Connecticut Horse November/December 2016

CONN EC T ICUT

November/December 2016 connhorse.com $4

HORSE

NUTMEG STATE FOXHUNTING page 8

DR. MARK BAUS BACKYARD PONIES TO POWERFUL ATHLETES page 18

WADSWORTH FALLS STATE PARK TRAIL GUIDE page 22

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November/December 2016

contents

November/December 2016

columns 20 U.S. Horse Welfare Saving a Life One Horse at a Time

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courtesy of Beacon Woods Stables

courtesy of Tanheath Hunt Club

Lend a Hoof

22 Wadsworth Falls State Park Trail Guide

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24 Estate Planning Options for Horse Owners Above the Bar

Katie Morning Photography

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37 Holiday Gift Guide

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in every issue

features 8

Nutmeg State Foxhunting

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Two Hunts to Follow

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Lauren Santoro A Natural Ability Youth Spotlight

Support Local Equestrians and Businesses

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Beacon Woods Stables

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From the Publisher

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Your Letters

Beauty and Business Meet in a Barn

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This Olde Horse

Farm Feature

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Overherd: News in Our Community

33

Partners

Dr. Mark Baus

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Nutmeg State Happenings

Backyard Ponies to Powerful Athletes

43

Connecticut Events Calendar

47

The Neighborhood

48

Advertiser Index

49

Is This Your Horse?

Horseperson Feature

Connecticut Horse

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From the Publisher

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oday is a perfect autumn day — crisp air, blue sky, and a breeze to keep away the bugs. My winter sup-

ply of hay is in the barn and three cords of wood are

Ride with Us! Competitive Rates & Great Service Call for a no hassle, free quote.

stacked on the porch: time to enjoy this beautiful fall day. I’m heading out the door to pull carrots, some for me and some for my ponies.

Be sure to visit us at Equine Affaire November 10 to 13.

Our booth (number 508) is in the Better Living Center. We’ll

Mortality & Major Medical . Farm Packages Horse Associations and Clubs . Directors & Officers Horse Shows, Clinics, Events . Expo Coverage Instructor Liability . Payment Plans We will provide you with competitive rates, educated service, and help substantiate values.

Terri Ray (781) 837-6550 donrayinsurance.com

Eight-year-old Kaytlyn Dee Howard, of Lebanon, won the Connecticut Horse Youth Award riding Quarter Horse Sweet ’n Sizzlin at the Carousel Horse Farm Open Show in Woodstock. Congratulations, Kaytlyn! To request a free award for your upcoming Nutmeg State event, go to connhorse.com and click on COMMUNITY.

have back issues available and discounted subscriptions to Connecticut Horse and Massachusetts Horse. Stop by and tell us what you’d like to see in these pages and how you think we’re doing. Or let’s just talk horses!

Connecticut Horse’s county desk liaisons have been out and about covering events all over the state. Many photos are posted on our Facebook page with additional information about upcoming events; others are published in the Bay State Happenings department in each issue of the magazine (see pages 41 and 42). Let us know when you’re having a horserelated event and we’ll try our best to be there. And remember to like us on Facebook.

Enjoy this lovely season and we’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

Stephanie

Connecticut Horse

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CON N EC T ICU T

HORSE vol. 2, no. 3 November/December 2016

ISSN 2378-5721

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.

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© 2016 Connecticut Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

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feature writers Andrea Bugbee, Sally L. Feuerberg, Sean Hogan, Esq., Holly Jacobson Kaitlyn Keegan, Toni Leland, Elisabeth Libby, Stacey Stearns

VERNON Bo Muschinsky 860.875.3333 BMuschinsky@farm-family.com

contributors Diane Ciano, Patti Crowther, Joan Davis, Allison Forsyth, Raymond Hill Suzy Lucine, Rebecca Mazzaferro, Diane Morton county desk liaisons Fairfield and New Haven Counties Sally L. Feuerberg . sallyf623@gmail.com . (203) 339-0357 Hartford County Kerri Cavanaugh . kerricav132@yahoo.com . (203) 206-1113 Litchfield County Chauntelle Masslon . oakridgefarm12@gmail.com . (860) 967-5871 Middlesex County Kaitlyn Keegan . kkeegan0925@gmail.com . (413) 519-0079 Tolland County Christine Church . christine.church@sbcglobal.net . (860) 748-9757 advertising Main Office: ads@connhorse.com . (413) 268-3302 (voice or text)

Luke ©Katie Upton, katieupton.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 2016

Give the gift of holistic health this holiday!

Your Letters To the editor: I was looking at the most recent issue of Connecticut Horse and was super surprised and excited to see my daughter, Mallory Warner, riding her horse, Lucas, at the Pines on July 17! [September/October: Is This Your Horse?] I’m so excited for her. When the Smith-Worthington leather halter arrived, we headed down to Hunters Run to try it on Lucas.

Mallory and I want to say thank you and to show you how good Lucas looks!

Thank you very much!

Lynn Warner, Glastonbury

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• Equissage Certification Program • Equissage Certified – ESMT • Masterson Method Certified Practitioner

• Myofascial Release • Infared Photon Light Therapy • Reiki • Craniosacral Therapy

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860-564-7759

To the editor: I’m writing on behalf of the Connecticut Dressage Association (CDA) to submit a correction. However, before we get to the correction, I want to convey that we love the magazine. It’s filled with great stories, news, advice, and an extensive calendar of events.

Now, on to the correction. The November 6 dressage show at the Connecticut Equestrian Center is not a CDA sponsored show. Thank you for your attention to this correction request.

Pamela Wilhelm, via email

To the editor: Wow! What a great write up on H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, covering three-quarters of a page. [September/October: Overherd: News In Our Community] Thank you!

Patty Wahlers, president H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, New Preston

To the editor: I can’t thank you enough for the great article you wrote about the farm and Tessa Molloy. [September/October: Youth Spotlight] Thank you so much!

Tricia Carlton, Movado Farms, Durham Send your letters to editori@connhorse.com or Connecticut Horse, 99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096.

Connecticut Horse

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Nutmeg StateTwoFoxhunting Hunts to Follow

by Stephanie Sanders and Holly Jacobson

Tanheath Hunt Club huntsman Sherri Colby.

L

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

If you’ve ever longed to gallop across the countryside, hack out with the hounds, or enjoy a good tailgate breakfast, there are two established clubs in the state. The Fairfield County Hounds and the Tanheath Hunt are members of the Masters of Foxhounds Association.

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

The Tanhealth Hunt practices drag hunting — that is, hunts with no live quarry. A line of scent is laid for the hounds to hunt, and this showcases the artistry of training and hunting foxhounds, and provides many opportunities to view them at work. The Fairfield County Hounds live hunts fox and coyote.

Hunt clubs offer beginner clinics and other activities for both adults and juniors. You don’t even need to ride or 8

November/December 2016

have a horse to join the fun and excitement.

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

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

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

Subscribers are members of the hunt, and they can ride in all meets and participate in all other activities and events. Patrons support the hunt, but don’t actually ride, although they may participate in other events. Cappers don’t subscribe, but are able to ride in hunts.

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

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

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

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

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

The huntsman selects and breeds foxhounds to establish an effective pack. The huntsman maintains the kennel and provides all the care; trains the hounds to respect his commands, stay

gathered around him/her, follow the scent, and ignore other scents; and to hunt and to return to the huntsman upon command. The huntsman tells the human “fox” where to lay the lie (scent) about 20 minutes in front of the hounds. The huntsman instructs the hounds to spread out and find it.

Whippers-in generally ride close to the hounds, but go where they’re needed: to

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

Each hunt has its own etiquette and protocol, as well as designated attire for both cubbing and the formal hunting season. You’ll find

Tanheath Hunt Club Master of Foxhounds Cathy Leinert on Pumpkin and whipper-in Deb Pollard on Amber.

aid the huntsman by slowing or turning the hounds, for example, or to direct the hounds back to the scent or huntsman.

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

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

the hunt’s fixture card online, which lists the dates and locations of events for the season.

Fairfield County Hounds Bridgewater fairfieldcountyhounds.com Joint Masters of Foxhounds: William T. Stuart, Jo Mayer, Joanna Samson, and Vicki Fuller This year’s opening meet marked the 92nd hunting season for the Fairfield County Hounds — the oldest surviving live foxhunt in Connecticut. Established in 1924 in Westport by two local businessmen, Donald Perkins and Carlton Palmer, Fairfield was recognized by the Master of Foxhounds Association in 1926. Fairfield operated under the auspices of the Fairfield Hunt Club in Westport, hunting the sleepy rural farmland of southern

Connecticut in the Fairfield/Westport area.

As Westport and the surrounding areas yielded to development pressure, Fairfield’s members began hunting the northern part of the county in the 1940s. In 1965, Fairfield reorganized as a separate entity from the Fairfield County Hunt Club and relocated the kennels to Newtown. As the large tracts of open land dwindled in that area, Fairfield pur-

season runs October through December. Fairfield continues to hunt until ice forms on the ground and ponds, usually by the end of December, at which time, the season is called by the MFHs to protect hounds, horses, riders, and the beautiful hunt country.

The Fairfield County Hounds’ Triple Crown Events included the Kentucky Derby Hunter Pace in early May, the Preakness

Fairfield County Hounds 2015 Opening Day.

chased and renovated an old dairy farm farther north in Bridgewater in 1986. The kennels were moved in 1987, and Fairfield celebrated Opening Day 1987 in its new location in the rolling hills west of the Shepaug River.

The hunt’s territory in Bridgewater consists of approximately 17 square miles of quintessential New England countryside, with wide open pastures and cornfields bordered by rugged, verdant woodland, and crisscrossed by babbling creeks and woodland paths.

The territory descends to the Shepaug River to the east, and Lake Lillinonah to the south and west. A variety of jumps grace the countryside: stone walls, coops, logs, and a few rail fences.

In 2016, cubbing ran from August 6 to September 28, with opening day on October 1. The formal hunt

Stakes Trail Ride the third weekend in May, and the Belmont Hunter Pace in June. In addition, an Afternoon Trail Ride was held in July and a fall hunter pace was held at the kennels on Curtis Road in Bridgewater in October. The annual Hunt Ball will be November 19.

Tanheath Hunt Club Franklin tanheathhunt.com Joint Masters of Foxhounds: Cathy Leinert and Bill Wentworth In July of 1958, a small group of people met at Glean Maura Farm in Ashland, Massachusetts, and formed the Tanheath Hunt Club.

The name Tanheath is derived from tangle, a wellbred bitch, and heathen, a good hound from a nice neighborhood. The hunt Connecticut Horse

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club became recognized with the Masters of Foxhounds Association in 1984.

Tanheath hunts a pack of PennMarydels — a slower, more methodical hunting type bred in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. This hound is known for its great scenting abilities and melodious voice.

“In 2014, the Tanheath Hunt Club underwent a major change — the club voted to change from live hunting to drag hunting,” says MFH Cathy Leinert.

“Live hunting requires a minimum of twenty-four hounds, and drag hunting, only twelve. We needed a new kennel 10

November/December 2016

and more importantly, a new huntsman.

Sherri Colby, who had served as a whipper-in, volunteered to step up as huntsman and offered to house the hounds on her property. A new kennel was built — spacious, insulated and cooled by fans in summer, outdoor runs, and a large play yard.

The Tanheath Hunt’s territory is northeastern and southeastern Connecticut, from the Massachusetts– Connecticut line down to the coastline and into western Rhode Island.

“The Tanheath Hunt Club faces a challenge that other hunt clubs do not have,” says Cathy. “We are a tri-state

club with members in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Our members will travel up to two hours for some hunts and events. Most clubs have a kennel central to the members, with all fixtures in a close geographical center. We also have an amateur huntsman — many hunts employ a professional who is paid wages, given housing, and other great benefits.”

We foxhunt for the sheer exhilaration,” says Cathy. “There’s nothing like being out on a frosty fall morning — you see the gorgeous scenery and the colors of the hounds as they fly by, colors of the horses and scarlet coats, you hear the melody of the hounds as they are baying, and the sound of the huntsman’s horn. You can smell the earth as it is turned up by hooves, smell the horse sweat and leather, feel the power of your horse as you work in partnership, and share the camaraderie and excitement as you gallop and jump.

Then you pull up to halt and watch as hounds work the scent. Afterward, a delicious tea, which is a fest of food and drink. Everyone mingles and shares their stories, as each field may have a different story to tell.”

“Non-riders are welcome at hunts,” says Cathy. “We need people on foot — they’re very necessary to the success of our hunt, as they serve the stirrup cup, help to corral hounds, follow the hunt on foot or by car, set up the tea table, hold a horse for someone to adjust their tack, take photographs . . . the list goes on. We encourage our members to come to every hunt, with or without their horse. Non-hunt days, we need help walking hounds, too. There’s something for everyone in foxhunting!”

“I began riding when I was about 12,” says Cathy. “I was active in 4-H and rode my pony on trails and cross-country everywhere while growing up in Maryland. As an adult in Connecticut, I tried foxhunting about 20 years ago. At the time, I was eventing at the novice level, schooling at training level, and competing in four-foot jumpers. Being outdoors was what appealed to me most, so I began riding with the Tanheath Hunt again about ten years ago. I served as a whipper-in and met Sherri Colby who was also a whipper-in.

We shared similar views and ideas about foxhunting. I was elected to MFH two years ago, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

“I ride Warmblood crosses,” says Cathy. “My current favorite steed is a big Belgian cross, not fancy or particular

agile, but comfortable, willing, and safe.

Pumpkin’s happy leading the main field or standing on the trail if I have to jump off and catch an errant hound.

“I’ve been fortunate to have great horses — out of college my first horse was an Appendix Quarter Horse gelding, Mr. Cool. Next, a 17.2-hand Holsteiner imported from Germany named Fantom that I evented with. He was a once-in-a-lifetime horse. After Fantom, my mount was a Hanoverian/ Thoroughbred mare that I purchased as a green four-year-old, taught her everything, and whipped-in on her.

She’s still going strong! I’ve a young Belgian/ Thoroughbred who was to be my next hunt horse, but fate stepped in.

Five years ago, while riding my mare, I landed after a jump and broke the sesamoid bones in my foot. While recuperating and resting after surgery, I grabbed Pumpkin out of the field, realizing my mare would be very hot after no work for months. He was hanging around as a husband horse, not doing much, and I discovered how comfortable and agreeable he was. Thus, he became my MFH’s horse!”

“We encourage riders to give foxhunting a try,” says Cathy. The Tanheath Hunt holds one or two Introduction to Foxhunting Clinics in the spring and fall prior to foxhunting season. “This is a great way to get questions answered, learn about the history and etiquette, do’s and don’ts, proper attire, and a safe way to introduce your horse to riding in a group. Our members are always willing to provide a helping hand or a leg up!”

“Additionally, spring and summer are traditionally a time of training young hounds and introducing horses to the hunt field,” says Cathy. “This offers a slow, no-pressure way to learn to ride with hounds. All are welcome.”

After attending a clinic and acclimating your horse to foxhunting during spring and summer roading, it’s time to join the hunt.

“Tanheath offers a ‘tally slo’ field specifically for newcomers,” says Cathy.

