Massachusetts Horse February/March 2015

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

HORSE

WESTERN DRESSAGE

STRENGTH AND BALANCE page 8

DRAWING TO A STOP February/March 2015 mahorse.com $3

CLINTON ANDERSON page 18

WESTERN PLASURE

FIVE EASY EXERCISES page 20

TOLLAND STATE FOREST

TRAIL GUIDE page 24

Make Your Dream a Reality with your own custom built Amish horse barn.

Amish crafted barns and run-in sheds delivered fully assembled to your site.

Post and Beam More Custom Structures Building Examples of All Sizes on our website! and Applications.

Fully Assembled Shed-row and Run-in Barns.

Delivery Anywhere in the Country.

Horse Barns • Run-In Sheds • Riding Arenas • Certified Homes • Garages 1195 VA Cutoff Road, White River Junction, VT 05001

bb

1-800-441-6057 • www.carriageshed.com

Make a stable investment by buying a #1 Amish-quality horse barn at The Carriage Shed.

2

February/March 2015

contents

February/March 2015

columns 16 Equine Lyme Disease

courtesy of Heritage Farm, www.farmheritage.com

Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Horse Sense

18 Drawing to a Stop Clinton Anderson Guest Column

12

8

24 Tolland State Forest East Otis Trail Guide

26 Peace for Ponies And People Too

14

M. Chris Leese

Š Waltenberry

Lend a Hoof

20

features 8

Western Dressage

in every issue 12

Strength and Balance

Cindy Bryden

5 From the Editor

Reining with Passion

7 Your Letters

horseperson profile

14 Ramona Farms Keeping It Comfortable farm spotlight

23 This Olde Horse 30 Overherd: News in Our Community

20

Western Pleasure

36 Partners

Five Easy Exercises

41 Junior Horsemanship Awards

Right Lead

42 Events Calendar 45 The Neighborhood 47 Advertiser Index 47 Is This Your Horse?

48 Massachusetts Marketplace Massachusetts Horse

3

from the editor

I

t’s a beautiful, sunny winter day — blue skies, whiteblanketed pastures, and chickadees flitting around the feeders. My hay supply is good — I’ll make it through the winter. Between feedings, the horses are content pawing in the back pasture for the grass beneath the snow. The days are getting longer and it feels as though spring is not far off.

Congratulations to Brennan Donnelly, 10, of Middleton. Brennan won the Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award at the Rowley Riding and Driving Club Show in September.

We’re all planning the next season of trail rides, clinics, shows, and competitions. In our April/May Annual Horse Show issue, you’ll find our comprehensive Events Calendar, chock-full of everything to do with horses in the Bay State. Be sure to email your event info to us, at events@mahorse.com,

by March 10, and then save the issue as a reference through the end of autumn.

As we near the time for spring competitions, let me remind you about Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Awards. Free for all horse-related events in the state, an award consists of a ribbon, a one-year subscription to the magazine, a sweet stuffed horse toy, and various horse-care products.

You may present an award to the Massachusetts junior exhibitor who has shown the best horsemanship and sportsmanship at your event. This is the junior who isn’t winning but is still working hard and has a great attitude.

Want a Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award for your event? Email us at award@mahorse.com and we’ll send you the request form.

Peace,

Stephanie Massachusetts Horse

5

M ASSAC HUS ETTS

HORSE vol. 13, no. 5 February/March 2015

ISSN 1945-1393

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 phone: (413) 268-3302 • fax: (413) 268-0050 • mahorse.com Massachusetts Horse magazine is an independently owned and -operated all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for the Bay State. © 2015 Massachusetts Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

publisher/editor Stephanie Sanders • steph@mahorse.com • (413) 268-3302 copy editor Doris Troy feature writers Christina Andersen, Holly Jacobson Alessandra Mele, Mari Passananti, Stacey Stearns contributors Molly Gately, Lisa Grigaitis, Diane Merritt, Liz Russell, Lisa Wohlleib county desk liaisons Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties Alessandra Mele • (413) 949-1972 • alessandra@mahorse.com Bristol County Melissa Root • (508) 863-0467 • melissa@mahorse.com Essex County Holly Jacobson • (978) 356-5842 • holly@mahorse.com Sophiea Bitel • (781) 286-0729 • sophiea@mahorse.com Norfolk and Plymouth Counties Laura Solod • (617) 699-7299 • laura@mahorse.com Barnstable, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties Stephanie Sanders • (413) 268-3302 • steph@mahorse.com

State-of-the-Art Equine Laundry Facility

advertising main office • (413) 268-3302 • ads@mahorse.com Advertising deadline for the April/May issue is March 10.

Expert Tack Repair Gently Used Blankets and Tack for Sale Brass Name Plates Engraved Established 1980

Jennifer Safron JennsTackRepair@comcast.net 114 Coburn Ave., Gardner, MA (978) 340-5576 Please call for hours 6

February/March 2015

© Alexia Khruscheva

Massachusetts Horse is printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper.

@Mass_Horse

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

your letters To the editor:

To the editor:

Just wanted to say thank you for the great article that included

Thanks for the great article [December/January: Ohana

me [December/January: Enhancing Your Horse’s Well-being].

Farm].

Others have written about my work with animals, but they usu-

Farah DeJohnette, North Brookfield

ally don’t present it in a way the general public would understand. You did such a great job helping people “understand”

To the editor:

what I do, and I really appreciate the opportunity to be in

Fantastic magazine! I’d like to see more coverage on your

Massachusetts Horse.

everyday horses and people — backyard barns, if you will, that

Susan Deren, Haverhill

don’t have the heated wash stalls and indoor arenas, the folks who make do with what they have and love every minute of it.

To the editor:

Katelin Jenkins, Norwell

I love every issue of Massachusetts Horse. Keep up the great work.

Karen O’Brien, Belchertown

Let us know your thoughts . . .

To the editor:

and we’ll enter you to win a $25 Cheshire Horse gift card. All letters received by March 5 will be entered in the drawing.

Massachusetts Horse is a great magazine. I especially love the beautiful cover photographs. I’d like to read more articles on endurance, competitive trail riding, and trail preservation.

Jacquelyn St.Thomas, Chatham

Send your letters to: steph@mahorse.com or Massachusetts Horse 99 Bissell Road Williamsburg, MA 01096

Massachusetts Horse

7

Western Alessandra Mele

Strength and Balance

Dressage

Lauren Magoon and Highbrow at a WNEPHA Western New England Dressage Show at Heritage Farm, Easthampton.

by Stacey Stearns

W

estern dressage isn’t a passing trend; it has exploded across the country. The discipline utilizes the principles of classical dressage training, with its emphasis on lightness and harmony between horse and rider. Progressive training develops a partnership, which creates a balanced and supple horse that’s confident and happy doing its job.

“I like to tell people that western dressage is a cross between yoga and the gym for your horse,” says Cathy Drumm, of Pittsfield, a freelance clinician, trainer, and coach of more than 30 years.

“It increases flexibility and strengthens the muscles a horse needs to carry a rider comfortably. I’ve seen a big expansion of interest in western dressage over the last year. It gives riders a new map to work with, one that uses the progressive nature of the training scale and rewards relaxation, suppleness, and rhythm.”

8

February/March 2015

Three organizations — North American Western Dressage (NAWD), the Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA), and Cowboy Dressage — work with riders. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has recognized the discipline; WDAA is one of its affiliates. Although there are three separate organizations supporting the discipline, each with slightly different rules and programs, they share a passion for outstanding horsemanship.

“The classical principles of dressage have been around for hundreds of years,” says Jen Johnson, the founder of NAWD. “Western dressage improves the relationship between horse and rider with progressive training, and increases the longevity of horses by bringing them along with strength and balance.”

Getting Started Western dressage centers on foundational teaching principles. “Basics are basics across disciplines,” says Jay Quinlan, of Fox Meadow Farm at Smith College in Northampton.

“People should be building in softness with their horses anyway. Focus and softness are paramount in my program.

Western dressage is also a good venue to freshen up horses from other disciplines, such as reining. It’s another place to go that’s not what they expect; it creates a more patient horse.”

“Western dressage is not new for me,” says natural horsemanship trainer Bob Burrelli, of Plymouth.

“Rather, it’s gaining wider attention. The blend between my background in both classical dressage and Vaquero training has been phenomenal — they work hand in hand. The result is the same: you want a soft, natural, and supple horse.”

Lisa Landry, of Kingston, competed in the division for the first time in 2014.

“Western dressage added another level of fun to our work and competitions,” she says. “It’s provided an opportunity for me to bring both my mares to the dressage shows and let them shine in their own lights, highlighting their different talents. The cross training has also improved my riding and communication with both horses.”

“Go to the WDAA website and read all of the material,” says Cathy. “The rulebook explains the gaits and moves, and videos are available. You can also download tests for free. Read the tests, start practicing, and look for clinics.”

“We have a list of professionals on our website,” Jen says. “If there isn’t one available in your area, look over the rules and tests, video a ride, and send it in. We also have a Facebook group with more than twelve thousand members. It’s a large group of

people networking, brainstorming, and helping others get involved in the discipline.”

“Find an instructor you can get along with and who has the same vision of how a horse should perform and carry himself,” Jay says. A rider needs to learn how to use her body and then the horse learns its cues.

“Training should be interesting for the horse and the rider. Riders will see improved softness and body control through western dressage, and build in softness and communication with their horse. This translates to trail riding and other disciplines too, and makes everything you do with your horse more enjoyable.”

Bob uses classical dressage methods with all the horses he trains. “Any breed can do dressage,” he says, “although some have more natural ability. Western dressage gives people a new way to train their horses.”

He works with six parts of the horse: the mouth/head, the neck, the shoulders, the rib cage, the haunches, and the hooves. He softens each, then brings them together to work in harmony. He’ll be hosting a western dressage clinic at his ranch in May, during which he’ll spend the day working with riders and their horses.

“I’m seeing more western dressage clinics offered locally,” Lisa says. “If you aren’t able to ride in one, you can learn a lot from auditing.

Go to a show and watch a few western dressage classes, too.”

Enter at A USEF has five levels of tests: Introductory Level, Basic Level, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Musical freestyles are an option at every level.

Unlike English dressage, riders may quietly use their voice or click their tongue during a test, and can pat their horse as a gentle reward.

The western dressage

horse has a shorter stride and is evaluated with the conformation and movement of a western horse in mind.

The Introductory Level tests are walk and jog (posting is allowed in the working jog at the lower levels). Tests highlight working-horse abilities moving up the levels. For example, horses are asked to lope a 20-meter circle fast, similar to how they do a reining pattern.

“In western, comfort and rideability are highly valued,” Cathy says. “Horses are judged against themselves and not against an ideal or the big gaits. All breeds are welcome. At the 2014 WDAA

variety of optional attire, plus some illegal equipment. As in all disciplines, riders should review the rules before they participate.

“The rules are clear on tack, apparel, and what’s expected of you in the ring,” Lisa says. “I had a few questions prior to showing and spoke with a representative at WDAA, who was very supportive and helpful.”

One Hand or Two? The USEF and WDAA rulebook is very detailed on bits and bridles. While competing, a western-type headstall is used, and a western cavesson is permitted. Hackamores,

“I like to tell people that western dressage is a cross between yoga and the gym for your horse.”

— Cathy Drumm World Championships in Tulsa, some twenty breeds were represented.”

“I love seeing the diversity these classes bring to dressage shows,” Lisa says. “It’s a great opportunity for people to learn, grow, and meet new people.”

In competition, certain apparel is required: a suitable western hat or helmet, a longsleeved shirt with a collar, pants, and boots. National or Native attire is acceptable when riding in similar tack.

Surprisingly, despite the USDF English dressage rules requiring helmets, protective headgear is optional for western riders.

Any stock saddle, national, working saddle, Aussie, native, or western sidesaddle is permissible. A horn isn’t required, but western-style fenders are. “It doesn’t matter what you sit in,” Bob says. “You don’t ride the saddle; you ride the horse.”

Riders can use working tack or fancier tack — western dressage has room for self-expression. There’s also a

bosals, and bitless bridles of a western style are allowed.

Riders using romal reins must use a curb bit, and are allowed to use just one hand on the reins. Riders may use two hands with split reins, connected reins, or mecate reins with no popper.

The USEF and WDAA strongly encourage snaffles or bosals. If you use a snaffle bit, the rider must ride with two hands. Neither the USEF nor the WDAA discriminates against any standard western curb bit; therefore, riders may show in a curb bit. When competing, any rider who enters the arena using one hand on the reins must complete the test using only one rein, and the same is true if someone enters using two hands.

“Western dressage is inclusive,” says Cathy. “WDAA wants people to feel comfortable and try the discipline. A lot of western riders use curb bits and have never ridden with anything else. However, dressage is working on bending, and to improve your bend you need two hands.

Generally, a western trainer uses a snaffle bit. WDAA prefers to see everyone in a snaffle, but it didn’t make a rule because believed it could have lost people.”

“Very few people in the world believe riding with two hands in a curb bit is okay — it’s a one-handed tool,” Jen says. “The NAWD follows the USEF rules and allows riders to use two hands with a curb bit, but continues educating people that horses should be started in a snaffle. If a horse has been properly trained with a snaffle, the bend will be there from your seat and legs.”

“I think the option of riding with two hands in a curb bit is a good rule,” Jay says.

“Maybe you have a rider who has just moved out of the snaffle bridle, or hasn’t refined her neck reining — this gives her an option without creating a bad habit in the horse. I encourage riders not to get stuck with two hands with a curb bit, though, as we always strive to get better.”

Bob starts all of his horses and students in a snaffle bit with two hands. The inside rein is the teaching rein and the outside rein provides support. He also believes in using a bosal: “My students do a lot of bridleless riding,” he says. “The legs should do more than the reins — you ride with your body and the reins are a supplement.”

An App for That NAWD offers multiple programs, and riders don’t have to be a member of the organization in order to participate.

“All are virtual, so people can compete from where they are,” says Jen. “We hire and train judges, who then judge virtually, and our programs have ribbons, prizes, and yearend points.”

In Trax, a virtual schooling show, riders pay $20 to ride a virtual test for which Massachusetts Horse

9

Brands we carry Abady Alpo Blue Seal Canidae Diamond Eukanuba Friskies Iams Kaytee Merrick Natural Balance Nature’s Recipe Neura Nutrena Nutro Wysong Old Mother Hubbard Pedigree Pinnacle

Poulin Precise Pro Plan Purina Purina Mills Science Diet Sensible Choice Solid Gold Triple Crown Triumph Wellness Whiskas Wild and caged bird and small animal feed.

Kakadu Oilskin Coats.

Country Corral 35 Main St., rear, Rte. 9, Williamsburg, MA (413) 268-0180 countrycorral@aol.com M-F 9:30AM - 5:30PM, Sat 9:30AM - 4:00PM

they receive feedback from judges. They submit their scores from live shows as well as virtual ones to NAWD to qualify for year-end awards.

“The virtual program is supplemental to the live-show environment,” says Jen. “When they’re ready, riders can go to a live show. Both are important in their education and growth. Western dressage is popular and the traditional system hasn’t yet caught up with demand. We strive to bring shows and programs to our participants.”

NAWD has launched several other virtual programs. The Coaches Corral partnered with NAWD and offers comments and a plan for riders who select that option on the Trax tests; Stars is an achievement and recognition program for trainers, coaches, amateurs, and others to show the world their accomplishments.

“Riders who participate in our programs love being able to practice and get feedback in a low-pressure, fun, inexpensive, and casual format,” Jen says. “It can be intimidating to do something new in front of people — NAWD provides an option to build confidence.”

Right behind A-1 Hilltown Pizza in Williamsburg center.

Stalls Available at 50-acre farm in Blandford!

• Indoor arena • Fields • One-mile bridle path • Round pen • Outdoor track • Daily turnout Hay grown on farm; horses always have it available We are also looking for bartered board for feeding and stall cleaning.

Joey Stetz Farrier Service Providing service that is dependable, caring, ethical, and professional.

Ramona Farms

2 George Millard Rd, Blandford . 413 848 2336 www.ramona-farms.com . ramonafarm@aol.com 10

February/March 2015

Competitions Western dressage gives riders a plan for progression. When performing a test, riders receive feedback and a score for every movement, and thus have something to take home and work on.

The Western New England Professional Horseman’s Association (WNEPHA) added year-end awards for western dressage to its affiliated show schedule in 2014. There are year-end awards in each division, and then a High Score of the Year. There’s also a division for professionals.

Last year’s series consisted of 10 shows. Among the farms serving as hosts were the Bay State’s Blythewood Stables, in Pittsfield; Heritage Farm, in Easthampton; Harmony Hill Farm, in Great Barrington; and King Oak Farm, in Southampton. This year the Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, in South Hadley, joins the roster and in February kicks off the series.

“The WNEPHA series is like schooling shows with a friendly, encouraging, welcoming atmosphere,” says Cathy Drumm. “We have USDF ‘L’ graduate judges, and we provide a very good way to start out without a huge financial commitment.”

Xenophon Farm, in Montague, annually runs five schooling shows. “My sister, Janice, and I grew up riding western in Kansas,” says Elaine Kachavos, coowner. “The idea seemed too good to miss — a marriage of western riding and our passion, dressage. This year again all of the shows will offer western tests. We also give out year-end awards for western dressage.”

Independence Stable, in Belchertown, holds a series of four dressage schooling shows throughout the year, and western dressage tests are an option. “The focus of our trainer, Dottie Brittingham-Foreman, is on producing horses that enjoy what they’re doing and also on the happiness and personal growth of riders,” says student Debra Becroft, of Holland. “Western dressage is another avenue for us to learn and grow with our horses, both at home and in the show ring.” Debra and her Morgan mare, Raintree Treasure, have competed in western dressage for several years now.

