Connecticut Horse November/December 2017

C O N N E C T IC U T

HORSE

SAYING GOODBYE A GUIDE TO DECIDING, GRIEVING, AND HEALING

A MINDFUL DEATH November/December 2017 connhorse.com $4

HORSE LOGIC

MOMENTUM EQUESTRIAN CENTER NURTURING HORSES THROUGH COMPASSION AND TRAINING

MACHIMOODUS STATE PARK TRAIL GUIDE

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November/December 2017

contents

November/December 2017

columns 14 A Mindful Death

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Connor Triehy Photography

Š Fred Froese

Horse Logic

22 Machimoodus State Park 18

Trail Guide

36 Events Calendar

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Momentum Equestrian Center

Nutmeg State Events

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features 8

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in every issue

Saying Goodbye

18 Bryan Penquite

A Guide to Deciding, Grieving, and Healing

Reining and Training

SunGold Stables Rebuilding Paradise Farm Feature

Horseperson Feature

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Momentum Equestrian Center Nurturing Horses Through Compassion and Training

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From the Publisher

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Your Letters

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Overherd: News in Our Community

32

Partners

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This Olde Horse

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The Neighborhood

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Is This Your Horse?

Lend a Hoof

Connecticut Horse

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November/December 2017

From the Publisher he loss of a horse is life-chang-

T

away the bugs. My winter supply of hay is

ing. These beautiful creatures

in the barn and three cords of wood are

weave their way into our heart

stacked on the porch: time to enjoy this

and soul and when we part, it’s devastat-

beautiful fall day. I’m heading out the

ing. In this issue, feature writer

door to pull carrots, some for me and

Alessandra Mele has written Saying

some for my ponies.

Be sure to visit us at Equine Affaire

Goodbye: A Guide to Deciding,

November 9 to 12. This year we’re shar-

Grieving, and Healing. Alessandra and

ing booth 428 in the Better Living

her family had to let eight-year-old, 18-hand Mikey go a few years ago and she brings her personal experience as well as insights from several Nutmeg State equestrians to this article. Plus, columnist and equine specialist Nicole Birkholzer writes about how her little herd helped her feel more connected at a time of loss and how incorporating the horses into the farewell moments of

Twenty-four-year-old Haflinger mare Caszual has been at Pocketful of Ponies Farm since she was weaned. She’s taught many beginners to ride and has been free leased to a handful of 4-H’ers over the years. Her personality is like a giant yellow labrador retriever and she’s worth her weight in gold. I hope to enjoy her company for years to come.

a herd mate helped them process the event.

Today is a perfect autumn day — crisp air, blue sky, and a breeze to keep

Center with the MSPCA at Nevins Farm.

We’ll have back issues available and discounted subscriptions to Massachusetts Horse and Connecticut 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!

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

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CON N EC T ICU T

HORSE vol. 3, no. 3 November/December 2017

ISSN 2378-5721

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feature writers Nicole Birkholzer, Sloan Brewster, Andrea Bugbee, Sally L. Feuerberg Sean T. Hogan, Esq., Alessandra Mele, Abigail Powell, Stacey Stearns contributors Patti Crowther, Allison Forsyth, Raymond Hill Diane Morton, Jennifer Rudtke reporters Sally L. Feuerberg . sally@connhorse.com . (203) 339-0357 Linda Morton . linda@connhorse.com . (860) 822-3006 Rachelle Davidson . rachelle@connhorse.com . (860) 941-3020 advertising Main Office: ads@connhorse.com (413) 268-3302 (voice or text)

Apollo

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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 2017

Your Letters To the Editor:

To the Editor:

I love Connecticut Horse ! I grew up in a horse town and rode

I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this article

when I was younger but not anymore. Still, I enjoy reading

[Favorite Organized Trail Rides in the Nutmeg State] for

the stories and looking at the photos of these wonderful crea-

Connecticut Horse. It’s a great magazine highlighting the many

tures!

aspects of the horse industry in our area. Thank you.

Margaret Quinn, via email

Christel Maturo, via email

To the Editor: Thank you so much for the magnificent leather halter and the two-year subscription to Connecticut Horse. I absolutely love the halter and my guy does as well!

Grace Grzegorczyk, Orange

Editor’s note: Grace and her horse Ari were our Is This Your Horse? contest winners for the September/October issue.

To the Editor: Thank you for featuring us [Bit by Bit Stable: Bigger than the Dream] in Connecticut Horse. Toni Leland was so nice to work with and truly captured our farm and what it’s about.

Mary Fischer, owner/trainer, Bit by Bit Stable, Montville

Send your letters to editor@connhorse.com or Connecticut Horse, 99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096.

Supporting Our Equestrian Community!

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In our third year of news, photos, event coverage, features, and more.

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Saying Goodbye © Fred Froese

A Guide to Deciding, Grieving, and Healing

by Alessandra Mele

A

supple Amish-made harness, collar, and bridle hang in my tack room, untouched for three years now. They stir up several emotions each time I see them: happiness, at the memory of gentle tugging on those lines grasped in my hands; anger, when I think of the determination with which I sought the equipment out, only to use it a handful of times; sadness, as I notice small spores of mold forming along the traces; and gratitude, for the time I was allowed with my gray horse who wore the harness proudly.

When we commit ourselves to owning horses, part of the journey is saying goodbye. More often than not, it’s up to us to determine the right time for that final goodbye. When my eight-year-old Shire Mikey suffered a broken scapula, that decision came all too soon.

Although difficult to face, it helps to prepare yourself and know the options available when it comes to ending life, honoring remains, coping afterward, and, ultimately, healing.

My Goodbye Mikey came into our family on the brink of his eighth birthday, having 8

November/December 2017

spent most of his life at a rescue farm waiting for his forever home. My brother, sister, and I had fallen in love with him a year earlier when we began working with him in harness, and we witnessed him overcome anxieties, gain confidence, and grow strong. We knew Mikey belonged with us, and brought him home on a happy, snowy day in March. The possibilities were endless.

It soon became difficult to imagine a time when the middle stall wasn’t occupied by the gentle, 18-hand giant.

Our herd loved Mikey; they had never been so peaceful out in the pasture together. We continued to practice driving him in the Amish-made harness, pulling a wooden stone boat my brother had built. I searched Craigslist for a cart that we could ride in through the trails all summer long.

June came, and Mikey became terribly sore. Scratches had always been a problem for him, as they often are for draft horses. We reluctantly shaved his beautiful white feathers and dutifully applied ointment, despite his protests.

Then one day, I arrived for morning feed to find his right front leg swollen up like a balloon. I’d never seen any-

thing that severe, and called the vet.

Cellulitis, she declared upon inspection, and he was put on a regimen of pills along with regular cold hosing.

Movement helps, so we pulled him from his stall for a daily walk. It hurt, but he never once said no.

A too-warm week went by, the swelling remained, and things seemed to only get worse. It became harder to go for those walks, even as we cheered him on and offered endless carrots. He didn’t want the carrots. He wasn’t hungry. He didn’t want hay, then he didn’t want grain. He was sweating and we couldn’t keep his fever down.

The vet was baffled, returning ready to take x-rays. The rest of the herd was anxious. They knew long before we did. The x-rays showed that Mikey had a broken scapula. The vet was in awe of the fault line that cut clean through the image of his monumental, indestructible shoulder bone; a break that could have only happened over time; perhaps it was bone cancer.

She was devastated at her misdiagnoses and delivered the news to us with sad eyes. It was hardly a question, but we all nodded in agreement: Mikey’s time was

now. Had we known the severity earlier, it would have been days ago. We wept at the thought of repeatedly asking him to walk with a broken shoulder. He would truly do anything we asked of him.

We gathered around Mikey, choking on ill-prepared goodbyes and kissing his handsome face. Once he was comfortably sedated, the vet explained that it was time, and it was okay if we left; this was not always easy to witness, especially given his size. Under such heavy sedation, the moments we had shared while he was still lucid were what would remain. We saw that he was at peace, and knew he was in trusted hands. We left our hearts in his stall, walked slowly away from the barn, and wept for this terrible loss.

euthanasia when it’s absolutely necessary. Look into your horse’s eyes, and put their needs ahead of your own.

The decision-making experience is different for everyone and it’s almost always helpful to have someone by your side when you decide your partner’s time has come. Whether it is your trusted vet, a best friend, family members, or a trainer, fellow horse people know the weight of this decision and can offer words of guidance and comfort. Empathy is powerful. I’ll never forget a barn mate who remained with my family while we said goodbye, and silently returned to clean out Mikey’s stall and put away his things for us afterward. That meant the world.

The Final Moments Facing the Final Decision The end-of-life decision is one that the majority of horse owners will ultimately face, as grim as it may be to consider.

Most of us would rather not think about it, pushing it to the back of our minds in that murky, someday realm. I admittedly had given it little thought up until the point of Mikey’s illness as all of my horses are in their prime and in good health. Whether it’s an old friend having lived out those golden years to the fullest, or a sudden injury that will rob a younger horse of the comfort and function he deserves, the decision is always a difficult one to make.

The questions that come into our minds when we are put in this position are physically and emotionally grueling.

Deciding to let go of a best friend is a complicated process. Danielle Borrelli of Northford remembers how difficult it was to make the final call, but knew it was the right thing to do for her boy, Gibson. “When I finally knew it was time, Gibson had been struggling badly for a few days and wouldn’t even eat his favorite treat, watermelon,” she says, remembering. “It was April, and the allergies that triggered attacks would only get worse as spring progressed. I knew it was time and that it was up to me to make the call. Gibson had always taken care of me, and now I had to take care of him with this last kindness.”

None of us want to see our horses suffer, and this above all keeps us selfless in the end.

Consider your horse’s situation as rationally as you can. Listen to your veterinarian carefully and take her recommendation into the highest consideration.

Veterinarians are well versed in these situations, and will only recommend

Logistics are difficult to think about at this point, but you will need to decide where the horse will be euthanized.

Given their size, ease of transport following death is critical to consider. An open, easily accessible area is usually best, but speak with the person who will handle removal first. When we were considering this for Mikey, we were very pleased when the crematory service we worked with told us to allow Mikey to remain in his stall where he was most comfortable; they were confident they would be able to access his body without a problem.

Whether or not you would like to be present at the moment of death is a deeply personal decision. I had hoped that I would be able to remain by my horse’s side, but found that I was overcome in the moment. I stayed with Mikey through his sedation until he looked as he was only sleeping, and felt good about that.

Once sedated, the vet will then administer the lethal injection. It’s important to understand that equine euthanasia is not always easy to witness.

Most horses will fall to their knees slowly and drift away, but collapse, falling backward, and muscle twitching can happen and should be something you’re prepared to see. The final moments are heart wrenching no matter what, and you should do what you feel most comfortable with.

Lisa Burns of Tolland chose not to be present when her horse passed, but remembers feeling a sense of peace the moment it happened. “When I had to make the decision to end Ammy’s life, she seemed to understand me and my process of saying goodbye,” she says. “I just couldn’t be there when the vet put

her to sleep, but I felt it the moment Ammy left the earth. I felt an immense amount of gratitude filling my soul; a ‘thank you’ from Ammy and a message to me that she was okay and I had fulfilled my promise to her.”

On the other hand, it was very important for Danielle to be there when Gibson passed, and she is grateful for the sense of closure it provided.

“Even though it was heartbreaking, I felt better having been there until the very end,” she says.

An Eternal Resting Place A big question that every horse owner ought to contemplate before they are faced with saying goodbye is how they’ll honor their horse’s remains. Burial versus cremation will depend on your transportation abilities, access to an appropriate piece of land, and budget.

I had always assumed burial was a fine option for our horses, considering they were kept on our own land.

However, when it came time to lay Mikey in his final resting place, my vet strongly recommended cremation. She stressed that due to his size, a do-it-yourself burial in the back field would be difficult and probably gruesome. I trusted her on this one. She then suggested a professional equine cremation service and I will always be grateful for that; his body was treated with true kindness and his ashes were returned in an elegant handmade trunk.

Burying your horse can be a viable option if you have the right piece of land and resources. Regulations can vary from town to town, but according to Connecticut public health regulations regarding livestock carcass disposal, burial must be at least 300 feet up gradient or 150 feet down gradient from any well, at least 165 feet from a property line or public use area, and at least 100 feet from a water body, stream, or drainage way. Generally, a trench seven feet wide and nine feet long is sufficient, with at least three to four feet of dirt covering the remains. If your plot is within these parameters, it’s perfectly possible to bury your horse respectfully, and have a beautiful spot to return to and remember your beloved partner.

If you don’t have a place like this, professional equine cremation is an excellent option. My veterinarian recommended Connecticut Horse Cremation as a trusted service and I will always be grateful she did. Family owned and operated by Jeff Blaschke Connecticut Horse

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and Dom Gambardella, the company is based out of Durham and services the entire Northeast. “I started this business from my own loss of my beloved 2,200 pound Belgian Margo when I realized there weren’t good, dignified options available for horse owners in the area,” Jeff says. “Now, we treat every single horse as if it were our own.”

There are a few reasons why cremation should be considered. “First, there’s the sentimental side to it,” he says. “You may not want to bury your horse on a piece of land that you may not always be on. Cremation allows them to remain with you forever.

Additionally, most people board their horses and these facilities typically don’t allow burial. Euthanasia solution is very bad for the environment. If horses are buried in graves too shallow, or too close to water sources, it can pose a danger to the environment, wildlife, and anyone consuming the water.”

Cremation is also a good option for logistical reasons. “Burial requires a readily available backhoe operator, who will likely not be a horse person particularly understanding of the situation,” Jeff says. “In these cases, the horse can end up with chains around their legs and dropped into a muddy hole. This is incredibly disturbing and no horse owner should have to witness that.”

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November/December 2017

Not everyone is familiar with how the cremation process works, so Jeff explains what to expect: “We’re available twenty-four seven, three hundred sixtyfive days a year. When we get the call, we come right away; there’s never a wait.

Upon arrival, the first thing we do is let you know everything is going to be okay.

We understand this horse was a loving member of your family, and we will treat him as such. We know you don’t get a second shot at this moment, and so we take the process very seriously.”

