Katie Upton . katieupton.com
September 24, 2016 . All proceeds go to Blue Star Equiculture Working Horse Sanctuary
Massachusetts Horse Benefit Adventure Trail
Special Thanks to Our Title Sponsor!
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Welcome
, and thank you for coming to the 12th-annual Massachusetts Horse Benefit. One of my goals is to give back to the equestrian community. I do this in many ways, such as giving free Junior Horsemanship Awards to events in the Bay State; donating lifetime subscriptions to all public libraries in Massachusetts; partnering with the state’s horse clubs and associations whose members receive a free subscription; and, in every issue publishing a Lend a Hoof feature that profiles a local nonprofit organization that needs our help. The benefit is just another way to give back. Each year, proceeds go to a nonprofit equestrian or equine-rescue organization. This year we’re proud to honor the mission of Blue Star Equiculture Working Horse Sanctuary, in Palmer. Thanks to your support, in the past 11 years we’ve raised more than $58,000! A very personal thank-you to each and every competitor, sponsor, advertiser, and volunteer for participating in this special event. Sincerely,
Stephanie Stephanie Sanders, publisher, Massachusetts Horse
Katie Upton
originals . commissions . prints . posters . calendars
katieupton.com . 805-682-1710 3
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Supporting our horse community since 2001. Donating more than 2,000 Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Awards to Bay State competitions. Raising more than $58,000 for horse-related nonprofit groups through the Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show. Providing free subscriptions to the members of 32 organizations and clubs in the Bay State. In our 15th year of providing news, photos, event coverage, and support to our equestrian community.
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October 1 - Clinic at New England Equestrian Center of Athol October 9 - Clinic at Whip O Will Stables in Dudley October 19 - Western Dressage Lesson Series, Mount Holyoke College November 5 - Clinic and Lessons at Calico Performance Horses in Berkley
Visit CathyDrumm.com to see more upcoming clinics!
Keep your horse in shape this winter at
• Call for stall availability • No barn hours, if your horse is here, see them when you want • 70' x 135' indoor arena • 100' x 200' sand ring • Obstacle course • Jumping field
• Individual lockers • Heated water bucks in winter • Heated tack and lunch room • Two round pens • two grass pastures, many paddocks • Daily turn out
• Stall and run-in shed options • All disciplines welcome • Bring in your own farrier, vet, trainer, instructor . . . • Owners and manager live on premises • Quiet, friendly atmosphere
This farm is a blessing to us and we want to share it with our boarders.
Bob & Nancy Carrier . 16 David Street . Southampton . (413) 527-0333 6
General Rules
y All riders MUST wear an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet when mounted. y All riders MUST wear a hard-soled boot with a heel. y No dogs allowed at event.
y Any discrepancies or questions should be directed to the manager. y Any abusive behavior toward any animal will result in dismissal.
y Horses prone to kicking and mares in heat must have a red ribbon in their tail.
y All horses must have a 2016 Coggins test.
What Is a Hunter Pace?
y All horses must have some type of bridle and some type of saddle.
A hunter pace is a low-key competitive event derived from foxhunting. Teams of two or three riders follow a course laid out over terrain which is meant to simulate the riding conditions encountered during a foxhunt — that is, a mixture of gaits that a foxhunter typically uses as a fox’s scent is found and followed by hounds through open country and along wooded trails. It’s up to each team to guess what the organizers of the pace have decided is an ideal time to complete the course and to adjust its progress accordingly. The ideal time is determined by sending out one or more test teams to ride the course before the event. On the day of the event, the team that completes the course in a time closest to the ideal is placed first. Hunter paces are divided into three divisions with different ideal times. The Field Hunter division is for those experienced in the hunt field and/or who wish to take the course at a faster pace. In a foxhunt, groups of riders are organized by fields (groups) called
flights. The first flight are those who are directly behind the hounds and are the jumpers. The Field Hunter division optimal time is based on the first flight in a foxhunt. The Trail Rider division is for those who wish to travel more slowly and are not jumping. The optimal time for the Trail Rider division is based on the second flight in a foxhunt, a flat-only group that follows the full route of the hounds at a slower pace. The Walk Trot division’s optimal time is based on the hilltopping field in a foxhunt. The hilltopping field follows at a walk and trot and is farther back so as to observe the hounds at work. 7
House Calls Full-service Small-animal Hospital Grooming Pet Supplies HORSES
SMALL ANIMALS
CHIROPRACTIC
EXOTICS
HOMEOPATHY
ACUPUNCTURE
PHYSICAL THERAPY
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
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famvets.com
SmartPak Hunter Pace Rules
y The team in each division with the time closest to the ideal, wins!