The Heritage Dressage Association (HDA) holds four schooling shows at Briggs Stable, Hanover, with western dressage tests and year-end awards. Lisa Landry co-managed one of the shows for HDA. “I’m thrilled to be part of a club

Looking Ahead The WDAA this year has a new points program. All tests completed and judged by an “L” judge count. Riders send their scores to the WDAA and their horses will accumulate points that stay with them for a lifetime. The program will give horses extra merit and value and proves their experience. Plans are in the works to create a WDAA affiliate in Massachusetts.

“We’re hosting a Train the Trainer program on June 23 and 24 at the Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center in South Hadley and will use the proceeds for our affiliate fees,” Cathy says.

NAWD has two new programs that are already attracting a lot of interest. Six Feet on the Ground is, as its name suggests, an on-the-ground series related to the training scale and includes optional tests. In January, a series of trial tests were released. There’s also a simple course based on the training-scale principles. Both programs are part of the series of virtual shows.

“If you enjoy dressage and the level of suppleness and obedience, western dressage is fun and you can make it your specialty,” says Cathy. “You’re dancing with your horse and it’s an absolutely marvelous feeling.”

“Keep it simple,” says Jay. “We often make things too complicated in our own minds. Try western dressage. Get some guidance, go out and work with your horse, and teach it good habits and correct responses.”

“I have a diverse background in riding, and highly recommend being open to learning and cross training,” says Lisa.

“It’s indescribable how proud I felt at the end of the last show of the season, having two mares who each gave her heart in her performance, both having overcome so much to be there. That’s what it’s all about.”

AUCTIONS

35th Annual Cabin Fever Auction Sunday February 22, 10 A.M.

ever What ests, er t n your i mething o s e v we ha . Don’t be u for yo ger here! n a r t as

This auction is a New England Tradition! Beat the winter blues by getting in on the auction action! New and used tack, then the nicest selection of horses to be seen in the Northeast, many straight from winter lesson or lease programs. There will be horses and ponies of every size color and discipline, ready to start the New Year with you.

Get out of the house and onto a horse! Horse consignment and catalog deadline: February 16. Sorry, we will not be accepting any consigned tack for this auction.

Spring Clean-up All-tack Auction Sunday March 29, 10 A.M. Pre-consigned so far: Annual clearance of a New York consignment shop, plus contents of recently closed small boarding facility, much more to be added. Come shop for used tack and supplies to be ready for spring! We are currently accepting consignments of good quality new and used tack, farm equipment, and supplies to be auctioned on this date. Please: no animals, no junk! Usual consignment fees and commissions apply.

Alessandra Mele

that was open to the addition early on,” she says. “It’s had a great response.”

“The entry fees at western dressage shows are very reasonable,” says Jay Quinlan. “And you know exactly when you’re riding, so it’s not a daylong event, the way some other shows are.”

The New England Dressage Association (NEDA) offers western dressage at several of its shows.

EVENTS

Look for an expanded calendar of events to be held at Heritage Farm in 2015: Auctions . Hunter Shows . Stock Horse Shows . Dressage Shows . Clinics Open to buy, sell, or trade horses 7 days a week, by appointment.

Nice Horses for Nice People.

Auctions . Hunter, Stock Horse, and Dressage Shows . IEA Team

The Raucher Family 30 Florence Rd. Easthampton, MA (413) 527-1612 www.farmheritage.com

Stacey Stearns is a lifelong equine enthusiast from Connecticut who enjoys competitive trail riding with her gelding and learning the ins and outs of dressage with her mare. When not in the barn, she reads and writes about horses.

Massachusetts Horse

11

Cindy Bryden

Feeding Hills

Reining with Passion

by Alessandra Mele

I

Deerfield,” she says. “Between all those horses, I was always in the saddle and would ride anything.”

Although many horses came and went through Cindy’s life, she especially recalls the ones that had an impact on her as a horsewoman. “When I was thir-

Katie Bogaert

t’s a dismal late-fall day — gray skies, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures.

Escaping the dreariness by slipping inside the door of Echo Ridge Training Center, in Suffield, Connecticut, one needs only to follow the sounds of laughter to find instant relief. Those sounds are coming from a neatly kept aisle where three women chat excitedly among horses curled up in their stalls for a mid-morning nap.

Cindy Bryden’s laugh is that of a woman who is content, one surrounded by the people and animals she loves.

Cindy Bryden, who lives in Feeding Hills, has a reputation for excellent horsemanship, which began at her family’s farm in that same western Massachusetts town. She established CLB Custom Performance Horses there for several years, but has recently moved her business just over the border into Suffield.

Her success as a reining rider and trainer extends throughout the Northeast and beyond, and her achievements are impressive. Above all, though, it’s her work ethic, horsemanship, and high spirits that keep her so well regarded in the reining world.

The All-around Horsewoman Cindy remembers sitting on a horse for the first time at 4½ years old at her family’s farm. “My father bought me a pinto mare for five hundred dollars at an auction in 1957,” she recalls. “I was lucky; he had an eye for great horses. He was a trainer and really taught me how to ride by the seat of my pants. I would lead my pony to the grain bin, climb on up, and figure it out from there.”

Riding soon became second nature for Cindy, as her family was deeply involved in horses. “We had the farm in Feeding Hills, and my mother’s father trained Thoroughbreds up in South 12

February/March 2015

teen,” she says, “my father bought me a three-year-old Quarter Horse mare named Ruth’s Christy. She wasn’t broke at the time and I trained her myself.”

Cindy takes a moment to beam at the memory of a special mare. “She did poles, barrels, jumps, hunter under saddle, and trail classes,” she says. “She was amazing, she could do anything. I did some reining on her too, but that was before you had to spin. There was just a lot of running involved.”

This early training project set Cindy in motion to become a versatile rider, a quality she values and tries to instill in all the riders and horses she works with.

“I’ve tried everything,” she says. “I’ve ridden hunt seat, western, pleasure, jumpers, trail; I’ve done showmanship and trained OTTBs; and of course there’s the reining.”

Her breadth is apparent as she

recalls various mounts and their victories. “Then there was Fire One Riker, a Quarter Horse mare I bought in 1971 from John Riker, who was very well known for his pedigree of Quarter Horses with ‘Riker’ in the name,” Cindy says. “She was a great horse: She was top five in the Amateur Bridle Path Hack at the first-ever World Championship Quarter Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky, and I even qualified her son three years in a row.”

Cindy turned professional in 1975 and continued to experience success in the show ring in a variety of disciplines. Eventually her focus shifted to reining, and for the last 12 years that’s been her full-time passion. She competes with her two Quarter Horses — McMega, one of the top geldings in the area with more than $30,000 in winnings, and Senorita’s Sugar Bars. “Reining has become my favorite because I’ve found it to be applicable to all of the other disciplines,” she says.

Train to Rein When Cindy talks about reining, the thrill of tight spins and sliding stops is manifested in her zeal. There’s no question that this discipline is her passion, and her excitement is contagious. Just ask her clients; many never thought to try reining until they saw how much fun Cindy was having, and now they’re hooked.

One of the things that appeals to Cindy about competitive reining is how the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has structured the discipline to help riders achieve their goals and ride their best. “When you compete in reining, you’re really showing against yourself, trying to beat your personal best,” she explains. “Everyone starts with a

score of seventy, and you lose or gain points according to how you perform the pattern. The NRHA is geared toward levels, and as your skill increases and you gain points, you’re able to move up.” In addition, she says, “you can also see your score sheet after you show, so you’re immediately aware of your errors and fixing them is within your control. You know exactly what you need to work on when you leave the ring.”

This system complements Cindy’s approach to training: “Every horse has its own particular strengths and I train each as an individual,” she says. “I’m lucky; I don’t have the pressure of thirty horses in the barn that I need to force into the same generic program. I’m able to tailor my training, so all our horses become what I like to call productive members of society.”

These “productive members of society” should have two qualities when they emerge from Cindy’s training program: versatility and balance. “I don’t believe they should have just one job — knowing how to do several things keeps their minds fresh,” she says. As for balance, she says, “my goal is to get rid of any resistance in their body. A horse may be resisting in his shoulder, jaw, poll, or any number of other places. Once I can eliminate that resistance and get the parts of the body working in rhythm, the horse is on his way to becoming a balanced success.”

Well-trained reiners are model citizens in Cindy’s eyes. “You can do anything with them once they’re trained as good reiners; they’re so well broke.

Changing leads on a straight line, stopping, rolling back, turning on the outside rein — these are all important maneuvers that translate extremely well into all other disciplines,” she says.

fidence in me. Now I have Abby and Peppy, my Quarter Horse, and I’ve done a lot of hunt seat and western pleasure riding. I picked up reining about six months ago and I’ve been having a lot of fun with it. Cindy is very patient, but demanding at the same time. She really wants to help you get to the next level.

She’s also one of the most skilled riders I’ve ever seen.”

At the opposite set of cross ties is Denise Harvey, who’s tacking up her beautiful Palomino gelding, Fletch Me Some Gold. “About a year ago,” she says, “I was watching a Northeast Reining Horse Association show and they were raffling off a reining lesson with Cindy. I bid and won, had a great lesson, and I’ve been with Cindy ever since. She’ll help you achieve your dreams; she’s definitely helped me achieve mine. Just a year ago I was watching and now I compete as a green reiner.” She and Cindy are gearing up for a trip to Tennessee in search of a new horse for Denise.

Cindy takes great pride in all of her students, but she notes particularly the success of her cousin Vincienzo Santos, who started riding with her ten years ago. “Vincienzo had his first two reiners with me, and now he’s Shawn Flarida’s assistant,” she says. She can’t help but smile broadly. “Shawn is the only fivemillion-dollar rider in the NRHA,” she says, “so Vincienzo has really worked his way up. I’m so proud of him!”

It’s been a year of transition for Cindy, as she’s spread her wings beyond the family farm and established a new home at Echo Ridge. Her clients’ needs and her horses’ welfare are always at the forefront, and she says she’s grateful to be in a place where those can be well served. “This is a lot of work, but you have to love it. Everyone should have a passion in life, and mine is this,” she says.

“I have to pinch myself every time I walk into the barn in the morning, seeing the horses all cozy in their stalls and ready for another day. We’re so happy here.”

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

The Reining Gypsies Cindy’s ability to explain the mechanics of reining in relatable terms is something her clients appreciate; many of them are now taking up the discipline. “I enjoy helping my clients more than anything,” Cindy says. “We’re a little group of reining gypsies, and we have so much fun!”

Donna Dubiel has been training with Cindy for years. Now she’s grooming her mare, Abby, an elderly National Show Horse who’s dozing peacefully to the careful brushstrokes going over her winter coat. “I started riding later in life,” she says, “on my daughter’s big Thoroughbred. Cindy helped instill conMassachusetts Horse

13

Ramona Farms Keeping It Comfortable

Blandford

by Christina Andersen

T

courtesy of Ramona Farms

time longeing by listening to the radio,” he hill towns of western Joey says. “After five songs, it’s time to Massachusetts are known for their switch direction.” rustic charm, even on a cold, lateHe gives Henry a pat on the neck fall day. Blandford is nestled in the for a job well done, then nudges him Berkshire foothills. As one approaches the village, a pretty white-painted church through a gate, out of the arena, and holds pride of place.

Crumbling stone walls, covered with moss and visible among the leafless trees, call to mind centuries of farming.

Then one final turn onto a dirt road leads to the 50-acre spread and reining world of Ramona Farms.

Old and new speak of the traditions and then changes that mark any agricultural community. For example, a couple of horse-drawn implements decorate the front lawn; a shiny tractor is parked across from them. The tractor has seen recent use: The drag is still attached, fresh with dirt from grooming the arena. Joey Stetz and Henry at Ramona Farms, Blandford. into the attached barn. Their soft paces Ancient and rusted tools hang on the on the arena footing quickly change to barn’s siding — Joey Stetz calls them the clinking of spurs and the clopping of “barn art.” unshod hooves on the concrete of the As the clouds part briefly to allow barn floor. The aisles are wide, with some fleeting rays of sunshine, the view plenty of room for all the equine equipis of open pastureland, hay fields, and ment. Saddles, pads, bridles, halters, and the nearby mountains. Surrounding the grooming boxes all hang neatly against farm is 1,000 acres of prime and historic the stall doors. Each horse has a blanket, New England forest. although one is needed only rarely.

It’s peaceful on this December day, Joey begins to remove Henry’s tack. quiet except for an occasional gust ratThe horse stands, unbridled and untied, tling the wind chimes and sending crisp while Joey moves around him, talking leaves across the frozen ground. At the and putting everything away. Henry’s entrance to the barn, though, someone patience testifies to the training he has is hard at work. absorbed during his eight years on the Joey is working with Henry, a gray farm. Several gray dots spot his fuzzy lips, Quarter Horse gelding, on a blue longe which are flapping in hopes of a food line in the indoor arena. He’s wearing reward. His demeanor is a reflection of worn-in leather boots, jeans, and a thick Joey’s work. “I like horses that aren’t winter coat; a cowboy hat completes the picture. Henry is trotting easily in a beau- flighty,” he says, then adds, “I want to keep them comfortable.” tifully tooled western saddle. He walks in As Joey walks away for a brief toward Joey, head relaxed, and releases a moment, Henry’s eyes track him. They satisfied breath. widen with anticipation and he begins to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama blares from a big red radio. “I lick his lips as he sees thick flakes of hay 14

February/March 2015

heading his way. He knows his work for the day is done.

Joey Stetz has a lifetime of stories and memories. “I’ve only been doing this for fifty years,” he says with a grin. In fact, he just celebrated a milestone birthday, but you’d never know it by looking at him.

“I believe that all horses — it doesn’t matter the discipline — they all need to be broke,” he says. He gives Henry an absentminded pat. “A horse needs to move left, right, forward and backward, and stand before you do more with him.”

Joey looks down for a moment, perhaps thinking back decades, then raises his head.

“I’ve always been into horses,” he says. His love of the animals is in his blood; his grandparents had horses in Spain before they moved to the United States. He began riding at a young age, and after that — as with so many of us — there was no turning back.

Born in Manhattan, Joey grew up on Long Island, near 650 acres of trails to explore. He has ridden in, competed in, trained in, and judged reining nationwide. At Ramona Farms, which is named for his mother, he offers training in western, reining, and hunter under saddle, ensuring that each horse gets a solid start for whatever the discipline may be. Joey is committed to starting horses right, putting them firmly on the path to success.

JOEY HOLDS Northeast Reining Horse Association (NERHA) and American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) titles and had a winning horse at the Appaloosa World Championship Show a few years back. His heart’s in reining — “Reiners are the biggest thing in the equestrian world right now,” he says, “they’re even going to the Olympics” — and he’s served as a judge for the disci-

pline: he’s been a National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) judge for more than 20 years, and he’s judged big shows throughout the United States and even in Europe. He’s also a carded judge for the New England Horsemen’s Council (NEHC), and has worked with a long list of renowned horses, riders, trainers, and celebrities. Although he doesn’t go quite so far afield anymore, he continues to judge along the East Coast (he was a judge at the first annual Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show ten years ago). “I’ve done a lot, I guess,” he says with a modest shrug.

Yes, he has. And he’s also a farrier — he trims and shoes his own horses as well as boarders.

IN WARMER weather, there’s a 150-x300-foot outside track. A well-maintained, mile-long bridle path weaves throughout the property, providing plenty of opportunities for a nice warmup loop, a cool down, or a casual ride.

Before haying season, acres of cleared open space means riders can enjoy a lively gallop through the fields. The pastures are luxuriously large, and some have run-in sheds. A large round pen stands close to the barn, and the 70-x-

120-foot indoor arena is conveniently attached to the barn, so our changeable weather doesn’t prevent rides.

As a pair of inquisitive Quarter Horses greet Joey outside the barn, he ungloves a hand and slips them each a treat through the fence. These two are Henry’s uncles, and his dam is in a back pasture with her small herd. Here with the uncles is an older gelding who prefers his hay over saying hello. Joey is proud of the gelding: “He’s won every show in the Northeast,” he says, beaming. “In his prime twenty years ago, Smokin’ Ace won the NRHA Year End Novice Open Title for the Northeast.”

The graying hairs on the gelding’s face give away his age, but at 28 years old he’s still in great shape.

RAMONA FARMS will be celebrating 25 years in the community this fall. It used to breed its own stock, then became a training facility. Now it’s transitioning to become primarily a boarding stable.

There are currently nine equines on the farm. Unless the weather is extreme, they’re generally outside and comfortable without blankets during the day, with a constant supply of hay — and the hay is beautiful, grown right there on the

property —in front of them and a clean, thickly bedded stall at night.

Ramona Farms has five open stalls and welcomes new boarders, and Joey is looking for part-time help in exchange for working off board. The barn maintains an intimate and personal feeling.

The farm, despite its pastoral setting, is close to the Mass Pike and easy to locate.

Joey will still offer basic starting and training, but horse owners are invited to bring their own trainer, farrier, and veterinarian, he says, “as long as they take good care of the horses.”

Christina Andersen grew up on Nantucket Island, riding along the beaches and cranberry bogs with her pony, Whinnie. Her love of horses brought her to UMass Amherst, where she received a bachelor’s degree in animal behavior with an equine emphasis. She taught draft horse husbandry to future veterinarians and farmers at UMass while managing the large herd at Blue Star Equiculture, Palmer, for which she created a popular blog.

Christina now spends her free time riding through the Berkshire foothills with her two drafts, Bill and Mark.

Massachusetts Horse

15

Equine Lyme Disease

© Dusty Perin / www.dustyperin.com

Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment

horse sense

by Holly Jacobson

T

he prevalence of Lyme disease can lead to long-term frustration, confusion, and high costs for horse owners.

Improved testing, along with confirmed treatments and alternative holistic adjuncts, provide some answers to help alleviate symptoms and combat the suffering caused by this insidious, often perplexing disease.

First detected in 1975, a unique form of multiple-joint arthritis started to afflict residents in Old Lyme, Connecticut. The bacterium responsible was discovered in 1982, by PhD student Willy Burdorfer, in a deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) on Long Island, New York.

The tiny spiral organism (Borrelia burdorferi), known as a spirochete, is named after him.