“Our system is the core of our business,” he says. “We never put ropes, straps, or chains on the horse, no matter what the size or situation. Instead, we roll the body carefully onto a sling, which a machine picks up and moves into an enclosed unit that is then transported back to our facility. It’s very dignified for both the horse and the owner.

“Once at our facility, we clean up the horse, and pull off the shoes to shine and return to the customer. We’re the only ones handling your horse, cremation is private, and they’re cremated as soon as they arrive. The remains go into their own little cubby, and are then placed into an urn, chest, or velvet bag, which will be returned to the customer personally by my wife Deborah.”

When I made the call to Jeff upon

Alessandra Mele

“We saw that he was at peace, and knew he was in trusted hands. We left our hearts in his stall, walked slowly away from the barn, and wept for this terrible loss.”

Mikey’s passing, he astounded me when he said to allow Mikey to pass away in his stall if that was where he was most comfortable. Considering his size, I couldn’t imagine how they would remove him. “We can handle any size horse, in any situation,” Jeff says, confidently. “These things never go as planned, and often horses leave us on their own terms. We will always find a way to get to the horse, and transport them with dignity. We use big sleds, and will never drag a horse.”

Jeff stresses that because of the unpredictable nature of equine death, it’s critical to have a plan at the ready, whether it’s cremation, burial, or otherwise. “Even if your horse is young and healthy, it’s so smart to have a plan,” he says. “It often happens quickly and without warning, and when you’re doing everything you can to save your horse, the last thing you want to think about is logistics. We encourage horse owners to just come talk to us, meet us, and learn about your options, and have that information on hand for when you need it.”

Respect, dignity, and empathy is at the heart of everything that Jeff and his team does, and every single horse they cremate is special to them. He remembers his Margo and wants the love he had for her to come through in every job he does. “We want to hear your sto-

ries and see your pictures. That’s what it’s all about for us,” Jeff says.

Grief and Self-Care The worst day ever may be over, but the grieving process has just begun. Coping with loss is a journey that’s different for everyone and, no doubt, always takes time. Deal with grief at your own pace, in your own way, and never hesitate to reach out for help.

The sense of community that can be gained after a loss is often very helpful when navigating grief. Fellow horse lovers understand the difficulty of letting go, the challenges of coping, and the sorrow that an empty stall brings.

Laura Baxter of Oxford will never forget a gesture of empathy on her worst day. “As I sat on the ground next to my horse Fancy, the woman who owned the farm where I boarded came over with a bouquet of pink peonies and handed them to me,” she says. “She cried as hard as I did that day. I planted pink peonies in my yard after that, so every year when they bloom I’m reminded of my beautiful horse and the kindness of my friend.”

Let the kind words fill your heart, cry over cherished photos, and take

time to simply reflect and relax.

However, if you find yourself overwhelmed or unable to move forward, recognize when you need help. Laura worked with a professional during her grieving process, and found it helped her move past her grief. “After Fancy’s passing, I worked with a woman who studied at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing because I carried some guilt over making the final decision,” she says. “It was hands-on meditation and healing, and once she began the process with me, my own metaphysical skills kicked in and then things became easier.” Whether it’s counseling, therapy, or seeing a doctor, there’s no shame in seeking help and many people find the assistance of a professional immensely helpful.

Returning to the barn after your horse has passed can be a complicated step in the grieving process; some are eager to surround themselves with other horses, and some need a break from the place that is suddenly missing their best friend. Remember the joy horses have always brought you, and return to them when you’re feeling strong. They will surely bring you comfort. When her gelding Scout passed

away, Connie Corbett of Old Saybrook took comfort in spending time with her other horse, and knew it was what Scout would have wanted her to do. “As with any relationship, the love and emotion we put into it shows up in the end,” she says. “With the love comes the grief. I prefer to think that horses don’t see death as we do though; they live in the moment and would probably tell us to just go back to grazing.”

Keeping the Memory Alive Even as time goes on, the memory of a special horse never fades. You’ll want to do what you can to keep that memory as vibrant as possible, whether it’s framing a favorite photo, keeping a lock of mane, or hanging a monogrammed halter in a special place. There are small things you can do just to keep you thinking about the good times.

A popular remembrance is having hair from your horse’s tail braided into a piece of jewelry. This can be a beautiful memento to keep tight on your wrist or hanging around your neck; a part of your friend you can always keep close.

Heidi Smith runs Heidi’s Angel Tails in Haddam, where she creates personalized jewelry from mane and tail hair,

Connecticut Horse

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often from horses that have passed on.

Heidi loves creating a physical remembrance of a horse that meant so much to someone: “Having a piece of jewelry made from the hair of a horse you loved is a nice way of staying connected with the animal, and keeping their memory alive,” Heidi says.

Heidi wants to help customers create a piece that is very special and personal in the wake of their loss. “When someone contacts me after their horse has passed we talk about the horse a little,” says Heidi. “I ask them what they’d like made. I can do bracelets, necklaces, earrings, key chains, headbands, and a variety of other wearable pieces. Each piece can be customized. I really want to make each piece made special to suit that particular horse.”

Heidi makes the process easy for customers, and is able to produce a finished piece in just a day or two. “I don’t need a lot of hair, usually about two pencil-widths is sufficient, but it needs to be as long as possible, from the bottom of the tail up to the dock,” Heidi explains. “I wash the hair before braiding, and condition it with an essential oil blend. I like to send pictures to the customer as I’m making it so they can 12

November/December 2017

860-214-9859 www.alexisdevlin.com

Alexis Devlin

be a part of the process. I really want the final piece to carry the essence of the horse in some way.”

Heidi has found great joy in making jewelry for fellow horse people, and cherishes each story. “Losing a horse is a sad event, but it brings people together,” she says. “I’ve met so many wonderful people in doing this, and love seeing pictures of the horses and sharing stories in remembrance. It’s so touching, and I can always tell these horses had loving homes and powerful connections with their owners.” Heidi looks down fondly at her own bracelet of braided tail hair from a dear Thoroughbred that passed on, knowing well the comfort horsehair jewelry can bring.

Another powerful way to memorialize your horse is by having artwork created in their likeness. Sandy Rabinowitz is a professional equine illustrator and artist, and offers memorial paintings and sculptures as part of her repertoire.

“It’s great to have a tangible piece of the animal you loved so much once they’ve passed, Sandy says, “and a painting or sculpture is a nice way to immortalize your friend.”

Sandy typically works in watercolors

in her two-dimensional work, and her sculptures are crafted from copper wire.

She’s been exploring the possibilities in three-dimensional work increasingly, and loves the life sculpture can bring to a memorial. “My friend lost a beloved draft horse who her son grew up with, so I made her a wire sculpture of a little boy with the horse’s head down at his level; a depiction of the two of them,” Sandy says. “She loved it, and it meant so much to her because it captured that treasured time in her life when her son and her horse were together. The threedimensional horses have a lot of life to them; you can get so much into the many different angles.”

Sandy works with each client to best represent the animal in a painting.

“I like to see a number of photographs of the animal, especially those that aren’t so perfectly posed, but rather catching them in casual situations or interactions that capture their personality,” she explains. “Good, natural lighting that describes the horse’s features well is important too, especially in describing the eye. There’s so much expression there. Then I talk with the person to get a good description of what they’re looking for, and do my best from that point.” A finished piece from Sandy takes no less than a couple months.

Unveiling the final portrait is often an emotional moment, seeing your beloved horse’s features immortalized in watercolor or wire. Seeing clients happy with their portraits, and the comfort it can bring always brings Sandy joy.

“It’s such an emotional moment; there are almost always tears,” she says.

Tears are inevitable, but there are always smiles, too. Although our equine partners are only with us for a limited amount of time, we hold the memories they give us for all eternity. Each time I see that harness, touch the lock of Mikey’s mane, or laugh with my brother and sister at the good times, Mikey is alive within me. Saying goodbye is perhaps the hardest thing we face as horse owners, but the love they give us in the time we spend with them certainly makes it all worthwhile.

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

Connecticut Horse

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Horse Logic

A Mindful Death

by Nicole Birkholzer

O

ne of the most challenging experiences for equestrians is to take care of the death, or the pending death, of a horse.

Horses, in particular, have sensitive systems. They can change from being well to deathly ill in a very short amount of time, which can come as a surprise to us. When faced with the death of our horse we’re required to make decisions that can be overwhelming and downright scary. I’ve been there more times than I care to count.

In my experience, there are a few things to consider that can help you get through the process of letting go without losing your mind.

signs of struggle, nor did she look sweaty. Kerrie’s head, however, was twisted in a way that indicated instant death. By the time I got home and finally got to be with Kerrie it was clear to me she must have had a heart attack.

She had passed quickly, thank goodness.

Needless to say, my friend and I both felt terrible that we weren’t there

Kerrie’s Sudden Death Becca Rose

Our Miniature mare Kerrie seemed a little lethargic the morning I left to facilitate a workshop in Maine.

Nicole and Kerrie.

Kerrie and Shana, my Arabian mare, both prone to laminitis, were staying in a dry paddock for the weekend. I figured Kerrie was bummed that she was not able to join the rest of the herd in the grassy fields but felt comfortable leaving her in the hands of a dear friend who had taken care of my animals many times before.

The next day my friend sent a text, “Kerrie is lethargic . . . simply standing in a corner.” I decided that Kerrie’s mental wellness was as important as her physical wellness and texted back, “Please put the muzzle on Kerrie and let her and Shana out, even if only for 10 minutes. It will raise their spirits.”

My friend did not get the message in time; she had already left for work.

When she got back to the farm in the afternoon I got another text, “Call me.”

My gut tensed . . . I felt this meant bad news. Indeed, when I called my friend said, “Nicole, Kerrie’s gone.”

My friend had found Kerrie lying lifeless in the middle of the arena. The footing around her did not show any 14

November/December 2017

when Kerrie passed away. Both of us wondered if there was anything we could have done to change the outcome.

Let me assure you, this type of thinking is not helpful. These unexpected deaths are not in our control and the best thing for our sanity is to grieve the loss without feeling guilty.

Making the Decision for Kaylaa Two and a half years ago, on a nice afternoon in May, I had spent an hour grooming Kaylaa, my 27-year-old Arabian mare, while the rest of the herd hung out with us in the barnyard.

When I arrived 90 minutes later to feed the herd their dinner hay, Kaylaa was on the ground rolling, covered in sweat.

She was colicking, and I called my vet immediately.

After the vet administered pain meds, did a rectal exam, and tubed Kaylaa, he had to leave to see several other horses who had also colicked that night. By the time he came back around midnight, Kaylaa was not better; if any-

thing, she was worse. By 1 a.m. I had to make the decision to let Kaylaa go.

Just like every other time I had been in this situation, I was not sure what to do. And, like every other time, I questioned, Who was I to make the decision to end a life? And yet I also knew it was my responsibility.

Because emotions run so high in these stressful times I find it helpful to take a step back, take a few deep breaths to clear my mind and to look at the situation at hand. In Kaylaa’s case, I asked myself these questions: Has she gotten better since I first discovered her on the ground?

Is surgery an option?

Are there any other medical procedures that could be considered?

In the past, with a younger horse I had opted for surgery, but after conferring with my vet, for Kaylaa, the answer was no to all three questions. Taking this moment to reflect I knew the responsible choice was to release Kaylaa and end her suffering.

Grieving in the Herd The death of a horse can bring up a variety of emotions for us, and also for the rest of our horses, and that’s why I always include the entire herd in a goodbye ritual.

After I had a chance to visit Kerrie’s body, I invited my horses Cutter, Shana, and Kaylaa to come into the paddock to say their goodbyes.

Shana, who was present during Kerrie’s passing, simply walked over to Kerrie, put her nose on her flank one more time and told me, “I know what happened.” I responded, “I know baby, you were here witnessing it all.” I was relieved to see that Shana was feeling okay.

Cutter walked up slowly and hesitated for a moment before searching

for Kerrie’s nose to exchange breath.

He was confused that there was no more breath to be exchanged. Then he sighed deeply and walked away.

Kaylaa stalled coming over. Shana gave her a subtle nod that said, “Get your butt over there, it’s the thing to do” before Kaylaa walked up to Kerrie.

She gave Kerrie a fast sniff, pinned her ears for a second, and moved on. I was stunned. Kaylaa did exactly what she would have done with Kerrie if she was alive.

Next, I suggested for the three horses to leave the paddock, but they had a different plan. As if on command, Cutter and Shana started to gallop, buck, and kick out. They raced through the paddock, circled Kerrie, rushed past me, letting loose again and again, releasing their tension.

After a few moments, I started to laugh and that seemed to get them even more excited. I would like to believe that Kerrie’s spirit was released at that very moment.

Kaylaa’s passing a few years later was as shocking to me as it appeared to be for the herd, probably because she was the matriarch of her tight-knit herd of three. As Kaylaa was struggling, I’d put the other two horses, Cutter and Shana, in stalls. I didn’t want them to get in the way of Kaylaa and the vet. But Cutter thought otherwise. He was agitated and couldn’t settle in the stall, and eventually I realized that he was just as worried about Kaylaa as I was and that he needed to be near her to understand what was going on. So I haltered him and walked him over to Kaylaa who was lying on the ground. Cutter put his nostril to Kaylaa’s and they breathed into each other. Kaylaa quietly whinnied when she recognized him.

Cutter stood like a statue, holding vigil for Kaylaa for hours. When it was time to let Kaylaa go I brought Shana out as well to visit with Kaylaa. The same thing happened; Shana went nostril to nostril, and Kaylaa released another whinny in recognition. Both horses stayed motionless as the vet administered the euthanasia, yet the moment Kaylaa took her last breath, a split second before the vet announced her death, Cutter and Shana moved on their own away from Kaylaa. They knew she was gone.

That said, it took Cutter a while to accept this new reality. He walked up to Kaylaa several times, sniffing her, going nose to nose, nudging Kaylaa in hopes she would respond.

jpendergast19@gmail.com Before we went into the house, we covered Kaylaa with several horse blankets. By morning the blankets were on the ground. Cutter had used his teeth to pull them off of her.

