Connecticut Horse November/December 2019 by Community Horse Media

C O N N E C T IC U T

HORSE

PREPARE FOR A CONNECTICUT WINTER SLEEPING GIANT STATE PARK November/December 2019 connhorse.com $4

TRAIL GUIDE

RON AND DORIS BOUCHARD HORSEPEOPLE FEATURE

POSSIBILITIES FARM FARM FEATURE

THE EQUUS EFFECT LEND A HOOF

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Sally L. Feuerberg

Lara Rudowski

Stacey Stearns

November/December 2019

Brooke Mele

contents

features 8

Prepare for a Connecticut Winter

Sleeping Giant State Park

Trail Guide

Ron and Doris Bouchard

Possibilities Farm

Equissage New England-New York

Partnering with Horses to Bring Out the Best In Humans

Horsepeople Feature

Farm Feature

The Equus Effect

Giving Veterans a Helping Hoof

A Dog Bit Someone at My Barn â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Am I Liable? Above the Bar

Lend a Hoof

in every issue 5

From the Publisher

Partners

Youth Award Winners

Your Letters

Nutmeg State Events Calendar

Is This Your Horse?

Happenings

This Olde Horse

Overherd: News in Our Community

The Neighborhood

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

From the Publisher

he first snow will soon be upon

allow you to enjoy this beautiful yet

for your horses as the weather turns

us. The stillness as it falls and

challenging season for horsekeeping.

cold and the snow piles up.

blankets our world, the

A big part of our community is

uniqueness of the flakes, the

the businesses that sustain us and

serenity it imparts — all serve to

our horses, be it local boarding sta-

remind us that winter is a magical

bles, trainers, veterinarians, farri-

time. My favorite sounds of the

ers, tack shops, feed stores, or the

season are the early-morning

tractor dealers in the next county.

songs of the chickadees as they flit

To keep our community healthy

among the hemlock branches and

and strong we need to support

the crunchy squeak of snow under

these businesses and keep our dol-

my warm boots on a very cold

lars in the local economy. Buy

evening. I love the frost on my

locally. Tell our advertisers you saw

horses’ eyelashes on a cold early

them in Connecticut Horse. I hope you’ll put up your feet Nancy Ronan

morning, the way the snow shines like glitter in the moonlight, and watching my horses move silently through the new snow in their pasture.

Haflinger mare Cat and Miniature horse Peanut after a snow storm certainly have enjoyed putting it on Pocketful of Ponies Farm.

Preparing for a Connecticut winter is a tall order and if done right, will

with a cup of something hot and delicious and enjoy this issue. We together with you in mind.

On page 8, you’ll find some tips and

May your winter be a magical one.

ideas to winterize your farm and care

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

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

CON N EC T ICU T

HORSE vol. 5, no. 3 November/December 2019

ISSN 2378-5721

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 phone: (413) 268-3302 (voice/text) • connhorse.com Connecticut Horse magazine is an independently owned and operated all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for the Nutmeg State.

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

Terri Ray (781) 837-6550 donrayinsurance.com

publisher Stephanie Sanders • steph@connhorse.com • (413) 268-3302

editor Kathaleen Emerson

feature writers Sally L. Feuerberg, Sean T. Hogan, Esq., Alessandra Mele Kara Noble, Lara Rudowski, Stacey Stearns

contributors Patti Crowther, Jane Dalal, Kathy Diemer, Kim Dore Holly Ely, Allison Forsyth, Raymond Hill, Jeanne Lewis Images

public relations & advertising sales Lara Rudowski . lara@connhorse.com . (860) 841-9070

reporters Sally L. Feuerberg . sally@connhorse.com . (203) 339-0357 Sarah Griffin . sarah@connhorse.com . (203) 560-4419 Linda Morton . linda@connhorse.com . (860) 822-3006

questions Main Office: info@connhorse.com, (413) 268-3302 (voice or text)

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.

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Your Letters To the Editor: Recently [July/August 2019 issue] an article was included in Connecticut Horse about our horse rescue [Sumner Brook Farm]. It was written so well and we were honored to be included in such a great publication. Thank you. Melissa Hill, Sumner Brook Farm, Middletown

Premium Quality Hay We provide consistent quality hay year after year! We’re hard-working professionals with generations of experience and knowledge in crop production and customer service to the benefit of you and your animals.

Small & Large Square Bales Large Round Bales . Wrapped Round Bales To the Editor: I’m so sorry I’ve been remiss in thanking Sally [Feuerberg] for the wonderful farm feature and for including us in Connecticut Horse. I couldn’t be happier with how it came out! Again, thanks, and stop by anytime you’re in the neighborhood!

Timothy . Timothy/Orchard Grass Orchard Grass/Alfalfa . Alfalfa Nutrient analysis of our hay is available!

Sharon Knies, Windhorse International, Bethlehem

Experience the benefits of our gentle therapy horses in our heated indoor arena this winter!

Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center, in Middletown, Connecticut, is accepting new participant applications for the winter session.

Services for children and adults include therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, field trips, and group specialty programs. The center is also seeking volunteers, a part-time instructor, and a draft-type horse 15.1 to 16.1 hands, 10 to 18 years old, with solid training, and in good health. Donation, free lease, and purchase will be considered. For more information, please call (860) 685-0008 ext. 1.

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Somers, CT pleasantviewfarmsinc.com (860) 698-2388 Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Prepare for a Connecticut Winter

Alessandra Mele

by Stephanie Sanders

or horse owners, every season has its challenges. In summer, pesky flies are an issue, along with sweltering temperatures. Spring brings boot-eating mud and those irritating no-see-ums. Autumn, the most favorable season for trail riding, has the fewest flaws, except, of course, it’s all too brief. Then there’s winter: frozen water, ice underfoot and -hoof, mounds of snow with nowhere to put it. Several years ago, a December ice storm caused extended power outages and many of us learned how to take care of our horses without electricity — no well water, no lights, no water heaters — for weeks. As you watch the temperatures slowly drop, awake to hoar frost on the early-morning pastures, and find yourself in pitch dark by the six o’clock evening feed, questions of winter barn management creep to the front of your mind. Planning ahead for the winter can go a long way to making your barn and your horses healthier. You’ll also have more time to enjoy those gorgeous winter days for riding your horse.

Winterizing the Barn In the Nutmeg State, where winter can seem never-ending, it’s essential that your barn be well stocked should you be snowed in. If you have room, store enough hay for the season. Hay is gener8

ally less expensive in summer, when you can buy it off the field, so stocking up will save you money as well as worry about whether you have enough hay to last through the current blizzard. Store hay in a clean, dry, and convenient area so when the snow falls, it’s easy to get to. Maintain enough grain for two weeks to avoid running out when you’re unable to dig out the truck and get to the feed store. Store a minimum of two weeks of bedding in a dry and easily accessible spot. Insulate aboveground piping with wrap-around insulation. Check electric pipe wraps used in previous winters for wear and tear and rodent damage. Remove temperature-sensitive liquids and medication and store in more suitable conditions to prevent damage. Declutter tack rooms, work areas, aisles, and indoor arenas by storing fans, fly spray, bathing equipment, fly sheets, and other warm-weather items for the winter. Check barn drains, pipes, and gutters to avoid potential problems. Clean the gutters so they are free of leaves and debris. Pack any holes in stall floors with fill so they don’t collect water and freeze, making for slippery footing and colder stalls. Stock up on some extra barn sup-

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

plies like double-end snaps, screw eyes, extra gate latches, and a short length of chain. In an emergency, you can use a length of chain and double-ended snaps to keep a gate closed until you can get it fixed. It’s also a good idea to have a few extra fence posts and rails or boards on hand in case a winter ice storm brings a tree down on your fence or your beaver-like horses chew through a rail or two. Put tire chains, snow blowers, and blades on your tractor before the first snow, not the morning after. Keep a can of silicone spray handy to coat the surfaces of metal parts to help prevent snow buildup and to lubricate chains. Drive markers into the ground on each side of the driveway and parking area before the ground freezes. Set up snow fencing where snow is likely to drift across driveways and paths. Place a bucket of sand and a shovel at each barn doorway. Create an emergency and winter storm plan. Flashlights, extra batteries, fuel for generators, car charger for your mobile phone, and battery-powered radio/weather radio are a few supplies to have on hand. Invest in a batterypowered headlamp to keep your hands free while performing chores during a power outage. Lastly, know your barn and indoor arena roof snow loads. To estimate the

Alessandra Mele

weight of snow on your roof, go to fema.gov and search for SNOW LOAD SAFETY GUIDE. It’s a thorough, easy-tounderstand PDF to help you avoid a collapsed roof.

Water We naturally monitor our horses’ water intake during the hot summer months, but some of us relax that vigilance during the winter. Getting enough water during cold weather is just as important as it is during a heat wave. Yes, horses need less water during the winter, and therefore drink less. However, often they drink too little. To counter that tendency, simply offer your horses warm water during the winter. There are correlations between decreased water consumption and fecal impaction colic. Increasing the amount of water a horse drinks is an easy and inexpensive way to keep the horse at the peak of health during the winter. A project completed at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center demonstrated that ponies, when offered either warm water or near-freezing water, drank 40 percent more warm water. This statistic remained constant whether the ponies were offered water that was kept warm constantly or the buckets were just filled with warm water twice daily. The ponies drank the most within three hours after feeding, or after the water buckets were refilled. At Pocketful of Ponies, during the coldest weather, I bring hot water in two-gallon containers to the barn after

feeding in the morning and in the evening — one in each hand. (Campingsupply stores stock containers of various sizes that are flexible and don’t crack in the cold. Each container has a cap, so water doesn’t splash onto your clothing on the way to the barn.) If you’re wondering how warm or cool to make the water, remember, if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t ask your horse to drink it. My horses will actually leave what’s left of their hay to come drink what I call “horse hot chocolate” — warm water. For a bucket filled with water outside while the horses are turned out, it helps to place a small rubber ball or two in the water — dog toys about the size of a tennis ball are good. They will float on top and keep the water moving so it doesn’t freeze as quickly.

Air Quality When you feel frozen solid no matter how many bulky layers you wrap yourself in, it’s tempting to close the barn up tight and smother your horse in fluffy blankets to make him cozy. Before you decide to shut out the cold, though, consider your horse’s needs — he may be more at ease in the elements than you think. Many of us think that if we’re cold, our horses must be cold too. Not necessarily so. Nature has provided horses with an effective thermal blanket in the form of a coat that increases in both length and density as the days grow shorter. In addition, horses can fluff out their coat in cold weather, and their

body heat warms the trapped air, creating a layer of insulation against the cold. Stalls and barns needn’t be heated — a horse’s body heat will do the trick. But be sure to eliminate drafts by sealing up cracks in the walls and windows in your horse’s stall. Horses in the wild will hunker down with their heads into a blizzard so that their rearward-growing outer coat isn’t ruffled, allowing the trapped air to escape, and a healthy herd will survive the most brutal temperatures. In a stall, however, drafts can whistle through at high speeds and from all directions, ruffling hair from odd angles and breaking the insulating benefits of the winter coat. However, don’t completely seal up the barn. An indication of poor barn ventilation is the smell of ammonia, especially in the morning, before doors and windows are swung open. Another is moisture buildup on the inside of windows. Good ventilation is always of the utmost importance for the health of your animals, even in the bitter cold. If your hay is stored above your horses in a loft, as you feed hay throughout the season, instead of emptying the hayloft from one end to the other, keep the hay more evenly stacked across the loft floor, giving some insulation to the horses below. Heated barns are an enticing option, but are generally an appropriate solution only for a large barn in which all horses are clipped and working. Horses are naturally happy and healthy in fresh cool air. A good solu-

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Alessandra Mele

tion for keeping your bones warm in between chores? Heat the tack room!

