CONNEC T ICUT
HORSE
FROM THERE TO HERE THE JOURNEYS OF EQUINE RESCUES page 8
November/December 2015 connhorse.com $4
C&S RANCHES FARM FEATURE page 16
MANES & MOTIONS LEND A HOOF page 22
PACHAUG STATE FOREST TRAIL GUIDE page 26
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contents
November/December 2015
columns 18 Your Horse Has a What? Texting Your Vet
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Photography by Marafiote
courtesy of Jodie Szarmach
Dr. Aimee’s Advice
20 Madelyn Kruger 16
Giving OTTBs a Second Chance Youth Spotlight
26 Pachaug State Forest
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courtesy of mdc.net
Marleen Cafarelli
Trail Guide
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in every issue
features 8
From There to Here
6 Your Letters
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The Journeys of Equine Rescues
C&S Ranches
7 From the Editor
Family Rodeo Traditions
27 This Olde Horse
Farm Feature
28 Overherd: News in Our Community 31 Nutmeg State Happenings
14 Major Gordon Johnson Horseperson Feature
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Manes & Motions
33 Partners
Therapeutic Riding Center
38 Connecticut Events Calendar
Lend a Hoof
40 The Neighborhood 41 Advertisers Index 41 Is This Your Horse?
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November/December 2015
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Your Letters To the editor: On behalf of Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, I would like to thank you for your donation of two one-year subscriptions to Connecticut Horse for our recent fund-raiser. People are very excited about the new magazine, including those who won the subscriptions. The goal of Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue is to continue to make a difference in the lives of draft horses and those who care for and about them. Your generous support will help us to meet these goals and, more important, it will help us to reach out and save more horses. We thank you again for the generous gift and for your continued support of all we do at CDHR. Lori Harris, secretary, board of directors Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, Centerbrook
CONNEC T ICUT
HORSE vol. 1, no. 3 November/December 2015
99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 phone: (860) 391-9215 • fax: (413) 268-0050 • connhorse.com Connecticut Horse magazine is an independently owned and -operated all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for the Nutmeg State. © 2015 Connecticut Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.
publisher Stephanie Sanders • steph@connhorse.com • (413) 268-3302 editor Karena Garrity • karena@connhorse.com • (860) 391-9215 copy editor Doris Troy
To the editor: The first two issues of Connecticut Horse have been fantastic! I enjoy reading about the equestrian community in your pages. Keep up the good work. Susan Jocelyn, via email Send your thoughts to: karena@connhorse.com or Connecticut Horse, 99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096
ISSN 2378-5721
feature writers Christine Church, Aimee M. Eggleston, DVM Sally L. Feuerberg, Toni Leland, Lisa Peterson, Stacey Stearns contributors Shawna Baumann, Christine Church, Sally L. Feuerberg, Allison Forsyth Maryann Gile, Emilie Goddard, Raymond Hill, Leslie Smith Nicole Souza, Stacey Stearns county desk liaisons Fairfield and New Haven Counties Sally L. Feuerberg . sally@connhorse.com . (203) 339-0357 Hartford and Tolland Counties Christine Church . christine@connhorse.com . (860) 748-9757 Middlesex and New London Counties Karena Garrity . karena@connhorse.com . (860) 391-9215 advertising Northern CT: Jamie Cinq-Mars . jamie@connhorse.com . (413) 433-9436 Southern CT: Karena Garrity . karena@connhorse.com . (860) 391-9215 Advertising deadline for the January/February issue is December 5.
Sarah Grote Photography. Clydesdale mare Moose at the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, in Haddam Neck. ctdraftrescue.com.
Connecticut Horse is printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper.
the fine print The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Connecticut Horse staff or independent contractors, nor can they be held accountable. Connecticut Horse will not be held responsible for any misrepresentations or any copyright infringement on the part of advertisers. Connecticut Horse will not be held responsible for typing errors other than a correction in the following issue. All letters addressed to Connecticut 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 Connecticut Horse, are assumed to be legally released by the submitter for publication. Connecticut 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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November/December 2015
From the Editor
W
hat a lovely autumn we’ve been having! I hope you rode often with your equine friends; I certainly did. I even got in a few bareback rides — always a treat. Now I’d like to tell you about our Youth Awards: They’re one way we want to give back to our community. These awards are free for any horse-related competition in the Nutmeg
AUCTIONS & SALE HORSES
See our selection of horses and ponies for sale at farmheritage.com.
SHOWS & CLINICS
New England Stock Horse Shows Five individually judged classes for western horses and riders in four divisions: Green, Novice/Youth, No-Pro, and Open. Day-end and series-end awards!
State and will go to junior exhibitors (under 18) who display outstanding horsemanship and sportsmanship. These youths will have worked hard and with a great attitude despite not winning, and exemplify all that’s admirable in our young riders. To request an award for your upcoming event, just visit connhorse.com and click on COMMUNITY. Welcome to our newest partners, Connecticut Gymkhana Association, Granby Horse Council of Connecticut, and Greenwich Riding and Trails Association! Enjoy this beautiful season and giddy-up!
Clinics & WNEPHA Shows To see dates and details, visit farmheritage.com.
Karena Editor’s Favorite Quote “Just worry about the horse you’re on.” —Terry Schreiber
IEA TEAM & LESSONS
Join Our Hunt Seat Team! Openings for riders grades 6 to 12.
English and Western Lessons Open to buy, sell, or trade horses seven days a week, by appointment. Nice Horses for Nice People.
Experienced equestrian specializing in horse properties.
The Raucher Family 30 Florence Rd., Easthampton, MA (413) 527-1612 . www.farmheritage.com Connecticut Horse
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From There to Here
courtesy of Rosemarie Cappiello
The Journeys of Equine Rescues
Rosemarie Cappiello and Freya. by Toni Leland
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bandoned. Abused. Neglected. Forgotten. Surrendered. Some are old, some are young. Thoroughbreds, Morgans, Arabians, Quarter Horses, Minis, grade horses — their breed doesn’t matter. Most have shared the same horror inflicted by their biggest enemy: humans. Others have simply been victims of their human’s circumstances — a death, loss of land or income, the inability to care for animals. And yet the angels who rescue these horses and bring them into a world where they no longer have to be afraid are also humans. These are the stories of some horses and their angels.
Cherokee Skyy and Melissa “Life with Cherokee really made me realize that every single horse deserves a second chance,” says owner Melissa Johnston, of Hebron. Her five-year-old, red-and-white Paint arrived at Tara Farm Rescue, in Coventry, about a year ago, underweight, scared, confused, and injured. Melissa had been a regular volunteer for eight years and a trainer at Tara Farm Rescue for a year when Cherokee came in, and she began working with the mare right away. The horse had a large cut on her coronary band and a hole in her hoof. She was untrained 8
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and could be aggressive toward people, but in two weeks, Melissa knew Cherokee was the horse for her. A month after adopting the mare, Melissa made the startling discovery that the horse was deaf, which made many things understandable. “It was definitely a challenge,” says Melissa, “to train a horse without using any voice commands.” Her methods were successful — a year later, in August, Melissa and Cherokee were Green Horse champions at the Tolland County 4-H Horse Show.
Freya and Rosemarie “She puts purpose in my life. She’s a challenge, and I appreciate that,” says Rosemarie Cappiello, who lives in Branford. The pretty bay Thoroughbred mare was rescued about three years ago from the Camelot Auction pens, then later surrendered to All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue. Rosemarie has demonstrated that patience is the key to reaching goals with these fragile animals. An off-the-track Thoroughbred, Freya was flighty, spooky, unsure, and always nervous, but Rosemarie says she spent “tons of bonding time and did lots of groundwork, as well as time in the saddle.” During the two years she’s owned Freya, setting goals with her
horse makes Rosemarie excited. “Meeting those goals, no matter how big or small, is the greatest feeling,” she says. “She’s a special mare and I believe that our paths crossed so we could better each other.”
Coal and Lisa In 2012, Lisa Dismont, of Sandy Hook, was searching online for a rescue horse and came across a picture of a Percheron-cross gelding on the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue’s webpage. “I instantly knew he was meant for me,” she says. The 12-year-old horse had scars on his tongue and at the corners of his mouth, where he’d been abused with who knows what. Coal was rescued from a New Holland kill buyer and was at the CDHR, in Haddam Neck, for five months before Lisa found him. “We immediately bonded,” she says. “He seemed to trust me and was very calm during our initial interaction.” After a few more visits, Coal became what Lisa calls her “heart horse.” He was a driving horse and he needed to learn manners, how to take a saddle, and how to accept a rider. Within a month, after steady work, Lisa had gained his trust and they went on their first trail ride. Lisa must keep in mind that as a
Diane Horton Photography
Kate Lussier
Ginger and Jill Amaio.
pleasure or trail horse, her gelding has impaired breathing and tires easily, but she’s learned to work around his limitations. “He’s the sweetest, most gentle soul ever,” she says, “and I’m so grateful to have him in my life.”
Ginger and Jill “I want to give Ginger as much happiness as she’s given me,” says Jill Amaio, of Middlefield. Her 23-year-old Morgan/Arabian mare lived most of her life with the same man, but when he could no longer care for her, she was surrendered to All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue, in Northford. “The adoption process was actually short, but it felt like forever because we were so excited to make Ginger part of our family,” says Jill. The rescue was very supportive, she says, and helped Jill learn how to care for her new horse. Now that Ginger is boarded closer to home, Jill tries to see her horse every day, but sometimes her full-time job as a social worker and a mom cuts into that plan. When time permits, she rides for pleasure, and never pushes the mare past her limits. “Ginger has brought so much love and happiness to our family,” she says. “There’s something warm and loving about her. She takes away any stress, heartache, or pain a person might have.”
Richard Morrow with Mary Santagata riding June.
June and Mary “She was the most beautiful horse I’d ever seen, and I had to have her,” says Mary Santagata, of Northford. She’s talking about June, the horse Mary found on Pet Finder eight years ago. “A spitfire, not for the beginner,” read the Tara Farm Rescue listing. Not a very good rider by her own admission, Mary still wanted that stunning chestnut Morgan mare. An aging June had been surrendered by her owner about two years before Mary fell for her. Even though she was an older horse, Mary says, June gave “unforgettable rides” as she bucked and reared around the ring at every weekly lesson. After she moved June to a boarding facility, people still told Mary she should give back the dangerous mare. “I finally discovered exactly how she liked me to hold the reins,” says Mary. “From then on, June was happy and relaxed.” Mary is now the owner of All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue, in Northford. “June is the reason for All the Kings Horses,” she says. “She made me see the need for good rescues.”
Poncho and Kate Lyn Kate Lyn Kiwanis, of Litchfield, was adopted by a pinto pony in June. “Poncho had been pulled from the
Camelot Auction pen on my birthday, and had been at All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue for only about two weeks before he captured my heart,” says Kate Lyn. She met Poncho at the rescue’s Pit Bulls and Ponies Adoption Event. The pony came right over to where she was standing and spent the whole time there, enjoying her attention. “We took it as a sign that we had to take him home,” Kate Lyn says. Poncho’s background history is a mystery, so Kate Lyn began handling him in ways that would make him comfortable and trusting. Solid groundwork and desensitizing exercises have built his confidence, and Kate Lyn says he’s been very receptive and eager to please. She visits the barn daily, either riding and training or just hanging out with the horses. “They’re my life,” she says.
Gracie and Samantha Proving that outstanding bloodlines and fancy names make no difference to abusers, a granddaughter of Seattle Slew ended up in the hands of a human who didn’t like her. Fifteen years old, Gracie, a.k.a. She Salute/Sneak Preview, was surrendered to Second Chance Equine Rescue, in East Granby, and Samantha Pitera, of Stratford, found her a couple of months later. Gracie was Connecticut Horse
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“she’s an amazing horse,” says Brittney, “very trusting and sweet considering what she went through.” A lot of time and patience was required to gain Nena’s trust, but today she lives the life of luxury with Brittney’s gelding and two Minis. What’s the plan? “To love her unconditionally for the rest of her life.”
Lilo and Katie Katie Levy, who lives in Seymour, found her now four-year-old mare at Beech Brook Farm Rescue, in Mystic, a year ago this month. Unbeknownst to the people there, Lilo’s dam came to the rescue pregnant; the filly was born at the farm. Although the care was superb, she was missing that special family to love her — until Katie met her. Katie says the adoption process went smoothly: everyone was helpful and informative. “They wanted to make sure Lilo would go to a good home,” she says. “It was a great experience.” After the adoption, says Katie, “Lilo settled in here very quickly, and after a week or so of exploring the property, we got to work.” As a four-year-old with little training, the mare was still green, Katie says, but “she’s progressed to a pretty solid walk, trot, and canter” and has even been on a few trails. She hopes to be able to train Lilo to be a hunter.
Easter Guardian and Ingrid
at home with Samantha two weeks after that. “I called the rescue on a whim,” says Samantha. “It was really out of the way, but owner Michelle Cormier convinced me to make the trip.” Gracie connected with Samantha, who took her trainer up to the rescue the following week. Gracie was a good match and the adoption was made. Samantha spent a lot of time with the mare to gain her trust. The future might hold some form of light competition, Samantha says, but mostly Gracie is a beloved companion.