“It’s walk trot only, follows well behind the main field, and gives the horses a chance to see and hear hounds from a distance. Many riders enjoy this slower, easier pace so much that they stay in this field. It’s very social, with much opportunity to ask questions. Other riders will move up to the main field or hilltopper field. Jumps are always optional and we emphasize safety over speed at all times.”

We have your horse.

Always a nice selection of horses and ponies for sale.

Watch videos and view photos at HeritageFarmEasthampton.com.

New England Stock Horse Show

November 6

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

WNEPHA Hunter & Dressage Shows

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

Nice Horses for Nice People.

Watch website for dates!

The R aucher Family 30 Florence Rd., Easthampton, MA (413) 527-1612 HeritageFarmEasthampton.com “We’ve a capping fee for non-members which is a very affordable $40!” says Cathy. “To become a member, we ask that you have ridden with us sufficiently so that we may assess your ability, and you must be sponsored by an existing member. Once voted in, we expect that you will hunt regularly with us and help at our fund raising events.”

“The best advice I can give to a newcomer is to know your horse and your riding ability,” says Cathy. “Don’t overstate either. Eventers and Pony Club kids make the transition the easiest, as they are accustomed to riding cross-country and have the general

horsemanship skills. Get out of the ring and trail-ride with a trusted friend.

Make sure your horse can go up and down hills safely, go through mud and water, cross wooden bridges, and most importantly, ride in a group. Even the quietest, well-trained horse can get excited while foxhunting, so it is imperative that he not kick, bolt, or endanger you or other riders.

“If you aren’t sure if you can maintain a secure half seat while galloping and/or aren’t sure how your horse may react in a group, we recommend most newcomers start in the ‘tally slo’ field.”

“The most useful piece of tack that Connecticut Horse

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

Stephanie Sanders is the publisher of Connecticut Horse and Massachusetts Horse. She lives in the foothills of the Berkshires on Pocketful of Ponies Farm with her two Haflinger mares, two Miniature geldings, and various adorable kitties.

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

A perfect gift!

I always recommend is a breastplate,” says Cathy, “to keep the saddle secure; and it gives you an ‘oh crap!’ strap to hold onto.”

This year a spring hunter pace was held in the Douglas State Forest in Massachusetts, a summer hunter pace at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret, and a fall hunter pace at Babcock Hill in Coventry. The club also held a Prize Ride at the Hodges Village Dam in Oxford, Massachusetts. In September, the hunt gave an Introduction to Foxhunting Clinic at Tyrone Farm.

Upcoming events include the Turkey Trot on November 13 in Scotland, the Hunter Trials on November 19 at Ayer Mountain Farm in Franklin, and the December 3 Masters’ Dinner. where awards are presented, landowners are 12

November/December 2016

recognized, and members who have volunteered are thanked.

The Tanheath Hunt’s formal hunt season begins with the Blessing of the Hounds in early October and continues through February, weather permitting.

Just $20 for a one-year subscription.

All in a Day’s Hunt The first time you hear the huntsman’s horn and see the hounds gathered around his/her horse, you’ll experience a feeling of going back in time.

These are sounds and sights you’ll not soon forget.

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

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

connhorse.com

Connecticut Horse

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Harwinton

by Elisabeth Libby

W

Youth Spotlight

Lauren Santoro A Natural Ability

Lance Whitmore and his daughter, hen you hear of an equesMelissa Lambrick, both based in trian with 13 years of riding Bethany. Under Lance’s guidance, experience, you hardly Lauren began riding Alegro, affectionexpect them to be only 15 years old.

But for Lauren Santoro of Harwinton, extensive time spent in the saddle has been a natural part of growing up. “My mom told me that she leased me my first pony when I was two,” Lauren says, grinning.

One might even say Lauren was genetically predisposed to the equestrian lifestyle, since her family roots with horses run deep.

“It started with my greatgreat-grandmother,” says Lauren. “She had horses, my grandmother had horses, and then my mom had horses. And my mom — I think she’s the one who started us with Morgans and she passed it down to me.”

When asked what makes the Morgan such a special breed to her, Lauren Lauren and Bodini responds enthusiastically. “I ately known as Al. “He started me off in like how they’re built, even though lead line,” says Lauren, “and then I some of them are short,” she says. “I went in my first Walk Trot classes with love their necks and I love that they’re him, so he was a really important horse so versatile. And, they’re so smart. to me.”

They’ve got great brains.”

Over the next few years, she continWhile it’s obvious that Lauren is ued to improve, mostly due to riding a quite enamored with Morgan horses, variety of horses in lessons. There came she began learning to ride on several a point, however, when Lauren felt the breeds of horses and ponies. Her develneed to commit to a horse of her own. opment into the accomplished rider “As I got older,” says Lauren, “I was able she’s become is the result of hours of to ride Jessie, and I told my mom, ‘I lessons and training. Her riding memolove Melissa. I love riding horses with ries begin with her first leased pony, a cute gray mare named Sophie. She con- her, but I really want to ride my horse now.’ So I started riding Jessie, and he tinued her riding on lesson and leased still was such a difficult horse.” horses, and when she was four, her Despite the challenges, Lauren and mother purchased their first horse, her mother did not give up. “He would Jessie. The three-year-old Morgan gelding — whom they still own today — had drag us into the center of the ring,” Lauren says, laughing. “But he’s finally been lightly started as a western pleasgetting over that now that he’s fourure horse. teen!” As evidence of their close conSoon after that, Lauren began lesnection, Lauren and Jessie now share a sons with her most influential instructrust that has allowed her to start worktors: the Morgan training team of

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November/December 2016

ing him tackless in the round pen.

“He’s absolutely perfect now!” she says, beaming.

As Lauren continued to bond with Jessie, Lauren’s mother, Shannon Santoro, supported her daughter’s riding education by providing her with instruction at different lesson barns. On a Morgan named Ozzie, Lauren had the opportunity to travel to Oklahoma for the Grand National Morgan Show, where they won their qualifying classes and finished third in the championship — quite an impressive performance on a horse she had only ridden a dozen times prior to the trip.

However, the goal remained to eventually find Lauren her own horse she’d be able to show competitively. During the time she and her mother spent searching, Lauren continued to add horses to her list. “I have a list on my phone, and I keep track of all the horses that I’ve ever ridden, and I’m up to, like, 61!” she says proudly. But then she gets teary-eyed and adds gratefully, “I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without my mom. It’s because of her that I’ve gone to all these barns and I’ve gotten to ride all these horses. Some of them have been Saddlebreds, Quarter Horses, Morgans . . . all different breeds.”

Three years ago, the search for a horse led them to reconnect with Shannon’s friends and Morgan trainers, Jim Fisher and his girlfriend, Dina Blazensky in Manchester Center, Vermont. “They showed us around to all their horses and I got to ride some of them,” says Lauren. She adds affectionately, “I remember there was always this one stud in the barn, this little dark horse named Bodini. I never really got to go in the stall with him, because he would bite a little bit.”

“When they finally let me ride him,” says Lauren, holding back emotional tears, “I got on his back and Jim said, ‘this is going to be the hardest horse you’ve ever ridden.’ But I’ve always loved the harder horses.”

Bodini gave Lauren her greatest riding challenge to date, but it was a challenge she welcomed. “So they gelded him, and I kept riding him, and he was such a hard horse to ride,” says Lauren. “But, I always pretty much loved him ever since I rode him for the first time. He was very hot. He still is, but he’s getting a lot better. He spooked a lot. He would stop in the middle of the ring when we would try to animate him.”

Undeterred by his typical younghorse behavior, Lauren began to make real progress with the flashy seven-yearold Bodini, and it became clear that she had found a suitable match in the solid dark bay gelding. She remembers the day clearly when she received an April Fool’s Day gift that was no joke at all.

“The day came and it was April First,” she says “My mom came and picked me up from the barn and brought me to my dad’s work. My dad came out and handed me a note, and says it’s from

the school. I open it, and it says: Bodini, owned by Lauren Santoro. And it was April First and I had heard stories, so I was, like, ha-ha April fools, and they said: Nope!”

That was in 2015 and, since Bodini’s arrival at North Meadow Farm in Harwinton, he and Lauren have worked diligently to improve their skills. Under her guidance, and with assistance from both her mom and North Meadow’s trainer, Kate Marcotte, Lauren has trained Bodini from jumping a pole on the ground to jumping 3 feet.

“She’s very dedicated,” says Kate.

“She’s at the barn almost every day, working with her horse or her mom’s horse. She’s a great kid and always willing to lend a hand around the barn, as well.”

While they did experience a setback due to Bodini’s injury earlier this year, the horse is now back in training, as they prepare for the upcoming show season. During that time off, Lauren kept Bodini from getting bored by teaching him new tricks, including learning how to bow!

Lauren’s interests outside of horses include agricultural studies at Wamogo

Regional High School in Litchfield.

This fall, she’s studying livestock evaluation, and is a member of a timber team.

“I’m going to learn how to throw an axe,” she says, smiling. And while cantering around bareback is Lauren’s idea of fun times, she does have serious aspirations when considering the future and her love of Morgan horses. “I have big dreams,” she says. “I have dreams to move into a really nice facility and become a Morgan horse trainer.”

Lauren’s mom, Shannon, doesn’t doubt her daughter’s resolve or ability to achieve her goals. “She really does have such an unbelievable natural ability and a calming, quieting presence, even with difficult horses,” Shannon says, proudly. “Whatever [Lauren] chooses to do, I will support her one hundred percent. And I’m sure she will do well.”

Elisabeth Libby is an event rider, trainer, instructor, OTTB evangelist, and horsemaster member of the Granby Pony Club. She currently competes in United State Eventing Association Area 1 events with her five-year-old OTTB mare Irish Silk. She’s a production manager at a commercial printing and mailing company and resides in Southwick with her husband David and their two dogs, Bixby and Jaxon.

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15

Farm Feature South Glastonbury

Beacon Woods Stables

by Andrea Bugbee

Beauty and Business Meet in a Barn

T

ogether with her father and brother, Laurie Paternoster spent her first career launching, and then running, a software company that eventually grew to host 400 employees and 600 clients. So, when this horse enthusiast and her husband, Mick, bought 230 acres abutting the Meshomasic State Forest in South Glastonbury, their vision wasn’t just to build a barn — it was to build a business.

“It’s not new to me, starting a business,” says Laurie. ‘That part didn’t

Of course, a concept and a couple hundred acres doesn’t make a stable. Laurie and Mick knew they wanted a facility that would do more than just shelter horses. The couple envisioned a build-

In fact, says Georgia, in the 38 years that King Construction has been an equine specialty builder, it has constructed everything from backyard stables to noted structures such as the multipurpose building for the Devon Horse Show in Pennsylvania, the wedding barn facility at Hershey Farm in Pennsylvania, and, in Connecticut, Epic Farm in Middlefield, Steeple Chase Farm in Greenwich, and Rendez-Vous Farm in Ashford.

As a result of King Construction’s

scare me at all. I knew less about software than I do about horses.” A Connecticut native, she grew up riding, then had her interest rekindled when her daughter Kaela immersed herself in the sport. Kaela is now grown and nearing the end of veterinary school, but Laurie’s love of horses lingers and this savvy businesswoman had already identified an underserved equestrian market: empty nest professionals.

Over the years of enjoying equine activities with Kaela, Laurie observed a growing number of women who, like herself, were in midlife and rediscovering horses, riding, and showing after decades of tending to careers and family. “My generation was one of the first truly open to professional women. We spent those early years either working or doing something child related,” she says. Out of the aftermath of cementsolid work schedules and driving to weekend soccer tournaments, a group of equestrians with grown children,

ing that would blend with the pristine fruit farms, bucolic views, and stunning residential estates that couch the winding roads near their land. They wanted a facility that suits the area’s beauty and affluence, but also one that fits the needs of competition horses and their riders. So, before clearing even a single tree, they turned to experts at King Construction for help.

“We’re an equine facilities builder.

We don’t build houses,” says Georgia Hickey, who has been a facilities designer for King Construction for the past 15 years. No stranger to horses, Georgia is a longtime breeder and national competitor. She’s founder and former director of the equine studies program at Cazenovia College in Cazenovia, New York. In short, she knows a thing or two about the horse world. Unlike even the best-intentioned lay designer, she would never put all the outlets in the feed room or overlook the importance of ventilation.

high-level experience, the barn at Beacon Woods Stables is almost gorgeous enough to make riders envy their horses.

Viewing it from the front, Beacon Woods feels like gazing at the carriage house to a Swiss estate. Tidy, square turnout paddocks hold Warmbloods and ponies, all glisteningly well cared for and nibbling at free-choice hay behind placards that read PRIVATE SHOW HORSES KEEP BACK. The building’s broad front expanse rises with multiple peaked roofs and European-style stonework spanning a courtyard, all hedged in by a stone wall Laurie and Mick’s son Collin built.

But any high quality builder can make something beautiful. What King Construction did was make Beacon Woods practical as well.

“I was really impressed with Georgia,” says Laurie. “She was very helpful in the layout and planning. We probably spent about a year in the

flexible work hours, and disposable income has suddenly emerged.

“I knew I was looking for something, and this was it,” Laurie says. “I just knew there were people like me who didn’t want to golf.”

courtesy of Beacon Woods Stables

It’s Good To Be King

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November/December 2016

process of laying out the barn, and another year getting town permits and applications, then 18 months building.

We came in on time and on budget.”

“Form follows function,” says Georgia, explaining her approach. “You have to know about horses and how they’re used.” In the beginning, for example, Georgia works with her clients to make painstaking plans for crucial elements that might be bypassed by a generic builder: What building site yields room for not only a stable, but also enough turnout paddocks, trailer parking, and outbuildings? What site will afford the best drainage, and how can drainage be improved? What are the prevailing winds and sunlight, and how should the barn be situated to stay cool in the summer, but sheltered in the winter?

It takes someone who has stood in a horse paddock, ankle deep in mud on a biting March day, to think of these things.

Thanks to Georgia’s equine expertise, Beacon Woods Stables not only has a great location angled against winter winds, with excellent drainage, but it also has off-aisle grooming areas, and two wash stalls outfitted with warm water and heating lamps. It has two bathrooms, one with a shower so that busy boarders can move from barn to work or evening engagements without stopping at home. There are 20 12 x 12 matted stalls, and four 12 x 14 stalls suitable for today’s popular large breeds. Each stall is “a room with a view” not only to the outside, but with “gossip grills” (barred windows between stalls), which allow horses a comforting view of their neighbors while keeping them safe.

And, each stall has an automatic waterer. “I can’t even tell you the labor these have saved,” Laurie says. The insulated waterers are easy to clean, they don’t freeze in the winter, and she has never had a horse refuse to drink from one. “We may have to throw an apple in it at first,” she says, “but they discover they love the fresh water and you can’t keep them away from it.”

Beacon Woods also has an oversized tack room (complete with pinepaneled lockers, saddle racks, and tack cleaning area), a blanket room close enough to be convenient, but separate to keep unsightly layers of blankets and buckles spidering from stall bars.

There’s a heated viewing lounge, and an 84 x 204 indoor arena and 100 x 200 outdoor riding ring, both with

TravelRight dust-free footing. Separate hay and manure sheds keep dust and flies to a minimum, and well-placed windows and cool-burning bulbs shed ample light on clipping, cleaning, vetting, and shoeing.