To Blanket or Not to Blanket That’s the question countless Nutmeg State horse owners ask themselves each fall. Horses simply don’t get as cold as we do in the same weather conditions that make us shiver and get out the insulated overalls. Although some horses have special requirements because of a thin coat or age-related internal thermostat problems, most are quite comfortable until the temperature dips below zero degrees Fahrenheit or the windchill is below zero. Your horse’s breed plays a big role in how much winter coat he grows. For example, a typical thin-skinned Thoroughbred who doesn’t grow much of a winter coat uses a lot of the energy he gets from his feed to keep himself warm. In this case, to save both your feed bill and overfeeding your horse in order to keep on sufficient winter weight, consider blanketing when temperatures (wind chill included) are lower than 25 to 20 degrees. Then there’s his pasture buddy of nondescript breeding, who come December turns into the abominable snowman with a coat so thick you could lose your hand in it: no need to blanket him at all. Aside from horses that have been clipped and those that need a winter blanket because they have an insufficient coat, many are blanketed by owners who simply want to provide their horses with that extra bit of warmth or protection from precipitation. If you decide to blanket your horse, 10

be sure to remove the blanket daily to check for blanket rub marks. It’s good to let your horse’s hair fluff up and let his skin “breathe.” At the very least, straighten the blanket and run your hand beneath it to make sure your horse isn’t sweating. Check your horse’s body condition frequently during the winter months, as a blanket and/or a thick winter coat can easily hide if he’s gaining or losing weight. Horses kept in pastures need a simple south-facing, three-sided shed for protection from the elements. The average horse, when not blanketed, will grow a sufficient winter coat, and will appreciate the freedom to go in and out of a run-in shed. At Pocketful of Ponies, the herd spends windy days and nights in the run-in shed, or if the wind direction is such that it makes the shed less comfortable, huddled near a stand of trees that acts as a wind block. When the air is calm, the horses are always out and about, even in the heaviest of snow; they seem to enjoy moving and investigating rather than standing in the shed. As the sun rises, they congregate in the shed’s open south side, soaking up the early morning sun, their coats fluffed out. Sunny mornings after breakfast are spent in front of the shed with the winter sun warming their coats as they lie down or enjoy a quick nap on their hooves. Clipping for appearances should be kept to a minimum, as a long coat and facial, ear, and fetlock hair form a barrier that protects the skin from the

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

snow and cold air. Fetlock hair also protects your horse from the sharp edges of ice-covered snow. If you ride frequently and your horse works up a sweat, it’s best to clip his body only in the areas covered by his blanket when he’s at rest.

Winter Feeding Feeding high-quality hay year-round is important, but it’s especially important in the winter months, as even the best barn ventilation can’t ease the chronic breathing problems many horses develop by inhaling moldy and dusty hay spores. Increase hay intake during especially cold days to fuel the horse’s inner furnace — the process of digesting fiber keeps him warm. Hay digests slowly, so constantly providing him with plenty of hay will have him generating heat longer. Slow feeders are an excellent solution here, as they enable a horse to feed on a controlled amount of hay all day long. There’s no need to increase the amount of grain in order to increase the number of calories: The horse processes grain quickly, and too much puts him at risk for colic and other digestive issues. He’ll do best with some extra hay to keep him busy, warm, and full. As you adjust your horse’s intake, keep an eye, or rather, a hand on his weight under his blanket or through his thick winter coat. Before I started feeding hay in small-hole hay bags and hay pillows 24/7 for my horses, I fed them extra

hay when the weather was brutally cold. The horses got extra hay morning and evening, and, when the wind was a factor, they received a supplementary feeding of hay at 10 p.m. to help them stay warm through the night. Now that the horses have hay 24/7, I don’t have to worry about them not having enough forage to keep warm, and with the small-hole hay bags, they all have maintained a healthy weight. Don’t forget the salt! Year-round free access salt is essential to meet a horse’s requirements for sodium. Your horse will self-regulate what his body requires to keep his electrolyte system in balance. Many horses have a difficult time acquiring enough salt from a salt block. These were invented for cattle, with their coarse tongues, not for horses. Offering both a white salt brick and free-choice loose salt will enable your horse to do what he does best: balance his natural chemistry.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise During the winter, leave your horse turned out as much as possible to ensure sufficient digestive stimulation. You won’t be endangering his health in other ways, as a horse in good condition with a heavy winter coat or adequate

blanketing and access to windbreaks can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. Staying consistent with turnout is a virtually impossible task when the weather begins to change; any schedule you developed in the warm months will be thrown to the blustering wind. Checking the weather obsessively, you debate whether to leave the horse in for the day or risk him getting caught in a freak blizzard. Unpredictable and unforgiving weather inevitably cuts down on outside playtime, but it’s important to get your horse outside whenever you can. Regular exercise will invigorate your horse’s appetite, tone his muscles, increase lung and heart capacity, and help develop reflexes and coordination. Safety is always the first thing to keep in mind. If the ground is frozen and slippery, don’t attempt a full workout. Riding in fluffy snow, however, can be fun and a good workout for both of you. Using a longe line is usually a good way to get your horse moving. Just a few laps out on the line will get his blood circulating and muscles working. Even hand-walking around the farm is better than no movement at all, especially if you have some good hills to tackle.

Provide some sort of shelter: It’s your horse’s ultimate defense against the wind, snow, sleet, and rain. A run-in shed in the pasture will enable your horse to take cover when he needs it. A run-out paddock that still gives him access to his stall is an excellent setup, one that gives him the freedom to go out in the weather or to stay in, where it’s dry. If your situation doesn’t include an effective shelter, be wary of turning out your horse when the forecast is for threatening weather if you won’t be home to bring him in should the need arise. Sometimes keeping a horse inside for a day is the safe thing to do. Regularly allowing horses to play in moderately soft footing will likely minimize problems that could occur when they’re turned out in deep snow. Horses that are given ample exercise are mentally content, and rarely develop vices such as pawing, stall kicking, and wood chewing. Make sure your horse is staying active out in his pasture or paddock as well, not just planting himself in front of a hay feeder all day. Create paths through deep snow for him to walk along, and feed hay along a track by setting heaps/slow feeders at a distance from one another. This will encourage

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

him to wander from pile to pile, almost like when he’s grazing.

Barefoot or Shod? Winter hoof care is largely dependent on what your horse’s activity level is going to be. If he wears shoes and you’re not going to do much riding, farriers usually recommend removing a horse’s shoes in the winter — that is, if the hoof conformation allows for it. Going barefoot provides increased circulation to the hooves, which in turn produces stronger, healthier hooves. Going barefoot is good for a healthy horse, and will be a little easier on your wallet. If your horse is shod throughout the winter months, borium studs welded onto the shoe for traction and snow pads, which keep the snow from balling up in the shoe, are common winter shoeing solutions. Hooves collect snow and ball up with regular shoes without snow pads because snow melts from the warmth of the hoof and refreezes to the steel.

Barefoot horses normally lose the snow and ice that gets trapped in their hooves because there's nothing to freeze to; however some snow and ice create the perfect storm where the snow balls up in barefoot horses. Be careful bringing your horse into the barn after being outside. Snowballed hooves are very slippery. Preferably, dig out the snow at the barn door prior to entering.

Dressing for a Winter Ride There’s something special about being out in the woods and cantering across snow-covered fields in the winter. Don’t let Mother Nature chase you inside when the temperatures drop and there’s snow on the ground. It takes only the right clothes and the right attitude to get yourself outside and mentally jazzed during the long and frosty Connecticut winter months. You can still take those long trail rides with your horse and your friends. It’s simply a matter of dressing right to stay toasty warm and comfortable.

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Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

When dressing for winter riding, be aware that cold weather requires considerable care in dressing. Heat loss is not stopped by clothing. Instead, the clothing will trap the heat generated by the body and slow down its loss to the environment. Wool is still one of the best insulators and, unlike most other materials, it retains much of its insulating properties even when wet. The secret to staying warm is to use loose layers of clothing, leaving lots of room for air pockets to trap heat where it’s wanted. Never underestimate the penetrating power of the cold, especially when your body is not strenuously working its muscles, such as when you’re on a leisurely trail ride. So, layer, layer, layer! First, you’ll need to put a thin, nonabsorbent layer next to your skin to avoid chilling yourself if you sweat. Synthetics such as acrylic, Lycra, and polar fleece and natural fibers such as wool work just fine for your first layers. Whatever you do, don’t wear blue jeans. Don’t wear cotton outside in winter; keep it for lounging by the fire. Cotton tends to absorb sweat and moisture and clings to the body, robbing you of precious body heat and giving you the chills. If you want to be an active rider year-round, invest in silk or polypropylene long underwear. Next, cover your thinner, inner layers, top and bottom, with one or more bulkier layers. Think insulation and you’ll get it right. In addition, this layer should have a streamlined (not tight) fit. A wool or acrylic-blend sweater, or, better yet, thick and toasty polar fleece does the trick. Polar fleece is nonabsorbent and keeps you dry. The key words regarding outer layers of clothing are windproof, waterproof, and breathable. Gortex, Thinsulate, or a similar outer shell is excellent. You’ll want to have pants as well as a jacket. Some snowmobile suits are lightweight enough to be flexible for horseback riding. As with other winter riding clothes, avoid cotton outer shells, even those that are treated with water-repellent material. Snow may land on you, and when it melts, it can soak down through the layers and chill you to the bone. Because of the need to manipulate reins, gloves are typically better than mittens, and you can always pack more than one pair in your saddlebags or in

your pockets in case the first pair gets wet. Look for gloves that are insulated and waterproof. Wool or synthetic-blend socks will make you so much more comfortable than cotton. You can also buy thin silk or polypropylene socks to wear under an outer, wool pair. Don’t cram your feet into boots, however. Layer but don’t overdo it, as overlayering can impair circulation and actually make you colder. Your riding helmet alone isn’t enough cold-weather protection for your head. Approximately 30 percent of one’s body heat can be lost through the head. The neck is also a place of easy heat loss, so keep that scarf on as well and wear a turtleneck. Consider buying winter headwear accessories designed specifically for the winter rider that go over a riding helmet. If you don’t want to make the investment, simply put your scarf over your helmet and ears and tie it under your chin. Then both your head and neck are protected from winter cold. Dressing appropriately for winter weather conditions gives you the chance to watch frosty blue skies and a winter sun turn the snow a dazzling white, or a plump gray sky full of snow clouds burst forth with flakes the size of silver dollars dusting and covering you and your horse as they fall. It’s a fabulous experience. So bundle up, tack up, get out, and enjoy winter. IN THE MORNING after a heavy snowstorm, take pleasure in the gentle sound of your horse’s hooves packing the snow as he greets you at the gate for breakfast. The sight of a horse rolling in the snow for a bath in the flakes brings a smile: he’ll leave behind loose hair and dirt — a special snow angel — and his coat will sparkle and shine. When he leaps up with a happy squeal and a lively buck, what better proof that your winter efforts have paid off? Stephanie is the publisher of Connecticut Horse and Massachusetts Horse. A lifelong horsewoman, she’s been a riding instructor; a breeding manager at an 80-horse Arabian farm where she foaled out mares, collected stallions, and administered the vaccination and deworming programs; and has had her own farm for more than 25 years. She lives in the foothills of the Berkshires on the 12-acre Pocketful of Ponies Farm.

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Trail Guide Hamden

Sleeping Giant State Park

Stacey Stearns

it that the sleeping giant was an evil spirit. When he lay down for a nap, a good spirit cast a spell on him, and he’s been there ever since. Sleeping Giant State Park opened in 1924 and is a popular destination. The 1,200-acre park offers a short trek to nature for many urban residents. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) manages the park, with support from the Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA). SGPA formed in 1924. Dedicated trail crews volunteer every Sunday morning, and organize hikes on numerous Sunday afternoons. There are more than 30 miles of trails in the park maintained by SGPA. The trails were built between 1957 to 1960, thanks to the efforts of Norman Greist and Richard Elliott. SGPA grooms the trails to have the “get away from it all” feeling.

