Katie Upton . katieupton.com
Massachusetts Horse BeneďŹ t Adventure Trail September 16, 2018
All proceeds go to the Central New England Equine Rescue, the Norfolk Hunt, and the Trustees of Reservations.
Special Thanks to Our Title Sponsor!
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Welcome
, and thank you for coming to the 14th 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 another way I give back. Each year, proceeds go to a nonprofit equestrian or equine-rescue organization. This year I’m proud to honor the mission of the Central New England Equine Rescue in West Brookfield. I’m also raising funds to help the Norfolk Hunt and the Trustees of Reservations maintain open space for equestrians. Thanks to your support, in the past 13 years together we’ve raised more than $65,000! A very personal thank-you to each and every competitor, sponsor, advertiser, and volunteer for participating in this special event. This Benefit Adventure Trail wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of Apple Knoll Farm Equestrian Center and its show manager Tracy Schneider who set the course for today and helped in so many ways! Additionally, Massachusetts Horse features writer and co-manager of today’s event, Alessandra Mele. Thank you! Sincerely,
Stephanie Sanders, publisher, Massachusetts Horse
Katie Upton
originals . commissions . prints . posters . calendars
katieupton.com . 805-682-1710 3
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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
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – horsemanship-knowledge quiz area is open 2:30 to 3 p.m. – awards!
Ride with Us! Competitive Rates & Great Service! Call for a no hassle, free quote. Mortality & Major Medical . Farm Packages . Directors & Officers Horse Associations and Clubs . Horse Shows, Clinics, Events Expo Coverage . Instructor Liability . Payment Plans
We will provide you with competitive rates, educated service, and help substantiate values.
Terri Ray (781) 837-6550 donrayinsurance.com Insure your equine partner with a leading equine agent!
Tack Repairs & Restoration
saddles . chaps . belts . halters . bridles reins . harnesses . dog collars & leashes
Blue Dog Leather 64 South Shore Dr., Orange, Mass. 978.544.2681 bluedogleather.com Open by appointment, please call ahead. 5
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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 some type of bridle and some type of saddle.
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Special Thanks to SmartPak, our Hunter Pace Sponsor!
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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 2'6") Trail Rider (walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop; all seats; jumping optional) Walk Trot (walk and trot only; all seats; jumping optional)
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.
y Most of the trails you’re riding on are privately owned and the rest are on the Trustees of Reservations land. 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 Take jumps safely; be sure no oncoming riders are approaching the same jump; call the jumps before you take them.
Goin’ Gray Auto
Bob & Jamie Kubosiak 28 Bisbee Road, Chesterfield, Mass. (413) 296-4041 9
We’re a small, independent tack shop in the heart of North Central Massachusetts serving English and western riders.
We offer a wide range of products for horse and rider as well as for dogs and cats. Additionally, we’ve become known for our impressive variety of gently used western boots and our mobile unit that travels around the region.
We believe that horseback riding is one of the most beneficial sports for physical and emotional well-being. The bond between horse and human is like no other! We do our best serve all riders, both new and experienced.
Come see us! With warm whinnies and woofs,
Jessica 32 Main Street, Westminster, Mass. (978) 668-5662 . bridlepathtackllc.com
Open M-F 12-6, Sat. 10-5, Sun. events/mobile unit
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Bridle Path Tack Horsemanship Knowledge Quiz Rules
y This event is open to riders and nonriders.
y The most correct answers in each division will win.
y 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 Novice, Youth Open, Adult Novice, Adult Open.
y For those competing toward the day-end championship, for each incorrect answer, 10 seconds will be added to your overall time. For each correct bonus question answer, three seconds will be removed from your overall time.
Publisher of more than 80 equestrian titles!
storey.com 11
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Neatness Counts
Please clean up around your trailer and pick up all your trash prior to leaving. Let’s show Apple Knoll Farm Equestrian Center how much we appreciate having access to its facilities and trails! Thank you!
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star
t/fin
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Obstacle Course Instructions
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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. See rules on page 16. 1. Start your timed obstacle course by going through start/finish poles. 2. Go through hay bale chute. (10-second penalty for each bale knocked down) 3. 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)
4. Serpentine through cones. (10-second penalty for each cone knocked down or moved) 14
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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 bucket and placing it in the second. 7. Mailbox - Open, take out carrot, put in your pocket, belt, boot . . . close. 8. Mini cavalettis - Walk through. (10-second penalty if you knock down obstacle) 9. Brush - Pass through brush. (10-second penalty if you knock down obstacle) 10. Bridge - Walk or trot over bridge. 11. Go around campsite without stepping over poles that circle it. (10-second penalty each time the horse steps over a pole)
12. Go through start/finish poles. 15
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors! Donald Sommer. Sommer Hill Farm Haflingers, Adams Marion Miller, Cado Farm, Belchertown Wilma Sanders, in memory of Dylan HorseBack & Body/Jo Bunny Diane Mason-Arnold, The Mason Agency, Southwick
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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.
