their Pony Framingham, Groton, Club foxhunting certifiHarvard, Lincoln, cate and there are often Pepperell, Stow, Sudbury, children in the hilltop and Westminster.

This hunt field. territory gives members and For newcomers, and guests access to some of the to provide year-round most beautiful equestrian activities for members, trails in the Boston Metro Norfolk Hunt’s Saturday West area all the way to summer rides let people Old North Bridge Hounds Annual Blessing of the Hounds in Concord near southern New Hampshire. get a feel for the hunt Estabrook Woods at a joint hunt with the Norfolk Hunt Club.

ONBH’s spring hunt scene. “It’s a very inforseason (cubbing season) runs from Norfolk is also planning a trip in mal way to let people bring their horses, mid-April though Memorial Day. It’s fall February 2017 to Adare, Limerick get familiar with the stables, and ride season commences in mid-September County, Ireland to foxhunt, but will also out with the whips,” says Tom. “Of and runs thru the Saturday after schedule beach rides, clinics, hacking, course, we have a cookout after.” Sport Thanksgiving, with the formal season and invites those who just love to follow and camaraderie go hand in hand. commencing the first Saturday in a traditional hunt.

“We’re a very welcoming, fun-lovOctober. ing group,” says Joint MFH Ruth ONBH has two hunting fields —

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October/November 2016

first and second flight. First flight is for those who wish to take fences and ride at a faster pace, while second flight is at slower pace.

“We’ve an amazing pack of hounds consisting of American, crossbred, and Penn-Marydel Foxhounds,” says Pat Jackson, hunt treasurer. “Our Huntsman Ginny Zukatynski has developed a great rapport with them.”

“We’re a very social club,” says Ginny, who describes the atmosphere as informal and friendly. “Last year we had an enjoyable Blue Moon Evening Hack through Berlin, followed by a lively barbeque with riders and friends. It was one of the many fun events of the year.”

Club members and guests enjoy a tailgate breakfast after spring season and fall weekday hunts, and teas following hunts on weekends during the formal season. Among other annual activities are joint meets, hound shows in New England and along the East Coast, hound races, the New England Hunter Trials, weekly hound exercises, hunter paces, a July 4th celebration, and clinics on learning to hunt, sidesaddle, and long lining. Of course, there are occasional trips to Kentucky/Rolex,

Saratoga, and elsewhere, and the Annual Masters Dinner.

“We enjoy ourselves,” says Ginny, who also serves as Huntsman. “My Hanoverian, Bartok, loves hunting and I love watching and working the hounds. When they give voice, it’s exciting and really beautiful.”

In addition to its riding members, ONBH has many supporters on the ground — friends and family members included — who enjoy following the hound truck, helping hold horses at checks, and joining the hunt staff for hound exercising. “It’s a great behindthe-scene view of hunting from the ground,” Ginny says, “and another way to learn the ropes.”

Whether you’re looking for a fun group of folks to ride with and share good times, or want to experience the excitement and fanfare that is hunting from the ground, we welcome you to come out and join us. Contact Ginny Zukatynski for more information at (508) 751-3315.

All in a Day’s Hunt The first time you hear the huntsman’s horn and see the hounds gathered

around his/her horse, you’ll experience a feeling of going back in time. These are sounds and sights you’ll not soon forget.

For now, though, the hunt is over, the hounds have loaded, and the huntsman has blown “Going Home.”

As you would bid the MFH after a day’s hunt, even if it’s one in the afternoon, “goodnight.”

For more-detailed information, visit the Masters of Foxhounds Association’s website, mfha.org, or go to mfha.com/docs/guidebooks/introtofoxhunting 2013.pdf, where you can download the MFHA’s Introduction to Foxhunting.

Holly Jacobson, a freelance writer, lives in Essex County, teaching her retired Quarter Horse tricks while she pursues new goals in para dressage and para reining.

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Horseperson Feature

Berlin

D

Ginny Zukatynski

on’t let anyone tell you that being the Huntsman and Joint Master of Foxhounds (MFH) of a New England, all-volunteer hunt club is anything but a full-time job.

Ginny Zukatynski, Huntsman and MFH of Old North Bridge Hounds (ONBH) is busier now than she ever was before retiring from the official work world. But before we get there, let’s find out how one might find themselves in a role that includes producer, director, and coach, organizing cast and crew for a spectacle that takes place twice weekly across many towns in Metro West and Central Massachusetts, and other territories throughout New England during the spring and fall hunt seasons.

Born and raised on the family farm — back when family farms were not an anomaly in Weston — Ginny, like many children in town, rode horses. Youngsters would jump on their horses or ponies and off they went with friends riding through open territory. Trails were plentiful and you could ride for miles in many directions and swim your horses in the local ponds. Well, as she grew up and the family's circumstances changed with the passing of her father, that idyllic childhood was left behind for the work world, marriage, and motherhood and the joys of riding and horses became memories.

Fast forward 15 years: Ginny moved to Berlin with her husband and daughter. As a mother, she wanted her daughter to have some of the same wonderful childhood experiences with horses she’d had, so enter daughter’s horse. Well you know the next part, daughter loses interest as she enters adolescence and mother is left with several horses that need to be ridden. So Ginny reentered the riding world, and — as anyone who knows Ginny well will tell you she always does — threw her heart and soul into it.

In her 30s, Ginny began taking jumping lessons for the first time in her life with the well-known and respected MFH of Nashoba Valley Hunt Honora

14

October/November 2016

Huntsman and Master of Foxhounds

Haynes and it wasn’t long before Ginny was on her first hunt. Ginny laughingly recalls referring to the foxhounds as “dogs” and being curtly corrected,

tory. Needless to say, this made for some exciting predicaments over the years. Ginny then decided to move to drag hunting and sought out and joined Old North Bridge Hounds. Through the many years with ONBH, Ginny has served as a field master, whip, treasurer, and most recently, huntsman and MFH. As if being actively involved in the foxhunting world were not enough, Ginny regularly competed for many years. Early in her hunting career, Ginny wanted to ride in the New England Hunts Hunter Trials.

A good friend strongly suggested she get some extra coaching, so Ginny hooked up with the trainer who would remain her trainer for close to 40 years and remains her trainer to the present day, Ann Geoghegan. Ann prepared Ginny for the hunter trials, and soon, Ginny was competing in what was then called combined training, and later became known as eventing.

Ginny bought a threeyear-old horse out of an auction barn and he became a horse of a lifetime — Sweet William. He was a gutsy Quarter Horse with the heart and soul to take her all over New England to horse trial competitions.

Ginny and Sweet William were selected to represent Area 1 in the team United States Combined Training Association Championships in Gladstone, New Jersey, and finished on their dressage score — clear in cross country and stadium jumping.

With a glint in her eye and a smile on her face Ginny tells many a story of her travels and experiences with Sweet William through their years together.

Ginny continued competing in eventing until she took on the role of huntsman for ONBH, as the added duties of huntsman did not allow time for eventing. Ginny assumed the role of ONBH’s huntsman from Mim Neville upon Mim’s retirement in 2009. Ann Geoghegan describes Ginny as, “a very Carole MacDonald

by Susan Goldfischer

“they’re hounds!” That first hunt was quite an experience for which neither Ginny nor her horse were quite prepared. But Ginny knew there was fun to be had hunting and was convinced that if she kept at it she would like it, and so she did.

Ginny has been hunting for 40 years and has hunted with Nashoba Valley Hunt, Myopia Hunt, Norfolk Hunt, and Tanheath Hunt. She was a member of the Tanheath Hunt for several years. It was at Tanheath that Ginny first learned the role of whipping in from Marge Matthews, its MFH and huntsman. Whips assist the huntsman in working with the hounds and orchestrating the hunt. At that time, Tanheath was a live hunt and this was well before radios and cell phones provided a means for hunt staff to communicate during a hunt, when oftentimes they are in different locations in the terri-

special lady, one of the hardest working and most determined people I know, a true animal lover and she’s always a blast to be around.”

Now back to where we started.

Ginny’s role on hunt days as ONBH’s huntsman is to provide a successful and enjoyable outing for the hounds and riders participating in the hunt. She tries to orchestrate the hunts, to the extent anyone can when you have a pack of hounds following a scent through the woods and open spaces and whose noses can take them in unplanned directions. Needless to say, she and her staff need to be skilled, nimble, and go with the flow. Ginny also has responsibilities that include ensuring that ONBH’s pack of foxhounds are well cared for and any health issues are promptly addressed; raising and training young hounds; managing breeding decisions; and keeping the hounds fit and trained in their roles by organizing practice drags and hound exercises year round.

During hunting season, Ginny plans the general route that the hounds will take and consults with the fox staff about where to put the scent and also meets with the field masters and whips before each hunt to discuss the route the hunt is taking and any challenges it may present.

Ginny has three things that make spending time in her company on hunt day a special experience — a solid partner in her horse, a strong love for and rapport with the hounds, and a passion for hunting.

On any given day you may find Ginny exercising ONBH’s hounds, talking to the vet’s office for guidance on a medical issue, consulting with field masters and hunt staff in preparation for the morning’s hunt, and galloping across a field following hounds. Oh, and that daughter who lost interest in horses, well, she’s back. Ginny’s daughter Sandi now has several Thoroughbreds of her own and can be found whipping in for ONBH, just as her mother did. “I feel very privileged to have the honor of hunting hounds for ONBH,” says Ginny.

“My main goal is to have fun. Nothing is more exhilarating than riding along, watching, and hearing our hounds sing thru the countryside. It’s so awesome!”

Ginny likens working with the hounds to having a large family — all on four legs. Hounds all have different personalities and respond to different training approaches — some are very sensitive, some braver, some fast, some

less so. Aging hounds still love to go out and Ginny sees that they remain happy and healthy and hunt only the shorter, easy terrain hunts.

Every hunt requires many decisions to be made based on which hounds will work best. Thus each outing must be carefully considered, which hounds hunt together successfully, and which will work well in the territory being ridden that day.

“Our young hounds are brought along slowly and methodically to give them every opportunity for success,” says Ginny. “There’s nothing like hearing hounds ‘give tongue’ when following the scent laid by ONBH’s feisty human “foxes,” or to see the excitement in the hounds’ eyes while waiting to be cast, or see the members and guests on horses waiting to move off. It sure is a glorious sight.”

Ginny conveys her passion for hunting, her horse, and ONBH’s hounds as she describes all she does and how blessed she is to have this experience and how indebted she is to her lovely horse Bartok who has found his niche hunting and loves this sport.

“It takes a village to have a successful hunt,” Ginny says. “The generous landowners who allow us to hunt their

land, without them we would have no sport; my Joint MFH Marjorie Franko and our supportive members working hard in every aspect maintaining territories, hosting teas, and working with us at our other events throughout the year such as hound shows and hunter paces and doing whatever needs to be done; our ‘foxes’ who provide scent through the woods and fields. Our hunt staff whose assistance working with hounds is critical. And, of course, our hounds that love the sport and share their joy with us at every hunt.”

“If your readers would like to enjoy the experience of the sights and sounds of a foxhunt, feel free to come out and join us on horseback or on foot at one of our hunts,” says Ginny. “Come out for one of our hunter paces or the New England Hunts Championship Hunter Trials that ONBH will be hosting on October 30.”

Susan Goldfischer discovered horses in her late forties. Making up for lost time she jumped right in with a passion to learn and experience as much as possible. On any given weekend she can be found volunteer stewarding at horse trials and dressage shows; riding in and auditing clinics; organizing clinics; assisting at ONBH hunts; competing at schooling shows; and, of course, riding and learning from one very special mare, Letida.

Massachusetts Horse

15

Hamilton

by Alessandra Mele

Farm Feature

Myopia Hunt Club Stables

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he Myopia Hunt Club Stables in Hamilton are easy enough to find among the hundreds of acres of breathtaking open North Shore country — just follow the hallooing of hounds. Up the road that winds through Myopia Hunt Club sits a prestigious shingled stable through which generations of noble foxhunters have passed with their mounts, welcomed home warmly after a long day riding across the fields.

Steeped in more than 130 years of

foxhunting tradition, Myopia Stables offers old-world horsemanship with modern-day riding programs and excellent horse care. With a wide range of opportunities available to riders of all ages within both the foxhunting and hunter/jumper disciplines, Myopia Stables offers a rare and diverse equestrian experience.

Baseball to Foxhunting The history of Myopia Stables goes back to 1882, tightly interwoven with the founding of the Myopia Hunt Club. It all began with a baseball team. A group of recent Harvard University graduates formed a club that travelled around the Boston area, establishing their clubhouse in Winchester.

Kim Cutler is the current Joint Master of Foxhounds (MFH) at Myopia Hunt Club and has written much on the history of the club and the stables. “Of the nine baseball players, five wore 16

October/November 2016

Steeped in Foxhunting Tradition

glasses, earning themselves the name the ‘Myopia Nine,’ ” she says. “Baseball was good fun, but when one of the players travelled to Long Island and gave foxhunting a try, he came back to his teammates, enthusiastic about bringing the hunt to Massachusetts.” They soon embraced the exciting sport of horses and hounds as their own.

The trouble was that the terrain in Winchester didn’t offer the sort of open country necessary for a decent hunt, so the gentlemen went in search of a fresh

The antique beauty of the Myopia Stables alone is enough to make anyone want to move their horse right in, but it’s the robust riding programs that set Myopia Stables apart. What’s more, you don’t need to be a member of the Myopia Hunt Club to enjoy the equestrian sports; riding, lessons, and boarding at the stables are all available to the public.

Heather Hunt Meehan is the equestrian director and an instructor on staff.

location. They landed on the North Shore, in Hamilton, where they found plenty of open farmland available to rent. The stables were already in place and kennels were soon built for the hounds. “It all began with foxhunting,” Kim says. “The club eventually purchased the land in 1891 and it has been Myopia Hunt Club ever since.” The same barn, renovated over the years, remains in use today and is where the Myopia Hunt Club calls home.

The stables sit in the heart of open country — a home base for foxhunters, hunter/jumpers, and polo players alike.

In 2000, the stables shut down for a year to undergo major renovations, modernizing the space to increase functionality, while preserving the historic bones.

The stables now boast 29 stalls, a riding ring, a pony barn, spacious turnout areas and, of course, miles upon miles of open country and trails to ride through for hours on end.

Alex Geiger is an instructor and coordinates the stable’s foxhunting program, focusing on junior riders. Along with a few other staff members, the two lifelong horsewomen coordinate the many programs, events, and services available.

“It can be a challenge to juggle it all,” Heather says. “Fortunately, I have a really amazing team to work with and we have an incredible facility to make it all happen.”

The stable’s residents include a handful of versatile lesson horses and a majority of boarded horses. “We’ve students ranging from beginner walk/trot kids to those who show on the A circuit up and down the East Coast,” Heather says. “Here at Myopia, we’ve created a program that combines foxhunting and hunter/jumpers — a unique situation that works very well.”

Alex has a background in eventing and made the natural transition to foxhunting upon her arrival to the Myopia

Diverse Riding Programs

Stables five years ago. She especially enjoys working with young foxhunters.

“Our junior foxhunting program has become pretty robust in the last couple of years,” she says. “It has really grown. I take the teenagers out to foxhunt each week, which is so much fun. They’re so energetic and eager to learn.”