History of the Sleeping Giant A four-story stone lookout tower at the top of the Sleeping Giant range is definitely worth a trip back to the park without your horse. From the top you can see Long Island Sound and the New Haven area. You can walk the 1.6-mile road up to the tower from the main parking area, and climb the ramp up to the top. The Works Progress/Projects Administration (WPA) and the Civilian 14

entrance is across from Quinnipiac University. Horse trailers aren’t allowed to park at the main entrance, but I did stop long enough to pick up a map. There are pull-offs along the side of Chestnut Lane, a dead end road, and Tuttle Avenue, that horse trailers can use. There isn’t a lot of space, so arrive early

Conservation Corps (CCC) built the road and tower in 1937. Both were Depression-era programs under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. DEEP renovated the tower in 1989. Thirteen cottages once dotted the mountaintop. They were later torn down and some of the stones were used

to build part of the tower. The remains of one cabin can be found on the White Trail, a hiking trail that runs along the right side of the sleeping giant’s body. There was an active quarry in the park in the 1920s and ‘30s. You can see the remains of the quarry and structures where the railroad cars were loaded on the hiking trail near the giant’s head and main entrance. It goes without saying that Sleeping Giant is rocky. Your horse will appreciate shoes or hoof protection/boots. The park was devastated by a tornado on May 15, 2018, and reopened to the public on June 14, 2019. Most of the damage was to the trails on the backside of the park, where the U Trail, the park’s only equestrian trail, is located. Approximately 2,000 trees came down during the tornado. SGPA led the cleanup efforts to reopen the park. Trees and limbs are still feeling the effects of the tornado. Use caution when out on the trails, as some trees were weakened by the tornado, and may fall down unexpectedly. Several incidents of falling limbs and trees in the section along Tuttle Avenue and River Road were reported in late summer.

A Leg Up For the main entrance, take Route 10 to Mount Carmel Avenue. The park

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Stacey Stearns

ount Carmel in Hamden is two miles long and stretches along the skyline with a shape resembling a sleeping giant. It’s visible from New Haven harbor. The giant lies on his back, with feet pointing east, the head to the west, and the chin as the high point. Native American legend has

Peter J. Gherlone

by Stacey Stearns

and park strategically. Tuttle Avenue is a better choice for horse trailers. We parked on Chestnut Lane, near the second access point to the U Trail, just beyond the main access point and brown DEEP sign. Both Chestnut Lane and Tuttle Avenue have access to the U Trail. There are no amenities at either of these locations. Bring water for your horse. Other recreational uses at Sleeping Giant include youth group camping, stream fishing — it’s a trout management area — hiking, picnic areas, and a nature trail. It’s also a popular winter destination for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. The cross-country skiers use all of the trails marked X that you see while riding the horse trail. We only saw one other trail user on our ride on a perfect Sunday afternoon.

Out Riding It The U Trail needs to be ridden as an out-and-back since it’s the only trail for horses. We rode the short section from the parking area, down to the lower section of Chestnut Lane, before riding the section along Tuttle Avenue. When you reach the circle trail at the second parking area on Tuttle Avenue, you’ll need to turn around, and head back to your trailer. Or, if you park on Tuttle Avenue, turn around and head back when you get to Chestnut Lane.

We were out for a few hours exploring the trails. Despite the fact that it’s an out-and-back trail, I consulted the map frequently while riding, and was glad to have it. The U Trail is technical in places, with narrow sections and inclines. There are some steep and gravelly sections of trail where you’ll need to use caution, as footing is tricky. Evidence of the extensive damage from the tornado was visible throughout our ride. What was even more astounding, however, is the amount of work SGPA volunteers have done to clean up the trails. In places, the trail has been rerouted to accommodate the destruction and ongoing cleanup from the tornado. “The volunteers did a phenomenal job opening the trails back up after the tornado,” says Christel Maturo of North Haven, the Connecticut Horse Council Volunteer Horse Patrol Coordinator for Sleeping Giant. “Another ride option is to go down River Road instead of up the mountain. You can ride the Hamden Conservancy that connects to the Cheshire DiDominicis trails. It’s a really nice trail system that our group tries to keep clear for riding.” “If you were interested in a really long ride, we have parking permission from police and neighbors for trailer parking on Pine Brook Court in Cheshire,” says Christel. “From there it’s a short distance to DiDominicis, the Hamden Conservancy, and Sleeping Giant. If riding on a Saturday you might skip riding the U Trail and go to Wentworth’s for ice cream. On the way back there is a lesser known trail that skirts along the bottom of the giant.” The U Trail in Sleeping Giant runs parallel to an equestrian farm, and as we approached the farm on our ride, there was a narrow wooden bridge over a small stream. Don’t ride the horses over the bridge; it’s only meant for hikers. Crossing through the stream is safer. There were some massive trees in the woods that were probably more than one hundred years old. We found some orange mushrooms growing on a couple of smaller trees; their color matched my mare’s chestnut-orange mane. Several stone walls crisscrossed the woods, evidence of the agricultural fields that once dominated the area. At one point on the U Trail, we rode down a hill and then alongside the Blue Hills Farm apple orchard, visible through the

woods. We could see the apples cheerfully adorning the trees. On the way back to the trailer, an entire crew, along with a tractor and a wagon, was out harvesting the apples. Sleeping Giant State Park is steeped with history and miles of trails for Nutmeg State residents to explore. The dedication of the SGPA volunteers allows us all to enjoy the area. Happy trails! Stacey Stearns, a lifelong equestrian from Connecticut, enjoys trail riding and endurance with her Morgan horses.

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Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Horseperson Feature

Sterling

Ron and Doris Bouchard by Lara Rudowski

Equissage New England-New York

“I was riding Paso Finos, and I had an awesome stallion,” says Ron. “It was the third year I had been riding. I went to the [Paso Fino Horse Association Grand] National Championship Show in North Carolina and won fifth in the Pleasure Stallion class out of seventytwo horses.” Unlike Ron, Doris had a love for horses since childhood, but didn’t ride or have a horse of her own until she was an adult. She grew up in Germany and followed a very different career path when she moved to the States.

Fino mare in foal and wanted to learn more about the breed, so her farrier suggested she talk to Ron. Ron trained Doris’s mare, Indiana Mako, and later her filly, during which he and Doris formed a life partnership. Doris shared her interest in pursuing equine massage with Ron and eventually, the two connected with well-known professionals in the field and enrolled in the Equissage program in 2005. Doris also enrolled in a two-year human massage program the same year. Being a licensed, certified, human massage thera-

Sterling, administer the Equissage Equine Sport Massage Certification Program in New England and New York. Both are graduates of the Equissage program. Doris and Ron, certified by Mary Schreiber, founder of Equissage, are instructors for the Equissage curriculum in Equine Sports Massage Therapy. For a couple so deeply attuned to horses, Ron and Doris spent much of their earlier lives distanced from any interaction with them. “I was deathly afraid of horses until I was 50 years old,” Ron says. A minor childhood accident steered him far away from horses. His daughters were both passionate equestrians since their youth, but despite their support, Ron hadn’t overcome his fear. It was only after his retirement from AT&T that the switch completely flipped for Ron. He was dating a woman who was into horses and he bought seven horses! “I figured I had seven horse and I couldn’t let them sit there so I started to ride them,” says Ron.

“I came [to the United States] and I was going to be a foreign correspondent,” says Doris. She worked for a large international company in the Northeast, but never lost sight of her dream to bring horses into her life. In 1983, Doris found a place in Rhode Island where she could keep a horse and her daughter took the initiative. “My daughter said, ‘Why don’t you buy me a horse?’ So, we bought a pony,” says Doris, laughing. “I’ve owned horses ever since.” In 2004, when the company she worked for hopped states, Doris left her job. “That’s what sparked the idea [of equine massage],” says Doris. “Now that I was out of the corporate world, I wanted to do something more with horses. All it took was reading an article about massage and I thought, ‘I can do that!’ ” Ron and Doris met through their mutual admiration and ownership of Paso Finos. Doris had bought a Paso

pist helps her balance the horse and rider team. Upon certification, the couple practiced and gained experience by providing free massage sessions to horses at a therapeutic riding center. While there, Ron and Doris landed their first paying customer, and from there the business grew by word of mouth. In 2008, Ron and Doris purchased the New England-New York division of Equissage and earned special certification to teach the Equissage curriculum. “We schedule our courses so adults who are working can fit in our classes on weekends,” says Ron. Doris and Ron apply the program’s general massage methods, as well as their own developed healing techniques, in every client visit. “There are so many other modalities that we use in conjunction with the Equissage techniques,” Ron says. “We do myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. I’m a

Lara Rudowski

ouch heals, restores, and strengthens both the body and mind. For horses, the powerful benefits of touch, specifically those practiced in equine bodywork, are no different. As the oldest equine massage school in the country, Equissage, with its main educational facility based in Virginia, teaches the fundamentals of sports massage therapy in a comprehensive, one-week course of intense, hands-on studies. Ron and Doris Bouchard, owners of Equissage New England-New York in

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Reiki practitioner and Doris is a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner. We use bits and pieces of everything we’ve learned every time we’re working with horses. There’s one thing we both always come back to — the fundamental massage technique. We agree that Equissage is the best place we could have started.” Two years ago, Ron developed his own unique method of tension approach. “I call it the Upper-Suspension Release,” says Ron. “If you have a horse that’s not in balance, you can create that balance by shifting whatever is not working correctly between the left and right side. By drawing attention to these points, the blood flows to this area and helps keep the muscle healthy and relaxed at the same time.” Through very soft contact, Ron uses the method to balance body parts, such as the shoulders and pelvis. “I kept experimenting and I’ve found that lighter pressures, softer touches, work best.”

“The average horse who gets regular bodywork, we see them thrive, we see them do well, and leading a good life.” Doris Bouchard

At the idyllic, peaceful Fair Winds Farm in Woodbridge, Peter and Kathy LaTronica, owners of Lock, Stock, and Barrel in Bethany, have both witnessed the incredible benefits their horses have gained from monthly massage sessions with Ron and Doris. “[Ron and Doris] have a very mindful approach,” says Peter. “They don’t rush, they’re not forcing the horse to do something it isn’t ready to do. They’re persistent, but they go with the horse’s speed. The horses need to come to the table on their own.” Ron and Doris meet each horse where that horse is in the moment. Peter and Kathy’s four horses receive generalized full bodywork, as well as techniques focused on each individual horse’s needs and trouble spots. Hobie, a sweet-tempered, former show pony was brought home by Peter and Kathy after suffering from a severe fracture on his front left leg — narrowly escaping euthanasia. In the years since, under Peter and Kathy’s care, Hobie has made incredible progress. The patient, gentle muscle work Ron and Doris provide further helps strengthen Hobie’s leg and improve his well-being.