Mick and Collin head facility maintenance, but Beacon Woods’ esteemed employee, Carlos Basillio, takes care of the horses. Because of Georgia’s knowledgeable planning, he and his family are able to live on site in one of two apartments above a five-bay equipment garage. The second apartment might house a trainer, but each of Beacon Woods’ freelance pros — Tracy Matthews, Jeri O’Keefe, and Sarah Weaver — happens to live elsewhere.

Of Mounts and Mimosas With midlife professional women as her target client group, and a facility that serves not only the aesthetics of beautiful South Glastonbury, but also the needs of real equestrians and their horses, Laurie had all the elements of a successful business. Almost.

“We’re very social,” Laurie says.

“That’s not important for all of my boarders, but for many it is.” She’s sitting in the viewing lounge, which has a kitchenette and a chatty cluster of caféstyle tables. “Yesterday was Wednesday, but for us it’s Winesday.”

Because many Beacon Woods boarders enjoy not only their horses, but also each other, Laurie and Mick foster (and enjoy) their barn’s social network.

The boarders lesson together, they go to each other’s shows, they talk about their horses like they used to talk about their children. On summer Sundays, they sit outside on the pavers and sip mimosas after trail riding together. And, each October, they put flooring over the indoor and host “Line Dance for a Cure,” a music and footstomping hoopla to raise money for cancer research.

“This is my happy place,” says Robin Bisi of Glastonbury, a self-proclaimed “re-rider.”

“I rode my whole young life and was done for 35 years. I retired so I could ride. This is my only Connecticut barn experience and I have no intention of ever leaving. We all know each other, and I just never worry. That’s a great thing,” she says, nodding.

Lib B. Spinella commutes to Beacon Woods from West Hartford.

Beyond the social part of her Beacon Woods network, she enjoys the peace of

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(860) 803-2777 (860) 803-0675 mind she gets from the Beacon Woods community. “I’ve been so happy here.

It’s worth the drive,” she says. “I’ve been in some pretty nice stables over time, and this is top-of-the-line as far as amenities. The Paternosters, as owners, go out of their way, and I’m very fond of [Carlos] the gentleman who takes care of the horses.”

Libby has been a boarder at Beacon Woods for almost the full five years that the stable has been running.

During that time, she says, she has experienced some of life’s inevitable “rocky times.” With unplanned absences from the barn, however, she never once had to worry about her horses because she knew they would be cared for.

“That’s beyond value,” she says.

“You can’t put a price tag on that.”

Andrea Bugbee is a Pony Club mom, an IEA mom, and a backyard horse enthusiast. She does most of her writing while she waits for her daughter in the parking lots of numerous wonderful stables scattered throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

Connecticut Horse

17

Horseperson Feature

Dr. Mark Baus

Bridgewater

Backyard Ponies to Powerful Athletes

by Sally L. Feuerberg

M

outcome; the right blend of pessimism and hope.”

In 1989, Mark and Rick Mitchell founded Fairfield Equine Associates, where Mark practiced until he started Grand Prix Equine in Bridgewater in 2009. Grand Prix Equine was established as a veterinary service dedicated to protecting and maintaining optimum

Katie Morning Photography

ark Baus, D.V.M. grew up in South Dakota where his father and grandfather were both large animal veterinarians specializing in cattle. He remembers times as a youngster when he would accompany his dad to emergency vet calls, mostly to assist cows in the process of delivering a calf. “One night,” he says, “in a rather sneaky fashion and after a successful calving call, he related to me that there was nothing more exhilarating than delivering a live calf in the middle of the night. So from then on, I was hooked.”

After graduating from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981, Mark joined a veterinary practice in Fairfield with Drs. Howard Raven and Rick Mitchell. “I worked alongside Dr. Raven for seven years and, as a veterinarian new to the field and the area, I was able to witness his methods, style, and his professional-yetapproachable demeanor from an outside perspective,” says Mark. “I learned a great deal from his exceptional communication skills and his ability to establish a lasting rapport with his clients. One of the things I admired the most about him, and implement today in my own practice, was that he believed in not creating a problem where one didn’t exist. He talked to his clients in such a way that he never evoked unnecessary fear, apprehension, and anxiety.

He had the ability to communicate with a delicate balance of possibility and probability. For instance, the horse has developed a cough. It could be a serious problem, but the condition may be solved by simply wetting down the hay or prescribing a course of antibiotics.

It’s helping the client understand the gravity of a situation, but also tempering that with the reassurance of a positive

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November/December 2016

performance exclusively to the equine athlete. With clients throughout Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, Mark has had the privilege of working with many of the finest horses, riders, and trainers in the country who have started their careers in the Fairfield County and Westchester County, New York region.

Occasionally, high school and college students who are interested in a possible veterinary-related career will accompany the vets of Grand Prix Equine on daily visits. The practice refers to them as their futures team.

“Today’s generation is less attached to older ways of thought, and approach veterinary matters and recommendations with open minds,” says Mark.

“Some horse care is folklore driven with customs passed down from previous generations. Although they may be valid methods and applications that are still in practice today, today’s vet must be

conscientious when verifying if the information is still accurate and credible. As their veterinarian, it’s important to be receptive and work with the client and their beliefs.”

“Since we don’t work in a hospital setting, the stable is the hub of the horse care we provide,” says Mark. “Our vehicles are our offices, equipped with computers, wireless routers, ultrasound and x-ray machines, and all of the basic supplies necessary for a typical stable call.

To provide the majority of medical services, the basic requirements of a stable are a solid floor, an electrical outlet, a roof, and a riding area.

“The collaboration of the veterinarian, farrier, owner, trainer, rider, and groom all play an essential part in administering prescribed treatments and monitoring the horse’s health. Technology plays a critical role to make all of the information for caring for horses available to all stakeholders. Topics can be studied and researched by the client and trainer to better understand and participate in the horse’s health and their recovery.”

“There are other very important and under-appreciated aspects and components to the team composition in equestrian activities,” says Mark.

“Parents and spouses take on a significant role in the sport of horsemanship.

Although they may not understand all the intricacies of the horse world, they respect and honor the riders’ commitment and provide them with muchneeded physical and emotional support. Trainers also have a key role in maintaining optimum horse care. The trainer can become the ultimate individual ‘calling the shots’ in regard to the horse’s welfare. Trainers, as members of the team, may sometimes pro-

vide a more objective view of the horse’s physical changes or variances, versus the owner and rider.”

“The horse-human bond is timeless,” says Mark. “Initially, our horses were used for work, whether it was for plowing fields, transportation, or military endeavors. Today, our horses provide companionship, comfort, and therapy in all sorts of situations.

Athletically, they become our equestrian teammates in numerous sporting and leisure activities. As humans, there’s such a physical and emotional investment in our horses. The enormous amount of time, commitment, heartbreak, dedication, and cost are just some of the intricate components of our relationships with our horses.

These animals are obviously complex in themselves, but they mean so much more to their owners than we could ever imagine.”

“In today’s world, the horse is both pet and athlete. As owners and caregivers of the horse, there’s the powerful emotional attachment to the pet, but there’s also the necessary optimum physical requirements we must provide as the partner to the athlete. Rider safety issues come into play. Complications can also arise when dealing with quality and end of life matters, and the owner’s passionate dedication and connection to the horse. There are the other times when situations occur where the veterinarian and owner are in conflict over what is considered best for the horse. Communication is key; making sure the client understands the implications, outcomes, and what is most advantageous for the horse’s well being.”

When asked what is the toughest part of his job . . . “I would say the traveling,” says Mark. With clients and horses in all parts of Connecticut, New York and Long Island, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, road travel is daunting.

As a board member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, air travel is necessary for at least three meetings around the United States each year. Speaking engagements also demand travel every few months. Mark travels to Florida, administering to clients who move their horses there to participate in equestrian events during New England’s colder months.

“The best part,” he says, “is helping sick, ailing, or injured horses to recover, as well as building an enduring trust with the horse and the owner. I also enjoy the challenges of helping my

clients buy new horses. The purchase exam is my highest level of responsibility so being a part of finding the right horse is very gratifying.” Mark also appreciates witnessing the outcomes of successful treatments. “Among the most pleasurable aspects of my work is being involved with multi-generational horse owners.

There are now times I have become the primary vet for both mother and daughter equestrian teams.”

“Being a veterinarian is a calling, not a career,” Mark says. “You must have a passion for what you do. The horse

“The best part,” Mark says, “is helping sick, ailing, or injured horses to recover, as well as building an enduring trust with the horse and the owner.” part is gratifying. It’s the easy part. The most gratifying part is the interaction with the owners and the trainers. I’d like to think — as my riders are approaching the fence — if I’ve done my job correctly, they are approaching that fence with confidence that the horse is ready and able.”

As a vet, Mark is on call 24 hours a day mentally and physically, but when the occasional opportunity arises, a trip to Lime Rock Park or Watkins Glen Raceway is planned. It’s here with his (not yet vintage) Mazda RX7 that Mark gets to indulge in his passion, motor racing.

“When I’m on the track, I’m completely removed from any daily stress,” says Mark. “The absolute attention and concentration required when maneuvering your vehicle at 135 mph while staring at a hairpin turn induces an almost meditative effect on you as the driver. It’s putting it all on the line: the thrill, the danger, and the risk. I also look forward to the time I spend working on the car, but then again, I’ve always enjoyed anything with an engine attached to it. Adjusting and changing its motor and components, all in an effort to make it go just a bit faster and more efficiently.”

In a career spanning 35 years, Mark has cared for everything from a family’s treasured backyard pony to powerful equine athletes that have competed in the some of the world’s most celebrated events. In a recent case he worked with Janie Weber, a friend and a trainer from Stepping Stone Farm in Ridgefield who has known Mark throughout his career.

“About a month ago we were treating a twenty-two-year-old school pony that had become ill,” Mark says. “This was the sweetest pony. He’d been on the farm for many years and had helped innumerable riders advance their riding careers, including this year’s eightyear-old rider. A week was spent passing a nasogastric tube to administer medication, fluids, and food smoothies while the pony recovered. With time, patience, and devotion of the entire team to this cherished member of the farm, a full recovery was made. It’s then that you can really appreciate the successful outcome and know that this pony will help future young equestrians develop their own set of values and continue to do so for many years to come.”

“Mark has an innate kindness that very few of the current practicing veterinarians have,” says Janie. “Emotionally he instantly connects with his clients.

He’s wonderful with all of our barn’s accounts and takes the time to listen and work with our clientele. He’s reminiscent of that old-style country vet. We need more of that type of approach and interaction in today’s horse community.

He takes input well and has no problem working with other consulting veterinary teams when the welfare of the horse is at stake. Well, that school pony is on the mend now and he even treated us to a lively, spirited buck out in the paddock recently when let out for some exercise!”

There’s an interview video of Mark featured on the Grand Prix Equine website on the Team page. In it, Mark eloquently says, “The wonderful thing about the horse is that, once you’ve created that connection and they trust you, your patience pays off in dividends. It’s a blessing to work on horses. The horse harkens to something that’s magical and mystical, so I get it.” He truly does.

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

Connecticut Horse

19

Lend a Hoof

Simsbury

U.S. Horse Welfare

by Kaitlyn Keegan

P

The breeder had no buy-back conpainless deaths for these animals, and eople say they don’t slaughter tract for Ferdinand. They thought the sometimes they even remain conscious minis, donkeys, certain colors, or buyers were going to race him. during dismemberment.” certain breeds,” says Beth Susan and Beth could not sit idly by “The way they’re killed, it’s an Tolhurst, co-founder and vice president while horses went through this. In 2010, ungodly process no equine should ever of U.S. Horse Welfare (USHW). “None Beth rescued a two-year-old mule, of the equines are immune.” now fondly named Jalapeño, from Imagine, you’ve had your horse auction. Beth began to research for years, but for whatever reason, slaughter then and realized how it’s time to sell. You go through the deep the issues go. effort of posting your precious pony “At the time, I didn’t really online or in the local tack shop, you understand what that meant — resscreen potential buyers, check their cue from slaughter,” she says. vet records, and everything checks “Susan put out a memo asking if out. You sell your horse. Then it all anyone was interested in following goes wrong. You find out the perher while she worked with legislason you sold your horse to dropped tion.” him off to auction and he has “I saw she was doing something slipped into the slaughter pipeline. slightly more cohesive than let’sThe horse you once knew may be just-save-horses-from-slaughter,” gone forever. says Beth. “I met with her and This is what happened to Susan began figuring out how to bring Mitchell, co-founder and president more people together and create of USHW. She sold her horse, solutions.”

Peyton, to someone she thought USHW was officially born in would provide a good home.

February of this year. The organizaInstead, Peyton ended up in the tion is described as a solutionsslaughter pipeline — lost. based, nonprofit group finding safe Years later, Susan came across solutions for America’s unwanted a Facebook post about a bay horses. The group’s main goals are Thoroughbred mare and a note to network resources and rescue that came alongside her at aucgroups in an effort to re-home tion. The mare had been owned horses and provide community outby a girl going off to college, and reach to help owners with their the tone of the note made Susan horses. Through programs such as believe the girl had thought the Left to right: Regina Landesberg, Carol Scheitlin, Beth Tolhurst, hay banks, gelding clinics, educamare would go to a good home. and Hawk Lambert, and rescued Miniature horse Pinot. tion, euthanasia assistance, vet Instead, the mare sat at auction in a assistance, micro-chipping, and safe surgo through,” says Hawk Lambert, an kill buyer’s lot, ready to ship to slaughrender, USHW strives to reduce the advisory board member for USHW. ter. unwanted horse population and keep Since Promise, Susan has bailed Susan bailed the mare and named horses in their homes with their owners. her Promise to Peyton, a stark reminder other horses from the kill buyer lots, Beth stresses that the group is not and demonstrates how great a horse of her former horse, and what she and an activist group. USHW is not against you can get.

19 others would begin — finding soluthe training, showing, racing, or compe“There are very talented, beautiful tions to keep horses out of the pipeline. tition of equines. horses that end up in there,” says Carol According to the American Society At the heart of USHW, though, is Scheitlin, secretary for USHW. for the Prevention of Cruelty to the educational piece. “A lot of people “Not every horse in those places is Animals (ASPCA), approximately old, crippled, or lame — a lot of people just don’t know the reality,” says Beth.

150,000 horses are trucked to Canada “I thought the French and think that,” says Beth. “Even ‘famous’ and Mexico every year to be slaughhorses aren’t immune.”

Canadians were horrible [for consumtered. Those horses will spend more Beth cited a Thoroughbred named ing horses],” says Carol. “I thought than 24 hours at a time in a crowded Ferdinand who was supposed to be because we don’t do horse slaughter in truck with no food, water, or rest. Once raced and bred in Japan. When he the U.S., that it wasn’t happening,” she they reach the slaughterhouses, it’s not wasn’t successful on the track or in the says. “I didn’t know about the pipeline a humane process awaiting them. The breeding shed, he ended up in dog that ships to Mexico and Canada.”

ASPCA reports that the “methods used food.