Kaylaa was a family member. The horses had spent 24/7 together, and giving the herd a chance to say goodbye and be part of the experience was healing for all of us. Seeing Cutter grieve the loss of his herd mate made me more aware of how deep the connections between horses can run, and how important it was to honor their relationship.

Losing a horse is challenging. The hole each horse leaves will never be

filled, yet by incorporating the other horses fully into farewell moments, I was not only giving them a chance to process the event, they also helped me feel more connected in the time of loss. Because of our rituals, I was no longer coping alone with the death of one of my horses — I became part of a sacred and intimate journey we all took together.

Nicole Birkholzer is on a mission to understand the logic behind our horses' behaviors.To book an animal communication appointment and watch her Horse Logic video series, go to: nicolebirkholzer.com

Connecticut Horse

15

Farm Feature

Bethany

by Sally L. Feuerberg

SunGold Stables Rebuilding Paradise

t was February 2, 2011, and Connecticut was in the midst of one of its most horrendous winter seasons in decades. Throughout the state, Mother Nature had been relentlessly pounding its exasperated population with storm after storm, dumping copious amounts of snow and freezing rain.

On this particular Wednesday, it tacked on yet another blast of up to a foot or more snow and dangerous ice

I

into the snow-covered field. I watched her as she ran, and saw her blood in the snow.” Luiza paused, wiping the tears from her eyes. Bob reached out instinctively and put his hand on her shoulder.

Revisiting the memory is painful. A slight smile returned to Luiza’s face, though, as she continued, “But she was always feisty and she was determined to survive.” Lacey was transported to Fairfield Equine that evening, and with

In the aftermath of this life-altering event, Luiza and Bob needed to make a choice. What was the future of SunGold Stables? Would they leave, remain, or scale back the facility? With the encouragement of valued friends and longtime boarders who had become their extended family during the ordeal, the decision was made to rebuild. But how do you turn a near tragedy into a triumphant symbol of resilience, forti-

that had already been accumulating on the burdened roofs of numerous homes and businesses. Luiza DaSilva and Bob Skrip at SunGold Stables in Bethany were about to experience one of every stable owner’s worst nightmares.

Luiza was in the barn late that afternoon, caring for the horses with her beloved Quarter Horse Lacey by her side. Suddenly, a noise like nothing she’d ever heard before overtook the barn. Looking up, she saw large pieces of the roof that stabled not only her own horses but others belonging to her boarders, plummeting to the ground.

The roof was straining under the weight of an excessive load of frozen precipitation. Fourteen horses were trapped inside. The sheer force of the air being pushed out of the barn hurled Luiza 20 feet from its entrance. She hit the ground face first. “I remember laying there, waiting to hear Lacey come running out behind me, but nothing,” Luiza says, tearfully. “I turned around and saw her bloodied face in the debris.

As calmly as I could possibly muster, I went to her and told her to back up. It was the only way she could possibly get out. She listened to me, and bit by bit, slowly backed up, turned, and ran out

the help of Dr. Neth and Dr. Edwards, she was carefully and gradually nursed back to health.

“Lacey was at the hospital for a week and then she needed thirty days of layup. I had no barn,” says Luiza. “My girlfriend Dyan Rizzo took Lacey in and nursed her back to health for a month.”

Bob was seven minutes away from SunGold Stables when he heard the news. For the next four hours, he watched firefighters and emergency crews from Bethany, Woodbridge, Prospect, and Seymour carefully free each horse from the rubble. The rest of the injuries to the horses ranged from broken bones to minor cuts and scrapes. As the horses were removed, each one was immediately treated by several area veterinarians who’d gathered to administer medical care. First responders, town residents, fellow stable owners, and those who had access to any type of machinery that might aid the rescue and recovery rushed to the scene offering assistance, blankets, food, and horse trailers.

“The community was lined up and down the street waiting to help in any way they could,” says Luiza. “The Bethany Fire Department was amazing.”

tude, and perseverance? Shed row barns were swiftly built to accommodate their own horses that had been temporarily boarded at other stables during this time, marking the beginning of the almost three-year journey to reconstruct and recreate SunGold Stables. The dream was to build an ideal place where people and their horses could feel safe, pampered, and most of all, at home.

“We started by visiting many different stables and facilities throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York, to talk to builders and horse owners and see what we wanted, what we were comfortable with, what we wanted to avoid, and we put all that information together,” Bob says. “That and countless hand sketches that incorporated ideas for various possible layout configurations,” Luiza says.

On December 1, 2013, the barn reopened, or, to more accurately describe it, SunGold Stables was reborn.

Today, the new 20,000 square-foot structure stands majestically in the center of the 10-acre property, with five copper-covered cupolas adorning her roof. The larger center cupola has a red stainedglass perimeter that lights up at night, invoking the image of a beacon guiding a

16

November/December 2017

weary traveler to safe harbor. The farm has eight large turnout areas, an outdoor arena, and four lush acres of fenced clover and timothy pastures for group turnout. Abutting its borders are almost two hundred acres of conservation land that includes miles of riding trails.

As Luiza and Bob took gave me a tour, you could feel, as well as hear, their devotion and pride for SunGold and its family of horses, boarders, and staff. Every detail, amenity, and convenience was integrated into its rustic but conventional design. “We wanted to stay with the theme of an old-style barn,” says Bob. “We felt it was the way a barn was meant to be.” With Luiza assisting him, Bob oversaw the construction. For additional strength, hurricane strapping was included, as well as lightning protection on each building throughout the property. Under Bob and Luiza’s supervision, the builder, the architect, and the multitude of contractors worked together seamlessly to provide the ultimate retreat for both horse and rider.

The entrance to the building is to the left of the massive main doors to the indoor arena. As we came through the door, we entered Luiza’s office.

Photos, equestrian artwork, and mementos adorn the pine walls, with a rack of neatly hung bridles next to her tack storage cabinetry. Riding trophies and exquisite sketches by one of her boarders, resident riding instructor and artist Pam Blasavage, are among her treasures. Luiza has been riding and showing since she was ten, and has been actively involved with horses for more than 40 years. There’s an enthusiasm in Luiza’s voice and brightness in her eyes as she lovingly talks about her first horse, Little John, and her childhood memories. Her genuine joyfulness is reminiscent of a youngster being introduced to the addictive world of horses. “It’s this woman’s way of life,” says Bob. “It’s not a hobby for her. It’s not a job. It’s an absolute love.”

From Luiza’s office, we visited the combination tack room and family style kitchen. The tack area features finely crafted, substantial private cabinets for boarders’ tack storage needs.

These rooms, along with a grain room, have radiant floor heating to keep their clients warm during chilly weather.

Aside from these locations, the rest of the building is powered by solar energy.

The aisles are 14 feet wide, incorporating interlocking rubber pavers for a safe, non-slip surface. The 14 stalls are of European design with distinctive

grilles and hardware. They also have temperature-controlled automatic waterers and wall-to-wall stall mats.

They include safety latches and individual paddocks off of each stall.

A substantial, separate wash stall was added with a 4,000-watt heat bulb for use in cooler weather to warm the horses. Within the stall area, there’s a second aisle that connects to the 85' x 140' indoor arena that features a 20' ceiling. High-efficiency lighting and windows on sliders that can be opened to invite welcome breezes, and closed during inclement weather, add to this perfect riding environment. Upstairs, there’s a spacious viewing room that overlooks the arena and a bright and airy hay loft, with substantial space for additional storage.

As our tour ended, we headed toward a paddock not far from a generous parking area in the front of the barn. To the left of the parking area is a round pen, hand-built meticulously by Bob. The paddock is surrounded by natural wood post-and-rail fencing, and in its center is a white gazebo. We sat together for a few moments to enjoy the late afternoon sun, just starting its slow descent. “It’s the perfect place to sit and relax while you watch your horse graze,” Luiza says. Like all the ingredients that make up the surroundings, the gazebo fits perfectly into SunGold’s overall cohesive and harmonious atmosphere.

Two horses were contentedly nibbling grass, as well as the apple and carrot pieces that Luiza had scattered throughout the paddock. Patti Cavaliere, a long-time boarder and friend, entered the enclosure with her horse Romeo, a stunning 10-year-old Thoroughbred. You could see the loving bond between the two immediately.

As Patti removed the lead line, Romeo executed a graceful hop and ran over to his equine companions in the shade.

Patti joined us in the delightful coolness of the little oasis.

“One of my favorite pastimes after I ride is letting my horse graze on the grass pasture while I read a book or share a drink with friends in this gazebo,” says Patti. “Whether I want to ride indoors in a beautiful sunlit arena, outdoors surrounded by landscaped grounds, use the round pen to train my horse, or take a peaceful ride on the miles of trails, it’s all available. The aesthetic beauty of the grounds and stateof-the-art construction is what visitors initially see, but spend an hour or so,

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DawnBonin.com . BabcockHill.com and you’ll see the real beauty of this place, which is the people. Everyone goes out of their way to be friendly and helpful — the camaraderie goes deeper than stable mates.”

Bob and Luiza chose to move forward following that terrible event in February of 2011 and SunGold Stables now stands as a testament to courage, resilience, and transformation.

“The farm is named after my Palomino Quarter Horse Sun Gold Joe,” says Luiza. “I’d successfully shown him for years and he’s one of the main reasons I bought a farm so he could retire under my watchful eye.”

“This farm is our little piece of heaven and our boarders are our extended family,” Luiza says. “We take so much pride in our facility and think of it as a horse paradise. We feel that our boarders love our place because there’s absolutely no pressure, and it is a place to be at peace with your horse.”

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

17

Horseperson Feature

Enfield

Bryan Penquite Reining and Training

by Andrea Bugbee

Q

hadn’t been ridden in years due to layup from a stifle injury she got kicking a tree. “She was really just green broke, and she was very nervous under saddle,” Kristie says. Now fully healed, Kristie wanted to get the mare back into work.

“She was a little timid,” Bryan says, opening the door to the stall where

Waiting Till the Horse Is Ready Kristie Bonti of Long Island is one of Bryan’s clients. Kristie’s an amateur reiner who grew up riding dressage and cross country. “My dad and my brother have been reining forever,” this lifelong equestrian says. So, when she retired her English horse, she swapped her tack and gave reining a spin. The experience made her roll back into a new sport.

Kristie first noticed Bryan on the show circuit. “I really liked the way that he did some things,” she says, “and I was looking for a trainer who was quiet and correct with his program. Bryan really suits my style of riding and how horses should be brought along.”

Kristie owns four horses, but she was particularly looking for someone to work with Betty, a bright little bay who 18

November/December 2017

strength she admires in Bryan. “He waits for the horse to be ready for the next step,” she says. “He wants to be sure that they’re ready for every higher level of difficulty. That’s an approach that’s really good for a horse’s brain.”

“She’s much more confident now,” Kristie says. To her, Betty feels like a completely different horse than just six months ago.

Bringing the Rider to the Next Level

Connor Triehy Photography

uiet. That’s the word every person interviewed for this article used to describe Bryan Penquite, a 32-year-old Ohio native who trains reining horses in a state better known for black velvet helmets than cowboy hats.

The people who describe Bryan as quiet don’t mean that he’s shy or awkward with words. He’s not.

What they mean is that he sits a horse like he’s a natural part of it. They mean he trains like it’s a daily documentary rather than a two-hour drama. They mean if he fails, he doesn’t get upset. He just tries a different way.

Bryan, together with his wife Jennifer, owns Bryan Penquite Reining Horses in Enfield, an operation he runs out of an immaculately kept, 18stall facility on 25 acres of turnout and trails. He purchased the property in June. Improbably, it’s mere minutes away from Enfield’s bustling big-box retail spread. But like Bryan himself, the farm is quiet. It’s a ranch-like oasis amidst the human world’s hurry.

Betty has boarded since winter. Her coat shines with the attention of regular grooming, and she’s almost sleepy as Bryan strokes her neck and tells her tale. “She had a little motor. She just wanted to go. It took a few months for her to realize that when she was being ridden, it wasn’t a big deal. You just had to keep steering her around and showing her it was okay. Eventually, she got used to it.”

“You gotta get them steering,” he says. “When they don’t know where to be, you get into trouble. Any horse, I don’t care what discipline, you’ve got to get them to the right place and leave them be. That’s the reward. They learn more from the reward.”

That straightforward, predictable, patient sense of “yes” and “no” is exactly what Kristie was hoping for in a trainer. As a former eventer, she understands the importance of building a horse’s confidence without over-facing it, which often breeds fear. That’s the

“I can’t say enough about how quiet Bryan can make a horse,” says Meghan Pearson, who kept her 12-year-old Quarter Horse Sugar with Bryan for seven months. She still trains with Bryan, but Sugar is home now, and Meghan trailers south for lessons from her home in Windham, Maine.

Meghan grew up pleasure riding, but she turned to competitive reining about ten years ago. “I was searching for someone to bring me to the next level,” she says. “I knew I wanted someone with a kind hand, good morals and values, and who really took care of their clients. You don’t have to worry about your horse when you send it to [Bryan], mentally or physically. He can reach all different types of horses and get the best out of each of them. And each horse/person team, he can get the best out of them, too.”

Like many of his clients, Meghan looks to Bryan not only to train her horse, but to boost her scores in the show ring. Describing him as personable, professional, and knowledgeable both in the barn and at the shows, Meghan gives Bryan high points for his work with people as well as horses.

“I’m ever so fortunate that I was guided Bryan’s way because I’ve learned how to make the wrong thing hard and the right thing easy for the horse,” she says. “I’ve learned how to show. He’s taught me a lot about the

finesse and polish you need to go into the show pen. I feel like he’s just helped me read [Sugar] and connect with her and understand where she’s going to have faults and where she’s going to be strong, and to exploit the things that are strong instead of the ones that aren’t.”

“My mare has had a complete turnaround,” says Meghan, thrilled to have competed on Sugar in July’s Hamburg, New York, reining show. “It was awesome. It was so much fun!”

an experienced schoolmaster. As for that very first ride, Bryan says, “You’re always nervous, but the big thing is you try to do your homework, your ground work, so you have an idea of what’s under you. That way, that first time you swing your leg over them, it’s no big deal.”

“You have to take a big breath and compose yourself because if you’re nervous, they’re going to be nervous, too,” Bryan says.