As a Joint MFH, Kim stresses just how critical it is to get young people involved in the hunt: “Juniors are such an important part of the stable program as well as foxhunting because they are our future,” says Kim. “Once they get out there with Alex and are introduced to the hounds, they have a great time and are hooked!”

There’s plenty available to young riders on the hunter/jumper side, as well, including opportunities to succeed in the show ring, ride with a team, and learn stable management. “For the hunter/jumper riders, we go to a lot of local horse shows up here, and we winter down at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida,” Heather says. “We’ve an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team made up of 20 riders and we just sent a pair to Pony Finals.”

IEA has become a particular love of Heather’s and she believes that solid horsemanship should be at the roots of every good program. “A big part of our IEA program is making sure the kids get involved with the stable management and that they understand what it takes to run a facility like this,” Heather says. “Part of IEA team requirements is that each rider takes one hour per week to help out with stable chores. We believe in old fashion working students and make sure they learn how to do everything.”

A Rich Past and Exciting Present What sets the Myopia Hunt Club Stables apart from many other riding stables in the area is that students have the opportunity to learn a diverse set of skills with access to a huge amount of land. “We’ve a handful of kids that cross over between foxhunting and horse showing, which I love to see,” Heather says. “Your typical hunter/jumper barn doesn’t have access to this much open country, and we definitely take advantage of it. We take the hunter ponies out to hack in the schooling fields all the time and it makes for happier

horses. They’re not just going from the barn to the ring every day.”

Alex agrees that the diversity and flurry of activity is what makes Myopia Stables unique and is what drew her to the place originally. “You would be hard pressed to find a barn where you can go out foxhunting, enjoy miles of trails, join an IEA team, be a working student, then go to an A-rated show all in the same week,” she says. “We always have so much going on and it keeps things very interesting.”

For Kim, it’s the history and tradition adorning every post, beam, stall, and aisle that makes for such a special place. “The stable is filled with history, and that’s what I love about it,” she says passionately. “Traditions like ours are so important for kids and adults alike these days — the past can get lost so easily. What I love about the hunt and our facility is that it keeps history alive.”

The very nature of the sport at Myopia Hunt Club’s roots is an obvious allure, too. “You put hounds and horses together, and there’s nothing better!”

Kim says, laughing. “Why would you want to do anything else? A lot of members of the club who don’t ride seem to just love coming by the stables to visit with the hounds and pet the horses.

Everyone can enjoy this.”

From the occasional howl and bark of the hounds out back, to the misty open fields lined with old stone walls, to the riding ring busy with huntcapped children, and the aisles lined with carefully hung halters, tradition is alive and well at Myopia Stables. Not only in the bones of the old post and beam structure, but also in the way the young students dress neatly for their lessons, mind their positions in the saddle, and dutifully scrub their tack after a ride out in the field.

Heather reflects on the ten years she’s been involved with Myopia Stables, and is nearly at a loss for words trying to pinpoint her love for the place. “The history and beauty of the stables, combined with all the instruction and diverse riding opportunities it has to offer — it’s truly a special place.”

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

Presents the 22nd

Equine Expo Paraphernalia Sale Saturday, April 29, 2017 . 9-3 Large marketplace of new and used items!

Plus services for the horse, rider, and driver.

Demonstrations All Day . $5 Admission Held in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1, Topsfield Vendor Spaces Available . Free Parking

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Trained under Spencer Laflure of Advanced Whole Horse Dentistry Learning Center.

Massachusetts Horse

17

Lend a Hoof

Palmer

Blue Star Equiculture

by Alessandra Mele

Working Horse Sanctuary

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reside at the sanctuary, each with their own special needs, unique stories, and important roles. The herd includes rescues like Chance, able-bodied working horses like Piper, a young, strong

Karen Morang Photography

he classic striped face of a Belgian horse peers out from the upper barn at Blue Star Equiculture Working Horse Sanctuary in Palmer. Gentle eyes framed by a forelock cut straight across like a first grader’s newly trimmed bangs.

Chance, an elderly working horse rescue, turns his attention back to an avalanching mound of hay that’s constantly available to help fill out his meager frame. The contours of his ribs and jutting points of his hips suggest a troubled past, but those big, blinking eyes framed with a peppering of grey hairs are full to the brim with hope and trust: Chance knows he’s in a safe place, and he’s growing stronger every day.

His hope turns to downright joy in the arms of Pamela Rickenbach, founder and executive director of Blue Star. She wraps her arms around Chance’s work horse neck, and he nuzzles her back.

“He just gives the bests hugs!” Pam says.

“Chance was an old farm horse, whose owner loved him a lot, but when the man passed away, no one cared for Chance anymore. He became loaded with canker, totally underweight, and severely dehydrated.”

Pam and her team of dedicated volunteers worked to get Chance to eat full meals, built up his strength, and provided him the surgeries he needed on his cankered hooves. “It is always amazing to see the results,” says Pam. “He’s been so stoic through his healing and is doing very well now. It’s all about their spirit. If I see they want to live, I’ll do anything I can to save them.”

A Herd with History Chance is just one example of the hundreds of horses Blue Star has assisted over the seven years they have been in operation. At any one time, 32 horses 18

October/November 2016

Percheron mare, and senior retirees like Finbar, who spent his prime years as a carriage horse on the streets of New York City. The variety of breeds, sizes, and colors living in harmony is thrilling to behold at first glance, but it is their individual personalities and histories that truly amaze visitors to the farm.

The mission of Blue Star has remained the same since its founding in 2009 — commitment to helping horses, humans, and Mother Earth.

Pam stresses the way these elements are critically intertwined: “Our mission comes from the belief that all things are connected. Making an effort to take better care of our horses in need leads to taking better care of our entire community.”

To understand the efforts that Blue Star is making, it is important to consider the rich history of humans and horses working together. The relationship goes back about 6,000 years, as we partnered with these animals to survive, conquer, build, and make a living. With

the introduction of technology like automobiles and tractors, horses became less of a necessity, and more of a luxury. “When that disconnect occurred,” says Pam, “we began moving away from the earth. Working with horses is a skill that keeps us connected to the earth. We work to restore that bond and remind people of the serious connection between humans and horses.

Horses shaped our lives, they made us who we are, and we made them who they are. We need them, and they need us.”

Blue Star is a place where this partnership is valued and put into practice. Pam resides on the farm, and organizes all efforts toward promoting the humanhorse partnership so that as many people as possible can experience it.

Equine husbandry is seen at its finest in the bountiful organic gardens, where horsepower is used to perform the many tasks of farming. Day-to-day operations around the farm are tackled with the combined efforts of volunteers and equine residents. Whether harnessed to a plow, pulling a carriage, under saddle, or simply providing companionship, every horse on the farm has a place and a job.

The physical contribution that horses have made in shaping civilization since ancient times are undeniably significant. However, the emotional bonds they have formed with humans are equally as important, if not more so.

Pam points out the spiritual necessity for horses in a troubled, modern world: “Today, we may not need them to physically conquer the world, but there’s an internal need for them. They allow us to reflect on ourselves, and make us

grounded, sensitive people.” The fellowship between humans and equines present at Blue Star — and the resulting peaceful, harmonious atmosphere — is certain proof of the good such a bond can do for the soul.

Educating the Next Generation Blue Star knows the importance of instilling their message in younger generations, as the world around them moves increasingly away from productive equine partnerships in conditions that threaten the environment. Many of the volunteers at the farm are young people, and they are taught to engage in partnerships with the horses, communicating with them effectively. Once they establish connections with the horses, they learn to be teamsters and perform work with their equine partners.

As horsepower becomes antiquated and working in harness is increasingly a specialized skill, Blue Star recognizes the importance of gaining knowledge from experienced horsemen while it is still available. Bill Darnley of Wales has had lines in his hands for more than 70 years and can often be seen perched on the Blue Star wagon, critiquing young teamsters as they learn the fundamentals and finesse of driving horses. “No drooping, I want to see those reins active!” Bill says. “Keep that evener straight!”

Bill learned how to harness and drive horses from his grandfather, and first brought that knowledge to Blue Star five years ago when he began working with a six-horse hitch. After some time away, he returned to Blue Star in April, and has continued working with young teamsters and some of the green work horses. “Everyone at Blue Star has a strong will to learn this skill, but the experience that I had growing up isn’t readily available,” he says. “I’ve been glad to help out, I want them to learn a thing or two.”

Brian Jerome is a young teamster who spends time with Bill each week at Blue Star, learning to drive the farm’s teams, as well as an impressive six-horse hitch. Bill is pleased with the progress Brian has made, but stresses that there’s always more to learn. “There’s a lot of growing to do, and we’re barely getting at the roots,” he says. “I focus on hands a lot — a light touch is the most important thing. You’re trying to send a message through the bit, establishing a language the horse can understand. It’s a darn hard thing to teach.”

He’s careful never to overwhelm

his students; he knows there’s a lot to take in. “There are layers and layers to this skill, says Bill. “Little by little, I try to add things into their box to remember. By the end of the summer, I want them to be saying, ‘Hey, this is a lot more fun than it used to be!’”

Brian seems to be having plenty of fun, and is visibly grateful for all that Bill has taught him. “I’ve learned to pay attention to my hands and all the little details and adjustments, whether it’s the lines, the bridle, or the bitting,” Brian says. “When experienced teamsters like Bill take the time to teach us these things — that’s the best. You can’t find that in a book.”

Blue Star is a community effort.

The farm is run entirely by volunteers . . .

From the moment he met Tex — Blue Star’s largest resident at 20.3 hands — Brian fell in love with the herd. “I was addicted!” he says, laughing. “I would come after work, sneaking out to the paddocks to spend time with the horses. My role here has grown, and now it’s my life. This is a special place.”

Brian also contributes as the equipment manager on the farm.

Brian moves through the herd of giants with confidence, clearly among friends. Whether holding the lines of six draft horses, or galloping bareback, there’s no such thing as apprehension in Brian’s horsemanship. “I’ve found it very natural for me to drive these horses and even ride them,” he says. “I never get nervous or scared, even though sometimes I probably should.

When something unexpected happens, I don’t freak out, I just try to fix it.” Bill looks over to Brian, nodding his absolute approval. “That’s something worthwhile,” Bill says. “Because you care about these horses, and you want to help them, there’s no fear. You do what you need to do.” Brian smiles. He has clearly learned a lot from Bill.

All for the Horses Leaving fear behind is certainly critical in driving horses, but it also applies to the operation of Blue Star as a whole.

Pam and her team have faced their share of opposition, loss, and heart-

break over the years, but have pressed on in dedication to the horses that call the place home.

Blue Star is a community effort.

The farm is run entirely by volunteers and one hundred percent of the money they raise through donations goes toward the care of the horses. There are several ways to support Blue Star, but perhaps the most effective and accessible way to help is by becoming a herd member. This entails donating a minimum of $10 per month, for which members receive benefits, including free admission to events and discounted merchandise, lessons, and wagon rides.

These consistent donations provide stability to the organization, insuring that the needs of the 32 residents can be regularly met.

The Massachusetts Horse Benefit Adventure Trail held September 24 in Wilbraham raised a large portion of the year’s income. “It will help especially in buying the hay that we will need to get through the winter — which is a lot!”

Pam says.

Through efforts like these, Blue Star has seen incredible growth over the past seven years in financial support, volunteer effort, and farm improvements. Pam always keeps an eye toward the future and focuses on how her vision can reach its fullest potential.

“We need to become completely selfsustaining as a working, profitable farm, and prove it’s an economically sound venture,” she says. “We’ve made great progress. We need to look at our productive partnership with horses and continue to use it to become sustainable.”

The results are clear when you witness the progress that neglected horses like Chance have made, or the magnificence of a six-horse hitch Brian guides with confidence, or the joy on visitors’ faces as they pet the senior horses, learning their stories. “The greatest pleasure in doing all of this is sharing it,” Pam says. “Everyone who comes here feels better after they leave. You can see more clearly the things that truly matter — it’s all worth it.”

To lend a hoof, visit equiculture.org.

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

Massachusetts Horse

19

Youth Spotlight

Foxhunting

by Andrea Bugbee

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20 October/November 2016

enthusiasm for the sport to her students as automatically as handing them a helmet.

“The kids love the excitement of it,” Stephanie says. “There’s no competition, but there are a lot of

never knew it was open to kids, listen to what these young Bay State riders have to say about this sport. Many of them are Stephanie’s students, and they just might convince you to get out of

India Doyle

Skylar Wolfe

Kathie Davenport

n the old days, foxhunting began as a way to remove an overpopulation of foxes, which are quite crafty when it comes to stealing chickens. Farmers on horseback galloped after their hounds, which chased after the fox. Today, most foxhunting doesn’t involve a real fox at all. Riders still do gallop after hounds, but they chase only the scent of a fox (fox urine) spread on a secret path planned by the huntsman — the person who cares for the hounds — beforehand. This is called drag hunting. It not only keeps live foxes safe, it also keeps the hounds and horses in the woods and grassy fields instead of chasing a frightened fox through residential neighborhoods or the center of town.

No one but the huntsman ever knows where the trail will lead, and the riders are often out foxhunting for two or three hours, enjoying their horses, the scenery, and, if they choose, a thrilling ride. It’s perfectly fine, however, to ride peacefully at the back of the hunt, going at your own pace.

More confident and adventurous riders travel closer to the front, often cantering and even galloping over farm fences, stone walls, and coops.

Stephanie Gill is the whipper-in for the Norfolk Hunt Club in Dover. That means she helps with the hounds out in the field.

Stephanie is a riding instructor at the Norfolk Hunt Stables. She encourages people to try foxhunting and supplies horses to those who need one. She spent her weekends foxhunting as she was growing up in Ireland.

Now, she hands over her

rules and etiquette to follow.

I want [my students] to experience riding out in an open field. It’s a whole different type of riding. It keeps the joy of riding alive, and there’s nothing like watching the hounds working and ‘speaking.’ ” If you don’t know much about foxhunting, or if you

the ring to fly over field and fence!

India Doyle Usually, if a parent has a child on a lead line, it’s to pony around a paddock or smile at a show. But that’s not the case with India and her dad, Walter Doyle of Beverly. A lover of some of

the equestrian world’s more extreme sports, polo and foxhunting, Walter introduced both India, 14, and her brother Wyatt, 12, to foxhunting at the Myopia Hunt Club by clipping a lead line to their ponies and taking them along when he went out with the hunt. India was about eight the first time she got to go — and she loves it!

India explains that there are different levels of foxhunting, so it’s easy for kids and beginners to give it a try.

First, says India, the huntsman and hounds lead the group. Next comes a group of riders called first field. These are the fastest riders who are confident jumping all of the jumps, even the highest ones, which can be a little over three feet.

The second field riders travel a bit slower and jump a bit lower, or they simply ride around the most challenging jumps. Next, there is a group called pick and choose. These riders gallop out together, but they only jump the obstacles they want to. Finally, the hill toppers follow the hunt last and they’re a great group for first-timers. “It’s basically more like a trail ride when you’re back there,” says India.