Lyme disease is carried by the blacklegged tick, or deer tick, which travels conveniently not just on deer, but also on the common white-footed mouse, chipmunks, rats, possums, and the family dog. Other tick species, such as the large brown dog tick, don’t transmit the Lyme bacterium.

Almost 50 percent of adult horses in certain parts of the Northeast are infected or have been infected, according to a report by Cornell University. It is unknown, however, how many develop clinical signs of Lyme disease.

Vague and Varied Symptoms Lyme disease can be difficult to pinpoint, as symptoms present in myriad ways, from subtle to overt, in physical, behavioral, even neurological issues that

Hand-crafted using high-quality materials and workmanship.

Careful fitting for horse and rider.

Custom quality leather goods: western saddles . purses . totes chaps . chinks . belts . halters . bridles reins . breast collars repairs . restoration dog collars & leashes Open most days, call ahead to be sure.

Blue Dog Leather

64 South Shore Dr., Orange, Mass. 978.544.2681 16

February/March 2015

bluedogleather.com

mimic those of other conditions.

The most common symptoms are stiffness, sporadic lameness, shifting lameness, muscle tenderness, resentment of touch or pressure, increased reactivity to sensory stimuli, sudden behavioral changes, unwillingness to work, lethargy, grumpiness, poor coat condition, and weight loss or muscle wasting. Inflammation within the eye and neuroborreliosis (a neurologic disease caused by Lyme) are occasionally seen as well. Swollen joints occur rarely.

Fever and edema are unlikely; they’re probably a result of Anaplasma phagocytophilia infection, another tickborne illness, or a simultaneous infection.

In humans and horses, Lyme can act in subtle but debilitating ways over time.

The Lyme spirochete, the corkscrew-shaped bacterium, can worm its way from the bloodstream to joints and bones and even nerves, and researchers believe it ingeniously mutates once inside the host to avoid detection by antibodies mounted by the immune system and antibiotics. The belief is that it disguises itself in a dormant cyst state and then activates later.

“Lyme spirochetes continue to alter their structure from moment to moment,” says Joyce Harman, DVM. “This probably contributes to the various symptoms that are part of the Lyme picture, as well as its resistance to treatment. Spirochetes actually travel faster in

collagen (such as the myofacia, a thin membrane covering all the muscles) than in the bloodstream. This accounts for the common symptom of generalized body pain. Lyme disease appears to actually suppress the body’s immune system.”

is usually successful when done early.”

Approaches to treatment vary, she says, and the owner’s dilemma remains whether to treat a horse that shows no clinical signs of disease.

Drug Treatment Testing Titers When they suspect Lyme (soreness or obvious tick exposure), most vets draw blood and send it to Cornell University’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center.

Introduced in 2011, Cornell’s Lyme Multiplex Assay aims to identify the infection’s stage, but it still can’t clearly identify all cases, nor does it indicate the degree of symptoms a horse has. What it can do is help to determine the chronicity of the disease and distinguish between vaccine antigens and tick infection.

“Previously, it would be very difficult to sort out which horses were recently infected, which have been infected for some period, and those that have been vaccinated,” says Annemarie Butler, DVM, whose North Shore Equine practice always sees a lot of Lyme cases.

“Screening horses for Lyme disease is a frequent, if not routine, part of our lameness and poor-performance examinations,” she says. “Although the Multiplex test doesn’t give us ‘exact’ answers, it guides us in the right direction. An idea of how long the horse has been infected as well as the degree or severity of the infection helps us to determine which antibiotic to use and, to some extent, for how long. Successive tests can help us to monitor response to treatment and response to vaccination.”

The canine SNAP test has also been used for screening of horses for Lyme.

It’s less expensive than the Multiplex and can be done in the stall, but unlike the Multiplex, the SNAP test doesn’t quantify the presence of Lyme disease in the horse’s blood. Instead, it tells you if it’s there. (Many horses in our area are exposed to Borrelia, and a large percentage have antibodies in their blood even if they don’t have an active infection.)

“For me, the SNAP test can make diagnosis even more confusing than it already is,” says Annemarie. “Unfortunately, false negatives are possible.”

For Bettina Wagner, the Cornell researcher who pioneered the Lyme Multiplex Assay, the goal was to help vets with what she calls the biggest issue they face: when to treat for Lyme disease. “If our test indicates an early-infection state before clinical signs, we recommend treating the horse,” she says. “Treatment

“The good news is horses appear to respond better to treatment than people do,” says veterinarian Mary Kahan, who is also a chiropractor and acupuncturist and has been practicing in Massachusetts since 1989.

The gold standard for treatment is intravenous oxytetracycline for 28 days.

Tetracyclines are the most frequently used drugs for treatment of equine Lyme disease and highly effective in eliminating B. burgdorferi. However, this route is expensive: it calls for daily farm calls and IV medications. A catheter can be used, but managing an external port and the infection risk need to be considered. IV treatment is usually followed by a course of oral antibiotics.

Because of the expense, veterinarians and horse owners sometimes treat with IV oxytetracycline for 7 to 10 days and follow that with oral doxycycline for up to three months. Alternatively, vets suggest a 30- to 45-day course of the doxycycline or minocycline.

Doxycycline isn’t always effective.

You may have to use it for longer stretches or return to it after retesting. In the study at Cornell, reinfection was common in both the doxycycline group and the Naxcel group but not in the oxytetracycline group.

“In my experience, if we treat a horse and posttreatment it tests negative, it probably won’t test positive again in the future,” says vet Annemarie Butler.

“If we don’t have a truly negative test posttreatment, often the patient will have successive positive and usually higher antibody-level tests.”

Doxycycline has powerful antiinflammatory properties (some vets prescribe doxy for swelling or soreness when bute or banamine is not an option), so a horse may show improvement because arthritis or another inflammation feels better, not because the infection is gone.

In the past, doxy was relatively inexpensive, but in 2013, when two companies stopped producing it, costs increased substantially, prompting some vets and owners to substitute minocycline.

Across the spectrum of treatment protocols, costs range from $650 to several thousand dollars.

Mary Kahan believes horses that

Trailers 2015

relapse may not have been treated long enough. “The Borrelia migrates to places without good blood flow, which makes it that much more difficult to reach,” she says. She suggests treatment for a minimum of 90 days.

Equine Vaccine?

There’s no FDA-approved vaccination for horses, but a number of veterinarians use one that works for canines.

Cornell conducted a study in 2004 that showed a canine vaccine was effective in preventing Lyme disease in a small group of ponies challenged with infected ticks three weeks after a threedose regimen. However, so far no followup studies have been published on safety or frequency for horses previously infected or not known to be infected.

Still, many horse owners trying to prevent or interrupt the cycle of infection opt for the vaccine.

“I’ve been using it for three years now and haven’t had any reported reactions or problems,” says Annemarie.

“Typically, we’ll check the Multiplex test before vaccination and after the series of vaccines. Initially we give two vaccines three weeks apart and then one three months later. After the initial series, the continued on page 29 . . .

Massachusetts Horse

17

guest column

Drawing to a Stop

A Fundamentals Riding Exercise

by Clinton Anderson

2. Pick up on both reins and glue your hands low on your legs — down near your knees.

There are four steps to

Teaching Stages 1. Ask the horse to walk forward on a loose rein while you hold the middle of the reins in one hand.

Don’t worry about where the horse takes you. Let him walk on a loose rein wherever he wants to go.

18

February/March 2015

gluing it there.

Apply just enough pressure to stop the horse. The lower your hands are, the more leverage you have and the easier it will be to get the horse to tuck in his nose and give to the bit.

3. Wait for the horse to stop moving his hooves and soften his face vertically, creating slack in the reins. As soon as he does those, throw the reins up his neck toward his ears. Do this quickly, as if the

A

reins are burning you. The quicker you release the pressure, the quicker the horse will understand that he did the right thing.

I call this a “Hot Potato Give” because I want you to simulate what you’d do if someone threw a hot potato to you. You’d immediately throw it to someone else because it’s hot and you want to get rid of it. You want your horse to think that every time you pick up on the bit, the bit becomes a hot potato and he should quickly soften and get off it.

Goal To move the horse forward on a loose rein at any gait, then pick up on the reins with the lightest degree of pressure to have the horse immediately come to a stop and soften vertically to the bit.

hand back to your knee and

B. Slide your other hand down the rein.

You should not have made contact with the horse’s

Darrell Dodds

M

ost horses’ first reaction when you pick up on two reins is to pull against the bit and run through it. Before asking your horse to soften vertically and collect while moving forward, he has to understand that when you pick up on two reins, it means to soften and give, not resist.

The following exercise will get the horse thinking about stopping and softening rather than speeding up and resisting when you pick up on the reins. Can you still teach a horse to vertically soften if you skip this exercise? Yes, but it will be more of a fight in the beginning because the horse won’t understand the idea of giving vertically to bit pressure as well. This exercise breaks down the concept of vertical flexion into a series of steps that will be simple for a horse to understand.

Remember, the easier you can make learning, the faster the horse will catch on.

C picking up on the reins. To start, hold both hands side by side on the middle of your reins. Then:

A. Slide one hand down the rein.

How far you slide your hand will depend on how long the horse’s neck is. You should slide down far enough so that you just make contact with the horse’s mouth as you glue both hands to your knees.

mouth yet.

C. Slightly tip the horse’s head to one side by bringing one hand back to your knee and gluing it there.

Lateral flexion is the key to vertical flexion, so by tipping the horse’s head laterally first, it will reduce his resistance vertically.

D. Straighten out the horse by bringing your other

4. After you release the reins, immediately flex the horse once each way.

Flexing in between each stop will do two things: a) it will break up the exercise so the horse doesn’t start anticipating walking off again as soon as you release the reins, and b) it will maintain lateral softness in the horse.

Whenever the horse is straight, he’s practicing stiff-

ness, so it’s important to balance vertical flexion with lateral flexion.

5. Now walk the horse off for about 20 feet on a big, loose rein and repeat the exercise.

6. Once the horse is proficient at the exercise at the

lead the horse is on. Your only concern is getting him to canter, then to stop and soften when you ask. You can work on just one thing at a time.

Tips for Success Don’t pick up on the same rein first every time.

Try to alternate which

vertical flexion with lateral flexion. In the beginning, you do 100 percent lateral flexion. When you first start to teach the horse vertical flexion, spend 10 percent of your ride on vertical flexion and 90 percent on lateral flexion. As the horse gets softer, you can gradually even out the ratio so that you’re working on 50

D

4

3

5

walk, follow the same steps at the trot.

The faster a horse’s hooves move, the stiffer he’ll automatically get, so don’t try this at a faster gait until the horse is very soft and responsive at the walk.

7. When the horse can do the exercise well at both a walk and a trot, try it at the canter.

Don’t worry about what

rein you pick up on first when asking the horse to flex vertically. That will keep the horse soft on both sides of his mouth.

Lateral flexion is the key to vertical flexion.

Don’t fall into the trap of working on just vertical flexion. Keep in mind that any time a horse is straight from his head to his tail, he’s practicing stiffness. It’s important, then, to eventually balance

percent vertical and 50 percent lateral flexion during the course of a ride.

Clinton Anderson, a clinician, trainer, and competitor, has dedicated his life to helping others realize their horsemanship dreams and keeping them inspired to achieve their goals. The Downunder Horsemanship Method gives horse owners the knowledge they need to become skilled horsemen and -women and train their horses to be consistent and willing partners. To see how Clinton and his method can help you, visit www.downunderhorsemanship.com.

Did these tips help you and your horse? If yes, let us know at contest@mahorse.com by January 31, 2015. Your name will be entered in a drawing to win one of three grand prizes and three runner-up prizes.

Prizes include rope halters, handysticks, leads, reins, longe lines, and DVDs from Downunder Horsemanship.

Massachusetts Horse

19

the right lead

Western Pleasure

Five Easy Exercises

Tina Kaven

A

western pleasure horse must be in top physical shape to compete.

When it comes to conditioning a rail horse, however, there’s more to it than just walking, jogging, and loping.

In a way, a show horse is like clay.

With clay, you keep working and working it, and eventually it becomes very flat and moldable and you can make anything you want from it. If you set the clay on the counter and let it get cold again, though, it’s going to get stiff and be difficult to shape.

What I want with my horses is that warm, soft, moldable piece of clay all the time. I don’t care how finished a horse is or how long he’s done western pleasure, he’ll go back to that stiff piece of clay if he’s not worked. He needs calisthenics to keep him supple and enable him to do his job properly.

To prepare my western pleasure horses for the show ring, I use five simple exercises to enhance movement, transitions, flexibility, and balance. The exercises consist of long trotting, shoulder and hip work, departures and transitions, loping squares, and backing.

These five easy exercises will ensure that your horse is ready for show day.

Warming Up Before I move into the exercises, I warm up a horse by longeing him and riding him lightly. I want to make sure the horse is mentally with me.

When I longe, I don’t take the horse out there and just crack the whip and make him run around. I take out the horse and try to get a feel for where he is mentally. Is he excited or is he quiet and ready to work? I don’t want the horse to come out with his tail over his back and run around like crazy on the longe line.

If that’s the case, then I let him work himself down and maybe tie him up for a little while — let him recoup before I ride him. I don’t like to ride right off a hard longe, because then the horse is 20

February/March 2015

breathing hard and isn’t really mentally open.

When I get on the horse, I walk him around and check his mental capacity again. If he’s pretty quiet, I’m going to do a little lifting exercise to see if he’s attentive. I’ll raise the reins and ask him to lift his shoulders, head, and neck.

If he answers correctly, I ask him to move into a jog and see if he continues to pay attention to me. I’ll then tap him with my leg and ask him to move his

and use of the back while keeping it rounded. Although the horse is in a working trot, he’s still expected to maintain a proper frame, which is a show-ring frame with his head and neck as level as possible.

One of the most important things when long trotting is that the horse be responsive to my spur, leg, and seat cues, so I check with the horse to see if he’s listening to them. For example, I might vary things by asking him to ease his

M. Chris Leese

The Right Lead offers advice and tips from your neighbors and friends. Horse professionals from all walks of life will help you find the right lead.

This article is reprinted from the American Quarter Horse Journal.

Tina Kaven says you need to break up a horse’s exercise routine. She uses five calisthenic exercises that enhance a horse’s movement, balance, and flexibility.

body and see if he answers my cues. I’ll also ask him to move into a lope and check my leg and hand cues again. I then check my brakes and maybe ask him to yield off my leg.

If I think he still has too much energy or isn’t paying attention to me, then I don’t drill on the movements and the calisthenics. Instead, I say, “What do we need to do to get your energy level down? Do you need to get out and play?”

If he’s willing and listening to me, answering all my questions correctly, he’s ready for the calisthenics.

Long Trotting This exercise is a medium-working trot with the horse using a full stride. It’s more than a jog but isn’t fast.

Its purpose is to emphasize balance, strength, complete extension of the legs,

rhythm and do a slower extension and then ask him to speed up to a faster extension.

This exercise is a real attentiongetter and helps to harness the body and the mind as one. It focuses on obedience in a greener horse that isn’t accustomed to going into a working trot without breaking into a lope or slowing down.

This exercise is a way to tell him: You go at the pace I ask you to go — no more, no less.

Shoulder and Hip In this exercise, I focus on a shoulder or hip. I’m training the horse to either pivot or move in any direction I ask.

For the shoulder, I place my outside leg a little forward and ask him to move his shoulder. For the hip, my leg is behind the relaxed leg position. I usually

do this exercise with two hands on the reins, and usually in the middle of the arena or riding across it diagonally.

Its purpose is to make sure the horse is obedient to my legs and my requests. If I find an area of resistance, I know I must focus longer on that.

Departures and Transitions In this exercise, I mix up my departures and transitions to determine what I need to work on. Sometimes I go from a lope to a trot, or maybe a trot to a walk or a lope to a walk or a walk to a lope. I vary it to make sure the horse is obedient to my requests.

If the horse doesn’t do a transition

relaxed leg. When I go to make the turn, however, because I’m moving the shoulders, my legs come forward, with my outside leg of the square a little more forward than the inside leg.

After I move the shoulders over, I might ask the horse to lope off a little more through the shoulders and with my leg a bit more forward.

Sometimes I throw in turns on the hindquarter or forehand, depending on what I think the horse needs and the placement of his body.

What I’m working on is the straightness of the horse and keeping him from getting over-canted, something I want to prevent.

Blood Hoax Life is anything but predictable on the Beckmere Farm that Ike Cherny manages. And to top it off, Tuleigh McKenna, the girl he’s about to marry, disappears. e sole item she left behind is the GPS she depended upon to get her to clients from Maine to Long Island.

Can Ike follow all 43 of her saved destinations and pick up a clue of Tuleigh’s whereabouts?

Fame & Deceit As a protagonist, Ike Cherny is not easy to love at first.

He’s the type of man mothers warn their daughters about. Good looking, arrogant and as much a stud as the stallions he profiles. But as he strives to turn the blue blooded horses on his employer’s stud farm into world class show horses while his stable of two-legged fillies keep on handing him problems, we begin to feel for him.

M. Chris Leese

Natural Balance Equine Dentistry Long trotting helps teach a horse obedience as well as balance and complete extension of the legs.

correctly, I stop him, back him up, and then ask again. If he does it right the next time, I leave him alone.

At every transition, I want the shoulders up at the level of the neck.

In the lope departure, if the horse is broke, I leave my hand very steady. If it’s greener and needs some help with lifting his shoulders, head, and neck, I move my hand slightly forward and raise my wrist a bit. This is the cue that I teach my horses.

When I move my hand slightly forward and bring up my wrist, it means I want the elevation of a horse’s whole front end.

Loping Squares In this exercise, I’m basically loping a square. I lope in a straight line, stop, push the shoulder around to make the turn, and then lope off again.

When I cue the horse to lope, my body is in a normal riding position with a

Backing Up At the end of any exercise session, I always do a backup.

I don’t bring the horse to the middle; I don’t want him to think of being at a show. But I also don’t do it right on the rail, either.

For the backup, I close both spurs, keep the horse straight, and then release to stop him.