“It’s definitely helped with range of motion and with getting some of the muscles softer, but also just to be able to approach him,” says Kathy. “Hobie went through a traumatic experience and he wasn’t sure he liked humans anymore. In the beginning, Ron and Doris had a hard time because Hobie would be very reserved and he’d walk off after five minutes. Now that guy loves it. He’s changed emotionally too.” Peter and Kathy both appreciate the open mindedness Ron and Doris bring to each session. “They’re willing to explore new things and see what benefits can come out of it,” says Peter. “The horses are much more comfortable,” Kathy says on the changes she feels during her ride. “If they were ‘sticky’ going to a certain side, you can feel that’s been released and they’re a lot freer to move. “Equine massage is just another modality, something in your toolbox to help the animals,” she says. Doris and Ron both emphasize that massage therapy practices are no substitute for veterinary care but can provide alternative healing benefits to injuries or conditions. “Some things can be corrected without medications,” says Doris. “If it’s muscle related, a pain or muscle-related issue may become behavioral. Once you correct that, it takes a little longer to get the behavior to normalize and to get over a bad experience, but once the pain is gone, the horses are pretty much back to their old selves in terms of moving and doing their job.” On their own small farm, Ron and Doris have two horses, a Paso Fino and an Arabian, that they enjoy taking out for leisurely rides. Doris admits that her attention is mainly focused on horses but she’s also passionate about practicing yoga daily. “The practice of yoga helps me balance body, mind, and beyond,” says Doris. Ron breaks up his day with another enjoyable pastime. “I build and fly radio-controlled airplanes,” says Ron. “It’s rewarding and it gets you in a different frame of mind and teaches you a little bit about patience.” But he’s quick to add, “I like working on the farm, I like having horses around,” and Doris echoes in agreement. Every day, their work offers them a deeper understanding of the positive effects massage and other therapeutic modalities have on horses of every age, performance level, and state of health.

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DawnBonin.com . BabcockHill.com There’s a wonderful connection between the couple and their equine clients, all of whom are treated with tremendous affection and care. The calm that radiates from Ron and Doris helps make their sessions so effective. “The most rewarding thing to me is to see the wellness,” says Doris. “There are illnesses that you can’t heal, but you can still take some of the stress and tension away. The average horse who gets regular bodywork, we see them thrive, we see them do well, and leading a good life.” “For me,” says Ron, “it’s going in and looking at a horse and identifying a few things that aren’t right, making recommendations to the owner, which they follow, and you see the horse change. His eyes are bright, he’s alert, and paying attention to what you’re doing. You walk in, you just put your hand out, and he walks into your hand — that’s success.” Singer/songwriter Lara Rudowski enjoys performing, spending hours at her piano composing, and writing stories and spoken-word poetry. She can often be found, camera in hand, at equestrian events capturing her love of horses and riding since childhood.

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Lend a Hoof

Sharon

The Equus Effect Giving Veterans a Helping Hoof

by Sally L. Feuerberg

he picturesque town of Sharon is tucked in the northwest corner of Connecticut. Within its borders lies The Equus Effect, a special organization dedicated to helping military veterans who have returned to civilian life with skills and tools designed to give them a ‘leg up’ on their journey home. Its mission is to help these veterans build healthy, authentic relationships at home, work, and school through purposeful engagement with horses. The vision of the

Learning. David is the program director, a senior instructor, and a licensed clinical social worker with a practice in New York City and Stamford.

Origin of The Equus Effect In the early 2000s, Jane and David apprenticed with Linda Kohanov, author of The Tao of Equus and founder of Eponaquest Worldwide in Amado, Arizona. “Jane and I met through that program and had a strong sense that we were of like mind,” says David.

Jane organization is laudable: “To realize a country where veterans have the opportunity to enjoy the physical, mental, and emotional freedom they were willing to give their lives to protect.” The farm is perfectly situated on 65 acres, 55 of which are part of a conservation easement. On the day of my visit, the vibrant colors of autumn are peaking and the hills are rich with color. There are two run-in sheds in the pasture below this idyllic backdrop. From this vantage point, it looks as though nature herself skillfully planned the farm’s entire composition. To the right is a four-stall barn with an ample aisleway. The shadows generated by the balance of clouds and sun gently frame the entrance, welcoming visitors and friends. It’s the quintessential location for human and horse to reflect, recover, and move forward. Jane Strong and David Sonatore are the organization’s cofounders. Jane is a senior instructor, an Eponaquest Equine Experiential Learning Instructor, and a Path International Equine Specialist in Mental Health and 18

on learning how to thrive rather than simply survive, expanding both human and animal consciousness/potential. “Based on our observations and positive feedback from individuals, executives, and groups who were trying to get ‘unstuck’ from issues that were holding them back, we believed that the same would be true for veterans,” says Jane. “Our feeling was, and still is, that vets are trained into patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that don’t work in civilian life,” Jane says. “We also

David “We felt the applications were endless, but were both shocked and moved by the reported suicide rates of our country’s servicemen and women — twenty-two per day. While initially daunting, we felt strongly that the effectiveness of our work that we had witnessed thus far could make an important difference with this population,” David explains. “But we knew we were going to have to craft a different approach from anything that yet existed. We started from the ground up, with the veteran experience in mind.” Both Jane and David’s fathers served in World War II, so each had a deep understanding of the repercussions that military service can have on relationships at home, work, school, and in the community. They based their program in part on what they’d learned at Eponaquest, a program created by a multi-disciplinary educational organization where humans, horses, and other animals are supported in co-creating a new way of being, one that emphasizes authenticity, collaboration, and experimentation. The program’s emphasis is

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

believed that working with our horses could address the guilt and remorse vets feel — about the things they have seen, done, or left undone — because a horse responds to the individual who stands before him or her right now, rather than the ‘stories’ the person thinks they have become. We knew that if we could help vets make distinctions among their emotions, set healthy boundaries, and become adept at self-management, we could help them become successful, contributing members of their families and communities. We were right.” “Horses are prey animals and thus, highly sensitive to their environments,” says Jane. “Like warriors, they know that things can change for the worse in a moment. Those of us who know horses can attest to this. They’re not sure why we’re afraid of them, but they’re very sure that we can be unpredictable. A horse’s sense of self-preservation is triggered and prone to being misunderstood. This is very meaningful to the veterans. “Rather than trying to appease us no matter what, we have to gain their trust by becoming trustworthy.”

A Closer Look at the Program Presently, there are four horses in the program and participants, upon beginning their sessions, are generally asked which horse they are drawn to. Dutch Boy Paint is a 20-year-old Arabian Pinto gelding. He’s been with Jane since 2008 and officially joined The Equus Effect in 2013. His classic Arabian head and soulful eyes reveal his intelligence. Tango is a 16-year-old Quarter Horse Paint gelding. At 16 hands, he exemplifies a combination of strength and finesse. Doc Holiday is new with the program this year. He’s a nine-year-old Quarter Horse gelding whose previous skills included reining and barrel racing. Babe is a substantial European Belgian and the only mare in this cohesive herd. Babe and her herd mates have become the program’s most important resources. “Our horses are well adjusted, happy with their jobs, and live in herds,” says Jane. “The farm affords them both the space and time needed to play, decompress, and thrive.” Interacting with the horses both inside and outside of the farm’s round pen, Jane explains some of the tools used in their work with clients. “We incorporate a lot of natural horsemanship training and a lot of attention to, and education in, nonverbal communication,” Jane says. “These tools are valuable to those of us, especially veterans, who aren’t clear about how we come across to others. We teach something called Minimum Essential Pressure, a term coined by my friend Peggy Gilmer in Washington. [Minimum Essential Pressure is the practice of starting with or introducing as little pressure as you need and then proceeding with a higher application if deemed necessary to achieve the desired result: ask, request, demand.] “We also teach the importance of congruence [harmony] and how to raise one’s level of intensity in increments so that we get what we want without having to apologize later for our actions.” David and Jane have built the program around four principles: • Resonance – because of their orientation to life and inherent exposure to physical threat in the environment, veterans and horses share many adaptive worldviews. • Connection – the horse/human connection serves as an uncomplicated and nonjudgmental bridge toward rebuilding trust. • Collaboration – putting resonance and connection into action for trustbased leadership skill development.

• Tools for Resilience – tools derived from psycho-education and experiential learning foster changes that are directly applicable to real-life situations and relationships.” The Equus Effect employs the following practices in order to support these principles: • Experiential Learning – exercises that teach through action. • Experiential Learning with Horses – exercises and activities that involve immediate feedback from the horses so that learning (and change) take place in real time. • Natural Horsemanship Techniques all activities are designed to demonstrate and convey finesse versus force, collaboration versus control, boundaries versus barriers, and the efficient power of nonverbal communication skills. These methods of intervention work to increase a veteran’s self-awareness as well as the ability to recognize and describe the impact his or her military experience has had on their lives after service. “We typically serve six to eight vets at a time for five weeks,” says David. The vets use what they’ve learned throughout the course of each week and return the following week reporting places where things were helpful or more challenging. This establishes an integration process that allows vets to practice applications of what they’re learning, so by week five, they’re successfully applying these new skills to their lives at home, work, and school.”

Horses Are Making a Difference Veterans, both men and women, from all branches and military experiences have benefitted from the program. Mike is a Vietnam vet. “I was telling one of my sons yesterday that I have to come up here, today and he said, ‘I’m glad you’re going. There’s such a big difference in you!’ You know it made me feel good to see that I’m moving forward,” Mike says. Chris has served in Iraq. “Two years ago, I really began to succumb to my mental injuries,” says Chris. “There were a lot of isolated and dark lonely days with no direction and then going to the VA and seeking help, and then coming through programs like this. Realizing that there’s more out there. These horses just show me that there’s love, there’s compassion, there’s everything, acceptance. If I can do that with myself, then I can project my inner self

or my inner calmness to other things instead of feeding the chaos.” Chris told Jane that the military had given him a lot of things to die for, but this program had given him a lot of things to live for. “If had three wishes,” Jane says, “the first and the most important would be that every veteran, every man and woman who comes home from service in the military, has a chance to really come home, so that they can just enjoy the freedom that they raised their hand and said ‘I give my life to protect.’ “The second wish is that civilians would understand how important and meaningful this is, to provide veterans with more than medical treatment, more than counselling, to give them a chance to practice being in civilian life because it’s very foreign to them. “My third wish is that everyone would realize the gifts that horses have to offer to us as human beings.” To lend a hoof, visit theequuseffect.org. 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.

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Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Farm Feature

Wilton by Sally L. Feuerberg

Possibilities Farm

Partnering with Horses to Bring Out the Best In Humans

arrie Brady owns and manages Possibilities Farm, a unique sanctuary for horses and humans nestled in the secluded woods of Wilton. You can’t see it from the road, but once you arrive, it’s clear that the location of the farm is intentional, away from the noises, busyness, and distractions of daily life. The moment you step out of your vehicle, you can feel the tranquility

and whatever was troubling me seemed to melt away. I was convinced if everyone could have this experience, the world would be a happier place. I wanted to create a farm where people could experience the bliss of just being with these amazing beings.” Carrie’s passionate about helping people rediscover their unique strengths and gifts and awaken new pos-

an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and by the Equine Experiential Education Association (EEA), where she now serves as a member of the board.

