Connecticut Horse March/April 2020 by Community Horse Media

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MASHAMOQUET BROOK STATE PARK TRAIL GUIDE

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CT HORSE NEIGHBORS LEND A HOOF

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

March/April 2020

Stacey Stearns

contents

features 8

Competitive Trail Riding

Evelyn Hanlon

Mentor, Mother, Friend

for Nutmeg State Riders

Mashamoquet Brook State Park

Performance Evaluations for Your Horse Grand Prix Guidance

CT Horse Neighbors Caring and Sharing

Trail Guide

A Familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tradition of Farming Farm Feature

Horseperson Feature

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

From the Publisher

know spring is coming because just getting within two

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HORSE vol. 5, no. 5 March/April 2020

ISSN 2378-5721

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

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Competitive Trail Riding for Nutmeg State Riders

Spectrum Photography

by Patti Brooks

Left to right: Wanda Stazick and Jenny Kimberly. The riders are dropping sponges on strings into water to pull up and put water on each horse’s poll and neck.

fter an hour or two of riding the trails, do you find yourself wanting more? You just might want to step it up a notch and consider competitive trail riding. The Eastern Competitive Trail Riding Association (ECTRA) has been sanctioning distance rides from Maine to Virginia since 1970. ECTRA employs standardized management, judging and scoring, and the calendar features events from one-day, 25-mile rides to some that wind their way for 100 miles over a period of three days. In competitive distance riding, you must complete a marked course within a certain time period; for example, riders might have to complete a 25-mile trail within 20 minutes of four hours (a horse can lose points for coming in too early or too late). A cousin of competitive distance riding is the conditioning distance ride, also an ECTRA-sanctioned event. Usually designed for five miles or so, this type of ride is perfect for testing the waters, and for older horses. Placing your foot in the stirrup and swinging aboard a horse is the start of something special every time. Peg 8

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Carlson of East Haddam was a charter member of ECTRA, which was incorporated in Connecticut. Peg grew up in a show-horse family and treasured the times she could simply get out in the woods on a favorite horse. Her first competitive ride was 25 miles in the Cockaponsett State Forest, and she won. That win hooked Peg for good. She valued the great relationships with her horses and the friendly connection with other riders. Peg rode 6,785 miles in ECTRA competitions. Her lifetime favorite partner was the Arabian, Thomas Crown. She competed with him when he was five and almost got the 5,000 career mileage award when she retired him at eighteen. “We were a true team over the many rides and years we had together,” Peg said. Her eyes sparkled when she talked of the sport. “You see so much from the back of a horse,” she said, “everything from birds to moose, and you become part of what’s around you.” Peg was active with ECTRA until the day she died.

What’s It All About? Each ECTRA-sanctioned ride must have two licensed judges, one of whom is a

veterinarian. During the pre-ride vetting, a horse starts with a score of 100. At the post-ride vetting, the judges note any changes, such as tack rubs or tenderness, and deduct points. The veterinarian pays particular attention to the legs, looking for bruising and other differences between pre- and post-race. In addition to the judges, there are “pulse and respiration teams,” who check and record a horse’s pulse and respiration at the midway hold, and again 20 twenty minutes after the horse crosses the finish line. Pulse and respiration must return to the base of 44 beats per minute pulse and 24 breaths per minute with respiration a lower number than the pulse or the horse will lose points. Among the best-conditioned horses, pulse and respiration often determine the winner.

What Makes a Good Candidate? A candidate for distance riding must be sound, of course, but there are other factors to consider. Arabians dominate the sport, mostly because of their ability to return to those end-of-ride 44/24 pulse and respiration numbers, but horses of all types and breeds can do well.

when properly conditioned. Most of the riders interviewed feel the most important traits are soundness with good hooves and bones. Others feel that a great prospect is one that loves the trail and his job and is ready to move out. A

Wanda Clowater

Having a good relationship with your horse is key. He must be at ease traveling and camping. Roxanne Winslow of Colchester prefers Arabians, not only because of their ability to work well in hot summer

Conditioning and Tips

Left to right: Megan Thompson with her twin sons, Dale and Bernie.

temperatures and still pulse down, but also because of their high energy and intelligence. Individuals of all breeds do well

spook at every chipmunk crossing the trail. ECTRA member Wanda Stazick of East Lyme loved the hours spent with her Morgan, Cheerios, and says, “He’s a horse with grit and determination who always wanted to be in front of the pack and always moved out.” Wanda started Cheerios on the CTR circuit when he was nine; she retired him at age 27. Esther and Jim Fiddes of Bethel often do rides together on their Morgans. Esther has just earned her 5,000 lifetime mileage award this year. “My horse is my partner. We keep an eye out for each other,” says Esther. Other characteristics to look for are stamina — a horse that can go the distance; companionability — a horse that’s fun to be with; and a can-do attitude — a horse with confidence. With all these traits in place, a competitive trail ride is an achievable goal.

horse that’s always looking for the next mountain to climb makes a great distance horse. Other riders insist on horses with a “mind” — one that won’t

Wanda and her daughter, Amanda, condition their horses in the Nehantic State Forest Reserve and Hartman Park. Amanda started competitive trail rides (CTR) at 16. When signed up for a ride, Wanda and Amanda like to hit the trails three to four times a week, although

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Megan Thompson of Mansfield these days, Amanda prefers the endurance rides. Both she and her Depot doesn’t want to chance getting mom recommend that all distance trail time penalties, so she uses a GPS riders should start out with CTRs that Garmin watch. Knowing exactly how teach you how to care for your horse many miles are left at any given time is and listen to the things your horse is reassuring. trying to tell you. Volunteering at some Meg is another mother who rides rides is a great way to learn about the with her children. Her twin sons, Dale sport. and Bernie, have been distance riding “When starting with a new horse, start by walking a hundred miles before moving into other gaits,” Wanda says. Jennie Coffey of Plainfield enjoys distance riding with her two daughters, Mackenzie and Alex. “I love every minute on the trail with the kids,” Jennie says. “Sharing this with the girls is such a blessing and bonding experience.” Mackenzie is Left to right: Jennie Coffey with daughters Mackenzie and Alex. aiming for her first 75-mile endurance ride this coming July. for years. Although the family rides Because of the demands of job and Morgans, the 12.2-hand Pony of the school, Jennie can only handle one conAmericas Merlin has played a major ditioning ride a week, although she aims role in distance riding. The twins have for two. The family often trailers their competed on Merlin, and Meg herself Arabians to the Patchaug and Natchaug has ridden the pony to 227 miles of State Forests for conditioning. completed rides this past season. Both Wanda and Jennie depend on These riders, with thousands of miles their non-riding husbands for support. under their belts, generally ride three to Ron Stazick is sought after by ride manfive times a week, depending upon job agement to make sure water stops have and family demands. The average ride is full tubs and buckets, and he always around five miles with a ten-plus mile seems to be in the right place when any ride once a week. Most riders keep their rider needs a helping hand. Jennie horses outside 24/7 with a shelter. Coffey’s husband comes to all the Some ride lightly over the off-season, endurance rides, making sure his girls while others give their horses a comand their horses are well fed and plete vacation. hydrated. You won’t have to worry about mysThis spirit of lending a hand has tical, secret potions for your horse, as become a tradition. When a rider none are allowed. Stick to electrolytes, comes across a competitor with a probfly repellent, and approved joint lubrilem, that rider will lend a hand even cants and you’re good to go. Add lots of though they are using up precious time water for drinking and sponging to and may be late crossing the finishing line. (Horses lose one point per minute both clean and cool. As with any other discipline, there’ll for finishing under or over the time be bumps along the trail. Look at these specified.) little bobbles as learning experiences. Obviously, a reliable watch is necesWhen you get discouraged because you sary. A basic waterproof analog watch didn’t manage a competition as well as works great. Many riders set it at 12 just you wish you had, ask yourself why the before starting out which allows them failure occurred and then try to fix it. to easily budget their time. 10

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Competitive Trail Rides While there are currently no ECTRAsanctioned rides in Connecticut on the calendar for 2020, there are quite a few rides in New England. A 25-mile ride hosted by Mt. Toby Stables in Leverett, Massachusetts, has been a staple in the ECTRA-sanctioned circuit since 1982. It annually attracts some 40 riders. The ride starts with a breakfast of homemade goodies and ends with a satisfying meal. Participants credit the ride’s success to a management team that understands the needs of both horse and rider. In fact, combined, the team has ridden more than 10,000 ECTRAcompetition miles. Manager Linda Levitre of Conway has 5,400 career miles, most of them racked up with a horse she raised, named Aviza — a gelding with an Arabian/Morgan heritage. Trail master Libby Kohler is responsible for marking the trails. A sign alerts riders that they’re approaching an intersection (the intersection itself is well marked), and after negotiating it, riders see a confidence marker confirming that they’re on the correct trail. If they happen to veer off course, they’ll see a big “W” sign that leads them back onto the correct trail. Every five miles, there’s a marker noting how far riders have traveled, so participants know where they are in relation to the midpoint (where there’s the mandatory 20-minute hold). The last five miles are marked individually, which is a huge help for knowing when to cross the finish line. Remember: there’s a penalty for coming in too early. Libby says she learned about marking from Roberta “Bert” Bryant, who owns Mt. Toby Stables. Bert is a muchsought-after timer, but for this event, Bert organizes the pulse and respiration teams and arranges water stops along the trail. By the way, Bert and her home-raised Morab, Glory, have completed 3,000 ECTRA-competition miles.

The Leverett ride was Erica Botman’s first distance competition on her Dutch Warmblood. “Everyone was extremely helpful,” says the Amherst, Massachusetts, resident, “and they made sure to pair Breeze and me with an experienced rider. Even though it’s a sport,” she says, “it’s so laid-back that it doesn’t feel at all like a competition.” There are also quite a few rides in the Green Mountain Horse Association in Vermont and rides in Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

A Leg Up What do you think? Want to give competitive distance riding a try? Starting out, horses in most any condition can handle a six-mile ride, even if 90 percent is walking — and, by all means, encourage your horse to walk at least the last mile home. The incentive of getting back to the stable will encourage a horse to move out at the walk. Riders can adopt the “look your horse in the eye” method of assessing how it’s doing. Learn to sense when something is not right with your partner before you leave the stable.