Ballarta Nena and Brittney “Nena reminds me daily that the worst thing in the world could happen to you but you can come out on top and make the most of it,” says Brittney Kenney, of 10
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Branford. That’s one of the things she’s learned from her 16-year-old off-thetrack Thoroughbred. Behind going from racing at the Meadowlands to the Camelot Auction pen lies a story to bring a lump to anyone’s throat. After her last race at New Jersey’s famed track, in 2002, the pretty chestnut mare was purchased by a breeding farm. During her time there, an abusive veterinarian hit Nena with a blunt object, which resulted in a dislocated jaw and a severely injured eye. By 2010, the farm was downsizing and Nena was dropped off at the Camelot Auction pen. “That’s where she was when All the Kings Horses rescued her,” says Brittney, as one of the “last horses standing.” Despite having suffered unknown horrors, and even with her blind eye,
“I thank Guardian every day for the trust he’s put in me,” says Ingrid Snieckus, who lives in Woodbury. Not a small feat for a 15-year-old Thoroughbred who’d been badly abused. “He was the first horse that Mary Santagata, of All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue, saved,” she says. Skin and bones when he arrived at the rescue, his fear of humans made him extremely aggressive. The rescue needed someone to foster and rehabilitate Guardian, and Ingrid volunteered. That was five years ago. Ingrid’s job was to get the horse healthy, train him for a second career, and find him a new home — which ended up being her own barn. “Lots of patience, kindness, experience, and treats won him over,” says Ingrid. Guardian has become an able event horse, competing through novice level, and he has participated in hunter paces. And he loves going to the beach. “Horses teach us every day,” says Ingrid, “that, with kindness, love, and guidance hardships can be overcome.”
Dakota and Sally “I couldn’t imagine my life without him,” says Sally Feuerberg, of Newtown. She’s talking about Dakota, her 20something horse of unknown breed. Dakota was rescued from horrible circumstances on a private farm when the state charged the owner with numerous counts of neglect and animal abuse. In 2006, Sally and her husband bought Dakota just before he was shipped off to auction. His hooves were in bad shape from eight years of standing knee-deep in mud and manure, and he was infested with parasites. His condition almost guaranteed that the auction would be his death sentence. “Once he was medicated and on the mend,” says Sally, “his true personality started to show.” Eventually, the horse that emerged had a lovely red dun coat. Sally and her husband ride Dakota on trails, which he seems to love. “I want to give him the best life possible,” says Sally. “Maybe I can make up for all the years that he never received the care and kindness he so truly deserves.”
Trinity and Andrea “I was terrified of horses four years ago; now they’ve changed my life,” says
Andrea Taylor, of Killingworth. Six-yearold Trinity was an Amish carthorse rescued from a Pennsylvania auction by All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue. At 14 hands, the diminutive chestnut mare is probably a Morgan cross. One knee is enlarged and badly scarred, perhaps from a road accident; she also has many scars from the halter and driving harness. “This was the first time I had horses at home,” says Andrea. “Trinity’s adjustment took about a week and went smoothly, probably because I had spent time with her at the rescue.” Andrea is working with Trinity to master Parelli’s seven games, which help the horse relax. Andrea says the mare has moved from slightly cautious to actively seeking attention. “She has a playful personality, can find a way out of her paddock, if possible, and loves treats. All the neighbors bring her carrots,” says Andrea. “She’s a joy to have around.” SOMEWHERE, OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE. Some of our beloved horses spend their entire lives with us; others touch us only briefly. Either way, the pain an owner feels at the passing of a horse is always great, but the memories live on forever.
Jag on Joe and Nancy “I got Joey after I went through breast cancer, and realized how life turns on a dime,” says Nancy Chambers, of Hampton. The horse had slipped on ice and was almost paralyzed on his left side when Tara Farm Rescue took him in. He spent about two years there before Nancy found him. Joey was a retired reining horse, and Nancy says she landed on the ground several times. “I discovered his buttons by accident,” she says. “I took some lessons to bring my riding up to his standards.” For 14 years, Nancy rode her horse on trails and for pleasure. He had gone blind, but with Nancy guiding him, he still loved to canter. “Joey helped me realize a lifelong dream,” says Nancy. In 2008, Joey crossed the bridge, at the ripe old age of 34. “He was my teacher, my companion, and my friend,” Nancy says. “He instilled a confidence in me I hadn’t had before.”
Winter and Samantha “This sweet mare taught us a lot about horses, faithfulness, and patience,” says Samantha Pitera, of Stratford. The
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Jack and Jodie “He made me fearless. He brought true meaning to the idea of horses ‘giving us
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wings,’” says Jodie Szarmach, of Seymour. Jack, her Thoroughbred/ Appaloosa gelding, had been confiscated by police in New Haven County
His teeth had been severely neglected, too. Jodie’s mother took in the horse a week after he was removed from the dire circumstances. During that first month with Jodie, the gelding was difficult to manage, and she says she was frustrated. He even broke her wrist at one point, but as months passed, she says, “he taught me so much about responsibility, being myself, never giving up, and so much more.” The sad end came this year. “I had to put Jack down, at age thirty-five,” says Jodie. “I’m so thankful for the time I had with him — I wish it had been longer.”
Vikki and ShawnaLee courtesy of Jodie Szarmach
“sweet mare” was the 24-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse that Samantha adopted through a referral from Beech Brook Equine Rescue in 2012. Samantha was looking for her first horse, and the rescue put her in touch with Winter’s owner, who needed to find a home for the mare. Winter, whose registered name was Just Diversified, had been a broodmare with at least eight foals to her credit. After being sold, she lived at a barn that came on hard times; the mare was quite thin when her original owner took her back. Once Winter was healthy again, the owner contacted the rescue. Samantha says she had the privilege of Winter’s companionship for almost two years, but in 2014 the mare developed a chronic illness. To end the mare’s suffering, Samantha euthanized her on a beautiful spring day in her favorite pasture. “Winter was an absolute love-bug to people and other animals,” says Samantha.
Jodie Szarmach and Jack.
and turned over to a barn owner. Jack came to Jodie at the age of 27, about 400 pounds underweight and with multiple abscesses in his hooves.
“The man who hauled her said, ‘No way was I going to let her die,’” says ShawnaLee Kwashnak, of Middlebury. The Standardbred mare had been bred and trained to a sulky at Yonkers Raceway (in New York), but something happened — perhaps a bad spill — and she was pulled from the race barn and slated for auction. ShawnaLee’s father worked for a man who owned racehorses. When he learned of Vikki’s impending fate, he convinced the driver to drop her off at
home. “It was exhilarating and emotional,” says ShawnaLee. “We were given only an hour’s notice that she was coming.” Vikki was skinny and wormy, but was well behaved. Because she’d never been out of a stall except to race, ShawnLee says, she was frightened by the green grass and butterflies. Once she was sound, ShawnaLee began training her to ride — something a sulky horse doesn’t often learn. Over the course of 16 years, the two were riding Pound Ridge daily, and eventually became a lead team in the hunter-pace series. At age 19, Vikki succumbed to a rare intestinal cancer. Says ShawnaLee: “I learned that love, time, and dedication really can make dreams come true.”
Tara’s Jaguar Party Boy and Megan “Jag made me the rider I am today: fearless,” says Megan Yoho, of Stafford. Jag was originally retired to Tara Farm Rescue from the grand prix jumper ring at the age of ten by an owner who no longer wanted to show him. Jag spent three years at the rescue before Megan found him. She boarded him there for another six years before moving him closer to her home. During that time, she says, she competed in the hunter and jumper ring, including Mystic Valley’s A-rated shows, and enjoyed trail riding and some crosscountry. “Jag was already trained to jump,” says Megan. “It was just getting me to his level, and getting the help to show me what he was capable of doing. And he needed lots of riding to keep him well behaved under saddle.” In 2012, the 24-year-old gelding developed seizures and Megan had to say good-bye to him. “He was an amazing horse,” she says. Toni Leland has written nine equestrian mysteries, a young-adult novel, two books on gardening, and a photographic history, and her articles have appeared in Grit, Over the Back Fence/Ohio, Country Living, Connecticut Lifestyles, Pathfinders, Sound and Country, Connecticut Family, and The Day (New London). She is the owner of Equine Graphics Publishing Group and SmallHorse Press.
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Horseperson Feature Bridgeport by Lisa Peterson
Major Gordon Johnson
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Lisa Peterson
Basic training was quite extensive: tion, he was voted by the troop into the ajor Gordon Johnson’s rise to mounted and dismounted drills and leadership post of commandant. commandant of the Second studying for exams on, for example, “Learning to be a cavalry soldier Company Governor’s Horse hasn’t changed in two hundred–plus Guard — one of the oldest continuously military protocol, parts of the horse, and parts of the saddle. Gordon and years and it’s not going to change,” serving U.S. Cavalry units — began simKindra also had to learn to care for and Gordon says. But as training officer, he ply because his daughter loved horses. ride in the historic 1928 McClellan cavdid try to tweak the methods of instruc“It was a love of my daughter’s to tion and use modern join the horse guard, and technology, such as comit seemed like the right puters, email, and powerplace to be,” Gordon says point presentations. at the unit’s headquarters, “When I got here,” he at Fairfield Hills in marvels, “everything was Newtown. Today, more still on paper!” than a dozen years and a full cavalry career later, Major Johnson faces The Second Company mandatory military retireGovernor’s Horse ment. He’s not happy Guard about it, he says, but he’s Chartered in 1808 by the always one to follow Connecticut Legislature orders. as a state militia unit, the A Bridgeport native, 2GHG was originally Gordon grew up in based in New Haven, at Trumbull and occasionthe time Connecticut’s ally rode horses for fun co-capital with Hartford. in a friend’s backyard. There are countless highHe attended the lights of the 2GHG Bridgeport Engineering troop’s two centuries of Institute and Bullard service: escorting the Havens Vo-Tech School, Marquis de Lafayette in in Bridgeport. It wasn’t 1824 is one; joining the until 2000, after a career Major Gordon Johnson looks over a new arrival at the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard. Connecticut National as a master plumber (Local 777 alry saddles, which are still used today. Guard in 1901 is another. In 1916 the Plumbers and Steam Fitters of “You’re all taught to tack up the troop was activated for a Mexican borConnecticut), that Gordon’s interest in same way,” says Gordon. “That’s part of der conflict, and it provided machinehorses grew: that’s when he moved his being in the military. You all do it the gun support in France during World family to Newtown and became active in same way, you don’t deviate from it, War I. the Newtown Pony Club with his daugh- you’re all treated equally. I thought that Since the 1970s, the troop has parter, Kindra. They even kept horses on was really nice.” ticipated in six presidential inaugural their property. parades. The most recent, in 2005, was Upon graduation, troopers earn Ten years later, after discovering for George W. Bush — and father and their “spurs” and learn how to open a that the Second Company Governor’s daughter participated. “It was a cold champagne bottle with a saber as part Horse Guard (2GHG) was virtually and a little wet January day, but we manof the celebration. around the corner, both father and aged to complete our mission after “It felt great to earn my spurs as a daughter decided to join it. cavalry solider,” says Gordon. “I was very being in the saddle for more than six hours,” Gordon says. “I knew the horse guard was here honored. There’s a lot of history and a After serving as commandant for because my daughter rode in the first lot of tradition. Maintaining the history eight years, two events stand out for Judged Pleasure Ride (sponsored by of the cavalry — the saddles, the tack, 2GHG at Fairfield Hills) and won a ribthe uniforms — is so important for edu- him. The first is the unit’s 200th-anniverbon,” Gordon says. “She asked me if I cating the public.” sary celebration, in 2008, complete with would join with her because she didn’t As part of perhaps the only fathera ball, a history book, and a battalion want to do it by herself.” daughter tandem to join the cavalry, review in colonial uniforms. It was one Gordon says he thought it would be Gordon advanced quickly through the of his first responsibilities as comman“a good fit” because of his experience as ranks. As second lieutenant, he served dant. a volunteer firefighter with Hawleyville as the troop coronet and later as trainThe second was meeting the Sioux and a trained EMT with the Newtown ing officer. By 2007, after being asked Indian Nation Chief High Eagle after Volunteer Ambulance Corps. by fellow troopers to run for the posi14
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the 2014 Sandy Hook tragedy. The last time the U.S. Cavalry and the Sioux Nation met was at Custer’s Last Stand, at Little Big Horn, in 1876. This time the Native Americans camped out for three days at the 2GHG headquarters with their Paint horses, and Gordon got the opportunity to ride them. Today the 2GHG, a paramilitary group whose commander in chief is Governor Dannel Malloy, reports to the Connecticut National Guard. Besides its primary duty — to protect and escort the governor — it represents the state of Connecticut in a variety of public functions, among them parades and official ceremonies, and performs volunteer services in the community.
Budget Cuts Traditionally funded by the state’s general fund, a few years ago the 2GHG fell victim to budget cuts and was almost disbanded. Gordon’s goal has been to identify fund-raising opportunities to support the horses. When he first joined, there were 33 mounts at the horse guard. Today a mere 10 graze in the paddock. “All we ask is for the care of the horses — feed, hay, farrier, and vet,” says Gordon. Troopers buy their own uniforms and equipment. “We’re still an unknown treasure to the state of Connecticut and its citizens,” he says. “There are people here in Newtown who still don’t know we exist.” Some of the troop’s community efforts focus on riding programs. Each year at Camp Harkness, a state-owned facility, the horse guard provides special-needs children and adults with colorful drill rides and recreational riding. Its members also run the Saddle Up Program in Newtown with the Southbury Training School, among other good works.