What’s In a Name? “[We] Humans are often our own worst enemies because we create roadblocks for ourselves, unnecessarily limit our

Carrie & Paddington

Mere

Paddington of the place, an extension of the calming energy one experiences upon meeting Carrie as she welcomes visitors to her home. There are horses peacefully grazing on the hill behind the barn, a structure that looks like it was strategically placed to anchor the property, providing stability and balance. Carrie is in her element here, and is eager to share the story of her lifelong dream that found expression in the creation of Possibilities Farm in 2016. “The original idea came to me long before I had spent any time with horses,” says Carrie. “My mother had a special tablecloth and once a year would embroider a picture drawn by each of her children on it. The year I turned five, I drew my barn. I knew then that I was going to live and work with horses someday. “Later, when I had the opportunity to take some riding lessons, I stayed at the barn as long as I could. I always felt at peace with the horses no matter what was going on in my life and would happily do barn chores for hours just for the pleasure of being there. Being with the horses put everything in perspective 20

sibilities in their personal and professional lives. She consciously created Possibilities Farm to retain all of the magic and wonder of childhood, combined with the most powerful transformational tools gained in her professional roles as an attorney, executive, consultant, and teaching artist. Carrie’s an educator, not a therapist, known for her engaging and experiential workshops and presentations, as well as her creative approaches to support learning and problem-solving. She’s led national and international efforts to improve healthcare, has served as an instructor and a volunteer in New Canaan Mounted Troop’s Supertroopers therapeutic equine care program, and is a trained Reiki master. Carrie’s able to draw on these diverse experiences to customize programs for clients of a wide range of ages, backgrounds, goals, and abilities. Carrie’s education includes a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University, a Master of Arts in Sociology, and a Patient Safety Leadership Fellowship. She’s certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) as

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

options, and sacrifice our dreams,” Carrie says. “That’s why the farm is called Possibilities Farm. The horses help us quiet our minds so we can hear our hearts, believe in ourselves, and see new possibilities in our lives. “Horses have so much wisdom to offer humans. They see right through our facades, straight to our hearts and souls. They’re nonjudgmental, fully present, completely authentic, and invite us to be the same. As prey animals, horses are highly perceptive. They sense our heart rate, respiration, emotions, and intentions, and they know if we are behaving in accordance with the way our body feels. “Horses respond immediately to subtle changes that the humans around us may not recognize and from there, horses help build confidence in humans,” Carrie says. “I’ve learned that horses understand much more than we imagine and are exceptional communicators if we pay attention. Horses also know how to balance their energy; they are very alert and can respond immediately to a perceived threat but once the threat is over, they will return to quietly grazing.”

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At the farm, Carrie offers retreats, workshops, and presentations, as well as creative approaches to support learning and problem solving. Partnering with one or more of its four horses, the farm offers clients custom designed personal retreat sessions. Some of the program themes include thriving in transition, peace and relaxation, full body mind-

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fulness, achieving personal and professional goals, self-care, and joy. Meditation and Reiki classes and sessions are also available, including equine-assisted Reiki, meditation/horse wisdom circles, energy sharing circles, and Reiki certification programs. There are even Powerful Play opportunities in which clients can dance, drum, stretch, do yoga, or create intuitive art, all achieved in the presence, and in their own distinctive way, in alliance with Carrie’s equine coworkers. I have to admit, I was intrigued, fascinated, and excited to meet these coworkers. Substantial sliding barn doors open to a generous vestibule located in front of two large stalls and a smaller enclosure that doubles as a differently abled accessible entry to the back paddocks. As Carrie closed the door behind us, she unlatched one of the stall doors into the vestibule. Out came Paddington and Moon, two of the most good-natured Miniature Horses I’ve ever met. They greeted Carrie first and there was an obvious connection with Carrie, clearly the benevolent matriarch of this cohesive little herd. When finished, both Minis calmly ambled to

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

where I was standing. Paddington moved the barrel of his body right up to my side and introduced himself in a way that seemed to say, “Welcome to my home.” The beautiful Moon had a quiet elegance about him, with his lush white mane caressing his neck, and his long forelock gently falling between his ears. Paddington travels with Carrie in a specially designed transport and is available to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and community functions. “It’s like bringing the farm to you!” says Carrie. “He’s a great traveler, loves new adventure, and brings joy wherever we go.” It was time to meet the rest of Carrie’s herd, Sweet Potato and Mere. As Paddington and Moon returned to grazing in their paddock, Sweet Potato, a 20-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, and Mere, a 16-year-old Holsteiner mare, came into the barn together. Potato entered first with Mere right behind him. Potato immediately came cover and lowered his head into my hands as I reached out for him. The serenity I felt from this gentle creature was calming. Mere waited her turn to greet me and she, too, embodied an continued on page 39 . . .

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Above the Bar

A Dog Bit Someone at My Barn — Am I Liable?

by Sean T. Hogan, Esq.

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

ogs seem to be an integral part of barn life, whether it’s a client bringing her dog to the barn while she rides, or a trainer who keeps her dogs at the barn during the course of her daily work. I would bet that most participants in equestrian sports have either come in contact with and/or observed dogs in a farm setting. Although most dogs are well behaved, on occasion, either due to their nature or in response to their environment, dogs may not always act in a manner we believe to be consistent with its typical behavior. This raises two very important liability questions for the farm owner.

First, What’s my liability if my dog bites someone or damages someone’s property while at my barn? Second, What’s my liability if a client’s or employee’s dog bites someone or damages a third party’s property while at my farm? Connecticut’s “dog bite” statute contains in part, “If any dog does any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or, if the owner or keeper is a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for the amount of such damage, except when such damage has been occasioned to the body or property of a person who, at the time such damage was sustained, was committing a trespass or other tort, or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing such dog. If a minor, on whose behalf an action under this section is brought, was under seven years of age at the time such damage was done, it shall be pre-

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

sumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing such dog, and the burden of proof thereof shall be upon the defendant in such action.” Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-357. The dog bite statute is one of strict liability. Strict liability is liability without fault, meaning that the dog owner or keeper is liable for any and all injuries or damages caused by his or her dog, and the burden of proof would be on the owner to show that the injured party was either a trespasser or had incited the dog to attack. Regarding the first question proffered above, What’s my liability if my dog bites someone or damages someone’s property at my barn?, the trainer or farm owner would be responsible, pursuant to the statute, for any and all damages or injuries caused by his or her dog, if it were to bite someone and/or damage someone’s property.

A more complicated issue arises in the second question proffered above, What’s my liability if a client’s or employee’s dog bites someone or damages a third party’s property while at my farm? Applying the same statute in this instance, the trainer’s or farm owner’s liability would depend on whether or not they were considered a “keeper” of the dog. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22327 (6), a “keeper” is defined as “any person, other than the owner, harboring or having in his possession any dog . . . to harbor a dog is to afford lodging, shelter, or refuge to it.” Falby v. Zarembski, 221 Conn. 14, 19, 602 A.2d1 (1992). Consider the case of Auster v. Norwalk United Methodist Church, 286 Conn. 152, 943 A.2d 391 (2008). In this matter, the plaintiff (Auster) sued the defendant (Norwalk United Methodist Church) for injuries suffered as a result of a dog bite from a dog owned by the defendant’s employee. The plaintiff’s contention was that the defendant harbored the employee’s dog because the employee was a live-in employee of the defendant, not a tenant, and the defendant (employer) exercised a degree of control over the dog.

The plaintiff maintained that the defendant was a “keeper” of its employee’s dog for purposes of § 22357. The court, however, disagreed. The court looked to the nature and extent of the control that the employer had over the employee/tenant’s dog. Prior cases have held that ownership of the premises where a dog lives, “unaccompanied by any evidence of caretaking of the dog or actual control over its actions” (Falby v. Zarembski, supra, 221 Conn. at 20 n. 3, 602 A.2d 1) is not enough to hold a landlord or other property owner strictly liable for damage caused by the dog. This is true whether the dog’s owner is a live-in employee (like many grooms for example), a tenant, or merely a friend of the landlord. In the Auster case, there was no evidence that the defendant exerted control over its employee’s dog in a manner similar to that of an owner. Thus, the plaintiff failed to prove that the defendant was a “keeper” under the statute and thus subject to strict liability. The court did note, however, that the plaintiff could pursue the defendant for a common law negligence claim outside of the dog bite statute.

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Dog owners (including trainers and farm owners) in Connecticut are strictly liable for injuries and/or damages inflicted by their animals. Similarly, a trainer and/or farm owner may be liable for injuries or damages caused by an employee’s dog if they exerted control over the dog akin to that of the dog’s owner. A farm owner and/or trainer should have a dog policy for themselves and their employees and for clients coming on to the property, which if adhered to, may assist in limiting an individual’s exposure to a dog bite or damage to his or her personal property. Sean T. Hogan is an attorney in Westport and licensed in New York and Connecticut, where his practice focuses on estate planning and assisting trainers, owners, and investors in equine-related transactions and litigation in Connecticut, New York, and before the USEF. He’s a governor of the Fairfield County Hunt Club and co-chairs the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Horse Show.

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During the course of our journey through the realm of Equine Body Work, we have come to discover that no one specific modality will always be the answer/solution to a horse’s issue. We have observed that there are instances when muscle manipulation alone may not be what is needed to address an issue, but that something more subtle is the answer. Then again, some horses will need two techniques, and on occasion, even a third or fourth. We have tailored our method of Body Work to address what the horse is telling us by observing his responses to our touch or manipulations, then providing the necessary continuation or modification to what we are doing in the specific location(s) until relief is indicated or a change in the issue has been noted.

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News in Our Community Rescue, rehab, and rehome — that’s the hope for all that enter Tara Farm Rescue. Starting with a starving colt, Tara Farm Rescue has been there for animals in need. Tara Farm began in 1982 with the purchase of a condemned farm in Coventry by BonnieJeanne Gorden, only 24-years-old and working three jobs. Like Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, BonnieJeanne was determined to bring Tara Farm back to what it once was. The journey, long and hard, started with helping a few horses as work continued on rebuilding the farm. Bartering and scraping for materials, learning it’s best to pay as you go or this heart-driven journey can bury you . . . the rescue has expanded from horses to feline leukemia- positive cats, farm animals, dogs, pot belly pigs, and llamas. The hope is to find each animal a loving home and a new journey. Along the way, BonnieJeanne has also provided a place of refuge for many people in need. The large house at Tara Farm has several bedrooms and a healing energy envelops those who enter. The Heels Down 4-H Club is part of Tara Farm Rescue. The rescue has the support of a great team of professionals. Our veterinarians include Dr. Bud Allen (chiropractor/acupuncture), Fenton River Veterinary Hospital, Green Valley Vet Services, Kirby Veterinary Hospital, and Stewart Equine Clinic. Equine dentist Doug Raucher and farrier Cody Kriz complete our team of phenomenal professionals. Tara Farm Rescue is very grateful for their patience and knowledge. 26

The rescue could not survive without its volunteers. As with all equine rescues, Tara Farm Rescue struggles to keep the finances balanced, and depends on private dona-

love to hunter pace or ride on the beach, N & C has opportunities for everyone.

“N & C is a lesson and training business with a focus in eventing, horse showing, and pleasure riding,” says Alicia Coviello. Co-owners Charlotte Nagle and Alicia are looking forward

Christmas Open House

Tara Farm Rescue resident Norman.

Kathy Diemer

Tara Farm Rescue

Legend, a 17-year-old registered Quarter Horse, is available for adoption or lease at H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut. Legend is 16 hands, rides English, is quiet, and will ride solo on trails. He’s ridden two to three times per week and wears front shoes. Interested? Visit horseofct.org or call (860) 868-1960.

tions, and income from pony parties, petting zoos, a hunter pace, lessons, boarding, selling tack, and trail rides. Construction of a new barn to replace one that was unsafe and had to be torn down is nearing completion. Because the rescue continues to pay as is goes, it’s a long road. To learn more about Tara Farm Rescue, visit tarafarmrescue.org, email tarafarmrescue@gmail.com or call (860) 729-4317.

N & C Equestrian’s New Home N & C Equestrian has recently moved to Easton.