If he doesn’t do this correctly, I ask him to do it again. If he does well, I get off, pat him, and loosen his cinch for immediate relief. This tells him he did a good job, and that we’re finished for the day.

Workout Schedule When exercising my older, more experienced horses, variety is important.

Perhaps we work on long trotting and loping squares one day and depar-

Restoring Motion through Balance in the Equine Mouth Improved Topline and Performance Increased Flexion Horses . Ponies . Minis . Donkeys Wendy Bryant, EQDT (413)237-8887 . w-bryant@comcast.net wbryantnaturalbalancedentistry.com Certified practitioner in Natural Balance Dentistry®.

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

Massachusetts Horse

21

If you take a horse out there and just run him through every day, he gets savvy to that. That’s why occasionally I want to surprise my horse and just take

M. Chris Leese

tures and transitions the next. There are even days when we walk and stand the entire session.

I don’t want to go out every day and

Tina ends all of her exercise sessions with asking the horse to back up.

do the same exact thing. That’s fine with a younger horse because he has to learn the rhythm, but for an older horse, I make things more interesting.

HORSES

him out, walk him, and let him stand and look in the pasture.

I ride my older horses two or three days a week, with an activity of some sort

SMALL ANIMALS

EXOTICS

ACUPUNCTURE . CHIROPRACTIC . HOMEOPATHY . PHYSICAL THERAPY

HOUSE CALLS . FULL-SERVICE SMALL-ANIMAL HOSPITAL GROOMING . PET SUPPLIES

FAMILY VETERINARY CENTER BUD ALLEN,

M.S., D.V.M.,

ROBIN KARLIN ALLEN, D.V.M.

99 MAIN ST. (RTE. 9) HAYDENVILLE, MA (413) 268-VETS • FAMVETS.COM • INFO@FAMVETS.COM 22

February/March 2015

— maybe turnout, perhaps the hot walker — on the other days.

When it comes to preparing for shows, I want to make sure the horse is ready to be shown without strain. Is he athletically prepared for what’s coming up? For exercise, that entails some long trotting and doing what I call my checkups: Is he doing my transitions correctly?

Is he moving how I want him to move?

To get him in form, we do just some kind of conditioning, along with my turnout program.

In 2007, Tina was inducted into the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) Hall of Fame for achieving more than $250,000 in NSBA earnings.

She has won the Congress, the World Show, the Masters, and the Reichert Maiden Class. Tina was also an AQHA- and NSBA-carded judge and has judged the Ohio Quarter Horse Congress. For health reasons, Tina has now changed her focus to her Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

Hanover

This Olde Horse

Yes you can!

See what we’re all about.

Join us on the trail!

May 2 - Leverett 25-mile Competitive Trail Ride, Leverett, MA May 30 – New England Arabian Trail Organization Ride LeGrande’s Horseman’s Area Escoheag, RI

The Overland Pony Express, South Hanover to Oldham Pond and Pembroke. (c. 1910)

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email

editor@mahorse.com.

www.ECTRA.org Eastern Competitive Trail Ride Assoc.

Betsy Merritt Barefoot Performance Natural Hoofcare

Orthopedic Trimming and Holistic Lameness Rehabilitation Trimming to promote the healing of coffin bone rotation (laminitis), club “feet,” navicular syndrome, thrush/white line problems, contracted heels, under run heels, cracks, poor hoof quality, and shod to barefoot transitions.

Genuine options to conventional shoeing and hoofcare.

High performance barefoot and maintenance trimming of all equines including donkeys, ponies, and minis.

Betsy Merritt

Natural Hoofcare Professional (413) 348-5798 . betsymerritt@hotmail.com Visit www.thehorseshoof.com to learn more about Natural Hoofcare.

Dealer

Dealer Massachusetts Horse

23

trail guide

Tolland State Forest

East Otis

by Stacey Stearns

T

map. Print one at home or pick one up from a metal mailbox next to the door of the contact station.

Otis Reservoir has 30 miles of shoreline, and equestrians are welcome on parts of it. You access the trails right from the main parking lot at the contact station. Head out on Gilmore Trail, a three-and-half-mile hiking, skiing, and

Stacey Stearns

olland State Forest, managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), comprises some 10,000 acres in the southern Berkshires, in the towns of Otis, Tolland, Blandford, and Sandisfield (headquarters are in East Otis).

The forest is composed of dense hardwoods: hemlock, beech, ash, maple, pine, and birch. During the 1800s, settlers cleared much of it for farming and grazing, and now stone walls abound. Tolland State Forest was created in 1925, and more land was added to it over the years.

In 1966, the DCR acquired the 1,065-acre Otis Reservoir, the largest recreational body of water in the state. In summer the lake is stocked with trout and bass and there’s a boat launch and a sandy beach (with lifeguards on duty). More than 90 campsites are on a peninsula surrounded by the reservoir and Southwest Bay; sites book quickly by people who enjoy swimming, hiking, and kayaking.

In winter, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers flock to the forest. The main entrance, New State Forest Road, isn’t plowed and becomes a snowmobile trail. You can still access the forest via Tolland Road, which travels through a residential area bordering Southwest Bay. This road is posted as not for through traffic, but it’s your only option once there’s snow on the ground.

In any season, equestrians enjoy the rolling hills and the 15 miles of multiuse trails and unpaved roads. The views of the lake, whether in high summer, crisp fall, the warmth of spring, or the bluster of winter, explain why Tolland State Forest ranks high on the list of favorite recreational destinations.

Plan Your Ride During the off-season, park at the forest contact station or the boat-launch area.

As you drive into the forest, the dump station will be on your left; the parking area for the contact station is a little farther up on the right. Parking is available on both sides of the building.

It’s always advisable to ride with a 24

February/March 2015

snowshoe path that loops back to the parking lot. Head south down the trail until it intersects with the snowmobile trail, Alan Road. From there, you can create a nice long ride or a short one.

Snowmobile trails in the area between Route 8 and Otis Reservoir make a nice loop.

If you’re riding up the Farmington River Trail toward the camping area, add some mileage by taking New State Forest Road to the headquarters and dam. The dam was built around 1867 by the Farmington River Water Power Company, which flooded over Rand, Little, and Messenger Ponds to create Otis Reservoir and help power a toolmanufacturing company downstream, in Canton, Connecticut. There are great views of the reservoir from the bridge.

Then ride back down New State Forest Road — a snowmobile trail in winter and a paved road in summer — toward the parking area.

In winter, another interesting way to add mileage to your ride is to head out of the parking area on Gilmore Trail until you connect to the first snowmobile trail you’d cross if you were staying in the area between Otis Reservoir and Route 8.

Riding south on Gilmore Trail, turn left onto the snowmobile trail, which is unpaved East Otis Road. At the fork in the unpaved road, veer left onto Belden Road to follow the Fire Tower Trail. In summer there will be traffic on East Otis and Belden, but the route is quiet during the off-season.

The original Tolland Fire Tower was built on Lair Mountain, at 1,690 feet the highest elevation in Tolland State Forest, in 1915; it was replaced in 1934. Locals considered it a landmark, but in 2003 it was dismantled and sold on eBay. The area offers excellent views, and is popular with hikers and as a party site in summer. In winter, the snowmobile trail makes a loop around the mountain, using the Fire Tower Trail and Lair Mountain Ridge.

Trails are marked and lightly maintained. For three seasons the footing is dirt, rocks, tree roots, and a covering of pine needles and other trail debris, so we recommend shoes or hoof boots for your horse. There are some hills to climb; at the stream crossings, you can take those opportunities to water your horse. During the winter, there’s snow pack, so riders are advised to use shoes with snow pads and borium or winter-weather hoof boots. Be prepared to encounter snowmobiles and skiers.

Amenities The reservoir’s water level will appear low in the off-season — that’s because it’s drawn down eight feet in the fall. The roads into the state forest are narrow and rough, so drive cautiously. The town of East Otis is small, and although you’ll find a gas station and a general store, there’s not much else if you need anything more.

There’s a port-a-potty at the boat launch, but no formal facilities are open in the off-season.

Like all parks managed by the DCR, the forest is open from sunrise to sunset, so plan your ride to adhere to this rule.

Hunting is allowed, so please be aware that you may be sharing the woods and dress appropriately: wear some blaze

ER

OV OR

D

N

O

orange. Tolland State Forest is in blackbear country. Be bear-wise when you’re riding: Make a little noise by talking to your horse or fellow riders, and if you encounter a bear, quietly and calmly leave the area.

Motorcycles may use the trails from May through November. Other motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Parking costs $5 in the beach dayuse area from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Happy trails!

DE RS $ 35 A

N

The April/May magazine is the

annual events issue and will feature

Bay State horse clubs, trailering tips, and more.

Want to be interviewed? Place an ad?

Email us at info@mahorse.com.

Treat Your Horse!

Buy Nickers Horse Treats online at northwoodsanimaltreats.com!

Nickers Horse Treats are handmade, human-grade treats flavored with maple syrup. They are made locally, enjoyed around the world. northwoodsanimaltreats.com (877) 692-6928

Massachusetts Horse

25

lend a hoof

by Mari Passananti

Peace for Ponies

Wareham

K

February/March 2015

the New Holland Auction in western Pennsylvania.

When a pony or Mini arrives at Kendra’s barn, it receives comprehensive one-on-one rehabilitation, training, and care. Kendra relies on a regular vet and farrier, but she also employs Reiki and therapy with essential oils to help the

Kendra Bond

endra Bond, founder of Peace for Ponies, ignores the raw December rain as she herds her charges into the cozy barn in Wareham.

At first glance, Marlee, a pretty white pony with deep chocolate brown eyes, and Misty, a heavily pregnant pinto Miniature, her enormous belly balanced over skinny legs in a manner reminiscent of an expectant mother teetering in stilettos, look like any adored backyard pets.

Only on closer examination do you notice the telltale marks of hard pasts.

Marlee, Peace for Ponies’ most recent rescue, arrived a filthy, mange-ridden, skeletal mess with hooves “so bad they were falling off,” Kendra says. Marlee’s best pal, Misty, a veteran broodmare who’s almost blind and nearly deaf, gets spooky when people approach from the wrong angle.

Kendra, a long-time horse lover and professional equine photographer and artist, started Peace for Ponies three years ago. Because of space constraints, she rescues primarily pregnant Miniature horses, but it’s not unusual to find the odd small pony or donkey in her pony-sized paddock. Her property is an oasis of calm and cuteness. (Don’t just take my word for it: Peace for Ponies’ website streams live, at www.earthlodge.org.)

The majority of the rescues come from Nevins Farm, the MSPCA’s livestock facility, which is always full. Kendra says she likes to help locally when she can, and notes that the MSPCA has a strong network of foster homes into which she can “graduate” her rescues once they’re well enough to leave her care.

Kendra and her volunteers work one on one with the ponies and Minis to help them relax when in sight of humans. They teach their charges to walk on leads along with basic stable manners, such as picking up their hooves and not blasting through gates at turnout time. “It’s a quiet, patient, long process of baby steps,” Kendra says. “If a pony that came in frantic calmly lets you touch her neck and head weeks later, that’s progress.”

Peace for Ponies also takes in rescues bound for slaughter at auctions, and has pulled Minis from as far away as 26

and People Too

equines acclimate and relax over time — a slow and quiet process that can take months.

“It’s such a wonderful thing to see the ponies, who come in scared, utterly transformed,” says Lynn Laporte, a lifelong rider and volunteer who has worked with Peace for Ponies since its inception. “I’m a horse person, and I had no idea what goes on at auctions. I started asking questions. Once you start finding out what goes on, it’s hard to ignore.” The answers to Lynn’s questions haunted her.

The horses sold for meat, a number the federal government estimates at 150,000 annually, are former school horses, camp ponies, backyard pets, racehorses, and a “surprisingly high number of Minis,” says Kendra.

Lynn says she had no idea about the Miniature world before she met Kendra: “I’m a rider,” she says. “I have an off-thetrack Thoroughbred.” She laughs. “Then I went to this Miniature horse show,” she recalls, “and expected to see little kids riding. Instead, it was all adults kneeling next to teeny horses.”

In comparison with full-size horses, Mini horses have a higher rate of birth defects and other imperfections,” says Kendra, “and the Mini mares also suffer a high percentage of complications during birth. These factors may contribute to the relative overrepresentation of Miniature horses in kill auctions.”

Horses and ponies of all sizes bound for slaughter typically travel long distances, even thousands of miles, in cramped, squalid trailers with no climate control and little or no access to water or hay. There are no more equine slaughter facilities, so kill buyers must ship their animals over the border, to Mexico or Canada, for slaughter and processing.

“It doesn’t matter how gentle a camp pony is with kids, how bombproof,” says Lynn. “If it walks into that auction ring lame, it’s going for meat, no matter how much a little girl loved it all summer.”

Many horses and ponies listed as free on Craigslist wind up at auctions and ultimately end up in meat markets abroad, says Kendra. She hopes organizations like Peace for Ponies will raise awareness in the breeders community.

Kendra calls herself “a relentless optimist”: “I do believe the planet is slowly becoming a more loving place,” she says, “and that we’ll start to see breeders taking responsibility for the unwanted or imperfect results of their programs.”

“Peace for Ponies can only save a lucky few,” says Lynn. “One of our key goals is to make people in the community aware of the problem of horses in need of rescue.”

Peace for Ponies takes in two small equines at a time, and raises money through bake sales at the local Tractor Supply and sales of bumper stickers and the rescue’s own healing lavender balms (Lynn, an esthetician, helped develop the skin- and wound-care balms) on its website, which also features a DONATE button. All gifts are tax deductible, and continued on page 28 . . .

www.facebook.com /roanypony

. . . Peace for Ponies, continued from page 26

proceeds from sales go directly to the care of the rescue’s animals.

“We started small, in both size and budget, aware of what we could handle,” Kendra says. “We have a great pool of regular volunteers who divide up the tasks, both physical and clerical.”

Kendra intends to use Peace for Ponies as a prototype, and envisions the future of rescues as many people helping, each on the scale to which he or she is able. “Too many people in animal rescue are frazzled because they’re trying to do it all alone,” she says.

She says she knows many knowledgeable horse people who think they can’t rescue or foster for lack of a barn. To solve that problem, Peace for Ponies has 28

February/March 2015

teamed up with the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office to build small, basic barns from discarded construction pallets. “They already had a program to build pallet shelters for dogs,” Kendra says, “and this takes it to the next level.”

When most ponies and Minis leave Peace for Ponies, they go to foster care, which helps to relieve the burden on the MSPCA’s Nevins Farm. Some need extra socialization and training before being deemed adoptable. Bella, one of Peace for Ponies’ earlier rescues, moved on to Serenity Farms, to learn to behave in a herd and to get accustomed to regular exercise. Destiny, the first foal born at Peace for Ponies, went to a 4-H barn, where he became an immediate favorite with the kids.

Misty, the Miniature currently in res-

idence, will foal here this winter. Kendra has already installed a “foal cam” so visitors to her website will be able to see the new baby’s antics. After weaning, the foal will go to a 4-H barn or other foster home. By that time, Kendra says, Misty should be ready to move on to a foster situation herself, thereby making room for the next expecting mama in the Peace for Ponies barn.

Others head for new jobs. Marlee, the pretty white pony, is already working with a little girl in a therapeutic-riding program for special-needs children.

Both Kendra and Lynn support therapeutic-riding programs and the therapy of plain old time at the barn. “You help them and they help you. It’s really as simple as that,” Lynn says.

Right now, Peace for Ponies is actively seeking to build its network of people willing to foster. “Finding more fosters takes priority over taking in more animals,” says Kendra. Each foster needs $3,000 for each equine brought to her property. Even though fund-raising usually happens in small amounts, says Kendra, now that her organization is three years old, she has started to research and apply for larger grants.

“With horses,” she says, “you never know what comes up.”

Peace for Ponies itself is going through a transition. Kendra says she’s met many people interested in rescuing other types of animals. She has worked with 4-H members, for example, to teach her rescue and rehabilitation practices so they can be replicated by other animal rescuers. This year Peace for Ponies will fall under a larger umbrella, Peace for Animals. Horses, however, will remain Kendra’s top rescue priority.

“Horses saved me, and this is my way of giving back,” she says. “After a rough period in my life, I found myself living on a farm with sixty horses and got started with photography and holistic healing. Life comes full circle, because now the photographs and healing balms help save the ponies.”

To learn more about Peace for Ponies, make a donation, purchase salves, and volunteer, visit www.earthlodge.org and Peace for Ponies on Facebook. To see Kendra’s artwork and photography (all proceeds benefit Peace for Ponies), visit www.creativespirit.smugmug.com.

Mari Passananti, the author of The Hazards of Hunting While Heartbroken and The K Street Affair, is a lifelong horse lover and rider. She lives in Boston with her family and is writing her third novel. For more about Mari and her work, visit www.maripassanantibooks.com.

. . . Equine Lyme Disease, continued from page 17

horses are vaccinated once or twice yearly.”

The antibody that correlates with the vaccine does increase significantly in the majority of vaccinated horses, says Annemarie, but, she cautions, without studies, it’s unknown exactly how efficacious the vaccine is.

Alternative Care Mary Kahan advocates the use of Advance Protection Formula (APF), a highly concentrated liquid extract of adaptogenic herbs, developed by an equine veterinarian and event rider. This supplement may ease stress, help the immune system, support gastric issues, and aid in recovery for a variety of ailments.

Kahan says these herbs build body mass and stimulate hormones. “It’s anabolic, not testosterone,” she says. “Lyme can take a tremendous toll on the autoimmune system and really damage a horse’s ability to mount a defense. You can see it reflected in the lymphocyte and white cell counts.”

Rachel Soffer is a nurse who knows the curative powers of Western medicine but has managed her mare’s chronic Lyme with a combination of APF and homeopathic remedies.