India started as a hilltopper, but today she hunts with first field. When not foxhunting, India events on her Paint/Thoroughbred gelding, Secret. She credits foxhunting with teaching her to make faster, better decisions, and to cope with all sorts of unforeseen situations. For example, she says, once when she was still riding on a lead line with her dad, the first field riders trampled through a colony of ground-nesting bees.

India’s horse got stung and took off. “He ended up jumping this huge paddock fence, which was basically terrifying,” India says. “It was really funny — for some people.”

In the end, says India, “I would definitely not be the rider I am today if I hadn’t started foxhunting at such a young age.”

Skylar Wolfe Skylar describes herself as, “ . . . not much of the show type.” Instead, this 18-yearold from Paxton prefers trail riding, some eventing, and — you guessed it — foxhunting. Skylar has been riding out with the Norfolk Hunt Club since the fall of 2013, and now, she says, “I don’t know what I’d do without it if I hadn’t found it.”

“It sounds crazy, but I love the sound of the hounds,” says Skylar. (A hound doesn’t bark, he opens, gives tongue, or speaks in foxhunting terminology.) “It means there’s yet another thrilling adventure ahead.”

Skylar crests over unforgiving obstacles, such as stone walls, on her 11-year-old Morgan mare, Summer. “It’s exhilarating. The unknown is the fun part about it. It’s definitely very exciting, and the companionship at the hunt club is rewarding. Everyone knows everyone. It’s a great atmosphere. We definitely encourage juniors to come out and hunt with us so they can continue the tradition and keep our hunt club alive.”

Skylar now hunts with the first flight, but she didn’t start at that level, and she’s had help along the way. First, there’s Summer, the magical Morgan who was actually born at Skylar’s home. “She loves foxhunting; there’s no doubt. She doesn’t like to get left behind, which is great for me because I need her to be forward,” says Skylar, explaining that her little gogetter tackles jumps as high

as three feet, three inches even though she’s only 14.2 hands. “I’ve heard many times that we have a bond that allows us to be so trustworthy of each other. She jumps everything for me and almost nothing fazes her.”

Skylar has also been boosted along by the Joint Masters of Foxhounds at her club: Owen Hughes, Tom Lewis, Ruth Lawler, and

had a good time participating in the New England Hound Show with some of the club’s hounds.

“The hound show is pretty much where all the hunt clubs in New England bring all of their best hounds,” says Mary, describing the New England Hunts Hound Show and Hound Trails that took place May 1 at the Green Mountain Hounds

Mary Kelley

When asked if foxhunting is cruel, Mary says, “We don’t use a real fox.

Somebody takes fox scent and lays it out over the fields and the hounds follow that.

All of the people [at the Norfolk Hunt Club] care about the hounds so much.”

Mary and some of the other kids associated with the club help socialize and condition the hounds by playing with them and walking them. “If a hound isn’t cut out for foxhunting, they find a good home for it,” says Mary.

“Everyone at the hunt club gets to play with the puppies and hounds. Even though they take care of horses, they know how to take care of hounds just as well.”

“In pretty much every discipline, there’s something that people do the wrong way,” Mary says, “but I can guarantee you that the Norfolk Hunt Club does it the right way.”

Taylor Smith

Taylor Smith Dominick Camerata. “They’ve given me a lot of confidence and inspiration,” says Skylar.

“They’ve taught me so much.

I’d like to thank my mom, because if it wasn’t for her I would have never started hunting. She’s taken me to many of the Saturday hunts and both her and my dad have been there for me throughout the three years.”

Mary Kelley Mary hunted this past spring in Norfolk Hunt Club’s pick and choose division, but this 13-year-old from Canton also

in New Haven, Vermont. To compete, says Mary, “We ran the hounds around a ring, then we walked them onto a little platform in the center of the ring so the judge could judge their conformation.”

When examined, says Mary, the hounds have to stand with their back legs out square while the handler (Mary) holds their head and tail up.

“It was hard keeping them still,” Mary says, laughing. “In a hunt, the hounds have to run out in front of the horses so, as you can imagine, they have a lot of energy.”

At six years old, Taylor Smith is living the dream. He has two brothers — Charlie, who is eight, and Aiden, who is four. When these boys go out to play, they don’t gallop after each other on imaginary horses. Instead, each of them has a real pony of his own and galloping, foxhunting, racing, and the occasional jousting match are all part of a day with the family.

When Massachusetts winters freeze away the fun, Taylor and his brothers pack up their ponies, switch schools, and ride out the cold in Aiken, South Carolina.

That’s because Taylor’s family owns Apple Knoll Farm in Millis and his mom is Adrienne Iorio, a certified level two United States Eventing Association instructor and international fourstar level eventer. Where she goes to teach, train, and compete, her boys simply follow.

Although the Smith boys do spend ring time building Massachusetts Horse

21

their skills, Adrienne is a strong advocate of foxhunting as an excellent sport for starting equestrians.

Foremost, she says, “Foxhunting is fun.” A social sport that brings horse lovers out of doors, foxhunting also exposes kids to nature and land stewardship. Riding at different gaits over varied terrain teaches young riders balance, position, and agility.

Plus, etiquette is integral to foxhunting, so the bonus is that it teaches kids good manners.

“It’s fun,” says Taylor, who hopes to compete in the Junior North American Field Hunter Championships.

“You get to jump jumps and canter and gallop.” When Taylor mounts his 18-year-old gray pony, Sugar, for foxhunting, he can’t wear dirty breeches and a t-shirt.

Instead, he says, “You have to wear a hunting coat, and you need to wear a button-down shirt and a tie, and if you want to, you can wear your cross-country vest.”

Asked if he ever falls off, Taylor seems utterly unperturbed. “Yes,” he says. “But my pony just stays there.”

That means her job is to care for the hounds, Burke explains. Heather lets some of the young riders help care for the hounds by walking

tiful job. “I like galloping in the big fields,” she says.

“When we get released, you feel like you’re in slow motion. All you feel on your

Burke England Miguel von Fedak

Burke England Twelve-year-old Burke of Canton has only been riding for two years, but she’s already hooked on foxhunting. That’s because Burke rides under trainer Stephanie Gill, of Gill Equestrian in Norfolk, where riding out with the Norfolk Hunt Club is a passion Stephanie spreads to all of her students.

“Foxhunting is relaxing,” says Burke, who rides hunter/jumpers and hopes to lease a horse some day soon. “We’re not pressured like we are at horse shows.”

Sometimes, Burke even gets to go out hound schooling when the hunt club is training its youngest hounds how to chase a scent.

Heather Player is the huntsman at Norfolk Hunt Club.

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October/November 2016

them, playing with them, giving them treats, and teaching them their names. During a hound schooling, Heather goes out early and drags a cloth dipped in fox scent around a field to make a trail. Then, she brings the hounds to the field to find and follow the scent. Burke and other riders go out on their horses to follow the hounds so they get used to following the scent with horses there, too. “With these hound schoolings,” she says, “we’re teaching them how to hunt.”

When asked to describe what it feels like to go foxhunting, Burke does a beau-

face is the wind, and you can’t hear anything except the hounds. When you go over the jumps, it feels like you’re flying, and when you’re walking, you’re not thinking about anything else — except maybe going again.”

Miguel von Fedak With his hilltopper days far behind him, Miguel finds in foxhunting everything an adrenaline-loving athlete desires: heart-thumping speed, lightning decision making, endurance, strength, finesse, and unity with his horse.

“It’s rugged. It’s intense.

It takes everything to a higher level — I think that’s great,” this 16-year-old show jumping competitor from Sharon says. “Quick decisions are what makes foxhunting, foxhunting. You’re full-out galloping in the woods where there are narrow paths full of rocks and roots. You have to organize yourself after each jump as fast as possible. You need to be one with your horse the whole time. It’s not the safest of sports, but it can be very rewarding. It’s really a moment of clarity and a moment of wow.”

“Most of the time you want to take a nap after a fox hunt, and so does your horse,” says Miguel, who rides out with the Norfolk Hunt Club three or four times a season. He likes that foxhunting helps him with his show jumping because it improves his balance, timing, and ability to make decisions under pressure. He also likes that foxhunting gives him the opportunity to, “ . . . be able to do something out of the ordinary, something that not many people do in a lifetime, though it’s surprisingly accessible.”

For foxhunting, Miguel recommends a horse that has spirit, but that is also calm and trustworthy. And, when asked what type of riders might like foxhunting, Miguel says, “If you think you’re a rugged person who can go with the flow, foxhunting is something to try.”

Hadley Driscoll Before Hadley even remembers, her parents, Jen and Keith Driscoll of Milton, noticed something different about their daughter. “We would find her in her crib standing, bent over, with her head down at her feet. She fought going to sleep at night because she hated being horizontal. She could do all the things other kids could do — run, walk, sit,

and play — but she couldn’t find her sense of place in space at times,” says Jen. When Hadley was four, she was diagnosed with sensory integration disorder. Her doctor recommended exercise to strengthen her core.

Since Hadley already loved horses, Jen and Keith started taking her for riding lessons.

Today, Hadley is nine and is wild about a sport that keeps her busy with both horses and hounds.

“Everything was a little extra hard for me — anything that involved balance,” says Hadley, “but now I canter, jump two feet, foxhunt, canter one-handed, ride bareback, and trot with no stirrups.” In lessons, Hadley also plays the game where riders must balance an egg on a spoon. “I’ve never won,” she says, laughing.

Through horseback riding and foxhunting, Hadley has gained strength and balance, as well as confidence and bravery. Hadley has since shown a hound at a hound show, she has been foxhunting multiple times, and she participates in local shows. Here’s a story she tells about Luna, the Paint she rides.

“I was about to do my two-foot class at a show at Apple Knoll Farm and there was a practice ring so my friend Sarah and I went in,” says Hadley. “I was riding Luna. There were other riders in the ring too. I was jumping a small cross rail and, right as Luna landed, a woman and her horse cut us off. The same thing happened a few more times. The last time, Luna got spooked and took off straight down a hill (it was a raised ring). I ended up sliding forward on the saddle and had to lean all the way down on her neck just to hang on. Luna stopped just before the dressage ring, where we would have crashed if she didn't

stop running. My bottom was on the pommel but I didn't fall off!”

“Sometimes you just never know what Luna is going to do,” says Hadley

five children in West Roxbury, which could be exactly the reason she has the fortitude, bravery, resilience, and sense of adventure it takes to fox-

Hadley Driscoll Niamh Mequaid

“That’s why she’s nicknamed Looney Tunes. You have to be ready for anything when riding Luna.”

Niamh Mcquaid Niamh (pronounced “Neem”) is the youngest of

hunt. Her love of horses, though, comes straight from her mom, Noeleen, who grew up riding a Connemara in Ireland.

Niamh doesn’t have a horse of her own, but she got to ride out this year on Miley,

a chocolate palomino owned by her foxhunting friend Mary Kelley. Both Niamh and Miley are fairly new to foxhunting, but, like Niamh, Miley is brave and willing to try new things. According to Mary, Miley is “ . . . really sweet. She loves food, and she’s really fast. She keeps up with all of the big horses even though she’s small.”

Though Miley is only about 13 hands, she’s jumped more than three feet.

Niamh, who’s 11, has been riding for two years.

When asked to describe foxhunting to people who may not know anything about it, she focused on the tradition and excitement that surrounds a hunt. She rode with the Norfolk Hunt Club, and, she says, “There were a lot of people, especially in the junior hunt. There were maybe 30 or more. My favorite part is seeing all the hounds go and chase the scent, and then following the hounds.

The hounds are all excited.

It’s pretty cool because all of them have their head to the ground to find the scent.”

The Joint Masters of Foxhounds, she says, are in charge of the hunt and the hounds. They ride out front and wear red riding coats.

And, if someone falls off, the riders nearby shout, “Rider down,” and everyone stops.

In the end, it takes 11year-old Niamh to explain the simple joy that has kept foxhunting — now humane drag hunting in Massachusetts and most other areas — popular for nearly five centuries. “When the huntsman blows the horn you just canter off,” she says.

“It’s really nice.”

Andrea Bugbee is a freelance reporter. She lives with her husband and their children in Southwick.

Massachusetts Horse

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Petersham

by Stacey Stearns

Trail Guide

Swift River in Petersham

S

wift River has long been a destination for anglers, with trout fishing being especially popular. The East Branch of the Swift River is the largest tributary of the Quabbin Reservoir and links the three tracts of land in Swift River Reservation in central Massachusetts.

In the Colonial era, the 435-acre reservation was home to farmland, a quarry, and homes. Now, seven miles of trails and old roads weave through the forestland, swamps, and uplands. Not all of the trails are horse-friendly, but there are still miles that can be ridden. Much of this area was damaged by the 1938 hurricane, including the forest.

There has been pine and hardwood re-growth since then. When riding at Swift River the forests are filled with pine, hemlocks, and oak trees.

Wildlife, flora, and fauna are also abundant.

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October/November 2016

cate which is foot traffic only. Stop at the information kiosk and compare maps.

You can walk over to the river from the parking lot at the Slab City Tract, but you can’t get to the water. If you have a collapsible bucket and a rope, you can drop it down in the river to get water, but in this case, I found it much easier to use water brought from home.

Out Riding It

Stacey Stearns

Access and Resources Swift River Reservation is managed by the Trustees of Reservations and is located in Petersham, near the Barre town line. As with other properties maintained by the Trustees, it’s best to use the directions on its website rather than GPS. Swift River has three different tracts and parking areas. One tract, the Davis Tract, only has hiking/foot trails.

The other two tracts, Slab City and Nichewaug, both have multiuse trails.

The Slab City Tract is easily accessed from Routes 32 and 122 (which run together in this section of Petersham), and is a short drive from the parking area for the Nichewaug Tract located on Nichewaug Road.

On Routes 32 and 122, there are horse and turtle crossing signs near Pat Connor Road and the Connor Pond.

Access to the Slab City Tract parking area is just before or after the green bridge that crosses the East Branch of the Swift River, depending on your direction of travel.

The information kiosks at both tracts were out of trail maps. Equestrians should either print one at home from thetrustees.org, use the Trustees app, or take a photo of the map on the bul-

letin board with your smartphone.

Parking is easiest with a two-horse trailer or smaller gooseneck. The Nichewaug Tract has an eight-car parking lot, and you can parallel park along the roadside, using multiple spaces and getting some shade for your trailer.

Nichewaug Road is narrow and steep — drive slowly. The Slab City Tract also has

a shady eight-car parking lot. You can pull around in a circle, and park along the far side, away from the road, and closer to the information kiosk. On a Friday afternoon, I had the parking lot at both tracts all to myself.

There are some trails in the Nichewaug Tract that are for foot traffic only. Please adhere to this rule, as these trails have steep drop-offs, are narrow, and very rocky. In one section, the trail goes over a section of stone wall — it’s not a horse-friendly area.

The trails in the Nichewaug Tract are marked with blazes, but blaze colors don’t match the maps at the bulletin board. When you’re looking at the information kiosk, green trails are foot traffic only. These green trails have yellow blazes in the Nichewaug Tract. If you print a map at home, all of the trails are the same color, and it doesn’t indi-

In the Nichewaug Tract, you’re fairly well removed from the roads, and your only companions on the trail are your horse, the wind blowing through the trees, and the occasional sounds of birds singing and other wildlife. Although I was alone in the Nichewaug Tract, the well-worn path through the field let me know this was an often-visited location. Wild grapes grew on either side of the path as I made my way toward the woods.