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

to growing their clientele at their new location. “We pride ourselves on superb horse care and developing safe, educated, and well-rounded horses and students at N & C,” says Alicia. “The program for students is very hands-on and informative to encourage growth not just as a rider but also as a good horseman. Our students support each another to reach their goals, no matter how big. We have a variety of quality school horses available for lessons or leasing.” From riders taking their first lesson to those who seek competing regularly in shows and events, or riders who

The Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines (H.O.R.S.E.) of Connecticut, now celebrating its 38th year, will hold its annual Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a snow date of Sunday, December 8. “This is an event you won’t want to miss,” says Kathy Diemer, a volunteer at H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut. “The fun starts from the minute we open the gates with hourly tours to meet our many horses, a silent auction with many ‘must have’ items such as toys and horse accessories, and pony rides from noon to 2 p.m.,” says Kathy. “Our popular bake sale will offer tables filled with a variety of home-baked goods from cakes to cookies, many beautifully wrapped and ready to be given as gifts. Other great gift options such as OMI Jewelry from the talented Lise, bracelets and necklaces by Amy, and handmade scarves and hats will also be available. We’ll have a special offering of a PRAI Gift Basket filled with skin care products and brand new to the market Équilibre Body Lotions. Remember, all your purchases go directly toward helping to care for our many horses.” “The tack shop is packed with too many items to list for our last Tack Sale of 2019, so be sure to stop in during the open house,” says Kathy. “A few of our featured items are two Wintec Isabell Werth dressage saddles, one in almost new condition. For western riders, we have a Gopher trail saddle and a

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Travis Bohannon roping saddle, both in excellent condition. We have a huge variety of other saddles, bridles, blankets, boots, helmets, grooming equipment, and new and used equine clothing.” Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut has several horses available for sponsorship, a program that includes four visits over the period of a month during which you can groom, spend time with, and handwalk the horse for only $50. H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization located at 43 Wilbur Road, in Washington. For more information about the open house, or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit horseofct.org or call (860) 868-1960.

Equestrian Artwork by Sandy Rabinowitz Sandy Rabinowitz will be having an Art Show and Sale November 16 and 17 at 8

Carmel Road in Bethany. The Art Show and Sale will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. both days. Refreshments and beverages will be served. Sandy is an illustrator, watercolorist, and wire sculp-

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue Holiday Open House The Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue’s annual Holiday Open House will be on December 7, Saturday, from

The Equestrian Artwork by Sandy Rabinowitz Art Show and Sale will be November 16 and 17 in Bethany.

ture artist. She portrays all types of subject matter in her artwork but is most known for her horses. Learn more about Sandy at sandyrabinowitz.com.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 113 Chestnut Hill Road in East Hampton. There will be food, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, raffles, vendors, and more. Admission is free. If you would like to bring a little holiday cheer to the CDHR horses, items that would be greatly appreciated include Horseshoer’s Secret Hoof Conditioner, Peppermint Puffs Candy, Himalayan Salt Brick Lick for Horses, Quic Silver Color Horse Shampoo, SWAT Fly Repellent Ointment, six gallon Fortiflex Corner Feeder, and gift certificates to Anderson Feed, Shagbark Lumber, and Tractor Supply. Find the complete wish list at ctdraftrescue.com/how-youcan-help.

High Hopes Ninth Annual Holiday Market On November 17, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Old Lyme will throw open the gates to more than 3,000 visitors keen to get a jump start on holiday shopping. More than 60 carefully chosen artisan vendors, the hottest food trucks in town, their ever-popular Author’s Corner, and kids’ crafts and games will all 28

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

be back this year. Entry to High Hopes Holiday Market, held at 36 Town Woods Road, is free with a donation to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries just in time for Thanksgiving. Old favorites like Treefort Naturals, Howards Breads, Milo & Molly, Wild Carrot Cordage, and Fiber & Mud will be there. The Whey Station will be serving its notto-be-missed gourmet grilled cheese and the unbelievable Fryborg will also be back. “We like to keep the market fresh,” says Special Events Manager Trudy Burgess, “and this year there will also be new vendors like Copper Knot Designs, Coastal Creations, and Quilibet.” Back by popular demand is the very popular Tasting Tent. Purchase a passport for beer tastings and bar bites and be one of the first to try the new Apple Jack Daniels. Join the experts from sponsors Grand Wine & Spirits for wine tastings from vineyards around the world. Keep the kids happy with games and activities or take a walk to visit a very special herd of therapy horses. All proceeds from the market are used to support the programs and participants of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding. Its workforce is 96 percent volunteers! And the market also serves as the biggest ‘friend-raiser’ of the year. Enter High Hopes’ first Great Apple Pie contest and buy a raffle ticket for a chance to drive away in a new car, a beachside home vacation for eight in Panama, an iPad mini, or an Amazon Echo respectively. The drawing will take place at 3:45 p.m. and you do not have to be present to win. If you plan to purchase a ticket at the Market, make sure you buy early. Only 1,200 will be sold! Raffle tickets are available at highhopestr.org/raffle. Free parking is available on site (subject to weather,) and as you would expect, the

majority of High Hopes’ grounds, and the market, are wheelchair accessible. There is nothing like the High Hopes’ Holiday Market! To find out more, please visit highhhopestr.org.

H is for Horse Author Patti Brooks of East Lyme is at it again. Her new book, H is for Horse: Trotting Through the Alphabet, is a children’s alphabet book and an introduction to the wonder of horses. Each page focuses on a letter and includes photos and information on breeds, famous horses, and items found in the horse world. Local equestrians contributed to H is for Horse including photographer Andy Illes, illustrator Kaycee Crider, and book designer Toni Leland. At age nine, Patti entered the horse world by giving tencent rides on her pony. At 16, she sold her first article to the Chronicle of the Horse for $4. Since then, she’s written and sold more than 500 articles. Patti and her husband raised, trained, and competed more than 100 Morgan horses on their farm. In addition to a trilogy of suspense novels set in the Connecticut horse world, Patti has also written an historical novel, Mountain Shadows. To learn more, visit pattibrooksbooks.com where you can purchase Patti’s books (Amazon.com too).

The Equus Effect Fundraiser Dinner The first annual fundraiser dinner for The Equus Effect was an all-around success! On

September 7, the 501(c)(3) experiential learning program for veterans held a benefit dinner and silent auction on a private farm tucked in the scenic hills of Sharon. Established in 2014 by Jane Strong and David Sonatore, the interactive therapy program aims to help struggling war veterans forge meaningful connections with horses to help overcome the mental and physical wounds they bring home. The team of staff, board members, and volunteers put together an educational and immersive evening. More than 200 guests, including 20 veterans and their families, arrived at the farm in time to enjoy a breathtaking sunset and the program’s four horses frolicking in a pasture. People gathered under a big white tent where a live band entertained them. Posters arranged throughout the space offered information on The Equus Effect, along with photos and quotes from veterans currently enrolled in the program. At the silent auction tables, guests wrote down their bids on generously donated items ranging from handmade artwork to horse-related goody baskets and vacation getaways. As bartenders swiftly mixed drinks, the smoky aroma of a deliciously cooked farm-to-table dinner drifted through the tent. The evening highlighted the faces behind The Equus Effect and the many milestones achieved since its inception. Cofounder Jane Strong spoke of her commitment to the program and author Roxana Robinson read excerpts from her awardwinning novel, Sparta, which chronicles in stark reality the internal battles of a struggling U.S. soldier back from war. Three-time war veteran Robert Caffrey presented a moving speech, recalling his personal trials after service in Haiti, Bosnia, and Iran. He

echoed the importance of supporting our country’s veterans and thanked The Equus Effect for offering a haven of hope to fellow veterans. The standing ovation following his speech reflected both the deep appreciation for his service and the resonance of his words with every attendee. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the crowd, The Equus Effect quickly met and exceeded their fundraising goal! As cheers grew louder, the amount of passion behind this unique program was palpable. To close out the night, veterans expressed, in their own words, what The Equus Effect has done for them in a touching video created by the hardworking staff. The veterans’ experiences brought many guests to tears, as did the touching moments shared between the horses and veterans in each other’s company. In her presentation, Roxana Robinson summed up the The Equus Effect’s healing work with the veterans this way: “For many veterans, horses are the way home.”

space if anyone is interested in boarding with us. Once again, thank you to all who helped us get settled after the terrible tragedy. We are forever grateful.” The new Long Meadow Horse Farm has three run-in sheds and two large turnouts at a beautiful modern barn. To learn more about boarding, call (203) 360-8230.

Manes & Motions Seeking Volunteers Manes & Motions is a nonprofit volunteer-supported organization and part of the Hospital for Special Care community. Its mission is to serve children and adults with physical, developmental, and emotional challenges through the benefits of equine-assisted activities. Currently Manes & Motions is seeking dedicated and compassionate community members, 14 years of age and older, with horse experience to assist in our therapeutic riding program. For more information, call (860) 685-0008 or email mmvolunteercoordinator @hfsc.org.

Long Meadow Horse Farm’s New Home Long Meadow Horse Farm has moved to 25 Hundred Acres Road in Newton after the devastating July 11 fire. “It was a long and very hard process but all of us were able to stay together,” says Shelly Martinez who runs the farm with her mother, Evelyn Hanlon. “We have

562 S Main St., Middletown, CT (860) 347-2531 www.midstatetractor.com Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

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

Association’s matches and pays tribute to the mounted soldiers of the cavalry. The Renegades will cap off the season with the annual awards banquet in November. If you’d like to

annual pasta dinner hosted by vice president Peggy Robinson, area vice president Stacey Dionne, and Danniel Rowland. The food was plentiful, and it was so delicious. And for the first

Mackenzee Gelinas on Cinnamon won the Wranglers class belt buckle at the Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooting State Championship, September 14 in Bethany.

Patti Crowther

On Saturday, September 14, the Renegades held their annual Connecticut State Championship. Nearly 40 riders from the Northeast came to the Old Bethany Airport to ride hard, shoot straight, and win a buckle. Thanks to our many wonderful sponsors, the Renegades awarded 12 buckles across multiple classes. One of the most exciting parts of the day was having a full class of Wranglers. This class is for kids ages 11 and under. Wranglers ride the same pattern as all the other riders except they shoot cap guns. Their runs are still based on time and accuracy but if the Rangemaster feels the Wrangler is not close enough to a target or not aiming correctly, they can be penalized for a missed target. Mackenzee Gelinas on Cinnamon took the top spot above the other Wranglers. This was the first buckle nine-year-old Kenzee has won but we’re all confident it won’t be her last. Craig McCoskery won both the Shotgun and Cavalry classes. The Cavalry class is a unique division for those who enjoy a mounted revolver competition combined with historical re-enactments and horsemanship. The class brings pageantry and Americana to the Cowboy Mounted Shooting

Jeanne Lewis Images

Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooters

Janet Sampieri, Debbie Sommers, and KowboyKen Forcier were the Sunday breakfast hosts for the Connecticut Trail Rides Association’s Labor Day weekend at Camp Boardman.

get involved with a great group of people, we’re always looking for help at our matches including keeping score, helping with gates, balloons, and more. Horse ownership is not required. Stay in touch through our Facebook page at CT Renegades Mounted Shooters or at ctrenegades.com.

n Allison Forsyth

Connecticut Trail Rides Association Labor Day weekend at Camp Boardman was filled with food, activities, friendship, conversations, and a membership meeting. Saturday evening started with the

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

time, a couple of raffles were added. Many lucky winners went home or back to their campsites with great prizes. The extra money raised went to the barn roof fund. The third General Membership Meeting for 2019 followed the dinner. One of the topics discussed was our garbage situation. We’re having problems with the dumpster being overfilled and the club can’t afford to upgrade to a larger one. We voted to put a chain and padlock on the dumpster, which will only be removed on the camp function weekends. Members will be required to remove all

their personal waste when they leave the camp. There will be no exceptions. Bringing garbage from outside the camp to dump is also prohibited. We appreciate your cooperation. Sunday morning began with a delicious breakfast hosted by Debbie Sommers. She had a great cook at the grill, our Kowboy Ken Forcier and a wonderful assistant, Janet Sampieri. After breakfast, Debbie hosted a ride to the top of Mohawk Mountain where you can see the Vermont mountains on a clear day! The view to the left overlooks New York. Sunday September 8, treasurer Ruth Strontzer hosted a ride at Bluff Point State Park in Groton. Several members joined in the ride. It was great weather and Christel Maturo clocked the ride at 6.9 miles. Vice president Peggy Robinson has been busy working with DEEP supervisors and with private landowners in both the Mohawk State Forest and Salmon River State Forest to reestablish old trails and build new trails for club members to use. Carrie Torsiello and Sue Tracy rode their gaited horses on the trails of the Mohawk State Forest, as they have for many years. They have both been members of the CTRA since childhood. Carrie says that as a child, her job was to take the horses down to the creek to water them. Now we have a well and water to the campsites. The executive board would like thank Shirley and Dennis McClary for the wonderful barbecue on auction day. This was one of the most successful auction fundraisers we’ve had in years with so many generous buyers and donations. Reminder to all that our

Gogolya, who has been instrumental in getting the club to update its bylaws/ constitution. Lynn and her sister, treasurer Ruth Strontzer, have worked hard to bring trail rides back to the

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Annual Banquet and General Membership meeting will be held November 2 at the Monticello Banquet Facility, 577 South Broad Street, Meriden. You must RSVP before the date. There are

Granby’s Open Farm Day had lots of visitors and the Granby Horse Council offered many horse opportunities for the public.

several new candidates for officers. I will be stepping down as secretary and relocating to Aiken, South Carolina. There are several members stepping up with new ideas to continue to grow our club. Also stepping down is president Lynn

club. We now have a trail ride almost every week beginning in April until October.