Many riders new to a distance ride think they must get in condition by riding ten miles a day, six days a week. Not so. Three or four days of five to six miles and a 10- to 15-mile ride once a week will get you and your horse fit for a one-day, 25-mile competition. Work toward incorporating a 12plus-mile ride once a week. Many riders aim for a 20-mile conditioning ride once before the competition. In that way, the first competition acts as a longer conditioning ride for the next one. When you’ve experienced your first foray into this sport, analyze how it went. What needs improvement — a better walk? Managing steep hills? Remembering to drink water along the way? Was your horse mannerly when the judges ran their hands over every inch of its body? You may also need to work on the “trot-out.” The pre- and the post-ride vettings require that you (or someone else) trot your horse (in hand) in a straight line away from the judges, complete a circle in each direction at a trot (this can be on a longe line), then trot back to the judges. Horses and their

handlers must be proficient at this. A horse that bucks, plays, or tugs his handler along before it hits the trail — but has to be dragged into the trot after the ride — will lose valuable points. Connecticut boasts many state forest and park reservations with riding trails. Even if one isn’t right around the corner, when you’re ready, take advantage of what we have within a reasonable distance of just about anywhere in the state and practice a long-distance ride in a beautiful woodland setting. To learn more about competitive trail riding, visit ectra.org. You’ll find the rules, newsletters, and a schedule of rides. And follow ECTRA on Facebook, where many riders check in regularly with questions that are answered by the community. Patti Brooks has participated in competitive trail rides for more than 40 years and served a term as ECTRA’s president. She has written a trilogy of mysteries set in the New England horse world. Her newest book is a children’s book, H is for Horse.

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Trail Guide

Pomfret

by Stacey Stearns

Mashamoquet Brook State Park

because everyone prefers to ride those,” Penny says. “The town of Pomfret was looking at land on Jericho Road and asked us if they conserved it if horses would use it. That was the beginning of making the horse trail in Mashamoquet.” Club members found an old road that goes from Mashamoquet Brook State Park into Natchaug State Forest to connect to the Jericho Road property. It

There is a restroom available at the Wolf Den Drive parking lot. Trail maps were available in a box on the side of the building, although these maps don’t show Natchaug and the horse trail connection to the Air Line Trail. Unfortunately, carriages cannot access these areas. The trails are technical, and some sections had a lot of rocks and roots; I recommend hoof protection.

the original Mashamoquet Brook, Wolf Den, and Saptree Run. Wolf Den was purchased and preserved by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1899. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) manages Mashamoquet Brook State Park, which is more than 1,000 acres. It is adjacent to Natchaug State Forest and several town-owned properties, creating a large forested area for outdoor enthusiasts. We saw numerous hikers and people out walking their dogs on a Saturday. You can download a trail map on the DEEP website; select the one that shows both Mashamoquet and Natchaug for a full view of the equestrian trail. Penny Foisey of Pomfret is a founding member and president of Pomfret Horse and Trail Association (PHTA). The group formed in 2007 to preserve existing trails and create new ones. The initial goal was creating trails off the Air Line Trail (area equestrians refer to the Air Line Trail as their superhighway). PHTA does all of the trail maintenance on the horse trail in Mashamoquet, as well as several other trails throughout the town, totaling 25 miles of trail stewardship. “We wanted to make a loop trail,

was an old route to travel from Pomfret to Brooklyn. “DEEP and the town have been really supportive of the horse trail project in Mashamoquet,” Penny says. “Our club found the trail, sited it, put up temporary markers, then hiked it with DEEP and got permission to permanently mark it. We had to prove to everyone that we were going to be responsible stewards of the trails. Now we have great momentum on trail projects. It’s all about building relationships.”

Out Riding It

Stacey Stearns

ashamoquet means “stream of good fishing.” It’s the term Indigenous Peoples used to refer the area that today is the town of Pomfret, in the northeast corner of the state. A brook with the same name runs through the area by the park’s entrance, and remains a popular place to fish. What we enjoy as Mashamoquet Brook State Park began as three parks:

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

A Leg Up I parked by the campground on Wolf Den Drive. I used the second access point from Wolf Den Drive after passing the park’s main entrance; it’s easier to drive with a trailer. The driveway is circular, allowing you to pull through without backing up. The campground was closed for the season when I visited, so I parked in front of the office in the camper pull-off. However, there were also places you could pull off onto the grass if you come to ride during camping season. The main entrance on Route 44 also has limited parking for horse trailers, near the historic gristmill. The Wolf Den Drive area is easier to navigate with a trailer.

The horse trail opened in 2015 and is seven miles through the parks, nine miles if you ride the entire loop. The trail runs through land maintained by New England Forestry Foundation, in addition to Mashamoquet, Natchaug, and the town-owned land. It connects to the Air Line Trail. PHTA put up red metal markers of a horse and rider last year because trail users were getting confused about which trail they were on. Ride out of the parking lot onto Wolf Den Drive and go left. You’ll ride up past an abandoned house; there’s a hitching post on either side of the steps up to the front door. DEEP uses the barn for storage. Keep going past the house and around the red gate blocking the road. You’ll find the horse trail a little further up on the left, with a red sign marking it. “The trails at Wolf Den Drive are just a way to get through,” Penny says. “Once you get down to Baker Hollow Road in Natchaug you get to the historic areas. You can see foundations in the woods, and an old cemetery from the 1800s. There is a lot of history in that area, and really great riding. It’s also nice down near the water.” Baker

Hollow Road is shown on a map of Pomfret from 1869. Footing can be very technical in some sections, especially in the woods near Wolf Den Drive. Once you get to Baker Hollow Road, the footing improves, and there are stretches where you can gallop. We rode along the horse trail as it meandered through the woods with gentle curves finding the most suitable path. Huge rock outcroppings appear from time to time as you’re riding along. Table Rock and Indian Chair Rock are large rocks of unique shapes, and both are labeled on the map. There are opportunities to water your horse along the trails. I noticed a lot of oak trees in Mashamoquet, and their leaves blanketed the trail on the day of my ride. I imagine the trails are stunning in the fall when the leaves are changing and foliage is at its peak. Despite the wet weather we’ve had, the horse trail was in really good shape. Shortly after passing Indian Chair Rock the trail leaves Mashamoquet Brook State Park, and enters Natchaug State Forest. The horse trail goes up over Barrett Ridge, and then to Jericho Road. It’s hilly in this section, and quite a climb up to Jericho Hill Road, providing a

workout for your horse. I did consult the map while we were out on the trail. Barrett Ridge is an old cart path that takes you up to one of the tallest ridges in Pomfret. The ridge is in the Natchaug State Forest section, near Jericho Road, and measures 20-feet tall by about 60-feet long. On your trail map, you’ll notice the section in Natchaug with the big loop, instead of going somewhat straight. This is the location of Barrett Ridge. At Jericho Road you can go right and then connect to Wolf Den Drive and ride back to the parking area, or you can continue on the horse trail until you reach the Air Line Trail — and then ride for as long as you want. “We’re thrilled that we were able to make a trail that is open to everyone,” Penny says. Indeed, my ride provided a brief glimpse of the miles of trails available in Pomfret, thanks to the work of PHTA. I’ll be back another day to transport back in time to another era, and continue exploring. Happy trails! Stacey Stearns, a lifelong equestrian from Connecticut, enjoys trail riding and endurance with her Morgan horses.

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Horseperson Feature

Newtown by Sally L. Feuerberg

Evelyn Hanlon Mentor, Mother, Friend

ust down the road from where I live in Newtown stood an old red barn that was built back in the 1960s, and although it’s gone now, I can still see it in my mind’s eye. Long Meadow Horse Farm was its last occupant, but a farm’s name, its buildings, and the acres of paddocks and fields are just the exterior aspects. The true heart of a farm is the people who live, work, love, and laugh within its borders, and Long

Both animals were looking in the direction of Meadowbrook Road and Long Meadow Farm. My usual greeting of welcoming nickers had been replaced with fixated trances intensely gazing into the distance. Then it hit me: the fire was at Long Meadow Horse Farm! My first frantic thoughts were, Is Ev okay? Are the horses all right, and is everyone safe? I was relieved when I learned that, by some incredible miracle, Ev, her daugh-

friends as well as total strangers, and her apprehension about an uncertain future. As weeks passed, Long Meadow Farm relocated to another property, luckily also in Newtown, so I went to visit again. As I drove up the long driveway, I saw several of the horses serenely grazing in newly fenced paddocks, looking as if they had been there forever. I met Shelly outside of their new residence, a small, cozy, white ranch-style home.

Ev and Pepsi in 1975.

Ev and Jack.

Daughters Susan Seavey and Shelly Martinez with Ev.

Meadow will continue to live on wherever its matriarch, Ev Hanlon, calls home. Ev was born in 1939, and she just turned 81 in February. Even though she may appear frail, don’t let that fool you. Ev is feisty, resilient, and tenacious. It will take a lot more than flames to destroy a spirit as strong as hers. It was early in the morning on July 11, 2019, and I hadn’t slept well. My night had consisted of brief moments of deep slumber mixed with the restlessness of an overactive mind. Startled, I woke abruptly to the sounds of sirens and the sporadic chatter of an emergency dispatch radio. Was it all in my head? Was I dreaming? I soon came to realize that the sounds were real. They were constant, stationary, and very close by. As I headed to my barn for morning chores that morning, I could still hear the sounds of sirens and dispatch radios, and I could see that my horses were agitated. There was the unmistakable smell of burnt wood in the air and a light haze of white smoke hovered in the treetops.

ter, Sue, and son, Daniel, along with 11 horses, Ev’s beloved dog, Willie, and cat, Lucille, and the family’s flock of ducks and chickens all escaped the inferno without injury. The barn, however, was a complete loss, totally unsalvageable. A few days after the fire, I visited the property where the barn once stood. Now, only charred rubble remained, and a few sad, ghostly remnants of what was once a working barn. Although the aftermath of the fire was heartbreaking to take in, it was secondary to the fact that I just needed to see Ev and reassure myself that everyone was okay. This visit was unlike the many others in the past when I’d had the opportunity to be in the company of Ev and her daughters, Shelly, Sue, and Ellie. On several previous occasions I’d enjoyed listening to the novel worthy and captivating stories of Ev’s countless adventures with the many horses from her colorful life. Some of the tales were sad, some inspiring, and some brought my laughter to a point of tears. But this day was different. Ev talked about survival, the generosity and kindness of

“You can’t bring back the place that we called home for 15 years, but this place is safe for everyone and the horses,” Shelly says. “That day changed so many lives, mostly my Mom’s. It’s funny, really, how you see everything you know vanish in a fury of flames, but the thing that was lost in my Mom was her spirit, her drive, her ability to focus on the future,” she confided. For weeks, Shelly searched for a place for her Mom, her sister, and those horses that remained. “It was not just a daunting task, it was draining. There was so much to do, to figure out, and I’m still trying to keep my Mom focused on the present,” says Shelly. Physically, Ev looked amazingly well, but emotionally, I could only imagine the toll that day and the weeks that followed had taken on her. We quickly caught up on how everyone was adjusting in the new location, but as usual, our conversation gravitated back to stories of life at the “old place.” As we looked at some old photos, Ev told me about the thousands of photographs that were lost in the fire. Miraculously, a few were