“Lea absolutely will not eat any doxy no matter how well disguised, and to battle syringing her twice a day for thirty or forty days just won’t work,” she says. “I’ve worked a long time to gain her trust, so I’ve found that APF, either the super or the regular, works great. I give two milliliters a day for prevention and four milliliters when she acts ‘Lymey.’” (With Coco Lea, an energetic OTTB, not wanting to go forward under saddle, irritability at being groomed, and acting spooky to light and shadows are the tipoffs.)

In addition, Rachel uses a Lyme homeopathic protocol she gets from Equinature, a company in Northbridge that offers a Lyme kit that uses Lyme nosodes (a remedy made from diseased tissue). It acts in the manner of a vaccine but is nontoxic. The nosode can help trigger the immune system and help it heal.

Equinature supplies a handout that outlines how to treat Lyme. Once in remission (that is, symptoms subside), the dose is one Tick Bite I (6 c) for prevention once a week. Use the Tick Bite II (F) when you actually find an embedded tick. Nosodes can be helpful but there are no regulatory standards, so exercise

caution that the source is reputable.

“What I can tell you is that each client who purchased the tick bite balance kit or prophylactic remedies has had success in either treatment or prevention,” says Christine Taylor, who founded Equinature in 2000. Having contracted Lyme disease herself, Christine says her illness as well as tickborne infections in her animals went into remission with the homeopathic nosode treatment. With four years of continued use of the prophylactic, she believes Lyme can be eradicated from the body. “When antibiotics have been ineffective, this seems to work,” she says.

Ledum is another treatment prescribed for Lyme — for horses, dogs, and people — by Stephen Tobin, a holistic veterinarian in Meriden, Connecticut.

He says ledum, known as wild rosemary or Labrador tea, can be effective for insect bites and stings, puncture wounds, and joint swelling and pain. Ledum is especially good for tick bites because of the bite/puncture aspect. Vets Mary Kahan and Joyce Harman agree.

Mary emphasizes the importance of looking at the whole picture for each individual patient and not making blanket statements about what’s right or wrong, as so much about fighting Lyme remains a mystery. “Sometimes you need to address the gut first,” she says. “You may have to treat ulcers in addition to the immune system.” She’s also been successful using colostrum for irritability and anxiety. In addition, she says, acupuncture works as a restorative because of its strong effect on stimulating the hormones.

Stress is an important factor in recovery from Lyme disease. Herbs and homeopathic remedies can help create balance and strengthen the immune system.

which ticks like to climb. You can even take in some Guinea hens and chickens; they eat ticks. Use spray or wipes with permethrin on your horse’s legs and tail before you take him out on the trail.

Bait boxes expose wild rodents to an acaracide (killer of ticks). They’re usually available at feed stores, and Damminix Tick Tubes, in Brookline, makes biodegradable-cardboard tubes filled with treated cotton balls. You can also make your own: Apply permethrin to cotton balls and put them inside cardboard paper towel or toilet paper rolls.

How these work is that mice take the cotton balls home for bedding and then succumb. None of these is harmful to mammals or to your soil.

The best times to place these are in spring, when nymphs feed on the whitefooted mouse, and in late summer, when newly hatched larval ticks feed on them.

Fall is when adult ticks attach themselves to horses, humans, dogs, and deer.

Another type of bait box wipes a topical dose of ipronil on small rodents that enter the device to feed. It provides 42 days of control. CDC trials show an excellent rate of success in reducing the tick infestation on mice.

OWNERS AND trainers are now more likely to recognize mild clinical signs of Lyme disease than was the case even a few years ago, as more information comes to light and diagnostic tests improve. Preventive steps and vigilance can help reduce opportunities for ticks and perhaps eliminate the expense of testing and treatment. Although they, too, are costly, adjunct herbal and homeopathic therapies provide additional routes to restore our horses to health and vitality.

Prevention It takes 24 hours of attachment for a tick to transmit the disease. Perform daily checks, especially on the neck, underneath the muzzle and jaw, at the base of the mane, and under the tail and ears. If you find any culprits — nymphs and adults — use fine tweezers to grab each tick as close to the skin as possible. Then pull straight up slowly and steadily. Once you’ve removed a tick, apply alcohol or an antibiotic ointment to the site.

To reduce mouse and tick habitat, move away from paddocks any leaf and brush piles, which the white-footed mouse loves. Mow fields to minimize the rodents and to reduce the vegetation on

The April/May magazine is the

annual events issue and will feature

Bay State horse clubs, trailering tips, and more.

Want to be interviewed? Place an ad?

Email us at info@mahorse.com.

Massachusetts Horse

29

Overherd

News in Our Community

riding education. Among the plans are for an unmounted equine lesson and a 45-minute group riding lesson; food and beverages are provided afterward.

This is a great opportunity for adults to become well-rounded equestrians, build confidence as they take on new chal-

to Saddle should target as donors families already in the horse community. No one knows more about the benefits Independence Stables, in Belchertown, from spending time with horses than will hold its annual tack sale in its the families who are already riding. If indoor arena on Saturday, February 15, all those taking riding lessons would beginning at noon. This year, all prodonate the cost of just one of their lesceeds from vendor spots will benefit sons to City to Saddle, Rainbow Rescues, in just think how many Chicopee, which places reskids could suddenly cue pets into loving homes. have that opportunity.”

Vendor spots are available for In response, City to $10; if interested, contact Saddle has started the Dottie Brittingham-Foreman One Lesson Initiative: at (413) 284-0371 or indethe group is requesting pendencestable@yahoo.com individuals and families to reserve a spot. The sale is in the equine commuopen to everyone, with nity to donate the cost plenty of used western and of one of their riding English tack, show apparel, lessons to City to Saddle saddles, and boots. To learn to provide the social, more, visit www.indep physical, and emotional endencestablellc.com. benefits of horses to n Alessandra Mele children who would otherwise never have that Exciting Year Ahead for chance.

Western Dressage The Colonial Carriage and Driving Society held its annal Winter Classic Sleight Rally To learn more and As western dressage gains January 18 despite the freezing rain. to make a donation, visit momentum, we’re seeing www.citytosaddle.org. lenges, and socialize with like-minded more opportunities to practice the disparticipants. The cost is $250 for all five cipline and compete on a local level.

Northeast Wild Horse and Burro Fair The Mount Holyoke College Equestrian weeks; a single class is $60.

Weekly ladies nights at the farm are Thinking about adopting a Bureau of Center will present a Train the Trainer always fun, in and out of the saddle.

Land Management wild horse or burro?

Clinic on June 23 and 24. This clinic For more information, visit Want to learn more about these wonhas been offered all over the country, derful animals? Join It’s a Pleasure but this will be the first in New England. www.undermountainfarm.com or contact Danica Keenan, at Training and the Northeast Wild Horse Clinicians will be Cliff Swanson and undermountaindk@aol.com. and Burro Adoption Network in Frances Carbonnel, who were instrun Alessandra Mele Orange, on March 28, for an entertainmental in the creation of western dresing and informative day of demonstrasage. The clinic is open to amateurs and tions by 2014 Youth Mustang City to Saddle’s professionals. The Western Dressage Competitors and their Mustangs, a One Lesson Initiative Association of America (WDAA) has meet-and-greet with wild horse and City to Saddle is a Massachusetts-based approved the use of any proceeds from burro adopters, a training demonstraorganization whose mission is “giving a the clinic to fund the start of a child a leg up.” The idea is to introduce tion by Peter Whitmore, a versatility Massachusetts affiliate. Local western contest open to all, and information children who are economically disaddressage enthusiasts are welcome to from wild horse and burro organizavantaged to the world of horses. become members and we’d be tions.

Like many small nonprofits, City to delighted to hear your ideas on how the To learn more, contact Mary at (413) Saddle directs more energy and passion affiliation could best serve members 238-4221 or mary.koncel@tufts.edu. toward successful programs than to with education, shows, clinics, and fund-raising. The volunteer-run organiother collaborative efforts. If you’re Avalon Building Systems zation recently held a brainstorming interested, please contact Cathy Now Independent Dealer session at which one of the topics was Drumm, at cathy@cathydrumm.com. for Lester Buildings n Alessandra Mele how to achieve financial support.

Grants, special events, social media, and Lester Building Systems has selected Avalon Building Systems, based in finding that elusive major benefactor Undermountain Farm Holds Stoughton, as a local independent were all discussed and are being Winter Camp for Adults dealer for its wood post–frame building explored.

Undermountain Farm, in Lenox, is systems. Lester Buildings is a leading One of the attendees, a mother holding its first adult riding camp. supplier for farms, horse lovers, hobby whose 12-year-old son has been taking Beginning January 19, five weeks of shops, and commercial uses. Paul evening sessions will focus on an overall riding lessons for two years, said, “City Alessandra Mele

Independence Stables Tack Sale to Benefit Rainbow Rescues

30

February/March 2015

Oliveira, of Avalon, will provide personal, collaborative building services throughout eastern Massachusetts.

“Lester Buildings offers great value and a lifetime structural warranty,” says Paul. “Plus, we spend a lot of time upfront designing to the customer’s vision. Using Lester’s Improv software, I can quickly and easily design someone’s dream building that also meets local snow and wind loads.” To see a photo library, visit www.lesterbuildings.com.

Gregory Mangan at Castle Neck Farm “We’re lucky to have a new Olympiclevel rider and trainer in the Hamilton area,” says Sandra Hendren, of Castle Neck Farm in Essex, “and Gregory Mangan is also an outstanding horse person — honest, kind, and enormous fun to train with. I’ve gone from being a clumsy, out-of-balance jumper rider to a confident, bring-it-on rider in only a few months of training with him.”

Gregory has competed successfully at the Grand Prix level in top international shows, was team alternate for Ireland’s Show Jumping team at the Barcelona Olympiad, and has trained multiple Grand Prix jumpers from first backing.

Castle Neck has boarding and training packages, and will also provide truck-in lessons.

n Holly Jacobson

Fitness for the Dressage Rider In December, Lisa Carusone, of Weston, led a three-part series on fitness for the dressage rider as part of the US Dressage Federation’s annual convention, this year in Boston. Lisa presented three programs: Body Reading for the Rider/Trainer, Movement Awareness for the Rider/Trainer, and Reaching the Next Level in Your Personal Fitness.

A classically trained Pilates instructor, Lisa is also a level 1–certified Resistance Stretch instructor and teaches Suspention Training. She specializes in working with equestrians and gives private and semiprivate lessons in Weston and at Cutler Farm Dressage, which is in Medfield.

Meghan Hamilton Earns Scholarship USDF Region 8 New England Dressage Association (NEDA) member Meghan Hamilton is the recipient of a $2,000 Major Anders Lindgren Scholarship.

Meghan has been instructing for 10 years and operates Meghan Hamilton Dressage out of her training facility, Sleepy Hollow Farm in Dartmouth, and

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

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.

(781) 837-6550 www.donrayinsurance.com Terri Ray

Insure your equine partner with a leading equine agent!

Are you and your horse having problems?

Would you like your horse started under saddle and/or in harness?

Specializing in starting young horses correctly. 100% customer satisfaction using the round pen and natural horsemanship techniques. Over ten years experience starting horses as well as fixing existing problems. Your horse will go under saddle smoothly at all gaits.

Guaranteed to be accomplished at the end of the month (30 days) or the training is free. References available. The cost of the one-month training is $900, including board, in Orange, Mass.

It’s a Pleasure Training with Peter Whitmore (978) 652-2231 . www.itsaple asure t raining.com is also an active competitor. She plans to train with two of her horses under Heather Blitz in early 2015.

Major Anders Lindgren was an accomplished dressage rider: He won the Scandinavian Eventing Championship in 1959 and the 1971 Swedish Dressage Championship, and rode on the Swedish Olympic team in 1972. He was committed to the education of American dressage instructors.

Over a ten-year period, almost 1,000 instructors learned from his systematic, structural approach to teaching dres-

sage at the USDF/Violet Hopkins National Seminars for Dressage Instructors, and then at the National Symposium.

n Laura Solod

Congratulations to Valerie Kelly Valerie Kelly is the new head coach of the Tufts University Hunt Seat IHSA Team. The team’s home base is Milestone Equestrian Centre, in Haverhill. Valerie is a Massachusettslicensed riding instructor who has been riding and training horses since 1990.

Massachusetts Horse

31

She is also a certified equine sports massage therapist.

enthusiasts are welcome and encouraged to join us.

Annual Equestrian Celebration

Mount Holyoke College’s IHSA Western Team Going Strong

n Laura Solod

The 18th Annual Equestrian Celebration Dinner will be held at the Anchor House, in Wilbraham, on February 21 at 6 P.M. A way for local equestrians to come together to network and celebrate their love of horses, the evening will consist of good conversation, tasty cocktails, and a lovely dinner.

A “get-to-know-eachother” game will kick off the evening; guests are asked to bring a small wrapped gift (under $20) to participate.

Half the proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will benefit Blue Star Equiculture, in Palmer. If you’d like to attend, email Jen Bolduc, at JLBolduc82@gmail.com, by February 16. For questions, call Char Pafumi, at (413) 433-6294. All local equine

n Alessandra Mele

The Mount Holyoke College western Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team has enjoyed a great first half of the season and is looking forward to finishing the 2014–2015 school year strong. Currently MHC leads its region; five colleges are close behind.

Senior Bryanne Macdonald is leading the region as the AQHA High Point Rider. Winning that title in the spring means heading straight to this year’s IHSA Nationals, in West Springfield, April 30 to May 3. Bryanne also qualified to compete in the New England Horsemen’s Council Western Medal Finals at Oktoberfest, where she placed third aboard Delightful Krymsun,

A Bit of Riding at Canton Equestrian Center

owned by Bridget and Hailey Boisvert.

The MHC western team hopes to keep its lead over the four shows left in the spring semester. The team hosts a show on February 14.

Interested in western high school or collegiate riding? Contact coach Kelli at kellimarie43@yahoo.com.

n Alessandra Mele

New Home for NEER North New England Equine Rescue North (NEER North) has launched a fund-raising campaign for the acquisition of a West Newbury property. Its current home is a rental facility that’s going on the market. When it’s able to move, self-sustainability through hay production and the elimination of rent will drastically reduce operating costs for the nonprofit organization, enabling it to help many more horses in need.

“Although generous benefactors have stepped up to help NEER North secure a home,” says Mary Martin, founder and president, “the 501(c3) nonprofit still has to raise two hundred thousand dollars to reach its goal of full ownership. Please join us in our fund-raising campaign and support the many local horses that are helped by NEER North.” You can make a tax-deductible donation to the “A Home of Our Own” capital campaign at www.neernorth.org.

NEER North is silver-rated with Guidestar, voted a great nonprofit in 2012, 2013, and 2014, and won second place in Petfinder’s horse-rescue story of 2013 contest.

Cindi Wylie Named USA Coach for Maccabi Games Cindi Wylie, of Rosebrook Farm in Georgetown, has been appointed coach for the USA Dressage Team at the 14th European Maccabi

Do Your 2015 Goals Include Owning Your Own Equine Business?

Here’s Your Opportunity!

A great place to learn everything equine!

Horsemanship & Riding Lessons • Beginner to Advanced Balanced Seat/Hunt Seat • Private/Group • Ages 8-Adult Camp Programs • School Vacations and Summer • Ages 9+ February 16-20 • April 20-24 July 6-9 • July 20-23 • August 3-6 • August 17-20

Pony Rides • Pony Party Packages • Ages 3-10 Leasing • Many packages available!

205 Glendale Road, Hampden, Mass. Set back off the road, in a serene private setting, you will find an efficiently set-up, well-maintained and clean equine facility waiting for you and your horses. Set on 10 acres with 12 12 x12 stalls, an attached indoor arena, and surrounded by turnouts, this would be a perfect set up for a lesson program or boarding facility. Land borders conservation land and has ample access to trails. After a long day of work, come home and dry your boots next to the large fieldstone fireplace. French doors, hardwood and tile floors, exposed beams, open floor plan, back-up generator . . . the list goes on and on. Call to learn more about this fabulous property. $499,900.

Norfolk County 4-H Ambassador’s Club • Ages 13-18 Indoor arena • two outdoor arenas

Join me for a bit of riding!

Nora Reardon 617-875-0356 www.abitofriding.com 32

February/March 2015

Grace Golden, Realtor . Coldewell Banker Residential Brokerage 908-319-4443 . grace.golden@nemoves.com Specializing in Equine Properties, Farms and Country Homes Grace has owned and operated farms for over 26 years. She is an active USDF “L” judge and dressage competitor. Not only does she understand your needs, goals, and dreams, she also clearly understands the value of your farm and equine property marketing.

Games, which will take place in Berlin in July, part of the 200 members of Team USA. The European Maccabi Games will be the largest gathering of Jewish athletes in Germany since World War II. Wylie is an experienced Grand Prix instructor and competitor, a USDF instructor, and a USEF judge.

“This European Maccabi Games is an important breakthrough,” Cindi says.

“We’ll be bringing the world’s Jewish athletes back to Germany, a place historically associated with great Jewish tragedy but now home to a vibrant Jewish community.” Maccabi USA (MUSA) is a federally recognized notfor-profit 501(c)(3) organization with an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural, and educational programs.

The organization is the official sponsor of USA teams to the World Maccabiah Games and the Pan American and European Maccabi Games, as

well as a sponsor of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America. Maccabi USA has been selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee as a Multi-Sport Organization.

n Holly Jacobson

Equine Expo and Paraphernalia Sale The Essex County Trail Association (ECTA) is hosting the 20th annual Equine Expo and Paraphernalia Sale on Saturday, April 25, from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds on Route 1, Topsfield. This popular event draws some 800 people each year. Individuals, groups, and businesses will be offering their goods and services — selling anything new or used for the horse, rider, and driver. If you’re looking to outfit the kids for the show season, upgrade your horse’s equipment, build a barn, find a massage therapist, or purchase supplements, home décor, gifts, books, and

herbal products, this is the place to be. We also have a large information table with pamphlets on trails, land organizations, and equine businesses.