Just Tweaking the Ride Don’t Just Saddle Up and Go for Broke Tall, athletic, and physically strong, Bryan spent much of his early career being the young guy more seasoned trainers would put on a horse for its first ride. Fortunately, Rusty Dare of Dare Equestrian Center in Hilliard, Ohio, gave Bryan the foundation in patience and consistency that’s his go-to agenda when it comes to working with animals.

“Rusty and Linda lived five minutes from my house,” says Bryan, who grew up going to the Dare’s farm for lessons, 4-H, and, eventually, a job when he was in high school.

“Rusty was the one who kind of got me started with how to do things, how to be smart about it, not just jumping on,” he says. “You don’t just saddle up and go for broke. Each horse is such an individual. The ones that seem lazy and dull, you can get on them and put your legs on them a certain way, and they startle.”

Bryan, a tireless young rider with good stick and more patience than ego, decided to make a career out of horses.

He attended the University of Findlay in Ohio, where he studied equine training and business management. Immediately after graduation, he became a training assistant under Findlay alum Jerry Coleman. He worked with Jerry at Milnes Quarter Horses in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, and Gata Rein Ranch in Middletown, New York.

“Jerry’s big thing was you’ve got to get them relaxed and calm first, and the rest will come,” Bryan says. He doesn’t know exactly how many horses he can claim to have been the first to ride, but he does know that hours of preparation go into every successful maiden voyage.

Bryan learned to acclimate the horse to a variety of sounds and movements. He learned to ground-line till it’s boring, and to pony the greenie to

After working with Jerry, Bryan spent three years training under Salem, New Jersey, million dollar rider and reining hall of famer Rocky Dare. Rocky, too, liked Bryan’s quiet air. “You have to make a horse mind and behave,” Rocky says, “but you have to be quiet on a horse, too. [Bryan] was very quiet on a horse.”

Under Rocky, Bryan fine-tuned his skills, learning to respond uniquely not only in each situation, but on every horse. “So much of this is trying stuff and seeing what sticks,” Bryan says.

“Horses are so individual. It’s hard to ride one way for twelve horses. You want them to look the same way, but you have to tweak the ride to match the horse.”

Actually, Bryan might describe launching his Connecticut training facility in much the same way. As a business owner, he has to “tweak the ride” day by day, client by client, horse by horse.

“Owning a barn, there’s always challenges,” he says. “We’re always looking to get better. If you’re not constantly trying to improve, you’re going to get left behind.” Then he repeated what Rocky had said when he asked him for advice about going out on his own: “You can scheme and plan all you want, but if you want to do it, do it. If you want it to work out, it will work out.”

So far, Rocky’s been right.

“Has it been scary? Of course,” Bryan says, grinning. “But it’s a ton of fun.”

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.

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19

Lend a Hoof

Torrington

by Sloan Brewster

Momentum Equestrian Center Nurturing Horses Through Compassion and Training

M

dition when they arrive at the facility.

Some have physical issues, others have behavioral issues, and more than a few have both. In all cases, they must be given gentle loving care to be brought back to health.

was allowed to feed him. Patiently, she spent a year working with Puck, slowly gaining his trust.

In time, he was ready to go to a forever home. Carolyn Donovan of Raynham, who had filled out an adop-

Sloan Brewster

omentum Equestrian Center’s owners take strides to prove that just because a horse is a rescue does not mean it should be skinny or sickly; in fact the polar opposite is true of the horses in their care.

Mariel Pellegrino and Chloe pose for a picture before riding in the indoor arena at Momentum Equestrian Center.

MEC has been a dream of Lauralee Weinroth and her daughter Mariel Pellegrino for many years. They come from a long line of equestrians; their family has owned and trained racehorses and show jumpers. Lauralee has always been passionate about horses and she’s passed down that passion to Mariel, who’s been riding since the age of four.

On a pleasant September afternoon, with the sun shining overhead and a cool breeze rustling their manes, horses happily grazed in the paddock at MEC, a nonprofit in Torrington, as Lauralee gave a tour of the 37-acre property.

According to Lauralee the horses are healthy and in such good shape that folks who visit have a tough time believing they are rescues. Some take one look at the horses, peer around in confusion, and ask where the rescues are.

“Right here,” Lauralee says is her response as she points to the equines in the yard.

Lauralee and Mariel have been rescuing horses and finding them forever homes for years. While the animals are healthy when they are put up for adoption, many are in less than pristine con20

November/December 2017

Lauralee Weinroth stops by Edison’s stall at Momentum Equestrian Center.

Success Stories Clark Kent, a 26-year-old gelding, had impacted teeth, painfully abscessed hooves, and was extremely underweight when the women rescued him from isolation in a backyard where the horse was left tied without exercise or companionship. After dental care, treatment for his hooves, a round of antibiotics, proper nutrition, exercise, and grooming, he transformed into a beautiful animal with a lovely copper coat.

Marie fondly recalls the metamorphosis of Mischievous One (aka Puck), a Thoroughbred they rescued from Belmont Race Track in New York. Life as a racehorse left Puck hostile. He didn’t like being touched and would bite, kick, and chase people. Even feeding or giving the horse water put folks at risk.

“I really had to rethink my training ideas because all he needed was time,” says Mariel, who does all training at the facility. “He was the hardest horse I’ve ever worked with.”

Everyone at the barn was given strict orders not to touch or go near Puck. In the hope that he would associate his trainer with food and thereby learn to trust her, no one but Mariel

tion application, came to check out the horses. After being introduced to a few animals, she went into the indoor ring with Puck. The pair immediately connected and, to everyone’s amazement, Puck lovingly followed Carolyn around the ring, taking steps with her and stopping when she stood still, then mimicking her as she backed up or stepped forward. Retelling the story brought tears to Mariel’s eyes.

“He needed to find that person,” she says. “The way he let her in, she went to go hug him and it looked like he just melted.”

Carolyn asked her what she thought and Mariel told her flat out that Puck was hers and to come pick him up. She returned the next day and took him home.

“Carolyn’s is the best home for Puck in the whole world,” Mariel says.

Carolyn knew about Puck’s previous bad habits but she didn’t see any of those when she was at MEC. Since adopting him, Puck has exceeded Carolyn’s expectations, catching on quickly as a hunter/jumper and starting to jump only three weeks after she took him.

“The horse never has a bad day —

when he’s tacked up, he’s ready to work,” Carolyn says.

Horses Needing Help Lauralee and Mariel don’t fit the mold when it comes to the horses they rescue. For starters, they do not take horses from kill lots. Some people have criticized them for this, even suggesting that Lauralee and Mariel are not rescuers because of their refusal to take on the slaughter scene. Their response is that they work hard to get animals before they go to auction, thereby assuring they never end up on the road to slaughter.

One of the reasons they do not rescue horses from slaughter is that horses in kill lots suffer cramped quarters.

Horses come from all over, in all kinds of condition. Being so close together, many catch strangles, which is highly contagious, and Lauralee and Mariel won’t put their other horses at risk.

They also have philosophical concerns with saving horses from the pipeline.

“It’s like buying a puppy from a puppy mill,” Lauralee says.

Rescuing is part of the slaughter business. Kill buyers have contracts to deliver specific numbers of horses to slaughterhouses. They buy more horses than they need, anticipating that some will be rescued. Then after the rescuers come along and bail out some horses, the kill buyers replace them with the extra horses, assuring that the agreed upon number of horses go to slaughter.

A Family Effort Rescuing animals of all shapes and sizes is a family trait dating to Lauralee’s childhood when, she says, “We rescued anything that needed a home.” This included a baby squirrel monkey that was being kept in a birdcage in a store where her mother was shopping.

Incensed that the monkey was being kept in such tight quarters, Lauralee’s mother told the store owner she was taking it. The shopkeeper capitulated, giving her both the monkey and the birdcage. Lauralee’s mother later called the Bronx Zoo and learned the breed could eat monkey chow and mealworms. In the end though, the monkey, which lived about 18 years, turned its nose up at worms, opting instead for leftovers and table scraps, and the occasional lollipop that it would savor for about a week.

Lauralee’s first rescue was a little Shetland pony named Sarah that she saved after officials intervened when its

former owner was caught illegally raising pigs. Lauralee gave the pony to Mariel, who was four at the time. Mariel also took on the role of rescuer, and as a young girl often took in needy animals, including guinea pigs a local pet store was planning to euthanize.

“We grew up with rescues,” Mariel says.

A Place to Call Home Over time, their affinity for rescuing grew and the mother-daughter duo had rescue horses boarded in several different barns all over Long Island, where they lived at the time. They decided they needed a single place all their horses could call home. About a year ago, after a search that stretched across the country, they chose the Torrington location.

Lauralee and her husband Marvin sold everything they owned to make the purchase and fixed up the barn and property, which was in disrepair as it had been unoccupied for some time. They now have 22 horses, evenly split between rescues and boarders.

Stephanie Moscove of Canton boards Levi, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood at MEC. “Not only is the barn clean, it’s drama free,” Stephanie says. She trusts Lauralee and Mariel with Levi’s life.

“They have got it so covered that I don’t have to go there for a month and my horse is perfectly fine,” she says. “It takes it off my heart.”

“Lauralee and Mariel take good care of the horses and the property,” Carolyn says. “When I walked in it was spotless; there wasn’t an extra piece of hay on the ground. I mean, it was spotless. All of the horses were clean, well fed, and happy.”

Taking on boarders helps pay the bills, and rescuing horses is an expensive venture that Lauralee and Mariel want to continue doing. Hay, grain, and bedding for each horse, as well as veterinary care, annual vaccinations, dental care, and hoof care, can easily exceed $400 per horse each month.

The problem is that while folks are generous with donations of blankets and saddles and such, they are less likely to give money, according to Lauralee. “What’s more, some people just don’t understand why they have to pay a reasonable fee to adopt a horse,” says Lauralee. “All our horses are rehabilitated to bring them back to health.

And, with gentle, consistent training, the horses are given a chance at a new life and career, whether that’s a

dependable trail horse or an event prospect. All that takes time and money, neither of which we rush or skimp on.”

“We’re at one end of the spectrum where people want our horses for free,” Mariel says.

If people can’t or aren’t willing to spend the money to adopt one of the horses at MEC, they won’t get one, not just because it costs the women so much to rescue and care for the animals but because it sends a signal.

“I can’t in my heart give a horse to someone who can’t afford the adoption fee,” Lauralee says. “What if that horse gets injured or sick? Adopters need to be able to pay for unexpected expenses.”

The women are hoping more people will consider making donations to MEC or sponsoring or leasing one of the horses. “We’ll give anyone a tour, introduce them to the horses,” Lauralee says.

Mariel’s phone is full of photos of Puck that Carolyn has sent her, which she does every time Puck does something impressive or hits another milestone. Success stories like Puck’s are strong motivation to continue the hard work of helping horses. “We’re here every day,” Mariel says.

To lend a hoof, visit momentumequestrian.com or follow them on Facebook.

Sloan Brewster has been writing professionally for more than 15 years. In addition to writing for newspapers and magazines, she’s written a novel and poetry. She’s inspired by nature and enjoys hiking Connecticut’s blue blazed trail system and the Appalachian Trail.

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Trail Guide East Haddam by xx Stearns

by Stacey Stearns

Machimoodus State Park

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November/December 2017

at Sunset — a first for the park. The Connecticut Valley Driving Club (CVDC) adopted the park last year and has been doing maintenance on the trails as well.

Stacey Sterns

achimoodus roughly translated from Native American languages is “the place of bad noises.” That’s what the Pequot, Mohegan, and Narragansett who inhabited East Haddam called this area after hearing noisy rumblings and echoes.

There are many legends about what caused the noises, but in 1981 geologists discovered that micro earthquakes caused the rumblings, which were louder after echoing out of a nearby cave, and occurred in a time that predates the noise pollution we live with today.

The state park in East Haddam is 300 acres of uplands, woodlands, meadows, river, and cove waterfronts managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Nutmeg equestrians have always enjoyed the area, and the fourand-a-half miles of old farm roads provide scenic vistas at lookout points and picturesque areas to ride.

You can make a longer ride by connecting to the trails in the adjacent, 143-acre Sunrise Resort State Park, also in East Haddam. The former resort was opened as a state park in 2014.

“The trails are nice, wide, and open,” says Ginger Tullai of East Hampton. Ginger is the Connecticut Horse Council Volunteer Horse Patrol coordinator for Machimoodus and Sunrise Resort State Parks. “The footing is good. There are a variety of hills, flat open areas, wooded trails, and water access in several places. Equestrians should remember to pack sunscreen, lunch, and a drink, and come explore the park. It’s easy to navigate the trails and not get lost.”

Ginger also serves as the vice-president of the Friends of Machimoodus/ Sunrise Resort (FOMS). The group is looking for additional board members and volunteers, and recently established membership. Its goals are to encourage use of the parks, help DEEP maintain them, and bring activities to the parks in the future. For example, Sunrise now offers seasonal kayaking and canoeing through a vendor, Quiet Kayak. The road to the waterfront was opened with the help of DEEP. Connecticut Trail Riders Association held a fundraiser in June to raise insurance funds for the FOMS. There were 15 overnight campers with their horses

strollers, and a few people with electric boats (including one with a large, shiny silver sail) at the ponds.

On return trips I’ll park at Sunrise Resort. Ginger told me that parking is easy and available for any size trailer at Sunrise. For this parking lot, go in the entrance for Sunrise Resort just before arriving at the Machimoodus entrance. (It’s also on the right.) As you go down the driveway you can park in the paved lots or in one of the fields — the preferred option for most equestrians. On the way home, I saw a gooseneck trailer parked in the large field there.

I recommend shoes or hoof boots for your ride. There are gravel and rocks on the trails in some places.

There weren’t any maps available at the park, but you can take a photo of the map on the information board at the Machimoodus parking lot with your Smartphone. I printed a map at home, but didn’t really need it.

“Machimoodus is a heavily used multi-user group area,” Ginger says, thoughtfully. “We respectfully request that riders remove manure from the trails. To date, most equestrians have been mindful of manure removal on and off trails.” Simply dismount and kick the manure to the side. My gelding is pretty good about swinging his tail end off the side of the trail now, a skill I highly appreciate in him!