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

recovered from the only album that the blaze left unscathed. These have now become precious artifacts and mementos of a bygone era, reminders of special horses, friends, family, and mostly, a glorious woman who continues to defy the passage of time. But where did it all begin? We should probably start with Pepsi. “It was 1975; I was 33 years old and a single mom. I lived in Bethel at the time, with four of my five children: Shelly, Susan, Daniel, and Ellie. My eldest daughter, Laurie, was married at this time and had moved out on her own. I was just coming home from buying groceries when I passed a farm with a sign posted that said HORSE FOR SALE. I’ve always loved horses and had always wanted one since I was a child, but the affordability and the objections from my mother kept that goal unattainable. On that day, however, I returned home, put away my groceries, and walked back to the farm.” “The woman who owned the horse told me his name was Pepsi, a 12-year-old Paint. He had one blue and one brown eye. She tacked him up, got me into the saddle, and I took a little ‘test ride.’ I wanted to buy this horse and bring him home, but there were two small problems. The first problem was the horse was $300. Even though his tack was included, I didn’t have that kind of cash available, and second, I had never ridden before! Well, we agreed to installment payments and yes, I rode the horse home!” It was a five-mile trip, Ev recalled. It was her first trail ride of thousands to come, but she learned to ride, navigate her new mount, and remarkably, arrived home in one piece. Almost immediately, she and her young family, ranging from ages three to 18 years old, began build-

ing a corral for their new family member. “There were lots of trees on the property, so we started cutting down what we needed to assemble a good size corral. We did this all by hand,” she said. “A neighbor offered to help us build a small barn. Neighbors would do that sort of thing back then, and that’s how it all began.” Then she added with her signature smile, “I forgot to mention one little quirk of his. Pepsi used to go up in the air on his back legs, but he never tossed me!” The next horse that partnered with Ev was Velvet, a horse she called her “go to gelding!” Velvet, I learned, graced the cover of Louis L’Amour’s novel, Riders of Lost Creek. She reflected nostalgically on their many trail rides, some that could last up to 10 hours, to places like Paugusett State Forest and throughout southern Connecticut’s unspoiled countryside. As if she had ridden them yesterday, Ev clearly described the endless dirt roads where major thoroughfares now exist. “We also rode in the Newtown Labor Day Parade for many years and sometimes with as many as 12 riders from our barn participating!” Ev said. She recalled one particular year when she drove her pony, Buddy, in the parade with her daughter Ellie and grandson, Jeffery, who rode in the back of the cart. The pony was given to her as a gift from a patron at a restaurant she once owned in Bethel. Ev said, “He gave me Buddy, the cart, the harness, showed me how to put it on once, and left! I remember all three of us being dressed in our cowboy and cowgirl best, and Jeffery threw candy to the children along the parade route!” The stories of each horse that entered her life continued to flow effortlessly. We chuckled as she and her daughters remembered Frijole, a little

black pony her grandson, Chucky, would ride. “The only way to get him to move was to truly dangle a carrot on a stick in front of the horse’s nose!” said Ev, and I laughed as I envisioned that classic cartoon image. I savored every minute listening to Ev share her memories filled with touching recollections of a simpler equestrian life. The admiration and love from her family is unwavering and she continues to inspire generations. Ev has 18 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Shelly said, “I admire my Mom, always have, for her strength, and believe me, she’s had her share of heartache. She has always taken such good care of all of us no matter what. If I can be half the dynamo she is in my lifetime, I will be grateful.” Ellie said, “My Mom is the truest of horse whisperers, as she continues to give, nurture, and care for the horse as she recognized was her purpose so many moons ago. Trust me, it’s not an easy choice. One could find a reason to complain, I suppose, of the taxing daily routine, the heavy farm work that marries into the hat she wears, but not Ev, not my Mother. You see, sun-soaked skin all scratchy from hay, long walks back up to the barn after a solid day’s work, what seems like endless wheelbarrow runs, the sweet smell of barn life are all examples of God’s simple rewards. She taught me there is a lesson in all things. I am so grateful to have Evelyn as a mentor, a mother, and a friend.” Sally L. Feuerberg is the president of the Middlebury Bridle Land Association and a longtime resident of Newtown. Trail riding and continuing her lesson programs are her passions, along with the care of her family, horses, and farm.

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Lend a Hoof by Kara Noble

CT Horse Neighbors Caring and Sharing

arly Hewlitt knew she was in trouble when she fell off her Paint gelding, Toby, and broke her ankle in December 2016. Toby was stabled at a farm with rough board and Harly was in no condition to do barn chores. Her boyfriend, Charlie, stepped in to take care of her horse, but the ankle injury forced her to miss work at her pet grooming business — income that normally went toward buying hay and grain. She knew they needed more

Sandra started the Facebook group after law-enforcement officials seized more than a dozen filthy, emaciated, and sick horses that were found standing in deep mud and manure at a farm in Lyme. Sandra was stunned to learn of such a serious case of equine neglect and abuse had occurred within 20 minutes of the farm she and her husband Jim own in Stonington. The owner of the neglected horses said she had purchased them at auc-

neighbors do. A broken arm, a job layoff, a sick child and suddenly you're behind on the barn chores . . . and money is getting tight . . . and it just gets harder to keep up. There’s no shame in asking for help.” Not surprisingly, many of CTHN’s inaugural members were Sandra’s friends. Jeanne Martin, who’d met Sandra when they both volunteered at Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue, was one of the group’s first members.

Harly Hewlitt & Toby

Sandra McLaren Wright & Tommy

Sandra & Jim Rebuilding Stalls

help, so she searched online and discovered a Facebook group called CT Horse Neighbors (CTHN). Harly was understandably unsure about seeking help from strangers, so she asked the group’s administrator, Sandra McLaren Wright, to keep her request anonymous. The group’s members made it clear they were prepared to help a fellow horse owner even if they didn’t know her name. “People came out of the woodwork,” Harly says. Sandra put Harly in touch with group members who offered assistance. Member Any Bodelin offered to pay for a month of Toby’s board. Other members bought Harly bags of grain or sent her Tractor Supply gift cards. “Thanks to [CTHN], Toby did not miss a meal and did not become a homeless horse,” Harly says. “And I’m as lucky for that help as he is.” The outcome for Harly, Charlie, and Toby was precisely what Sandra had hoped to achieve when she started CT Horse Neighbors on April 17, 2016 — a way neighbors could help each other keep their horses healthy and safe during tough times. 16

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tions to save them from being euthanized, but she became overwhelmed by the cost of their veterinary and farrier care. She realized she’d taken on more than she could handle, but didn’t know where to turn for help. Sandra knew help had been all around that woman. “I would gladly have helped,” she says. “I know lots of other people who would have helped.” There had to be a way, Sandra thought, to make sure area horse owners knew that if they needed help caring for their animals, all they had to do was reach out and ask. Since she was working full-time as a registered nurse and attending graduate school, volunteering wasn’t a viable option. Sandra decided the best way to deliver that message was to establish an online, neighbor-to-neighbor communication network, one that would make it easy for horse people to request or offer help in a supportive, nonjudgmental community. She defined the goals of CT Horse Neighbors with her first post: “We’re horse people willing to help horses (and their people) because that’s what

“Early on, we were contacted by a woman whose daughter had died,” Jeanne says. “The daughter had had an elderly horse and her mother sent a plea for help to CT Horse Neighbors. For two years, a couple of us called in orders for grain and hay pellets [for her] and she would go to her feed store and pick them up.” That support meant the world to a grieving mother, who posted her thanks to CTHN’s Facebook page. “[My daughter’s] death was devastating and the thought of not being able to keep Rascal, her 30-year-old Arabian, at home . . . was unfathomable. I was, and still am, overwhelmed by the empathy and kindness shown by women who were then total strangers. Because of them I didn’t have to make a decision that would have caused a lifetime of guilt and regrets. I could never express how much being able to keep Rascal has meant . . . I hope someday I’m able to do the same for another loving horse owner.” Much of the assistance provided by CTHN members is as modest as purchasing a few bags of grain, a couple of

bales of hay, or providing a desperately needed horse blanket or fly mask. A few of their projects, however, have been much larger and more hands-on. In September 2016, Jeanne, Sandra, Jim, and CTHN members Kathy Lindgren Freeman and Any Bodelin traveled to Preston, where they spent a Saturday replanking and rebuilding horse stalls for a woman who owned a small farm. “She was disabled,” Jeanne says, “too weak to do the work herself. She bought the wood and everything we needed. We built three nice big stalls. In the middle of the project, the woman served us lunch and we sat in the shade and watched her horses. It was really nice.” In the nearly four years since Sandra started CTHN, it has grown into a community of more than 1,000 caring horse friends and neighbors. Together, they have located new homes for some horses and helped feed several others. They’ve arranged trailer rides, contributed to the cost of surgeries, repaired fences, and set up blanket banks. Members have offered each other advice on horse care, recommended farriers and veterinarians, and weighed in on questions about topics ranging from arena footing to boarding facilities. Friendships have been made and safety nets have been strengthened for needy members of many Connecticut horse communities. From the beginning, Sandra has served as the group’s administrator, fielding requests for help, managing Facebook posts, answering questions, setting policy, and deflecting repeated attempts to sell tack or real estate through the CTHN page. One of her main goals has been to ensure that everyone feels comfortable requesting or giving help. “It’s a judgment-free zone,” Sandra says. “Anyone can request any kind of help with their horse, anonymously if they wish. The assistance offered is given freely, without criticism or condemnation.” She also keeps the focus of the group on assisting individuals rather than registered nonprofit horse rescues. “I’ve seen individual horse owners struggling to raise $5,000 for surgery for their horse,” she says. “We sometimes put people in contact with rescues, and we may put rescues in touch with each other, but our emphasis is on neighbor helping neighbor.” At the moment, the top item on Sandra’s wish list is finding more ways to spread the word about the group and the

help it has to offer individuals around Connecticut or even in nearby states. “We want to let people who are in need know that we are here to lend a hand,” she says. “All they have to do is ask.” To spread that word, she and other CTHN members are reaching out to veterinarians, farriers, animal control officers, and other horse professionals who might encounter horse owners in need of help. They hope these professionals will let such horse owners know about CT Horse Neighbors and encourage them to reach out to the group for help if they need it. Sandra knows firsthand how vital and effective help from the CTHN community can be. In 2017, her own horse, a senior gelding named Tommy, injured his eye, leaving him with a corneal abrasion that required medication several times a day. Less than a week after Tommy’s injury, Sandra received word that her father had died unexpectedly in Saskatchewan, Canada. She and Jim suddenly needed someone to take care of their farm and horses, and also to manage Tommy’s complicated medication schedule, so they could attend her father’s funeral. Sandra posted her request for help on the CTHN page. Within hours, she had nearly a dozen people lined up to provide the needed care. “I never thought I would have to ask for help,” she says, “but the experience was awesome. When I started this group, I hoped to bring together horse people willing to help horses and their people. I have been touched and thrilled by how many people have offered help in ways big and small.” Everyone involved with CTHN agrees that the help they provide to others is collectively rewarding. “Every time we help someone, it feels good not just for one person, but for all of us,” says

Jeanne. “This group is a good reflection on the people in this area and how much they care about their animals.” To learn more, visit facebook.com/groups/ 1600998786893682/ or search Facebook for CT HORSE NEIGHBORS. Kara Noble has worked with horses for most of her life. She and her husband, Jerry, keep an Icelandic horse, a Shetland pony, and two mini donkeys on their farm in Montgomery. She’s a professional writer and editor who holds an MFA in creative nonfiction.