A demonstration ring will be running all day. So far demos will be by horse crooner Sharon L. Smith; New England Equine Rescue; Canadian horses with Margo Killoran; massage therapist Denise BeanRaymond; saddle fitter Amy Barton; Yankee Gaited Horses of New England; and long lining and harnessing with the Noble brothers. The Palomino Cowgirls and their Country Music Band will perform twice; their first show starts at noon. In addition, a silent auction will present many interesting items.

There’ll be a food vendor for breakfast and lunch.

There’s plenty of free parking and the building is accessible to everyone. The admission fee of $5 (kids under 10, free) goes toward

maintaining trails in our member towns — Hamilton, Wenham, Topsfield, Ipswich, Essex, and West Newbury — for all types of passive recreation.

Drop by for a day of onestop shopping and socializing. For more information, to rent a vendor space, to put a business card in the program, to be a sponsor, or to donate used or new horserelated items for the ECTA tables, call Kay at (978) 7686275 or Sue at (978) 4687715.

MFBF Announces 2015 Horse Farms of Distinction Thirty-three horse farms and stables across the state have been recognized by the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) for achievement in the organization’s Horse Farm of Distinction program. Awards were presented December 4 at the organization’s annual meeting, this year held in Amherst. “These farms epito-

Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show Over $10,000 in prizes!

10 Classics!

Katie Upton . katieupton.com

$200 Walk Trot or Jog Ultimate Pleasure Classic $150 Walk Trot or Jog Equitation Classic $150 Walk Trot or Jog Discipline Rail Classic $200 English Ultimate Pleasure Classic $150 English Equitation Classic $150 Hunter Hack Classic $200 Western Ultimate Pleasure Classic $150 Western Equitation Classic $150 Open Discipline Rail Classic $150 Costume Classic

All proceeds go to the Bay State Equine Rescue, in Oakham.

October 3, Saturday 8 A.M. Hampshire County Riding Club Grounds . 140 Ball Road, Goshen, Mass.

Class list and enter online at

mahorse.com

In the past ten years, $55,000 has been raised for Massachusetts nonprofit horse organizations!

Massachusetts Horse

33

mize safe and professional equine operations, demonstrating the best practices of horse husbandry on a daily basis,� says MFBF President A. Richard Bonanno, of Methuen.

The Horse Farm of Distinction program began in 1990 as a way to give public recognition to Bay State horse farms that set high standards and achieve a level of excellence in overall horse health, farm management, and compliance with public safety. Horse professionals and representatives of MFBF’s Equine Advisory Committee judge all applicants at their farms.

Standards for judging comprise a broad spectrum of categories. Animal health represents half of the possible points and considers appearance of the horses and evidence of a sound equine health program.

Many aspects of animal health, such as vaccination

34

February/March 2015

schedules, parasitic control, general veterinary care, farrier care, and feeding programs, come under scrutiny.

The farm inspection covers factors related to the condition and maintenance of buildings, turnouts, pastures, riding surfaces, and fencing.

Safety, first-aid, and fire-protection programs are also examined, as well as pest control and adequate provisions, both indoor and outdoor, for proper animal care.

In addition, applicants are judged on evidence of good farm/community relations, proper and adequate insurance coverage, and compliance with state and local operating and instructing licenses.

The honorees, listed by county, are as follows: Bristol County Blackhorse Farm, Swansea Bristol County Agricultural High School, Dighton Chipaway Stables, Acushnet

Johnson and Wales University Center for Equine Studies, Rehoboth Lucky Buck Stables, E. Freetown Teaberry Farm, Taunton

Harmony Horse Stables, Littleton Pompositticut Farm, Hudson Sterling Riding Stables, Pepperell The Ponderaia, N. Reading

Cape Cod and the Islands Holly Hill Farm, Marstons Mills Smithfield Farm, E. Falmouth

Norfolk County Wildstar Farm, Westwood Yankee Stable, Sharon

Essex County Essex Agricultural Technical High School, Hathorne High Tail Acres, Newbury Indian Rock Stables, Saugus Lalobarun Ranch, Newbury Sons of the Wind Farm, Merrimac The Barnyard Maples, Byfield Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, N. Andover

Plymouth County Briggs Stable, Hanover Creek Crossing Farm, Hingham Lazy Stallion Friesians, W. Bridgewater Whit Acres Farm, Norwell Worcester County Holly Hill West, Harvard Walking High Farm, Douglas Winterberry Farm, Dudley

Hampden County Silvercryst Farm, Southwick

The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation is a nonprofit, member-driven organization representing 6,000 family members across the Commonwealth. Its mission is to protect the rights of, encourage the growth of, and be of service to its members in the best interest of agriculture.

Hampshire County Green Acres Equestrian Center, Belchertown Twin Orchard Farm, Southampton Middlesex County Andimar Farm, Billerica Berryfield Farm, Lincoln

To learn more about the MFBF, visit www.mfbf.net.

Nora Reardon Returns to Canton Equestrian Center Nora Reardon, of A Bit of Riding, is back at the Canton Equestrian Center, where she’s leading the Ambassador’s 4-H Club. “I have two new lesson horses,” she says. “All three lesson horses are so sweet, can jump the moon, are dead quiet, and have puppydog personalities.”

A Massachusetts-licensed riding instructor, Nora has many years of experience in Centered Riding, hunters, and jumpers.

She’s accepting new students and is offering leases on her horses. To learn more, visit www.abitofriding.com.

n Laura Solod

NEER North Welcomes New Board Members New England Equine Rescue North welcomes new three new board members: Derek Cavatorta, Sue McQuade, and Elena Jespersen.

Derek earned his BS (summa cum laude) in animal science at UMass Amherst. While there, he became interested in largeanimal veterinary medicine and worked many school breaks with veterinarians Robert M. Orcutt and Helen Noble of SRH Veterinary Services in Ipswich. In fall 2004 he was one of three students admitted to the dual DVM/PhD degree program at the Cornell University

College of Veterinary Medicine. During this eightyear program, he simultaneously completed veterinary school and earned a PhD in equine immunology. He’s is one of four large-animal vets at SRH Veterinary Services.

Sue, a horse lover, is the new treasurer. She’s an investment executive with Raymond James financial services.

Elena is chairing the board development committee. An equestrian and horse owner, she’s on the board of directors for Theater in the Open/Newburyport and is the former president of the board for the Wentworth Hunt Club.

“Their knowledge, experience, and perspective will be invaluable to our mission,” says Mary Martin, NEER North founder and president.

Developing the Jumping Athlete Workshop Ken Whelihan, of the Berkshire Equestrian Center in Richmond, will teach a Developing the Jumping Athlete workshop on February 28 and March 1. “The workshop will incorporate flat sessions, gymnastics, and course analysis,” says Ken. “Horses should be comfortable at .80 m and up. Levels will be formed around the experience of the various horses.”

Ken is a licensed Massachusetts riding instructor, a veteran Grand Prix competitor and trainer, and

a USEF judge of hunters and equitation for almost 20 years. He competed in the 1992 Olympic selections trials for Barcelona at Gladstone and Devon, and coached riders to wins at the Marshall and Sterling, New England, and Connecticut Finals.

Stalls will be limited to the first ten horses. The Inn at Richmond, on the Berkshire Equestrian Center property, is available to accommodate participants.

To learn more, email finmcoul@verizon.net or call (203) 912-1514.

Ann Bacheller West Newbury loses a great supporter of trails and equine activities with the passing of equestrian Ann Bacheller.

Ann was active in the preservation and maintenance of the riding trails around her property, among them Ann Ave., Hannah Hill,

and Peanuts Path. She was a great supporter of the horse community whether it was the Myopia Hunt or the West Newbury Riding and Driving Club. Her passion was horses — trail riding, structured riding, and just being with her horse friends on a Friday night. She encouraged all riders to use her trails and field. She enjoyed watching the Myopia Hunt come through her property, and hosted the group when they came to West Newbury. This past year the hunt had a wonderful stirrup cup at her home. When she saw a horse return riderless on the trails, she was the first one out, on her golf cart, looking for the rider.

The date of a springtime graveside service in Walnut Hill Cemetery, West Newbury, will be announced.

n Sophiea Bitel

R.J. Sadowski, Jr. HorseMindShip™ Horsemanship and Riding School 71 Pleasant St., Plainfield, Mass.

Learn to: • Understand horse behavior • Apply horse psychology • Build a powerful relationship with any horse

2015 Adult Day Classes May - October 3 Level 1 Series - Sat. or Sun. 1 Level 2 Series - Saturdays A few openings still available!

Dates at peacehavenfarm.com

Have fun while learning: • Monthly All-day Classes • Trail Rides • New Obstacle Course • Private appointments at your farm or ours

Call R.J. or Paula for more information: (413) 634-8800 or (413) 335-7151 peacehavenhorsemindship@hotmail.com www.peacehavenfarm.com Massachusetts Horse

35

Partners Street in Worcester. We’ll be electing officers, so if you’d like to be a candidate The year has begun with some very good or a member of the board of directors, news: The Blackstone River Valley Becky know (bstra@charter.net). If let National Heritage Corridor has you’re interested in hosting a work day or approved our 2014 Partnership Grant.

The total project will cost $13,403.70; the ride, contact Becky, at bstra@charter.net, as we’ll soon be putting together our calCorridor grant is for 50 percent of that. endar of events.

The project involves regrading 1.4 miles 7Lisa Grigaitis of the Ridge Trail in the Douglas State Forest and improving two sections of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. The first section, from the state line to the stone arch bridge (2.46 miles), will entail brush mowing, grading, cleaning out drainage swales, and covering 1,000 feet of rail-bed cinders with stone dust. Weather permitting, this project will begin in May. A $1 million Excess Liability Insurance policy is now available as an optional benefit to BSTRA members. The value is tremendous. Purchased JJ Tate talking with CRDA clinic participant and auditors. individually, equine liability insurance runs from Charles River Dressage Association $300 to $400 annually. Our single memOn Saturday, November 22, the Charles bership fee is $20 a year, and if you add River Dressage Association held its the $1 million excess liability insurance, annual Year-End Clinic and Awards it goes up to just $45 per year. Family Banquet, this year featuring Jessica Jo membership is $35; with the additional (JJ) Tate. coverage, the premium is $75. You don’t A passionate horsewoman, JJ started have to be a Massachusetts resident to dressage when she was only nine. She become a BSTRA member and be eligiwent on to compete at the Grand Prix ble for this protection.

Special, bringing home first place in If an owner’s horse hurts someone 2006, and was named an FEI High-point or damages someone’s property, the Champion. She also finished seventh in rider and horse owner can be held the Small Final and was the highest winresponsible. Even if proved not liable, ning American at the World Breeding you could incur considerable costs for Championships for Young Dressage your legal defense. Seldom is equine liaHorses in 2007. JJ spent several months bility insurance extended from homein Germany, riding with Hubertus owner’s policies.

Schmidt. She now trains horses and stuThis service is provided by Equisure dents, and travels the country to impart in cooperation with the Bay State Trail her dressage knowledge.

Riders Association and is not a source of Ten participants were lucky enough revenue for BSTRA. The Association to earn a spot in the clinic through a lotResource Group Purchasing Group (Master Policy Holder) has arranged cov- tery drawing. Each had a 45-minute private session with JJ. The clinic was open erage with Certain Underwriters at to all CRDA members and drew riders Lloyd’s of London with Equisure as the with diverse levels of experience. JJ welagent.

Please join us for the annual general comed them all, tailoring her lessons to their individuals needs. meeting and awards banquet on “JJ gave me some great tips to help February 7. There’s a new location: my sitting trot and they’ll give me someO’Connor’s Restaurant on West Boylston Stephen Cronin

Bay State Trail Riders Association

36

February/March 2015

thing to work on over the winter,” said Rica Trullijo, who participated with her horse, Ginger. “I’m really excited about it.”

Terry Brennan, president of CRDA, and her horse, Miss American Pie, also rode in the clinic. “I enjoyed working with JJ,” she says. “I got to watch her last year but didn’t ride with her, and that’s what inspired me for this year.”

Later that evening, the CRDA held its 2014 Awards Banquet at Primavera, in Millis, at which JJ was keynote speaker.

CRDA provides a schooling show series, informative clinics, and educational lectures for all riders interested in dressage. To get in on the fun and learn more about how to become a member, visit www.crdressage.org.

7Molly Gately Hampshire County Riding Club Our annual meeting and elections were held, for the first time, at the Blue Bonnet in Northampton. Newly elected to the board of directors were Jamie Kubosiak and Carrie Cranston. A lively discussion about ideas for the club’s future and plans for activities at the club grounds followed. The committees are in the process of scheduling 10 trail rides, a three-day campout with trail rides, a horse show, a scavenger hunt, a spring hunter pace, clinicians, and other, new activities. Rides are free to members; guests pay $10.

There are new trails to explore at our club grounds thanks to members Jamie Kubosiak and Kelli and Matt Wainscott, who cleared them, along with old trails, for the Autumn Scavenger Hunt.

Among membership benefits are a subscription to Massachusetts Horse, a 10 percent discount at Sackett Ridge Saddlery, our newsletter, free and discounted rates at HCRC events, and use of the club grounds. To join the HCRC, visit www.hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

And find us on Facebook for the latest news, events, club updates, and photos from recent events.

7Diane Merritt

Myopia Hunt Spring roading is the informal start of 2015’s foxhunting season. For the Myopia Hunt, it begins in late April or early May (depending on weather and conditions) and provides a number of great opportunities for experienced, or perhaps not so experienced, riders, horses, and hounds. The primary purpose of roading is to exercise the hounds in preparation for the more demanding formal season. In addition, it’s a way to introduce a new horse or rider to the hunt field. Spring roading hunts are shorter and slower than those in the formal season. If you’re contemplating trying the sport, the best way is by roading.

When you’re ready to join us, here’s what to do.

First, contact our secretary, Pam Mehlman, at pam@myopiahunt.org to let her know your intention and to discuss details. You’ll have to complete a liability waiver, and bring a check for the capping fee.

Second, make sure you’re appropriately dressed in rat-catcher attire. What does one wear to “catch a rat”? you may ask. Don’t worry — it has nothing to do with rats. There are basic and specific guidelines for both you and your horse at www.myopiahunt.org.

Third, and perhaps most important, what about the horse? What makes a good prospect? Not all horses are equally suited for foxhunting. Your horse makes a good candidate if it has a calm disposition, won’t kick other horses and the hounds, can be rated and kept at a safe distance from the horse ahead of it, will stand quietly in a group of horses, has athletic ability and a willingness to listen to its rider, is obedient in company, is comfortable in the woods and in open fields, will go off on its own without stress, is generally more comfortable as a follower than as a leader, is clever-footed on uneven terrain, and is solidly made to gallop and jump over stony or muddy terrain.

If you think your horse may fit the bill, by all means, come join us for roading — it’s a good way to see if it has these characteristics.

Please arrive at the meet at least 15 minutes early to allow ample time for final attire and horse preparations.

Before you mount, seek out the secretary, introduce yourself, and hand in your completed form and check. Mount your horse and give it some time to acclimate to the other horses and hounds.

At the appointed time, the riders will gather up and perhaps hear some

brief announcements and introductions, the huntsman will sound the horn, and we’ll be off. Our spring roading lasts about 1½ hours. At the conclusion of the hunt, riders will gather again and the huntsman will blow the riders and hounds home — a beautiful, haunting, extended call indicating the end of the meet.

Please thank the huntsman, then you’re on your way to foxhunting.

7Lisa Wohlleib West Newbury Riding and Driving Club We’re looking forward to the launch of our Equine Activities Calendar, which begins in February.

The WNRDC will hold its annual potluck on March 28. Always a lively evening of friendship, great food, dancing, prizes, and recognition of members and volunteers, this year’s gathering promises a good time for all.

The club will host two presentations as part of its commitment to ongoing education. Fitness trainer Rachel Williams, of Latitude Sports Club in Salisbury, will address equestrian fitness; trainer Doug Cross, of New Hampshire, will talk about natural horsemanship.

Visit www.wnrdc.com and the WNRDC

Orion Farm

MASSACHUSETTS . FLORIDA

The Northeast’s largest indoor jumper series!

ESTABLISHED 1988

e W he r Are Stars Born!

January 25 ~ Orion Farm, South Hadley, MA February 1 ~ Berkshire Equestrian Center, Richmond, MA February 14 ~ Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield, MA February 21 ~ Smith College, Northampton, MA March 8 ~ Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook, CT March 15 ~ Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA March 21 ~ MLC Farm at By The Hounds, Millbrook, NY March 29 ~ Full Circle Farm, Manchester, CT April 5 ~ Tatra Farm, Clinton Corners, NY April 12 ~ Gold Cooler Finals, Mount Holyoke College, S. Hadley, MA Points carry to finals from best eight shows.

www.goldcooler.weebly.com Ken Whelihan at (203) 912-1514

If you want to be the best, you have to train with the best!

Local to national champions, we can help you reach all of your riding goals.

All levels of lessons available for ages 4 and up, plus adults.

Quality horses and ponies for sale or lease. Boarding, training, and showing.

S. Hadley . (413) 532-9753 . www.OrionFarm.net Massachusetts Horse

37

Annual Events Issue!

Equine Physical Therapy To make your horse the best as can be!

Rehabilitation . Support . Prevention Equine Massage, Accupuncture and more . . .

Lymphatic drainage Magnetic blanket

Be sure your event is seen by Massachusetts horse owners and enthusiasts.

Leach therapy Kinesiology taping Laser Stretching Passive and active RoM

Facebook page for dates, times, and locations.

We’re looking for help in two key roles as part of Team Pipestave: stadium coordinator and volunteer coordinator.

Any volunteerism is much appreciated, but if you have a talent for designing jump courses or love to work with people, please consider one of these positions and contact the club through the website or via the Facebook page.

Membership expired in December, so this is a reminder to join us — to renew or for the first time. For the first time in a number of years, we had to increase our dues; an individual membership is $20.

For more information on membership, events, volunteer opportunities, and other activities, visit www.wrndc.com or the WNRDC Facebook page.