Although USHW is new, 20 volunto kill horses rarely result in quick, Kaitlyn Keegan

“

Saving a Life One Horse at a Time

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November/December 2016

teers are working to put together a number of programs in Connecticut.

The goal is to create programs that can be duplicated, transferred, or extended to other states, such as the idea of a hay bank.

“Everyone falls on hard times and has issues, especially going into winter,” says Beth.

The hay bank is a stock of hay owned by USHW. Horse owners in need apply for hay and USHW could grant them so many bales a month. To learn more about the hay bank, how to donate hay, and how to apply for assistance, visit ushorsewelfare.com.

Another program the group is starting is a euthanasia program which would assist owners with putting down sick horses, a veterinary service which can cost as much as $1,500.

Horse slaughter is not the same as humane euthanasia. According to the ASPCA, euthanasia is defined as a “gentle, painless death provided in order to prevent suffering.”

“We want to keep horses out of the slaughter pipeline by helping individuals and keeping the horses in their homes,” says Regina Landesberg, treasurer of USHW. “The programs are things people really can’t afford. Not everyone has a tractor to bury their horse, or the money for the veterinarian to put the horse down.”

An alternative that USHW wants to offer to owners is a safe surrender program. Working with statewide 501c(3) rescues, in a non-judgmental environment, the group would take in unwanted horses and help to re-home them.

“We also want to try and assist the rescues as well, if they have a specific need,” says Regina.

Another program is a microchip clinic to help track horses. However, the benefit of microchipping is dependent on someone checking for the microchip — which currently does not happen at auction houses unless there were is a law stating that they have to.

USHW is currently in the process of fundraising so it can offer its programs.

“We have to let people know we’re available,” says Carol. “We’re new and our name hasn’t gotten out there enough yet.”

USHW is part of a working group to create legislation on the state level and support the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act (H.R.1942/S.1214).

Hawk is the Mustang advisor for USHW. He’s working with other groups to keep the Mustangs from being rounded up. After a Mustang is up for adoption three times, the government can send the horse to slaughter.

“In the 1971 Free Horse and Roaming Act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was created to protect the Mustangs,” Hawk says.

“Everything the BLM stands for, they have done a double deal.”

Hawk and other groups have documents from the BLM to prove the Mustangs were never overpopulated and that the horses should not be harassed, branded, or rounded up. “[Mustangs] are being decimated by the group that’s supposed to save and protect them,” says Carol.

“They are an American icon,” says Hawk. “If you love your domestic horses, you have to thank your wild horses. With no wild horses, there would be no domestic horses. We want to educate people and get their support in protecting these animals.”

The SAFE Act, which sits in committee in Washington D.C., basically makes it illegal to ship American horses to slaughter. With the quantity of drugs a normal American horse owner gives their horses, the meat is tainted when the horse is slaughtered, says Beth. The act would stop this from happening.

Another legislative piece that USHW is working on is having a bill that comes up yearly, instead become a permanent bill. The bill prohibits U.S. dollars from funding the slaughterhouse inspectors, and is the only reason there are no horse slaughterhouses in the country.

“We need to get rid of the time limit on that bill,” says Beth.

Anyone interested in volunteering with USHW and spreading the word is welcome to contact the organization.

USHW is also always looking for 501c(3) rescues, foster homes, and people willing to be ambassadors and aid in the educational program.

To lend a hoof, visit ushorsewelfare.com or its Facebook page.

Kaitlyn Keegan lives in Connecticut and spends her free time riding and spoiling her gelding Captain Jack.

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Middletown by xx Stearns

Trail Guide

Wadsworth Falls State Park

by Stacey Stearns

22

November/December 2016

popular activities, in addition to swimming during summer months.

Access and Resources The main entrance and parking lot are located at 721 Wadsworth Street in Middletown, and you can use that address in your GPS or get the directions at ct.gov/deep. Route 157

bulletin board with your smartphone.

The bathhouse wasn’t open, but there was a composting toilet right outside the bathhouse, and the water fountain on the backside of the bathhouse was working.

Even on a cool, fall afternoon, many families were in the park and a large group party was using the picnic tables and barbecue area.

I also encountered numerous other trail users out in the woods. Grills and picnic tables available for use make this an attractive destination; just remember to bring your own charcoal and supplies.

No horses are allowed on the beach area and the swimming pond, even during the off-season. It’s possible to water horses in a few places on the trails, but use caution, as it’s rocky. I recommend bringing water for your horses, and watering at your trailer.

A small covered bridge adjoins the parking area to the beach area, and was an unexpected visual surprise upon my arrival. There is another large, wooden bridge on the opposite side of the beach, allowing trail users to head toward Big Falls. Swimming and picnicking are both prohibited at Big Falls — it’s only intended for short, scenic visits.

Diane Ciano of Plymouth is second vice president of the Connecticut Horse Council and serves as supervisor of the Volunteer Horse Patrol. “I’ve ridden at Wadsworth Falls a few times,” she says.

“It’s a nice place to visit. Most trails are wide and in good condition. It’s a central location in the state, with good pullaround parking. But equestrians especially have to be careful not to plan a ride on a busy weekend in the summer when there are lots of visitors and swimmers.”

Stacey Stearns

E

ncompassing a 267-acre area in Middletown and Middlefield, Wadsworth Falls State Park is a popular destination for many trail users and families. Nutmeg equestrians can access the approximately five miles of trails available.

The park, managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), is named for Clarence C. Wadsworth, who settled in Middletown after he married. He was involved in a 40-year effort to preserve the natural beauty of Wadsworth Falls for everyone to enjoy.

Clarence was a colonel in the New York National Guard and a noted academic and linguist. In his will, he created the Rockfall Corporation, and the land was given to the state after his death in 1942.

The mansion that belonged to the Wadsworth family is now owned by the town of Middletown and can be reached by following the purple-blazed trails. It’s used as a reception area and, on the Sunday I was there, the grounds were closed for a private function, but on other days, non-equestrian visitors are allowed to walk around the grounds of the estate.

The area has a unique history, tied to Connecticut’s own industrial and revolutionary story. The Coginchaug River flows north in the western part of the park, and the stream was used for industrial waterpower for a textile mill and a pistol factory that operated during the 1800s. The gunpowder factory on Powder Mill Pond literally blew up in 1892, a full 98 years after it was established.

Big Falls, for which the park is known, is 30 feet high and 52 feet wide.

Trails connect the swimming area with Big Falls. Deep in the woods, a stone bridge used by Colonel Wadsworth takes trail users to Little Falls and several meandering streams. Fishing, mountain biking, and hiking are all

(Wadsworth Street), which is the access road for the main entrance, is busy. Use caution driving along it and when your horse is unloaded at the park.

There was no parking fee on a Sunday afternoon in mid-September, however, there are parking fees from Memorial Day through Labor Day of $9 for Connecticut license plates and $15 for non residents.

Once through the gates, there’s a large gravel parking area and you can pull your horse trailer alongside the fence in several spots. The best place for trailers is on a grass strip alongside Route 157, under the pine trees. A few handicap and no parking areas in the parking lot need to be avoided. A second parking area on Cherry Hill Road is listed on the website and maps, but isn’t good for horse trailers.

Trail maps weren’t available the day I visited. You can download and print one at home from ct.gov/deep or take a picture of the map at the information

Out Riding It After tacking up, ride your horse from the parking lot, past the bathhouse and picnic area to reach the main trails. The trails are well marked with signs and blazes. All of the trails are multiuse.

There’s erosion in a few places on the trail where it runs downhill; use caution in these areas.

Gravel, rocks, and roots are scattered throughout the trails and I recommend hoof protection.

Trails are lined with hemlocks, oaks, and pines, offering a cool and shady ride. The five miles are mostly woods trails and provide the peaceful escape that trail users, including equestrians, look for in the woods.

“A slight downside is that you only have one-and-a-half to two hours of riding at Wadsworth Falls,” Diane says. “If you’re looking for a longer ride, this isn’t the right location. Also, on busy days there are a lot of people on the trails and, if you’re looking to move out on the trails, this isn’t the place to be.

Trail courtesy calls for a walk with lots of people on the trails, and/or to be aware of sight lines when moving out so that you can slow down your pace when encountering people on trails.”

I saw evidence on the trails, in the form of manure, of horses that were here before us. At a busy state park such as this, remember you’re an ambassador for all equestrians. Be polite and keep manure on the side of trails by curbing your horse or dismounting and kicking it to the side. Equestrians must clean up manure in the parking lot, main areas, and around your trailer. I noticed a horse that was here before me left a pile of manure at the well next to the bathhouse, and even as a lifelong equestrian, I was perturbed.

“This is a well-used park and horse manure issues always come up with nonhorse people,” Diane says emphatically.

“Trail etiquette helps the equestrian community to keep trails open.”

Tack up and head out to Wadsworth Falls for a peaceful escape and beautiful views of babbling brooks.

Say hello to all of the other trail users and enjoy another beautiful location in the Nutmeg State.

Happy riding!

Mansfield

This Olde Horse

Cynthia, Willard, and Ellsworth Stearns on a work horse at their family farm, Mountain Dairy in Mansfield, circa 1910. These three represent the seventh generation of the Stearns family to live on the land in Mansfield.

Connecticut Horse Trail Guide reporter Stacey Stearns is part of the tenth generation that is currently producing and delivering Mountain Dairy milk throughout the state.

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email

editor@connhorse.com.

Stalls for Lease The Connecticut Military Department has indoor stalls for lease at the Governor’s Horse Guard facilities in Avon and Newtown.

More than 10 stalls available at each location.

Avon

Newtown

Proceeds benefit the units of the Governor’s Horse Guard

For information & rates, visit www.ct.gov/mil/stall-lease

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

Connecticut Horse

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Above the Bar

by Sean Hogan, Esq.

Estate Planning

This article is for educational purposes only, so as to give the reader a general understanding of the law—not to provide specific legal advice. No attorney-client relationship exists between the reader and the author of this article. This article should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney.

Options for Horse Owners

cle addresses three planning techniques that may be useful to the horse owner: A will, the Pet Trust for Horses, and the Revocable Trust for the Care of One’s Horses.

The purpose of this article is to introduce the horse owner to some of the general considerations when thinking about estate planning issues and horse ownership. It’s not meant to be a comprehensive discussion of federal estate tax, gift tax, or Connecticut estate tax issues.

Pet Trust for Horses

I

t’s important to ask yourself the allimportant question, “Whom do I want to get my stuff?” And, if you are a horse owner, stuff will include the disposition of your horse(s).

Dying without a will (intestate) is not an option. The State of Connecticut, via statute, would decide to whom your estate is distributed, including your horse; the parameters of intestate distributions are often inconsistent with the wishes of the individual as to how they would like their estate distributed.

For example: an individual with a spouse dies, and with no children or surviving parents, the entire estate would pass to their spouse, C.G.S. A. §45a-437(a)(1). However, by contract, an individual dying with a surviving spouse, no children, and a surviving parent, their estate would be distributed as follows: the first $100,000.00 to the surviving spouse and the balance to the surviving parent(s), C.G.S. A. §45a437(a)(2). In the worst-case scenario, when there are no living relatives of an individual, their estate would pass to the State of Connecticut, C.G.S. A. §45a-452.

So as to avoid letting the State of Connecticut determine how your assets, including your horse(s), are to be disposed of following your death, this arti-

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humane responsibilities, and choosing the recipient should not be entered into lightly. For example: just because one’s children enjoy their parent’s horse ownership does not necessarily mean they wish to be a horse owner themselves and, as such, a bequest of an animal should be discussed with the intended recipient to make sure that they are willing to assume the responsibility and care for the horse upon the decedent’s death.

Will The first option, and perhaps the one most individuals are familiar with, is the will. The purpose of a will is to dispose of the property owned by an individual in their sole name, thus often excluding life insurance, bank and/or retirement accounts which have a beneficiary designation, and real property that is owned jointly or with rights of survivorship (typically with a spouse) In Connecticut, a spouse has the right to elect a statutory share of the estate as opposed to any provision made for them in a will. Pursuant to C.G.S. A. §45a-436(a), a spouse may elect to receive one-third of the estate passing via the deceased spouse’s will, following the payment of debts and taxes.

In one’s will, an individual will name a personal representative called an executor who’s tasked with carrying out the provisions of the will. In a will, one can make specific bequests of property to individuals or organizations, including the transfer of ownership of a horse. For practical considerations, bequeathing a horse to someone carries with it a level of both financial and

A second option, one that may be used on its own to supplement an existing will, or which may be added into a new will, is what’s commonly referred to as a Pet Trust for Horses.

Connecticut is one of 42 states that allow for the creation of pet trusts by statute, C.G.S. A. §45a-489(a).

In a Pet Trust, the creator of the trust, referred to as the grantor, directs that their horses become the property of the trust at the time of their death.

The grantor then in the trust document, or in their will (if the trust is created in the will document) names a trustee, the individual responsible for the financial dealings and to act as necessary on behalf of the grantor with regards to the terms of the trust.

Similarly, the grantor would name a protector; this is the individual(s) responsible for the horse and is tasked with acting in the best interest of the horse as their representative.

The terms of the trust can be drafted to meet the specific goals and wishes of the grantor in determining how to dispose of their horse following the grantor’s death. Often a trust will direct that the protector re-home, retire, or sell the horse. In the event that the horse is to be re-homed or retired, there are typically costs involved in those scenarios, in addition to the ongoing boarding, care, health,

and maintenance expenses being incurred until such time as a suitable home or retirement farm is found.

It’s therefore necessary to allocate funds to the trust that are sufficient to care for the horse one may own at the time of death. As the trust will last until the death of the last animal placed into the care of the trust, determining the appropriate financial contribution to the trust before one’s death is a practical consideration, as often neither the trustee nor executor named in a will are horse people and, as such, are unfamiliar with the costs associated with horse ownership.

This becomes an issue when the trust is not properly funded at the time of the grantor’s death, and those tasked with carrying out the terms of the trust or will are unsure as to how much money to allocate to the trust, or if there are sufficient financial resources in the grantor’s estate to allocate to the trust. Funding the trust by allocating the appropriate funds to the trust ahead of time will help to solve these problems.

Revocable Trust Similar to the Pet Trust for Horses is a Revocable Trust for the Care of One’s

Horses. Unlike a Pet Trust for Horses, which goes into effect upon the death of the grantor, a Revocable Trust for the Care of One’s Horses can be created during the grantor’s lifetime and provide for the care of the grantor’s horses in the event the grantor becomes incapacitated or otherwise unable to do so. The benefits and terms can be drafted similar to the pet trust; however, by creating and funding the trust during the grantor’s life time, issues regarding appropriate funding of the trust are avoided and there is the added benefit of providing for the care of the horse in the event the grantor is unable to do so while still alive.

reflect one’s wishes at the current point in time, and their expectations regarding horse transfers moving forward.

Sean T. Hogan is an attorney in Westport, where his practice focuses on estate planning and assisting trainers, owners, and investors in equinerelated transactions and litigation in Connecticut, New York, and before the USEF. He’s a governor of the Fairfield County Hunt Club and co-chairs the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Horse Show.

BLAZE ORANGE HORSEWEAR For hunting season, riding safety, and visibility.