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Manchester

by Lara Rudowski

Farm Feature

Full Circle Farm A Family’s Tradition of Farming

our generations of the Zeppa family have cherished the breathtaking sunsets at Full Circle Farm. The homestead property, tucked away in a rural pocket of Manchester, put down its roots in 1908 as a fruit and vegetable farm. More than 100 years later, not much has changed in the idyllic view of fiery red skies illuminating treetops and rolling hills, with the exception of a large barn and the scene of horses grazing in grass paddocks. Barn manager and head trainer Kristen Guadagnino, a member of the fourth generation, has taken the lead in

Situated atop a hill on more than 48 acres of land, the hunter/jumper training facility is a welcoming space for horses and riders alike. Twenty knotty pine stalls stretch down the barn aisle, each stall opening to individual sand paddocks, where horses can enjoy the fresh air and socialize with their neighbors. There’s also plenty of room to play during daily turnout in the roomy grass and sand paddocks. Heated grooming stalls make tacking up easy, and clients can comfortably ride in either the indoor arena or large 220' x 180' outdoor ring.

Arianna Alvarez, Kristen Guadagnino , Oletta, Jena Faulkner, Elise Sattar

operating the farm — her passion for horses changing the direction of Full Circle Farm. Kristen inherited her love of horses from her mom, Dianne, who grew up on the farm and has been riding since she was 11. Dianne recognized the spark in Kristen when her then twoyear-old daughter refused to get off a merry-go-round. With horses in her blood, it didn’t take long for Kristen to have a pony in her life. “I got a pony when I was three,” says Kristen. “The neighbors gave it to me because I kept going over to see it. I started lessons and showing around age seven.” Kristen’s devotion to horses grew as she took riding lessons and participated in 4-H and Pony Club throughout her youth — creating the foundation of her equestrian knowledge. Kristen earned a BS in equine science at the University of Connecticut, gaining a comprehensive understanding of horses, both as animals and athletes. A competitive jumper rider, Kristen needed a place to train, so she and Dianne built a riding facility at Full Circle Farm. The new barn opened its doors to the community in 2011. 18

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

“Our goal is to provide the highestquality schooling show we can and still maintain a friendly and open atmosphere,” says Kristen. “The judging, the management, the footing, the quality of jumps, all run in a timely manner. We have a lot of competitive jumper classes, hunter divisions, Marshall and Sterling League classes, and two entire flat divisions, even a green horse division on the flat.” Through the years, a strong team of competitors has emerged from Full Circle Farm where the lesson program offers a personalized learning opportunity to its clients. Kristen and trainer Sophia Meyer , Vis-A-Vie, Elise Sattar, Arianna Alvarez

Ensuring the success of Full Circle Farm is still very much a family effort. Dianne is active with horse ownership, while also caring for the farm’s retired lesson horses and handful of rescued horses that are settled into the original 1800s barn. Kristen’s brother, Matt Kuzmickas, is behind the many updates and renovations on the farm. He most recently completed a large, roofed, aerated system that converts all the farm’s waste into quality compost. Matt’s currently installing safer fencing for the paddocks and expanding the trails around the farm. The care and well-being of the horses always come first at Full Circle Farm and Kristen aims to reflect her values and standards in the barn. “We’re really focused on [the horse’s] management and care,” says Kristen. Full Circle Farm hosts several Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) shows, an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) show, and an open show series with shows April 19, May 17, and June 20. Kristen and her team put in a tremendous effort to create a showing experience that’s both competitive and fun.

Jess Tedford apply the same forward thinking in all aspects of horsemanship. Both women guide their students to discover unique learning methods. “I introduce [my clients]to a different approach to teaching,” says Kristen. “Jess and I really believe that each horse and rider may learn differently than the next horse and rider that you teach. We try to have a lot of good communication. We like to bring people in and say, 'Hey, we want to learn more about you and how you learn.’ Some people learn by repetition, some people learn by talking it over a lot, or maybe having us get on and show them.” Jess has been a dedicated trainer at the farm since 2014. She coaches the farm’s IEA team as well as the University of Hartford’s IHSA equestrian team. Jess encourages interactive learning for her students, an openness to ask questions, and to learn from other riders at the farm. She has a natural understanding of the skill sets her riders of different ages and levels possess, working to develop their abilities in a pressure-free environment. “With the younger students, my biggest thing is confidence,” says Jess. “I

make sure they’re going to be successful in a way that’s good for them in terms of not getting too scared of anything, but still pushing them safely to succeed and learn more. I’m really big on basic position, balance, and the feel between the horse and rider. It’s that connection that you have to really feel and be comfortable with before progressing.” “My teaching method is personalized for each student, it’s not one format for everybody,” she says. “I have a lot of adults who haven’t ridden for several years who have come back into it, and never had formal lessons, so with the adults I go even slower than with the kids because they can’t afford to get hurt.” “I like to make it fun, but it’s a sport that can be dangerous if not taught correctly,” Jess says. “I want to feel that if [my students] move on and do bigger, better things, they’re going to be safe in what they do in the future.” The close community of riders at Full Circle has grown into a family of its own. Every time the tack room door swings open, a friendly face steps in with a cheery “hello” and the room fills with animated conversation. “Riding is being part of a community,” says Kristen. “You spend so much time at the barn and you have all these people who share the same passion and love, so it’s important to encourage fellowship. At a show, even if they compete against each other in a class, we encourage sportsmanship.” Fourteen-year-old Sophia Meyer has been a part of the Full Circle Farm family for three years. She’s a member of the IEA team and a hard worker at the barn. “IEA has helped me a lot, riding the different horses,” says Sophia, smiling. “It’s given me more confidence.” Sophia relishes every moment of barn time she can squeeze into her day. “[I love] just getting to be with the horses and work with them all the time,” she says. “I try to spend as much time as I can here. I’ve learned so much about how to take care of them.” Elise Sattar, a student who leases and shows one of Kristen’s horses, shares how far she’s come in her time at Full Circle Farm. “I’ve been a working student for Kristen for the past three years and she’s just given me the best opportunities I could ever ask for,” says Elise. “[Kristen] has given me the training that I really need to get somewhere and has shown me the way to do things in the horse world. I had no experience in

the showing field and my education about horses was limited. Kristen helped me broaden my view and meet more people.” “The clients are just fantastic!” says Elise. “I have so many friends at the farm of all different ages and we all have different lives. At the barn, it’s really just low stress, everyone gets along and cares about the horses. That’s what I really love about Full Circle Farm — Kristen and the clients — everyone is in it not only to ride and get better, but for the horses themselves. The horses are so happy here and they know that they’re loved.” Working university student Katie Libbey has also loved every moment she’s spent at Full Circle Farm through the years. She mucks stalls on the weekends, offers Dianne a hand at the old barn, and assists Jess with the summer riding program. “From the first time I stepped onto Full Circle Farm, I said, ‘I love this place!’ ” Katie says, remembering. “Kristen really understands how I ride and how I think about my riding. She developed who I am today as a rider. With everything that she’s done for me with my riding and having me work here, I really want to do as much as I can [at the barn].” “The horses are so well trained and

all the boarders are so nice,” Katie says. “They always come in with a smile saying, 'Hey, how’s it going?’ Just super positive. I feel so appreciated here.” STROLL THROUGH THE barn and your eye is sure to fall on a unique, beautiful wood bench that sits across from the grooming stalls. Handcrafted and gifted by a client and friend, the knotty wood is artfully carved with the name FULL CIRCLE FARM across the bench’s backrest. It’s a special spot where friendships are formed — a few minutes of horse talk turns into two hours, and valuable life lessons are learned. Generations later, the farmland and the Zeppa family name that has preserved its long history are still thriving. “It’s very meaningful,” says Kristen of the positive changes Full Circle Farm has seen in the last decade. “It’s continuing my family’s tradition of farming, just a little bit differently.” Singer/songwriter Lara Rudowski enjoys performing, spending hours at her piano composing, and writing stories and spoken-word poetry. Inspired by travel and the everyday details of life, she can often be found, camera in hand, at equestrian events capturing her love of horses and riding since childhood.

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Grand Prix Guidance

Performance Evaluations for Your Horse

by Caitlin Rothacker, DVM, DABVP and Johanna Kremberg, DVM

s the days grow longer and the air loses its midwinter chill, many of us begin planning our upcoming riding schedules. Whether it’s a week at Vermont Summer Festival or a weekend trail riding with friends, now is the ideal time to schedule a performance evaluation for your equine partner. A performance evaluation by your equine veterinarian is a ‘soup to nuts’ examination in which the focus is the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, general health concerns are discussed, including cardiopulmonary and the GI tract. A thorough exam begins with an indepth history. Do you have any prior lameness issues that your veterinarian can pay special attention to? What are your upcoming goals for this season? Does your horse act out going in one direction, or in certain settings? Has your horse benefited from various therapies in the past? Giving your veterinarian a clear, concise history and goal for the upcoming season is immensely helpful in creating a program to fit you and your horse’s needs. The evaluation begins with a thorough palpation of the neck, limbs, back, and hindquarters — changes in the contour of the soft tissues, effusion in joints, and reaction to deep palpation are noted. The shape of the hoof, the current shoes, and reaction to hoof testers are assessed. The horse is then critically evaluated under tack; this crucial step gives your veterinarian information about how the horse is moving when being asked to perform. In our practice, assessment under saddle is critical in understanding the full picture. Without an evaluation under saddle, we would miss the nuances of saddle fit; response to rider aids, rein contact; effects of posting or sitting the trot; and collection and extension of the gaits. While obvious lameness can be detected quickly, during a performance evaluation we evaluate the quality of the 20

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

gaits, the smoothness of transitions, and the ease in which specific tasks are performed. Our goal is to identify weak areas and provide a means to diagnose and treat these subtleties quickly and efficiently. Traditional flexion tests are also utilized in this aspect of the exam to elicit any pain response and hone our attention to certain anatomic areas that may correlate with our findings on palpation.

you with more detail. Imaging can be performed on the farm, including radiographs and ultrasound, and is essential in gaining an accurate diagnosis and complete clinical picture. Hoof balance radiographs are always a useful jumping-off point to further analyze your horse’s bony alignment within the hoof capsule. The information gained with these radiographs is used to create a trimming and shoeing plan with your farrier to optimize your horse’s ability to stay sound and in peak performance during the upcoming months. Many times, improving hoof balance alongside your farrier is the only “treatment” we administer. The saying, “no hoof, no horse” still holds true. If intra-articular therapies are warranted, we use a combination of intra-articular joint therapies including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, blood-derived anti-inflammatory products (i.e., Pro-Stride), and polyacrylamide gel (Noltrex). Our decision depends on the age and use of the horse, the severity of our findings on imaging, as well as the budget of the owner. We also have seen improvement using injectable joint supplements (i.e., Adequan and Legend), low-dose oral anti-inflammatories (i.e, Equioxx), and shockwave treatment of the neck, back, or limbs. As we all await that perfect ride under clear blue skies this spring, the performance evaluation is your means to put the best hoof forward for 2020. Katie Morning

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The use of body-mounted inertial sensors in detecting performance issues has dramatically improved our ability to objectively evaluate lameness or subtle gait asymmetry. The human eye can reliably detect approximately 15 mm of gait asymmetry, whereas the sensors assess subtle lameness with accuracy down to 5 mm. Now that we have the technology to assess lameness with this accuracy, we look at lameness exams in a whole new light. The sensors are invaluable at assessing response to nerve blocks, removing all guesswork from the equation. We use the inertial sensors on our cases year-to-year to establish a baseline for each horse’s show season. We also use them as a horse returns to work after injury or targeted therapy in order to assess their response and continued progress as they rehab. Once we have a complete clinical picture, a variety of diagnostic procedures can be undertaken to provide

Caitlin C. Rothacker, DVM, DABVP’s interests include lameness and diagnostic imaging, purchase exams as well as routine preventive care. In warmer months, Caitlin can be found tinkering in her garden, often with a headlamp into the evening hours. She enjoys sharing her love of all things wild with her husband, two children, and dog Robin. Johanna R. Kremberg, DVM appreciates all aspects of maintaining the equine athlete and excels in endoscopy, ultrasound-guided injection techniques, and preventive medicine. Beyond work, Johanna enjoys time in the outdoors with her husband, two children, and hound dog as well as visiting friends and family in New York City. She continues to ride her Hanoverian, Gideon, at every opportunity.