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at Rich Evan’s farm where we were able to visit and get caught up with everyone’s summer exploits. Granby’s Open Farm Day was once again a great success with lots

question-and-answer opportunities. New this year was a Buy a Pony craft table where children could make a stick horse to take home. The Open Farm Day is an annual event

Sally L. Feuerberg

our horses to enjoy all it has to offer — red, orange, and gold foliage; cooler, drier weather; and clear blue skies. Who could ask for more? GHC takes full advantage of it by packing our calendar with trail rides from September to November and this year is no exception. October rides include our annual St. Jude Ride at Robinson State Park in Agawam, Massachusetts on October 13, the Bill Strain Memorial Beach Ride at Blue Shutters Beach in Rhode Island, on October 19, and the Mystery Ride on October 28, in which we caravan to a secret destination. On November 2, we’ll ride through White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield and finish the month with the Last Hurrah Ride in Granville, Massachusetts, on November 16. But prior to the fall, we’ve had plenty to keep members busy. The August meeting was a potluck picnic

Charlotte Nagle, Kailee Shea, and Erica Bender won the Junior division at the Middlebury Bridle Land Association’s Fall Hunter Pace on September 15 at Larkin Farm in Middlebury.

of visitors to our interactive displays. We offered horses for petting, a stick horse obstacle course, saddles for picture taking, demonstrations on how to groom and saddle a horse, and plenty of

that we consider to be an important part of our public relations. September’s meeting was held at Magnolia Stables in Suffield and featured a presentation and demonstra-

tion on Magna Wave Therapy for horses (and people). Kathy Caulfield of Lowell, Massachusetts, explained how treatments can increase energy, circulation, flexibility, and endurance, and decrease pain, inflammation, and arthritis. She applied the treatment to two different horses, and members had the opportunity to sample the effect of the therapy for themselves. GHC meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month and usually include a program or presentation on an equine-related topic. We socialize at our annual Holiday Party in December but also collect toys to donate to the local police department for distribution. Each year we allocate scholarship money to be awarded to a graduating high school student who will be pursuing a degree in some field of animal science. To learn more, contact

A bountiful property for those who love nature and all things equestrian. Farmhouse with 3,800 sq. ft., five bedroom, 3.5 baths, including separate one bedroom apartment with deck over three-car garage. Barn is 2,600 sq. ft. with 11 stalls, foaling stall w/camera, lab, office, and half bath. Outdoor riding ring w/lights; five turnout fields; two fields leased from Roxbury Land Trust. Security system for house, apartment, and barn. Lightning rods, three outdoor water hydrants, two in barn. AZEK composite porch, bluestone patio with pergola, pond, shed. Offered at $1,375,000.

Contact Kellie Martone at 203.948.1034 kellie@kelliemartone.com William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, 112 Federal Rd Danbury, CT 06811

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A trilogy of suspense novels set in the horse world. Fame & Deceit, Blood Hoax, and Ransoming Victory. $15 each, set of three $30 Time in the Saddleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members enjoyed its White Memorial Foundation Ride on September 29. From left to right: Nancy Grzeika and Dreamer, Kitty Visconti and Barry, Ashley Jazmin and Honey, Paige Main and Rex, Lori Carlson and Lady, and Kim Dore and Johwye.

cent trails of the Larkin Farm property in Middlebury, on Sunday, September 15. The late summer weather was perfect for the 78 riders who participated in the annual event. Praises for a well-marked

Once again, vice president Sylvia Preston and her husband, Tom, did an awesome job clearing and perfectly marking the trails. They were relentless in their tireless work to ensure riders had var-

G. M. Thompson & Sons 54 Middle Tnpk., Mansfield Depot (860) 429-9377 . gmthompson.net 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 Valley Home & Garden Centre 16 Railroad St., Simsbury (860) 651-5646 valleyhomeandgarden.com

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Time in the Saddle Time in the Saddle is relatively new to the Connecticut equestrian clubs. Time in the Saddle was officially recognized as the Connecticut chapter of the national Old People’s Riding Club (OPRC) in the spring of 2018 and welcomes new members of all abilities. There are currently 14 members from Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts who come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but all have the love of horses and riding in common. Members have enjoyed impromptu unofficial trail

rides and get-togethers, as well as official OPRC activities. Time in the Saddle attempts to hold monthly meetings; some are held during the week and some on weekends. During the 17 months the group has been in existence, members have enjoyed

Kim at johwye98@yahoo.com or leave voicemail or text at (860) 309-4507.

n Kim Dore

Tanheath Hunt Fall is finally here and this is the club’s busiest time of the year. The end of summer concluded with a bang — the

Cathy Leinert

ied terrain balanced with many jumps and clear goarounds. They always put heart and soul into these trails and the MBLA will be forever in their debt. Thank you to the many volunteers, all 25 of them! The MBLA could never pull together a pace without your help. Thank you for sharing your valuable time with us. We’re so grateful to each and every one of you, whether you manned a crossing, a navigation point, the start line, or the finish line. Thank you to those who helped out at the registration desk, scoring, coordinating other volunteers, handing out ribbons, assisting in the lunch tent, decorating our photographer’s jump, working on the prize buckets, organizing the parking, or helping with the setup in the morning or breakdown in the afternoon. You played a vital part in making our pace something we can all take a lot of pride in. Our most important thank you goes to Marian Larkin and the Larkin Family. In a world where open space and breathtaking vistas are rapidly disappearing, it’s an honor and privilege to ride these magnificent trails and we can never thank you enough for this opportunity.

The Tanheath Hunt’s interim Huntsman John Ryan and whipper-in Leslie Cashel working with the hounds.

numerous trail rides in White Memorial Foundation (Litchfield), Steep Rock (Washington), local trails in Sharon, potluck lunches or dinners, get-togethers, a beach weekend (without horses), attending The Mustang movie as a small group and representing OPRC at White Memorial Foundation Family Day with horses. The year 2020 will be another busy year with a possible camping/trail riding trip to Otter Creek in New York, a fundraiser ride and camp weekend, a fun clinic with games on horseback, a desensitizing clinic, potlucks and barbeques, and a demonstration/talk at White Memorial Foundation to teach the importance of road and trail safety when around horses. We may be small, but we’re a well-rounded and generous group with members who own multiple horses, sharing their horses with those whose own may not be up to some activities, as well as sharing trailering with members who don’t have access to a trailer. To find out more, contact

Labor Day Weekend Hunter Pace was held in conjunction with Tyrone Farm in Pomfret. This is the 35th year for this event. In the last few years

the Tanheath Hunt Club has partnered with Tyrone Farm. This event has historically been held in October, but due to bad weather the last few years, and the many conflicting events in the fall, the pace was moved to Labor Day Weekend. Concern that the Labor Day Weekend date might reduce attendance due to the holiday was unfounded as we had 99 riders! The following weekend was our Intro to Foxhunting Clinic at Tyrone Farm. This is always a popular event for people who want to explore the possibility of getting into foxhunting. We had 22 participants mounted and several on foot — an attendance record for this annual event. Everyone agreed it was fun, informative, and that it dispelled many of the myths about the difficulty of foxhunting. Six people from the clinic attended the next day’s hunt, and four joined the club. continued on page 41 . . .

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November 2 CTRA ANNUAL BANQUET, Il Monticello, Meriden. cttrailridesassoc.org. 2 CHJA SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. avonvalleyshowstables.com.

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Events 3 FALL FINALE RATED HUNT SEAT SHOW, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

2 HALLOWEEN TRUNK OR TREAT, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com or (860) 749-0749.

3 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. rideiea.org.

2 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Halcyon Equestrian, Litchfield. bhcmanagement.info.

3 HALLOWEEN FUN RIDE, Dawn Bonin Horsemanship, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

2 TSHA ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET, Port N’ Starboard, New London. tristatehorsemen.com.

3 HUNTER PACE, Ayer Mountain, Franklin. ayermtfarm@gmail.com.

2 – 3 MITCHELL FARM TACK TAG SALE, Salem. mitchellfarm.org.

3 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Dawn Bonin Horsemanship, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

3 TRIPLE CROWN SCHOOLING SHOW, Fair Hill Farm, Easton. (203) 994-6412.

3 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. rideiea.org.

3 RRRC TURKEY AND POKER RIDE, Camp Glazier, Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org

3 TAG AND TACK SALE, Sumner Brook Farm, Middletown. sumnerbrookfarm.com.

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9 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. rideiea.org. 9 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Quiet Rein Farm, Milford. rideiea.org. 9 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Wincrest Farm, Hebron. rideiea.org. 10 FALL SERIES III FINALE SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com. 10 GET THE JUDGE’S FEEDBACK SCHOOLING SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info. 10 CHJA SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org. 10 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Kent School Stables, Kent. rideiea.org. 10 CHSA Show, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com. 11 HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org. 16 CJHA NEHC CHSA RATED SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com. 16 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING, Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center, Middletown. To register call (860) 685-0008.

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9 NCMT FALL GALA, Wee Burn Country Club, Darien. newcanaanmountedtroop.org. 9 PINES OPEN, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com

2 GRTA SILVER HORSE BALL, Greenwich. thegrta.org. 2 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, ABF Equine, Coventry. rideiea.org.

9 FCHC NEHC CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

16 VERSATILITY COMPETITION, Dawn Bonin Horsemanship, Coventry. dawnbonin.com. 16 FCHC NEHC USEF SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org. 16 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, ABF Equine, Coventry. rideiea.org. 16 – 17 BETTINA DRUMMOND AND JASON WRIGHT SEAT WORKSHOP, Bethlehem. windhorseinternational.com. 16 – 17 SANDY RABINOWITZ ART SHOW AND SALE, Bethany. sandyrabinowitz.com. 17 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com. 17 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

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The Best Little Tack Store in Connecticut English & Western Tack & Apparel Cowboy Hats . Boots & Accessories Outerwear . Clothes Call ahead of visit to confirm store hours!

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17 FCHC NEHC CHJA SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

24 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

7 – 8 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. rideiea.org.

17 SCHOOLING HUNT SEAT SHOW, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

24 TODD KARN CLINIC, Westbrook. showbrv@gmail.com.

8 HOLIDAY SCHOOLING SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

17 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Terryallen Farms, Terryville. rideiea.org.