y Divisions: Field Hunter (walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop; over fences up to 18") Trail Rider (walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop; all seats; no jumping) Walk Trot (walk and trot only; all seats; no jumping)
y Every team with a rider under 16 years of age must have one adult rider.
y Individual riders, who are not part of a team, will be matched with riders.
y If you must pass a rider or team, ask permission to pass, call out which side you’ll be passing on, and then go slowly and carefully. Do not pick up a faster pace immediately, wait until you are a decent distance away to not endanger the other riders.
y The course will be clearly marked and has a mandatory stop area and walk area.
y There will be volunteers throughout the course if you need assistance.
y All the trails you are riding on are privately owned, not public. Please respect the landowner’s generosity and stay on the marked trail.
y Please do not school at the fences. If you need to do it a second time, only jump it in the direction you just did it.
y Keep to the right on the course; follow the arrows on your right; only jump fences on the right side of the trail.
y Six ribbons and six prizes will be awarded in every division to each rider.
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Horsemanship Knowledge Quiz Rules
y This event is open to riders and non-riders.
y The most correct answers in each division will win.
y Types of questions will be multiple choice and fill-in-the blank.
y Topics will include but are not limited to tack, breeds, anatomy, parasites, and colors of the horse.
y Quizzes can be taken throughout the day at the quiz area. We ask that you don’t discuss the quiz after taking it to make it fair for all.
y Divisions: Youth 12 and Under, Youth 13 to 17, and Adult.
Thank you to our quiz sponsors Westfield Feed, Easthampton Feed, and Greenfield Farmers Coop Exchange!
y For those competing toward the day-end championship, for each incorrect answer, 10 seconds will be added to your overall time.
easthamptonfeed.com 288 Union St. Westfield 413-562-3689
18 Mechanic St. Easthampton 413-527-0778 10
Hunter Pace Directions
RIGHT side of the trail at all times! Follow arrows and numbers to your RIGHT! Only jump logs on the RIGHT side of the trail!
Keep to the
1. Start by looping clockwise around the North Pasture, heading up toward the trail entrance 2. Head north, downhill 3. Head east up and around the East Loop 4. Enter Field at southwest corner, loop around clockwise on the inside track 5. Cut through Central Park, heading northwest, downhill 6. Head west toward bridge, watch for traffic! 7. Turn right, complete West Loop counterclockwise 8. Head east back over bridge 9. Stop for a water break — you will be timed in and out and your break time will be subtracted from your overall time 10. Head south uphill 11. Bear left, southwest up the big hill 12. Make a sharp left turn into Central Park 13. Loop around Central Park, exit at southwest corner of field 14. Head east uphill, loop clockwise around East Loop 15. Enter field at northwest corner, loop counterclockwise on the outside track 16. Head west back toward bridge 17. Complete West Loop clockwise 18. Head south uphill 19. Bear right, south up the gentle hill, toward trail entrance 20. Exit trail heading west along pasture toward finish! 11
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Maintenance . Recovery . Performance Therapeutic Massage Bodywork . Reiki
Custom Saddles
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 . harnesses 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 14
bluedogleather.com
Cheshire Horse Timed Obstacle Course Rules
y This is a timed event. The rider with the fastest time in each division is the winner.
y The course consists of 10 obstacles.
y An obstacle that is completed but knocked down or otherwise disturbed will cause an addition of time faults.
y There is a 60-second time fault if a rider comes off, remounts, and continues the course.
y Open to any rider, discipline, and breed.
y Timers’ decisions are final.
y Only one competitor on the course at a time.
y No horses or riders on the course prior to rider walk through.
y Divisions: Youth Novice, Adult Novice, Youth Open, Adult Open. y Novice divisions are walk trot only; open divisions may canter.
y For those competing for the day-end championship, your course time (including time penalties) will be added to your hunter pace time differential (Your time minus the optimal time for your hunter pace division.) and your horsemanship-knowledge quiz time. (You’ll have ten seconds added onto your overall time for each incorrect answer.)
y Six ribbons and six prizes will be awarded in every division.