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Above the Bar Connecticut’s Equine Liability Statute and Public Policy by Sean T. Hogan, Esq.

onnecticut’s equine liability statute titled, “Assumption of risk by person engaged in recreational equestrian activities,” states the following:

“Each person engaged in recreational equestrian activities shall assume the risk and legal responsibility for any injury to his person or property arising out of the hazards inherent in equestrian sports, unless the injury was proximately caused by the negligence of the person providing the horse or horses to the individual engaged in recreational equestrian activities or the failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure or activity by the person providing the horse or horses or his agents or employees.” (C.G.S. 52-557p) However, a question for farms providing horseback riding or lessons, would be, What does this mean, and what is the extent of any liability I may have? Should I rely on this statute? The Connecticut Supreme Court has addressed this question in the case of Reardon v. Windswept Farm LLC (280 Conn. 1530). In Reardon, the plaintiff, a self-described experienced rider, signed up to take a riding lesson at the defendant’s farm. Prior to her lesson, the plaintiff signed the defendant’s release, which contained sections titled “Warning,” “Release,” and “Indemnity Agreement,” before taking her lesson on a horse supplied by the farm. The release tracked the language of Connecticut’s equine liability statute. During the course of her lesson, the horse the plaintiff was riding bucked and the plaintiff fell to the ground suffering an injury. The plaintiff sued, and alleged negligence that the horse was 22

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

not commensurate with her experience, and that the defendant failed to guard her against the risk of falling, amongst other claims. The trial court granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment, thus ending the plaintiff’s case, based in part on the grounds that the plaintiff had signed a clear, unambiguous, and well-drafted waiver. However, the Connecticut Supreme Court reversed this decision

“the law does not favor contract provisions which relieve a person from their own negligence,” and further, “it is consistent with public policy to posit the risk of negligence upon the actor . . . and not to shift the risk to a weak bargainer.” (§ 327 Hanks v Powder Ridge Restaurant Corp.) In applying Hanks to Reardon, the court found three things. First, that the defendants had provided the horse, equipment, and trainers; thus there is a “societal expectation that a recreational activity . . . regardless of experience or ability level will be reasonably safe.” (§ 162

Reardon v. Windswept Farm LLC.) Second, that the defendants had the expertise to control or foresee potential hazards as they were the responsible party for selecting horses and maintaining the facility. Third, the waiver, (as in Hanks) was an adhesion contract. Here, the plaintiff had to sign the waiver if they wanted to participate; there was no bargaining or negotiation, unlike ordinary contracts, and the plaintiff was required to assume the potential for the defendant’s negligence. As a result, this violated public policy as the plaintiff in Reardon was not able to foresee or control the aspects of her participation in the equine activity. As a result of Reardon, farms should be mindful of not solely relying on the Connecticut Equine Liability Statute or expanding its coverage via usage in a waiver or release for future negligence, absent express language. 123RF Jacek Ziabski

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

on the premise that the release violated public policy. In analyzing Connecticut’s Equine Liability Statute, the court in Reardon stated that the language in the statute establishes that a plaintiff does assume the risk for certain injuries when participating in equestrian sports. However, the defendant operating the activity can still be liable for injuries caused by their own negligence. Thus, although a participant may assume the risk that a horse might move unexpectedly, an operator’s negligence could contribute to that risk/action. An attempt to contractually extend a plaintiff’s assumption of risk (i.e., via a waiver or release) is, in the court’s opinion, a violation of public policy. The court has addressed the public policy issue in another case Hanks v. Powder Ridge Restaurant Corp (276 Conn. 314). Hanks dealt with injuries a plaintiff suffered while snow tubing. Although the plaintiff had signed a release and waiver, the court found that

Sean T. Hogan is an attorney in Westport, Connecticut and licensed in New York and Connecticut, where his practice focuses on estate planning and assisting trainers, owners, and investors in equine-related transactions and litigation in Connecticut, New York, and before the USEF. He is a Governor of the Fairfield County Hunt Club and co-chairs the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Horse Show.

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News in Our Community Guide features writer Stacey Stearns of Mansfield was recently named the New England Morgan Horse Association (NEMHA) Person of the Year. Stacey has loved Morgan horses since childhood and participated in the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Youth of the Year contests. Stacey received the award on February 8, during the NEMHA and Maine Morgan Horse Association annual awards banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport, Maine. In 2002, Stacey replied to a request for help at the Maine Morgan Horse Show, where she officially began dedicating her time volunteering for the Morgan breed. She’s always behind the scenes, never in the forefront, and always hard at work as a volunteer. Stacey not only gives of her time, she also promotes the Morgan breed, both in and out of the show ring. She organizes competitive and pleasure trail rides, and competes in both dressage and trail. Stacey is a Program Specialist for the University of Connecticut Extension Service, and keeps her sights on the future while promoting youth, open space, and agricultural sustainability. Coming from a long line of dairy farmers, Stacey is one of the strongest women in the industry and her work ethic is a direct reflection of being a tenth-generation farmer. In 2016, Stacey became involved with NEMHA. In true fashion, she jumped in and assisted with the produc24

tion of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 NEMHA shows combined prize list, a huge undertaking. Currently, Stacey is president of the Connecticut Morgan Horse Association. Stacey is a wonderful person who dedicates so much of her time to promoting and enjoying the Morgan

Rothacker and Dr. Harry Werner) and Madison, Connecticut (Dr. Luvie Abell). Dr. Rothacker will assume primary responsibility for Werner Equine patients, sharing this task with the established medical team at Grand Prix Equine. Dr. Werner will continue to

Chris Cassenti

Stacey Stearns Honored Connecticut Horse and Massachusetts Horse’s Trail

Stacey Stearns accepting the New England Morgan Horse Association Person of the Year Award from Robert Harb (left) and Maura Sweeney-Reeve (right).

breed. Morgan friends, youth, and agriculture are her passions, and NEMHA is pleased to honor her as its Person of the Year.

y Suzy Lucine

Grand Prix Equine and Werner Equine Merge Grand Prix Equine has merged with Werner Equine and will be joined by Dr. Caitlin Rothacker, a boardcertified equine practitioner. With these changes, Grand Prix Equine is now the largest privately owned equine practice within Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. Grand Prix Equine will have veterinarians strategically located in Bedford, New York (Dr. Johanna Kremberg); Bridgewater, Connecticut (Dr. Mark Baus); Granby, Connecticut (Dr. Caitlin

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

be available for consultation and care, especially during the time of initial transition. Dr. Harry Werner has provided exemplary veterinary care in Connecticut for 40 years. His many honors and accolades include past president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and serving on the board of the World Equine Veterinary Association. A special interest of his has been the plight of the unwanted horse and promoting horse welfare throughout the world as a liaison to the Unwanted Horse Coalition and as a volunteer for Project Samana in the Dominican Republic. In 2016, a long-time friend and client created an endowed professorship at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary

Medicine to honor Dr. Werner and his excellent care over the decades. Dr. Caitlin Rothacker graduated with a DVM from the University of Illinois and then completed an internship and residency at New Bolton Center (University of Pennsylvania). She was board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Equine Practice in 2014. Dr. Rothacker’s interests include lameness and diagnostic imaging, purchase exams, and routine preventative care. Dr. Rothacker is an avid gardener, and enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her husband, two children, and dog, Robin. Werner Equine clients who have questions about this transition are encouraged to contact Grand Prix Equine by phone at (203) 733-0789 or by email at info@grandprixequine.com. Partners Drs. Baus, Kremberg, and all of the medical staff at Grand Prix Equine are excited to share news of these changes. They will continue to offer the quality care that has been expected of them but now to a wider population of horses, and with two seasoned equine veterinarians bringing their own expertise and enthusiasm to the practice.

All Abilities Summer Horse Camp The horse–human connection goes far beyond the barn, and at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Old Lyme we have the privilege of seeing those connections made day after day. Sessions with our exceptional herd of 25 horses and ponies are designed to meet the individual needs of all of our

campers, both able-bodied and those with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities. Children ages 3 to 12 years learn new skills, have fun, make friends, and enjoy camp. Activities include daily riding lessons; gymnastics on horseback; carriage driving; grooming and tacking; and arts and crafts in our air-conditioned classroom. What could be better for your child than spending an extraordinary week this summer learning to ride and look after the horses at High Hopes’ beautiful 120-acre farm? Whether your child is non-disabled or has a disability, has ridden before, or never been near a horse, they will have a camp experience like no other. Due to the generosity of our donors, High Hopes also offers camperships for youth-at-risk, and the children of veterans and active service families. Camp runs for five individual weeks, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each week caters to a different age-specific group. Still, because of our high volunteer-tocamper ratio, we can work with families to accommodate siblings of different age groups. To learn more, visit highhopestr.org.

y Sarah Crisp

Daring HERD Workshop The HERD (Human-Equine Relational Development) Institute presents the Daring HERD Workshop May 30 at Ebony Horsewomen Equestrian, Agricultural, and Therapeutic Center in Hartford. This workshop is aimed at people who want to feel re-engaged, connected, and supported within their communities. It will inspire, empower, strengthen, and challenge individuals through raising awareness of how they interact with others from a place of courage and vulnerability. This is a powerful, soul-shifting experience in the presence of Ebony Equestrian Center’s herd, and participants will leave feeling clearer about life intentions, more solid in their relationships, and most important, supported through the connections made with others. Participants will spend the day together exploring how to be more courageous in their lives. The morning begins by gathering at the farm to meet and greet each other and the horses. Time will be spent during the day exploring the needs and desires of each member of the group and finding ways to support each person’s journey. The workshop will be tailored to

the group’s unique situation, and most of the interactions with the horses will be from the ground. The focus is not horseback riding, and no experience of horses is required prior to attending. The Daring HERD workshop combines the evidence-based research of the HERD Model with the Daring Way. This is a highly experiential methodology based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown. The method was designed for work with individuals, couples, families, work teams, and organizational leaders. It can be facilitated in clinical, educational, and professional settings. Dr. Veronica Lac is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. To register, contact Sarah Morehouse at sarah@herdinstitute.com.