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Overall Best Time Award
This award is sponsored by Obaku Denmark. The winner will receive a beautiful Torden watch!
The cool and clean look of this steel watch will be a classy addition to your wardrobe, whether you’re going to the office or the equestrian center. If you love quality and great design, this watch is for you. Take a closer look at the details in the white dial and the matching leather strap. This is Danish design at its best where the mantra of ‘less is more’ is in focus. The name of the designer, Christian Mikkelsen, who created it, is engraved in the case back, reminding you that this is a true designer gem. Go enjoy the details! ($209)
obaku.com
find a store near you: (704) 899-5250 or us@obaku.com 18
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, and your horsemanship-knowledge quiz time (ten seconds added onto your overall time for each incorrect answer).
y Most Creative Dismount Award for the best unexpected dismount. y Timely Tortoise Award for the slowest overall day-end rider.
y Bull in the China Shop Award for the horse and rider team that knocks down the most obstacles in the timed obstacle course.
y Best Team Spirit Award for the hunter pace team with the most team spirit and best costumes.
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 19
famvets.com
Central New England Equine Rescue by Sheryl Hodge
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tions, Barre and West Warren. In 2013, the dream of having one central location became a reality when they found a property in West Brookfield. With a lot of help from dedicated volunteers, the original four-stall structure became a 12-stall barn, acres of brush were cleared, piles of cow manure removed, and so much more. It wasn’t pretty or pleasant work, but they were rewarded for their efforts with some amazing land for spacious paddocks and
orses are not disposable! These noble creatures deserve unconditional love, and freedom from hunger, abuse, terror, and slaughter. This is why Vicky Berry and her daughter, Betsy Johnson, founded Central New England Equine Rescue (CNEER) in 2003 and began rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused, neglected, abandoned, and slaughterbound horses of all breeds and sizes.
Major Milestones CNEER celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and has been recently ranked number five in the Great Nonprofits for animals in Massachusetts, an incredible and admirable feat for a mother and daughter team that started out with a humble hope to rescue two horses a year. “We are in awe of how fast the years fly by, and how slow some hours can pass when a horse is not doing well. To even think it has been fifteen years makes us all smile!” says Vicky, with quiet pride. “Our goal is to find loving homes for all when possible,” she says. “Some are companion only as they cannot carry riders. Some are babies from mares that were rescued from slaughter, some are wonderful athletes and some are trail lovers, but one thing that they all have in common is that they need a chance to be loved, and for fifteen years we’ve been doing our best to provide them with that chance.” With more than 200 rescues to date, Vicky and Betsy’s passion and drive are as strong as ever. Vicky and Betsy are true gifts who not only save horses, they’ve also created a haven for them and for likehearted human souls that want to help. In the beginning, from 2003 to 2013, the rescue was running out of two loca-
turnout. This was made possible with generous donations of supplies, money, and the gift of precious time from so many caring people. They’ve done a lot in the five years that they’ve been in West Brookfield and there’s a great deal more to do.
Unsung Heroes None of what Vicky and Betsy have done, and continue to do, could be accomplished without their dedicated army of huge-hearted volunteers. “We have an executive board of five multiple-committee members, and more than thirty volunteers,” says Vicky. No one is given financial compensation for working at the rescue, but “to see a 20
There are so many folks to thank for their selflessness. “People like Jerry Doble who shows up every Saturday to muck out stalls, fix whatever needs fixing, in whatever the weather,” says Vicky. “Linda Allington has been with us since our move five years ago and digs right in with her pink pitchfork. Doris, a retired biochemist, loves coming to help once a week. Joan helps when able and is also one of our adopters. Christie and Carson have been coming since 2016 all the way from Shrewsbury. Brenda [drives from Ashburnham] every Friday to lend a hand and help in any way she can. “Allie and mom Chris; Karla, Sam, Kym and Bri; Kerry, Jeannie Prouty and the Gonyas (also one of our amazing foster families) and the Averys; Roxann, Kathy, Annie, Deb, Becky and Bob; Bill, Danielle, Annie, Tom; Billy and Pam travel from Auburn, Maine, on weekends to help. Peter, Hannah, Carrie, Heidi, Krystal, Mary, Dave, Wayne and Randy; Mike and Cheryl; Cindy drives from Chicopee; we’ve got some dedicated teen volunteers, Lily and Landon, and Stoney Hill Farm students that help exercise the horses during school break; and so many others.”