The Cavalry Herd The military horses of the 2GHG are state property and must be healthy and fit for duty. They live outside as a herd 90 percent of the time. When the temperature is below zero and in extreme weather conditions, they do get to come inside the barn. “Our philosophy is that they’re healthier living outside,” Gordon says. “Like chickens, they have a pecking order. Plus, it’s a cavalry tradition to use just geldings so there wouldn’t be any problems!” Equine-observation skills are passed down from generation to gener-
ation of cavalry troopers. There are SOPs (standard operating procedures) for everything horse related. “All horses are trained the same way with the right rider on the right horse,” Gordon says. “The care is exceptional, and the grazing here is phenomenal.” Troopers can come ride after hours on the beautiful trails of Fairfield Hills or practice their skills in the ring, as long as they have a partner: at the horse guard, safety is the number one priority.
Training The horses and troopers practice their drills once a week for 45 minutes. When they’re on duty for parades, they may work from a half hour to several hours, depending on the size of the parade. The 2GHG marched in Newtown’s Labor Day parade, which featured Governor Malloy. Annual training at Camp Niantic is required for all National Guard units, not just the 2GHG. Beside lots of riding, they take military classes, march, have barracks inspections, and then tack up and ride out on drills. They also practice putting the horses on a picket line for grooming, tacking up, and using feedbags, and they simulate the skills they would need if they were on war maneuvers. An evening tradition is to take the horses bareback to the Niantic River for a swim. “As commandant, I don’t like to praise myself, but I did the best I could,” Gordon says. “But we’re still here! I plan to mentor this unit as long as I can to keep it going. I feel privileged to be among a special group of people, not just the second horse guard, but the first horse guard, the foot guards, and the National Guard. To be around these people who have served in war has been very humbling.” MORGAN, ONE OF THE FIRST horses Gordon rode as a trooper, retired six months ago, at age 28, from his military service. Morgan was adopted by Gordon and now lives at his home, waiting for his new owner to retire. And that day is coming soon: Major Gordon Johnson hangs up his cavalry spurs on November 29 — the day he turns 64. Lisa Peterson’s lifelong involvement with horses spans teaching equitation and horsemanship as well as riding to hounds, hunter/jumper horse shows, and hunter paces. A weekly columnist for the Newtown Bee, she also blogs about horses, hounds, and history. She lives in Newtown with her husband and three Norwegian elkhound show dogs.
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Farm Feature
C&S Ranches Family Rodeo Traditions
Bethany by Sally L. Feuerberg
D
Photography by Marafiote
because working on the ranch is a family id you ever attend the rodeo as affair: Missy is Paul Crotta III’s daughter. a child? If you did, you’ve probShe’s married to farrier Joe Santos, and ably never forgotten the first the couple have a 10-year-old son, time you saw a horse-and-rider team Mason. Missy, Bo, and Kacey, along with exploding out of the box, chasing that their mom, Jan, and their father all take steer down the arena at speeds you couldn’t comprehend. You can still hear part in the daily operation. Paul and Mark Crotta, Missy’s uncle, now own the the crowd cheering and the sounds of the horse’s hooves pounding the dirt. If you close your eyes, you can almost visualize the dust floating in the air and see the intense focus on the rider’s face. Or maybe your memory is that of the lone barrel racer at a full-charged gallop, making agile turns in a cloverleaf pattern and somehow, miraculously, not knocking over a single barrel Well, if you thought those memories were a thing of the past, think again. That energy thrives at C&S Ranches. In the 1940s, Paul Crotta Jr. defied his family’s Missy Santos with husband Joe and son Mason. longtime tradition of ranch, which was established in 1947 by becoming a mason. Although he was Missy’s grandfather. met with stiff opposition from his Sixty-eight years later, there are 20 father, Paul decided that his life’s ambihorses at the ranch, ranging from a fivetion was directing him elsewhere; he year-old named Riddick to various seasimply loved horses. He also enjoyed soned veterans of the rodeo circuit. “Dad cattle ranching, and wanted to develop is just wrapping up his training on the skills required to manage both catRiddick,” says Missy. “My mom and dad tle and horses. At one point, he even work together when training the used his riding talents for a job warmyounger horses. They start them at anying up horses to be used in movies. where from two to three years of age, Working on a horse farm in West Haven only further inspired him to find depending on whether they’re physically and mentally ready. My mom says that a place he could call his own. With his proper training is a long process because wife, Barbara, by his side, Paul started when they’re done, they’re perfect.” what is now the Crotta-family legacy: The rodeo tradition stems from C&S Ranches. Paul Crotta Jr.’s early days as owner. “My C&S Ranches (Crotta and Sons) is grandfather held rodeos here back in located in Bethany on 24 acres that feathe 1950s,” says Missy. “There were all ture lush hayfields, four ponds, and the traditional events: team roping, for myriad large, shady trees that dot the example, bronc riding, bull riding, calf landscape. Off in the distance, several cows appreciate a break from the morn- roping, and barrel racing. Today our barn still offers team roping, penning, ing sun in the ample foliage of those sorting, and barrel racing. This year has trees, which in late September are just been exceptional. We had the highest starting to whisper the effects of the attendance of spectators and up to sixtyapproaching autumn. It’s here that we five participants at a time joining in our meet Missy Santos. Thursday-night activities.” Now, here come a lot of names, 16
November/December 2015
In the main aisle of the indoor arena are Missy’s nephew, five-year-old Maxim (Bo Crotta’s son), and Pattie Foehrenbach, who has been at C&S since 1986. Pattie has seen all the Crotta children grow up. She barrel-races, and her husband, Scott, participates in all the team events. Today Pattie keeps a watchful eye on Maxim, who presents some freshly picked wildflowers to his grateful aunt Missy. There’s a very tall, stunning, and extremely friendly Thoroughbred named Elan at C&S. Smiling, Missy says, “We even have Thoroughbreds and hunter/jumpers boarding here, to give them a mental break from the stress of training and high-level competition. Some need recuperation time after an injury or maybe just a breather before heading down to events in Wellington, Florida.” The stalls give indoor/outdoor access and the opportunity for visiting horses to graze leisurely and socialize in the adjoining pastures. Elan is happily hanging out with Pattie and Maxim, desperately trying to share their morning snack. The indoor arena, built in 1967, measures 70' x 220'. “It’s heated for functions held during the colder months,” Missy says. “There are stalls for up to forty horses with a wash-down area and a tack room. The Yale polo team had all their horses here for a while.” (Yale has recently acquired a new facility, also in Bethany, to house its polo program.) The arena, with an ample viewing area, has hosted clinics featuring well-known barrel racers Paul Humphrey and Sharon Camarillo as well as team roper Keven Daniel. “We keep thirty-five to fifty cows year-round and my dad maintains the entire group,” says Missy. “The cows always have indoor and outdoor access, depending on the weather. They’re used for all the team roping, penning, and sorting events.”
Rodeo Activities Missy’s dad, her uncle Mark, and Bo all take part in every team rodeo activity. Bo — who attended Odessa College, in Texas, on a bull-riding scholarship to study equine science and livestock management — is now an equine dentist at Equine Specialties, a farrier, and a team roper. Team roping is the only event in which men and women compete equally in both single-gender and mixed-gender teams. Cowboys originally developed this technique on working ranches when it was necessary to capture and restrain a full-grown animal that was too large to be handled by a single man. Sometimes referred to as “heading and heeling,” team roping features a steer and two horses and riders. The first roper (the header) is the rider who ropes the front of the steer, usually around the horns. Once the steer is caught, the header must “dally,” or wrap the rope around the rubbercovered saddle horn, and use his horse to turn the steer to the left. The objective of the second roper (the heeler) is to rope the steer by its hind feet after the header has turned it. Team penning gives teams of three riders on horseback from 60 to 90 seconds to separate three specifically identified cattle from a herd of 30 and guide them into a 16' x 24' pen through a 10-foot opening at the opposite end of the arena. Teamwork is key: all three riders must work together to isolate the three cattle and drive them to the pen, all the while keeping back the rest of the herd (sometimes called trash or dirty cattle). Similarly, team sorting, also known as ranch sorting, pits a team of two (or sometimes three) riders on horseback against the clock. Teamwork is also critical here as riders work in harmony to isolate the correct cattle and drive them to the pen while keeping back the dirty cattle. Team penning and team sorting require sorting the cattle from one pen to another in the correct order. Both sports evolved from the common ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring, or transport. At the outdoor arena, Jack Pawlowicz is working with Rascal. Jack, a longtime rider at C&S, regularly comes to the ranch to help exercise the horses. (He’s been riding for 35 years and even met his wife, Barbara, here.) Rascal is Mark Crotta’s horse, but for Mylie (Kacey’s daughter and Missy’s niece), he’s her ride of choice at barrel-
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racing competitions. At only eight years old, this fearless young lady with an impish smile beat out 51 challengers, adults and children alike, by 0.6 second at a race held on September 17. “We have people ages five to sixtyseven taking part in our barrel-racing events,” says Missy. “There are three divisions: Adult (or Open); Youth, which is eighteen and younger; and Pee Wee, for those nine and younger.” In the sport of barrel racing, both boys and girls can compete at the youth level and men compete in some amateur venues and jackpots. In collegiate and professional ranks, it’s primarily a rodeo event for women. This event is Missy’s passion. She and her favorite horse, Jag, take part in the ranch’s races from May through September. Together they also travel to events throughout the area, and entered the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) finals, which were held on the last weekend of September. Ninety riders from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut competed for a payout of more than $11,000. As Missy can attest, the sport combines the horse’s athletic ability with the horsemanship skills of the rider. A barrel horse must be not only
fast, but also strong, agile, and intelligent. The most successful horse-andrider combinations, just like families, are the ones that work in harmony as team. They are committed to what they do, and must continually practice, perform, and even play to perfect their skills. Just like the past and present Crottas, future family generations will continue the rodeo traditions that mesmerized us as children.
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17
Dr. Aimee’s Advice
Your Horse Has a What? Texting Your Vet
by Aimee M. Eggleston, DVM
A
sonal with whatever they’re trying to take a picture of. And invariably the result is distorted or blurry. Take a few steps back, then make sure your subject is in focus. I can always enlarge a picture at my end.
To send pictures • Send only the most representative images. There’s no need to flood your veterinarian’s email or text feed with 20 pictures of the same bump or cut or laceration. Two or three pictures taken from different angles are enough. If I need another shot, I’ll let you know. • Back up. Over and over I notice that people want to get up close and per18
November/December 2015
To send a video • Get closer. Unlike with taking a picture, when my tip is to back up, videos are often taken from so far away that I can barely identify the horse and the rider, let alone “that thing” the horse is doing every third step only to the left on a circle. Your veterinarian needs less scenery, more horse.
Texting and Email
Emilie Goddard
mbulatory equine veterinarians drive. We drive a lot. We used to get lost a lot, too. Not that long ago, I had three or four detailed state maps stashed around the cab of the truck to help me locate my next call. I’d often have to pull over to the side of the road when I knew I was losing my way. Then came smart phones and the global-positioning systems that are built into them. GPS apps with realistic travel times, traffic alerts, and alternate routes have revolutionized my ability to get somewhere efficiently — which saves time and gas. In an emergency situation, it saves confusion and angst as well, when I’m trying to elicit good directions to a new farm from a panicked owner of a horse with a bad colic. My smart phone has other functions that have an effect on how I do my job. The camera and video capabilities, the ability to text and use email — all these connect me to clients and patients in ways not imagined ten years ago. The applications for veterinarians are life changing. I invite and encourage clients to email and text me. The speed with which an animal owner can text me information or email a picture or a video enables me to triage a horse from a distance, answer questions quickly, and receive updates for ongoing medical situations. As with any new technology, however, there’s a learning curve. Here are some tips and pointers that will help you and your veterinarian keep in touch.
• Be careful. I’ll never forget the 15 pictures (see the first tip!) I received from an owner who wanted me to appreciate the sheath/prepuce swelling on her gelding. As I looked at the pictures, I realized that she had to be lying underneath the horse to achieve these views. Please, don’t get yourself hurt for the sake of a sheath montage! • Warn your veterinarian about upcoming graphic pictures. When you’re about to send images, be aware that your veterinarian may be some place (like out to dinner!) in which five pictures of that “bump on the penis” won’t be appreciated. Can you imagine your vet’s friends asking, “What are the pictures? Can I see them?” Give some notice about what pictures your veterinarian will be opening. • Identify yourself. Too often I receive a picture that isn’t “signed.” The accompany text asks what I think about this laceration on the leg and what to do about it and I’m left to wonder: “Who sent me this?”
Texting and email have their place too, but not for anything urgent or an emergency. Your veterinarian may be out of town, or at an appointment, or watching her daughter’s swim class — under any of those circumstances, she’s not monitoring texts or emails. If you have an emergency, call your veterinarian’s office! Also remember that your veterinarian likely receives a lot of email and text messages every day. Have some patience if you don’t receive an immediate reply; call if you need a quick response. Occasionally send your veterinarian something fun and “normal.” We usually get the bad-news text messages and emails. I remind my
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clients that I love to see the good, too. Did your horse (my patient!) do something amusing? Is your horse doing so well that the two of you went trail riding? (Walk into a pediatrician’s office and you won’t see a picture of the runny-nosed toddler with an exhausted dad and a weird rash . . . you see the happy, smiling, fun-loving kid and his beaming father.) We veterinarians love to hear good news and see joyful pictures. They can make our day. Equine veterinarian Aimee Eggleston and her husband own Eggleston Equine, a veterinary practice serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Dr. Aimee is on the board of directors of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association and in her spare time enjoys training for various running races. This year she plans to attempt a triathlon.