Conclusion There are myriad estate planning options available to the horse owner, including the individual’s estate plan, which should include a power of attorney and a health care directive. Once completed, an individual’s estate documents should not just be placed in a drawer, safe, or safety deposit box; rather, they should be reviewed every few years or in coordination with a life event (i.e., marriage, divorce, birth of children, purchase of house, etc.) to ensure that the terms of the documents

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Connecticut Horse

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Overherd

News in Our Community ity to control our horse. “The key to The basic components of building confidence is control,” she says, and confidence were next on the agenda, Katie Bogaert was both host and went on to describe the link between then the importance of properly fitting instructor of the Rider Confidence equipment was reviewed.

Clinic at KB Equine (Once Finding a horse suitable for Again Farm) in Meriden in your ability was stressed, as late August. Participants well as using safe riding locaopenly discussed issues rangtions to practice. Katie illusing from how to work with the trated proper seat position, fear of falling, to the run-away and emphasized the most horse scenario. Topics also crucial of all ingredients — included the proper handling remembering to breathe and possible remedies for a while riding. spooky-, buddy sour-, or barn The next topic was a sour-horse. Riders discussed brief insight to understandtheir personal concerns on ing the horse’s mind. Katie losing control, and managing discussed the horse as a prey tension, apprehension, and animal and how it influences anxiety under saddle. All their behavior. “Their reacattendees were hoping to bettions are based on their surter understand these fears vival instinct — what would Participants in the Katie Bogaert Rider Confidence Clinic at KB Equine in and feelings, and learn differMeriden. ensure survival or keep them ent techniques to calm both from being injured?” she says. horse and rider. confident riders and respectful horses.

“Being prey animals, their first reaction Katie started the clinic by explain“Respect is gained through discipline, is to run. As part of a herd, if one horse ing that confidence issues stem from spooks, chances are others will also. You fear, and how fear roots from the inabil- positive reinforcement, and consistency.” cannot prevent a horse from spooking.

However, you can teach your horse to be controllable while spooking.”

After completing the classroom portion of the clinic, riders tacked up the horses and met in the outdoor ring.

Katie, with three-year-old Quarter Horse Mowgli, demonstrated exercises for control which included one rein stops, basic groundwork, shoulder control, and breathing in stride. Horse and rider teams practiced these exercises on the ground and in saddle, at the walk and trot.

After learning some unique skills and tools to boost their confidence as well as improve their safety, participants voiced newfound courage and eagerness to implement these methods on their next ride.

To learn more about Katie Bogaert and KB Equine, visit kbequinellc.com.

Sally L. Feuerberg

Rider Confidence Clinic

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Dressage4Kids Lineup Lendon Gray will headline as keynote speaker to celebrate the 15th annual Dressage4Kids Weekend Equestrian Program. The event will take place on January 28 and 29 at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury. The program will include talks from leading experts, as well as three special forums: an 26

November/December 2016

Connecticut Horse

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Eventing Forum, a Judges’ Forum, and a two-day Business Management Seminar for Professionals.

Two-time Olympian Lendon Gray lives and breathes dressage. She started Dressage4Kids with the goal of providing further educational opportunities for young riders and the parents and trainers who support them. Her vision was to enable them to continue to progress and follow their dreams of riding at the top levels. To this end, she teaches lessons both on and off the horse because she strongly believes in the importance of both good horsemanship and good sportsmanship. It’s not just about getting a high score in the competition ring — it’s about understanding the process of getting there.

Through the many programs and clinics that Lendon teaches and orchestrates all year and throughout the USA, she has been

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November/December 2016

outstandingly successful in paying it forward to help many aspiring young equestrians, from just starting out to riding at FEI levels. For example, 31 of the 43 riders who were invited to the USEF National Youth Championships (FEI Pony, Junior, Young Rider, and Under 25) and the USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championships in 2016 have been active in the Dressage4Kids Emerging Dressage Athlete Program.

The Weekend Equestrian Program is designed to bring up-to-date and important information to riders of all ages, levels, and disciplines and includes parents and trainers. The two-day event provides a wonderful opportunity to mix with other horse people and learn from many top experts in a variety of important topics.

This year, the Trainers Track at the Weekend Equestrian Program will be

incorporated into a two-day Business Management Seminar for Professionals.

Led by attorney and business consultant Beth Clarke, the seminar will update professionals on a number of vitally important subjects. The tentative topics include some of the following: business structure options, financial basics, insurance, hiring help, contracts, liability and risk management, sales and purchases, and government regulation.

The Weekend Equestrian Program has grown significantly over the years, and it continues to be a great way to spend a winter weekend. Past keynote speakers have included such notables as Laura Graves, Dr. Hilary Clayton, and Denny Emerson. For more information, go to dressage4kids.org.

UConn IHSA Team Adds 15 Riders The UConn Equestrian Team has had a very successful year. This past May, Kaitlyn Boggio and Rebecca Mazzaferro attended Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Nationals in Lexington, Kentucky. Kaitlyn finished eighth in Open Flat and in the top 12 for the Cacchione Cup. Rebecca finished fifth in Novice Flat. The team was invited to compete at the Tournament of Champions at Goucher College this September, where we had a successful show. We’ve had very competitive tryouts this year and added 15 riders to the team. Our home show is on November 19 at the UConn Horse Barn. All are welcome to attend. n Rebecca Mazzaferro

PATH International 2016 Award Winners The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) takes great pride in the exceptional equines, certified professionals, volunteers, and veterinarians who serve at PATH Intl.

Member Centers, and the quality of equestrians whose lives — and horsemanship — have been enriched through equine-assisted activities and therapies. PATH Intl. announces the 2016 region award winners.

Every year, it becomes more difficult for judges to select the PATH Intl. award recipients because of the large number of outstanding nominees.

In Region 1, the Equine of the Year is Once In a Blue Moon (a.k.a. Mr. Blue) from Pegasus Therapeutic Riding in Greenwich and Darien. Elizabeth Fortes won the Certified Professional of the Year, and Suzanne McGraw won

Volunteer of the Year — both also from Pegasus Therapeutic Riding.

Congratulations, Mr. Blue, Elizabeth, and Suzanne.

Roping Clinic with Bo Crotta Bo Crotta is a passionate, dedicated team roper who participates in rodeo events throughout the country, most recently with his talented 6-year-old Quarter Horse, Vinny. Amazingly, in just six days, Bo and Vinny traveled approximately 800 miles, taking part in competitions at the Cobleskill County Fair, then across New York State to the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo in Lake George, and on to the Malibu Dude Ranch Rodeo in Milford, Pennsylvania. He finished the hectic week’s journey on Sunday morning in Oxford, Connecticut, giving a roping clinic at Halcyon Hill Farm.

Donna Collins of Comet Oak Farm hosted the clinic in August, and despite significant heat and humidity, an enthusiastic group of 14 horses and riders were ready and eager to learn some basic team-roping skills. Bo was the perfect instructor for the task!

The participants in the clinic ranged from children as young as 11 years old to seasoned riders — all interested in learning the fundamentals of roping. The afternoon event included a father-daughter team, as well as two mother-daughter teams taking part. No experience was necessary to attend and there were no live cows, which helped address concerns about the possibility of a fearful or anxious horse. Both horses and riders easily adjusted to the new sights, sounds, and equipment with Bo’s relaxed and informative style of teaching.

As riders gathered in a shaded area of Halcyon Hill Farm’s spacious outdoor ring, Bo started the clinic with introductions to “Smarty,” the mechanical roping steer, which was pulled by an ATV throughout the clinic. Team roping terms such as “heading and heeling” were explained. The first roper is referred to as the “header” — 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 rubber-covered saddle horn, and use his horse to turn the steer to the left. The second roper is called the “heeler,” whose objective is to rope the steer by his hind feet after the header has turned him. Rider teams took turns following the mechanical steer around the ring, implementing the practices of proper positioning,

steering, and stopping techniques that were previously explained and demonstrated by Bo. After a brief morning break, riders cooled down their horses, and returned to the ring for some unmounted rope work. Correct rope handling, swing, and delivery methods were demonstrated, and in a relatively short amount of time, Bo had the riders throwing like (almost) pros!

Following lunch, horse and rider teams reunited for the opportunity to implement some of their newfound skills. Again, excited riders took turns chasing Smarty with rope in hand and enjoyed their chance to imagine the thrill of competing in a professional rodeo team event!

A special thank you to Halcyon Hill Farm owner, Marc Deslauriers, along with Tammy Ljungquist for their incredible hospitality, and to Cindy Martin for so capably assisting Bo during the day’s events. n Sally L. Feuerberg

First Annual Embrace Hope Barnival The first annual Embrace Hope Barnival sponsored by Embrace Hope — Sandy Hook Equine Assisted Therapy — was held at the Zoar Ridge Stables and Rescue in Sandy Hook on Sunday, September 25.

The well-attended, family-friendly event offered numerous activities including music, crafts, vendors, face painting, pony-, carriage-, and tractor rides, along with many farm-themed games. Also featured was an opportunity to meet the therapists (a.k.a. horses!) of the Embrace Hope program. A lively equestrian musical drill team performance was one of the day’s many highlights that, despite some wind challenges, was greatly appreciated by the spectators.

Embrace Hope is dedicated to providing equine-assisted therapy programs in Sandy Hook and the surrounding areas. The program was formed in an effort to help with the healing process of children, families, and first responders and communities affected by the Newtown tragedy. Zoar Ridge Stables and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) have joined together to offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy free of charge to those in need.

To learn more about the program and its offerings, visit embracehopesandyhook.org or its Facebook page. n Sally L. Feuerberg

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SaddleView Open Barn New owners Scott and Pattie Foehrenbach, and Chip and Robin Norton of SaddleView Farm in Bethany hosted a Fun in the Sun Open Barn in September. Perfect weather highlighted various activities for families, kids, and adults including the featured gymkhana events, a children’s horseshoe game, and various crafts that included paint a pony and horseshoe painting.

The late morning and early afternoon agenda headlined numerous youth division horseback contests including Musical Cones, Sita-Buck, Egg and Spoon, and an Arena Relay. Much younger participants enjoyed a stick horse barrel race, as well as a stick horse polebending competition.

After fun, contests, and competitions, SaddleView had a barbecue dinner and the spotlight event — the 3D Under the Lights Barrel Race with a $1,000 added jackpot!

Although the facility is well known to western, English, and rodeo enthusiasts throughout the area, the Foehrenbachs and Nortons have announced that SaddleView is now home to the New England Cutting Club, which has divisions for beginner, intermediate, and professional riders. They will also be offering barrel racing runs and lessons until the end of October. The farm is currently incorporating many renovations, including new turnouts, stall updates, and arena footing upgrades.

A future jump course is being planned, as well as clinics in cutting, introduction to cows, and western and English. n Sally L. Feuerberg

Gut Health Symposium Dover Saddlery in Manchester co-hosted a Gut Health Symposium with Southern States on October 4. The presentation, given by several equine professionals, covered the importance of 30

November/December 2016

equine nutrition in regard to pre- and probiotics, the anatomy of a horse’s digestive system, the importance of the hindgut, and nutrition advice for the prevention and management of equine

companion animals through upper level show horses.

The event was well attended by local barns, including riders and horse owners from Tara Farm Animal Rescue, Magnolia

Quarter Horse Bella when she was rescued (above) and now with Danielle Fowler’s six-year-old daughter (below).

ulcers. Speakers included Dr. Scott Morey of Fenton River Veterinary Hospital, and equine nutrition researcher Christine Warzecha.

Dr. Marty Adams, equine nutritionist and horse feed manager for Southern States, gave the final presentation.

Marty is also a research team member of Cooperative Research Farms. His presentation focused on feed options for equine athletes — within the Southern States and Triple Crown lines — that are designed specifically for the needs of horses, from

Run Equestrian Center, and Babcock Hill Horses Naturally.

n Kerri Cavanaugh

How Are They Now? In April, a small black-andwhite pony named Tucker escaped his enclosure at Grassy Hill Farm in Lyme.

Although his tiny hooves were badly overgrown and very painful, Tucker made his way to the home of a neighbor, who immediately reported the situation to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The case was investigated and, thanks to Tucker’s heroic action, 18 horses and several other farm animals were picked up by rescues and stables throughout the state. Here’s a follow-up on some of the horses that were taken in by the amazing Nutmeg State horse community.

Danielle Fowler of Cheshire took Bella, a 12year-old chestnut Quarter Horse.

“When Bella arrived, she was about 200 pounds underweight,” says Danielle, “caked in feces, had rain rot, overgrown hooves, and teeth that were in desperate need of floating, and stained brown from eating her stall walls in the absence of food. Her coat has recovered and she is now beautiful and shiny; her hooves and teeth have been tended to; and she has gained about 200 pounds.

Additionally, she’s not as nervous around feeding time as when she first arrived.”

“Bella is very quiet and was pretty well trained when she got here,” says Danielle.

“Now that her teeth are in good shape, we are working on getting her more sensitive to the bit. Bella has experienced some hard times, but she’s now a stunningly beautiful babysitter to my six-yearold daughter, and worth her weight in gold!”

All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue in Northford took in three horses. “I told Dr. Gardner that I would immediately take the three most in need,” says Mary Santagata, founder of All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue.

“We took in Rain, a Paint mare; Tucker, a Miniature gelding; and Pepper, an Appaloosa gelding. Tucker has already been adopted, Rain is currently available for adoption, and Pepper will be available for adoption after he fully recovers.”

“Rain was probably the one in the worst condition,” says Mary. “When I saw her, she was standing in a triangle paddock that was only three

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round pen panels. She was filthy, covered in manure, rain rot, and other skin conditions including lice. She’d the worst leg injury that I’d ever seen; it was infected and draining out of her hoof wall. After good wound management and antibiotics, her injury has healed. Her x-rays are clean (no breaks, tears, infections); however, they do show a trauma to her bone.

We’re unsure if she will be sound. She’s very loving, is grateful for her new start on life, and is looking for her forever home.”

Rain is available for a $300 adoption donation with a contract, and the adopter must be within three hours of the rescue.

“Tucker has been adopted and due to be showcased in Connecticut Horse!” says Mary. “He was the whistleblower in this case.

Tucker now has the most amazing life with his adoptive family in Killingworth.”

“I first met Pepper in the stall that he never left for at least eight months,” says Mary. “He was horrifically skinny, with an infected tumor in his eye. Pepper came with a Coggins test dated July 6, 2015, showing he was hip number forty-two at the New Holland Auction, and then sold to the Cranbury Auction. Five months later, he was sold at Crowley’s Sales Barn auction in Agawam, Massachusetts.

Three auctions in less than six months — who knows what happened before and in between.”

“This sweet boy was examined by our vet,” says Mary. “He had his eye thoroughly cleaned and assessed.

Unfortunately, it was more complicated than a third eyelid removal and his eye needed to be removed.

Pepper was seen by a team of five from Fairfield Equine Associates. They were able to remove his eye at our farm, as he was too weak to travel.