The Big Barn Bash Join us for an elegant evening of dining, dancing, and dedication to our mission at the Big Barn Bash June 13 at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center in Old Lyme. Enjoy a selection of specialty cocktails in the beautiful surroundings of High Hopes’ bucolic farm for this annual gala. At the same time, catch up with friends and bid on a fantastic selection of more than 200 one-of-a-kind

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Equestrian boutique offering everything for the beginner rider to A-rated show rider. Attentive customer service from owner Cindy Italiaander. Beautiful equestrian themed gifts, everyday accessories, and gently-used consignment for all aspects of the equestrian sport for both horse and rider available. Stop in and say hello or call for an appointment! Special order are always available at competitive prices. All top equestrian brands, huge selection, free shipping on orders more than $75.

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210 South Street, Morris, CT . 860.567.1788 . cindy@foxcrossingequestrian.com . foxcrossingequestrian.com Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

boutique items and unique experiences in our online silent auction. There will be something for everyone, and plenty of incredible adventures to share with friends. This year’s items include an African safari, a sex-and-the-city weekend in New York with theatre tickets; a custom-made piece of art-to-wear from artisan jeweler Alicia Winalski; a luxury beachside holiday for eight in Panama; and a flight of a lifetime over the scenic Connecticut River. Register online, choose your favorite items, set your maximum bid, and forget about your phone until the auction closes. Or, watch your favorites and have fun with your friends as you outbid each other, knowing that every purchase you make is supporting a fantastic cause! As you enter the barn, you will be blown away by its transformation from a working therapeutic riding ring to a fairytale venue fit for a wedding. Dine with friends and family on a gourmet three-course dinner and open cocktail bar, followed by desserts and specialty coffees. Then, grab your partners and hit the dance floor with one of the hottest seven-piece sounds in the region — Sugar is back!

With your support, we can continue to ensure that 1,750 individuals benefit from equine-assisted activities, therapies, and professional training. These include adults and children with physical disabilities; veterans and their families living with the effects of PTSD; youth-at-risk of substance abuse; adults living with cognitive impairment; families overcoming domestic violence; and seniors in our communities with dementia or debilitating neurological conditions. Fundraising from our annual gala, auction, and scholarship drive provides 20 percent of our annual operating income. Through the generous support of our guests and donors we subsidize 66 percent of the cost of every therapeutic service we provide. Also, nearly 50 percent of our participant families need additional financial support of up to 100 percent to ensure that anyone that can benefit from our services does so, regardless of their ability to pay. To buy a ticket or take part in our online auction, register at highhopestr.org/ bash or call Kerrie Guarino at (860) 434-1974, extension

Custom Made Jumps, Tack Trunks, Bit Boxes, and More! View photos at saltydawgequine.com and on Facebook.

119 for more information and to request an invite.

y Sarah Crisp

H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut’s Spring Events The Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, now celebrating its 38th year, will hold a special Spring Horse Parade on Saturday, April 11, from 1 to 3 p.m., an event you don’t want to miss! The Spring Horse Parade is an opportunity for folks interested in adopting, leasing, sponsoring, or volunteering to meet our many fabulous horses, aged 6 to 29, from mini to draft, with many available for the advancedbeginner to experienced rider. Our leasing program is for people over 18 who ride regularly and want to find out what is involved in caring for a horse, while adoption is for the experienced horse owner looking for a lifetime companion. Sponsoring is an introductory option for those who would simply like to groom and hand walk a horse. A few of our featured horses for the Spring Horse Parade include:

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SaltyDawgEquine.com 26

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Gretchen Geromin, trainer USDF certified instructor . USDF bronze medalist . British Horse Society certified

Mansfield Center, CT . Just 10 minutes from UConn foxfirestables.net . (860) 543-1399

• Legend, a 16-year-old, 16.1-hand, Appendix gelding that rides English, for an experienced rider. He’s a very handsome boy that loves to go for strolls and get lots of attention. Legend will be shown under saddle and is available for sponsor and lease. • Abracadabra (Abby), a 21-years young, 14.2-hand Quarter Horse mare that rides English and western. Excellent on the trails, she leads, follows, and is traffic safe. Great for an intermediate rider, Abby is available for adoption, lease, or sponsor. • Star is a 14-year-old, 13.3-hand registered Morgan/Arabian cross gelding that rides English or western and loves to ride for miles on the trails. He’s easy to load, happy to lead or follow, and loves water. Star is available for lease, sponsor, or adoption, and requires an intermediate rider under 150 pounds. In addition to the horses, you will meet several of our dedicated volunteers and learn the many ways you can help. From grooming and cleaning stalls to helping at fundraisers, many of our volunteers have learned so much from their four-legged friends. Interested in a career in the equine industry? You can gain valuable hands-on experience

working with our many rescues, and the personal rewards are immeasurable. H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut will hold a birthday celebration for Fiona on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, March 29. Come celebrate Fiona’s 13th birthday with her and all of her friends! Fiona is a registered Thoroughbred mare that was rescued as a starvation case in 2013. Due to complications from her former neglect, Fiona can no longer be ridden. Available for sponsor, she loves treats and going for hand walks on the trails. Gift suggestions include horse cookies, carrots, apples, and granola bars. You may also contribute toward her spring shots ($175), monthly medications ($180), or her wardrobe (shoes $150 or blanket $125). Fiona has graciously agreed to let her friend Gus, a Thoroughbred gelding, join the festivities and celebrate his ninth birthday at the same time. Gus came to the farm last spring with a condition called kissing spine. Through treatment and conditioning, Gus is now able to be ridden but must have a rider under 130 pounds. Gus is available for lease or adoption to an experienced

rider, and he loves all the same snacks that Fiona does. There will be a tour of the farm at noon where you will have a chance to meet our knowledgeable, friendly volunteers, as well as the many different horses. In addition to meeting our wonderful horses and volunteers, there will be a tack sale from 10 a.m. to noon for those looking for saddles, blankets, and other equipment. H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization funded entirely by charitable contributions. All funds raised go directly to the horses, from feed and blankets to farrier, dental, and veterinary expenses. If you’re looking for a lifetime partner, what better way to show your love than to support to a local equine rescue! We are located at 43 Wilbur Road, in Washington, Connecticut. To learn more, visit horseofct.org, call (860) 8681960, or email horsectinfo@gmail.com.

y Kathy Diemer

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

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

Program, and Connecticut Horse Youth Awards. Coming up in August, CDCTA is excited to host a junior/young rider team to attend Lendon’s D4K Youth Dressage Festival at HITS in Saugerties, New York. Any interested young equestrians

Fred Mastele (November 22, 1949–November 15, 2019). Fred had been a member of the Connecticut Horse Council since 2000 and served as first vice president for nine years and president from 2014 to 2019. He also served the Council in Public

Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association

Award winners at the Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association Annual Year-End Awards Luncheon on January 19. Congratulations!

Diane Ciano

The CDCTA held its Annual Year-End Awards Luncheon at the Spa at Norwich Inn on January 19. Nearly 100 members, family, and friends were in attendance to recognize the accomplishments of numerous award recipients. Applause, delicious food, and raffles at a beautiful, elegant destination rounded out a delightful celebratory afternoon. CDCTA is celebrating its 30th anniversary! The club has grown and evolved featuring a diverse membership of youth and adults, a variety of disciplines, a competitive and supportive schooling show series, and educational events designed to promote the development of both horse and rider. The dates for the 2020 shows are May 10, July 12, and October 4; details can be found on our website. The shows will be at Westbrook Hunt Club and Treasure Hill Farm, two well-established show venues with excellent footing and accommodations. New this year, the CDCTA schooling shows will participate in the United States Dressage Federation Regional Schooling Show Awards Program, and will also be affiliated with the Connecticut Dressage Association. As always, the shows feature dayend high point awards, the Thoroughbred Incentive

Connecticut Horse Council past president Fred Mastele and his wife, Cheryl.

are encouraged to go to our website for more information about this very special opportunity! Riders of all ages and levels, and all disciplines are welcome to join the CDCTA family. Follow the club on Facebook for more events and announcements and at cdctaonline.com.

n MaryAnne Smith

Connecticut Horse Council It’s with great sadness we share the passing of our president

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Relations, was the past editor of the newsletter, and a member of the Volunteer Horse Patrol since its beginning in 2003. Fred also served on the New England National Scenic Trail Stewardship Council, as the representative for the Durham Trail Stewardship Council, Chairman of the Trail Use Committee, and was involved with the Trail Management and Mainten-ance Committees. Fred was one of the founding members and

officers of the New England Arabian Trail Organization and served on the Region 16 committee of the Arabian Horse Associa-tion. Fred served as an officer and board member of the Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut and the Connecticut Horse Shows Association. Donations can be made in his name to Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center, c/o Jeanna Pellino, 874 Millbrook Road, Middletown, CT 06457, and Middlesex County 4-H, c/o Carol Birdsey, 2 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT 06457. Volunteer Horse Patrol members Kowboy Ken Forcier, Diane Ciano, and Randy Olmstead took their horses to the DEEP No Child Left Inside Winter Festival at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington. More than 1,100 people attended and had fun petting the horses and learning about them. The Connecticut Horse Council 2020 to 2022 officers are: Ron Hocutt, president; Diane Marie Ciano, first vice president; Laurianne Goulet, second vice president; Ann Zagryn, third vice president; Cheryl Mastele, treasurer; Carol Birdsey, recording and membership secretary; and Stewart Beckett, III, DVM, chairman of the board. Board of directors include Bob LaRosa, Edna Liberty, Lana Claire Ives, Meg Sautter, Ken Forcier, Randy Olmstead, and Gary Rutkauskas. Committee chairs are Laurianne Goulet, animal health and welfare and web site; Dr. Jenifer Nadeau, education; Ron Hocutt, legislative; Diane Ciano, publicity/newsletter, road safety, and trails; zoning is unfilled. It’s time to renew your Connecticut Horse Council membership. We appreciate your membership and support! Included in your mem-

bership is your annual subscription to Connecticut Horse. Thank you to all who have renewed their membership and to all our new members. To renew your membership or join us, visit cthorsecouncil.org.

have been invited to provide a demonstration at 1 p.m., explaining how a horse and rider get started in cowboy mounted shooting. Members will outline the rules of the

event will be the annual New Horse and Rider Clinic on Saturday, April 18, at the Old Bethany Airport, in Bethany. This event is open to new horses and riders and limited

n Carol Birdsey

The Connecticut Renegades held its annual meeting in December at Lock, Stock & Barrel of Bethany, where we planned a full cowboy mounted shooting season for 2020. The first event of the season will be a demonstration at the University of Connecticut Horse Symposium on Saturday, March 28. The money raised at this event goes directly to support equine research and extension programs at the University of Connecticut. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Horse Barn Hill in Storrs. The Renegades