A Leg Up When you type the 128 Leesville Road address for Machimoodus into your GPS, some map services will call it Private First Class Peter P. Golec Memorial Highway. It’s the same destination, and it’s also known as Route 151. Additionally, my GPS told me the destination would be on my left,but I knew it was on the right because I had passed the park three days earlier on my way to a conference in Haddam.

The parking lot at Machimoodus is fairly large and surrounded by telephone poles. There is one section on the backside (closer to Leesville Road) where the parking lot is wider — these two spots are for horse trailers only, and are marked.

There were about 10 cars in the lot at all times on a sunny and warm Saturday afternoon in September. Cars came and went as I tacked and untacked my horse. I saw walkers, dogs, baby

Out Riding It The trails are wide old farm roads.

They’re beautifully mowed and maintained as well as shady in most places.

Smaller side trails duck off into the woods. Trails are marked at major intersections with brown and yellow signs with arrows on them. The signs also provide distances.

“My favorite trail is along the water in Sunrise; it’s very tranquil,” Ginger says. “The overlook at the lower vista in Machimoodus is beautiful. DEEP supervisor Phil Yuris cleared some of the trees to open the vista overlooking the river. There are picnic tables so you can pack a lunch and have a place to sit.”

The upper vista trail has a small hill to climb as you ascend the high point of Machimoodus, 314-foot Mount Tom. At the top there’s a picnic table and bench where you can view the Moodus River and part of the Salmon Cove. I imagine

this view is pretty spectacular when the leaves are off of the trees.

The lower vista trail had a better view at the scenic overlook. You can see the Salmon River Cove. There was a flock of birds lounging in the middle of the river, and I could hear someone in a motorboat off in the distance. There is a really steep trail down to the cove from the lower vista, but I didn’t take that. Again, there were picnic tables here, and a couple of other people enjoying the view.

The trail from the upper vista to the lower vista is only .17 miles, but it’s incredibly steep. You may want to dismount and lead your horse down this section of the trail. In hindsight, I would have ridden to the lower vista first, and then ridden up this trail. There is also a narrow wooden bridge on the trail that isn’t appropriate to ride over. However, other equestrians have created a passable trail on the upper side of the bridge that is navigable with your horse. One other hazard on this trail is the steep drop offs between the bridge and the lower vista. Make sure you have a wellbehaved horse, or pick a different trail to connect between the two vistas.

The river trail in Machimoodus is only .4 miles out to the Salmon River, but it’s a beautiful view. At the bank, the river was a foot deep, but despite the drop into the river, my horse stepped in and got some water. The Salmon River is really wide at this point, headed into the cove, and you can tell the current is moving quickly. There were a couple of large trees down across the trail right before you get to the river, but with the amount of trail maintenance that seems to be done at this park, I don’t think they’ll be across the trail for long.

My companions on the trail were the constant hum of insects, the calls of a few birds, and fellow trail users. At one point on my ride the golden rod was up to my hips on both sides of the trail. With such beautiful trails and weather, the opportunity presented itself to trot and canter whenever we had the trail to ourselves.

When I was leaving, two other horses came trotting down the trail from Sunrise Resort, both horses pulling carriages with two people in each. There was a friendly wave among horsemen as they headed out in the direction I had just returned from.

Happy trails!

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

Connecticut Horse

23

Overherd

News in Our Community into the various jobs necessary on the day!

On both days, Horses 101 will cover many important basics of horse care and riding. A practical task will be included in each segment

Dressage4Kids’ Weekend

24

with a prize for the highest score in both junior and senior sections.

On both days there will be speakers from previous years, including Lendon Gray, Ann Guptill, Rachael

Other speakers may be added and a judges’ panel is planned.

More information about the final schedule will be available online closer to the date. To learn more, visit dressage4kids.org or call (203) 223-4261.

USEA Area 1 Championship

Karen Morang

The Dressage4Kids’ Weekend Equestrian Program will have a new look this year. As before, Dressage4Kids is sponsoring this event and it’s open to all ages and disciplines with presentations from experts bringing the latest information on subjects that affect horses, their training, and health.

On January 27 and 28, the popular weekend event will be held at Chase Collegiate School in Waterbury due to construction at the regular venue, Nonnewaug High School.

Dressage4Kids is a nonprofit organization incorporated for the express purpose of providing educational and competitive opportunities for youth riders and the adults who support them.

On Saturday, USEF “S” judge Margaret Freeman will explain and discuss the new eventing tests for 2018.

Saturday also sees a return of Lendon Gray’s Instructors/ Trainers Track, an invaluable tool for professionals to exchange ideas and gather new insights into the best way to help their students.

On Sunday, the annual Judges’ Forum will, as in past years, be led by USEF “S” judge Margaret Freeman.

This is a great chance to discuss and observe the finer points of judging and allocating correct marks. The Judges’ Forum is USDF accredited and counts toward continuing education requirements for USDF L graduates.

Also on Sunday, those who would like to volunteer at shows have a great opportunity to attend a NEDA Volunteer Workshop that offers training and insights

November/December 2017

In September, Friesians in Pink performed during the lunch break at the Four Town Fair Horse Show in Somers. Friesians in Pink is a drill team that rides to support the fight against breast cancer through the promotion of the Friesian.

and is ideal for young audiences, but open to all who want to gain more knowledge. Subjects will range from What Your Horse is Telling You; Digestion From Whiskers to Tail; Equine Parasites; ID your Horse’s Breed, Color, and Markings; Building Your Own Barn; and Importance of Safety In and Out of the Barn. For riders, there’ll be Riding the Tests and Prix Caprilli, which will offer both a presentation and doing the test on your feet. Also, a Stations Quiz with a variety of visual questions will test your knowledge

Greene-Lowell, Bonnie Stetson, Maureen Pach, and Centered Riding tips with Jami Wallace. New this year will be Sarah Geikie on How to Improve your Test Scores; Dr Johanna Kremberg with Drug Testing 101; Megan Lutz teaching Yoga and Wellness; and Dr. Joan Smyth presenting Diagnostics, Lyme Testing, and Tick Control.

The veterinarian for the United States Jumping Team, Dr. Wade Tenney from Tufts Veterinary School, will talk on Lameness Evaluation and Being a Team Veterinarian.

It’s been a big year for Town Hill Farm in Lakeville. Not only did the farm host divisions for the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Young Horse Programs for the second time, it also took over the honor of hosting the USEA Area 1 Championship in conjunction with its regular horse trials. Over the weekend of August 25 to 27, the farm drew more than 260 competitors hailing from New England and New York across divisions from Beginner Novice to Preliminary.

“We lucked out with beautiful weather and saw some really great rides in all divisions,” says Town Hill Farm’s trainer Missy Miller, who’s been with the farm for two years. “The competition this year was much more organized and had so many great prizes from many generous sponsors.”

Originally from Alabama, Missy says she’s still getting acquainted with the region, but being part of Town Hill Farm and the organizing crew of a large event on the area’s calendar has been a great way to meet people.

“It’s a smaller area, but the enthusiasm and support here make it exciting for the future,” Missy says.

Missy credits Ward Belcher, the owner of Town Hill Farm, for going above and beyond in preparing the

stop hard work kept everything running smoothly; and Meredith Marsh Tiedemann, who coordinated many of the fabulous prizes.

If you plan on compet-

weekend, all but four had winning scores in the 20s.

The highest winning score of the weekend was 33.6, which came from the Preliminary championship division.

ConnecticutPhoto.com

facility for the event by enlarging the show jumping arena and constantly maintaining the footing. “He also built several new cross-country fences for the championship divisions and has plans to add more each year,” Missy says.

“For our first year sponsoring the USEA Area One Championships, it went very well,” says Ward. “Our entire crew has worked hard to produce the best event in our short history. It was a wonderful day with great results.”

Also among the crew that makes the event possible is organizer Ray Denis. “Ray is the most positive and involved person, pumping us all up,” Missy says, “and he truly loves the farm, the shows, and Area One.” Credit also goes to Susan Beddingfield, farm manager and the behind-the-scenes person who gets it all done; volunteer extraordinaire Steve Whitney, whose non-

Town Hill Farm in Lakeville held a successful USEA Area 1 Championship over the weekend of August 25 to 27.

ing at the 2018 Town Hill Farm August Horse Trials, you’d better be prepared to lay down a competitive dressage score. Of the 18 divisions that ran over the

Clear cross-country runs inside the time across the course designed by Jeff Kibbie were the key to top finishes in the Preliminary championship. Megan

Tardiff and Cabana Boy added a rail to their dressage score of 29.6 to clinch the win with the aforementioned score of 33.6. The only other clear round inside the time came from Mia Colman and Downtown Getdown, who landed just off the lead by two-tenths of a mark.

Nearly all finishers in the Training championship jumped clear rounds inside the time in both jumping phases, but Ann Grenier and Almost Famous led the division from start to finish to win on their dressage score of 28.4. Emily Glidden and Chevy took top honors in the Novice championship, the most competitive division of the weekend, while Jocelyn Haww and Cadbury Vt won the Novice championship.

There were three separate championship divisions at the Beginner Novice level, and it was a tight race in the Beginner Novice Horse championship. Crystal

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Santos and Eef Sampson edged out the competition by 0.5 marks to take the win, but Madison Haney and Revelation ran away with the Beginner Novice JR/YR championship, winning by six marks. Stephanie Roy and Have Faith rounded out the division as 3the winners of the Beginner Novice championship.

Congratulations to all the competitors!

n Abigail Powell

SaddleView Farm Spooktacular SaddleView Farm, located in Bethany, hosted a Spooktacular Halloween Party on Saturday, October 14.

Children of all ages and adults weren’t the only ones who came in costumes — horses and ponies were also adorned in an assortment of Halloween-inspired regalia and embellishments. The

farm’s equine ambassadors, as well as several of their handlers, were definitely dressed for the occasion. Among the many ingenious outfits were SaddleView’s versions of a glittering pony mermaid and a pony unicorn featuring the perfect rainbow tail and mane.

The day’s activities included pumpkin decorating, face painting, apple bobbing, and, of course, pony rides. Hayrides held throughout the day gave children an opportunity to stop during their travels and pick out a pumpkin, all done under the watchful eyes of SaddleView’s roping, penning, and sorting cows that seemed quite curious about the goings on.

Many of the farm’s boarders decorated their horses’ stalls in various themes ranging from Charlotte’s Web, featuring a baby Wilbur, to scary grave-

yard scenes with partially buried skeletons. Ghostly lights, spiders, scarecrows, more skeletons, and jack-olanterns were featured throughout the entire barn.

Both children and adults enjoyed trick-or-treat offerings outside of each stall and visitors were asked to vote on their choice for the best decorations. Prizes were also awarded to all those lucky enough to succeed in the apple bobbing contests.

Judging from the laughter and smiles from all involved, SaddleView’s Spooktacular was not only spectacular, but the perfect day for family fun!

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Blue Ribbon Ventures Horse Show On Saturday, October 8, Blue Ribbon Ventures (BRV) hosted a horse show at the Fairfield County Hunt Club

(FCHC) in Westport. It was quite rainy, very humid, and definitely not what you’d expect for early fall weather.

One of the nicest things about attending a horse show at FCHC is that, no matter the weather, participants always have the opportunity to perform in optimum conditions. There is an ample warm-up area alongside the main indoor arena for competitors to exercise their horses for upcoming classes and a spacious lounge for riders to relax in between classes. For spectators, it’s the perfect spot to comfortably watch their favorite equestrians compete.

The show was Connecticut Hunter Jumper Association, Marshall and Sterling, and New England Horsemen’s Council rated and offered classes for all levels. It was also the first show

Advertise with Us! Connecticut Horse is a bimonthly magazine for horse owners, equestrians, professionals, enthusiasts, and businesses in Connecticut covering all breeds and all disciplines.

What makes it a great magazine?

• Each issue features farms, horse people, and horses in the Nutmeg State.

• A comprehensive events calendar is prepared exclusively for Connecticut.

• Right Lead and Horse Sense features give you advice and wisdom from experts in Connecticut on a variety of equestrian topics.

• Lend a Hoof features nonprofit organizations — therapeutic riding, horse rescues, humane societies, and more — that need your help.

• And you’ll find a range of horse products and horse-related services.

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The team membership selected the following co-captains for the 2017–2018 season: Sequoia Perryman and her horse India, and Cassidy Huertas and Pegasus.

Lashawnda Phillips, the outgoing captain, is now a freshman at UConn. Sequoia and Cassidy are also the 2017 Junior Miss Rodeo Queen and Princess, respectively.

Congratulations, Sequoia and Cassidy!

of the BRV Hoof Print Series.

The Hoof Print Series was created by BRV to let entrylevel riders achieve realistic and attainable goals. The program runs through April.

Riders may enter the Hoof Print program for a nominal fee and earn points at the shows. In the spring, highscore ribbons will be awarded.

The judge for the day was Ken Okken, Stan Siniarski was show steward, and BHC Management was show secretary. Naomi Gauruder was show manager and course designer.

event has grown since then.

“The event Sunday, November 12, runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 2,300 visitors coming through the barn looking for holiday inspiration. Our vendors and corporate sponsors love the exposure we provide to shoppers from across Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and beyond,” says co-chair Jeff Ridgeway.

“This is an event for the

n Sally L. Feuerberg

The Ebony Horsewomen Young Ladies Dressage Team was established in 2011 for young women ages 10 to 18 whose mission and code is training, empathy, leadership, and representation.

The Young Ladies Dressage Team and Leadership Academy (YLLA) is a comprehensive youth development initiative with an emphasis on equestrian and dressage team culture and is designed to provide a full range of leadership, educational, cultural, and developmental support geared toward independent thinking and problem solving.

The YLLA also provides unique experiences within the horse industry and its connective communities.

The membership is approximately 22 young women who come from towns throughout the greater Hartford area. These young ladies meet three times per week for 14 hours of equestrian training and equine husbandry classes.

Their trainers are Samantha Lang, Renee Bouffard, Dominique Bourgeois, and Dee Dee Hopper. The team is supported by Avon Equestrian Center, Smith and Worthington Saddlery, Arbitrage Tack, and Ms. Laurie Krause.