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Youth Spotlight
Mansfield
by Sally L. Feuerberg
Madelyn Kruger Giving OTTBs a Second Chance
M
courtesy of Madelyn Kruger
adelyn Kruger’s enthusiasm is “Katherine definitely cares for her contagious. You can see it in horses,” Madelyn says. her eyes; you can hear it in Madelyn wanted not only to chalher voice. At 17, her devotion to the lenge herself, but also to increase her breed is evident as she talks about her equestrian knowledge and experience, involvement with the four young offso with her mother by her side, she the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) she’s chose her first project horse, Goldie. “I worked with and trained since she was all of 12 years old. OTTBs are ex-racehorses. When a Thoroughbred’s running days are over, it may find a second career as a pleasure horse, a polo pony, a dressage horse, an eventer, or a hunter and jumper. The four in Madelyn’s life are now hunters and jumpers. Each one has taught her something, she says, whether it’s about perseverance, diligence, or simply how amenable it could be, given the right amount of Madelyn and Goldie. patience and consistency. Madelyn, who lives in Mansfield, respected my mom’s opinion when it credits her mom, Lisa, with instilling came to looking for the right horse,” her with her passion for working with Madelyn says. OTTBs. “My mom and my grandOnce the six-year-old bay was mother rode, worked with, and trained home, their journey began. Thoroughbreds,” she says. “Mom never A program of simple groundwork pushed me. It was left to me to decide and a basic introduction to small fences when I was ready to get involved with was the lesson plan. “Goldie was jumphorses, and at five years old, I was ing very soon after we got her,” says ready.” Madelyn. “She was trusting and smart From then on, it was clear that and had an easygoing personality. I was Madelyn’s future would always be, as it impressed by her natural ability and had been for generations before her, a willingness to learn.” foregone conclusion. As the mare’s progress continued, Madelyn was with her mom and Madelyn laid a foundation that would one of her mother’s students when they be refined and applied to future acquimet Katherine Hutchinson, of Andover. sitions. She developed methods and Their veterinarian had recommended teaching techniques to work with the her as a source for hunter/jumper issues that so many OTTBs face in their prospects. Katherine breeds transition from racing. “Safety is my priThoroughbreds for racing careers, but ority,” says Madelyn. Goldie, Madelyn is once their days on the track are over, proud to say, is now teaching others as a she takes them back and tries to retrain lesson horse. them and then find new homes. Hailed was her next acquisition
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November/December 2015
from Katherine, and it’s this mare that Madelyn refers to as her approachable, sweet, “go-to” horse. Not only did Hailed take to the teaching methods, but she also proved to be a reliable, steadfast trail horse. (Hailed is now owned by and is active with a local eventer.) “Miss Hearty was my first real challenge,” Madelyn says. “At times she was extremely difficult to handle during the necessary groundwork.” With Katherine and her mom’s counseling, Madelyn decided that her best option for the 10-year-old mare was to have her bred. Miss Hearty is due to foal this spring. To refer to Irene, a.k.a. Chubs, as Madelyn’s current project would not be entirely accurate: Chubs has recently become her partner. Chubs, Goldie’s sister, had never raced. She was a bit spooky at first, but now, at seven years old and 16.1 hands, this “stocky, old-style” Thoroughbred has become Madelyn’s favorite equestrian collaborator. “I find her to be dead honest,” she says, “and her kindness transcends that of all the other breeds I’ve been exposed to in the field of hunter/jumpers.” When she’s not involved with the training of OTTBs, Madelyn spends time with her pony, Hullabaloo, a.k.a. Lucy, who lives at home on Trumbull Farm. “Lucy has been enjoying her leisure time playing with our family’s Minis,” says Madelyn. In 2014, Madelyn rode Lucy in the U.S. Pony Finals, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. This is the most prestigious and celebrated pony event of its kind in the United States. To get to the Pony Finals, you compete at qualifying shows during the year to accumulate points. Then the top four riders in each zone or region
courtesy of Madelyn Kruger
receive an invitation to attend. Last year, Madelyn was among the top four riders who represented zone 1, which encompasses all of New England. A
Madelyn and Lucy.
total of 40 riders from throughout the country participated in the championships. “It was an incredible experience, and the park was gorgeous,” Madelyn says. This summer, Madelyn took two months off to work at Brandywine Polo Club, in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania,
and to learn the sport. This ambitious undertaking was intended to prepare her for joining and becoming a member of the University of Connecticut Polo Team. She’s now in her first semester at UConn, majoring in animal science. “Maybe a little girl’s dream of becoming a vet will come true,” Madelyn says. Madelyn spends her limited spare time getting the university’s team ponies ready for upcoming matches; working at Silver Lining Stables, in Columbia; and beginning to train her new charge at Katherine Hutchinson’s farm. Baby O, Hailed’s half sister, is a yearling. “She’s introducing me to the excitement of interacting with a youngster,” Madelyn says. “I’m just working her in hand right now, but it’s definitely a different experience.” Madelyn has a clear vision of what she’d like to accomplish: “Besides doing well in school, I’d like to change people’s perception of OTTBs and of Thoroughbreds in general,” she says. “They aren’t difficult to deal with; I’ve found them to be engaging, athletic, willing, and a joy to work with.”
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Lend a Hoof Middletown
by Karena Garrity
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center
80' x 120' riding arena, complete with a wheelchair bound, was one of Wylie’s own a long residential side road state-of-the-art wheelchair lift, a heated first students. Now she says she looks peppered with midcentury forward each week to her time spent on viewing area, office space, and a classhomes, on the outskirts of the room. Wylie’s back. Not only is she improving city of Middletown, just five minutes “Now our riders have the benefit of her balance, strengthening her core, from the noise of the Route 9 highway, this therapy all year, which is great,” says and stimulating her muscles, but she’s sits an oasis of sorts — 20-plus acres of treasured farmland, where the manes of also gaining confidence, determination, Janice. “This way, over the winter they don’t lose everything they’ve gained a herd of ten specially trained therapeu- and courage — all while spending time from the program” in spring and sumwith one of her best friends. tic-riding horses are almost always in mer. “I love coming to my lesson. motion. There are also two outdoor arenas Working on my balance is what I focus The property, known as Daniels with ramps and a trail that wraps on most,” she says. “This is a fun, Farm, was once home to a large, familyaround the property — riders owned dairy farm; now it’s enjoy the change of scenery, the official residence of the different sensory stimuli, and Manes & Motions the experience of riding on Therapeutic Riding Center. varied terrain. “We lease a portion of the land for our program,” The Horses says Sarah Castellani, the With an eclectic array of herd program manager of the members, there’s a size, Aquatic Rehab Center and breed, age, and gait for everyManes & Motions one. Therapeutic Riding Center “Some of our riders need for the Hospital of Special horses with a choppier gait Care, located in New Britain because if they’re not getting and Hartford. that movement, they get A wholly owned subbored and distracted,” says sidiary of the hospital, Janice. “Others need a steadManes & Motions is a ier, quiet horse with a slow, Professional Association of easy gait. Some of our horses Therapeutic Horsemanship are large and round; others International (PATH)–certi- Manes & Motions volunteer Ray Cubeta; Alexandria Bode riding Wylie; and are narrow. We do our best to fied organization and serves Manes & Motion’s equine specialist, Janice Anderson. healthy way to exercise. Not everyone pair our riders with the right horses so special-needs individuals in central they get the most out of their experiConnecticut. Manes & Motions is a non- gets the chance to ride a horse, so I ence here.” profit with a mission to provide benefits really feel special.” Wylie and Alexandria have been One of Wylie’s good-natured herd in the areas of physical and emotional meeting weekly for four years, and from mates is Bella, a Paint/draft — a bigger therapy and community education via their behavior after the lesson ends, it’s gal who has a lot of movement for those the use of equine-assisted activities. no secret that the two enjoy each seeking sensory stimulation. Another is “The smiles on our participants’ other’s company immensely. As she setfaces at the end of a lesson really say it Ransom, a 16-hand Quarter Horse with tles back into her wheelchair, Wylie nuz- nice forward movement honed during all,” says Janice Anderson, the Manes & zles his way into Alexandria’s lap, and Motion’s equine specialist and a PATHhis show days. Cisco is a 15.3-hand the two share a sweet moment of friend- Appendix Quarter Horse who Janice certified instructor. ship and appreciation. Not only does she impart her says is an all-around favorite, with both “Being a part of this kind of interexpertise, passion, and love for helping riders and volunteers. (“He has a rockaction is absolutely wonderful,” says volothers, but Janice also shares her own ing-horse gait and an honest work unteer Ray Cubeta, who’s been helping horse, Wylie, with Manes & Motions ethic,” she says.) And there’s Axel, a out at Manes & Motions as a side walker Haflinger with a choppy gait, which clients. for almost a year. Ray enjoys his time at An unofficial greeter to the padgives his riders the feel of front-to-back dock and pasture area, Wylie, the stately the riding center so much that he’s in and side-to side movements, and training to become a horse leader. Quarter Horse, is well qualified for his Freckles a very friendly gentle Quarter “I’m retired and I started volunteer- Horse. job. With an inquisitive face and a soft, ing here as something to keep me curious muzzle, he thoroughly inspects The others in the herd are Rosie, passersby, perhaps in hopes of finding a busy,” says Ray. “I’d encourage everyone the small, semiretired pony; Gaia, the to try this. Even if you don’t have any rogue treat or two. Canadian Cheval; Dunkin, a handsome horse experience, it’s a very rewarding Watching Wylie work is a joy — his boy, thought to be a Morgan; and thing to do.” slow, deliberately kind ways bring ease Amigo, the new guy who is a 15.3-hand Today Manes & Motions serves 85 and comfort to those around him. Paint. participants each semester. Recently it One of Wylie’s most adoring fans is Janice says Manes & Motions would completed a building that houses an Alexandria Bode. Alexandria, who is like to help even more people. All the Karena Garrity
D
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November/December 2015
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November/December 2015
horses are either donated or on free lease, and in hopes of expanding, she says, “we need more horses and more volunteers.”
gram: the Manes & Motions Horses for Heroes initiative, which also gives clients an opportunity to learn or rediscover equine-assisted activities.
MANES & MOTIONS WAS FOUNDED by Jerri Massi, who has since passed away. Her enduring contribution to participants’ well-being is the gift of equine-assisted activities. “Manes & Motions is the fulfillment of Jerri’s dream,” says her husband, Dr. James Massi. “If Jerri was here today, I know she would be very proud of how far we’ve come and how many people we’re helping,” says Janice. “Manes and Motions Therapeutic Riding Center is an integral piece of our continuum of care for our Autism Program and our Brain Injury Program, as it adds community integration as well as enhanced well-being to our patients’ treatment,” says Dr. John Votto, president and chief executive officer at the Center for Special Care, the parent organization of the Hospital for Special Care. The hospital is one of the five largest long-term acute-care hospitals in the United States. In addition to its other programs, Manes & Motions provides services to America’s wounded service personnel and veterans through a special pro-
EQUINE-ASSISTED ACTIVITIES are not covered by most insurance carriers, so Manes & Motions has rider-assistance program that works on a sliding scale of aid, depending on financial need. “Our goal is to be able to offer our services to all individuals who may benefit from it, no matter what the income circumstances are,” says Sarah, the program manager, who works diligently to secure funding through grants, fundraisers, and private donations.
The next big fund-raiser is a Freedom Ride, at Lord Creek Farm in Old Lyme, in June. For more information about upcoming events, classes, volunteering, and donating, call (860) 685-0008 or visit manesandmotions.com. Karena Garrity shares her home with her husband and two sons, as well as an elderly pug, a 16-yearold Manx cat, and a rescue Boston terrier/French bulldog. She volunteers at a therapeutic-riding center and spends her free time with her good friend, a Quarter Horse named Truman.
Mystic Valley Hunt Club Established 1983
Boarding . Training . Sales 172-Acre Horse Show Facility in Gales Ferry, Connecticut Just three miles off I95, exit 88
Upcoming Shows 11/1 NEHC, CHJA, CHSA Hunt Seat 11/15 Marshall & Sterling Schooling
Prize lists and details on website.
Sally Hinkle Russell 645 Long Cove Rd., Gales Ferry, CT 860.464.7934 www.MysticValleyHuntClub.com
Accepting New Boarders Welcoming Trailer-in Clients Fairfield County’s Premier Horse Boarding Farm
70 x 140 indoor . 200 x 100 outdoor . Ten new stalls Full Board . Full-day Turnout . Exceptional Service
Daniel Stewart Clinic Build a Strong Focus & Confidence November 7 & 8 . Auditors $25/ day
38 Carmen Lane, Monroe, CT silverliningstablesct.com . 203.445.6318 Connecticut Horse
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Voluntown by xx Stearns by Stacey Stearns
Trail Guide
Patchaug State Forest
M
low-blazed trail with the Yellow Diamond Trails, which the Connecticut Horse Council recommends. Hunting is allowed in season; if you ride in the fall, wear blaze orange. “Pachaug is a great place to ride with a well-marked map you can find online and then print,” says Megan Thompson, of Mansfield Depot. “There are smooth and wide access roads and
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colonists in the late 1700s whose screams still ring in the forest. I didn’t have any ghostly encounters on my ride ...