Jeanne Lewis Images

Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooters

Connecticut Renegade Alan Green on Trigger training a horse and rider new to cowboy mounted shooting at a Connecticut Renegades Clinic.

sport, break down the steps involved in starting a new horse to mounted shooting, and discuss the equipment required to compete. The Renegades’ next

to 10 horses. Clinics are a great way for horses and riders to obtain the basic instruction required for a good foundation in cowboy mounted shooting. The day

begins with an overview of the sport, including all the necessary rules on how to safely start training. This is followed by a lengthy ground session where riders learn about safe gun handling. The day ends with the mounted session where riders will learn how to safely introduce their horses to the sport. Throughout every step, veteran members and their horses will be alongside the clinic participants to help with the training. The remainder of the season will have six competitions, including the State Championship and a state “border wars” event with the Northeast Six Shooters on Memorial Day weekend. Most events will be held at the Old Bethany Airport in Bethany. If you’d like to join and get involved with a great group of people, owning a horse is not required! We’re always looking for help at our matches including keeping score, helping with gates,

G. M. Thompson & Sons 54 Middle Tnpk., Mansfield Depot (860) 429-9377 . gmthompson.net H. H. Stone & Sons 168 Main St. S., Southbury (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons.benmoorepaints.com Litchfield Blue Seal Store 99 Thomaston Rd., Litchfield (860) 482-7116 . blueseal.com Lock, Stock & Barrel 770 Amity Rd., Bethany (203) 393-0002 lsbfarmsupply.com Norwich Agway 217 Otrobando Ave., Norwich (860) 889-2344 norwichagway.com Valley Home & Garden Centre 16 Railroad St., Simsbury (860) 651-5646 valleyhomeandgarden.com Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

balloons, and more. Stay in touch through our Facebook page at CT Renegades Mounted Shooters or ctrenegades.com.

n Allison Forsyth

rent updates on restricted areas. We extend our condolences to three of our members who lost their horses recently: Pat Gogolya, who

Hammonassett Beach in Madison with area vice president Cathy Clouse hosting. This is a members-only ride. Reminder to all that as of April 1, horses will not be

CTRA is looking forward to a great year in 2020. President Peggy Robinson has been working with the executive board to create a very busy ride and event schedule for 2020 with some new rides and events being planned. The schedule is being finalized and will be sent to members by the end of March. Watch your emails and the club Facebook page for information on upcoming events Peggy has been in contact with Connecticut DEEP about the removal of dead and dangerous trees in Mohawk State Forest. Access is limited and members should contact Peggy for cur-

Ruth Strontzer

Connecticut Trail Rides Association

Connecticut Trail Rides Association members Frank Turrell on Clay, Tony Failla on Tessa, and Debbie Turrell on Tanner at the lower vista overlooking the Salmon River at Machimoodus State Park in October.

lost his trail buddy, Buck; Gigi Oullette, who lost her awesome Gally; and Waneta Lenk, who lost her lovely mare, Sage. The first ride of the year will be on March 29 at

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

allowed on the beach again until October 1. April 5 will be the second annual Ginger Tullai Memorial Ride at Machimoodus Sunrise State Park in Moodus, hosted by

treasurer Ruth Strontzer. This is an open ride with a requested $10 minimum donation to the Friends of Machimoodus-Sunrise State Park in Gingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Memory. Ginger was an area vice president and avid trail rider as well as one of the founders of the Friends. Camp director Pat Gogolya has scheduled Camp Opening and Camp Cleanup for April 18 and 19. All members are asked to donate some time to help clean up the public areas of camp for the coming year. It has been a rough winter for trees and all hands are needed to help out.

n Ruth Strontzer

Middlebury Bridle Land Association The MBLA held its End of the Year Dinner Meeting on November 15 at the lovely and very welcoming Middlebury Congregational Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Hall. (A spe-

cial thank you to ShawnaLee and Andrew Kwashnak for arranging the new location!) The well-attended event featured a wonderful dinner and dessert catered by Joe Dinova’s Four Corners, also in Middlebury. Brief introductory comments were made by MBLA’s president, Sally Feuerberg, followed by a discussion that included a pace review and an update on trail conditions by MBLA’s vice president, Sylvia Preston. It was a warm, friendly gathering enjoyed by all! MBLA’s Annual Membership Dinner will be held on Friday, April 17, 6:30 p.m., at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant in Naugatuck. The cost is $25 for each person attending plus membership dues. We will be discussing plans for spring, trail clearing schedule, and announcing this year’s pace date. If you’re anxiously looking forward to getting back in saddle this spring and exploring some of our awesome locations, consider joining the MBLA. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of some of the most spectacular private trails in Connecticut. Working in partnership with the Larkin Family, our members work to upgrade and maintain existing trail systems as well as

acquire and expand access to land and bridle trails for horseback-riding generations to come. An MBLA single membership is $40 and a family membership is $60. Family membership includes up to four riders per household; names and ages of the children are required. Support-

ing membership for nonriders is $25. Membership and waiver forms are available at middleburybridle.org. Your membership entitles you to a discounted rate for our annual Fall Hunter Pace.

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Connecticut

March

1 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

Events

1 CHSA, CHJA & M&S SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com. 7 CMHA ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET, Zandri’s, Wallingford. ctmorgans.org. 7 CDCTA EQUINE TACK AND TAG SALE, East Lyme Community Center, Niantic. cdctaonline.com. 7– 8 PINES OPEN, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com or marie.foohey@gmail.com. 8 STEPPING STONE FARM USEF SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com. 8 CDCTA TACK AND TAG SALE, East Lyme Community Center. cdctaonline.com. 8 NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT FOR SELECT METABOLIC CONDITIONS IN HORSES, Pleasant View Farms, Somers. (860) 698-2388.

12 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION TRAINING, Manes & Motions, Middletown. (860) 685-0008 ext. 2. 14 STARTING WORK UNDER SADDLE LECTURE, Narnia Stables, Ashford. narniastables.com.

8 MARGARET BEEMAN COURSE ON ROUND PEN BASICS, Oxford. (860) 488-6681. (Classes also on March 15, 22, 29.)

14 VOLUNTEER DAY, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, Washington. horseofct.org.

8 JUMPER SHOW, Full Circle Farm, Manchester. fullcirclefarmct.com.

15 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Epic Farm, Middlefield. bhcmanagement.info.

8 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Magnolia Run, Willington. bhcmanagement.info.

15 CHJA SHOW, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

8 WGHA TRAIL RIDE, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown. nehorseandtrail.com.

15 USEF SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org. 19 – 21 SPRING SADDLE SALE, Smith-Worthington Saddlery, Hartford. smithworthington.com.

8 MUFFY’S TACK SHACK TACK SALE, Litchfield Fire Department. muffystackshack.com.

21 FOLLY FARM SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

10 NBLA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DINNER, Newtown. newtownhorses@gmail.com.

21 SPRING TACK AUCTION, 6 p.m., Middlesex. bluebirdmeadowsfarm.com.

Windsong Stable Grand Re-opening at our new facility in Preston, Connecticut! We’re now welcoming you and your equine friends to join the team. Boarding and horseback riding lessons available. Our beautiful 50-plus acre farm offers a bright, clean 32-stall barn with attached grooming room, heated lounge, and restroom. Enjoy exercising your horse in our regularlymaintained large lighted indoor, 100' x 200' outdoor riding ring, and round pen. Hay, grain, and bedding included. Stalls cleaned everyday and daily group or individual turnout (weather permitted). All breeds and retirees welcome. Owners live on premises with 50-plus years of experience. Full board and reduce board opportunities. For more information and to set up a tour, call Jenn Hansen at (860) 391-9517. 32

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

21 NEHC, CHJA, M&S HORSE SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

28 – 29 PINES OPEN, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com or marie.foohey@gmail.com.

4 MOUNTED ARCHERY BEGINNER CLINIC, Round Tuit Ranch, Enfield. (860) 749-7503.

22 FARAH DEJOHNETTE LIBERTY GROUND WORK, Bethlehem. windhorseinternational.com.

29 OX RIDGE USEF SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. oxridge.com.

4 – 5 DARYL KINNEY CLINIC, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

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

29 SCHOOLING SHOW, Chasing a Dream Farm, Bethany. (203) 217-1347.

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

22 ST. PATRICK’S DAY GAMES, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. babcockhill.com.

29 CTRA BEACH RIDE, Hammonassett Beach, Madison. cttrailridesassoc.org.

5 THE HILL AT GRAYWALL FARMS SHOW, Lebanon. thehillatgraywallfarms.com.

22 CABIN FEVER SHOW SERIES, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

29 YOGA ON HORSEBACK, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. babcockhill.com.

5 CTRA GINGER TULLAI MEMORIAL RIDE, Machimoodus Sunrise State Park, Moodus. cttrailridesassoc.org.

28 CONNECTICUT HORSE SYMPOSIUM, UConn, Storrs. Clinic with Rebecca Howard Hathaway and much more. horsesymposium.uconn.edu.

29 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, White Birch Farm, Portland. white-birch-farm-llc.com.

28 NEW CANAAN MOUNTED TROOP SHOW, New Canaan. bhcmanagement.info. 28 EQUESTRIAN MENTAL FITNESS: GET YOUR BRAIN ON BOARD! with Liz Piacentini, Lost Acres Vineyard, Granby. lostacresvineyard.com. 28 CMHA HOT CHOCOLATE RIDE, Hammonasset Beach, Madison. ctmorgans.org. 28 SPRING WESTERN DRESSAGE CLINIC, White Birch Farm, Portland. white-birch-farm-llc.com.

29 REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

April

4 MYSTIC VALLEY HUNT CLUB SPRING I SHOW, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

11 SPRING HORSE PARADE, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, Washington. horseofct.org. 11 NEHC SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org. 11 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION TRAINING, Manes & Motions, Middletown. (860) 685-0008 ext. 2. 11 END OF HUNT SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

4 EQUINE TAG SALE, SJ Riding Camp, Ellington. (860) 872-4742.

12 WINTER SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

4 ETHEL WALKER SCHOOL SHOW, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org or jseaver@my.ethelwalker.org.

14 – 19 SPRING KIDS CAMP, Farmington Polo Club. farmingtonpolo.com.

335 Middle Road Turnpike, Woodbury, CT Dressage Show

Horse Trials

Schooling Shows

April 26

Three divisions: Elementary,

Classes from Walk Trot to Short

Beginner Novice, and Novice

Stirrup and Open Hunters to

June 7

Schooling Jumpers

August 9

May 17 . July 19

September 20

August 16 . October 18

Dressage Show & Combined Test May 3

Boarding . Training . Lessons . Shows Beginner Summer Camps . Show Summer Camps . Eventing Summer Camp Cross-country Course Open for Schooling

(203) 263-2627

frazierfarmct.com

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Open Show Series

18 CONNECTICUT RENEGADES NEW HORSE AND RIDER CLINIC, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

April 19 . May 17 . June 20

18 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Magnolia Run, Willington. bhcmanagement.info.