If you feed it! Seed it! Weed it! We’ve got it! a Fully stocked tack shop with everything you need a Featuring Poulin, Nutrena, and Agway feeds a Electric and solar fencing, stallmats, gates, and barn equipment a Shavings, straw, and hay
269 High St., Greenfield . (413) 773-9639 Hours: M-F 8-6, Sat. 8-5
GreenfieldFarmersCoop.com 15
Obstacle Course Instructions
Novice riders must only walk and trot; open riders may canter. If no gait is mentioned in the instructions of an obstacle, you may choose your gait. 30-second time penalty for any obstacle not completed. 1. Mailbox - Take out carrot, put in your pocket. 2. Brush - Pass through brush. (10-second penalty if you knock down obstacle) 3. Logs - Walk through logs. 4. Bridge - Walk or trot over bridge. 16
5. Go around deer and bear without stepping out of poles that circle them. (10-second penalty each time the horse steps over a pole)
6. Recycle bottles by taking one out of first bag and placing it in second bag. 7. Serpentine through six cones. (10-second penalty for each cone knocked down or moved) 8. Go over first ground pole, halt at second pole, back until a hind hoof steps over first pole, continue over second pole to next obstacle. (10-second penalty for moving pole more than a foot from its original position)
9. Go through hay bale chute. (10-second penalty for each bale knocked down) 10. Go around campsite without stepping over poles that circle it. (10-second penalty each time the horse steps over a pole)
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Thank You to our Generous Sponsors! Silver Sponsor: Donald Sommer. Sommer Hill Farm Haflingers, Adams Silver Sponsor: Mary Hornbuckle . Windy Hill Farm Silver Sponsor: Wilma Sanders in memory of Dylan Bronze Sponsors: Dick & Chris Jocelyn, Cado Farm/Marion Miller
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Time Schedule 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Riders may walk Timed Obstacle Course 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Field Hunters start hunter pace 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Trail Riders start hunter pace 11 a.m. to noon – Walk Trotters start hunter pace 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Timed Obstacle Course is open
Awards
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Horse-Knowledge Quiz area is open 2:30 to 3 p.m. – Awards!
y A prize and ribbon from first to sixth place will be awarded in every division of the hunter pace, timed obstacle course, and horsemanship-knowledge quiz.
y A day-end award for the Overall Best Time will be given to the rider who competes in all three events and has the lowest combined time from the hunter pace time differential (Your time minus the optimal time for your hunter pace division.), obstacle time including time penalties, and your horsemanship-knowledge quiz time. (You’ll have ten seconds added onto your overall time for each incorrect answer.)
y Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award — be sure to cast your vote! y Most Creative Dismount Award (unexpected dismount) y Timely Tortoise Award (slowest time)
y Bull in the China Shop Award (knocked down the most obstacles)
y Best Team Spirit Award for the hunter pace team with the most team spirit. So, dress up in blue and stars or a team costume to show support for Blue Star Equiculture and your team spirit!
Robert P. Schmitt, D.V.M. By Appointment Only . General Practice
South Deerfield Veterinary Clinic Elm Street & Routes 5 & 10, S. Deerfield, Mass. (413) 665-3626 . (413) 665-5107 sdvc@aol.com . sdvconline.com 19
Blue Star Equiculture Working Horse Sanctuary by Alessandra Mele
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gives the bests hugs!” Pam says. “Chance was an old farm horse, whose owner loved him a lot, but when the man passed away, no one cared for Chance anymore. He became loaded with canker, totally underweight, and severely dehydrated.” Pam and her team of dedicated
rescue, turns his attention back to an avalanching mound of hay that’s constantly available to help fill out his meager frame. The contours of his ribs and jutting points of his hips suggest a troubled past, but those big, blinking eyes framed with a peppering of grey hairs are full to the brim with hope and trust: Chance knows he’s in a safe place, and he’s growing stronger every day. His hope turns to downright joy in the arms of Pamela Rickenbach, founder and executive director of Blue Star. She wraps her arms around Chance’s work horse neck, and he nuzzles her back. “He just
volunteers worked to get Chance to eat full meals, built up his strength, and provided him the surgeries he needed on his cankered hooves. “It is always amazing to see the results,” says Pam. “He’s been so stoic through his healing and is doing very well now. It’s all about their spirit. If I see they want to live, I’ll do anything I can to save them.”