Planning Ahead Interstate 395 provides easy access; you should travel no more than 10 miles from the highway before you arrive. Enter the state forest through the main entrance on Ekonk Hill Road in Voluntown. Then turn right and follow the signs down to Frog Hollow Horse Camp to park. There are usually maps at the ranger station, just inside the main entrance on a side road; to be sure, though, it’s wise to download a map from home. If you’re riding after Columbus Day, you may need to park somewhere other than at Frog Hollow, as the gates may be closed. There are several places to pull your trailer off the road and numerous other parking areas, including a small one at Stone Hill Road just before the camp.
Hitting the Trails
Stacey Stearns
yriad trails crisscross through the woods, leading riders in new directions to explore the flora and fauna of Pachaug State Forest. With 24,000 acres in five towns, it’s the largest state forest in Connecticut. The vast size makes it a welcome haven for many outdoor recreational groups, from equestrians to mountain bikers and from hikers to anglers. The initial parcel of land was purchased in 1928 and the forest grew from there. The Chapman Area of Pachaug State Forest contains numerous trails for equestrians, as well as Frog Hollow Horse Camp. Pachaug is a Native American term that means bend or turn in the river. The Pachaug River runs through the center of the forest from Beach Pond to the Quinebaug River. The area was home to the Narragansett, Pequot, and Mohegan tribes. A combined force of colonists and Mohegans defeated the Narragansetts and Pequots in the late 1600s. Veterans of the Indian Wars received a six-milesquare tract of land in 1700, and a central portion of this became “Volunteer’s Town.” In 1721, it was incorporated as Voluntown. There are old cellar holes and lots of stone walls; the entire area was once farmland or pasture. Many mills also popped up, beginning in 1711, to take advantage of the abundant water sources. You’ll still see the remnants of mill sites and dams when you come to brooks. Pachaug is home to a 58-mile motorcycle trail, open year-round, that wends its way over wooded areas and public roads. Called the Pachaug Multiuse Trail on the map, it’s marked with small red arrows attached to trees at turns and intersections. This is the only trail that motorcycles are allowed on. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians are also welcome to use this trail. Be aware, though, that you’ll meet motorcycles at some point during your ride. On a weekday morning, the only other trail users I met were two friendly mountain bikers. Horses are not permitted on several trails: The blue-, blue/red-, white-, and yellow-blazed trails are for foot travel only. Note: Don’t confuse the yel-
spacious parking. An abundance of trails vary from gravelly dirt roads to challenging rocky single tracks. I’ve enjoyed time spent riding there with friends and family.”
Spooky History Over the years, Pachaug has acquired a reputation for being haunted. The names of many locations in the forest contribute to the local legends. The elevation of Mount Misery is 441 feet, and the summit is a regular destination for hikers and mountain bikers who relish the challenge and the views. Hell Hollow is a popular area; Hell Hollow Road runs from Sterling to Griswold and passes Hell Hollow Pond. Along with Breakneck Hill Road and the Troll Trail, it can make for an interesting ride for those with an active imagination. One ghost story involves the legend of a Native American woman killed by
I rode out from the lot at the horse camp and took a right onto the Yellow Diamond Trail Six. Interestingly, I couldn’t find trail six on the map, but the blazes were frequent and I simply followed them. I did refer to my trail map several times to get my bearings and make sure I would end up back at Frog Hollow. And that’s what happened. The trails in Pachaug can be rocky in places, but I was enjoying a quiet ride on a beautiful fall morning, so I didn’t mind walking through the stony sections. As there’s quite a bit of water, there are also bugs, and I was glad I remembered to fly-spray my horse and pack bug spray for myself. Trails consist of gravel roads and single tracks. The latter can be technical — rocks and roots require a more attentive rider. (I recommend hoof protection.) They don’t detract from the quiet and serenity the forest imparts, however. Sunlight sliced through the trees and lit up parts of the trail, adding a spring to my horse’s step. I used a different road to leave the forest. Coming out of the horse camp,
there’s an intersection; instead of making a right turn to head toward the main entrance, drive straight and follow Gardner Road back to Route 49. This cuts down on some of the dirt-road driving.
Kensington
This Olde Horse
Another Trail Option The Green Fall Pond part of the forest has a lot to offer recreational users: it boasts a boat launch, a swimming area, and a campground. For a different ride, park at Green Fall Pond, then connect to the multiuse trail, but remember to be aware of motorcycle riders.
Camping with Your Horse Frog Hollow Horse Camp, which opens in April, has 18 semi-wooded sites. The cost is $14 per night per campsite for Connecticut residents and $24 for nonresidents. Fees are generally collected in the evening. Pets are welcome, but you must keep them on a leash. There are two composting toilets here (you’ll find others throughout the forest). For more information, call (860)-376-4075. Happy trails! Stacey Stearns, a lifelong equestrian from Connecticut, enjoys trail riding and endurance with her Morgan horses.
Kensington Connecticut 1907 1915.Farmers in the early 1900s would store loose hay both in the barn haylofts and in haystacks. The process of hauling the hay was not as simple as using a tractor, baler, hay wagon, and hay elevator, as is done today. Farmers would fill wagons with loose hay, bring the hay to the barn, and hay would be hoisted by horsepower through an open door of the hayloft using a grapple fork or sling. The hay would be dropped in the hayloft and then would be spread and packed to the outside edges of the building.
Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email
editor@connhorse.com.
Christmas Tack Sale 22nd annual
November 29 . 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shallowbrook Equestrian Center 247 Hall Hill Road, Somers, CT
Everything Equine Tara Horse Rescue . Stone Arbor Saddle Shop . Arlene Davis Saddles . 5A Baker Wagon Rides . Crafts . Christmas Gifts . New and Used Tack, Clothes, and Supplies For info and vendor application, contact Kim Gonder at kimsequine@snet.net or (860) 647-8666. Connecticut Horse
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Overherd
News in Our Community held on Sunday, October 4, in Easton. After the previous week’s gray skies and continuous rain, this morning brought a welcome change to relieved riders and spectators alike.
Lessons with Erin Conklin
n Christine Church
Riding Program Coming to Hamden It has been reported that Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, is considering establishing an equestrian program. Over the past couple of years, the university has been buying up property around the campus, and in June of this year, it bought land in North Haven. This latest property, of 38 acres, comes with a single-family home and would make a perfect spot for an equestrian program.
n Karena Garrity
Triple Crown Schooling Show Abundant sunshine, eager participants, and frisky horses all played a part in Fair Hill Farm’s second show of the Triple Crown Series, 28
November/December 2015
Horses Healing Humans It’s been a busy couple of months for Horses Healing Humans in Stonington; it had a site visit for official accreditation from the PATH Intl. (Professional
in 2013, was adopted into her forever home. She began her official training last fall and in the year since has developed into a wonderful riding horse. CDHR volunteers watched her progress from the first time she accepted a halter, to her first grooming sessions, to accepting a saddle and rider. Maxine’s adoption is huge milestone for this group of Clydesdales, all of which have come a long way, thanks to the love, patience, and persistence of the volunteers at CDHR. She’s the third, after Maggie and Midnight, to be adopted. Happy trails, Maxine!
n Karena Garrity Christine Church
Erin Conklin, of Ellington, discovered her passion for teaching at a young age. Now she specializes in Miniature Horses and ponies and teaches driving, in hand, jumping, and a variety of disciplines. She teaches at Willington Hills Equestrian Center, in Willington, as well as Portland’s White Birch Farms. “I’ll travel to people as well,” she says. After she finished dental school and worked as an assistant, she realized that this career wasn’t for her. “I decided to fulfill my lifelong dream to be a trainer,” says Erin. Working at a summer camp got her started at Willington Hills. “The kids loved me and wanted me to continue their lessons,” she says. As for White Birch, she knew Beth Tolhurst, and the farm wanted someone experienced in Miniatures and ponies, so she was asked to teach there. She takes on riders of every level, from beginner to experienced. “I have clients who are every age, too,” she says, “from three years old to sixty-five.”
The Pilot House Has a New Location Erin Conklin and Stella.
Beginner and Open Walk, Trot, and Canter classes along with an Opportunity Hunter Division class were among the morning’s events. A Lead Line class took place during the lunch break and the afternoon featured the Hunter/ Jumper Division riders. On Sunday, November 1, Fair Hill Farm will hold the third and final event of the series and high-point division trophies and prizes will be awarded then.
n Sally L. Feuerberg
Fenton Brook Farm Moves, Moves Again, Gets New Name Fenton Brook Farm, whose original home was in Ashford, relocated earlier this year to Willington Hills Equestrian Center and transitioned from training problem and young horses to showing and campaigning national-quality horses. Now the farm has moved again. Today it has its own barn and facility in New Milford and a new name: Cozy Fields Farm.
n Christine Church
Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) Premier Center Accreditation. Although everything was not “official” at press time, the visit was an unqualified success and HHH is hopeful that it will soon be able to adorn itself with the premier accredited–center logo on its Facebook page, website, and brochures. In addition, the HHH October Farm to Stable fund-raiser event was a soldout success.
n Karena Garrity
The CDHR’s Driving for Drafts Draws Golfers In mid-September, the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue held its first-annual charity golf tournament, Driving for Drafts. The weather was beautiful for the event, which had a nice turnout and brought in lots of donations for the nonprofit. In very happy news Maxine, an 11-year-old who was one of five Clydesdale mares that came — wild and untouched — to the rescue
The Pilot House, which provides equine-assisted therapy to children and adults, has moved to 1260 Merwins Lane, in Fairfield, which has eight acres of beautiful farmland, complete with both an indoor and an outdoor arena, as well as a trail system and 15 stalls. “We’re very happy to be in our new spot tucked away in the hills of Fairfield,” says Doreen Caruso, who is the president and cofounder of the Pilot House. To learn about the organization, please visit thepilothouse.org.
n Karena Garrity
Dressage4Kids Weekend Educational Program This year Dressage4Kids welcomes Olympic eventing rider and well-known trainer Denny Emerson as a keynote speaker at the 14th annual Weekend Education Program, taking place January 30 and 31 at Nonnewaug High School, Woodbury. Denny is the only equestrian to win both an international gold medal in eventing and a Tevis Cup buckle in endurance. In 1972, he was named the United States Eventing
sage4kids.org or contact Susan Sieber, event coordinator, at ssieber@interstatelumber.com or (203) 223-4261.
n Sally L. Feuerberg
New IEA Team at Oak Meadow Farm Oak Meadow Farm, in Windsor, is extending a warm welcome to the East Catholic High School IEA team, which was established through a generous dona-
Festival in New York City, which will be held November 19–22. “We’re very excited for this honor,” says producer Andrea Steele.
n Karena Garrity
H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, located in Washington, held a Volunteer Day on Saturday, September 12. The morning’s questionable weather
Amy Williams
Association’s Rider of the Year, and in 1974 was a member of the United States Three Day Eventing Team that won the gold medal in the Eventing World Championships. Now Denny is a clinician and trainer, and a regular contributor to the Chronicle of the Horse’s “Between Rounds” column. He and his wife, May Emerson, run Tamarack Hill Farm at two locations, Strafford, Vermont; and Southern Pines, North Carolina. The Weekend Educational Program will offer many horse-related seminars on a variety of topics, such as how to improve your riding and training skills; best practices in horse management, including horse health, stable management, and correct fitting of tack; marketing and insuring your business; and insights into the importance of fitness for horse and rider. Lessons providing advice on drawing and photography, along with demonstrations of vaulting and interactive sessions on Pilates for riders, will also be part of the weekend. The Trainers Track will present creative ideas from top trainers and specialists about many aspects of teaching: tips on achieving good, solid basics for horses and riders, for example, and how to reach the upper levels. Designed to be of value to riders of all ages and skill levels, and to parents and trainers as well, the Weekend Educational Program caters to all members of the horse community, and the two-day event provides great networking opportunities with fellow riders and trainers. Two-time Olympian Lendon Gray established the Weekend Educational Program with the goal of helping riders, parents, and instructors gain a better understanding of the good horsemanship skills that are necessary not only for basic horse health and happiness, but also to build success in the show ring. Lendon will again participate, to impart her expertise on a variety of subjects. To learn more, visit dres-
Bettina Drummond and Lusitano stallion Quemacho H.I.
tion by alumna Anne Mather Brzezicki. Anne, who has a degree in animal science from the University of Connecticut, is director of equitation at Middle Tennessee State University. The IEA team will compete as a club sport for the rest of this school year and will be added as a recognized varsity sport for the 2016–17 academic year. Team members will be working with Coach Brittney LaMark and Oak Meadow Farm, with the assistance of ECHS graduate Molly Shannon ’10.
n Karena Garrity
Dressage Trainer Has New Quarters Emily Emond Dressage has moved to a new facility at Fair Hill Farm in Easton. Emily, a seasoned instructor, plans to take on more training and sales of horses.