Sally L. Feuerberg

Ebony Horsewomen YLLA

Summer Armack Galecki at the Frazier Farm Horse Trials in Woodbury on October 1.

High Hopes Holiday Market In the past five years, the High Hopes Holiday Market has grown into one of Connecticut’s premier holiday events. More than 60 thoughtfully curated vendors come together with food stalls, music, and kids’ activities to create a barn full of holiday spirit, to benefit more than 1,800 children, teens and adults who participate annually in High Hopes programs.

The Holiday Market event committee, co-chaired by trustee Katherine Gibson, selects featured vendors for their diversity and originality.

“The Holiday Market is a one-stop-shop for all of your holiday shopping, and our range of vendors is almost as diverse as the range of programs High Hopes offers,” says Katherine, reflecting on the first year that she brought the idea of a market to High Hopes, and how the

whole family and we’re grateful for the continued support of our kids’ activity partner, Eversource Energy, that contributes to programs for youth-at-risk year-round at High Hopes.”

You can expect all the food trucks, sweet treats, live music, lotions and potions, paintings and fine creations, whittled wooden wares, edible fare, jewelry, kids’ crafts, photos, charms and baubles, cozy apparel, abodes for birds, up-cycled finds, perfect presents, and earthenware that you’ve come to love. Omar Coffee, High Hopes’ refreshment partner, will be making sure everyone has a warm coffee to drink.

During the market, High Hopes will also be drawing the winning ticket for the annual raffle, supported this year by Valenti Auto Mall.

One lucky winner will drive away in a brand new Jeep Wrangler, ready to tackle whatever winter can throw at

them. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased from High Hopes by calling Karena at (860) 434-1974 ext 119.

Entrance is free with donation of a nonperishable food item or a donation to High Hopes programs.

To learn more, visit highhopestr.org.

Triple Crown Show The first phase of the Triple Crown Schooling Show Series was held at Fair Hill Farm (FHF) in Easton on Sunday, September 10, accompanied by perfect late summer and pre-fall weather conditions that featured radiant sunshine and warm breezes. Individual horse and rider teams, along with participants from several area barns, as well as many of Fair Hill Farm’s own boarders, took part in the much-anticipated event.

Classes ran from morning to mid-afternoon, starting with the younger equestrians in FHF’s indoor arena and ending with an adorable Lead Line class that was held during the lunch break in the outdoor ring.

The afternoon smoothly transitioned into exciting Schooling Hunter and Low Hunter division contests, followed by open equitation classes. Low, Training, and Schooling Jumper division classes were next, with the Speed Class ending the day in thrilling fashion!

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Frazier Farm Horse Trials Frazier Farm Training Center is located in Woodbury and situated on some of the most beautiful acreage in Connecticut.

Within its 60 acres is an outdoor ring with rubber/stonedust footing, another stone-dust arena, a dressage ring, a grass jumping field, and the five fields that make up the cross-country course.

On Sunday, October 1, owners Corinne and Andrew Gagnon hosted the third and Connecticut Horse

27

n Sally L. Feuerberg

authentic asada — a barbecue that typically takes place after a polo match.

The evening asada was preceded by drinks and canapés at Scott and Wendy’s bucolic Lyme property, dur-

Scott was joined by mentor and friend Gaston Rodriguez from Argentina. Gaston is a respected member of the polo community, teacher of the sport, and innovator behind the development of

Sarah Crisp

final Frazier Farm Horse Trials for 2017. With brilliant sunshine and comfortable early fall breezes, both horses and riders seemed to enjoy the optimum conditions.

From teams experiencing eventing for the first time to accomplished veterans, the thrill and excitement of the competition was palpable, contagious, and shared throughout the large crowd of spectators and supporters.

Whether in the elegant dressage rings, the expansive stadium jump course, or the magnificent cross-country course, everyone attending the event delighted in a day full of fun, skill, and equine elegance and athleticism.

Scott Douglas demonstrating the intricacies of the ancient game of polo at the High Hopes Silent Auction.

High Hopes, Polo, Asada, and Indigo Soul

ing which guests enjoyed a talk and demonstration of some of the intricacies of the age-old game of polo.

For the demonstration,

For the 2017 High Hopes Silent Auction, trustee Scott Douglas and his wife Wendy kindly offered to host an

Give the gift of holistic health this holiday!

polo programs throughout the world that cater to novices as well as seasoned professionals. It was a real family affair as Gaston’s

cousin Luis expertly manned the huge asada grill and later, as the evening came to a close, also charmed the crowd with his acoustic guitar.

It was a perfect, late September evening and Indigo Soul entertained with their repertoire of rhythm and blues, soul, and light pop. The band featured Carol Piro on lead vocals and shakers, Jeremy Coster on bass, and Steve Fava on percussion and supporting vocals.

A very special thank-you to Scott and Wendy for opening up their wonderful home. Thanks also to all who bid. Your support allows High Hopes to provide equine-assisted programs for adults and children with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities.

Pilates-Based Movement Kirsten Gray, owner of Sonnenhof Equestrian

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.

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The Yin and Yang of Bodywork for Performance Horses

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

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

equissage-ne-ny.com equisportmt@sbcglobal.net

860-564-7759

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November/December 2017

Nov. 12 . Turkey Trot at Bass Farm, Scotland, CT Nov. 18 . Hunter Trials at Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry, CT Dec. 9 . 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

of the saddle will get us there.”

Richter and currently enjoys dressage and pleasure riding.

Rob DeMartin

Center in Easton, and certified Balanced Body Pilates practitioner Tiffany DeMartin have joined together to develop the STBL Technique Studio.

STBL stands for stability, tensegrity, balance, and length.

The STBL Technique is a Pilates-based movement practice for both horse and rider. Combining sessions in the studio and in the saddle, STBL Technique improves balance, seat strength, and corrects compensatory movement patterns. Riders work on the reformer — a stable, supported apparatus — to strengthen and balance muscles and patterns, and then move to work in the saddle, applying these new patterns and more balanced motor paths to improve balance and performance. “We want to be riding and sharing our lives with horses well into our one hundreds,” says Tiffany.

“A strong, balanced, supple, and healthy body in and out

Certified Balanced Body Pilates practitioner Tiffany DeMartin of STBL Technique Studio at Sonnenhof Equestrian Center in Easton.

Tiffany rode with George Morris and Judy

She’s taught Pilates for nearly 10 years on both the

East and West Coasts and has studied anatomy, movement, and the Pilates technique.

“Merging Pilates with horses is literally a dream come true,” Tiffany says.

“I wanted my students to have the experience of working their horses in the supplest stage the rider’s body can achieve at that moment in time, and challenging themselves and their horses out of old behavioral patterns,” says Kirsten. “This became our STBL Studio Technique Session. A rideroriented Pilates session plus a mounted session exploring the suppleness and movement in the rider’s back equals a STBL session, which we now offer at Sonnenhof out of a fully equipped studio housed in a converted horse trailer.”

“If you’d like to inquire about a session, you do not have to be a regular rider here at Sonnenhof,” says Kirsten. “We invite everyone

Connecticut Horse

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tion and communication between horse and rider.

Each student implemented Patrick’s recommendations and adjustments and worked on their technique to

(even nonriders) to participate in parts of this program at our friendly and supportive barn.”

To learn more, visit sonnenhofequestrian center.com.

pating, it was apparent that his straightforward, uncomplicated, and insightful style of teaching, blended with the perfect amount of humor and patience, was

n Sally L. Feuerberg

30

The Eastern Connecticut Draft Horse Association in conjuction with Blue Slope Country Museum in Franklin held an informative afternoon with its Harnessing the Power of Horses: From Drafts to Miniatures on September 16. On display were Belgians, Percherons, a Clydesdale, a Clydesdale/Welsh cross, a Clydesdale/Hackney cross, a Cheval Canadien, a Suffolk Punch, Miniature Donkeys, and Mammoth Donkeys.

Katie Bogaert

Katie Bogaert of KB Equine hosted a three-day Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic at her facility in Meriden August 25–27. Classes for the weekend focused on bending and straightening, principles of refined riding, establishing connection, beginning lateral work, and getting started with garrocha.

Centuries ago in Spain, the garrocha (lance or pole) was used as a weapon during wars. It was also used by the vaquero (cowboys) to move cattle and is used to keep bulls away from the horses while riding in pastures for stock checks. Now, it’s evolved into a tool for a beautiful display — the art of garrocha in working equitation.

Patrick King’s resume is diverse and it begins with his experiences growing up riding and working with many different breeds of horses in various disciplines. It encompasses his participation in hunter/jumper contests, driving a team of drafts, roping and sorting cattle, starting colts, and competing in the dressage ring. His horsemanship methods and approach are influenced by the work of Mark Russell, Charles de Kunffy, and Julio Mendoza. Patrick also had the rare opportunity to spend extended time living and learning with legendary horseman Ray Hunt and his wife Carolyn.

Throughout every session of the clinic, Patrick, with his divergent skill set, emphasized the importance of “feel.” He advocates that feel is the ultimate connec-

Karen Morang

Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic

November/December 2017

Katie Bogaert of KB Equine hosted a three-day Patrick King Horsemanship Clinic at her facility in Meriden August 25 to 27. Classes for the weekend focused on bending and straightening, principles of refined riding, establishing connection, beginning lateral work, and getting started with garrocha.

With both the notable progress achieved and enjoyment exhibited by all those participating, it was apparent that Patrick’s straightforward, uncomplicated, and insightful style of teaching, blended with the perfect amount of humor and patience, was definitely appreciated by all levels and riding expertise.

strengthen balance, positioning, and consistency with their horses. Through thought provoking analogies, along with demonstrations done both on and off the horse, Patrick explained the reasoning behind each exercise and instruction. With both the notable progress achieved and enjoyment exhibited by all those partici-

definitely appreciated by all levels of riding expertise.

n Sally L. Feuerberg

CHJA Medal Finals When pulling into the main driveway at the Fairfield County Hunt Club on Sunday, August 20, the first thing that captured your attention was the vast sea of horse trailers and cars. There

were all shapes, sizes, and colors, as far as you could see, in every direction, all glistening in the vibrant morning sun. There were also countless horse and rider teams exercising in various fields and rings throughout the club’s lush, green acreage, while other pairs found places to walk together in quiet solitude, possibly contemplating the day’s upcoming contests. In the distance, the iconic white hospitality tent stood impressively in the center of it all.

Behind and to the right were additional tents with bold blue-and-white roof striping.

These structures housed the multitude of stables and farms from all over the East coast, each with their signature banner hanging above the entrance to the place they called home for the for the weekend.

Spectators, families, and friends gathered in different locations all over the hunt club grounds to lend support to the riders competing for the coveted ribbons and championship medals.

Trainers and coaches encouraged students while offering advice, as well as suggesting slight adjustments or reminders to take with them into each class.

Parents, some more nervous than the riders themselves, watched anxiously as their child entered the ring. Other equestrians concentrated on memorizing courses and some just stood patiently, whispering words of gentle reassurance to their mounts.

The Connecticut Hunter Jumper Association Medal Finals encompasses a wide variety of competition, riders, and horses. From youngsters on steadfast ponies taking part for the first time, to highly skilled veterans, this highly anticipated event was well attended, and enjoyed by all.

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Donkey Killed by Bear Megg and Ted Hoffman, who live on a narrow rural road at the north end of Kent, had four donkeys for more than a decade. Then

with a rifle by a caretaker around 6 a.m. “There’s no way to know, as of now, if it’s the same bear,” Ted says.

The Department of Energy and Environmental

Overherdisms • “Your horse’s job is to jump the fence and your job is getting her there.”

• “The next time I see ice, I want it to be in a glass with a nice cocktail!”

• “I’m worried my hunter is getting a body complex from everyone calling him Sausage and Mr. Fatso all the time.”

• “If I were arrested it would 100 percent be for stealing a cute pony.”

• “Entry fees should include unlimited Advil and vodka.”

• “If my horse were a person he’d be a gangster. Or, maybe a princess. Probably a gangster princess.”

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Timothy • Alfalfa • Orchard Grass Brome • Wheat • Rye • Oat 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cuttings Off-the-track Thoroughbred Duke of Naples owned by Kym Williams Mayo of Versailles at the October 7 Dressage and Combined Training Schooling Show at Treasure Hill Farm in Salem.

came the bear. On its first visit in April, the young bear inspected their deck. On its second visit, it broke into their barn, climbed into the donkeys’ enclosure and cornered the animals before being frightened away. On May 21, its third visit, the bear killed and ate a 15-yearold donkey named Radar.

Just around dawn that Sunday, the bear slipped through a wooden-post fence and into the miniature donkeys’ paddock. It attacked the donkeys, scratching and scarring two of them, but doing worse to Radar.

“I came down to feed them in the morning,” Megg says, “and there was the body.” The 277-pound donkey lay lifeless, his torso full of puncture wounds and half of his hindquarters had been eaten. A black bear’s footprints were left in the mud, near pools of blood.

In June, a 557-pound male black bear was shot

Protection took the bear carcass and are investigating, according to spokesman Dennis Schain. “All the facts and circumstances must be determined and evaluated before any decision can be made about the disposition of this matter,” Dennis says.

He agreed that it’s hard to say whether the dead bear was the same animal that killed Radar. “It’s unlikely we could tell,” he says. “Probably too much time has passed to find evidence in its digestive system.”

The Hoffmans say they feel slightly relieved that the bear is dead, but it’s a bittersweet feeling. “Bears are still beautiful to me,” Megg says.

“It was very painful. They’re a part of nature.”

“We love animals,” Ted says. “The bears, the deer, the turkeys. All the things we see out here.”

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n Middletown Press

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Connecticut Horse

31

Partners every year, courtesy of Big Y Foods.

Over the winter, CMHA’s board of directors will be working on a couple of other club activities, including a painting party and equine wellness clinic.

Our Annual Awards Banquet will be Saturday,

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.