24 CMHA TURKEY TROT, Bluff Point State Park, Groton. Open to all breeds. ctmorgans.org.

17 HIGH HOPES NINTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

30 NEATO HOT CHILLY RIDE, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown. (860) 235-1098.

14 TRAIL OF LIGHTS WALK FUNDRAISER to benefit Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue, Plainfield. 5 to 8 p.m. Meet the horses and walk the lighted trail. hayburrinn.org.

17 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. rideiea.org.

30 HUNTER PACE, Lebanon. stirrupfunstables.com.

22 – 24 UNDERCOVER TACK SALE, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, Washington. horseofct.org. 23 SNEHA BANQUET, Holiday Inn, Norwich. snehassociation.com. 23 TANHEATH HUNTER TRAILS, location TBA. tanheathhunt.com.

Fox Ledge Farm Dressage Training with a Winning Tradition

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14 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Epic Farm, Middlefield. bhcmanagement.info. 15 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Magnolia Run Equestrian Center, Willington. rideiea.org.

December 1 GET THE JUDGE’S FEEDBACK SCHOOLING SHOW, Westbrook . bhcmanagement.info.

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

1 TANHEATH HUNT, Lord Creek Farm, Old Lyme. tanheathhunt.com.

28 TRAIL OF LIGHTS WALK FUNDRAISER to benefit Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue, Plainfield. 5 to 8 p.m. Meet the horses and walk the lighted trail. hayburrinn.org.

1 PINES OPEN, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com. 4 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING, Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center, Middletown. To register call (860) 685-0008. 7 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, Washington. horseofct.org. 7 CDHR HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, East Hampton. ctdraftrescue.com.

Board . Training . Lessons . Clinics All Levels Welcome . Exercise & Layup Conditioning Show Prep & Coaching . Indoor and Outdoor Facilities Competitions . Wooded Trails and Open Rolling Fields Staff On Site 24/7

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Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

January 3 TRAIL OF LIGHTS WALK FUNDRAISER to benefit Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue, Plainfield. 5 to 8 p.m. Meet the horses and walk the lighted trail. hayburrinn.org.

Cara Kneser, D.V.M. Exceptional Routine and 24/7 Emergency Care

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How about a nice massage? For your horse!

29 REINDEER SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Services for Eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island 860 . 823 . 8951

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. . . Possibilities Farm continued from page 22

exceptional kindness and warmth that made me feel embraced by this extraordinary group. While Potato and Mere kept us company, Carrie talked to her horses, but their exchange went beyond spoken words. It was a communication that probably couldn’t be explained to the non-horse person, but would be fully understood by those who have felt the indescribable connection as we speak to our horses and they to us. Over the years, Carrie has had many experiences and witnessed lots of behaviors during workshops and retreats as her horses have interacted with clients. Some have even surprised her, especially the horses’ level of sensitivity and awareness of what we hold inside — good and bad, joyful and sorrowful. “In a recent leadership workshop, each team member walked the same horse through a course with obstacles that were labeled with issues they were encountering at work,” says Carrie. “Each time was a completely different experience. On the fourth time through the obstacles, Paddington squeezed around a ground pole and the fence instead of walking over it as he had done the prior three times. I asked the participant whether she tended to walk around the obstacle [with that particular label] in her professional life. Her teammates laughed as she immediately described a recent instance where she had done just that. “Another time, a client was at a crossroads in her career. I gave her a stack of hula hoops and asked her to label each one with an option she was considering. She picked a few hula hoops and went into the paddock with Mere, who walked back to the pile of hula hoops outside the paddock three times. The first two times I was willing to believe might be incidental — maybe something interesting was outside the gate — but the third time, I asked the client whether she had left an option out. As she began to well up with tears, the woman acknowledged that the option she truly wanted wasn't in the paddock because she wasn't willing to give herself permission to even consider it.” I contacted one of Carrie’s clients, Debby Stein, and she also relayed some of her experiences as a client at Possibilities Farm, as well as her collaboration with one of Carrie’s exceptional horses. “Sweet Potato seemed to take me on as his special project right from the start,” says Debby. “Although I had

Canton

This Olde Horse

“An old timer, still on the road.” House to house salesman stopping in Canton Center in 1909. Could he have ever imagined Amazon.com? Photo by H. P. Foote.

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email spent twelve years caring for and riding my friend’s horses, I’d never learned about the unique sentient capabilities inherent to horses. Right from the beginning, Potato’s wisdom and heightened senses became apparent. As I held a rock with the word grief written on it, Potato tried to grab it from my hand several times. When I didn’t let go, he used his head to push my hand suddenly and I released the rock. When I picked the rock up, he knocked it out of my hand again. I got the message, "Let go of your grief!” Stacy Gendels is a PATH International therapeutic riding instructor and an ESMHL (Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning) certified instructor. She’s worked with Carrie and her equine colleagues. “Carrie is an amazing partner to her herd at home, and with horses offsite as well,” says Stacy. “At Possibilities Farm, I’ve witnessed her communicating with her horses with great success. I’ve attended wisdom circles, where Carrie has encouraged her herd to safely engage with participants. I’ve observed Carrie working with a group of about twenty adults, and her herd. She’s always mindful of everyone’s feel-

editor@connhorse.com.

ings, horse and human. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Carrie!” Carrie’s dream has helped many others realize their dreams as well. “I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to partner with the horses to help people reconnect with their true selves — their dreams, their unique strengths, and all of the wonderful possibilities before them,” says Carrie. “I’ve watched so many people come to the farm weighed down, worried or defeated, who leave with a light heart after they have spent time with the horses and seen themselves and their lives through the horses’ eyes. A dose of joy, wonder, and connection can transform lives and shift perspectives. It’s also wonderful to see the community that has developed around the farm. New friendships are formed here and old ones are rekindled through a shared love of the horses.” The affinity I feel for Possibilities Farm made me realize that I would be returning again soon. 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 November/December 2019

the

neighborhood

ARTISTS

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

WINDHORSE INTERNATIONAL Bethlehem, CT, (203) 710-5809 windhorseinternational.com Mindful practices for adult amateurs; boarding, training, lessons. EQUINE-ASSISTED ACTIVITIES

BARN CATS

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

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THE CARRIAGE SHED (800) 441-6057, carriageshed.com Custom-built barns, shed rows, arenas, run-in sheds, Amish-crafted. KING BARNS (888) 354-4740, kingbarns.com Custom barns, arenas, outbuildings, living quarters, complete design services, fine Amish craftmanship.

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

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EQUINE MASSAGE BY KATHLEEN Ridgefield, CT, (203) 297-3008 kathy.curran@snet.net A nice massage, for your horse! EQUISSAGE NE/NY CT, MA, RI, (860) 564-7759 equisportmt@sbcglobal.net Integrated body work for performance horses: reiki, Masterson Method, sport and therapeutic massage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy.

BOARDING AND TRAINING

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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. FOX LEDGE FARM, ANN GUPTILL East Haddam, CT, (860) 873-8108 eqarts@snet.net Quality dressage instruction and training; beginner to Grand Prix. 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. WHIMSY BROOK FARM Redding, CT, (203) 938-3760 whimsybrookfarm.com Boarding, lessons, training, equine therapies, Pony Club. WHITE BIRCH FARM Portland, CT, (860) 581-0307 wbfllcct@gmail.com Boarding, training, trails, lessons, leasing, clinics, indoor arena.

FEED AND PET STORES

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G.M. THOMPSON & SONS Mansfield Depot, (860) 429-9377 gmthompson.net H. H. STONE & SONS Southbury, (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons.benmoorepaints.com

Your Everything Equine White Pages HORSES FOR SALE

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STRAIN FAMILY HORSE FARM Granby, CT, (860) 653-3275 strainfamilyhorsefarm.com New England’s largest quality sales stable celebrating 50 years. 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,

LITCHFIELD BLUE SEAL STORE Litchfield, (860) 482-7116 LOCK, STOCK & BARREL (203) 393-0002, lsbfarmsupply.com Feed, pet food, tack, farm supplies, and power equipment. 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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PLEASANT VIEW FARMS Somers, CT, (860) 803-2777 pleasantviewfarmsinc.com Quality hay, straw, and grain.

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

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LE MAY, INC. Newtown, CT, (203) 426-2497 (475) 529-8567 (mobile) agrimixmulch.com We buy manure. Containerized manure removal, many options/sizes. PHOTOGRAPHY

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JEANNE LEWIS IMAGES Wallingford, CT, jeannelewisimages.com Western events, barn shoots, portraits. Serving New England. SARAH GROTE PHOTOGRAPHY Cromwell, CT, (860) 301-6647 sarahgrote.com Lifestyle, event, pet, and nature.

RETIREMENT SANCTUARIES

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

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

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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. TRAILERS

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

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MOUNTAIN TOP INN AND RESORT Chittenden, VT, (802) 483-2311 mountaintopinn.com Vermont’s premier equestrian resort with miles of trails. 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.

. . . Partner News continued from page 35

Anyone can attend a hunt as an observer or participant, but to participate you will need to sign a waiver and pay the $45 capping fee. All are welcome to come by. We are a drag hunt, meaning a scent is laid the morning of the hunt; hounds follow the scent as opposed to chasing a fox. September 22 was the Fall Hunter Pace at the Natchaug State Forest out of Cedar Rock Farm. We wish to thank our host, Diane Noyes, for her generous hospitality. It was an 8.5-mile course through woods, fields, and along the Hampton Reservoir. Celynna Rightmire, the steward for this event, mapped out a great course with 20 jumps of all types. The weather was perfect — sunny and in the 70s. We had 75 riders, lots of food, and a great chance for riders to get together and socialize. The month of November is a busy one starting with the New England Hunt Ball on November 8 in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. This is a classy affair with members from all New England hunt clubs attending. It’s a wonderful opportunity to socialize, learn what’s new in the hunt world, meet new members, and renew old acquaintances. continued on page 42 . . .

Youth Award Winners

Connecticut Horse gives back to our community through its Youth Awards program. The award is given to the junior exhibitor who has shown the best horsemanship and sportsmanship at a competition in the Nutmeg State. This is the junior who is not winning, but who is working hard with a great attitude.

Eleven-year-old Anne-Marie Hinckley of Old Lyme won the Connecticut Horse Youth Award at the Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association Spring Show riding Bandit, a Haflinger/Welsh cross. Anne-Marie trains at Fox Ledge Farm, in East Haddam, with Ann Guptill. Congratulations, Anne-Marie!

This youth is taking good care of her horse, cheering on her friends, and helping others. Want to give out a free Connecticut Horse Youth Award at your upcoming event? Visit connhorse.com/ youth-awards. These awards are made possible by Stephanie Sanders, Connecticut Horse publisher.

Riley Farmer, 11, of New York City won the Connecticut Horse Youth Award at the Connecticut Horse Show Association Finals riding Cookie Monster. “Cookie Monster has a twitch in his lower lip that makes him look like he is talking!” says Riley. Congratulations, Riley!

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

Portland

Is This Your Horse?

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

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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 White Birch Farm Open Show in Portland on September 29. 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! . . . Partner News continued from page 41

On November 16, we have the annual joint hunt with the Norfolk Hunt Club at Woodbury Manor in Sutton, Massachusetts. This generally brings a large group of riders and spectators. Anyone is welcome to come and watch any of these hunts. The Tanheath Hunter Trials will be held on November 22. Like the New England Hunter Trials, riders are judged at each jump and may be required to demonstrate other equestrian skills — crossing water, opening a gate, etc. Although this event is for members there are also open divisions for nonmembers. Join us as a participant or an observer at any one of our events. We’re always looking for volunteers, suggestions, and more wonderful equestrians. To learn more, follow us on Facebook at Tanheath Events, tanheathhunt.com, or contact Cathy Leinert at (860) 867-7063.

n Raymond Hill

Connecticut Horse November/December 2019

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRIDGEPORT, CT PERMIT

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