n Karena Garrity
Equus Film Festival The Horse’s Respiratory System, part of Mouse Hole Farm Productions’ Advanced Equine Studies series, will be presented at the Equus Film
didn’t stop people from pitching in with the barn chores. The projects for the morning and afternoon consisted of a wide variety of chores ranging from mucking the pastures to grooming and hand-walking many of the horses. Among participants in the day’s activities were an energetic and enthusiastic group from the Paul Mitchell School, in Danbury. Patty Wahlers, president of H.O.R.S.E., escorted groups of first-time visitors on a tour of the facility and introduced them to some of the organization’s many adoptable horses as well as to those available for lease and sponsorship. Veteran volunteers told guests the individual stories and personalities of each horse, as very appreciative equine recipients munched on apples, carrots, and assorted treats. There was a lot going on at the organization’s Demo Day on Saturday, September 26. Demonstrations ranged from elegant dressage exhibitions, highlighting the power and beauty of horse and rider, to the precision and
skill of a veteran rodeo team roper. First off was a demonstration of proper horse loading onto a trailer. Mark Grenier, of G & G Farm in Watertown, assisted by Mandy Muckle, was working with Moses, whom they were having difficulty loading. After a few refusals by Moses to step onto the ramp, Mark employed the methods and techniques learned during 35 years of experience to patiently encourage the horse to enter the trailer. Within minutes, the skeptical Moses proceeded into, turned around in, and followed Mark back out the trailer — success! The next event was breathtaking. Bettina Drummond, the international dressage trainer and rider, presented her Lusitano mare Granada Du Plessis in the outdoor ring. Exquisitely executing such movements as the passage, the piaffe, and canter pirouettes, horse and rider stunned the crowd. Lusitano stallion Quemacho H.I. was Bettina’s mount for her second performance, a display of harmony and grace. Annette Rouze, of Healing Bean Equine in Plainville, demonstrated massage, Reiki, Proxy Tapping, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), the methods she uses to help horses relax, release stress, and restore balance to their minds, bodies, and spirit. Johnny Matthews, a member of the American Professional Rodeo Association and a 15-year veteran team roper, demonstrated the skills necessary to compete. His nephew Brady McKenna and 10-year-old Mason Santos ably assisted him, and gave us a glimpse of their own budding talent as the next generation of America’s cowboys! Spectators were thrilled when the L&L Equestrian team of Amanda Dubois and her pony, Stormy, showcased their barrel-racing expertise. Amanda and Stormy were the Connecticut Gymkhana State Champions at this sport. Elizabeth Morsey, also of L&L Equestrian in Connecticut Horse
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Washington, presented lessons in jumping and huntseat equitation, accompanied by riders Amanda Dubois and Nichol Renee. She concluded her exhibition by riding Moses, our triumphant trailer loader! Looking sharp in English tack and attire, Liz and Moses not only impressed the spectators, but also confirmed that rescued horses, when given that second chance, are capable of learning just about anything To learn more about H.O.R.S.E. and the animals available for adoption, lease, and sponsorship, please visit horseofct.org.
n Sally L. Feuerberg
High Hopes Welcomes Instructor Trainees Every fall High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center, in Old Lyme, brings a new group into its PATH Intl. Certified Instructor Training Course. This year there were six candidates who come from a range of geographic areas, from New England to Guatemala. High Hopes has now teamed up with the Lyme
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November/December 2015
Academy College of Fine Arts and created a course designed so that students can pursue their passion for equines and art as they draw and paint horses at High Hopes. The class is open to students of all skill levels. Congratulations to Carrina Echeandia for becoming the new coordinator of special programs. Carrina will support such services as mounted and unmounted instruction, curriculum development, summer camp, training and education, and other offerings related to equineassisted activities and therapies. In other news, the center recently branched out to work with the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the MBDP researches, breeds, trains, and places Mongolian dogs in the homes of nomadic herding families on the Mongolian steppes. These dogs protect livestock herds (sheep, goat, horse, camel, and yak) from snow leopards, wolves, brown bears, foxes, and eagles.
Garbanzo, a sevenmonth-old Bankhar dog, was recently at High Hopes, captivating the staff at the barn and getting some training for his future.
n Karena Garrity
Post University Evening Classes There are many places you can learn to ride, but it’s not easy to find good information on caring for your horse. Evening classes at Post University classes can be your solution, whether or not you own a horse. In fall 2004, the university’s Equine Department started evening classes that lead to the Certificate in Equine Husbandry. The certificate consists of six units — The Horse and Basic Care, Stable Management I & II, Horse Ownership and Basic Training, Anatomy & Physiology, and Equine Health — of eight weeks apiece. Classes are held on Monday from 6 to 9 P.M. in the Equine Center, room 212, in MacDermid Hall on the main campus (exit 17 off I-84). These classes are an enriching program and are open to horse lovers of all levels of equine experience. From backyard horse owners to professionals, the classes use an easy-to-follow format for learning more about the basics of proper and responsible horse care. The courses are offered on a rotational basis (they don’t follow the academic calendar). Class sizes are small, which allows for a great deal of interaction. The emphasis is on practical information that’s readily usable, so real-life situations are often the topic. Whenever possible, learning is augmented by hands-on experience, so some courses incorporate practical sessions, field trips, and guest speakers. For students who choose to take the courses for personal enrichment and the Post University certificate, the cost is $375 per unit. For continuing education credit, the cost is $525. (These costs don’t include books.) There are no prerequisites and the courses may be taken in any
order. Students can complete the whole series in just a little more than a year. To register, for directions, and for more information, contact the Equine Department at Post University, (203) 596-4653 or equine@post.edu.
n Sally L. Feuerberg
Retiring to Work on Bucket List Keith and Karen Parkinson, the owners of the Paddock and Rose Hill Farm in Ledyard, have announced their retirement. “We’re heading to a retirement community in Pennsylvania to be closer to family and to begin work on our bucket list,” says Karen. The Paddock, which sells all things equestrian, is up for sale, as is their home, the 10acre Rose Hill Farm. The Paddock will continue regular operation during the transition and the couple would like the business to live on and remain prosperous. “We’ve been very happy here over the years. We’ve met a lot of wonderful people who’ve become friends, and we’re going to miss them,” says Karen. “Our hope is to sell the business to someone who will love it as much as we have.” The Paddock, which owns no real estate, consists of the inventory, fixtures, computer system, mobile unit, truck, and van. It can be relocated by the buyer, or it can be part of a package with the house and farm. Some owner financing is available.
n Karena Garrity
Hollywood Equine Sales Hollywood Equine, in Ellington, sends congratulations to End of Hunt Farm, in Suffield, on its purchase of Reggie, a.k.a. Mister October, and to East Windsor’s Oak Meadow Farm on its purchase of Gilly, a.k.a. Winterfell. Hollywood Equine hopes the farms enjoy these two wonderful schoolmasters.
n Karena Garrity
Overherdism • “I love that I can be this happy at a show and I don’t even have to win.”
Nutmeg State Happenings Connecticut Hunter Jumper Association/Connecticut Horse Show Association Show
Karena Garrity
Sweetwater Farm, Clinton
To see more Nutmeg State Happenings, find us on Facebook.
Do you: • Keep hearing “put your shoulders back” when you’re taking lessons? • Struggle sitting with your horse’s big gaits? • Get left behind over the jumps? • Wish you could move up, but feel stuck at the level you’re currently riding? • Suffer from back pain? Ridefit™ is a one-of-a-kind fitness program developed exclusively for riders. Call or go online to schedule your FREE 60-minute strategy session to find out how Ridefit™ can help you take your riding to the next level.
(206) 713-6761 . info@ridefitnow.com www.ridefitnow.com Connecticut Horse
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Partners
Bluebird Meadows Tack, and all the horses! We do have our last-hurrah game show on November 15 with money payback. Hope to see you there.
Our goal is to foster connections within the horse community throughout the Nutmeg State, and one of the ways we do this is with our Partners Program. Connecticut 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 connhorse.com to its website. Interested? Email partners@connhorse.com.
The Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association (CDCTA) every year organizes a number of clinics and shows for the enjoyment of its members and other local equestrians. This is the first time, however, that the CDCTA has facilitated a marriage proposal for one of its members. This happened at its July 19 show at Mystic Valley Hunt Club, in Gales Ferry. Before the show, Donna Legere, CDCTA president, received an email from a local trainer, Jen Ault: Matthew Melillo, the boyfriend of a longtime client, approached me today with a request I agreed to help facilitate. For the July show, he would like to propose to her at the end of her last dressage test that day in the ring before she leaves it. Now I understand shows run on a time schedule, and to delay a ride delays every ride thereafter, and affects everyone who follows her. So I was wondering if her second ride could be scheduled with a break to follow so the show is not disrupted? He is open to other suggestions but we would prefer it to be after her second ride so she can focus on the tests. Again if you feel another scenario would work better just let me know. Thanks so much for your help! The rider’s name is Kathy Lamotte. We at CDCTA wish the couple every happiness. 7 Maryann Gile
Cindy Arendt
Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association
Matthew Melillo proposes to Kathy Lamotte at a CDCTA Show.
Bethlehem; Middlefield’s Triangle A Stables; and Baumann Brook Farm, in Prospect. The club awards 70 percent payback on first, second, and third place and presents ribbons for first to sixth place. The top point rider wins a saddle; division leaders receive a belt buckle. The rest will be awarded at a banquet at the Prospect VFW, starting at 7 P.M., on November 7. Members pay $10 to join CGA if they want to earn points for the yearend awards. Nonmembers are always welcome, as are riders of all disciplines. We’ll be announcing the 2016 calendar soon. Shows start at 10 A.M. and are usually finished by 2 P.M. Classes are held in Dash, Cloverleaf, Pole Bending, Key Hole, Scurry, Bleeding Heart, Cat’s Cradle, and Straight Barrels and are $8 each. Classes for peewees, under age 12, are $5. To learn more about the CGA, please visit ctgymkhana.com or find us on Facebook. 7 Shawna Baumann
Our banquet will be held in January and we’ll announce the details soon. For updates, visit our website or find us on Facebook. 7 Nicole Souza
Connecticut Gymkhana Association In 2015 the CGA, a nonprofit organization, held eight shows — one a play day, for which we added Sit a Buck and fun games such as Apple Bobbing Dash and Egg and Spoon — at Smith’s Stables,
BLAZE ORANGE HORSEWEAR For hunting season, riding safety, and visibility.
Connecticut Color Breed Association The CCBA completed its 2015 show season; check out the year-end standings at connecticutcolorbreed.com. Thank you so much to all members, exhibitors, staff, judges, the Glastonbury Hunt Club, Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue,
vests . tailbags . half sheets . halters helmet covers . collars . dog vests
The Original Equine Protectavest www.protectavest.com (207) 892-0161 Connecticut Horse
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Marlborough’s Bruce Tolhurst, on Flicks Shootin Starr (a.k.a. Miss Kitty), rode a fast firing round and immediately got the crowd excited about what they’d come to see. Announcer and club president Roger Dinsmore,
Connecticut Renegades Mounted Shooting Club The Connecticut Renegades were proud to be invited by the 4-H clubs of the Northeast to put on a mounted shooting demonstration at their closing event at the Big E, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in late September. We want to thank Renegades member and 4-H supporter Sabrina Fecteau, of Harwinton, for arranging it for us. Following the 4-H’ers last class of the day, Renegades members set up for a mounted shooting demonstration. Gus Carlson, of West Granby, on Missouri kicked off the opening ceremony by carrying the American flag. After a pause for the national anthem,
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Morgan Dubois and Hiawatha at a Connecticut Gymkhana Association show.
Forsyth, of West Granby, on Missouri; Deb Sommers, of Middlefield, on Pecos; Kowboy Ken Forcier, of Oxford, on Red; Heather Hicks, of Southwick, Massachusetts, on Arwen; and Tom Beckman, of Troy, New York, on Chip. We also marched in the Big E’s daily parade. Five fantastic horses and riders (Heather, Deb, Paige, Dy, and Kowboy Ken) did a fabulous job. On an ordinary day, the parade involves much to see, but the fact that some 165,000 people were at the fair brought it to another level. The horses, riders, and walkers who represented our club did an outstanding job. The Connecticut Renegades will be putting on a demonstration at Equine Affaire, also in West Springfield, this month; we hope you’ll join us on Saturday, November 14. For more information about our club and the sport of cowboy mounted shooting, please visit ctrenegades.com. 7 Allison Forsyth
Middlebury Bridle Land Association
Jeanne Lewis Images
The CMHA will once again be offering a scholarship to qualified applicants. Candidates must be a current member of the club, have volunteered for us, be actively involved with Morgan horses, and be accepted for school or an apprentice program for fall 2016. The deadline for applications is December 31. (Note: This is not the postmarked date; this is the due date.) Winners will be announced this spring at the Annual Awards Banquet, at the Nutmeg Restaurant in East Windsor. 7 Stacey Stearns
Levi, presented a horsetraining session. The two showed how an experienced horse and rider would guide a new horse and rider through an introduction to gunfire. Shyanne and Gus shot off the very light-sounding primers, then a few half-
Greg Gibson
Connecticut Morgan Horse Association
Bruce Tolhurst on Flicks Shootin Starr, a.k.a. Miss Kitty.
who lives in Granby, provided a high-level overview of the sport of mounted shooting and Gus and Shyanne Ostrander of Torrington, on
load blanks, and then a couple of full-load blanks to demonstrate the training progression. Each of the riders ran different patterns, or stages. Bruce and Miss Kitty also ran an excellent rifle stage: they shot the first five balloons with a pistol and the last five with a rifle. Sabrina and her horse, Jet, demonstrated the use of the shotgun during a pattern as well. Other members who put on a great show for the enthusiastic audience were Dy Rizzo, of Oxford, on Cash Horse; Alan Green, of Bethany, on Levi; Paige
What do you get when you blend the ideal end-of-summer morning, abundant sunshine, 76 riders and horses, and more than 30 volunteers, then add a well-cleared trail equipped with jumps and go-arounds? Why, you have all of the ingredients for the perfect hunter pace. On Sunday, September 20, the Larkin family generously opened their farm as the MBLA held its annual Fall Hunter Pace in Middlebury. Equestrians from all over the state, as well as participants from New York, rode on manicured trails throughout the magnificent property. The main field was the central location for trucks, trailers, friends, and families to gather as a steady, crisp breeze announced fall’s imminent
organized by a friendly, outgoing group of people. The lunch was fantastic, and we look forward to participating in another hunter pace.” Lauren Troia, from Woodbury, who rode her 12-year-old Paint mare, Angel, agreed. “I had an absolute blast,” she said. “What a great time with wonderful horses and people. It was very well organized with great volunteers along the way. The trails were open and cleared. It was one of the best hunter paces I’ve been to, and I’m already looking forward to next year, maybe
Greg Gibson
Janeen Rose
arrival. As some riders exercised their mounts and others headed to the start line, groups of energetic volunteers dispersed to the various crossings along the route to ensure safe travels for all. Upon completing the diverse course — trails bordering cornfields, wooded forest paths, dirt roads, and open pastures — a total of 37 teams returned to a picnic-style lunch with delectable, fresh-baked desserts. Guests sat on hay bales as the scores were tallied, and conversations were all about horses and pace adventures.