September 16, at the Old Bethany Airport. The Renegades hosted riders from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. Dave Billotte of Frenchville, Pennsylvania, took the overall win by more than 4.5 seconds over the

32

The Connecticut Morgan Horse Associations’ annual Turkey Trot will be November 19 at Bluff Point State Park in Groton. All breeds are welcome.

Jeanne Lewis Images

CMHA is excited to announce that in 2018, Sandy Sessink of Ohio will be joining us as the show manager for the Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show. The show will be June 6 to 9 at the Eastern States Exposition grounds in West Springfield, Mass. Please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates. We will again be offering classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackneys, and Friesians. The Open Dressage and Carriage divisions will be back next year, along with our Therapeutic Lead Line class that’s also open to all breeds.

There’s no charge for the Therapeutic Lead Line class, and the show will also help offset the cost of transportation for participants.

The eighth annual Turkey Trot will be Sunday, November 19, at Bluff Point State Park in Groton. This ride is a benefit for the Sue Brander Sport Horse Scholarship. We always have fun door prizes and hope you can join us. The ride is affiliated with New England Horse and Trail for five and ten miles. We host the ride regardless of the weather, so bundle up if necessary and come out to Bluff Point for a fun day on the trails with us. All breeds are welcome. Sponsors include Wahl and Absorbine, with more being added. We also have a turkey as a door prize

Stacey Stearns

Connecticut Morgan Horse Association

November/December 2017

Connecticut Renegades Match Race contestants Sabrina Fecteau and Tom Beckman of Harwinton at the Renegades demonstration at the Bethany Harvest Fair.

March 10. The new membership year begins on November 1. To learn more about CMHA and join us, visit ctmorgans.org.

n Stacey Stearns

Connecticut Renegades The Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooters held its annual State Championship on Saturday,

reserve champion, Shad Smith of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire. Molly Wilson of Hudson, New Hampshire, was the Overall Champion Cowgirl, finishing fourth overall. Paige Forsyth of West Granby came in sixth and earned the Reserve Champion Cowgirl title. The Overall Champion Cowboy and Cowgirl both earned

themselves personalized championship buckles.

The State Championship was also a big day for two riders who moved up to a new class. Thirteen-year-old Kayla Davis of West Granby on Cherokee won the Ladies 1 class. This was Kayla’s final win needed to move into the Ladies 2 class. Molly Wilson’s great finish earned her the final win she needed to move into the Ladies 3 level. Both Kayla and Molly earned themselves class win buckles along with Paige Forsyth, who also won her Ladies 3 class. Two major sponsors, Lock, Stock & Barrel of Bethany and State Line Propane of Granby, made the awards of beautiful buckles possible.

Four riders shot clean (no missed targets). Those sharpshooters were Kayla Davis, Alan Green, Steven Roy, and Dy Rizzo. The Bianchi Cowboy $100 Clean Shooter gift certificate went to Alan of Bethany. Our best dressed award went to Renegades members Chris Anson and Alan Green with prizes from Jeanne Lewis Images.

The Renegades continued their mounted shooting fun for the weekend by holding the Thunder in Naugatuck Valley match on Sunday, September 17. Tom Beckman of Harwinton and his horse Chip took the overall win. This overall win was the final win Tom needed to move to a Mens Level 3 class. Shyanne Ostrander of Torrington and her horse Levi won the Ladies level 1 class giving her another move-up win.

The Renegades also enjoyed putting on a demonstration at the Bethany Harvest Fair on Sunday, October 1. Riders showed off their shooting skills for spectators by riding a variety of courses and ended the day with some fun match races.

The most exciting race of the

day was between soon-to-wed Sabrina Fecteau and Tom Beckman of Harwinton. Tom and Chip did outrun Sabrina and Jet in this fun competition.

To learn more, visit ctrenegades.com.

now behind us, and autumn has brought crisp, clear air and the vibrancy of the foliage colors. It’s a great time of the year for riding, and with that comes additional attention to safety, particularly when riding along roadways.

Some of our best-loved trail systems require equestrians to traverse short sections of public roads, leaving them vulner-

n Allison Forsyth

n Patti Crowther

Granby Horse Council A favorite time of the year for riding has arrived. The summer heat and pesky bugs are

Connecticut Trail Rides Association September 17 Boardman Memorial Ride, hosted by Peggy Robinson.

this season include the annual Bill Strain Memorial Beach Ride in Charlestown, Rhode Island; the White Memorial Ride in Litchfield, a benefit ride for St. Jude Children’s Hospital; and the annual Mystery Ride, a mystery for all until the caravan of truck and trailers arrive at the location the day of the ride. The Last Hurrah ride in November will be held again at the Evan’s Farm in Granville, Massachusetts.

GHC holds monthly meetings every third Wednesday evening of the month. The October meeting program featured Dr. Melissa Zych, a teacher in the West Hartford public schools involved in mindfulness education. The practice of mindfulness is a journey with many paths. Melissa explained her journey and gave tips on how to lead a more peaceful life in this time of world unrest.

GHC welcomes new members. To learn more, visit granbyhorsecouncilct.com, follow us on Facebook: Granby (CT) Horse Council, or call club president Joan Davis at (860) 653-6805.

n Diane Morton

Middlebury Bridle Land Association

Joan Davis

Our autumn ride schedule has been full. In September, president Lynn Gogolya and treasurer Ruth Strontzer hosted a ride at Bluff Point in Groton. They had a great turnout of riders and the water looked beautiful. On our annual Boardman Memorial Weekend, Peggy Robinson hosted the annual Turkey Trot. She combined it with the Boardman Memorial Ride. Peggy took riders to the top of Mohawk Mountain where you can see the state of Massachusetts and New York from the same spot. When the sky is clear, you can actually see some Vermont mountains on the horizon.

Our annual banquet on November 4 at the Litchfield Firehouse will be our last general membership meeting for 2017. Elections for the club’s 2018 officers will also be held that evening.

On October 1, area vicepresident Diana Naples hosted a ride in Wallingford, the first ride here for CTRA. Tyler Miles Park has some great trails through hay fields, streams, and forest. When the ride was over, we gathered for a tailgate lunch and the horses enjoyed bobbing for apples! It was fun watching them try to catch a treat!

The officers would like to wish all our members and their families a very happy Thanksgiving, happy holidays, and a blessed New Year. Peace on Earth for 2018, please!

Happy Trails to all!

Ruth Strontzer

Connecticut Trail Rides Association

flyer outlines regulations for both motorists and equestrians for road safety. It’s distributed at various equestrian venues and at nonequestrian events, such as DEEP’s No Child Left Inside held in state forest locations throughout the state. Members of the GHC distribute the flyer every September during Granby’s annual Open Farm Day.

Granby Horse Council members Karen Dahmke on Lenerd and Claire Lovell on Dexter playing horse soccer after the Poker Ride.

able to motorists. Members of the GHC seek to raise awareness of road safety for equestrians. The Council is investigating what other organizations are doing to promote road safety and have initiated important conversations with local officials for support.

The Connecticut Horse Council publishes and distributes an informational flyer titled Sharing the Road. The

Though the summer heat and bugs are in the past, memories of GHC’s events are still fresh in the minds of its members. The drill team, a group holding strong, provided some well-executed demonstrations this year. The Play Day held in July was very well attended and the Poker Ride offered a number of creative obstacles for the participants to maneuver.

Rides still to come for

A successful hunter pace is made up of many important ingredients. One is good weather! Others factors are a course so well marked that no one gets lost, along with the outcome of every rider and horse coming back safe, happy, and healthy. Another component, and probably one of the most important pieces, is a team of volunteers that’s enthusiastic, energetic, hardworking, and dependable beyond measure. On Sunday, September 17, the MBLA Annual Fall Hunter Pace had all those elements, and more!

Although most of the day was warm, and a little over the top on the “gnatty-side,” all in all it was a beautiful day.

The morning started with Connecticut Horse

33

afternoon into a summer’s delight. A bountiful, picnic style lunch with delectable desserts was served as participants, supporters, and volunteerss enjoyed each other’s company while sitting on hay

what can only be described as equestrian tailgating.

Once scores and placements were tabulated, the crowd gathered at the main tent. Award ribbons and prize buckets were pre-

ShawnaLee and Sara Kwashnak.

a dense fog and a slightly cool temperature, typical of a late summer/early fall morning. Low visibility made it difficult for trailer drivers to even see the tents and the camper awaiting their arrival, or the additional trailers that were set up. But as they made the gradual trek up toward the cornfields of the magnificent Larkin Farm property, the excitement and anticipation of hunter pacing took over the grounds.

Thirty-three teams with more than seventy riders in total finished the wellmarked course without an unpleasant diversion. One team shared that they enjoyed the jumps so much that in some locations (where safe, of course!), jumped them a second time!

When the final team had returned it was time to care for the horses and await the results. The fog had dissipated, and the radiant midday sun transformed the

Whether you helped with registration, manned a crossing, stood guard at a field navigation point, assisted with parking, decorated, or helped at lunch, you all played a vital part in keeping all of the riders and horses safe and out of harm’s way.

For those who managed the start and finish line, the smiles and the positive comments voiced by all who participated signifies a job well done! Thank you to the Larkin family for letting the equestrian community and MBLA share and enjoy their glorious property. Without their generous kindness, this wonderful event could not happen. Thank you!

n Sally L. Feuerberg

The Middlebury Bridle Land Association’s Annual Fall Hunter Pace started with dense fog at Larkin Farm as riders made the gradual trek up toward the cornfields.

bales, discussing the pace, exchanging horse stories, and catching up with friends.

In some cases, teams set up elegant tables and chairs alongside their trailers in

sented, marking the end of a successful hunter pace.

The MBLA is grateful to all its many volunteers and dedicated members who made the pace possible.

Southern New England Horsemen’ Association SNEHA wrapped up its 2017 show season on August 6. It is a tradition for SNEHA members to gather the Saturday evening before the show for a pot luck dinner and socializa-

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November/December 2017

had planned a Downton Abbey themed event in July that was cancelled due to wet grounds. There was so much interest that they decided to have the event in September.

tion. This year was no exception. With folding tables and chairs lined up and down the barn aisle, we feasted on a barbecue chicken dinner provided by the Oneco Fire Department.

The club is now wrapping up officer elections and beginning preparations for the 2018 show season. Before we say goodbye to 2017, we will celebrate our show participants at the SNEHA Awards Banquet November 18 at the Holiday Inn in Norwich. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit snehassociation.com.

guests had many questions and thoroughly enjoyed the event. Everyone was treated to a delicious lunch. The Friends of Hearthside have asked us to return next year.

The Intro to Foxhunting Clinic was held at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret September 9. The day began with a discussion of hunt traditions, history, rules, etiquette, purpose of the hunt, and hunt attire, presented by member Leslie Cashel. Huntsman (keeper of the hounds) Sherri Colby brought a couple of the hounds for everyone to meet.

After a brief question and answer period, everyone mounted up for a mock hunt.

Hunt club members on horseback and on foot were there to assist the participants.

Master of Foxhounds Cathy Leinert led the participants though a field and some jumps explaining important points along the way. Many horses get excited the first time out with the hunt and this is a good opportunity to see how the horses will react.

All of the horses did fine and were surprisingly quick to get the hang of it. We picked up two new members at the event.

On September 16, we went to Hearthside House in Lincoln, Rhode Island, a historic site with a museum. The homestead was formerly the house of Stephen Hopkins Smith and was built in 1810.

The Friends of Hearthside

An adorable horse at one of SNEHA’s shows. SNEHA’s Awards Banquet will be November 18 at the Holiday Inn in Norwich.

Nancy Clemens

Tanheath Hunt Club

Jessica Correia

n Jennifer Rudtke

Tanheath Hunt Club members line up in front of Hearthside House at the September 16 Downton Abbey foxhunting demonstration.

In keeping with the turn of the last century theme, members of Hearthside and guests dressed in early 1900 period costumes. Foxhunting was very popular at that time and the Tanheath Hunt Club was invited to put on a demonstration foxhunt. Tanheath riders and ground support dressed in formal hunt attire and we brought the hounds. (Due to heat and humidity the hounds decided to take an impromptu swim in the pond!) The crowd was mesmerized by the event and had ample time to take pictures with horses and hounds. The

Our blessing of the hounds was held on October 1 and included 25 riders as well as a number of spectators and ground support. The weather was perfect — sunny and cool. The blessing begins our formal hunt season that will continue until after the first of the year, weather permitting. The hounds continue to improve at each event. A round of thanks go to our dedicated members who work with the hounds on the Thursday hunts. Our huntsman Sherri Colby and her two whippers-in Deb Pollard and Leslie Cashel have done an

extraordinary job of training the hounds, who are really working as a team and are a joy to see at each hunt.

Two new adult members and one junior member were added to the roster after the blessing. We now have the largest membership we’ve had in many years. The enthusiasm grows!

Sunday, November 12, is the Annual Turkey Trot. The event is held at the Bass Farm in Scotland. It’s an eight-toten-mile trip through the countryside. The area is peppered with turkey pie plates attached to trees. If you find a plate and return it upon completion of the ride, you will be awarded a frozen turkey. The ride has become more popular over the years and we usually have 30 to 40 riders, weather permitting. At the end of the ride we have a nice lunch and plenty of time for people to visit, take pictures, and enjoy the fun horseback riding is all about.

November 18 is the Tanheath Hunter Trials, to be held at Mystic Valley Hunt Club in Gales Ferry. The event is open to all. The course is two to three miles long and includes parts of the cross-country course and wooded trails surrounding the farm. Jumps are optional for all divisions. Riders may be asked to perform events for extra points such as: gone away (gallop on), hold hard (stop quickly), and to take designated jumps. The divisions are Open, Ladies, Mens, Junior, and Qualified.

The final event will be the Annual Masters Dinner on December 9. It’s a great time for members, guests, and landowners. The informal dinner is an opportunity for everyone to get together and review the wonderful year.

Awards are given for a variety of events in which members and others participated.

n Raymond Hill

Connecticut Horse

35

Connecticut

Events November 1 LESSONS WTIH LENDON GRAY, Silver Lining Stables, Monroe. sliverliningstablesct.com.

4 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, White Bridge Farm, Milford. bhcmanagement.info.