The histology confirmed that the mass was squamous cell 32

November/December 2016

carcinoma. The margins of excision are thought to be clean, though narrow in some locations. Pepper is currently cancer-free and pain-free. He’s continuing

her training. She’s up to date on vaccines. She does appear to have an old muscle injury on her chest (obvious by a bulge in her muscle); however, it does not seem to

Caleb the day he arrived at Bear Paw Barn (above) and in October (below).

on his long road to recovery and gaining weight daily in his foster home. He will be available for adoption in the future.”

Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue took in Star.

“Star has gained at least 175 pounds,” says Deborah Finco, Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue founder. “We worked hard to remove the cement-hard manure that was caked on her legs and belly when she first arrived.

She’s been evaluated under saddle, and has some training — she responds to hand and leg cues, trots under saddle; she was a bit nervous about being mounted, but was fine once the rider mounted. She’s looking for her forever home. Star will need someone to continue

affect her in any way. Her hooves have been regularly trimmed — she’s a little nervous with having her hooves trimmed, but has gotten better. Star is good inhand and is very sweet.

Amy Gardner Anderson, of Bear Paw Barn in Middletown, has Caleb (formerly Chip), and Sebastian, who was taken in and rehabbed by Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR) in Haddam Neck. Sebastian was just adopted by one of Amy’s students.

“Caleb is at least 25 years old, per my equine dentist,” says Amy. “He was in very bad condition and likely close to dying of starvation [when we took him in.] He was all bones and was so weak I thought he might col-

lapse in the trailer. His molars are completely worn to the gums and he quids his hay [drops it out of the mouth] so badly he can’t really eat it at all. He needs a special diet of soaked grain, cubes, and chopped or very fine hay. He has gained at least 200 pounds and is still gaining and building muscle.

At his age, recovery is a long process. But he’s happy to follow you like a puppy and loves attention. He has a permanent home here at Bear Paw Barn with me unless the perfect person wanted to take him as a companion.

His dietary needs are a challenge for a lot of people.”

“Sebastian is a four-yearold who was rescued by CDHR,” says Amy. “He needed to be gelded and their annual gelding clinic was coming up. I don’t know all the details of his rehab there, but he was seriously underweight, had lice, and rain rot. Once he was healthy, he was lightly started in work, then came to me for further training and to be adopted. Instantly, I knew I had to find him a dressage rider to maximize his natural talent. He’s sweet, willing, very calm, and has wonderful gaits. One of my students really liked him and ultimately adopted him. He will stay here at Bear Paw Barn as a boarder and will continue his training with me. He's pretty special.”

Amy’s tentatively planning a reunion of the Lyme horses at her farm in April. It will be great to see how far they have all come since their rescue.

Overherdisms • “They didn’t think I’d wear my spurs to school but I showed them!”

• “The ring is smaller than I remember.”

• “Rule number one: Do not run over the clinician.”

Partners

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 photographs; and a link from connhorse.com to its website.

Interested? To learn more, email partners@connhorse.com.

you’ll receive a free annual subscription with your membership.

The Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grant funding for 2017 and 2018 is now open! The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting proposals for Connecticut’s RTP grants, pending availability

more and to download an application, go to ct.gov/deep/cwp. If you have any questions or need help in filling out the application, contact Diane Ciano at trails@cthorsecouncil.org or (203) 757-1904.

Beth Rhines, program director at Goodwin Conservation Center, says they are in the process of

Connecticut Horse Council The Connecticut Horse Council (CHC) is a nonprofit volunteer legislative advocacy group representing all horse interests in the Nutmeg State. We monitor all issues that have an impact on the horse industry. The CHC is member-supported by individuals and organizations, including owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed organizations, horsemen’s associations, commercial suppliers, and town horse councils. CHC represents equestrian interests with representation on the Connecticut Greenways Council and the Connecticut Equine Advisory Council. We provide information on legislation, road safety, trails, zoning, barn fire training, fire prevention, emergency disaster preparedness, and we produce educational brochures for the public.

The CHC is as strong as its membership. Please join us as we work together to protect your interests for today and tomorrow.

CHC will be in booth 2514 in the Stroh Building at Equine Affair in November.

Stop by to say hello, get information on CHC, and learn what we’ve been doing to promote equestrians in our state.

Plus, you can join us or renew your membership for 2017.

Now that the CHC is a partner with Connecticut Horse,

The Connecticut Horse Council’s Volunteer Horse Patrol at Steep Rock Association in Washington Depot on September 10. From left to right: Vevette Greenberg with Cassie, Meg Sautter with Mac, Diane Ciano, and Denise Ciano with Midnight.

of funds during 2017–2018.

Grants may be made to any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments, and tribal governments. Applications will be accepted through December 15, 2016.

Connecticut RTP funds may be requested for uses including: planning, design, and construction of new trails (motorized and nonmotorized); maintenance and restoration of existing trails (motorized and nonmotorized); access to trails by persons with disabilities; purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment; acquisition of land or easements for a trail or for trail corridors; and, operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection, as related to recreational trails. To learn

designing a horse access trail from the Airline Trail to the parking lot, parallel to Potter Road, so that horses can avoid the road. She also wanted to inform the horse community that a timber harvest will be done in December and January, so some of the trails may be closed. An update on the harvest will be posted on the Goodwin Conservation Center’s page at ct.gov/ deep/cwp.

There have been continued budget cuts for DEEP that severely impact the operations, maintenance, and safety of our state parks, forests, campgrounds, and swimming areas. The CHC is proud to have partnered with DEEP since 2003, establishing the Volunteer Horse Patrol (VHP) for equestrians statewide to help meet the basic needs of visitors in our

state parks and forests, and helping to maintain trails.

With the diminished resources of the DEEP, the CHC VHP is calling on all equestrians to partner with us in an ongoing statewide effort to help patrol and maintain the trails that we ride. Your membership to CHC and support to the VHP helps out everyone.

Jan Collins, the CHC Greenways Council representative, has served on the state council since 2009 and has retired from the position.

Jan served for many years on horse-related and trailrelated committees. In 1999, she received a Greenways Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in helping to preserve trails in Somers.

More recently, she has devoted her time to the Scantic River Watershed Association to help protect the river ecosystem and promote recreation on the river and trails along the river.

Thank you, Jan, for all your years of service to the CHC and for more than 30 years of service to protecting trails on private, town, and state lands.

Stacey Stearns is the new CHC Greenways Council representative. Stacey grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Mansfield. She was active in 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and the Morgan Horse Association youth program while growing up.

Stacey earned her Bachelor of Science in animal science from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science in agricultural education and communication from the University of Florida. She’s currently the Agriculture Program Specialist for UConn Extension. Stacey is the Trail Guide feature writer for Connecticut Horse and Massachusetts Horse. Stacey competes in distance riding Connecticut Horse

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ears on the ground as friendly, informative volunteer horse patrollers to educate trail users, connect with the trail community, and provide a positive presence on the trails. The VHP is looking for local volunteers who frequently ride at Steep Rock and Hidden Valley Preserve to join in these efforts to patrol and maintain the trail

Youth Essay Contest is open to all horse-minded young people ages 18 and under.

Contestants do not have to be a member of CMHA or even own a horse. There are four age divisions. Great prizes, including a riding lesson, are awarded to the winners of each division. To learn more, contact Patti patti@pattibrooksbooks.com.

Jeanne Lewis Images

with her Morgan horses.

She’s president of the Connecticut Morgan Horse Association and serves on the board of directors for the New England Morgan Horse Association.

Members of the Connecticut Greenways Council are appointed by the governor and the leaders of the General Assembly. Their duties include advising and assisting local, state, regional, and recreational organizations, and private citizens in the technical aspects of planning, designing, and implementing greenways. This includes advice on securing state, federal, and nongovernmental grants, and establishing criteria for designation of greenways. The council also reviews applications and awards grants submitted for the Recreational Trails Program. To learn more, visit ct.gov/deep/greenways.

Ginger Tullai has been appointed to the Connecticut Equine Advisory Council.

Ginger has been active and attending the council’s meetings for the past two years.

She’s the CHC VHP coordinator in more than eight state parks and the Salmon River State Forest. She’s also the founder of the Friends of Machimoodus State Park in East Haddam. Ginger’s an active equestrian who devotes her time to promote trails and equestrian interests on state and local levels.

The mission of the Equine Advisory Council is to promote equestrian use on public lands, creating, preserving, maintaining, and restoring trails. To learn more, visit ct.gov/deep/eac.

It was quite an honor for the CHC VHP to be asked to meet and greet Washington Depot residents and introduce them to our patrol.

They have asked us to patrol the trails of the association and we look forward to partnering with them. They’re interested in having eyes and

November/December 2016

Jean Cassella and Cooper at Bronco Billy’s in West Granby for the Connecticut Renegades practice.

systems. To learn more, contact Diane at (203) 757-1904 or trails@cthorsecouncil.org.

7 Diane Ciano

Connecticut Morgan Horse Association Connecticut Morgan Horse Association (CMHA) is hosting its seventh annual Turkey Trot at Bluff Point State Park in Groton on Sunday, November 20. All breeds are welcome! Check-in is at 10 a.m. and riders need to be on the trail by 11 a.m. Riders can register at the ride — it’s $25 for nonmembers. The ride — 5 or 10 miles — is affiliated with New England Horse and Trail. We have fun door prizes. Sponsors include: DaBrim, Bevin Bell Company, Village Springs Water, Liberty Bottles, Pez, Absorbine, and Deep River Snacks. The ride is a benefit for the CMHA Sue Brander Sport Horse Scholarship. To learn more, email Stacey at sfstearns@gmail.com or visit ctmorgans.org.

The CMHA’s annual

CMHA youth members who are graduating high school seniors or in college can apply for the Eileen Hunter Youth Scholarship.

Applications are due December 31. The Sue Brander Sport Horse Scholarship is open to any CMHA member competing in the sport horse divisions, and is due February 1.

Applications can be found at ctmorgans.org.

7 Stacey Stearns

Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooting The Connecticut Renegades held its annual State Championship in August, at the Old Bethany Airport.

Thanks to our title sponsor, Lock, Stock & Barrel, a farm supply store in Bethany, the overall champions — Allison Forsyth and Joe Lauzon — received personalized championship belt buckles.

Members met on Sunday, September 25, at Bronco Billy’s in West Granby for a final practice

before the largest event of the year in the Northeast.

The Northeast Regional Championships were held at Falls Creek Farm in Oneco from September 30 to October 2. Eleven riders from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York came out to polish their shooting form, their barrel turns, and their smooth lines through various courses.

Riders ranged from Level 1 to Level 4, so there was a lot of coaching going on. Advice on gun handling, horse handling, equipment, and riding styles were shared among all levels. Some riders stayed consistent, while others were pushed outside of their comfort zone by trying new ways to run courses, challenging themselves even more. This was the first Northeast regional event for most riders at the practice. The overall message for the riders was to ride with confidence and trust that all their practice would pay off.

The Connecticut Renegades held its Creepin’ Toward Halloween match on Saturday, October 22 at the Old Bethany Airport. Riders were encouraged to dress in costume for the day.

To learn more about the Connecticut Renegades and the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting, visit ctrenegades.com.

7 Allison Forsyth

Connecticut Trail Rides Association The Labor Day weekend looked to be a wash out, if you listened to the meteorologists, but it actually turned out to be a wonderfully sunny, cool weekend. We enjoyed a yummy pasta dinner on Saturday evening before our membership meeting hosted by Cathy Ives. Sally Doyle, the Dore family, Dominique Spear, and Cathy’s family all assisted with the delicious meal.

Cathy noted that this would be the last year she’ll host

Granby Horse Council Innovation is the word to describe the Granby Horse Council this year! The June Renaissance Ride and Faire was an event to remember, with archery, mock jousting, sling shot, and more.

Participants dressed in period costume, making the event extra fancy. To top off the hoopla, the drill team

Joan Davis

off the horses. Olga Agostini was the cohost of this ride.

The weekend before Labor Day, Kim Dore and her family hosted several guests at camp. It was a weekend filled with trail riding and good food. They rode at White Memorial, Steep Rock, and Bantam Lake. Participants came from New Hampshire, New York, and

Winners of the Granby Horse Council Poker Ride: Billie McNealey with Cowboy, Mackenzie LaCroix, and Jan Olsen with Moon.

annual Play Day. The Play Day is a versatility event held in the summer that attracts many riders and spectators.

This year, it was hard to tell who was having more fun — the riders, the horses, or the spectators.

The warm season has been replaced with cooler temperatures and new excitement for the upcoming events planned for the end of the year. We look forward to the beach ride in Rhode Island, the Veteran’s Day Parade in Connecticut’s capital city, the Breakfast Ride at Maple Corners Farm in Granville, Massachusetts, and a Mystery Ride, which is a tightly kept secret until the rigs arrive at the mystery location the morning of the ride.

To learn more, visit granbyhorsecouncilct.com, follow us on Facebook [Granby (CT) Horse Council], or call president Joan Davis at (860) 653-6805.

7 Diane Morton

Middlebury Bridle Land Association

courtesy of MBLA

this event, inviting new members to step up and fill her shoes. Later, Shane Emigh hosted a movie night at the pavilion. He played a children’s movie and, afterward, a western for the adults. On Sunday morning, Kathy Watson and I hosted our blueberry pancake breakfast.

Good ole Kowboy Ken Forcier proved to be a great cook at the grill — thanks to Ken for helping us out again.

And thank you to our camp director, Bud Dore, for helping us that morning, too!

For our new members’ information, we have a few fundraisers every year to help pay for the entertainment at our annual banquet.

On Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day weekends, someone hosts a Sunday breakfast. Labor Day weekend’s Saturday evening is usually a pasta dinner. If you can find the time and effort to host an event, plan on coming to our annual planning meeting in January.

Lisa Fox has been competing in halter classes with her beautiful mare, Sterlin, who has national points in solid-bred classes. The pair competed at Falls Creek Farm in Moosup recently, where Sterlin received two reserves out of 14 entries. Lisa and Sterlin received grand champion at another show, as well.

Congratulations, Lisa!

Our condolences to Kevin and Chris Schilling on the passing of Kevin’s father, William Schilling. Hugs and sympathy wishes to Cindy Pelletier on the loss of her dear mom. It’s always so hard to lose a parent.

Thank you to Robin Marrotte for organizing the club’s apparel orders this year. If you’d like a T-shirt, sweat shirt, or zipper hoodie, please contact Robin to place your order.

On August 21, club president Lynn Gogolya hosted a ride at Steep Rock and 26 riders attended. It rained a bit, but all agreed it cooled

Middlebury Bridle Land Association September 18 Hunter Pace at Larkin Farm award winners.

Connecticut. This event benefits the United States Wild Horse and Burro Association and Connecticut Trail Rides Association (CTRA).

On September 11, Cathy Clouse, Dave Williams, and Christel Maturo hosted a breakfast ride at Wadsworth Falls. Yummy egg sandwiches and coffee were provided to all who attended the ride.

Wishes for blessings of good food, love of family, and friends on Thanksgiving!

7 Patti Crowther

performed their first routine of the year.

The Poker Ride in September was full of surprises. Horses and riders gambling for the best hand were challenged to maneuver through obstacles at various spots along the best loved trail in Granby — the trails through Salmon Brook Park — and other public land.

Following the ride, some teams played horse soccer!