The hilly trails go up and down — it was a good workout for my horse. Acorns were scattered across the trail in Nichewaug, soon to be picked up by wildlife. Stone walls wind their way through the woods and provide evidence of the agricultural history of Swift River Reservation. At one point, I looked down beyond a stone wall and saw a well-worn, weatherbeaten fence post still standing after all these years.

Giant rocks from the glacial period also dot the landscape. The wind rustling through the trees sounds like gently running water, and a few times it deceived me as I strained to hear the East Branch of the Swift River.

The Slab City Tract is not as well marked. I started and stopped several times in the open grass paths near the information kiosk trying to find the trail. There were many to choose.

Exploring the side trails was interesting and I found they often circled back around to the main trail. There’s a stone wall with stairs built into it, and a hitching post for horses next to the stairs. It led to the same place as the regular trail, but it was fun to test out

the hitching post and explore a bit. A little farther up, I came upon the old town pound.

During my exploration, I wondered about the lives of people who once lived here, and marveled at the craftsmanship that built the stone walls. They’ve endured long after the people who built them — a testament to another time. I finally got going in Slab City and found myself in the Harvard Forest where the trees exude a quiet strength.

One of the trails in Slab City also runs along the Swift River, offering glimpses of the peaceful river as it rolls past.

Parting Advice The trail and preserve at the Nichewaug Tract border private property and it’s well posted. Be sure to stay on Trustees land. Hunting is also allowed in the Swift River Reservation.

Riders should wear blaze orange from September through January.

I recommend hoof protection, as it can be rocky in places. I rode in August and huge black horseflies accompanied me on the trail, and I was glad to be carrying extra bug spray that I could reapply.

A geocache is hidden in the Slab City tract, and if you visit

geocaching.com you can find the coordinates and try equicaching — geocaching while horseback riding. It’s best to only attempt equicaching while riding with a friend, as you may need to dismount and search for the geocache.

The premise of geocaching is a treasure hunt. Small, weatherproof boxes are hidden using GPS coordinates, and contain a logbook and, sometimes, small treasures. It’s a fun way to add some adventure to your ride.

For those looking for more miles, Brooks Woodland Preserve is also nearby and offers 13 miles of trails.

From Brooks Woodland Preserve, you can ride a half-mile and visit the North Common Meadow, which has a pond.

Both of these are Trustees of Reservations properties located in Petersham. Brooks Woodland is on the far side of Conner’s Pond and can be accessed using side roads off of Routes 32 and 122. Erving State Forest is also nearby, and offers multiple trails for equestrians. More information on Erving can be found at mass.gov.

Happy trails!

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

capeequestrian.com

Massachusetts Horse

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Overherd

News in Our Community Several young Massachusetts eventers traveled to the Colorado Horse Park July 26–31 to compete in the championship junior onestar competition at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) — the pinnacle event for equestrians age 14 to 21. And they brought home team gold.

The NAJYRC is widely regarded as the Junior Olympics of equestrian sport, as it mimics the team competition formats found at the international levels; teams of four riders compete against one another, both for individual placing and for the best combined team score. The team for the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Area I — comprised of all of New England and New York — was finalized by a committee of advanced eventers after a six-month selection process consisting of training camps and competitions.

Five of the six riders selected to represent Area I hail from Massachusetts: Cornelia Dorr of Manchesterby-the-Sea, Erica Jarrell of Lincoln, and twins Katie and Maddie Lichten of Hamilton comprised the team, while Eliza Eddy of Ipswich and Haley Rosenberg of Pleasantville, New York, competed as individuals.

The team competed against seven other teams fielded by other USEA areas throughout the United States and one team representing Canada. Good dressage scores put the Area I team right in the middle of the pack in fourth place after the first phase, but it was the team’s strength in the cross26

October/November 2016

country and show-jumping phases that clinched the championship title.

In addition to the team gold medal, two members of Area I achieved podium finishes: Haley Rosenberg took silver and Cornelia Dorr took bronze. Katie Lichten also placed in the top ten.

The University of Massachusetts acquired 11 mares and two stallions, including stallion US Panez from the U.S. Calvary Remount Station in Middlebury, Vermont.

Bay State Legacy and her mother, Bay State Distinction, can trace their bloodlines

Grazing Fields Farm Medal Days

Abigail Powell

Massachusetts Young Eventers Part of Gold Medal Team

Katie Lichten and RF Luminati competed in the championship junior one-star competition at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park in July and helped bring home team gold. (Picture from Groton House in 2015.)

The Massachusetts eventing community is very proud of the accomplishments of this year’s team and all the hard work and fundraising it took to make the journey to Colorado!

n Abigail Powell

UMass Revitalizes the Bay State Morgans UMass Hadley Farm announces its newest arrival: Bay State Legacy, a Morgan filly named in memory of alumna and longtime supporter Susan B. Roberts, who passed away unexpectedly last year.

The Bay State Morgan line was established in 1951 when the government disbanded its cavalry horses.

back to those original cavalry horses, including US Panez and broodmare Optic, carrying on the government tradition. Using donations from the Susan B. Roberts Memorial Fund, the university bred Distinction to USEF Horse of the Year, GKB Coal Magic, owned by Dr. Lucy Tidd of Maryland. “This is a phenomenal cross,” says Dr. Cassandra Uricchio, director of the UMass equine program, “and will help revitalize the university’s Morgan breeding program.”

To learn more about the UMass Equine program and Bay State Morgan horses, contact Dr. Cassandra Uricchio at (413) 345-0183.

Sunday, July 24, kicked off Grazing Fields Farm Medal Days, followed by the annual Head of the Bay Classic in Buzzards Bay. Medal Days is a locally recognized USEF show series and offers NEHC, MHC Junior, Adult, Children’s, and Mini Equitation Medals.

The Head of the Bay Classic is a two-week USEF nationally rated A and jumper-rated 1 show series that runs July 26–29 and August 1-4. Exhibitors come from New England, New York, and the East Coast to compete in equitation, hunters, and jumpers for cash prizes and an assortment of medal titles.

This year marks the 16th year of the Head of the Bay Classic. Highlights include three Hunter Derbies — the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby sponsored by J. R. Hudson Horse Transportation, the $2,500 Child/Adult Hunter Derby sponsored by Mezza Luna Restaurant, and the $1,500 Special & Pony Hunter 2'3" sponsored by Grazing Fields.

Tucked away on a small winding road, Grazing Fields Farm’s horses happily munch on grass in generous pastures that take up a large portion of the 80-acre facility. Kathy and Mike Fletcher have been the proprietors of this slice of heaven since 1995; they primarily focus on training and showing hunters and jumpers. Grazing Fieldshas a strongly rooted history in the Bay State equestrian community, as it was the original home to Hope Garland Ingersoll’s Penrhyn Welsh Ponies and Cobs.

To learn more, please visit grazingfields.com.

n Cora Shillinglaw

MHC Scholarship The Massachusetts Horse Council Sambuca Memorial Scholarship, donated by April Renzella, is a new $500 scholarship for students working toward a veterinary degree. This scholarship is in memory of April’s beloved horse, Sambuca.

“We went through a long period of two steps forward, one step back with Sambuca’s health,” says April. “We were so fortunate to have Dr. Jose Garcia-Lopez and Dr. Kate Chope at Tufts Large Animal Hospital carefully watching and examining his every move. My mom, Ann, and I are so appreciative of the team of vets who helped Sambuca and we want to assist in the education of another future animal care provider.”

April and Sambuca had a decorated career. They won the 2013 Bit O’ Straw Child/Adult Special Hunter Classic at the Head of the Bay horse show, received top

honors in the Large Junior Hunters at the 2010 Fieldstone Spring Festival, and qualified for the Days of Champions medal finals with a win in the medal class almost every year they competed. In 2009, April generously let Nicole Nichelmann ride Sambuca in the Adult Medal where the two placed eleventh in the Over 30 Championship. April and Sambuca attended both the 2010 and 2014 MHC Medal Finals.

The MHC is honored to be the chosen organization to give out this scholarship.

The Renzella family has been a longtime friend of the MHC, and the MHC is proud to honor Sambuca with a scholarship that focuses on supporting the next generation of veterinarians who take care of our equine friends.

The scholarship was awarded at the 2016 MHC Days of Champions.

For more, visit mahorsecouncil.com.

UMass Equine Management Summer Pre-College Program Twenty-two high school students from around the country attended the Equine Management Summer PreCollege Program at the UMass Hadley Farm.

Students participated in the intensive program to explore what it takes to succeed in the horse industry, participating in hands-on practicums and workshops with UMass faculty, visiting equine professionals, and the Bay State horse herd. The students gained college credit, while also experiencing campus life and exploring equine careers. To find out more, visit umass.edu/ summer/precollege.html.

Two Bay State Riders Win Medals in South Africa Cailin Bridges of Salisbury and Kasey Saccocia of Halifax were members of the medal-winning U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team, which

traveled to South Africa to compete in the 2016 International Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup at the Mistico Equestrian Centre, July 7–9.

The 12 U.S. athletes delivered excellent performances against teams from Canada, Namibia, and South Africa. Under the guidance of coaches David Cater, Pam Roush, and Kent Swalla, the three-gaited section won gold and the coveted ThreeGaited World Cup trophy, while the five-gaited section won silver.

In front of the judging panel of Terry Johnson (Canada), Cindy Mugnier (Belchertown), and Aretha van Rooyen (South Africa), the U.S. team members confidently rode their unfamiliar mounts and performed well in the first phase. On the second and third days of competition, the U.S. athletes again produced great efforts in the individual workouts.

“The team performed

Massachusetts Horse

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Supporting our horse community since 2001.

Donating more than 2,000 Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Awards to Bay State competitions.

Raising more than $58,000 for horse-related nonprofit groups through the Massachusetts Horse Benefit.

Providing free subscriptions to the members of 32 organizations and clubs.

In our 15th year of news, photos, and event coverage.

Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association’s

Hunter/Equitation Shows October 2

Heritage Farm (Double medal classes offered!)

October 9

EQUITATION FINALS Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center South Hadley

October 16

Harmony Hill Farm

October 30

Muddy Brook Farm

Dressage Shows

English and western dressage classes. Tests offered for English include (USEF): Introductory Tests A, B, C; Training Level Tests 1, 2, 3; First Level Test 1. Western Tests (WDAA): Introductory Level Tests 1, 2, 3, 4; Basic Level Tests 1, 2, 3, 4.

October 23 October 30

Emerald Glen Higher Ground Farm

Featuring year-end awards in many divisions.

wnepha.com Full schedule can be found at:

An organization for horsemen, by horsemen.

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October/November 2016

very well under pressure in the World Cup,” Coach David Cater says. “It’s not easy for the riders to perform on horses that they’ve hardly ridden and our team did a fabulous job with the horses we paired them with. We couldn’t be more proud of the team as a whole, and both the three- and five-gaited teams had brilliant performances. More importantly, they came together as a team, which made the whole event more meaningful.”

Kasey Saccocia was a member of the three-gaited team. She’s been riding since she was three years old, competing in Walk Trot at the age of eight. She has continued with her joy and passion of competing in Saddle Seat Equitation ever since. Currently, Kasey shows her own Morgans and other people’s Saddlebreds under the direction of David and Kristen Cater. This wasn’t Kasey’s first international competition, as she was a member of the U.S. Saddle Seat home team in 2015 and competed in New Orleans.

“I love the team aspect of the World Cup,” Kasey says. “We all look out for each other, and try to help so each member gets a good score. I love my teammates and wish the competition wasn’t over. With both competitions, I also met and made new friends.”

“Kasey’s a go-getter,” says David Cater, her trainer/instructor. “She will not let anything get her in way to get where she wants to go. She gives 150percent every day, and is the first one to the barn in the morning and the last one to leave at the end of the day. She’s also a great mentor toward the little kids in our barn.”

“As a rider, Cailin is quiet on a horse, but very effective,” says her trainer/instructor David Cater. “She’s smooth and flows on a horse. Even with a difficult horse, she makes riding look effortless because she can stay poised.”

This wasn’t Cailin’s first competition in South Africa. She was an individual gold medalist in the five-gaited division and a member of the goldmedal winning U.S. Five-Gaited Team last September. This past April, she was invited by Harold Poil Stables in Hekpoort, South Africa, to spend a month with them in preparation to compete at their world championship show. She really enjoyed farm life in South Africa, and celebrated her 19th birthday while there.

“Cailin is extremely talented and has a great work ethic with complete dedication to this sport,” says trainer/ instructor Kristen Cater.

n Suzy Lucine

World Para Reining Rider Heather Smith Exhilaration. Freedom.

Borrowing four hooves.

Sliding and spinning. Those are words from para riders who have had the opportunity to ride a reining horse.

These riders are missing limbs, paralyzed, or have diseases robbing them of their mobility. People may see that, but the horses don’t.

The horses will try their hearts out and, in return, many of the para riders experience the freedom of walking or running again without the use of walker, wheelchair, or cane.

World Para Reining (WPR) is an organization created by para equestrians for para equestrians. Since fostering the idea in 2013, WPR has not only created an omnipresence in several countries across the world, but also established foundation reining patterns for all levels of physically challenged riders. Because WPR considers riders who can only walk patterns to riders who can lope full patterns, four different grades have been organized to let all riders compete at their own ability level. WPR also works with para riders from the beginner level up to those para riders who compete on the world stage.

WPR is holding a first ever International Championship at the 2016 AQHA World Championship in Oklahoma City. Similar to the World Equestrian Games, the format will include a jog, team competition, and individual competition. This inaugural event currently boasts more than 30 riders from at least six different countries.

Heather Smith of Springfield will be riding for one of the United States teams.

Teaming up again with her catch ride from the Wild

Card Reining Challenge last May, Heather will be mounted on 12-year-old palomino Quarter Horse Bit A Hercules. After only three rides together, they helped win reserve champion in a team competition at the Wild Card in Las Vegas.

Heather is passionate to be part of the para-reiner

more, visit worldparareining.org and follow Heather and the WPR Masters Team at the International Championship.

Valinor Farm Series Valinor Farm held its final Schooling Jumper Show, offering classes from Lead Line up to 3' Jumpers. This

Bay State Equine Rescue volunteers in the winner’s circle at Saratoga Race Track where the second race of the day was named for Bay State Equine Rescue.

©Waltenberry

To learn more, visit usasaddleseatworldcup.org.

Heather Smith and Bit A Hercules at the 2015 Wild Card Reining Challenge.

movement and working with WPR. Last year, Heather and her own palomino, Mr. Tuff Fox, showed in the first para reining classes in Massachusetts at the Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association Open Show and Annual Show. Competing in the High Roller Reining Classic in 2015, Heather earned enough points to become the 2015 World Para Reining Reserve Champion.

Para riders may have been changed by chance, however they are all champions by choice. To learn

schooling show series, which is referred to as Thursday Night Under the Lights, runs from May through August on the first and third Thursday of the month. New this year, the series is affiliated with the South Coast Series, southcoastseries.com.