7Liz Russell

Scar treatment Manual therapy

Horse Wellness Katja Bredlau-Morich (617) 314-5768 Massachusetts Horse is your best choice for reaching horse owners and enthusiasts in the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts Horse is read by: • paid subscribers • the members of over 35 clubs and organizations • 400-plus stable and farm owners and managers Massachusetts Horse is additionally distributed to more than 120 tack shops and feed stores as well as to trail rides, horse shows, and other events in the Bay State.

“The ad is perfect. My phone started ringing on Monday and I have received calls every day this week from someone who has seen the ad in Massachusetts Horse. The investment was well worth it. Thank you!”

horse-wellness.com

Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association’s

Hunter/Equitation Shows March 1

White Horse Hill

March 8

Blythewood Stables

March 29

Riverbank Farm (E. Greenbush)

April 12

Biscuit Hill Farm

April 19

Undermountain Farm

April 26

Bellwether Stables

May 3

Muddybrook Farm

April 9

Biscuit Hill Farm

April 10

White Horse Hill

April 17

Blythewood Stables

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

February 8 March 15 April 12 June 7

Mount Holyoke College Blythewood Stables Heritage Farm Emerald Glen

• Don S., New England Reining Horse Association

“Of all the horse publications I receive, I love Massachusetts Horse because it focuses on local people and events.”

• Kristen E., Rehoboth, Mass.

Featuring year-end awards in many divisions.

Visit mahorse.com for advertising rates.

Full 2014 schedule can be found at:

wnepha.com

An organization for horsemen, by horsemen.

38

February/March 2015

Contact your local Farm Family office: Carver (508) 866-9150

Norwood (781) 255-2002

Richard.Blair@farm-family.com

Francis_Bingham@farm-family.com

Centerville (508) 957-2125

South Deerfield (413) 665-8200

Mark.Sylvia@farm-family.com

T.Viles@farm-family.com

Easthampton (413) 203-5180

Southwick (413) 569-2307

Chad_Meyer@farm-family.com

themasonagency@farm-family.com

Great Barrington (413) 528-1710

Topsfield (978) 887-8304

Bob.Sinopoli@farm-family.com Dominic.Sinopoli@farm-family.com

Dale_Johnson@farm-family.com

Marlborough (508) 485-3800

Westford (978) 467-1001 Donald.Ludwig@farm-family.com

Martin_West@farm-family.com

Northborough (508) 393-9327 Dick_Simonian@farm-family.com Jeff.Pichierri@farm-family.com

Williamstown (413) 458-5584 MaureenOMara@farm-family.com

Worcester (508) 752-3300 Thomas_Carroll@farm-family.com

40

February/March 2015

Junior Horsemanship Awards

Rachel Savinski

Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award at your upcoming event? Just email award@mahorse.com. These awards are made possible by Stephanie Sanders, Massachusetts Horse publisher, and Absorbine.

Heather DiGregorio

Janet Renard

Massachusetts Horse gives back to your community through its Junior Horsemanship Award program. The award is given to the junior exhibitor who has shown the best horsemanship and sportsmanship at a competition in the Bay State. This is the junior who is not winning, but who is working hard with a great attitude. This junior is taking good care of her horse, cheering on her friends, and helping others. Want to give out a free

Ryleigh McGovern

M NE ID W -W DA E TE EK !

July 1–2, 2015 2015 GAIG/USDF Qualifier

‘S’ Judges: Scott Peterson and Lois Yukins Excellent GGT-Footing

Massachusetts Horse

41

Dressage and Combined Training Show Series May 3 ~ Ride Critique* Judge Suzanne Mente

May 31 ~ Dressage and CT Judge TBD

June 28 ~ Dressage and CT Judge Lainey Johnson

August 1 ~ Dressage and CT Judge Bill McMullin (Clinic August 2)

September 27 ~ Dressage and CT Judge Kathi Bruce *The Ride Critique Show’s initial scores will count toward year-end awards.

Clinic August 2 Bill McMullin . “r” Judge, Silver Medalist (Show Saturday, Clinic Sunday)

Stalls Available Stalls available in the 16-stall barn with attached indoor arena.

Nestled at the base of Mt Toby this “Massachusetts Horse Farm of Distinction” provides outstanding care for you and your horse.

Call or email for details.

Xenophon Farm janice

&

elaine

Kachavos

80 sunderland rd., rte. 47 montague, mass.

413.367.9828 X enophon F arm @ aol . com 42

February/March 2015

events Massachusetts

February

8 WINTER SCHOOLING SERIES, Lenox. www.undermountainfarm.com.

1 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SHOW, Berkshire Equestrian Center, Richmond. www.theberkshireequestriancenter.com.

14 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SHOW, Greenfield. www.sbschool.org.

1 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Grafton. www.hillside-meadows.com 1 MHC SHOW, Holloway Brook Farm, Lakeville. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

14 MHC SHOW, Holloway Brook Farm, Lakeville. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

15 TACK SALE, Belchertown. Indoor arena, noon. www.indepdencestablellc.com.

15 MHC-, NEHC-RATED SCHOOLING SHOW, Medway. www.saddlerowe.com.

1 BASIC HORSEMANSHIP/RANCH HORSE BASICS CLINIC, Fox Meadow Farm, Smith College, Northampton. www.foxmeadowfarmatsmithcollege.com

21 VERSATILITY SERIES, Ten Broeck Farm, Pepperell. www.tenbroeckfarm.net.

4 EQUINE COMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS, Tufts, North Grafton. www.tufts.edu.

21 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, UMass Hadley Farm. www.ihsainc.com.

4 MMHA SHOW COMMITTE AND DIRECTOR MEETING, Westover Metropolitan Airport, Chicopee. www.massmorgan.com.

21 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SHOW, Northampton. www.foxmeadowfarmatsmithcollege.com.

6 SADDLE ROWE AWARDS BANQUET, Franklin Elks Lodge. www.saddlerowe.com.

22 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. www.mtholyoke.edu.

6 WINDRUSH FARM FULL MOON HIKE with BTA, BOLT; Boxford. www.windrush.org.

7 MHC SHOW, Holloway Brook Farm, Lakeville. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

22 35TH ANNUAL CABIN FEVER AUCTION, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. www.farmheritage.com.

7 REGIONAL 4-H HORSE JUDGING, UMass Hadley Farm. www.mass4H.org.

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

7 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Groton. www.atouchofmajic.com.

28 MHC SHOW, Holloway Brook Farm, Lakeville. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

8 IEA HUNT SEAT SHOW, Volo Farm, Westford. www.rideiea.org.

28 IEA HUNT SEAT SEMIFINALS, Saddle Rowe, Medway. www.rideiea.org.

8 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. www.mtholyoke.edu.

28 IEA HUNT SEAT SEMI FINALS, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield. www.rideiea.org.

28 – March 1 DEVELOPING THE JUMPING ATHLETE, Berkshire Equestrian Center, Richmond. (203) 9121514.

March 1 TRICK TRAINING AND VERSATILITY CLINIC with Peter Whitmore, Craig Memorial Equestrian Center, Leverett. (413) 863-8213.

1 IEA HUNT SEAT SEMIFINALS,Dana Hall, Wellesley. www.rideiea.org.

1 IEA WESTERN SHOW, Hillside Meadows, Grafton. www.rideiea.org.

1 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. www.wnepha.com.

7 BEO WINTER SOCIAL, Ludlow. www.belchertownequineorg.com.

8 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Blythewood Stables, Pittsfield. www.wnepha.com.

8 MHC, NEHC SHOW, Pembroke. www.herringbrookfarm.com.

8 WINTER SCHOOLING SERIES, Lenox. www.undermountainfarm.com.

Chipaway Stables offers

Trailer Sales We don’t go to Equine Affaire so we have everyday low prices.

New and Used Trailers!

14 RANCH HORSE AND REINER CLINIC, Clark Performance Horses, Winchendon. www.clark-performancehorses.com.

14 NEHC HUNTER SHOW, Century Mill Stable, Bolton. www.nehc.info.

3 HUNTER JUMPER SHOW, Byfield. www.evenstrideltd.com.

14 MMHA ANNUAL MEETING AND AWARDS BANQUET, location TBA. www.massmorgan.com.

7 IHSA HUNT SEAT SHOW, UMass Hadley Farm. www.ihsainc.com.

15 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Blythewood Stables, Pittsfield. www.wnepha.com.

7 MHC ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET, Milford. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

15 MHC, NEHC SHOW, Holloway Brook Farm, Lakeville. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

7 IEA HUNT SEAT SEMIFINALS, Evenstride Farm, Byfield. www.rideiea.org.

15 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SHOW, South Hadley. www.mtholyoke.edu.

7 IEA HUNT SEAT SEMIFINALS, Volo Farm, Westford. www.rideiea.org.

18 CCDS POTLUCK MEETING. www.colonialcarriage.org.

7 MHC-, NEHC-RATED SCHOOLING SHOW, Medway. www.saddlerowe.com.

21 MUSTANGS SPRING EQUINE SEMINAR, Florence VFW. Five guest speakers. www.cummingtonmustangs.webs.com.

Horse & Pony Sales We specialize in horse trading.

We can match an owner with the perfect horse just about every time! From Western Pleasure to Trail, Driving to Cutting, we have a great selection that will please any equestrian.

Tack Shop

Ranch Supplies stall mats . feed tubs . bunk feeders round pens . wire panels . gates square bale feeders . stock tubs swing gates . field wire . fences . stalls

Grain . Hay . Shavings

Paper or plastic bags for shavings.

Wood Pellet Bedding Quality hay from Canada and New York first and second cut timothy to alfalfa.

Roping Practices Thursday Evenings Team Penning Team Sorting

Dave Costa, owner/operator 132 Quaker Ln. Acushnet 508-763-5158 www.chipawaystables.com 8:30 A .M. to 5 P.M., 7 days a week Massachusetts Horse

43

21 VERSATILITY SERIES, Ten Broeck Farm, Pepperell. www.tenbroeckfarm.net.

HORSE POWER SHOWS Rated Show Services at Unrated Prices!

HUNTER/JUMPER SHOWS Inviting courses . Open practice rounds all day Great mileage divisions for all ages & fence heights

DRESSAGE SHOWS Intro to 4th Level Englsih and Western

HORSE TRIALS Pre-Elementary, Elementary Beginner Novice, Novice

Prize lists and entry forms at wildairefarm.com!

Wild Aire Farm wildairefarm.com . (508) 765-0641 926 Dennison Dr., Southbridge, MA Minutes off I84, MA Pike, Rtes. 20, 9, 290, 146, 395.

28 IHSA HUNT SEAT ZONE 1 REGION 3 SHOW, Shelburne. www.ihsainc.com.

28 – 29 IEA HUNT SEAT ZONE 1 FINALS, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. www.rideiea.org.

28 IEA WESTERN SHOW, Ten Broeck Farm, Pepperell. www.rideiea.org.

29 SPRING CLEAN-UP ALL-TACK AUCTION, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. www.farmheritage.com.

29 MHC SHOW, Holloway Brook Farm, Lakeville. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

29 STUDENT HORSE SHOW, Bellwether Stables, Hancock. www.facebook.com/ bellwetherstables.

4 IHSA HUNT SEAT ZONE 1 FINALS, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. www.ihsainc.com.

4 RANCH HORSE AND REINER CLINIC, Clark Performance Horses, Winchendon. www.clark-performancehorses.com.

10 – 12 NORTHEAST REINING SHOW, West Springfield. www.nerha.com.

11 MHC-, NEHC-RATED SHOW, Medway. www.saddlerowe.com.

12 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SERIES FINALS, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. www.mtholyoke.edu.

12 HRC TACK SALE, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. www.hansonridingclub.org.

12 HUNTER JUMPER SHOW, Byfield. www.evenstrideltd.com.

29 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Riverbank Farm, Dalton. www.wnepha.com.

12 BSTRA TRAIL WORK DAY, West Hill Dam, Uxbridge. www.bstra.org.

29 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Independence Stable, Belchertown. www.independencestablellc.com.

12 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Biscuit Hill FArm, Shelburne Falls. www.wnepha.com.

April 3 – 4 USEF “A” SHOW, Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax. www.showfieldstone.com.

12 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. www.wnepha.com.

12 MHC, NEHC SHOW, Riverwind Farm, Pembroke. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

Craig Memorial Equestrian Center at Mt. Toby Stables

Presents the 20th

Equine Expo Paraphernalia Sale Saturday, April 25, 2015 . 9-3

Boarding – Stalls or Run-ins Full-day Turnout . Indoor Arena Lessons for All Ages, All Disciplines Summer Camps . Adult Programs 4-H Club Trail Rides for Beginners to Advanced Riders Overnight Camping with Your Horse Annual Leverett Competitive Trail Ride

Large marketplace of new and used items!

Plus services for the horse, rider, and driver.

Demonstrations All Day . $5 Admission Held in the indoor arena at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1, Topsfield

44

Vendor Spaces Available . Free Parking

Roberta G. Bryant, owner since 1969

Contact Kay at: 978-768-6275 or kljoreo@aol.com

Route 63, Leverett, MA . (413) 548-4949 or 549-1213

February/March 2015

the

neighborhood

Your Everything Equine “white pages”

4-H ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MASSACHUSETTS 4-H PROGRAM (800) 374-4446 www.mass4H.org/programs/horses Horse 4-H clubs in the Bay State.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS APPALOOSA ASSOCIATION www.westernmaapp.homestead.com Regional ApHC club, open shows, regional show, trail ride points, awards banquet.

ASSOCIATIONS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BARRE RIDING AND DRIVING CLUB www.barreridingdrivingclub.com Central Massachusetts club providing equine activities and education.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND PROFESSIONAL HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION www.wnepha.com Hunter/equitation and dressage shows; year-end awards.

BAY STATE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC. Douglas, MA, (508) 476-3960 www.bstra.org Preserving trails, pleasure/competitive rides.

CHARLES RIVER DRESSAGE ASSOC. www.crdressage.org Affordable, quality dressage schooling shows, clincis, and lectures.

GRANBY REGIONAL HORSE COUNCIL Central & Western MA, (413) 527-9532 www.granbyregionalhorse.org Family-oriented trails, shows, clinics.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY RIDING CLUB Goshen, MA, (413) 268-3372 hampshirecounty ridingclub.org Monthly trail rides, open show, hunter pace, clinics, educational speakers.

HANOVER HUNT AND RIDING CLUB www.briggsstable.com June show, mini shows, tack sales, and more with year-end awards banquet.

MASSACHUSETTS HORSEMEN’S COUNCIL www.mahorsecouncil.com Scholarships, affiliated shows, year-end awards, horsemanship assistance fund.

MASSACHUSETTS MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION www.massmorgan.com Annual show, trail ride, clinics, youth education, and annual banquet.

MASSACHUSETTS QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION www.massqha.com To enjoy the American Quarter Horse in Massachusetts with shows, clinics, trail rides, banquet, and more.

MYOPIA HUNT CLUB www.myopiahunt.org Established in 1882; meets in Hamilton, Ipswich, Topsfield, Essex, Rowley, Newbury, and West Newbury.

NEW ENGLAND EQUESTRIAN CENTER OF ATHOL www.neeca.org Equestrian park for trail riding, showing, clinics, driving; available for rent.

PEPPERELL HORSE OWNERS ASSOC. www.phoa.info Working to preserve and encourage equine activities in Pepperell.

WESTFIELD RIDING CLUB www.westfieldridingclub.org Founded in 1939; educational activities, shows, trail rides and more.

WEST NEWBURY RIDING AND DRIVING CLUB www.wnrdc.com Preserve and improve riding opportunities in West Newbury; shows, clinics, trail rides, eventing.

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

BARNS/BUILDINGS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• THE CARRIAGE SHED White River Junction, VT, (800) 441-6057 www.carriageshed.com Barns, sheds, arenas, homes, garages.

BEDDING/SHAVINGS/SAWDUST ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• PROGRESS PALLET Middleboro, MA, (508) 923-1930 www.progresspallet.com Animal bedding in trailer-load quantities.

Call/email for details.

COMMUNICATION ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MINDFUL CONNECTIONS Nicole Birkholzer www.mindful-connections.com Build a deeper bond, communicate effectively, and develop a trusting relationship with your horse.

CREMATION/CEMETERY SERVICES ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ANGEL VIEW PET CEMETERY Middleboro, MA, (800) 287-0066 www.angelview.com Horses, ponies, pets. Transportation available to all of New England, 24/7.

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

Keith Angstadt USEF dressage judge.

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

MORNING LIGHT FARM Brimfield, MA, (413) 563-3477 morninglightfarm.net Boarding, training, clinics, indoor, trails.

HORSE WELLNESS Waltham, MA, (617) 314-5768 www.horse-wellness.com Equine physiotherapist and acupuncturist certified in Germany; equine massage.

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

KIT CAT PHOTO & ANIMAL MASSAGE Central Mass., (636) 459-5478 kitcatmassage@gmail.com Certified equine and canine massage.

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

TOPLINE EQUINE MASSAGE Franklin, MA, (508) 254-7412 toplinemassage@yahoo.com Certified and insured.

XENOPHON FARM Montague, MA, (413) 367-9828 xenophonfarm@aol.com Dressage and combined-test schooling show series; year-end awards; clinics.

EQUINE RESCUES ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BAY STATE EQUINE RESCUE Oakham, MA, (508) 882-3704 www.baystateequinerescue.org Providing for abused/neglected horses.

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

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

DILLON’S EQUINE DENTISTRY New England, (508) 528-2242 www.dilloneq.com 20+ years, servicing New England.

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

Routine preventive care, maintenance, diagnostics, extractions.

EQUINE DIRECTORY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• JUST HORSES DIRECTORY Huntington, MA, (413) 667-3439 www.justhorses.com Southern New England, eastern New York.

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

EQUINE MASSAGE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUE RIBBON EQUINE Massachusetts (413) 325-5777 www.blueribbonequine.com Massage, laser, LED, animal communication, “Where does my horse hurt” body checkups.