Debbie Reynolds and Sasha enjoying the Middlebury Bridle Land Association Fall Hunter Pace on September 20.
Smiling hunter-pace winners Raymond Hill, Hunters; and Marty Schultz, Senior Hilltoppers.
To add a little excitement to the afternoon, some rambunctious young cows decided to drop in on the festivities, an intrusion not appreciated by some of the equine participants. Thankfully, they were quickly corralled and ushered back to their pens. As two o’clock approached, it was time to award the ribbons, trophies, and prize buckets to the first-place teams in the Pleasure, Hunt, Western, and Junior divisions. Among those receiving ribbons were young riders and seasoned veterans alike, some participating in their first pace and others who have made this easygoing, friendly pace a tradition. Katherine Crouse Daigle trailered down from South Windsor with her 17year-old Friesian, Tabe. “This was our first official hunter pace,” she said. “We were surprised and very excited to come in second place. It was quite
even to becoming an MBLA member.” Courtney Gibson rode with Fran Thomas, from Bethlehem, as her dad, Greg, took some amazing photos of the riders and horses at one of the course’s many jumps. “This is the second year that she’s done the MBLA pace, and she absolutely loves it,” Greg said. “Riding Sky and Charlie, Courtney and Fran had a beautiful ride along the scenic trails. As her father, it was the first pace I’d had the chance to see, and even though I missed her riding, I could tell by the smile on her face that she had an incredible time.” 7 Sally L. Feuerberg
Newtown Bridle Lands Association The Newtown Bridle Land Association is working with the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation and the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard to
create the Trail of Angels on the foundation’s beautiful property in Newtown’s Fairfield Hills. There’s a lot to be accomplished: the NBLA and 2GHG have started with the restoration of existing trails on the property — they’re overgrown and many are blocked by fallen trees — and the creation of additional trail loops through some of the beautiful sections of the forest. The early part of the project will require the use of tree-work machinery and skilled operators. We’re inviting everyone to help make the Trail of Angels a reality. Donations are needed to help cover the cost of the major work. We’re looking for one or more tree/landscape companies that would like to be major donor/sponsors of the project to clear the trees and branches blocking the trails. We need signage to mark the trails and would appreciate any help with that. We’ll then need volunteers for work parties to trim trees and bushes, remove debris, and generally enhance the trail system. Our goal is for equestrians, all other nature lovers, and passive users to enjoy the Trail of Angels. To contribute to this project — in any way — please contact the NBLA, at newtownhorses @gmail.com or call Dee Davis, NBLA president, (203) 994-4537. 7 Leslie Smith
Tanheath Hunt Club We had a beautiful sunny day for the Tanheath Hunt Club Ride for the Prize at Hodges Village Dam, in Oxford, Massachusetts, on August 30. The goal was for each team to find a small prize bag hidden along the route and then claim the prize at the end of the ride. The course of six miles, well marked, was perfect for everyone, and there was an easy river crossing to the delight of all. Of the six bags placed along the route, five were found and claimed. The winners were thrilled! Thanks to the organizer — member Maryann Maggiacomo, aided by a team of dedicated volunteers — everyone had an excellent time. The weather was perfect for our second-of-the-season Tanheath Hunt Club Intro to Foxhunting. We had 15 participants on horseback and two observers on the ground. The morning was dedicated to discussing the history, purpose, and tradition of the sport. Member Leslie Cashel talked about clothing, etiquette, and the roles of the huntsman and masters. One of the Connecticut Horse
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November/December 2015
hounds, Wonder, was present for all to meet. The afternoon consisted of a mounted introduction to foxhunting. It was a mock hunt to acquaint potential participants with what to expect in the hunt field. There were two groups. The first consisted of people who were interested in a faster pace and doing most of the jumps. The second was for those who wanted to hunt at a slower pace. In a real hunt, we have three fields, to accommodate all levels of interest and comfort. Everyone was able to experience the feel of a hunt in a relaxed atmosphere, and there was plenty of time for questions and answers. Once again, everyone had a great time and learned a lot. One participant, Tina Credit, joined the hunt club soon after the event. September 27 was a warm and sunny Sunday — a perfect day for our Fall
Hunter Pace at Babcock Hill Equestrian Center in Coventry. Thanks go to member Sarah Nash, the organizer, and her team of eager volunteers. We had a diverse, eightmile course over open fields, through the woods, and over a bridge. Each area had a number of jumps to challenge those who wanted to try them. The course, very well marked, was perfect for hilltoppers, juniors, and hunters alike. Seventy riders, in various-sized teams, participated. Following the ride, everyone partook of a delicious lunch and then the prizes were awarded. All agreed that it was a great day! 7Raymond Hill
Sweetwater Farm Lessons . Training . Boarding . Sale Horses . Open Show Series . Events Facility
CHJA, CHSA Show December 31! Prize list, schedule, and entry form online at sweetwaterct.com.
78 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT (860) 669-9473 . www.sweetwaterct.com Connecticut Horse
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Events Connecticut
November 1 MYSTIC VALLEY CHJA SHOW, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com. 1 UCONN POLO, Storrs. animalscience.uconn.edu. 1 AHCC SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES FINALE, Herbst Arabians, Wallingford. ahcofct.org. 1 CHJA SHOW, Granby. valkyrieequestriancetner.com. 1 AYER MOUNTAIN HUNTER PACE, North Franklin. (860) 642-7205. 1 TRIPLE CROWN SCHOOLING SHOW, New Milford. fairhillfarm.net. 1 NEATO TURKEY TROT TRAIL RIDE, Natchaug State Forest. orgsites.com/ct/neato. 1 CHJA SHOW, Ridgefield. ridgefieldequestriancenter.com. 1 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Glastonbury. rideiea.org. 3 CHC MONTHLY MEETING, Eversource, Berlin. cthorsecouncil.org.
7 CHJA SHOW, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.
11 VOLUNTEER DAY MANES & MOTIONS, Middletown. manesandmotion.com.
7 ECDHA FUN DAY, Blue Slope Country Museum, Franklin. easternctdrafthorse.com.
12 COMEDY HOUR, City Steam Brewery, Hartford. Proceeds to benefit the First Company Governor’s Horse Guard. (860) 693-2720.
7 CVDC MEETING, East Haddam Grange. cvdrivingclub.com. 7 VOLUNTEER DAY, Washington. horseofct.org. 7 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Wincrest Farm, Hebron. wincrestfarmct.com. 7 CTRA 75TH ANNUAL BANQUET AND MEETING, Litchfield Firehouse. ct-trailrides.org. 7 CGA ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET, Prospect VFW. ctgymkhana.com.
13 – 15 UNDEROVER TACK SALE, Washington. horseofct.org. 13 – 15 GEORGE MORRIS CLINIC, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com. 14 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org. 14 FALL RATED HORSE SHOW, Hebron. wincrestfarmct.com.
7 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Simsbury. rideiea.org.
14 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.
7 – 8 DANIEL STEWART CLINIC, Silver Lining Stables, Monroe. silverliningstablesct.com
14 – 15 SEAT CLINIC with Bettina Drummond and Jason Wright, Bethlehem. windhorseinternational.com.
8 CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.
15 HOLIDAY MARKET, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.
8 HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.
15 CHJA SHOW, Somers. shallowbrook.com.
8 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB TURKEY TROT, Scotland. (401) 487-9754.
15 SCHOOLING SHOW, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.
8 DAWN BONIN VERSATILITY CLINIC, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.
15 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Manchester. rideiea.org.
8 CTRA/CHC TURKEY TROT RIDE, Cheshire. ct-trailrides.org.
17 FILLY NIGHT, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.
8 UCONN POLO, Storrs. animalscience.uconn.edu.
20 VERSATILITY COMPETITION, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.
Got manure? Boarding . Training . Lessons . Shows Clinics . Sale Horses & Ponies . Tack Shop
George Morris Clinic November 13-15 . Auditors $75 Jane Dow-Burt - owner, trainer, judge, and clinician 319 Pond Meadow Road, Westbrook CT (860) 399-6317 . www.westbrookhuntclub.com
Preventative Medicine . Emergency Care Sports Medicine/Lameness . Reproduction Dentistry . Prepurchase Exams . Surgery Robert M. Baratt, DVM, FAVD, Diplomat AVDC/EQ Erin Trawick-Smith, DVM . Sarah S. Slater, DVM
12 Center St., Salem CT 06420 860-859-1649 . www.salemvalleyvet.com 38
November/December 2015
Containerized Manure Removal Le May, Inc. Farmers of Natural Resources Fred LeMay . Newtown, Connecticut 203-426-2497 . 203-948-1586 (cell) akenworthman@gmail.com
21 CONNECTICUT RENEGADES BANQUET, Old Well Tavern, Simsbury. ctrenegades.com.
28 – 29 CHJA PINES OPEN, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.
January
21 VOLUNTEER TRAINING MANES & MOTIONS, Middletown. hfsc.org.
29 CHRISTMAS TACK SALE, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. (860) 647-8666.
2 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Coventry. rideiea.org.
21 IHSA WESTERN SHOW, Storrs. animalscience.uconn.edu.
December
9 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Hebron. rideiea.org.
21 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Somers. rideiea.org.
3 FILLY NIGHT, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.
21 CHJA SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com. 22 CMHA TURKEY TROT. Bluff Point State Park, Groton. ctmorgans.org or (860) 377-6314. 22 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.
5 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, Haddam Neck. ctdraftresue.com. 5 CHRISTMAS TACK AUCTION, Middlefield. (860) 883-5828 or efazzino@yahoo.com. 5 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Hebron. rideiea.org.
22 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Terryville. rideiea.org.
5 VOLUNTEER TRAINING MANES & MOTIONS, Middletown. hfsc.org.
22 REINDEER SERIES, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.
6 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Avon. rideiea.org. 6 REINDEER SERIES, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.
22 UCONN POLO, Storrs. animalscience.uconn.edu. 22 CHJA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.
6 UCONN POLO, Storrs. animalscience.uconn.edu.
22 CVDC NEHANTIC TURKEY TROT DRIVE, Woodland Farm, Lyme. cvdrivingclub.com.
12 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Gales Ferry. rideiea.org.
27 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.
13 UCONN POLO, Storrs. animalscience.uconn.edu.
28 HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.
31 CHJA, CHSA, M&S Show, Sweetwater Farm, Clinton. sweetwaterct.com.
28 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Coventry. rideiea.org.
GNATHOLOGIST Shelley Wysocki Equine Gnathological Training Institute, Certified Academy of Equine Dentistry
DENTAL NEEDS FOR HORSES, PONIES & MULES Educated . Experienced . Reliable . Serving New England
(860) 212-0114 Member of: Equine Dental Providers of America . Connecticut Farm Bureau International Equine Dental Association
562 S Main St., Middletown, CT (860) 347-2531 www.midstatetractor.com Connecticut Horse
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neighborhood
ARTISTS nnnnnnnnnnnn
PORTRAITS BY SHAWNALEE Middlebury, CT, (203) 598-0065 shawnalee.com Charcoals, oils painted by hand. WHITE PICKETS STUDIO (978) 724-8823 whitepicketsstudio.com Fabio and Sara Deponte art. ASSOCIATIONS nnnnnnnnnnnn
CHESHIRE HORSE COUNCIL cheshirehorsecouncil.org Trail rides and maintenance, community service. CONNECTICUT COLOR BREED ASSOCIATION connecticutcolorbreed.com Open to all breeds, show series, clinics, trail mileage, dressage. CONNECTICUT DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING ASSOCIATION cdctaonline.com Instruction, education, competition. CONNECTICUT DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION ctdressageassoc.com Competitions, education, clinics. CONNECTICUT GYMKHANA ASSOCIATION ctgymkhana.com Family fun, games, and horses. CONNECTICUT MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION ctmorgans.org Promoting Morgans; educational activities, programs, and events; annual horse show. CONNECTICUT RENEGADES ctrenegades.com Cowboy mounted shooting. CONNECTICUT TRAIL RIDES ASSOCIATION ct-trailrides.org Encourages and promotes trail riding and camping in the state. FIRST GOVERNOR’S HORSE GUARD Avon, CT, (860) 463-3372 ctfirsthorseguard.org Oldest continuously-active mounted cavalry unit in the United States. GRANBY HORSE COUNCIL OF CONNECTICUT granbyhorsecouncilct.com Trail rides, parades, benefits. GREENWICH RIDING AND TRAILS ASSOCIATION thegrta.org Preserve open space; trail rides. MIDDLEBURY BRIDLE LAND ASSOCIATION middleburybridle.org Preservation and protection of bridle trails for horseback riding.