The unjudged warm-up started at 4:30 p.m. and the first judged class began promptly at 5:30. Other classes offered were Walk Trot Equitation and Pleasure and Walk Trot Canter Equitation and Pleasure. The rules of the jumper show

were broken down into three elements: A Jumper classes to be run as a timed first jump-off and all clear-round riders to ride the jump-off course; B Jumper classes to be speed classes, with the first round timed and no jump-off; and the Gambler’s Choice class where each rider has 60 seconds to complete a course of their choosing. In the Gambler’s Choice class, all verticals score 10 points each, all oxers score 15 points, and no obstacle may be jumped more than two times. After the allotted time is up, riders may attempt the joker jump to score 20 points, and that may only be jumped one time.

The atmosphere at the Thursday Night Under the Lights Jumper Show is lighthearted and casual. Riders from around the South Shore and Cape Cod come out to have a fun evening full of friends and horses, and to experience jumping under the big stadium lights installed around Valinor Farm’s show-jumping ring.

The environment is safe and friendly, providing riders of all abilities a wonderful venue to continue to develop their skills and build confidence in the show ring.

Many of the attendees come out and participate in this jumper series for the duration of the season, turning new acquaintances into old friends by the end of the summer.

n Cora Shillinglaw

Hawley Bennett-Awad Eventing Clinic Hawley Bennett-Awad, USEA ICP Level IV instructor and two-time member of the Canadian Olympic eventing squad came to True North Farm in Harwich for a twoday eventing clinic focused on show jumping and cross country July 30 and 31.

Saturday’s focus was footwork and show jumping with an emphasis on balance, straightness, throughness, Massachusetts Horse

29

and rhythm. Although the sun was hot, the Cape Cod sea breezes kept us all cool enough to work hard through the afternoon.

The pole and footwork exercises established an easy rhythm for the horses who grew in confidence through each line. Students worked hard to meet the challenge and each and every one came away having gotten a good feel and thrilled with the experience. Hawley is tough but enthusiastic and this fueled each student’s excitement and motivation to try their best for her. The horses notably left each set looking confident and happy — a compliment to a good clinician.

Saturday night Hawley and her husband Gamal were treated to a New England Lobster Bake for all our clinic riders and students. We hope this will tempt them back to the East Coast from their Temecula, California, base soon!

Hawley took the time to talk to the young riders personally about their goals and tell her stories of her years in Pony Club up through her Olympic experiences. Little Ashlyn Alves won the Hawley Bennett C4 Custom Belt that Hawley raffled off to all the young riders and jump crew as a thank you for their efforts.

Cross-country day was filled with both good galloping work and footwork on True North’s schooling course with lots of turning questions preparing each students to move through the levels with confidence and skill.

Riders worked drops, ditches, water, and turning questions as well as galloping techniques focused on balance, straightness, and rhythm, with both the large group of auditors and the riders getting a real feel and idea of what Hawley was looking for.

Hawley, who is huge into discipline, good manners, 30

October/November 2016

and effort was quick to praise and also to motivate and got the most from each rider and horse. Everyone came away thrilled with their new levels of work, confident to bring that forward and excited to set new goals and achieve them.

We’ve had several world class clinicians at True North, and Hawley was so clearly that perfect mix of

encountered on a pleasure trail ride. Riders may enter either judged ride in one of the seven divisions: Men’s Rider, Women’s Rider 49 and Under, Women’s Rider Over 49, Novice Rider, Junior or Pony Club Rider, Novice Horse, and 4-H Rider. Or, they can enter the unjudged ride at either distance.

The entry fee is $55 for adults, $35 for juniors and

Ride organizer Larry Underwood with Kylee Taylor, the big winner at the 2015 Eastern Regional Pleasure Trail Ride (ERPTR) in North Brookfield. The 17th annual ERPTR will be held November 6.

clear communication, enthusiasm, skill, tools, knowledge, and discipline that allows her to tailor each exercise to the student and get the most from each rider and horse pair. We can’t wait to have her back again soon!

To learn more about True North Farm and its upcoming events, visit truenortheventing.com.

n Kay Slater

Eastern Regional Pleasure Trail Ride The 17th annual Eastern Regional Pleasure Trail Ride at the North Brookfield Sportsmen’s Club will be held November 6, rain or shine. The ride is New England Horse and Trail affiliated and will have eightmile and 17-mile options.

The ride will include judging on obstacles that would be

Pony Club members, and $30 for 4-H members with a current 4-H card. All registration and entry fees for the judged ride must be received

by Sunday, October 30. Late unjudged entries will be accepted until the ride fills or Thursday, November 3, whichever comes first.

More than $4,000 in prizes, including a saddle and blankets, and many breed awards will be given out after the ride at the full dinner, which is included with the price of entry. (Preride coffee and donuts are also included.) Dinner choices include roast beef cooked on a spit or chicken barbecue. Non-riders may purchase a meal ticket in advance for $15.

To learn more and register for the ride, contact

Larry Underwood at (508) 867-7855.

NEER North Bale-a-thon The impact of the ongoing severe drought is affecting many horse owners and farmers this year with the scarcity of second-cut hay, after a bumper crop of first cut. NEER North, a nonprofit rescue in Newbury, is trying to plan ahead to fill their loft ahead of winter and higher prices. To purchase a bale of hay through the Bale-a-thon, go to neernorth.org. Even the donation for one bale can help.

NEER North takes in equines and assists owners in networking to both place and keep their animals. The North Feed Fund helps owners who are struggling to feed their horses. The program is funded by grain tag and proof-of-purchase redemptions of Nutrena, Agway, Triple Crown, and Lucerne Feeds. You can help support this vital program by collecting grain tags and/or proof of purchases. To learn more, visit neernorth.org.

n Holly Jacobson

MSPCA’s Horses Helping Horses Beach Ride The MSPCA’s Horses Helping Horses Beach Ride, the MSPCA Equine Center’s most significant annual fundraiser, will be held at the beautiful Crane Beach in Ipswich again this year. Last year was the first beach ride at Crane’s Beach and was a wonderful success. Guests raved about the picturesque views, ideal footing, wide beaches, and an exclusive setting. Through collaboration with the Trustees of Reservations, the event will be held Saturday, October 22. Riders of all ages are invited to meet at the beach for an eight-mile ride along the ocean’s edge, followed by a hearty pasta lunch provided by event sponsor Borrelli’s Deli of Methuen.

Horses Helping Horses traditionally draws a large

number of riders and horses, excited for the opportunity to check off a bucket list goal of riding along the ocean in a supported event. The ride is led by one or two current Nevis Farm residents and attended by supporters and alumni alike who enjoy a picture perfect day and a great feeling knowing that their efforts support horses in need.

Equine Center Manager Gia Barrs hopes that this year’s ride will top the $25,000 fundraising milestones of years past. The Equine Center is the only facility operating with an open admission policy. With more than 40 horses under the care of the rescue — many arriving in desperate condition — resources are consistently strained.

Support from events such as this are an integral factor in the process of offering these horses a soft landing, bringing them back to health, and helping them begin again. As a non-profit without any support from state or federal agencies, the MSPCA is dependent on donations from individuals and from special events to care for its animals.

Advance registration of $30 is required and includes lunch and a limited edition event tee-shirt. Riders will be asked to fundraise a minimum of $100 (inclusive of their registration fee) and are encouraged to collect pledges. As always, generous prize packages are being assembled.

To learn more and register online, visit mspca.org/ beachride. Register early as parking is being limited to 100 trailers.

Currently, the MSPCA at Nevins Farm has more than 40 horses available for adoption. The equine center is also seeking potential foster homes. For more information on the adoption process or to view available horses, visit mspca.org/nevins.

Boston Polo Grand Opening and Polo Match In August, Boston Polo purchased Twisdenwood Farm in Georgetown. The multidiscipline 80-stall premier equestrian facility is offering boarding for individuals and trainers. The farm has three outdoor arenas for all disciplines, a large indoor arena, and a polo field — all with excellent footing.

The polo school at Boston Polo offers polo camps; private, semiprivate, and group lessons; an interscholastic team; and horse leases and sales. Polo players enjoy an outdoor summer season and an indoor arena polo season. Also offered are riding lessons in all disciplines.

Mark Tashjian is head instructor and manager. He’s a native of Oakham and learned polo at the University of Connecticut while competing on the intercollegiate team. Mark has played and managed polo clubs around the world before returning to Massachusetts to manage the Myopia Polo Club. After several years, Mark started the Boston Polo Club to provide the community with an opportunity to learn and play competitive polo without the commitment of owning several polo ponies.

Mark’s also a certified United States Polo Association umpire and licensed Massachusetts riding instructor.

Enjoy a polo game at the grand opening on Saturday, October 1 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the game are $10, with a discount for multiple tickets.

Cowboy tailgating is $40. To learn more, contact Mark at (508) 735-6416 and visit bostonpolo.org.

Bolton Equestrian Property

Breathtaking 2.3-acre equestrian property located in desirable Bolton, Massachusetts. Features sunfilled, mid century/modern home (four bedroom, two baths), four-stall barn with adjoining paddock, 40' x 60' workshop, and detached one-room office.

Esteemed public school system. Perfect for home business. Requires updates. $649,000. For sale by owner. Contact seller at (508) 335–3175.

Plymouth Native Wins $2,000 Scholarship The 2016 recipient of the Anna Ela Memorial Scholarship is Olyvia O’Brien of Plymouth. Many have watched Olyvia mature from

(508) 335-3175 Massachusetts Horse

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a cute little girl into a dedicated, hard-working young woman, now a freshman at the University of New Hampshire majoring in Equine Science.

“I fell in love with the sport of riding horses after my first pony ride,” Olyvia says. At the age of two, she started riding with Christine (Collins) Nava-Moulthrop at Timber Hill Stables in nearby Kingston. Under Christine’s direction, Olyvia began showing in Walk Trot Hunt Seat. She progressed on to the Classic Pleasure Saddle division with Deliver the Dream, and made her first appearance at the Morgan Grand National with her mare as a junior exhibitor.

For the past two show seasons, Christine has had Olyvia show her World Champion Equinox Bossanova in both Amateur and Youth Western Pleasure classes.

“I truly believe that becoming involved in horses has helped me become more successful in every other aspect of my life and enjoy every second I spend riding,” Olyvia says. She is a member of the National Honor Society. “I played several sports in high school and was involved in many clubs, and believe that riding has helped me in all of these, as well.”

“Olyvia's loved horses since she was a little girl,” says Christine. “She’s a hard worker and she loves spending time in the barn grooming and working horses with me. She’s also wonderful about helping the younger kids in the barn and is always on the rail to help her barn friends when they show.

Olyvia’s also great about helping the kids get ready to show, doing hair and pinning numbers on their outfits.”

The Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association presents the annual Anna 32

October/November 2016

Ela Memorial Scholarship in honor and memory of one of the Morgan breed’s quintessential ambassadors, Anna Dickson Ela. The presentation was made during the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show. Anna was always bigger than life and promoted the great Morgan horse.

Throughout those years, she

businesses make up 80-plus booths offering new and used goods and services for the horse, rider, and driver.

You’ll find clothing outfits for everyone for the show and trail season; massage therapists, trainers, saddle fitters, and saddles; equipment of all kinds; materials and information to build a barn;

Plymouth’s Olyvia O’Brien (pictured riding Equinox Bossanova) won the 2016 Anna Ela Memorial Scholarship.

was as versatile, athletic, and dynamic as the champion horses she bred at her iconic Townshend Farm in Bolton.

“Olyvia's just a great all around kid.” Christine says.

“Ironically, I went to UNH, too. She’s following in my footsteps and I’m so proud of her!”

n Suzy Lucine

Equine Expo and Paraphernalia Sale The Essex County Trail Association is hosting the annual Equine Expo and Paraphernalia Sale on Saturday, April 29, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. This popular event draws more than 800 people each year.

Individuals, groups, and

supplements, books, herbal products, home décor, and gifts.

For the 22nd year, a demonstration ring will be running all day with trainers and horses of different breeds. The silent auction offers a wide variety of items for bid. There will be a food vendor serving breakfast and lunch. Plenty of free parking is available and the building is accessible to everyone. An admission fee of $5 (kids under 10 free) goes toward one of ECTA’s goals of maintaining trails in our member towns of Hamilton, Wenham, Topsfield, Ipswich, Essex, and West Newbury for all types of passive recreation.

Drop by for a day of education, fun, and socializing.

To learn more, rent a vendor

space, put a business card in the program, be a sponsor, or donate used or new horserelated items. For ECTA tables, contact Kay at (978) 768-6275 or kljoreo@aol.com.

King Oak Now Grindstone Mountain Farm Adria Pandolfini and Erik Loiko purchased King Oak Farm in Southampton. Now named Grindstone Mountain Farm, Erik and Adria have a few stalls open and a comprehensive lesson program.

“Our program is set to accommodate a plethora of students from beginner to the big equitation, from the casual weekend rider to local shows, and the bigger New England shows,” says Adria.

“We strive to provide the best quality care for equine and rider, no matter what their discipline. We’re going to offer clinics and local shows, as well as the traditional events that King Oak Farm ran. We’re very pleased to announce that the horse trials previously known as King Oak, will be running in 2017 under the new name of Grindstone Mountain. The horse trials will run on the same dates that King Oak traditionally ran. Levels offered will be Beginner Novice through Preliminary.”

“Things with the sale took longer than expected, so we did have to cancel the September horse trials,” says Adria. “It was the last thing we wanted to do for many reasons, but after a lot of United States Eventing Association Area one’s support and expertise, we thought it was the best decision. We cannot express how grateful we are to those of you who have already reached out offering us assistance and support. We will do our best to keep everyone in the loop for the future.”

“I hope Area 1 [riders] will get behind this young couple who are in the game for all the right reasons,” says Ken Whelihan. “Adria is a

horsewoman with riding talents way beyond her résumé. She and Erik have a love for the land. They will get their feet pointed forward and make their land host to good grass roots horse trials.”

New England Equine Rescue North Benefit Auction On November 18, NEER North will host its largest fundraising event of the year at the Ipswich Country Club. By attending the auction, you’ll help NEER North continue to rescue and care for horses in crisis. Celebrate and support some of nature’s noblest animals from 6 to 10 p.m. To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit neernorth.org NEER North is a volunteer-run, 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding forever homes for at-risk and hard-toplace equines. Since 2010, NEER North has helped more than 100 horses find a chance for a better life. The money raised at the annual silent and live auction provides the greatest portion of funds, which are used directly for food, shelter, veterinary and farrier care, and facility upkeep.

MSPCA Equine Safety and Ambulance Program Course Are You Ready for an Equine Emergency? Whether you’re a public safety official, a first responder, a veterinary professional, or a barn owner, this course is essential to prepare you for an equine emergency. In the one-day course, you’ll learn proper handling techniques via hands-on training with livestock and horses, and get practical hands-on experience conducting rescue scenarios using our training mannequin, Lucky the horse. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to move large animals in cases of disaster or injury, while preventing potential injuries to the humans involved, and you’ll be able to establish an equine emergency protocol for your barn and horses. The course offers classroom instruction and hands-on scenarios using our specialized equipment and equipment that may be readily available to first responder departments.

Taught by equine rescue expert Roger Lauze, these classes are open to first responders, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, barn owners, and other individuals who have a vested interest in learning how to move large animals safely and quickly. Class size is limited to 30 people to allow each

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As you already know, your horse’s saddle is a very personal and valuable piece of equipment.