Karen Morang Photography
he classic striped face of a Belgian horse peers out from the upper barn at Blue Star Equiculture Working Horse Sanctuary in Palmer. Gentle eyes framed by a forelock cut straight across like a firstgrader’s newly trimmed bangs. Chance, an elderly working horse
A Herd with History Chance is just one example of the hundreds of horses Blue Star has assisted over the seven years they have been in operation. At any one time, 32 horses reside at the sanctuary, 20
practice. Pam resides on the farm, and organizes all efforts toward promoting the human-horse partnership so that as many people as possible can experience it. Equine husbandry is seen at its finest in the bountiful organic gardens, where horsepower is used to perform the many tasks of farming. Day-to-day operations around the farm are tackled with the combined efforts of volunteers and equine residents. Whether harnessed to a plow, pulling a carriage, under saddle, or simply providing companionship, every horse on the farm has a place and a job. The physical contribution that horses have made in shaping civilization since ancient times are undeniably significant. However, the emotional bonds they have formed with humans are equally as important, if not more so. Pam points out the spiritual necessity for horses in a troubled, modern world: “Today, we may not need them to physically conquer the world, but there’s an internal need for them. They allow us to reflect on ourselves, and make us grounded, sensitive people.” The fellowship between humans and equines present at Blue Star — and the resulting peaceful, harmonious atmosphere — is certain proof of the good such a bond can do for the soul.
each with their own special needs, unique stories, and important roles. The herd includes rescues like Chance, able-bodied working horses like Piper, a young, strong Percheron mare, and senior retirees like Finbar, who spent his prime years as a carriage horse on the streets of New York City. The variety of breeds, sizes, and colors living in harmony is thrilling to behold at first glance, but it is their individual personalities and histories that truly amaze visitors to the farm. The mission of Blue Star has remained the same since its founding in 2009 — commitment to helping horses, humans, and Mother Earth. Pam stresses the way these elements are critically intertwined: “Our mission comes from the belief that all things are connected. Making an effort to take better care of our horses in need leads to taking better care of our entire community.” To understand the efforts that Blue Star is making, it is important to consider the rich history of humans and horses working together. The relationship goes back about 6,000 years, as we partnered with these animals to survive, conquer, build, and make a living. With the introduction of technology like automobiles and tractors, horses became less of a necessity, and more of a luxury. “When that disconnect occurred,” says Pam, “we began moving away from the earth. Working with horses is a skill that keeps us connected to the earth. We work to restore that bond and remind people of the serious connection between humans and horses. Horses shaped our lives, they made us who we are, and we made them who they are. We need them, and they need us.” Blue Star is a place where this partnership is valued and put into
Educating the Next Generation Blue Star knows the importance of instilling their message in younger generations, as the world around them moves increasingly away from productive equine partnerships in conditions that threaten the environment. Many of the volunteers at the farm are young people, and they are taught to engage in partnerships with the horses, communicating with them effectively. Once they establish connections with the horses, they 21
take in. “There are layers and layers to this skill, says Bill. “Little by little, I try to add things into their box to remember. By the end of the summer, I want them to be saying, ‘Hey, this is a lot more fun than it used to be!’” Brian seems to be having plenty of fun, and is visibly grateful for all that Bill has taught him. “I’ve learned to pay attention to my hands and all the little details and adjustments, whether it’s the lines, the bridle, or the bitting,” Brian says. “When experienced teamsters like Bill take the time to teach us these things — that’s the best. You can’t find that in a book.” From the moment he met Tex — Blue Star’s largest resident at 20.3 hands — Brian fell in love with the herd. “I was addicted!” he says, laughing. “I would come after work, sneaking out to the paddocks to spend time with the horses. My role here has grown, and now it’s my life. This is a special place.” Brian also contributes as the equipment manager on the farm. Brian moves through the herd of giants with confidence, clearly among friends. Whether holding the lines of six draft horses, or galloping bareback, there’s no such thing as apprehension in Brian’s horsemanship. “I’ve found it very natural for me to drive these horses and even ride them,” he says. “I never get nervous or scared, even though sometimes I probably should. When something unexpected happens, I don’t freak out, I just try to fix it.” Bill looks over to Brian, nodding his absolute approval. “That’s something worthwhile,” Bill says. “Because you care about these horses, and you want to help them, there’s no fear. You do what you need to do.” Brian smiles. He has clearly learned a lot from Bill.