GHC’s energetic team of planners arranged a third

A forecast of rain, wind, and thunderstorms was predicted for the entire week ahead of the rain-or-shine date of September 18 for the MBLA’s Fall Hunter Pace.

How would this affect the rider turnout, the trails, and the countless numbers of other details and deliveries that can be disrupted by a day of foul weather? Well, Mother Nature looked kindly upon the 30-plus volunteers, 63 horses and riders, and a multitude of spectators and supporters by presenting a typical late summer overcast day that was just a bit on the humid side. We’ll take that!

The trails of Larkin Farm in Middlebury were breathtaking! Sylvia and Tom Preston outdid themselves again by planning out a course of superb scenery, incredible vistas, and trails that were well marked and manicured. Riders had Connecticut Horse

35

Dam site in Oxford, Massachusetts.

The Intro to Foxhunting Clinic was a successful event and, although it was held over Labor Day weekend, we had 25 participants. Most of

Tanheath Hunt Club The Prize Ride in August was well attended and everyone who won a prize was very happy. Whipper-in Leslie Cashel made up the prize bags and they included a little of everything for riders and horses alike. We had a bright sunny day and the course was a nice six-mile ride through trails and fields at the Army Corps of Engineers Hodges Village 36

approximately 102 riders from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The eight-mile course traversed fields and woods, both laced with inviting jumps. As always, there were

courtesy of Tanheath Hunt Club

choices of areas where they could enjoy a lively trot or canter as equally as a leisurely walk. There was even a lengthy visit by a local Bald Eagle on the branch of a tree high above the starting line.

Once teams had all safely returned and mounts were washed down and cared for, horses grazed in the Larkin Farm’s lush grass fields. Some veteran teams have made this an annual event, while others were treated to the relaxed, casual, and friendly atmosphere of the MBLA Fall Pace for the first time.

Participants sat on hay bales (a pace tradition) and enjoyed a picnic-style lunch with delectable desserts — catered by Joe Dinova’s Four Corners Store in Middlebury.

After exchanging horse stories and spending cherished time catching up with friends, the pace times and placements were tallied.

Ribbons and prize buckets were then awarded and, happily, on a day that no one was exactly sure how it was going to happen, a perfect pace was achieved.

The MBLA would like to thank all the volunteers, riders, family, friends, and supporters who made this hunter pace possible. A very special thank you to the Larkin Family: without your kindness and generosity, this magnificent tradition would never take place!

7Sally L. Feuerberg

November/December 2016

Tanheath 2016–2017 Hunt Staff: Leslie Cashel, whipper-in; Cathy Leinert, Master of Fox Hounds; Sherri Colby, huntsman; Bill Wentworth, Master of Fox Hounds; and Deb Pollard, field secretary and whipper-in.

the attendees were mounted, but a few were on foot to see what foxhunting is all about.

Tanheath Hunt Club staff were there to help everyone.

Leslie Cashel started the day with a presentation of the history of foxhunting, the etiquette, attire, and a brief history of the Tanheath Hunt Club. After the introduction and the question and answer session, participants were divided into two groups: first flight — slightly faster and including jumps, and second flight — a slower pace with optional jumps.

First flight was led by MFH Cathy Leinert and second flight by MFH Bill Wentworth. Both presented a mock hunt to acquaint everyone with the experience of a hunt. We added a few new members and we hope to add more. A big thank-you to Bill MacLaren and family for the use of his wonderful Tyrone Farm in Pomfret for this event.

Our Fall Hunter Pace was held at Babcock Hill in Coventry, and another day of great weather brought

four divisions and ribbons were awarded to 10th place in each division. Additionally, the year-end hunter pace awards for champion and reserve champion were presented. A nice lunch was served at the end of the pace and, due to the great weather, many people stayed to chat with friends, meet new people, and visit with the many horses that were there. All of the results are posted on our Tanheath Events Facebook page.

The Blessing of the Hounds and the start of our official hunting season was held in Greene, Rhode Island, on Sunday, October 2. Although the day was cloudy with a threat of rain, it stayed cool and dry. Last year, it actually snowed! The event was everyone’s opportunity to meet the new hounds and watch all of them at work. Our huntsman, Sherri Colby, has done an excellent job of working with the hounds and they were in fit form and ready to go. Thank you to members Marty Schultz and Janeen

Rose who were our mounted foxes, laying the scent for the hounds to follow. After the hunt, members were able to take the hounds on short walks on leash, to meet them up close, and get the hounds acquainted with our members. The hunt concluded with our traditional tea, with a delicious variety of food and drink provided by members, all consumed along with great conversation and camaraderie.

The Turkey Trot will be in Scotland on Sunday, November 13 at 9 a.m., and the Ayer Mountain Hunter Trials at Ayer Mountain Farm in North Franklin on Sunday, November 19.

The Master’s Dinner will be Saturday, December 3.

To learn more, visit tanheathhunt.com. or Tanheath Events Facebook page.

7Raymond Hill

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Connecticut Horse

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Decorate Your Own Cutout Browband Wide-Nose Hunter Bridle

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30 Worcester St., Natick, Mass. smartpakequine.com

Soft Padded Leather Halter Piper Knee Patch Breeches

Quality leather; solid brass hardware; and a great fit. $89

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Arbitrage Tack, Oakville facebook.com/neighneighs Our horses and pups love these all-natural treats made with just six ingredients: oats, flax seed, corn, molasses, brown sugar, and corn oil. Keep these baked treats on hand to reward your best friend. $13 40

November/December 2016

Nutmeg State Happenings CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, FW-PHA Show

Connecticut Horse

Folly Farm, Simsbury

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

Connecticut Horse

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Nutmeg State Happenings Schooling Horse Show Frazier Farm Training Center, Woodbury

Sally L. Feuerberg

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

Come join us!

We are a small but dedicated group, passionate about horses and hounds, friendly and helpful to newcomers. We sponsor Hunter Paces, Rides, Intro to Foxhunting Clinics, and more. Fall Foxhunting every Sunday and Thursday from kennels. We offer Main, Hilltopper, and Tally Slo (walk trot only) Fields.

November 13 . Turkey Trot, Scotland, CT November 19 . Hunter Trials, Franklin, CT December 3 . Masters’ Dinner

www.TanheathHunt.com Follow us on Facebook: Tanheath Events

Cathy Leinert, MFH (860) 867-7063 & Bill Wentworth, MFH (860) 625-6173 Ray Hill, VP (401) 741-8185

42

November/December 2016

Connecticut

November 3 RAY OF LIGHT FARM FILLY NIGHT, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

Events

5 CHSA SHOW, Sweetwater Farm, Clinton. sweetwaterct.com.

18 FAIRFIELD-WESTCHESTER PROFESSIONAL HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION AWARDS DINNER, Italian Center, Stamford. fwpha.com.

5 CTRA 76TH ANNUAL FALL MEETING. cttrailridesassoc.org.

6 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

5 ECDHA FUN DAY, Blue Slope Country Museum. easternctdrafthorse.com.

6 CCBA GAME SHOW, KB Equine, Meriden. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

5 CHJA SHOW, Clinton. sweetwaterct.net.

6 MATTHEW LEWIS EVENTING LESSONS, Silver Lining Stables, Monroe. silverliningstablesct.com.

19 CHSA SHOW, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

10 – 11 ANN HALLER CLINIC, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

19 FAIRFIELD COUNTY HOUNDS HUNT BALL, Bridgewater. fairfieldcountyhounds.com.

5 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, ABF Equine, Coventry. rideiea.org.

12 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Ledyard. ihsainc.com.

19 VERSATILITY COMPETITION, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

5 – 6 CORE CLINIC, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org/riding/core-clinic-2016.

12 CHJA PINES OPEN, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

6 MYSTIC AUTUMN II, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

13 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. rideiea.org.

6 DRESSAGE SHOW, Connecticut Equestrian Center, Coventry. ctequestriancenter.com.

13 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

6 CHJA BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Valkyrie Equestrian Center, Granby. bhcmanagement.com.

13 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB TURKEY TROT, Scotland. tanheathhunt.com.

5 CVDC MEETING AND POTLUCK, East Haddam. cvdrivingclub.com.

6 25th ANNUAL HUNTER PACE, North Franklin. sites.google.com/site/ayermountainfarm/.

6 CHJA SHOW, Ridgefield Equestrian Center, Ridgefield. ridgefieldequestriancenter.com.

13 HOLIDAY MARKET, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

13 SCHOOLING HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

6 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Ray of Light Farm, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

14 ESSENTIAL OILS AND SUPPLEMENTS SEMINAR, Horses and Hounds, Granby.

(860) 227-2147,

6 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Hunters Run Stables, Glastonbury. rideiea.org.

15 RAY OF LIGHT FARM FILLY NIGHT, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

19 FCHC “C” SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

19 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, ABF Equine, Coventry. rideiea.org.

19 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB HUNTER TRIALS, Ayer Mountain Farm, Franklin. tanheathhunt.com.

Horses for Lease Riding Lessons Training & Showing A family-run equine facility built on three generations of equestrian experience.

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19 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, UConn, Storrs. ihsainc.com.

20 CVDC ANNUAL TURKEY TROT DRIVE, Woodland Farm, Lyme. cvdrivingclub.com.

26 CHJA SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

20 IHSA WESTERN SHOW, Michele Carver Performance Horses, Broad Brook. ihsainc.com.

20 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Oak Meadow Farm, East Windsor. rideiea.org.

26 – 27 DR JENNY SUSSER SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. foxledgefarm.net.

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

20 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, TerryAllen Farms, Terryville. rideiea.org.

20 CHJA SHOW, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

27 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

27 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB THANKSGIVING HUNT, Lord Creek Farm, Old Lyme. tanheathhunt.com.

20 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB FORMAL HUNT, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.com.

27 CHJA BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. bhcmanagement.com.

20 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Full Circle Farm, Manchester. rideiea.org.

27 DOM SCHRAMM CLINIC, The Stables at Westfield, Middletown. (860) 690-1354.

20 CMHA TURKEY TROT, Bluff Point State Park, Groton. ctmorgans.org.

27 TACK SALE, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. (860) 647-8666.

25 RAY OF LIGHT FARM FESTIVAL OF WREATHS AND HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WAGON RIDES, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

December

26 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Shallowbrook, Somers. rideiea.org.

26 DOM SCHRAMM STADIUM JUMPING CLINIC, Silver Lining Stables, Monroe. silverliningstablesct.com.

1 RAY OF LIGHT FARM FILLY NIGHT, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

3 CVDC HOLIDAY GATHERING, Town Tavern, East Haddam. cvdrivingclub.com.

3 RAY OF LIGHT FARM WINTER WONDERLAND, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

Training ~ Lessons ~ Showing ~ Sales 7 rall Road, Broad Brook, CT (860)307-6963 ~ mcph279@gmail.com www.carverperformancehorses.com

562 S Main St., Middletown, CT (860) 347-2531 www.midstatetractor.com 44

November/December 2016

3 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Manchester. rideiea.org.

12 CHSA SHOW, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

3 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB MASTERS’ DINNER. tanheathhunt.com.

12 CHC CHRISTMAS PARTY, Waverly Inn, Cheshire. cheshirehorsecouncil.org.

3 CHRISTMAS TACK AUCTION, Middlesex Livestock Auction, Middlefield. (860) 8335828.

13 RAY OF LIGHT FARM FILLY NIGHT, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

3 CONNECTICUT DRAFT HORSE RESCUE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, Haddam Neck.

Free admission. ctdraftrescue.com.

3 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

4 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, TerryAllen Farms, Terryville. rideiea.org.

7 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

7 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, ABF Equine, Coventry. rideiea.org.

13 CHSA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

13 ECDHA CHRISTMAS PARTY MEETING,Blue Slope Country Museum, Franklin. easternctdrafthorse.com.

6 CONNECTICUT HORSE COUNCIL MEETING, Berlin. cthorsecouncil.org.

17 HORSES HEALING HUMANS WINTER OPEN HOUSE AND VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION, Stonington. horseshealinghumansct.org.

6 CHSA SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

18 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB FORMAL HUNT, location TBD. tanheathhunt.com.

10 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. rideiea.org.

18 HOLIDAY TEA, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

11 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB FORMAL HUNT, Bass Farm, Scotland. tanheathhunt.com.

26 CHSA SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

11 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. rideiea.org.

27 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

Lessons

Leasing

Trails

2 Outdoor Arenas

Indoor Arena

Covered Round Pen

Clinics

Parties

Group Lessons

Show Coaching

239 Sand Hill Rd., Portland, CT 06480 (860) 581-0307 wbfllcct@gmail.com

Boarding Lessons

S

Training

Containerized Manure Removal Containers from 4 to 30 cubic yards Farms with one horse to 100!

16 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

Boarding

January

Serving southwestern Connecticut

Newtown, Connecticut 203-426-8870 www.associatedrefuse.com

ng Valley Far m i r p Indoor Arena

Sales Leases

Owned and Operated by the Ross Family Trainer: Jennifer Braiden 1125 Essex Rd., Westbrook, CT (860) 399-5000 . (860) 304-5848 Dressage is our Specialty Board . Lessons . Training All Breeds Welcome (especially Morgans)

Gretchen Geromin, trainer USDF certified instructor . USDF bronze medalist . British Horse Society certified

Mansfield Center, CT . Just 10 minutes from UConn foxfirestables.net . (860) 543-1399 Connecticut Horse

45

Subscribe Today!

8 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. rideiea.org.

14 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Manchester. rideiea.org.

4 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

25 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

15 CCBA YEAR-END AWARDS BANQUET, II Monticello’s, Meriden. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

15 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, TerryAllen Farms, Terryville. rideiea.org.

21 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

21 CDA MEMBERSHIP AWARD PARTY, First Church, Waterbury. ctdressageassoc.org.

February 4 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

connhorse.com

March

4 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Manchester. rideiea.org.

11 – 12 IHSA WESTERN SHOW, UConn, Storrs. ihsainc.com.

18 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

Send your clinic, show, trail ride, seminar, and workshop to events@connhorse.com to have it published in the Events Calendar.

April

1 IDA DRESSAGE SHOW, UConn, Storrs. teamdressage.com.

8 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

it’s free!

Connecticut Horse Youth Awards

25 IEA HUNT SEAT REGIONAL FINALS, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. rideiea.org.

Request a free award for your competition at

connhorse.com and click on COMMUNiTY.

Chuck Sharples Equine Transportation 860-575-0020

Horses on the Move

Based in Connecticut Regional service from Maine to Florida

info@chucksharplesequine.com www.chucksharplesequine.com Facebook.com/ChuckSharplesEquine 46

November/December 2016

Got manure?

Containerized Manure Removal Le May, Inc. Farmers of Natural Resources Fred LeMay . Newtown, Connecticut 203-426-2497 . 203-948-1586 (cell) akenworthman@gmail.com

the

neighborhood

ARTISTS

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PORTRAITS BY SHAWNALEE Middlebury, CT, (203) 598-0065 shawnalee.com Charcoals, oils painted by hand.

TEAM MOBILE FELINE UNIT (888) FOR-TEAM everyanimalmatters.org Mobile spay, neuter, and vaccination clinic for cats.

WHITE PICKETS STUDIO (978) 724-8823 whitepicketsstudio.com Fabio and Sara Deponte art.