As a COUNTY representative, you’ll be asked not just to sell saddles, but to solve problems and build lasting relationships with your customer.

If you’re ready for a new and exciting career, send your resume to: Natasha@countysaddlery.com.

(Please include your equestrian qualifications.) attendee the opportunity to participate in hands-on sessions. The course will be held October 2 in the Rogers Education and Training Room at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen.

Advance registration of $75 is required.

To learn more and register, visit mspca.org/equineambulance.

Mustang Makeover Success The Extreme Mustang Makeover at the Topsfield Fairgrounds for the second year proved a well-attended success.

Adult and youth trainers participated in competition, after the 90 to 100-day training period. The trainers showcased the new skills, athleticism, and temperaments of the branded BLM Mustangs randomly assigned to them.

The program offers great benefits to horses and humans. The youth division pairs young horses with young people, under guidance, to teach patience and perseverance — lessons for a lifetime. Both yearlings and youth — some participants as young as eight years old — looked grounded while performing their handling and obstacle freestyles with creative props. Family and friends wore supportive T-shirts and many friendships are made.

The adult evening freestyle demon-

strations before the auction ran the gamut from chainsaw riding, to dressage half-passing, to several riders daringly removing bridles and galloping.

The top winner — Emma Minteer, decked out in a colorful Cat in the Hat outfit complete with a tail, and riding her costumed mare, Pixie Dust, as Thing One Mustang and dragging Thing Two — showed just how solid a Mustang mount could be.

Trainer Nicole Barbye kept her previous Mustang, Eazy as her eventer and this year auctioned her cute roan dappled mare, Elfie. She says enjoys the process of working with the Mustangs’ honesty. “We’re just enthusiasts with a round pen,” she says. “Mustangs haven’t learned to internalize, they’ll let you know exactly how you are doing as a trainer.”

Interested in applying for 2017? Go to extrememustangmakeover.com.

n Holly Jacobson

Overherdisms • She’s not just trainer of the year. To me, she’s the trainer of a lifetime.

• I can’t recognize horse people at banquets. We’re all cleaned up.

Massachusetts Horse

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

Interested? Email partners@mahorse.com.

topic of discussion during the after-ride potluck lunch.

Thanks go to New England Drywall Company for sponsoring the ride.

The BSTRA Poker Run, sponsored by Dr. Frank

ride was held August 28 at Upton State Forest and sponsored by J.F. Cove Insurance.

Horse-related trivia questions were scattered along the trail. Is horse trivia easy for avid trail riders? Not without

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October/November 2016

The CCEA has its first annual Open House coming up October 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spectators will see exhibitions featuring 4-H livestock displays, interactive booths, and equestrian demonstrations. Kids activities include face painting, pony rides, touch a tractor, and pumpkin decorating. A fashion show, drill team, and therapeutic riding clinic will round out the day. To learn more, visit ccequineassoc.com.

7 Kristen Whitney

Granby Regional Horse Council Cape Cod Equestrian Association Judged Show August 21 in South Yarmouth.

Massachusetts Horse

The Bay State Trail Riders had a sizzling calendar of events in July and August.

On July 9, despite the hot and humid day, 32 riders attended the Goddard Brunch Ride. Horses and riders enjoyed the wide bridle path overlooking the bay and many took advantage of the cool salt waters of Greenwich Cove. A fun breakfast followed the ride.

Special thanks go to Canterbury Automotive for providing attendees with a keepsake mug.

July 26 was also exceptionally warm, but that did not deter 41 riders from participating in the Lake Dennison Ride at Birch Hill Dam. Ride out was in the early morning to beat the heat. The trails were fabulous, with long stretches for moving out. The route passed through woods and fields along a permanentlymarked BSTRA loop.

Following the ride, a lunch included yummy salads and sandwiches. Thank you to Crothers Tire for sponsoring the ride.

August 7 was a perfect day for the Northfield Mountain Pleasure Ride where the trails are spectacular, well-marked, and easy to follow. The view overlooking the reservoir is worth the steep climb to the top.

Evidence of this year’s drought was visible, and a

Cora Shillinglaw

Bay State Trail Riders Association

Cape Community Equestrian Association

Hampshire County Riding Club members enjoy riding at the Northampton Meadows on a beautiful summer day.

Fechner, was held August 21 at Inman Hill Wildlife Conservation Area in Mendon, where BSTRA has done a lot of trail work over the years. Each rider was given a sealed envelope with a card at ride out. More cards were found along the way, also in sealed envelopes.

The last card was “dealt” on return and envelopes were opened to reveal a poker hand. Riding with Lady Luck and a great lunch, what more can one want?

August ended with the Trivia Ride, a new addition to BSTRA’s calendar. The

internet access — cell phones were allowed for emergencies only! What was Rex Trailer’s horse’s name?

Questions ranged from horse anatomy to horseracing to famous horses in history.

There was speculation and laughter at ride’s end as the answers were revealed.

Summer may be over, but BSTRA hopes to see you November 10-13 at Equine Affaire. Stop by BSTRA’s booth (number 753 in the Better Living Center) to catch up with friends and renew your membership.

7 Annamaria Paul

The GRHC would like to thank everyone for a wonderful season. We started in March with a lecture by Robert P. Schmitt, D.V.M. on common equine ailments such as wounds, Lyme disease, colic, and any other subjects the audience asked about.

Our next event was the Brown Bag Obstacle Course on April 17. Big thanks to Michael Goodrow, Lexie Goodrow, Jennifer Moreau, David and Jailyn Gonzalez, and Diane Godek for making this possible by volunteering to set up the course and helping run the event. If you enjoyed the obstacles as much as we did, thank David for making them for the club.

May 15 was our Spring Trail Ride at Mount Toby in Leverett where everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Thanks to Diane and Mark Gerard and Roberta Bryant for running the event.

In June, we held our annual Open Horse Show — it was such a blast, thanks to our many volunteers! We couldn’t have done it without you.

Our Summer Ride had a new location this year at Lithia Springs in South Hadley. Thanks to Jennifer Moreau for organizing the ride and helping riders across the road safely.

Thanks to Michael Goodrow and Mark Gerard for the wonderful steak meals they made for our riders. And, lastly, thank you to our amazing trail guides, Lexie Goodrow and Rick Racine.

September 11 was our Poker Ride in Granby and September 24 was the Belchertown Parade.

Join us October 9 for the Fall Foliage Trail Ride at Glencroft Farm in Southampton; October 23 for the Judged Obstacle Course in Wilbraham; and our Members Ride on November 6. All of the events will serve food for riders and volunteers.

To learn more about the GRHC and its upcoming events, contact Diane at (413) 527-9532 or grhc@charter.net or check us out on Facebook.

7 Jennifer Moreau

Hampshire County Riding Club Our August 28 Northampton Meadows Trail Ride was a perfect summer day with lots of sunshine and a light breeze. We were a bit envious of the boaters and jet skiers zooming up and down the Connecticut River as we hugged the shady edge of the dirt roads along the riverbank. Afterward, we cooled off under large trees to enjoy a barbecue of summer salads and burgers, and good company.

Two additional rides are scheduled for the fall.

October 16 is the Foliage Ride, which is open to HCRC members and their guests, and will take place at the Northfield Mountain Recreation Area. Riders will head out at 10 a.m. — either independently with a map or

with a group — to meet at the mountaintop reservoir.

Following the ride, we’ll share potluck fare and barbecue at the visitor center picnic area. To learn more and reserve your spot, contact Diane Merritt at dianemerritt67@gmail.com or (413) 268-3372.

Our final ride takes place Saturday, November 5, at Hammonasset Beach in Connecticut. Those interested in this members-only beach ride should contact Jamie Kubosiak at (413) 9619155 or kubosiak@msn.com.

Join us for a festive and fun fall competition at our annual Scavenger Hunt at the club grounds in Goshen on Saturday, October 22 (rain date October 23). This competition, open to all riders, is a timed event with bonus points for finding all the items hidden in our woodland trails. There will be five divisions with ribbons and first-place prizes, plus a day-end champion and reserve. Riders may ride out in pairs, small groups, or alone. Participants will enjoy a potluck lunch following the competition. To learn more contact Jamie Kubosiak at (413) 961-9155 or kubosiak@msn.com.

The club’s Annual Meeting will be Friday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Meekins Library in Williamsburg. We’ll have John Perdrizet, D.V.M. as our guest speaker, door prizes, and refreshments. All are invited!

To learn more about the HCRC and its upcoming events, visit hampshire countyridingclub.org.

7 Diane Merritt

Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association The summer shows have finished and our members are gearing up for the World Show and All American Quarter Horse Congress in October. Good luck!

Massachusetts Horse

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Heidi Adam

Affaire in booth 2116 in the Stroh A good opportunity to condition We had amazing turnouts for our Region Six Super Six and Merial AQHA Building. Stop by to say hello and tell us horses and hounds for formal hunting is your news and stories. We look forward the cubbing season during September.

Regional Championship shows in to meeting you!

Meeting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Springfield at the beautiful Eastern 7 Lori Mahassel Saturdays, participants are expected to States Fairgrounds. The weather was ride in ratcatcher attire — tweed jacket warm, the evenings cool, and little rain with shirt and tie or colored stock tie, fell, making for comfortable showing Myopia Hunt Club are preferred. Plan to join us next year conditions. We welcomed many new Members of the Myopia Hunt are to gain experience in preparation for faces from all over New England, as well eagerly awaiting the start of hunting the formal hunting season. To as returning competitors. see dates and times, visit Kudos to the amazing team myopiahunt.org/calendar. who work so hard throughout The Opening Meet — the year to bring this show to always a spectacle for riders fruition. It’s the last of a series and spectators — is Saturday, of pointed MQHA shows for September 24, in Ipswich. This the year. meet is for subscribing memDon’t forget that, in order bers of the hunt, but many to qualify for year-end awards, from the larger horse commumembers must attend two nity show up to watch the meetings before our annual hounds, beautifully turned-out November meeting; the horses, and riders in formal MQHA year runs from hunt attire gallop across fields November through October. and jump stone walls and There are meetings throughfences. out the year, and the dates and Ellis Adam and India Doyle at the 2015 Myopia Hunt Club Halloween Hunt.

Other highlights of the times are posted at season are the Junior Opening Meet on massqha.com, as well as on our season. We’ve a full calendar of events Facebook page. Our last meeting is and encourage those new to foxhunting Friday, September 30, at the Myopia Schooling Field, and the ever-colorful October 8 at 7 p.m. at Kimball Farm in to join our more experienced foxLancaster. We hope you can join us! hunters for great sport over some of the Junior Halloween Hunt on October 28.

Creative costumes for horses and riders MAQHA will be set up at Equine area’s most beautiful countryside. add to the fun of this annual event, but we do ask that all junior riders are turned-out safely with heeled boots and HORSES SMALL ANIMALS EXOTICS a safety-approved helmet. Juniors are the future of our sport and we want to ACUPUNCTURE . CHIROPRACTIC . HOMEOPATHY . PHYSICAL THERAPY ensure a safe outing and good times!

October brings two exciting Hunter Trials. On October 23, Myopia hosts its own Hunter Trials in Bradley Palmer State Park, followed by New England Hunter Trials on October 30 at the Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle. Hunter trials are competitions judged on the horse’s way of going over various obstacles and challenges found on the terrain that a hunt may typically encounter. It’s a great way to condition a potential event horse, because the hunter trial course is very similar to a cross-country eventing course. Hunter trials are fun to watch and rely on volunteers — even volunteers without HOUSE CALLS . FULL-SERVICE SMALL-ANIMAL HOSPITAL horse experience — so please consider GROOMING . PET SUPPLIES lending a hand!

One of our most colorful events is the Blessing of the Hounds and Landowners’ Picnic, a Columbus Day tradition. On Monday, October 10, we host a picnic for our generous landownBUD ALLEN, M.S., D.V.M., ROBIN KARLIN ALLEN, D.V.M. ers and share in the great foxhunting 99 MAIN ST. (RTE. 9) HAYDENVILLE, MA tradition of the blessing of the hounds.

FAMILY VETERINARY CENTER

(413) 268-VETS • FAMVETS.COM • INFO@FAMVETS.COM 36

October/November 2016

Massachusetts Horse

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On November 12, Myopia hosts the New England Hunts Joint Meet, where all the hunts in New England gather for a hunt through some of our best country. Historically, there are usually 100 riders and horses that participate, and guests are welcome to join!

Our season ends with our Thanksgiving Day Hunt at Appleton Farms in Ipswich, a community-wide tradition that is enjoyed by all ages.

With so many options and opportunities to participate, watch, and volunteer, we invite you to join us in our mission to preserve the future through the traditions of the past. To find information on the Myopia Hunt Club, including detailed scheduling information, visit myopiahunt.org.

7 Lisa Wohlleib

New England Equestrian Center of Athol What an action packed late summer and early fall we’ve had at NEECA. On

August 21–22, Windswept Farm in Petersham hosted a Chris Irwin Clinic that one of our members singlehandedly put together as a fund raiser for NEECA. Many thanks go to Anne Zukowski for arranging every detail of Chris’s only western Massachusetts clinic, and thanks to Robin Hinton for her continued support of NEECA with the use of her excellent indoor arena.

We’re so blessed to have both of them as members!

On August 27-28, NEECA welcomed Cathy Drumm back to the equestrian park for two days of outstanding instruction based on her broad knowledge of English and western dressage. Cathy has an exceptional skill in breaking down a lesson into manageable parts, and communicating clearly as she does so. She has become such a popular clinician at NEECA that we plan to have her return October 1 and 2. To learn more, email Pam at pamdeg2002@yahoo.com.

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October/November 2016

Kathy has moved with her husband, Henry, to Pennsylvania. We’ll miss your enthusiasm and support, Kathy!

To learn more about NEECA and its upcoming events, go to neeca.org. Enjoy the fall season everyone!

7 Laurie Neely

In November, ONBH will be hunting off Estabrook Road in Concord on November 1, at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury on November 5, at Callahan State Park in Framingham on November 8, and joining Myopia Hunt for the New England Joint Meet on November 12. After that, our hounds and riders can be

and Huntsman Ginny Zukatynski at (508) 751-3315 in advance of the scheduled hunt. And if you would like to come out and see what it’s all about or would like to be a part of our hunt by assisting from the ground, feel free to join us. Remember to check the ONBH Hunt Line at (978) 937-4027 for last minute updates on the morning of hunts and other mounted events.

Happy trails!

7 Susan Goldfischer

West Newbury Riding and Driving Club

Susan Goldfischer

September 10 was Cowboy Wannabe Day, an opportunity to invite everyone to bring a picnic to the park and watch as versatility riders practiced in the morning and competed for prizes in the afternoon. NEECA’s president, Althea Bramhall, and versatility guru Peter Whitmore always make it an enjoyable day.

The weekend of September 16–18 debuted something new at the park — an overnight campout that grew out of an earlier NEECA presentation on how to camp with your horse.