EQUINE SPORTS THERAPIES Brooklyn, CT, (860) 774-8027 www.equinesportstherapies.com Massage, digital thermography, aromatherapy, Reiki.

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

BLUE STAR EQUICULTURE DRAFT HORSE SANCTUARY Palmer, MA, (413) 289-9787 www.equiculture.org Helping horses, humans, and Mother Earth. Horse rescue and sanctuary.

CEDAR OAKS EQUINE RESCUE Plymouth, MA, (508) 728-9062 www.cedaroaksequinerescue.org Rescues and takes in horses in need.

CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND EQUINE RESCUE Central Mass., (978) 621-6717 www.cneer.com Rescuing abused, abandoned, neglected horses; restoring to health and spirit.

LUCKY HORSE EQUINE RESCUE Bolton, MA, (978) 293-6153 www.luckyhorse.org Dedicated to the care of all equines.

NEVINS FARM, MSPCA Methuen, MA, (978) 687-7453 www.mspca.org Animal care and adoption center.

NEW ENGLAND EQUINE RESCUE NORTH West Newbury, MA, www.neernorth.org mary.martin@neernorth.org Equine assistance in Massachusetts.

EQUIPMENT ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BACON’S EQUIPMENT Williamsburg, MA, (413) 268-3620 Kubota, Yanmar, Stihl, Husqvarna. Sales and repairs for more than 30 years.

EVENTING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• APPLE KNOLL FARM Millis, MA, (508) 376-2564 www.appleknoll.com Cross-country schooling, training, lessons, sales.

TMC EVENTING Ipswich, MA, (781) 244-9955 tiff316@yahoo.com Lessons, training, boarding, showing, clinics.

Massachusetts Horse

45

GRAIN AND BAGGED FORAGE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •AUBUCHON HARDWARE Webster, MA, (508) 949-2500 Purina, Mazuri, horse supplies, and more.

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

BLUE SEAL FEED (866) 647-1212 www.blueseal.com Feeds, supplements, forages, pasture mix.

CRIMSON ACRES Orange, MA, (978) 575-0341 www.crimsonacres.org Boarding, training, lessons, clinics, camps.

PURINA (800) 227-8941 www.horse.purinamills.com Textured, pelleted feeds; supplements.

CATHY DRUMM Pittsfield, MA, (413) 441-5278 www.cathydrumm.com Clinics, lessons, training, and more.

TRIPLE CROWN FEED (800) 451-9916 www.triplecrownfeed.com Feeds, forages, supplements.

JOYFUL RIDING Donna Moret, BHSII, (413) 588-8514 Develop centered, balanced, harmonious connections between you and your horse. Dressage, balance seat, trails.

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

HOOF CARE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BAREFOOT PERFORMANCE Williamsburg, MA, (413) 348-5798 betsymerritt@hotmail.com Orthopedic trimming and holistic lameness rehabilitation.

JOEY STETZ FARRIER SERVICE Blandford, MA, (413) 848-2336 www.ramona-farms.com Dependable, caring, ethical, and professional.

HORSES FOR SALE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CHIPAWAY STABLES Acushnet, MA, (508) 763-5158 www.chipawaystables.com Horses, ponies for sale; trailers, tack shop, ranch supplies, grain, hay, shavings; roping, penning, and sorting.

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

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

HUNTERS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ORION FARM South Hadley, MA, (413) 532-9753 www.orionfarm.net Local to national champions, boarding, training, showing, ponies for sale.

WILD AIRE FARM Southbridge, MA, (508) 765-0641 www.wildairefarm.com Horse Power two-phases, hunter/jumper, and dressage shows.

46

February/March 2015

NEW MEADOWS FARM Pepperell, MA, (978) 502-0966 www.newmeadowsfarm.com Boarding, indoor, jump field, turnout, licensed instructor.

SANDY HILL FARM Florence, MA, (413) 535-7484 www.sandyhillriding.com Private riding lessons, all ages.

INSURANCE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A & B INSURANCE GROUP Westford, MA, (978) 399-0025 www.abinsgroup.com AFIS-designated equine insurance professionals.

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

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

FARM FAMILY INSURANCE www.farmfamily.com Carver: (508) 866-9150 Centerville: (508) 957-2125 Easthampton: (413) 203-5180 Great Barrington: (413) 528-1710 Marlborough: (508) 485-3800 Northborough: (508) 393-9327 Norwood: (781) 255-2002 South Deerfield: (413) 665-8200 Southwick: (413) 569-2307 Topsfield: (978) 887-8304 Westford: (978) 467-1001 Williamstown: (413) 458-5584 Worcester: (508) 752-3300 JUDGES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ED GOLEMBESKI Gill, MA, (413) 863-2313 riker119@comcast.net 4-H, open shows, clinics, lessons.

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

MANURE REMOVAL •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MITRANO REMOVAL SERVICE Massachusetts, (978) 425-6181 www.mitranoremoval.com Manure removal for small and large farms; full stockpile removals.

MINIATURE HORSES, SUPPLIES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• STAR LAKES MINIATURE TACK Atlasburg, PA, (724) 255-8583 www.starlakefarm.com Complete line of Miniature horse tack.

NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BOB BURRELLI Plymouth, MA, (508) 224-9430 www.bobburrelli.com Licensed/certified horse trainer/clinician.

HORSE-MIND-SHIP: RJ SADOWSKI Plainfield, MA, (413) 634-8800 www.peacehavenfarm.com Clinics, colt starting, farm visits.

IT’S A PLEASURE TRAINING Orange, MA, (978) 652-2231 www.itsapleasuretraining.com Starting horses under saddle and in harness correctly, 100% satisfaction.

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

PAINT HORSES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BALMY ACRES Middleboro, MA, (508) 947-5085 www.balmyacres.com APHA/PtHA, pleasure, show, performance.

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

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

PONY CLUBS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND PONY CLUB www.cne.ponyclub.org Central New England region.

RER PONIES - U.S. PONY CLUB CENTER Hatfield, MA, (413) 427-2026 www.rerponies.com Training, lessons, sales, Pony Club Riding Center, boarding, pony starting, tuneups.

SOUTHEASTERN PONY CLUB www.southeastern.ponyclub.org Southeast New England region.

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

EQUINE HOMES — MARILYN LEARY Oakham, MA, (800) 859-2745, ext. 709 Specializing in equestrian, country properties.

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

RIDING APPAREL •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• COUNTRYSIDE FARM RIDING APPAREL Sterling, MA, (978) 235-4004 www.countrysideridingapparel.com Custom and in-stock riding apparel, equestrian jewelry, JPC dealer, used apparel; consignments welcome.

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

EMERALD FARM Bellingham, MA, (508) 966-2482 www.smithlyndequine.com Dressage, eventing, hunter, boarding, lessons, training, leases.

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

INDEPENDENCE STABLE Belchertown, MA, (413) 284-0371 www.independencestablellc.com Lessons, training, boarding, clinics, dressage schooling shows.

OLDE DARTMOUTH FARM South Dartmouth, MA, (774) 263-2845 www.oldedartmouthfarm.com Lessons, boarding, training, showing, transportation.

RIESLING STABLES Plymouth, MA, (508) 224-6533 www.rieslingstables.com 17 acres, 20 stalls, indoor/outdoor arenas, $650 per month.

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

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

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

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

STERLING STEED ENTERPRISES Cincinnati, OH, (513) 309-7681 www.sterlingsteed.com Draft, oversize, Baroque, custom, unique.

TACK, BLANKET, HARNESS REPAIR •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUE DOG LEATHER (978) 544-2681 www.bluedogleather.com Quality repairs and custom work.

JENN’S TACK & BLANKET SERVICE (978) 340-5576 jennstackrepair@comcast.net Blanket cleaning, repair. Used blankets and tack for sale.

VACATION RENTAL •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MAINE LAKESIDE FARM Maine, (207) 266-6100 Weekly vacation rental with barn, pasture, and riding arena; ride and drive at Acadia National Park.

VETERINARIANS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• FAMILY VETERINARY CENTER Haydenville, MA, (413) 268-8387 www.famvets.com Traditional and alternative care for dogs, cats, exotics, and horses.

HAMPTON VETERINARY SERVICES Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-4414 thehorsedoctor@verizon.net Wellness care, dental, lameness, reproduction, digital radiography.

MASSACHUSETTS EQUINE CLINIC Uxbridge, MA, (508) 278-6511 www.massequine.com Full-service, multi-veterinarian, state-ofthe-art medical and surgical center.

NORTH SHORE EQUINE, PC Newburyport, MA, (978) 621-2641 northshoreequineoffice@comcast.net Excellent comprehensive equine veterinary care.

SANCTUARY ANIMAL CLINIC Holyoke, MA, (413) 532-2175 Dr. John Perdrizet, equine internal medicine specialist; Chinese acupuncture, herbology, and food therapy.

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

SOUTH SHORE EQUINE CLINIC Plympton, MA, (781) 585-2611 www.ssequineclinic.com Most up-to-date comprehensive and compassionate treatment.

VIDEO/DVD PRODUCTION •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ZZ CREATIVE VIDEO PRODUCTIONS Fitchburg, MA, (978) 345-7250 www.zzcreativevideo.com Horse show/events documentation, reasonable, professional, experienced.

PARROTT EQUINE ASSOCIATES Hamilton, MA, (978) 468-6307 www.parrottequine.com Equine sports medicine, dentistry, reproductive, surgery, 24-hour emergency service, general medicine.

Horse-Powered Mysteries ........................... 21

Avalon Building Systems ............................. 25

Horse-Wellness.com .................................... 38

Bacon’s Equipment ....................................... 11

Independence Stable .................................. 48

Betsy Merritt ............................................... 23

It’s a Pleasure Training ................................ 31

Blue Dog Leather ......................................... 16

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

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

Joey Stetz Farrier Service ............................ 10

Bob Burrelli ................................................. 48

Just Horses .................................................. 49

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

Lester Buildings ........................................... 25

Cathy Drumm ............................................... 13

Massachusetts 4-H Program ....................... 48

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

Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show ............ 33

Chipaway Stables ........................................ 43

Mitrano Removal Services ........................... 48

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage ...... 32

Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center . 41

Country Corral ............................................. 10

Natural Balance Equine Dentistry ............... 21

Craig Memorial Equestrian Center .............. 44

North Woods Animal Treats ........................ 25

Crimson Acres .............................................. 48

Orion Farm ................................................... 37

DK Saddlery ................................................ 13

Peace Haven Farm ....................................... 35

DoLittle Farm ............................................... 35

Purina Mills ................................................. 50

Don Ray Insurance Agency .......................... 31

Ramona Farms ............................................. 10

Eastern Competitive Trail Ride Assoc. .............. 23

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

East-West Arena Construction .................... 27

Salty Dawg Equine Services ......................... 6

Equine Equipment Savings .......................... 39

SmartPak Saddlery ....................................... 5

Equine Homes .............................................. 34

Smith-Worthington Saddlery ....................... 43

Equus Integrated Therapy ........................... 49

Spring Equine Seminar ................................ 42

Essex County Trail Association ................... 44

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

Fairview Farms JJC ...................................... 49

Undermountain Farm ................................ 22

Family Veterinary Center ............................. 22

Western New England Professional

Farm Credit East .......................................... 15

Horsemen’s Association ...................... 38

Farm Family Insurance ................................. 40

White Spruce Farms ..................................... 48

Forest Midnight Comet ................................ 28

Wild Aire Farm ............................................. 44

Gold Cooler Jumper Series .......................... 37

Xenophon Farm ........................................... 42

Greengate Hanoverians ............................... 49

Yered Trailers ............................................... 17

Hampton Veterinary Services ...................... 48 Heritage Farm ............................................... 11

Have your business and/or services in Massachusetts Horse and on MAHorse.com for just $49 for the year.

Plus, you receive a free one-year subscription to Massachusetts Horse.

is this your horse?

Alessandra Mele

HorseBack and Body ................................... 48

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

Yes!

Place your ad online at MAHorse.com or call (413) 268-3302.

advertiser index A Bit of Riding .............................................. 32

Advertise for just $49 a year?

Is this your horse?

This photo was taken January 18 at the Colonial Carriage Driving Society Sleigh Rally in Stockbridge. If this is your horse, contact us at win@mahorse.com for a month’s supply of SmartPaks and more from the Bay State’s very own SmartPak, smartpakequine.com.

Hometown Realtors ..................................... 49

Massachusetts Horse

47

Massachusetts marketplace

Recovery . Maintenance . Performance Therapeutic Massage . Bodywork . Reiki Jo Bunny licensed massage therapist, certified equine massage therapist

(413) 320-7690 • jobunny@comcast.net

978-425-6181 call us first

Manure reMoval for large & sMall farMs roll-off containers 10 to 30 yards on call or scheduled service.

Advertise Here for $49!

Dressage Schooling Shows Including Western Dressage Tests!

March 29 . April 26 August 9 . September 20

full stock pile removals.

Barn/outbuilding demo & removal • fencing demo & replacement Proud Sponsor of Bear Spot Musical Freestyle and the Oakrise Farm Show Series.

www.mitranoremoval.com

Independence Stable, LLC

Lessons . Training . Boarding . Clinics

mahorse.com (413) 268-3302

Belchertown, MA (413) 284-0371 independencestablellc.com

White Spruce Farms Where Learning to Ride is Fun! Schooling Shows Adults-only Schooling Shows Dressage Lessons & Training School Horses Available Come join the fun!

Bring your own horse or ride one of our school horses.

Year-end awards for both show series.

Susan Rainville USDF bronze and silver medalist

www.whitesprucefarms.com (978) 257-4666 48

February/March 2015

Mass4H.org Proudly serving the Pioneer Valley for over 25 years.

Complete Wellness Care including Dental, Lameness, and Reproduction State of the Art Digital Radiography

John L. Cowley, m.S., D.V.m.

P.O. Box 1019, Easthampton, mass.

(413) 527-4414 thehorsedoctor@verizon.net

Massachusetts marketplace Selling Your

Farm?

Let Over 30 Years of Experience Work for You Contact Althea today!

Althea Bramhall,Hometown Realtors 617-678-9300, althearealtor@gmail.com

Advertise Here for $69!

Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Serving the North Shore since 1951 Helen Noble, vMd . Robert Orcutt, dvM derek Cavatorta, dvM phd Kirstin Anderson, dvM . Ashley Taylor, dvM

Ted Moser, BS, LMT A Masterson Method Practitioner 413 . 522 . 0658 equusintegratedtherapy.com

mahorse.com (413) 268-3302

Serving western Mass., southern Vermont, and northwest Conn.

295 High St, Ipswich, Mass.

978-356-1119 (phone) 978-356-5758 (fax) www.srhveterinary.com

RER Ponies Now Accepting Boarders

Training, Lessons & Sales

by CHA certified, BHS trained, and USDF competitor

New 20,000 square-foot Facility!

Heather Reynolds Dostal

Horse Leases Available

Freelance Instruction . Lesson Horses Available U.S. Pony Club Riding Center

partial $275/mo., half $400/mo., full $525/mo.

Beginner to Advanced Instruction

Charming private facility offering: Boarding, training, pony starting, and tune ups.

Professional, well rounded, goal oriented lesson program for riders of all ages beginner through advanced.

Hunt Seat/Equitation, Dressage, Eventing, Western

www.RERponies.com

Brimfield, MA

413.427.2026

413-245-3083 . fairviewfarmsjjc.com

8 Circle Dr., Hatfield, MA

FEI Stallion: Werbellin, at stud.

Foals & Horses for Sale Training, Backing/Starting

Greengate Hanoverians

New Braintree, Mass info@greengatestud.com . 508-729-0706 www.greengatestud.com Massachusetts Horse

49

MASSACHUSETTS AW Brown’s Pet, Garden & Gift Store E. Longmeadow, MA (413) 525-2115

Amherst Farmers Supply Amherst, MA (413) 253-3436 50

Aubuchon Hardware & Feed Webster, MA (508) 949-2500

Fitts Mill

Sunnynook Farm

The Cheshire Horse

Scituate, MA (781) 545-1311

Rochester, MA (508) 763-5405

Swanzey, NH (603) 358-3001

Hamshaw Lumber

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Bernardston Farmers Supply

Orange, MA (413) 544-8211

Bernardston, MA (413) 648-9311

Hanson Grain

February/March 2015

Hanson, MA (781) 447-6621

Dodge Grain Co.

Achille Agway

Salem, NH (603) 893-3739

Peterborough, NH (603) 924-6801

VERMONT Achille Agway Brattleboro, VT (802) 254-8755

Over 34 Years of Service

Cremains available to family within 72 hours.

Massachusetts Horse

51

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MONROE, CT PERMIT

Amherst Farmer’s Supply 320 Pleasant St., Amherst (413) 253-3436 amherstfarmerssupply.com A.W. Brown Pet & Garden Center 144 Shaker Rd., E. Longmeadow (413) 525-2115 . awbrown.com

Brattleboro Agway 1277 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT (802) 254-8757 . achilleagway.net Bridgewater Farm Supply 1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357 bridgewaterfarm.com

Erikson’s Grain Mill 113 Main St., Acton (978) 263-4733 Essex County Co-op 146 S. Main St., Topsfield (978) 887-2309 essexcountycoop.net

Beaver Valley Farm 17 Main St., Pelham, NH (603) 635-2597 . beavervalleyfarm.net

Country Corral 35 Main St., Williamsburg (413) 268-0180 . countrycorralonline.com

Family Pet & Garden Center 14 Columbia Rd., Rte. 53, Pembroke (781) 829-2220

Bernardston Farmer’s Supply 43 River St., Bernardston (413) 648-9311 bernardstonfarmerssupply.com

Dodge Grain Company 59 N. Broadway, Salem, NH (603) 893-3739 . dodgegrain.biz

Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange Rte. 32, Gilbertville (413) 477-6913 hardwickfarmers.net

#140

Robbins Garden Center 28 Sutton Ave., Oxford (508) 987-2700 robbinsgarden.com Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926 sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com Thibault’s Poultry 92 N. Spencer Rd. Spencer (508) 885-3959