ASSOCIATIONS

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CHESHIRE HORSE COUNCIL cheshirehorsecouncil.org Trail rides and maintenance, community service.

CONNECTICUT BARREL HORSE connecticutbarrelhorse.com CONNECTICUT COLOR BREED ASSOCIATION connecticutcolorbreed.com CONNECTICUT DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION ctdressageassoc.com CONNECTICUT GYMKHANA ASSOCIATION ctgymkhana.com CONNECTICUT HORSE SHOWS ASSOCIATION chsaonline.com.com

Your Everything Equine “white pages”

BARN CATS

SILVER LINING STABLES Monroe, CT, (203) 445-6318 silverliningstablesct.com Premier horse-boarding facility.

CONNECTICUT RENEGADES ctrenegades.com CONNECTICUT TRAIL RIDES ASSOCIATION ct-trailrides.org 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 GREENWICH RIDING AND TRAILS ASSOCIATION thegrta.org MIDDLEBURY BRIDLE LAND ASSOCIATION middleburybridle.org NEWTOWN BRIDLE LANDS ASSOCIATION nblact.com POMFRET HORSE AND TRAIL ASSOCIATION pomfrethorseandtrail.com TANHEATH HUNT CLUB tanheathhunt.com

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SPRING VALLEY FARM Westbrook, CT, (860) 399-5000 Hunter, jumper, boarding, lessons.

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING Old Lyme, CT, (860) 434-1974 highhopestr.org.

Therapeutic riding, driving, Horses for Heroes, unmounted equine learning.

STONECREST FARM Southbury, CT, (203) 586-1016 stonecrestfarmct.com Boarding, lessons, indoor/outdoor ring.

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, sale horses, events facility.

RAY OF LIGHT FARM E. Haddam, CT, (860) 873-1895 rayoflightfarm.org Animal-assisted therapy; rescue center.

BOARDING AND TRAINING

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BABCOCK HILL FARM DAWN BONIN HORSEMANSHIP Coventry, CT, (860) 985-7611 babcockhill.com Natural horsemanship, lessons, training, boarding, sales/leases.

CENTURY SILHOUETTE FARM Northford, CT, (203) 627-4587 Private lessons; variety of disciplines.

DECARLI EQUESTRIAN CENTER 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.

FOLLY FARM SHOW STABLES Simsbury, CT, (860) 658-9943 follyfarm.us Training, showing, board, lessons, polo.

EQUINE DENTISTRY VAQUERO TRAINING CENTER E. Windsor, CT, (860) 623-2687 vaquerotrainingcenter.com Boarding, training, lessons, education of horse and rider.

WESTBROOK HUNT CLUB Westbrook, CT, (860) 399-6317 westbrookhuntclub.com Board, training, lessons, shows, clinics.

WHIMSY BROOK FARM Redding, CT, (203) 938-3760 whimsybrookfarm.com Boarding, lessons, training, equine therapies, Pony Club.

CLIPPER AND BLADE SERVICE

CONNECTICUT MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION ctmorgans.org

EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY

FOX LEDGE FARM, ANN GUPTILL E. Haddam, CT, (860) 873-8108 foxledgefarm.net Dressage lessons, training, clinics.

GREYLEDGE FARM Durham, CT, (860) 349-9722 greyledgefarm.com Training, boarding, lessons, showing, Quarter Horses.

GUILFORD RIDING SCHOOL Guilford, CT, (203) 453-8768 grsriding.com Connecticut shoreline’s premier riding stable.

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CLIPPER BARN OF CONNECTICUT Baltic, CT, (860) 822-1951 theclipperbarnofct.com Repairs, sharpening, all types.

CONSTRUCTION

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CARRIAGE GATE CONSTRUCTION Serving the Northeast, (717) 951-9443 Horse barns, garages, remodeling.

THE CARRIAGE SHED (800) 441-6057, carriageshed.com Custom-built barns, shed rows, arenas.

CREMATION

HAPPY TRAILS FARM Danbury, CT, (203) 778-6218 Pleasure riding, obstacle course, trails.

J.A. MCDERMOTT HORSEMANSHIP Guilford, CT, (203) 434-9505 willingresults.com Bridging science and holistic horsemanship.

JOHN BENNETT STABLES Putnam, CT, (860) 928-7098 john.bennett_jr@uconn.edu Lessons all disciplines, training, harness.

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.

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CONNECTICUT HORSE CREMATION Killingworth, CT, (860) 881-7802 cthorsecremation.com Loving, dignified cremation service.

EDUCATION

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POST UNIVERSITY Waterbury, CT, (800) 345-2562 post.edu BS in equine studies.

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SHELLY WYSOCKI E. Haddam, CT, (860) 212-0114 equinedentalct33662@att.net Prophylaxis, equilibration, and gnathological procedures.

EQUINE LAUNDRY

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LE CHEVAL LAUNDRY Willimantic, CT, (860) 428-1283 abr10000@aol.com Quality laundry and repair service.

EQUINE MASSAGE

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EQUINE MASSAGE BY KATHLEEN Ridgefield, CT, (203) 297-3008 kathy.curran@snet.net A nice massage, for your horse!

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

EQUINE RELATIONSHIPS

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MINDFUL CONNECTIONS mindful-connections.com What is your horse trying to tell you?

Tuning in to your companion.

EQUIPMENT

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STANTON EQUIPMENT John Deere, stantoneq.com Plainfield, CT, (860) 230-0130 East Windsor, CT, (860) 623-8296 Canaan, CT, (860) 824-1161 FARRIER

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UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT Storrs, CT, (860) 486-2413 animalscience.uconn.edu Two- and four-year ANSC degrees.

MATT LEWIS Colchester, CT, (860) 575-2455 foxglovefarm.com Professional horseshoeing for the performance horse.

ELECTRICAL

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FEED AND PET STORE

RV PARTS AND ELECTRIC Waterbury, CT, (203) 755-0739 hedman@snet.net Electrical work; trailers, trucks, RVs.

LOCK, STOCK & BARREL (203) 393-0002 lsbfarmsupply.com Large-animal feed and pet food. Tack, farm supplies, and power equipment.

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Connecticut Horse

47

SWEETWATER FEED AND EQUIPMENT Clinton, CT, (860) 669-9473 sweetwaterct.com Tribute Equine Nutrition; pet foods.

REAL ESTATE

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HORSES FOR SALE

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Alexis Devlin, Realtor Colchester, CT, (860) 214-9859 alexisdevlin.com Experienced equestrian Realtor.

HERITAGE FARM Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-1612 farmheritage.com Open to buy, sell, or trade horses seven days a week, by appointment.

CROSBY MIDDLEMASS REALTOR Connecticut, (203) 558-2046 higginsgroup.com Specializing in equestrian properties.

STRAIN FAMILY HORSE FARM Granby, CT, (860) 653-3275 strainfamilyhorsefarm.com New England’s largest quality sales stable.

WILLIAM PITT SOTHEBY’S REALTY Mariette Woolfson, Realtor Essex, CT, (860) 883-3667 mwoolfson@wpsir.com Equestrian properties.

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INSURANCE

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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.

LOANS

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WILLIAM RAVEIS EQUESTRIAN Lori Vogel, Realtor Middlefield, CT, (860) 614-0666 lorivogel.com Specializing in equestrian lifestyle real estate.

RETIREMENT SANCTUARIES

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MITCHELL FARM Salem, CT, (860) 303-8705 mitchellfarm.org Permanent sanctuary for senior horses.

BLUEBIRD MEADOWS FARM N. Granby, CT, (860) 604-8088 bluebirdmeadowsfarm.com Buying and selling quality tack.

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

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MIDSTATE TRACTOR AND EQUIPMENT COMPANY Middletown, CT, (860) 347-2531 midstatetractor.com Kubota, John Deere, Scag Power Equipment, Stihl, Honda.

TRAINER

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CATHY DRUMM (413) 441-5278 cathydrumm.com Travels to you; English and western.

FARM CREDIT EAST (800) 946-0506 farmcrediteast.com Loans for equestrian facilities, farms, bare land, home sites. Equipment loans and leases.

TAYLOR FARM New Hartford, CT, (860) 482-8725 taylorlynn58@gmail.com Horse retirement is all we do!

CONNECTICUT TRAILERS Bolton, CT, (877) 480-4197 cttrailers.com Quality trailers; sales, parts, service.

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MANURE REMOVAL,

RIDER FITNESS

ASSOCIATED REFUSE HAULERS Newtown, CT, (203) 426-8870 associatedrefuse.com Containerized manure removal in southwestern Connecticut.

RIDE FIT (206) 713-6761, ridefitnow.com Fitness program developed for riders.

JOHN McCARTHY TRUCKING (860) 377-9498 East Coast New England to Florida.

LE MAY, INC. Newtown, CT, (203) 347-2531 We buy manure.

ARMOUR COMPANIES (800) 876-7706 armourcompanies.com Stall components, aluminum, no rust.

PENDERGAST HAULING AND BARN SERVICES New Fairfield, CT, (203) 948-9493 Manure removal, arena-footing restoration, excavation service.

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STALL COMPONENTS

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SUMMER PROGRAMS

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PHOTOGRAPHY

HARTFORD COUNTY 4-H CAMP S. Windsor, CT, (860) 289-4177 hartfordcounty4hcamp.com Youths and adults partner together.

JEANNE LEWIS IMAGES Wallingford, CT, jeannelewisimages.com Western events, barn shoots, portraits. Serving New England.

RED SKYE FOUNDATION Bethany, CT, (203) 891-6787 redskye.org Camp, therapy, team building, lessons.

KATE LUSSIER PHOTOGRAPHY Wallingford, CT, (203) 213-7738

S. J. RIDING CAMP Ellington, CT, (860) 872-4742 sjridingcamp.com Overnight girls riding camp; lessons.

KATHRYN SCHAUER PHOTOGRAPHY Guilford, CT, (203) 710-9945

TACK

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katelussierphotography.com Individualized attention, reasonable rates.

kathrynschauerphotography.com Horses, pets, families.

SARAH GROTE PHOTOGRAPHY Cromwell, CT, (860) 301-6647 sarahgrote.com Lifestyle, event, pet, and nature.

SARRA-ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY S. Windsor, CT, (860) 644-7161 Fine-art equine portrait photography.

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November/December 2016

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TRAILERS & TRANSPORTATION

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VETERINARY

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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.

CARA KNESER, DVM Bozrah, CT, (860) 823-8951 kneserveterinary.com Mobile 24/7 Equine Veterinary Service.

ARBITRAGE TACK Oakville, CT, (860) 417-2608 arbitragetack.com Equipment you need at prices you can afford. We keep you riding.

SALEM VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC Salem, CT, (860) 859-1649 salemvalleyvet.com Preventive medicine, emergency care, lameness, dentistry, surgery.

BEVAL SADDLERY New Canaan, CT, (203) 966-7828 beval.com New Canaan, Gladstone, NJ stores.

East Coast mobile unit.

TWIN PINES EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES Griswold, CT, (860) 376-4373 twinpinesequine.com Quality, compassionate care.

Advertise for just $49 a year? Yes! Have your business and services in Connecticut Horse and on ConnHorse.com for just $49 a year.

Plus, you receive a free one-year subscription!

Place your ad!

Email ads@connhorse.com.

advertisers index Arbitrage Tack .................................... 15 Associated Refuse Haulers ................ 45 Bittersweet Farm ................................ 43 Blue Seal ............................................ 51 Braideez .............................................. 6 Brooklyn-Canterbury Clinic ................ 21 Cara Kneser, DVM ............................. 43 The Carriage Shed ............................... 2 Chuck Sharples Equine Transportation . 46 Congelosi Trailer Sales ........................ 41 Connecticut Military Department ...... 23 Dawn Bonin Horsemanship ................. 21 Don Ray Insurance ............................... 5 Dover Saddlery ................................... 13 Equine Homes .................................... 37 Equine Massage by Kathleen Curran . 45 Equissage ..............................................7 Farm Credit East ................................. 25 Farm Family Insurance ......................... 6 Foxfire Stables .................................... 45 Heritage Farm ..................................... 11 Higgins Group Equestrian Properties . 46 Intuitive Wisdom ................................. 44 JA McDermott Horsemanship .............. 5 Katie Upton ........................................ 49 King Barns ............................................ 4 Le May, Inc. ....................................... 46 Lock, Stock & Barrel ............................ 52 Matt Lewis Professional Horseshoeing . 28 Michele Carver Performance Horses . 44 Midstate Tractor & Equipment ........... 44 Mohawk Distribution .......................... 44 Noble Outfitters ................................. 27 Pat Bradley ......................................... 28 Pendergast Hauling & Barn Services .. 10 Pleasant View Farms ........................... 17 Portraits by ShawnaLee ....................... 7 Protectavest ...................................... 25 Rebecca Hathaway ............................. 28 Sean T. Hogan, Esq. ........................... 28 Smith-Worthington Saddlery .............. 49 Spring Valley Farm .............................. 45 Strain Family Horse Farm .................... 44 Tanheath Hunt Club ........................... 42 Tara Farm Rescue ............................... 42 Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group ........ 31 Trailer Depot ......................................... 50 Triangle A Stables ................................. 12 Twin Pines Equine Veterinary Services . 23 Whimsy Brook Farm ............................ 26 White Birch Farm ................................. 45

Is this your horse?

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. 275 Homestead Ave. Hartford, Connecticut 860 . 527 . 9117 smithworthington.com

Is this your horse?

This photo was taken September 18 at the Middlebury Bridle Land Association’s Fall Hunter Pace at Larkin Farm in Middlebury. If this is your horse, contact us at win@connhorse.com for a SmithWorthington Saddlery leather halter.

Katie Upton

originals . commissions . prints . posters . cards

katieupton.com . 805-682-1710

Connecticut Horse

49

The Trailer Depot is all about trailers and we want to hook you up with exactly what you need!

New and Used Trailers . Largest Trailer Inventory in Connecticut . All the Best Brands Trailer Service and Maintenance . Financing . Trailer and RV Parts and Accessories Truck Beds, Snowplows, and Sanders

1037 Middletown Ave. Northford, CT 06472 203-234-7788 thetrailerdepot.com Open: Mon.-Fri. 8-5 & Sat. 8-2 50

November/December 2016

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

G. M. Thompson & Sons 54 Middle Turnpike Mansfield Depot (860) 429-9377 gmthompson.net

H. H. Stone & Sons 168 Main Street South Southbury (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons.benmoorepaints.com

Litchfield Blue Seal Store 99 Thomaston Road, Litchfield (860) 482-7116 blueseal.com

Lock, Stock & Barrel 770 Amity Road, Bethany (203) 393-0002 lsbfarmsupply.com

Meriden Feed & Supply 846 Old Colony Road, Meriden (203) 237-4414 Find us on Facebook

Norwich Agway 217 Otrobando Avenue, Norwich (860) 889-2344 norwichagway.com

Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supply 21 Mount Parnassus Road East Haddam (860) 873-1946 shagbarklumber.com

Valley Home & Garden Centre 16 Railroad Street, Simsbury (860) 651-5646 valleyhomeandgarden.com

Connecticut Horse

51

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MONROE, CT PERMIT

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