horse go from skin and bones and without hope flourish into the fun-loving, playful, healthy being it was meant to be is reward enough for all of us,” says Vicky. The volunteers are a very special bunch. The passion they have for what they do is palpable and contagious. You can feel the love and respect all at CNEER have for the horses and each other. It’s an outstanding combination of the family you’re born into combined with the family you choose. It’s a place where horses and people are given a chance to be who they really are. One dedicated volunteer, Jodi, sums it up nicely “This is a barn full of heroes! I sometimes think I should be paying them [for this privilege],” she says, downplaying the fact that she too is one of those heroes. “I truly wonder, is it us who saves these horses, or is it they who save our souls and remind us what this life is truly about, caring for one another?” says Vicky. Perhaps the saving is mutual. Vicky downplays her part in the daily running of the rescue; however, she’s an unbelievable force. When you see Vicky in action, you’d never guess her age, and we’ll respectfully leave it at that! Let’s just say she’s not chosen a relaxing retirement, but a rewarding one. Her humbleness is part of what makes her so awesome. Then there’s Betsy, who goes places no one wants to go to find and rescue horses in need. Her work takes a special combination of grit and kindness, and it leaves a mark, but she pays that price because every life saved matters. On top of that, “Betsy quietly, without notice, helps nurse very sick horses back to health. She puts in many sleepless nights to get them on their feet,” says Vicky.
Why They Do What They Do Mama (aka Whisper) was in the slaughter pipeline when she came to CNEER’s attention. She’s a Haflinger cross that was in foal. CNEER was able to raise enough money to bail her out and have her shipped to the farm. She was terrified, her coat was caked with manure, and the only part of her that had any weight was her pregnant belly. Amazingly, Mama delivered a healthy, gorgeous colt, Lukah. He’s been adopted by a wonderful lady who dotes on him daily. Mama, currently at CNEER, has come a long way since the day she arrived. She actually loves to be 21
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
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many stories and all are available for adoption. Not only will you find horses to love when you visit the farm, you’ll also experience the most phenomenal people ever. When you adopt, you’re not just rescuing one horse, you’re also paying it forward, giving CNEER the space to bring home another horse in need, and that kind of return is priceless.
groomed now and is becoming more accepting of humans. Her history was definitely one of severe abuse. She’s still timid, but with her personal following of dedicated caretakers — volunteers Pam, Brenda, Anna and Wayne — Mama is blossoming. Sophie, a recent rescue, was headed for slaughter. Her background is unclear, but she’s a Thoroughbred through and through. She is six years old and has had very little handling, and what little she had was clearly very traumatic. She’s learned to accept having a halter put on and taken off in the last few months without feeling she has to defend herself, and she can be led without being afraid of where she’s going. She arrived fearful and defensive, but with time and patience has shown she has a heart of gold. Sophie waits to be sure her friends are coming for dinner, and if one is slower than the rest, she will go back and walk alongside them. CNEER is hoping to raise enough money to send her to Peter Whitmore of It’s a Pleasure Training, located in Orange, for two months of training. Sophie will make someone an amazing friend and companion. Eco Doce was two years old, in foal, and bound for slaughter when CNEER intervened. She delivered a beautiful colt, Hero the KIDD. Both are purebred Lusitanos and even more important, they are smart and sweet. Both horses could’ve been lost due to neglect if it weren’t for CNEER. Eco Doce and Hero now have wonderful new homes and are thriving, living the lives they deserve. Sometimes there are special friendships created at the rescue, like the two hackney cross ponies, Juliette and Little Ping, currently seeking adoption. Staying together would be so great for them, and come on, they’re small, so why not take two! CNEER’s amazing residents have so
Other Ways You Can Help The spare change you have floating around matters; it all adds up, and every bit helps. That pocket change could help save a life. Your time is equally valuable to CNEER. There’s always plenty to do and plenty of pitchforks for everyone! Or maybe you have an extra stall or two and want to foster one of these precious horses. CNEER is dependent on your donations and receives no state or federal funding. You can give monthly, one time, sponsor a horse, and shop online using AmazonSmile and GoodShop. There are lots of ways to volunteer, from helping at the annual benefit show to cleaning stalls to putting up fliers to fostering a horse. To lend a hoof, visit cneer.com/how-to-help. Bring clean, usable blankets and tack to CNEER to see for yourself how special the rescue is. Reach out to Betsy and Vicky to schedule your visit, cneer.com/contact-us. And, while you’re there you have to meet Badonk, an adorable donkey and the CNEER mascot. Every equine resident will touch your heart and you just may find the one that’s meant to come home with you! Sheryl Hodge is a long-time editor, but more importantly a life-long horse lover. She’s a horse crazy girl who never gave up the dream of having her own horse. It took decades, but was well worth the wait as she’s now owned by a smart, sweet, and sassy chestnut Quarter Horse mare who inspires her on every level, every day.