4 CHSA/CHJA SHOW, Sweetwater Farm, Clinton. sweetwaterct.net.

4 NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION, Middletown. hfsc.org/manes-motions.

4 H.O.R.S.E. OF CT VOLUNTEER DAY, Washington. horseofct.org.

4 CTRA ANNUAL FALL BANQUET AND MEETING, Litchfield Firehouse. ct-trailrides.org.

4 RACE TO THE GALA, Wee Burn Country Club, Darien. newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

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

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

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

5 HUNTER PACE, North Franklin. sites.google.com/site/ayermountainfarm.

5 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Watch Hill Farm, Ridgefield. bhcmanagement.info.

5 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES HOOF PRINT JUMPER SERIES, ABF Equine, Coventry. bhcmanagement.info.

5 SECOND CHANCE RANCH EQUINE RESCUE OPEN HOUSE, East Granby. scrrescue.org.

17 – 19 PATH WORKSHOP AND TEST, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

17 – 19 H.O.R.S.E. OF CT UNDERCOVER TACK SALE, Washington. horseofct.org.

5 NEATO FALL RIDE, Natchaug State Forest, Eastford. orgsites.com/ct/neato.

18 SNEHA ANNUAL YEAR END AWARDS BANQUET, Holiday Inn, Norwich. snehassociation.com.

11 SINEAD HALPIN DRESSAGE CLINIC, Pie Hill Farm, Goshen. (860) 960-7127.

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

11 CGA YEAR-END AWARDS BANQUET, Meriden Rod and Gun Club. ctgymkhana.com.

18 WINDCREST FARM SHOW, Hebron. windcrestfarm.net.

12 SINEAD HALPIN SHOW JUMPING CLINIC, Pie Hill Farm, Goshen. (860) 960-7127.

18 TANHEATH HUNT HUNTER TRIALS, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. tanheathhunt.com.

12 STEPPING STONE FARM SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

12 VETERANS DAY MINI RETREAT, Stonington. horseshealinghumansct.org.

12 TURKEY TROT, Bass Farm, Scotland. tanheathhunt.com.

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

12 HIGH HOPES HOLIDAY MARKET, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

12 REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

18 FAIRFIELD COUNTY HUNT CLUB SHOW, Westport. bhcmanagement.com.

19 KEN WHELIHAN CLINIC, Quiet Rein Farm, New Milford. quietreinfarm.com.

19 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Fair Hill Farm, Easton. bhcmanagement.info.

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

19 CVDC ANNUAL TURKEY TROT, Woodland Farm, Lyme. cvdrivingclub.com.

19 CMHA TURKEY TROT, Bluff Point, Groton. ctmorgans.org.

19 CHSA, CHJA, NEHC, AND M&S SHOW, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

25 CHSA/CHJA RATED SHOW, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

25 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FAIR, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

26 FOLLY FARM SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

26 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club. bhcmanagement.info.

36

November/December 2017

December 1 FWPHA AWARDS DINNER, Ethan Allen Hotel, Danbury. fwpha.com.

3 FBTA HOLIDAY PARTY, Redding. fairfieldbridletrails.org.

9 H.O.R.S.E. OF CT CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE, Washington. horseofct.org.

9 NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION, Middletown. hfsc.org/manes-motions.

We have your horse.

Always a nice selection of horses and ponies for sale.

Watch videos and view photos at HeritageFarmEasthampton.com.

9 – 10 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. rideiea.org.

10 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES HOOF PRINT JUMPER SERIES, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

10 STEPPING STONE FARM SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

16 WINTER OPEN HOUSE, Stonington. horseshealinghumansct.org.

16 FBTA YULETIDE RIDE, location TBA. fairfieldbridletrails.org.

17 REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

January 2 PATH ADVANCED WORKSHOP, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

6 – 8 EQUUS EFFECT PROGRAM WORKSHOP, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

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

11 ANATOMY OF THE RIDER LECTURE, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

12 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT LECTURE, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

12 EQUIPMENT, POSTURE, AND ALIGNMENT LECTURE, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

English & Western Lessons, Clinics, Training

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13 VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT LECTURE, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

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

14 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES HOOF PRINT JUMPER SERIES, Fair Hill Farm, Easton. bhcmanagement.info.

18 PHYSICAL DISABILITIES LECTURE, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

20 EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTOR LECTURE, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

Connecticut Horse

37

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The world’s greatest sleigh party in 1907, where 6,000 school children in Waterbury enjoyed sleigh rides, was organized by trucking baron Ralph N. Blakeslee. The 232 horses and 126 sleighs included large sleighs that were long lumber sleds brought out of the woods just for the event that held up to 56 children each. At 12:45, with the blare of a coach horn and the jingling of hundreds of straps of sleigh bells, the horses began to pull their valuable cargo over a distance of more than 10 miles for nearly three hours. This was no short ride around the town green.

The electric trolleys were stopped to allow safe passage of all the children and parents who came out to watch. The Waterbury Republican described the scene as “a sea of red and green Tam O’Shanters, horses’ heads, and little waving hands.”

Dennis R. Paulhus, owner Ellington, CT . (860) 490-7509 MohawkDistributionCT@gmail.com mohawkdistributionct.com 38

November/December 2017

One sleigh was dedicated to a moving picture camera and crew that “reeled off a couple miles of film while the horses pranced by,” according to the Waterbury Republican. That film footage was shown in theaters around the country.

Fresh snow fell just before the big event and provided a perfect surface for the sleighs.

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email

editor@connhorse.com.

the

neighborhood

Your Everything Equine “white pages” ARTISTS

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BARN CONSTRUCTION

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

THE CARRIAGE SHED (800) 441-6057, carriageshed.com Custom-built barns, shed rows, arenas, run-in sheds, Amish crafted.

ASSOCIATIONS

KING BARNS (888) 354-4740, kingbarns.com Custom barns, arenas, out buildings, living quarters, complete design services, fine Amish craftmanship.

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

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BOARDING AND TRAINING

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Boarding Lessons

ng Valley Far m i r p Indoor Arena

CONNECTICUT BARREL HORSE connecticutbarrelhorse.com

Sales Leases

Owned and Operated by the Ross Family Trainer: Jennifer Braiden 1125 Essex Rd., Westbrook, CT (860) 399-5000 . (860) 304-5848

Got manure?

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

AgriMixMulch.com contactagrimix@gmail.com . akenworthman@gmail.com

CONNECTICUT COLOR BREED ASSOCIATION connecticutcolorbreed.com CONNECTICUT DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION ctdressageassoc.com CONNECTICUT GYMKHANA ASSOCIATION ctgymkhana.com CONNECTICUT HORSE SHOWS ASSOCIATION chsaonline.com CONNECTICUT MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION ctmorgans.org CONNECTICUT RENEGADES ctrenegades.com CONNECTICUT TRAIL RIDES ASSOCIATION ct-trailrides.org GRANBY HORSE COUNCIL OF CONNECTICUT granbyhorsecouncilct.com GREENWICH RIDING AND TRAILS ASSOCIATION thegrta.org

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

FOXFIRE STABLES Mansfield Center, CT, (860) 543-1399 foxfirestables.net Dressage specialty, board, lessons, training, all breeds welcome.

SHALLOW BROOK FARM Bridgewater, CT, (203) 788-2122 shallow-brook.com Event, hunting, and pleasure horses; boarding, lessons, sales; 4,000 acres of trails, cross-country fences.

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

WHITE BIRCH FARM Portland, CT, (860) 581-0307 wbfllcct@gmail.com Boarding, training, trails, lessons, leasing, clinics, indoor arena.

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

MIDDLEBURY BRIDLE LAND ASSOCIATION middleburybridle.org

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NEWTOWN BRIDLE LANDS ASSOCIATION nblact.com

BRAIDEEZ BRAIDING WIRE braideez.com Makes braiding so easy! See videos and lessons at braideeze.com.

POMFRET HORSE AND TRAIL ASSOCIATION pomfrethorseandtrail.com

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

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BRAIDING

EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY

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TANHEATH HUNT CLUB tanheathhunt.com

MANES & MOTIONS Middletown, CT, (860) 223-2761 manesandmotions.com Therapeutic riding for body, mind, soul.

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BARN CATS

EQUINE MASSAGE

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

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

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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.

Understanding undesired behaviors from the horse’s point of view.

FARRIER

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

FEED AND PET STORES

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BENEDICT’S HOME & GARDEN Monroe, CT, (203) 268-2537 benedictsgarden.com G.M. THOMPSON & SONS Mansfield Depot, (860) 429-9377 gmthompson.net H. H. STONE & SONS Southbury, (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons.benmoorepaints.com LITCHFIELD BLUE SEAL STORE Litchfield, (860) 482-7116 LOCK, STOCK & BARREL (203) 393-0002 lsbfarmsupply.com Large-animal feed and pet food. Tack, farm supplies, and power equipment.

Blue Seal and Purina.

NORWICH AGWAY Norwich, (860) 889-2344 norwichagway.com SHAGBARK LUMBER & FARM SUPPLY East Haddam, (860) 873-1946 shagbarklumber.com VALLEY HOME & GARDEN CENTER Simsbury, (860) 651-5646 valleyhomeandgarden.com HAY AND SHAVINGS

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IMPERIAL HAY TRANSPORT Royalton, VT, (802) 234-2141 imperialhaytransport.com Quality New York and Canadian hay; shavings. Maine to Florida.

PLEASANT VIEW FARMS Somers, CT, (860) 803-2777 pleasantviewfarmsinc.com Quality hay, straw, and non-GMO grain.

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November/December 2017

HORSES FOR SALE

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REAL ESTATE

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

WILLIAM RAVEIS EQUESTRIAN raveis.com Specializing in equestrian lifestyle real estate.

PAUL CONGELOSEI TRAILER SALES Montgomery, NY, (888) 310-2246 congelositrailersales.com Finding just the right trailer? At Congelosi Trailer Sales, it’s easy!

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RETIREMENT SANCTUARIES

VACATION

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

MOUNTAIN TOP INN AND RESORT Chittenden, VT, (802) 483-2311 mountaintopinn.com Vermont’s premier equestrian resort with miles of trails through woods and meadows, cross-country course, outdoor arenas, luxurious accommodations, creative cuisine, spa, salon, private beach. A short drive from home but a world away!

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

INSURANCE

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DON RAY INSURANCE (781) 837-6550 donrayinsurance.com Competitive rates, great service, farm packages, event insurance, liability, mortality and major medical.

LEGAL ADVICE

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SEAN T. HOGAN, ESQ. Westport, CT, (203) 221-3250 seanhoganlaw.com Assisting owners, riders, and trainers with equine litigation, equine taxation, land use, ownerships, sales, leases, and USEF and FEI hearings.

LOANS AND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

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

Payroll services, farm business consulting, record keeping, appraisals.

MANURE REMOVAL,

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

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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

TACK

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

MOHAWK DISTRIBUTION Ellington, CT, (860) 490-7509 mohawkdistributionct.com Repping Designs by Loriece, Garroutte Products, and La Victoria Performance.

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.

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VETERINARY

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BROOKLYN-CANTERBURY LARGE ANIMAL CLINIC Canterbury, CT, (860) 546-6998 bclargeanimal.com Serving eastern CT and RI. Equines, farm animals, and camelids.

GRAND PRIX EQUINE Hawleyville, CT, (203) 733-0789 grandprixequine.com Focused care for the performance horse. Johanna Kremberg, DVM, Mark R. Baus, DVM. CARA KNESER, DVM Bozrah, CT, (860) 823-8951 kneserveterinary.com Mobile 24/7 equine veterinary service.

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

TRAILERS

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ORCHARD TRAILERS Whately, MA, (800) 998-8779 orchardtrailers.com Largest inventory of horse trailers in the Northeast! Kingston Trailers, Adam Trailers. Financing available.

Dressage is our Specialty Board . Lessons . Training All Breeds Welcome (especially Morgans)

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

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

Somers

Is This Your Horse?

Connecticut’s own Smith-Worthington Saddlery is the proud sponsor of Is This Your Horse?

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

Karen Morang

Crafting fine English saddlery and tack since 1794.

Available at fine tack shops throughout the U.S.

Is this your horse?

This photo was taken at the September Four Town Fair Horse Show in Somers. If this is your horse, contact us at win@connhorse.com for a Smith-Worthington Saddlery leather halter and a two-year subscription to Connecticut Horse!

Boarding

Lessons

Training

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 Connecticut Horse

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Benedict’s Home & Garden 480 Purdy Hill Rd., Monroe (203) 268-2537 benedictsgarden.com G. M. Thompson & Sons 54 Middle Turnpike Mansfield Depot (860) 429-9377 gmthompson.net

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November/December 2017

H. H. Stone & Sons 168 Main St. S., Southbury (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons. benmoorepaints.com Litchfield Blue Seal Store 99 Thomaston Rd., Litchfield (860) 482-7116 . blueseal.com

Lock, Stock & Barrel 770 Amity Rd., Bethany (203) 393-0002 lsbfarmsupply.com Norwich Agway 217 Otrobando Ave., Norwich (860) 889-2344 norwichagway.com

Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supply 21 Mt. Parnassus Rd., E. Haddam (860) 873-1946 shagbarklumber.com Valley Home & Garden Centre 16 Railroad St., Simsbury (860) 651-5646 valleyhomeandgarden.com

It takes more than luck to get you there safely.

Horse owners from throughout New England and beyond have counted on Orchard Trailers for more than 27 years to provide some of the safest, most reliable trailers available. If you’re a past customer, we welcome you to visit again and see what’s new in the trailer world. If you’re new to Orchard, or to horse trailers in general, our experienced staff is ready to help you find the right trailer for you and your horse.

Kingston Classic Elite Two Horse Straight Load with Dressing Room

t Visit us a Equine Affaire!

Adam Pro Classic 2 + 1 Gooseneck Three Horse with Side Ramp and Dressing Room

outh Mallary S Booth N

Largest inventory of horse trailers in the Northeast! orchardtrailers.com | info@orchardtrailers.com | (413) 665-7600 | (800) 998-8779 78 State Road, Whately, MA 01093

Financing Available!

Connecticut Horse

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRIDGEPORT, CT PERMIT

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