With the creativity and experience of NEECA ride organizer Susie Feldman to help them, Margo Petracone, Larry Marshall, and Marianne Wojcicki arranged the event. The campout included meals, a treasure hunt on the park grounds, games on horseback, and a weekend-long tack and tag sale, all of which replaced the fall ride this year. Keep an eye on the NEECA calendar for 2017. We expect to see a return of this event.

The gymkhana series continued on September 25, but the season isn’t over yet!

Frank Whitney, freeway3289 @gmail.com, has added an additional gymkhana on October 25. Come enjoy the fun games for every level of rider and driver as the autumn leaves fade and we look forward to November and the annual NEECA fall social.

This year’s social will take place on November 5 at the Orange Athol Elks Club.

It’s always a fun night of socializing, awards, and an amazing auction of goods and services. To learn more, contact Althea at althea realtor@gmail.com for information and tickets. We cannot talk about the fall social without mentioning and thanking Kathy D’Orto who has been responsible for organizing it for many years.

Old North Bridge Hounds Huntsman and Master of Foxhounds and her staff during a check in the hunt.

Old North Bridge Hounds The long-awaited commencement of the ONBH Fall Hunt Season has arrived and hunting is in full swing.

Cubbing season commenced on September 20 with our first hunt at Delaney in Stow.

To see and print ONBH’s Fall Fixture Card, please visit oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

October kicks off with our Opening Meet to include our annual Blessing of the Hounds Hunt on October 1 at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury. That event provides a particularly wonderful opportunity for spectators and photographers alike. October continues with hunts on Strawberry Hill Road in Acton on October 4, a Joint Meet with Norfolk Hunt in Grafton on October 8, at Surrenden Farm in Groton on October 10, Red Rail Farm in Lincoln on October 15, Delaney in Stow on October 22, and Groton Town Forest on October 25.

found at Groton Town Forest on November 15, Twin Valley Farm in Pepperell on November 19, and our annual Thanksgiving Day Hunt at the Old Manse in Concord November 24. The year concludes with the traditional end-of-season hunt at Fairhaven Woods in Concord on November 26.

Join us for a Hunter Pace through some of our spectacular hunt territory in Lincoln on October 2 at Red Rail Farm. And don’t miss the annual New England Hunts Championship Hunter Trials on October 30 at Great Brook Farm in Carlisle. ONBH is hosting the Hunter Trials this year and they will be open to all, with open divisions for every level.

Guest riders and spectators are welcome to join us at any of our hunts and events.

If you are interested in riding with us as a guest at one of our hunts, please contact our Master of Foxhounds

WNRDC appreciates its volunteers. In the latest raffle drawing, 66 volunteer names were candidates to be pulled out of a top hat. The winner of the latest appreciation drawing was Ralph Williams.

Just a few hours of time and fellowship provided by generous people make events happen at the WNRDC, such as the Derby Cross and the Horse Trials held in July. Plan on joining us next year, either as a rider or a volunteer.

The annual meeting and election of board members will be held in November. In celebration of the winter holidays, the annual Yankee Swap will be in early December. Plan to join the festivities for lots of laughs and great food. To find updates on dates, times, and locations of these events, visit wnrdc.com or the WNRDC Facebook page.

WNRDC also reminds existing and new members to renew or submit their membership applications and modest fee by December 31.

Individual and family memberships also include free or reduced-fees for club activities, social events, and the ability to vote in general elections.

7 Liz Russell

Massachusetts Horse

39

Bay State Happenings USEA Area 1 Schooling Horse Trials Championships Apple Knoll Farm, Millis

Paige Bassett Spotted Vision Photography

To see more Bay State Happenings, find us on Facebook.

40

October/November 2016

Lenox

This Olde Horse Trailers 2016

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email editor@mahorse.com.

Berkshire Hunt Club, in Lenox, postcard mailed November 14, 1905.

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Massachusetts Horse

41

events Massachusetts

October 1 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Black Oak Farm, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

1 NORFOLK HUNT OPENING DAY MEET, Charlescote Farm, Sherborn. norfolkhunt.com.

1 ONBH BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS, Wayside Inn, Sudbury. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

1 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Williams College at Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown. ihsainc.com.

1 OPEN ARENA RANCH SORTING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

1 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Holiday Acres Equestrian Center, Rutland. rideiea.org.

1 MOUNT TOBY GYMKHANA, Leverett. craigequestriancenter.com.

1 BOSTON POLO CLUB MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

1 – 2 CENTRAL MASS. HORSE SHOW SERIES, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.net.

1 – 2 CATHY DRUMM CLINIC, New England Equestrian Center of Athol. neeca.org.

3 CCDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, West Barnstable. capecoddressage.org.

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

4 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Raymond Fields, Ipswich. myopiahunt.org.

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

4 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

2 IEA WESTERN SHOW, Smithfield Farm, East Falmouth. rideiea.org.

4 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Acton. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

2 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. rideiea.org.

6 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Myopia Kennels, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

2 ONBH HUNTER PACE, Red Rail Farm, Lincoln. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

2 CAPE COMMUNITY EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION OPEN HOUSE, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

6 CCEA MEETING, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

7 – 9 BRDC FALL TRAIL RIDE WEEKEND, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

2 NEER NORTH FALL FAMILY CELEBRATION, West Newbury. neernorth.org.

8 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

2 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. wnepha.com.

8 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Indian Meadow, West Newbury. myopiahunt.org.

$5,000 Tri-Color Jumper Series Indoor Jumper Series with GGT Footing!

November 5 . December 10 January 14 . February 11 April 8 - Championship Show start time 9 a.m.

Class Heights From 2'3" to 3'9" Pre-entries receive a $5 discount per class!

Stabling is available but it is limited.

Prize list can be found at: sbschool.org

574 Bernardston Road, Greenfield, MA (413) 773-8333 . sbschool.org 42

October/November 2016

8 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

8 NORFOLK HUNT/OLD NORTH BRIDGE HOUNDS JOINT MEET, Cummings Veterinary School at Tufts, North Grafton. norfolkhunt.com.

8 MHC-, NEHC-RATED HUNTER SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

8 – 10 BERKSHIRE COACHING WEEKEND, Orleton Farm, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

8 – 10 COLUMBUS DAY SALE, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. smartpak.com/retailstore.

We have your horse.

Always a nice selection of horses and ponies for sale.

Watch videos and view photos at HeritageFarmEasthampton.com.

9 IEA WESTERN SHOW, Hillside Meadows Equestrian Center, Grafton. rideiea.org.

9 THREE-PHASE AND SCHOOLING SHOW, Groton. groton.ponyclub.org.

9 WNRDC HORSE TRIALS, Pipestave Hill, West Newbury. wnrdc.com.

9 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Ridgetop Farm, Holliston. rideiea.org.

9 WNEPHA HUNT SEAT FINALS, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. wnepha.com.

9 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Maplewood farm, Berlin. rideiea.org.

9 HUNTER SCHOOLING SHOW, Palmer River Equestrian, Rehoboth. southcoastseries.com.

9 BSTRA PLEASURE RIDE, Mount Jefferson, Hubbardston. bstra.org.

9 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

9 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Winstar Farm, Sterling. rideiea.org.

9 HUNTER PACE AND PLEASURE RIDE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

9 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Victory Stables, Stoughton. victorystablesinc.com.

9 CCEA HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

9 WNRDC PIPESTAVE HILL HORSE TRIALS, West Newbury. (Horse trials, combined test, and dressage only.) wnrdc.com.

New England Stock Horse Shows

October 30 & November 6

Five Individually-judged Classes: Ranch Horse Handiness, Ranch Trail, Ranch Pleasure, Ranch Reining, and Working Cow Horse.

WNEPHA Hunter Show

Open to buy, sell, and trade horses 7 days a week, by appointment.

Nice Horses for Nice People.

October 2 — Double medal classes!

The R aucher Family 30 Florence Rd., Easthampton, MA (413) 527-1612 HeritageFarmEasthampton.com State Auctioneer license # AU450

9 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague. xenophonfarm@aol.com.

9 WRC RIDE, Dayville Reservoir, Chester. westfieldridingclub.org.

9 MHC SHOW, Back Bay Farm, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

9 GRHC FALL BENEFIT RIDE, Glencroft Farm, Southampton. granbyregionalhorse.com.

10 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Surrenden Farm, Groton. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

10 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Twinfields, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

Massachusetts Horse

43

10 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Red Acre Farm, Stow. rideiea.org.

15 OPEN ARENA RANCH SORTING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

16 NASHOBA VALLEY HUNT HUNTER PACE, Groton. nashobavalleyhunt.org.

10 MYOPIA HUNT BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS AND LANDOWNERS’ PICNIC, Myopia Kennels, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

15 MSPCA BLANKET BLOWOUT, Nevins Farm, Methuen. Blankets $30, sheets $15. Noon to 4 p.m. mspca.org.

16 NORFOLK HUNT CLUB HUNTER PACE, Westport. norfolkhunt.com.

10 AMERICAN HANOVERIAN SOCIETY INSPECTION, UMass Hadley Farm. Spectators welcome. hanoverian.org.

15 GHC BREAKFAST RIDE, Maple Corner Farm, Granville. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

11 NORTH AMERICAN BELGIAN CHAMPIONSHIP, West Springfield. nabc8.com.

13 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, South Hamilton . myopiahunt.org.

14 – 16 ERIC SMILEY EVENTING CLINIC, Hamilton. blackoakstables.com.

15 HORSE TRIALS AND DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

15 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Century Mill Stables, Bolton. rideiea.org.

15 – 16 TRISTAN TUCKER CLINIC, Ashby Stock Farm, Ashby. nancylaterdressagehorses.com.

16 IEA WESTERN SHOW, Crimson Acres, Orange. rideiea.org.

16 BSTRA PLEASURE RIDE, Robinson State Park, Agawam. bstra.org.

16 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Willow Brook Farm, Holliston. rideiea.org.

16 HRC VERSATILITY EVENT, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

16 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Midnight Moon Stables, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com.

15 MYOPIA HUNT/NORFOLK HUNT JOINT MEET, Barney’s Joy Beach, South Dartmouth. myopiahunt.org.

16 HUNTER/EQUITATION SHOW, Evenstride Ltd., Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

15 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Smith College at Fox Meadow Farm, Northampton. ihsainc.com.

16 FALL CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

15 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Red Rail Farm, Lincoln. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

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

15 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW SERIES, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

16 BRDC/HCRC FALL FOLIAGE RIDE, Northfield Mountain. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

18 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Topsfield. myopiahunt.org.

18 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Stow. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

18 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

20 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

22 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Becker College, Paxton. ihsainc.com.

22 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

22 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Concord. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

22 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Bridle Brook Farm, Sherborn. norfolkhunt.com.

22 MHC SHOW, Century Mill Stables, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

20 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Pipestave, West Newbury. myopiahunt.org.

22 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, UMass Amherst at Hadley Farm, Hadley. ihsainc.com.

Eastern Regional Pleasure Trail Ride

17th

November 6 . North Brookfield Sportsmen’s Club . Rain or Shine

8 & 17 Mile Rides . Obtacles You’d Encounter on a Pleasure Ride . NEHT Affiliated $4,000 in prizes . Breed Awards . Dinner Banquet of Roast Beef or Chicken Barbecue . Raffle Divisions: Men . Women 49 & Under . Women Over 49 . Novice Rider . Junior/Pony Club . Novice Horse . 4-H’ers

Registration and entry fees must be received by Sunday, October 30 and are required for those riding in judged divisions. Unjudged late entries accepted until ride fills or Thurday, November 3, whichever comes first. No late entries.

For more information, contact Larry at ERegTrailRide@yahoo.com or (508) 867-7855.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Absorbine, Vetericyn, Nutrena, Poulin Grain, and Cowboy Magic !

44

October/November 2016

22 HORSES HELPING HORSES BEACH RIDE, Crane Beach, Ipswich. mspca.org/beachride.

22 IHSA SHOW, UMass Hadley Farm. ihsainc.com.

22 DRESSAGE TEAM COMPETITION AND SCHOOLING SHOW CHAMPIONSHIPS, Uxbridge. letterperfectfarm.com.

30 NEW ENGLAND HUNTS CHAMPIONSHIP HUNTER TRIALS, Great Brook State Park, Carlisle. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

30 HALLOWEEN THREE-PHASE SCHOOLING SHOW, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

30 HALLOWEEN BENEFIT SHOW, Rehoboth. journeyshavenrs.com.

22 HCRC SCAVENGER HUNT, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

30 FALL HORSE SHOW, Greenlock Therapeutic Riding Center, Rehoboth. greenlock.org.

22 – 23 ERIC CLARKE HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC, East Pepperell. atouchofmajic.com.

30 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Belle Wood Stables, Jefferson. rideiea.org.

23 HALLOWEEN HUNTER PACE, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

30 MOUNT TOBY HALLOWEEN GYMKHANA, Leverett. craigequestriancenter.com.

23 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

30 BSTRA BIG PUMPKIN RIDE, Upton. bstra.org.

23 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Verrill Farm Stable, Concord. rideiea.org.

23 GRHC TRAIL RIDE AND OBSTACLE COURSE, Wilbraham. granbyregionalhorse.org.

23 GHC ST. JUDE BENEFIT RIDE, Robinson State Park, Agawam. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

23 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.com.

23 NORFOLK HUNT FIELD HUNTER SHOW, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

23 MYOPIA HUNTER TRIALS, Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield. myopiahunt.org.

25 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

25 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Groton Town Forest. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

25 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Kittery Crossing Farm, Rowley. myopiahunt.org.

28 MYOPIA HUNT JUNIOR HALLOWEEN HUNT, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

29 MHC SHOW, Cornerstone Farm, Haverhill. ridecornerstonefarm.com.

29 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, August Farm, Holliston. rideiea.org.

29 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. rideiea.org.

29 NORFOLK HUNT/TANHEATH HUNT JOINT MEET, Woodbury Manor, Sutton. norfolkhunt.com.

29 MYOPIA HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Copper Beech Farm, Topsfield. myopiahunt.org.

29 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. ihsainc.com.

29 CRD RIDE CRITIQUE RIDE, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

29 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

29 – 31 MARY WANLESS CLINIC, Cutler Farm, Medfield. cutlerfarmequine.com.

30 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Cornerstone Farm, Haverhill. rideiea.org.

30 HALLOWEEN FUN SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshallequestriancenter.net.

30 HALLOWEEN FUN SHOW, Green Hill Stables, Berlin. dressagechick1985@gmail.com.

30 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Evenstride Ltd., Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

30 NEW ENGLAND STOCK HORSE SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com.

Dressage Schooling Show Series October 9 . Lynda Angstadt “L” English & Western Tests November 9 Year-end Awards Banquet Monkey/Bar Bistro 63, Amherst

Dressage Clinics Bill McMullin Sharon McCusker Bill Warren Verne Batchelder

Like us on Facebook to see who’s coming!

30 HUNTER SCHOOLING SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

30 CCEA GYMKHANA, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

30 PARK RANGER MOUNTED UNIT FALL TRAIL RIDE, Canton. friendsmaprmu@gmail.com.

30 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Endicott College at Springtide Farm, Boxford. ihsainc.com.

30 HARVEST RIDE, Sunrise Stables, Shirley.

(508) 494-7283 or shicinder29@gmail.com.

November 1 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT,Rasmussen’s Field, Concord. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

1 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Sherborn. norfolkhunt.com.