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November/December 2015
Your Everything Equine “white pages”
NEWTOWN BRIDLE LANDS ASSOCIATION nblact.com Preservation and protection of equestrian recreational trails.
VAQUERO TRAINING CENTER E. Windsor, CT, (860) 623-2687 vaquerotrainingcenter.com Boarding, training, lessons, education of horse and rider.
TANHEATH HUNT CLUB tanheathhunt.com Foxhunting; small group passionate about horses and hounds.
WESTBROOK HUNT CLUB Westbrook, CT, (860) 399-6317 westbrookhuntclub.com Boarding, training, lessons, shows, clinics.
BARN CATS nnnnnnnnnnnn
TEAM MOBILE FELINE UNIT (888) FOR-TEAM everyanimalmatters.org Mobile spay, neuter, and vaccination clinic for cats. Driven to end feline overpopulation! BOARDING AND TRAINING nnnnnnnnnnnn
BABCOCK HILL FARM DAWN BONIN HORSEMANSHIP Coventry, CT, (860) 985-7611 babcockhill.com Natural horsemanship, lessons, training, boarding, sales/leases. DECARLI FARM Ellington, CT, (860) 878-9274 decarlifarm.com Boarding, lessons, training, shows, sale horses, and clinics. EPIC FARM Middlefield, CT, (860) 620-3686 epicfarm.com Boarding, training, lessons, sales/leases, camp. FOX LEDGE FARM, ANN GUPTILL E. Haddam, CT, (860) 873-8108 foxledgefarm.net Dressage lessons, training, clinics.
WHIMSY BROOK FARM Redding, CT, (203) 938-3760 whimsybrookfarm.com Boarding, lessons, training, equine therapies, Pony Club.
J.A. MCDERMOTT HORSEMANSHIP Guilford, CT, (203) 434-9505 willingresults.com Bridging science and holistic horsemanship MOVADO FARMS Durham, CT, (860) 463-5272 movadofarms.net Lessons, IEA team, leasing, shows. MYSTIC VALLEY HUNT CLUB Gales Ferry, CT, (860) 464-7934 mvhchorse.com Boarding, training, sales, shows, hunter, jumper, equitation, ponies, children, and IEA/IHSA teams. SILVER LINING STABLES Monroe, CT, (203) 445-6318 silverliningstablesct.com Premier horse boarding facility.
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EQUINE GNATHOLOGIST SHELLY WYSOKI E. Haddam, CT, (860) 212-0114 equinedentalct33662@att.net Prophylaxis, equilibration, and gnathological procedures. EQUINE MASSAGE nnnnnnnnnnnn
EQUISSAGE NE/NY Sterling, CT, (860) 564-7759 equissage-ne-ny.com Masterson Method, Equissage, equine bodywork, myofascial release, infrared photon light therapy, Reiki.
CLIPPER AND BLADE SERVICE
EQUINE RELATIONSHIPS
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CLIPPER BARN OF CONNECTICUT Baltic, CT, (860) 822-1951 theclipperbarnofct.com Repairs, sharpening, all types.
MINDFUL CONNECTIONS mindful-connections.com What is your horse trying to tell you? Tuning in to your companion, you’ll be shown a world nothing short of miraculous.
CONSTRUCTION nnnnnnnnnnnn
CARRIAGE GATE CONSTRUCTION Serving the Northeast, (717) 951-9443 Horse barns, garages, remodeling.
EQUIPMENT nnnnnnnnnnnn
THE CARRIAGE SHED (800) 441-6057, carriageshed.com Custom-built barns, shed rows, arenas.
STANTON EQUIPMENT John Deere, stantoneq.com Plainfield, CT, (860) 230-0130 East Windsor, CT, (860) 623-8296 Canaan, CT, (860) 824-1161
CREMATION
FEED AND PET STORE
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CONNECTICUT HORSE CREMATION Killingworth, CT, (860) 881-7802 cthorsecremation.com Loving, dignified cremation service.
BLUE SEAL FEED (866) 647-1212 blueseal.com Concentrates, supplements, forages.
EDUCATION nnnnnnnnnnnn
HAPPY TRAILS FARM Danbury, CT, (203) 778-6218 Pleasure riding, obstacle course, trails.
EQUINE DENTISTRY
POST UNIVERSITY Waterbury, CT, (800) 345-2562 post.edu BS in equine studies. UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT Storrs, CT, (860) 486-2413 animalscience.uconn.edu Two- and four-year ANSC degree.
LOCK, STOCK & BARREL (203) 393-0002 lsbfarmsupply.com Large-animal feed and pet food. Riding apparel, tack, farm supplies, and power equipment. SWEETWATER FEED AND EQUIPMENT Clinton, CT, (860) 669-9473 sweetwaterct.com Tribute Equine Nutrition; pet foods.
ELECTRICAL
HORSES FOR SALE
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RV PARTS AND ELECTRIC Waterbury, CT, (203) 755-0739 hedman@snet.net Electrical work; trailers, trucks, RVs.
HERITAGE FARM Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-1612 farmheritage.com Open to buy, sell, or trade horses seven days a week, by appointment.
EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY nnnnnnnnnnnn
HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING Old Lyme, CT, (860) 434-1974 highhopestr.org. Therapeutic riding, driving, Horses for Heros, unmounted equine learning.
STRAIN FAMILY HORSE FARM Granby, CT, (860) 653-3275 strainfamilyhorsefarm.com New England’s largest quality sales stable. INSURANCE nnnnnnnnnnnn
SPRING VALLEY FARM Westbrook, CT, (860) 399-5000 Hunter, jumper, boarding, lessons.
MANES & MOTIONS Middletown, CT, (860) 223-2761 manesandmotions.com Therapeutic riding for body, mind, soul.
SWEETWATER FARM Clinton, CT, (860) 669-9473 sweetwaterct.com Lessons, training, boarding, shows, sal horses, events facility.
RAY OF LIGHT FARM E. Haddam, CT, (860) 873-1895 rayoflightfarm.org Animal-assisted therapy; rescue center.
FARM FAMILY INSURANCE To find an agent near you, visit farmfamily.com. KATHY KANE INSURANCE Gales Ferry, CT, (860) 625-7128 kanekathyo@yahoo.com Specializing in horses and farms.
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FARM CREDIT EAST (800) 946-0506 farmcrediteast.com Loans for equestrian facilities, farms, bare land, home sites. Equipment loans and leases.
ARBITRAGE TACK Oakville, CT, (860) 417-2608 arbitragetack.com Equipment you need at prices you can afford. We keep you riding.
MANURE REMOVAL, EXCAVATION, FOOTING
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ASSOCIATED REFUSE HAULERS Newtown, CT, (203) 426-8870 associatedrefuse.com Containerized manure removal in southwestern Connecticut. LE MAY, INC. Newtown, CT, (203) 347-2531 We buy manure. PENDERGAST HAULING AND BARN SERVICES New Fairfield, CT, (203) 948-9493 Manure removal (container or ground pickup), arena-footing restoration, excavation service. PHOTOGRAPHY
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JEANNE LEWIS IMAGES Wallingford, CT, jeannelewisimages.com Western events, barn shoots, horse/rider portraits. Serving New England. KATE LUSSIER PHOTOGRAPHY Wallingford, CT, (203) 213-7738
katelussierphotography.com Individualized attention, reasonable rates.
KATHRYN SCHAUER PHOTOGRAPHY Guilford, CT, (203) 710-9945
kathrynschauerphotography.com Horses, pets, families.
SARRA-ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY S. Windsor, CT, (860) 644-7161 Fine-art equine portrait photography. REAL ESTATE
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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Alexis Devlin, Realtor Colechester, CT, (860) 214-9859 alexisdevlin.com Experience equestrian Realtor. HIGGINS GROUP EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES Crosby C. Middlemass, Equine Realtor Connecticut, (203) 558-2046 higginsgroup.com Specializing in equestrian properties. WILLIAM PITT SOTHEBY’S REALTY Mariette Woolfson, Realtor Essex, CT, (860) 883-3667 mwoolfson@wpsir.com Equestrian properties. RETIREMENT SANCTUARY
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MITCHELL FARM Salem, CT, (860) 303-8705 mitchellfarm.org Permanent sanctuary for senior horses. RIDER FITNESS
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RIDE FIT (206) 713-6761, ridefitnow.com Fitness program developed for riders. Look, feel, and ride better.
Is this your horse?
TACK
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BEVAL SADDLERY New Canaan, CT, (203) 966-7828 beval.com New Canaan, Gladstone, NJ stores. East Coast mobile unit. REINS Essex, CT, (860) 767-0777 reinstackshop.com Fine equestrian apparel, tack, footwear, and gifts. SMITH-WORTHINGTON SADDLERY Hartford, CT, (860) 527-9117 smithworthington.com Fine English saddlery and tack. TRACTORS/EQUIPMENT nnnnnnnnnnnn
MIDSTATE TRACTOR AND EQUIPMENT COMPANY Middletown, CT, (860) 347-2531 midstatetractor.com Kubota, John Deere, Scag Power Equipment, Stihl, Honda. TRAINER
Christine Church
LOANS
Is this your horse? This photo was taken on September 27 at the Connecticut Color Breed Association Open Show at the Glastonbury Hunt Club. If this is your horse, contact us at win@connhorse.com for a Smith-Worthington Saddlery leather halter.
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CATHY DRUMM (413) 441-5278 cathydrumm.com Travels to you; English and western.
Connecticut’s own Smith-Worthington Saddlery is the proud sponsor of Is This Your Horse? Crafting fine English saddlery and tack since 1794. Available at fine tack shops throughout the U.S.
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CONNECTICUT TRAILERS Bolton, CT, (877) 480-4197 cttrailers.com Quality trailers; sales, parts, service. JOHN McCARTHY TRUCKING (860) 426-2497 East Coast New England to Florida. VETERINARY nnnnnnnnnnnn
BECKETT & ASSOCIATES VETERINARY SERVICES Glastonbury, CT, (860) 659-0848 beckettvet.net Horses, pets, farm animals. BROOKLYN-CANTERBURY LARGE ANIMAL CLINIC Canterbury, CT, (860) 546-6998 bclargeanimal.com Serving eastern CT and RI. Equines, farm animals, and camelids. EGGLESTON EQUINE Woodstock, CT, (860) 942-3365 egglestonequine.com Lameness, pre-purchase exams, veterinary medicine and dentistry. SALEM VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC Salem, CT, (860) 859-1649 salemvalleyvet.com Preventive medicine, emergency care, lameness, dentistry, surgery. TWIN PINES EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES Griswold, CT, (860) 376-4373 twinpinesequine.com Quality, compassionate care.
275 Homestead Ave., Hartford, Connecticut 860 . 527 . 9117 . smithworthington.com
advertisers index Arbitrage Tack .................................. 39 Associated Refuse Haulers ................ 18 Berkshire Hathaway ............................ 7 Beval Saddlery ........................... 42–43 Blue Seal .......................................... 23 Brooklyn-Canterbury Large Animal Clinic . 15 Carriage Gate Construction ............... 21 The Carriage Shed .............................. 3 Christmas Tack Sale .......................... 27 Connecticut Horse Cremation ............ 5 Connecticut Trailers ........................... 2 Country Living Loans .......................... 11 Dawn Bonin Horsemanship ............... 15 Don Ray Insurance ............................. 17 Epic Farm ........................................... 12 Equine Gnathologist ......................... 39 Equissage .......................................... 36 Farm Family Insurance ...................... 32 Fox Ledge Farm ................................. 21 Friends of the First Company Governor’s Horse Guards ...... 25, 31 Heritage Farm .................................... 7 Higgins Group Equestrian Properties . 34 J A McDermott Horsemanship .......... 30 Kate Lussier Photography ................. 39
Le May, Inc. ................................... 38 Lock, Stock & Barrel ........................... 44 Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding . 36 Midstate Tractor & Equipment .......... 39 Movado Farms ................................... 19 Mystic Valley Hunt Club .................... 25 Pendergast Hauling & Barn Services .. 10 Post University .................................. 24 Protectavest ...................................... 33 Reins .................................................. 19 Ride Fit ............................................... 31 Salem Valley Veterinary Clinic ........... 38 Silver Lining Stables .......................... 25 Smith-Worthington Saddlery .............. 41 Stanton Equipment ........................... 33 Strain Family Horse Farm .................. 39 Sweetwater Feed and Equipment ..... 37 TEAM Mobile Feline Unit ................... 6 Toni Leland ........................................ 38 Twin Pines Equine .............................. 19 Westbrook Hunt Club ........................ 38 Whimsy Brook Farm ............................ 13 White Pickets Studio .......................... 13 William Pitt Sotheby’s ........................ 24
Connecticut Horse
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MONROE, CT PERMIT
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