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Want to understand your horse’s new and/or undesired
BEHAVIOR? Why’s he rearing in hand and under saddle? Why’s she fighting with a paddock mate? Why’s he refusing to enter the trailer? Why’s your steady horse balking at the arena door? You’ve probably experienced how seemingly out of the blue these behaviors start. Is it a health issue? A training issue? The truth is, very often it’s neither. Instead it’s a behavioral issue related to outside circumstances. Most behavioral issues displayed by horses are due to stress-related events or environmental factors. The answers can be found through Horse Logic. For two decades, I’ve helped equine professionals and horse owners understand the logic behind a horse’s unexpected — and often undesired — behavior. I’ve provided successful solutions and suggestions to bring the horse back from distress to well-being, and with that, back to good behavior.
le’s Nico t i s i V a h for on! boot s se si o e t u t n i 15-m a donation ue e sc (Mak quine Re E . n.) E o . i C.N ess our s for y
To book a consulting session, go to mindful-connections.com
or email Nicole Birkholzer at nicole@mindful-connections.com.
Powered by Mindful Connections 24
Norfolk Hunt Club drag hunting, the NHC’s pack of American Foxhounds are bred to produce puppies that perpetuate the best traits for drag hunting, keeping the Huntsman busy throughout the year. The Field Master is in charge of the riders following the hunt, so riders may enjoy the maximum amount of sport without interfering with the hunting of the hounds. Volunteers are recruited to assist at road crossings to avoid accidents to hounds, horses, and the traveling public. NHC strives to maintain the countryside it uses to further interest in hunting, hounds, and all horse sports. NHC contributes to the maintenance and protection of more than 200 miles of trails and 300 jumps in its territory. Each and every member of the hunt extends special thanks to the landowners who so generously allow the hunt through their property. Without the support of landowners, the NHC could not carry on the tradition of the sport.
The Norfolk Hunt Club is one of the oldest registered fox hunts in the country. Norfolk began as a drag hunt in Dedham in 1895 and moved to Dover in 1903. NHC fox hunts over country that was opened to the club through the kindness of landowners, some as long as 100 years ago. The majority of the land NHC hunts is located in the Charles River Watershed area (Dover, Medfield, Sherborn, South Natick, Millis, Walpole), as well as in Westport, South Dartmouth, Sutton, and Grafton. NHC’s hunting tradition continues today, through the generosity of current landowners. The support and understanding of the people who live in the towns in NHC’s territory make it possible for the sport to continue and thrive. Fox hunting is exhilarating and exciting. More than that fox hunting is a way of life. Everybody can participate. All that’s needed is enthusiasm, love of the outdoors, and a horse. Without a horse, the action is still available — spectators can follow the hunt by car or on foot and enjoy the excitement. It takes a great deal of organization to run a successful drag hunt. To approximate live fox hunting as closely as possible, a scent is laid by a human “fox.” The scent simulates the path of a live fox, dashing across pastures, circuiting through woodland, often doubling back in close terrain. Hounds on the trail enthusiastically voice the scent and search the terrain to regain the path if they go afield. The hounds are carefully trained by the Masters of the Foxhounds, Huntsman, and hunt staff. Trained solely for
UPCOMING EVENTS OF interest are the New England Hunts Championship Hunter Trials and the Westport Hunter Pace. The New England Hunter Trials will be held Sunday, October 28, and this year will be hosted by the Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton. The eighth annual Westport Hunter Pace will be on Sunday, October 21, at 442 Horseneck Road in Westport. The hunter pace course will offer 8 to 10 miles of terrain through open fields and wooded trails. The Norfolk Hunt meets in the spring and fall, on Tuesday and Saturday mornings and some holidays. To learn more, visit norfolkhunt.com.
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Maintenance . Recovery . Performance Therapeutic Massage Bodywork . Reiki
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 26
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors! Nicole Birkholzer . Melanie Dana . Michael Devine
Kathaleen Emerson . Bradley Ferris . Sally Feuerberg Sue Froehlich . Mary Hornbuckle . Christine and Dick Jocelyn Matt Sanders . Monica Sanders . Pete Sanders
Thank you to Chartpak, located in western Massachusetts, for sponsoring so many of our prizes and raffle goodies! Chartpak makes many brands known to artists around the world including Art and Design Markers,Grumbacher paints, Higgins inks, Indigo Art Papers, Koh-I-Noor pens, Mijello watercolors, Molotow fine art acrylic markers, Schmincke premium artist paints, and much, much more. Look for these brands when buying your artist supplies and support a Bay State company!
chartpak.net 27
Special Thanks to Our Title Sponsor!
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