4 BRDC SHOW SERIES BANQUET, location TBA. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

5 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Wayside Inn, Sudbury. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

5 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Century Mill Stables, Bolton. rideiea.org.

5 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Sweetwater Farm, Westport. norfolkhunt.com.

5 NEECA FALL SOCIAL, neeca.org.

5 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Biscuit Hill Farm, Shelburne. rideiea.org.

Stalls Available

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5 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

Massachusetts Horse

45

Hunter Equitation Shows October 16 - Judge Jeff Nowak November 27 - Judge Jane Dow-Burt March 19 & April 16 (Judges TBA)

Jumper Shows October 30 Spring Show TBD

Prize lists, rules, and online entry at evenstrideltd.com.

Olana & Scott Laffey (978) 465-9119 evenstrideltd.com

5 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Holiday Acres Equestrian, Rutland. rideiea.org.

6 HALLOWEEN HUNTER PACE, Great Brook State Park, Carlisle.onbhunterpace@gmail.com.

20 GHC LAST HURRAH, Evans Farm, Granville. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

8 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Callahan State Park, Framingham. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

22 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Green Hills Farm, Sherborn. norfolkhunt.com.

8 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

23 GUILFORD HOUNDS THANKSGIVING HUNT, South Meadows, Old Deerfield. guilfordhounds.com.

10 – 13 EQUINE AFFAIRE, West Springfield. equineaffaire.com. See us in booth #508!

24 MYOPIA HUNT THANKSGIVING HUNT, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

12 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Dana Hall School, Wellesley. rideiea.org.

24 NORFOLK HUNT THANKSGIVING HUNT, Steeplechase Course, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

12 MHC-, NEHC-RATED HUNTER SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

12 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. rideiea.org.

12 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Amherst College at Biscuit Hill Farm, Shelburne. ihsainc.com.

13 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Spring Tide Farm, Boxford. rideiea.org.

13 NORFOLK HUNT JUNIOR MEET, Norfolk Hunt Kennels, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

13 IEA WESTERN SHOW, Hillside Meadows, Grafton. rideiea.org.

24 ONBH THANKSGIVING HUNT, Old Manse, Concord. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

26 MHC SHOW, Herring Brook Farm, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

26 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Westport. norfolkhunt.com.

27 HUNTER/EQUITATION SHOW, Evenstride Ltd., Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

27 JUMPER SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley ridemhc.com. mhcriding.com.

13 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

27 WINTER DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Spencer. campmarshalleqeustriancenter.net.

13 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Palmer River Equestrian Center. palmerriver.com.

27 THANKSGIVING SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

15 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Millborn Farm, Sherborn. norfolkhunt.com.

December 3 IHSA WESTERN SHOW, Mount Holyoke

15 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Groton Town Forest. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. ihsainc.com.

5 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Evenstride, Byfield. rideiea.org.

18 NEW ENGLAND EQUINE RESCUE NORTH BENEFIT AUCTION, Ipswich Country CLub. neernorth.org.

3 NORFOLK HUNT SCENIC BEACH RIDE, Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Westport. norfolkhunt.com.

5 WINTER INDOOR JUMPER SHOW, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

19 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Johnson and Wales University, Rehoboth. ihsainc.com.

5 MHC SHOW, Herring Brook Farm, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

6 BSTRA TURKEY TROT, Carver. bstra.org.

19 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

6 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Beland Stables, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

19 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. ihsainc.com.

6 NEW ENGLAND STOCK HORSE SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com.

19 ONBH FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Pepperell. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

6 MYOPIA FALL HUNTER PACE, Groton House Farm, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

19 NORFOLK HUNT FORMAL SEASON HUNT, Millstone Farm, Dover. norfolkhunt.com.

6 HUNTER PACE AND PLEASURE RIDE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

19 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Fox Meadow Farm at Smith College, Northampton. rideiea.org.

6 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Victory Stables, Stoughton. victorystablesinc.com.

20 THANKSGIVING FUN SHOW, Rehoboth. journeyshavenrs.com.

6 EASTERN REGIONAL PLEASURE TRAIL RIDE, North Brookfield Sportsmen’s Club.

(508) 867-7855 or eregtrailride@yahoo.com.

20 MHC SHOW, Castle Neck Farm, Essex. facebook.com/castleneckfarm.

6 GRHC THANK YOU MEMBERS RIDE, Dufresne Park, Granby. granbyregionalhorse.org.

46

October/November 2016

20 IHSA WESTERN SHOW, UMass Amherst at Hadley Farm, Hadley. ihsainc.com.

20 WINTER OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Spencer. campmarshalleqeustriancenter.net.

Honor a junior at your upcoming event with a free Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award.

To learn more and request one, visit mahorse.com/Junior_Award.html.

the

neighborhood

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

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

Your Everything Equine “white pages”

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

EQUINE MASSAGE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• EQUISSAGE NE/NY MA, CT, RI, (860) 564-7759 equisportmt@sbcglobal.net Integrated body work for performance horses: reiki, Masterson Method, sports and therapeutic massage, myofascial release, cranio-sacral therapy, infrared photon therapy.

BARN CATS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• PAWS WATCH Newport, RI, (401) 848-9867 pawswatch.org Barn cats need homes! Healthy, fixed, vaccinated barn cats provide rodent control. Delivered!

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

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

Keith Angstadt, USEF dressage judge.

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

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

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

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

MEG HILLY South Deerfield, MA, (802) 595-1258 mhilly@mtholyoke.edu USDF “L” judge; FEI rider; private, semiprivate lessons; clinics.

NANCY LATER LAVOIE Ashby, MA, (561) 714-7447 nancylaterdressagehorses.com Training, lessons, clinics. Accepting new students of all levels. Top-class facility.

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

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

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

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

Routine preventive care, maintenance, diagnostics, extractions.

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

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

INSURANCE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• CORINTHIAN INSURANCE AGENCY Medway, MA, (877) 250-5103 corinthianequine.com Equine protection specialists.

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

FARM FAMILY INSURANCE farmfamily.com Carver: (508) 866-9150 Easthampton: (413) 203-5180 Great Barrington: (413) 528-1710 Marlborough: (508) 485-3800 Middleborough: (508) 747-8181

Northborough: (508) 393-9327 Norwood: (781) 255-2002 South Deerfield: (413) 665-8200 Southwick: (413) 569-2307 Topsfield: (978) 887-8304 Westford: (978) 467-1001 Williamstown: (413) 458-5584 Worcester: (508) 752-3300 JUDGES •••••••••••••••••••••••••• MARY BRAZIE Egremont, MA, (413) 528-2367 arabpinto13@yahoo.com Judging open, 4-H, carded.

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY •••••••••••••••••••••••••• C A HILL PHOTO S. Dartmouth, MA (508) 789-0541 cahill.smugmug.com cahillphoto@gmail.com Equine, family, and farm photography in New England.

KAREN MORANG PHOTOGRAPHY Find us on Facebook.

Equine photography and events.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA N. Dighton, MA, (508) 863-0467 melissaroot.com Equine portrait photography and events.

REAL ESTATE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ALTHEA BRAMHALL HOMETOWN REALTORS North Quabbin region, (617) 678-9300 althearealtor@gmail.com Real estate is more fun with horse people!

EQUINE HOMES REAL ESTATE LLC MA and NH, (800) 859-2745, ext. 704 equinehomes.com sally@equinehomes.com Sally Mann, Realtor, MA and NH. BERNICE GIARD REALITY Oakham, MA, (508) 882-3900 oakham@charter.net Country properties.

STABLES, FARMS, BOARDING •••••••••••••••••••••••••• CARRIER’S FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-0333 rcarrier0333@gmail.com Indoor, outdoor arenas, round pens, fields.

GLENCROFT FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-8026 kraymond24@hotmail.com Boarding, pastures, ring, trails, fields.

STRAIN FAMILY EQUESTRIAN CENTER LLC Southwick, MA, (413) 569-5797 strainfamilyequestrian.com Boarding, lessons, training, sales, therapeutic riding.

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

DR. COOK BITLESS BRIDLE (866) 235-0938 bitlessbridle.com Safe, gentle, effective alternative to using a bit.

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

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

NORTHEAST EQUINE TRANSPORTATION Southbridge, MA, (774) 633-1499 nehorsetrans.com Serving Northeast, PA, NY, NJ, DE, MD. VETERINARIANS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• FAMILY VETERINARY CENTER Haydenville, MA, (413) 268-8387 famvets.com Traditional and alternative care for dogs, cats, exotics, and horses.

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

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Massachusetts Horse

47

Cora Shillinglaw

Is This Your Horse?

Is this your horse?

This photo was taken at the Grazing Fields Farm Medal Days during July, in Buzzards Bay. If this is your horse, contact us at win@mahorse.com for a month’s supply of SmartPaks and more from the Bay State’s very own SmartPak, smartpakequine.com.

DRESSAGE

advertiser index

48

Susan Rainville Dressage Training from the Ground Up

• USDF bronze and silver medalist • Centerline Scores three-star rider • 16 years teaching and training •Proven system for a safe and successful horse and rider relationship • Competitive and non-competitive riders are welcome to join our fun team!

White Spruce Farms Central Massachusetts

(978) 257-4666 . whitesprucefarms.com

October/November 2016

A & B Insurance Group ................... 38

Farm Credit East ............................. 13

A & B Lumber Barns ....................... 25

Farm Family Insurance ................... 50

Angel View Pet Cemetery .............. 51

Hampshire Tractor Corp. ................ 41

Apple Knoll Farm ............................ 9

Heritage Farm ................................ 43

Bacon’s Equipment ........................ 43

HorseBack and Body ..................... 49

Betsy Merritt ................................... 5

Independence Stable .................... 49

Blue Dog Leather ........................... 38

It’s a Pleasure Training ................... 41

Blue Seal Feed .............................. 52

Jenn’s Tack & Blanket Service ........ 6

Bob Burrelli ................................... 49

Just Horses .................................... 38

Browbands with Style ..................... 27

Mitrano Removal Service .............. 49

Camp Marshall Equestrian Center . 27

Natural Balance Equine Dentistry . 17

Cape Equestrian ............................ 25

Original Equine Protectavest ........ 38

The Carriage Shed ........................... 2

RAMM Horse Fencing & Stalls ....... 15

The Cheshire Horse ......................... 7

RER Ponies .................................... 49

Country Corral ............................... 41

Salty Dawg Equine Services .......... 48

County Saddles ............................. 33

Sarah Sheehy

Crimson Acres ............................... 49

Training & Horsemanship ........ 49

Deb Brosnan .................................. 40

SmartPak Retail Store ................... 35

DK Saddlery .................................. 38

SRH Veterinary Services ................ 49

Don Ray Insurance Agency ............. 6

Sterling Pointe Farm ....................... 12

Eastern Regional Pleasure Trail Ride . 44

Stoneleigh-Burnham School ..... 11, 42

Equine Homes ............................... 37

Triple Crown Feed ........................... 4

Essex County Trail Association ..... 17

WNEPHA ........................................ 28

Evenstride , Ltd. ............................ 46

White Spruce Farms ....................... 48

Fairview Farms JJC ........................ 49

Xenophon Farm ............................. 45

Family Veterinary Center ............... 36

Yered Trailers ................................ 41

Massachusetts marketplace Want to be more effective & harmonious with your horse?

Now Accepting Boarders New 20,000-square-foot Facility!

Sarah Sheehy offers: Riding Instruction . Training Sessions Groundwork Lessons . Clinics

Horse Leases Available

Helen Noble, VMD . Robert Orcutt, DVM Derek Cavatorta, DVM PhD Kirstin Anderson, DVM . Ashley Taylor, DVM Mary Ann Montesano, DVM

partial $275/mo., half $400/mo., full $525/mo.

Beginner to Advanced Instruction Hunt Seat/Equitation, Dressage, Eventing, Western

Brimfield, MA 413-245-3083 . fairviewfarmsjjc.com

Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Serving the North Shore since 1951

Sarah Sheehy Training & Horsemanship Central Massachusetts (978) 724-3403 . sarahsheehy.com

295 High St, Ipswich, Mass.

978-356-1119 (ph) . 978-356-5758 (f)

Got Manure?

Independence Stable, LLC

www.srhvets.com

MANURE REMOVAL FOR LARGE & SMALL FARMS

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

Dressage Schooling Shows Including Western Dressage Tests!

Recovery . Maintenance . Performance Therapeutic Massage . Bodywork . Reiki

(413) 320-7690 jobunny@comcast.net

978-425-6181

Lessons . Training Boarding . Clinics

MitranoRemoval.com Proud sponsor of Bear Spot Musical Freestyle and Oakrise Farm Shows.

RER Ponies Training, Lessons & Sales

by CHA certified, BHS trained, and USDF competitor

Heather Reynolds Dostal Freelance Instruction . Lesson Horses U.S. Pony Club Riding Center Charming facility offering: Boarding, training, pony starting, and tune ups. Professional, well rounded, goal-oriented lesson program for riders of all ages beginner through advanced.

8 Circle Dr., Hatfield, MA RERponies.com . 413.427.2026 Massachusetts Horse

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CARVER 508.866.9150 Richard.Blair@farm-family.com

NORWOOD 781.255.2002 Francis_Bingham@farm-family.com

EASTHAMPTON 413.203.5180 Chad_Meyer@farm-family.com

SOUTH DEERFIELD 413.665.8200 T.Viles@farm-family.com

GREAT BARRINGTON 413.528.1710 Bob.Sinopoli@farm-family.com Dominic.Sinopoli@farm-family.com

SOUTHWICK 413.569.2307 themasonagency@farm-family.com

MARLBOROUGH 508.485.3800 Martin_West@farm-family.com MIDDLEBOROUGH 508.747.8181 Andrew_Brodeur@farm-family.com NORTHBOROUGH 508.393.9327 Jeff.Pichierri@farm-family.com Kevin.Sullivan@farm-family.com

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October/November 2016

TOPSFIELD 978.887.8304 Dale_Johnson@farm-family.com WESTFORD 978.467.1001 Donald.Ludwig@farm-family.com WILLIAMSTOWN 413.458.5584 MaureenOMara@farm-family.com WORCESTER 508.752.3300 Thomas_Carroll@farm-family.com

Massachusetts Horse

51

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MONROE, CT PERMIT

#140

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

Brattleboro Agway 1277 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT (802) 254-8757 . achilleagway.com

Dodge Grain Company 59 N. Broadway, Salem, NH (603) 893-3739 . dodgegrain.biz

Hoosac Valley Coal and Grain 2 Gavin Ave., Adams . (413)743-0163 hoosacvalleycoalandgrain.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

Erikson’s Grain Mill 113 Main St., Acton . (978) 263-4733

Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926 sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com

Bernardston Farmer’s Supply 43 River St., Bernardston (413) 648-9311 bernardstonfarmerssupply.com

Country Corral 35 Main St., Williamsburg (413) 268-0180 . countrycorralonline.com

Essex County Co-op 146 S. Main St., Topsfield . (978) 887-2309 essexcountycoop.net Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange Rte. 32, Gilbertville . (413) 477-6913 hardwickfarmers.net

Thibault’s Poultry 92 N. Spencer Rd. Spencer (508) 612-1907