Puddle Jumpers 2' . Open Jumpers 2'6" . High Open Jumpers 3' Open Walk Trot . Green Hunter . Green Hunter Flat . Open Hunter Flat Intermediate Walk Trot Canter . Open Hunter . Short Stirrup . Long Stirrup Lead Line . Training Hunter . Intermed. Equitation . Open Equitation . Low Hunter Marshall & Sterling Classes: Adult & Children’s Jumper, Adult 2'6" Medal, Children’s 2'6" Medal Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic 2'6", Childrens Hunter Horse Classic 3' Adult Amateur Hunter Horse Classic 3', Adult Medal 3' Child Horse Medal 3', Adequan Hunter

18 WGHA MILEAGE AND VERSATILITY AWARDS, Coventry. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

Classes for All Levels . Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation Series End Championships

Full Circle Farm

719 Birch Mountain Road, Manchester, Conn. 860-798-7249 . fullcirclefarmct.com

EQUESTRIAN OUTFITTERS YOUR SOURCE FOR ANYTHING TO DO WITH A HORSE. RIDERS HELPING RIDERS SINCE 1986!

18 STARTING YOUR HORSE FOR MOUNTED ARCHERY, Enfield. (860) 749-7503.

18 OX RIDGE USEF SHOW, Ox Ridge Riding and Racquet Club, Darien. oxridge.com. 18 – 19 PINES OPEN, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com or marie.foohey@gmail.com. 18 – 19 CTRA CAMP OPENING AND CLEAN UP, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org. 19 CDCTA RIDE CRITIQUE RIDE with Ann Guptill, East Haddam. cdctaonline.com. 19 DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. ctequestrian.com. 19 OPEN SHOW SERIES, Full Circle Farm, Manchester. fullcirclefarmct.com. 19 CHSA, M&S SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com. 19 REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info. 19 CABIN FEVER SHOW SERIES, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com. 23 – 26 SPRING FLING “A” Show, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

Your Source for All Things Equine New & Used Tack, Rider Apparel & Footwear Grooming Supplies & Blanket Cleaning Horse Clothing, Supplements Fly Masks & Sprays

English r Western r Saddle Seat r Dressage 23 Eleanor Road, Somers, CT . (860) 749-4420 Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m.

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

24 RELAXATION WITH JILLIAN KREINBRING, Narnia Stables, Ashford. narniastables.com. 24 – 26 INSIDE THE EQUUS EFFECT WORKSHOP, Sharon. theequuseffect.org. 25 GRTA TRAIL CLEAN-UP AND PICNIC, Greenwich. thegrta.org. 25 MENTAL FITNESS TOOLS AND PREPARATIONS FOR RIDING UNDER PRESSURE with Liz Piacentini, Granby. lostacresvineyard.com. 25 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Hidden Brook Stables, Lebanon. hiddenbrookstables.com. 25 FAIRY TALE SCAVENGER HUNT, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org. 25 REBECCA HOWARD HATHAWAY CLINIC, Windhorse International, Bethlehem. Register at serenityfarmhorserescue@gmail.com.

25 – 26 USEF/USDF RATED DRESSAGE SHOW, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

3 DRESSAGE SHOW SERIES, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. centerlineevents.com.

26 DRESSAGE SHOW, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

3 DRESSAGE SHOW AND COMBINED TEST, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

26 CTRA RIDE, Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth. cttrailridesassoc.org.

3 SNEHA SHOW, Oneco. snehassociation.com.

May

3 FOLLY FARM SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

1 – 2 CROSS COUNTRY DERBY, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

9 GRTA DOGWOOD RIDE AND COUNTRY LUNCHEON, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

1 CHJA SHOW, Litchfield. halcyonequestrian.com.

9 CHSA CHJA SHOW, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

Sixth Annual

Cross-Town Ride with Tyrone Farm and Pomfret Horse & Trail Association

Sunday, May 31, 2020 Tyrone Farm, Pomfret 8 a.m. check-in opens; 10 a.m. last rider out Brick oven pizza lunch by the Rolling Tomato

2 CHJA SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org. 2 CHSA, CHJA, M&S SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com. 2 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Harrington Stables, Broad Brook. (860) 558-2065. 2 KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY, Tavern at Keney Park, Windsor. ebonyhorsewomen.us. 3 CTRA RIDE, Goodwin State Forest, Hampton. cttrailridesassoc.org. 3 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Portland. white-birch-farm-llc.com.

9 USEF SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com. 9 LITCHFIELD COUNTY SHOW SERIES, Harwinton Fairgrounds. facebook/lchorseshow. 10 CONNECTICUT RENEGADES SMOKIN’ GUNS MATCH, Bethany. ctrenegades.com. 10 NEW ENGLAND HOUND SHOW, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.com. 10 CDCTA DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. cdctaonline.com.

pomfrethorseandtrail.com

Manes & Motions RIDE & STRIDE

Join us for a marked trail ride or walk beginning at Manes & Motions, 874 Millbrook Road in Middletown, on May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Ride & Stride will benefit Manes & Motions Therapeutic

Riding Center. To participate, riders and walkers must collect a

minimum of $75 in sponsorships or self pay. Lunch is included.

For additional information, to make a donation, or to register for the event, please call 860-685-0008.

Prizes p for to rs! o spons

www.hfsc.org Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

the

neighborhood

ARTISTS

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

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

BARN CATS

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

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

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BRYAN PENQUITE REINING HORSES Enfield, CT, (614) 562-6352 bryanpenquite@yahoo.com Reining, ranch riding, training lessons, sales/leases, and clinics.

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

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

Your Everything Equine White Pages nnnnnnnnnnnn

INSURANCE

TRACTORS/EQUIPMENT

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

MIDSTATE TRACTOR AND EQUIPMENT COMPANY Middletown, CT, (860) 347-2531 midstatetractor.com Kubota, John Deere, Scag Power Equipment, Stihl, Honda.

LEGAL ADVICE

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

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

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FARM CREDIT EAST (800) 946-0506 farmcrediteast.com Loans for equestrian facilities, farms, bare land. Equipment loans, leases. Payroll services, farm business consulting, record keeping, appraisals. MANURE REMOVAL,

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

G.M. THOMPSON & SONS Mansfield Depot, (860) 429-9377 gmthompson.net

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

LITCHFIELD BLUE SEAL STORE Litchfield, (860) 482-7116 LOCK, STOCK & BARREL (203) 393-0002, lsbfarmsupply.com

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

FOX LEDGE FARM, ANN GUPTILL East Haddam, CT, (860) 873-8108 eqarts@snet.net Quality dressage instruction and training; beginner to Grand Prix.

NORWICH AGWAY Norwich, (860) 889-2344 norwichagway.com

SARAH GROTE PHOTOGRAPHY Cromwell, CT, (860) 301-6647

SHALLOW BROOK FARM Bridgewater, CT, (203) 788-2122 shallow-brook.com Event, hunting, and pleasure horses; boarding, lessons, sales; 4,000 acres of trails, cross-country fences. WHIMSY BROOK FARM Redding, CT, (203) 938-3760 whimsybrookfarm.com Boarding, lessons, training, equine therapies, Pony Club. WHITE BIRCH FARM Portland, CT, (860) 581-0307 wbfllcct@gmail.com Boarding, training, trails, lessons, leasing, clinics, indoor arena.

H. H. STONE & SONS Southbury, (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons.benmoorepaints.com

VALLEY HOME & GARDEN CENTER Simsbury, (860) 651-5646 valleyhomeandgarden.com HAY AND SHAVINGS

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

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

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

TRAILERS

VACATION

LOANS AND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

FEED AND PET STORES

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

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sarahgrote.com Lifestyle, event, pet, and nature.

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

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BROOKLYN-CANTERBURY LARGE ANIMAL CLINIC Canterbury, CT, (860) 546-6998 bclargeanimal.com Serving eastern CT and RI. Equines, farm animals,and camelids. GRAND PRIX EQUINE Hawleyville, CT, (203) 733-0789 grandprixequine.com Focused care for the performance horse. CARA KNESER, DVM Bozrah, CT, (860) 823-8951 kneserveterinary.com Mobile 24/7 equine veterinary service. TWIN PINES EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES Griswold, CT, (860) 376-4373 twinpinesequine.com Quality, compassionate care.

3 b

This Olde Horse Fox Ledge Farm

Dressage Training with a Winning Tradition

Ann Guptill

Greenwich

USET Pan Am Dressage Team Silver USDF Instructor & Certification Examiner USPC Graduate A . USDF “L” Judge Graduate

Offering:

editor@connhorse.com.

10 SUMMER SHOW SERIES, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

23 USEA/USEF HORSE TRIALS, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

10 END OF HUNT SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

23 CHSA SHOW, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

16 CTRA BLESSING OF THE MOUNTS, DeDominicis Preserve, Cheshire. cttrailridesassoc.org.

23 – 24 CONNECTICUT RENEGADES BORDER WAR MATCHES, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

16 DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

23 – 24 CTRA CAMP WEEKEND, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

16 CHSA SHOW, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

24 SHOW SERIES, Avon. avonvalleyshowstables.com.

17 MYSTIC VALLEY HUNT CLUB SPRING II SHOW, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

24 CROSS-COUNTRY, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

How about a nice massage? For your horse! Ridgefield, CT (203) 297-3008 kathy.curran@snet.net

17 OPEN SHOW SERIES, Manchester. fullcirclefarmct.com. 17 BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Fair Hill Farm, Easton. bhcmanagement.info.

18 GRTA BARN TOUR AND LUNCH, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

31 PHTA CROSS-TOWN RIDE, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. pomfrethorseandtrail.com.

6 N

6 st

7 g

Subscribe Today!

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30 FOLLY FARM SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

31 SNEHA SHOW, Oneco. snehassociation.com.

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30 NBLA SPRING CONDITIONING RIDE, Cherry Grove, Newtown. nblact.com.

31 DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

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25 CHJA USEF SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

17 RIDE AND STRIDE to benefit Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center, Middletown. (860) 685-0008.

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25 CHSA SHOW, Terryville. terryallenfarms.com. 17 SCHOOLING SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

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29-A Daniels Road, East Haddam, CT (860) 873-8108 . eqarts@snet.net www.foxledgefarm.net

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email

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

Cynthia and Thor Ramsing at the annual Greenwich Horse Show.

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connhorse.com Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

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Is This Your Horse?

Connecticutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Smith-Worthington Saddlery is the proud sponsor of Is This Your Horse? Crafting fine English saddlery and tack since 1794. Available at fine tack shops throughout the U.S. 275 Homestead Ave. Hartford, Connecticut 860 . 527 . 9117 smithworthington.com

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Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

Is this your horse? This photo was taken at the Tri-State Horsemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Show in August 2019. If this is your horse, contact us at win@connhorse.com for a Smith-Worthington Saddlery leather halter and a two-year subscription to Connecticut Horse!

Connecticut Horse March/April 2020

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRIDGEPORT, CT PERMIT

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