learn to be teamsters and perform work with their equine partners. As horsepower becomes antiquated and working in harness is increasingly a specialized skill, Blue Star recognizes the importance of gaining knowledge from experienced horsemen while it is still available. Bill Darnley of Wales has had lines in his hands for more than 70 years and can often be seen perched on the Blue Star wagon, critiquing young teamsters as they learn the fundamentals and finesse of driving horses. “No drooping, I want to see those reins active!” Bill says. “Keep that evener straight!” Bill learned how to harness and drive horses from his grandfather, and first brought that knowledge to Blue Star five years ago when he began working with a six-horse hitch. After some time away, he returned to Blue Star in April, and has continued working with young teamsters and some of the green work horses. “Everyone at Blue Star has a strong will to learn this skill, but the experience that I had growing up isn’t readily available,” he says. “I’ve been glad to help out, I want them to learn a thing or two.” Brian Jerome is a young teamster who spends time with Bill each week at Blue Star, learning to drive the farm’s teams, as well as an impressive six-horse hitch. Bill is pleased with the progress Brian has made, but stresses that there’s always more to learn. “There’s a lot of growing to do, and we’re barely getting at the roots,” he says. “I focus on hands a lot — a light touch is the most important thing. You’re trying to send a message through the bit, establishing a language the horse can understand. It’s a darn hard thing to teach.” He’s careful never to overwhelm his students; he knows there’s a lot to 22
provements. Pam always keeps an eye toward the future and focuses on how her vision can reach its fullest potential. “We need to become completely self-sustaining as a working, profitable farm, and prove it’s an economically sound venture,” she says. “We’ve made great progress. We need to look at our productive partnership with horses and continue to use it to become sustainable.” The results are clear when you witness the progress that neglected horses like Chance have made, or the magnificence of a six-horse hitch Brian guides with confidence, or the joy on visitors’ faces as they pet the senior horses, learning their stories. “The greatest pleasure in doing all of this is sharing it,” Pam says. “Everyone who comes here feels better after they leave. You can see more clearly the things that truly matter — it’s all worth it.”
All for the Horses Leaving fear behind is certainly critical in driving horses, but it also applies to the operation of Blue Star as a whole. Pam and her team have faced their share of opposition, loss, and heartbreak over the years, but have pressed on in dedication to the horses that call the place home. Blue Star is a community effort. The farm is run entirely by volunteers and one hundred percent of the money they raise through donations goes toward the care of the horses. There are several ways to support Blue Star, but perhaps the most effective and accessible way to help is by becoming a herd member. This entails donating a minimum of $10 per month, for which members receive benefits, including free admission to events and discounted merchandise, lessons, and wagon rides. These consistent donations provide stability to the organization, insuring that the needs of the 32 residents can be regularly met. Through efforts like these, Blue Star has seen incredible growth over the past seven years in financial support, volunteer effort, and farm im-
To lend a hoof, visit equiculture.org. Alessandra Mele, of Sandalwood Stables in Wilbraham, host of today’s event, 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.
Thank Yous!
This Benefit Adventure Trail would not be possible without the generosity of everyone at Sandalwood Stables, especially Robin “Chick” Taylor who envisioned and created the trails and the Mele family. Thank you to all who volunteered to make this a fun and successful day. Thank you to everyone at Blue Star Equiculture Working Horse Sanctuary for providing wagon rides and everything you do for the horses in your care.
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