Massachusetts Horse April/May 2016 by Community Horse Media

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

HORSE

SIX TRAIL RIDES

UNDERSTANDING THE HERD

CHALLENGE UNLIMITED

GREAT BROOK FARM

April/May 2016 mahorse.com $4

MARK YOUR CALENDAR page 8

LEND A HOOF page 18

MINDFUL CONNECTIONS page 20

TRAIL GUIDE page 24

ANNUAL EVENTS ISSUE

April/May 2016

contents

April/MaY 2016

columns 20 Understanding the Herd

courtesy of Stargazer Hill Farm

Andy Mele

Mindful Connections

22 Ashley Cormier

The Power of Persistence

Youth Spotlight

24 Great Brook Farm Carlisle

courtesy of Challenge Unlimited

Christina Andersen

Trail Guide

34 Bay State Events 2016

in every issue

features 8

Six Trail Rides

5 From the Editor

16 Stargazer Hill Farm

Mark Your Calendar

7 Your Letters

A Cooperative Barn Family

21 This Olde Horse

Farm Feature

26 Overherd: News in Our Community 30 Partners

Erin Celia

Challenge Unlimited

55 The Neighborhood

One Hoof at a Time

at Ironstone Farm

Horseperson Feature

56 Massachusetts Marketplace

Lend a Hoof

57 Is This Your Horse? 57 Advertiser Index

Massachusetts Horse

from the editor

courtesy of Gabby Cunningham

s I write to you, it’s late March and the pastures are starting to turn green. I’m looking out the window and watching the herd on the hill on this sunny day. I know spring is here because just getting within two feet of the ponies creates a static-cling effect that covers me in horse hair, especially if I’m wearing polar fleece. Soon shiny, buttery coats will appear.

Eleven-year-old Gabby Cunningham, of East Longmeadow, received a Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award at the Westfield Riding Club 4-H and Open Show last May. Congratulations, Gabby! Want to honor a junior at your upcoming Bay State event? Email award@mahorse.com. In the past 15 years, Massachusetts Horse has donated some 2,000 awards, and more than 2,000 good sports have earned one!

In this issue you’ll discover, or rediscover, a vast array of Massachusetts events: listings begin on page 34. When you’re enjoying one of them — either participating or auditing — look for the red Ford truck with Massachusetts Horse signs and do stop and say hi. Happy spring!

Stephanie

Massachusetts Horse

M ASSAC HUS ETTS

HORSE vol. 14, no. 6 April/May 2016

ISSN 1945-1393

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 phone: (413) 268-3302 • fax: (413) 268-0050 • mahorse.com Massachusetts Horse magazine is an independently owned and -operated all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for the Bay State. © 2016 Massachusetts Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

publisher/editor Stephanie Sanders • steph@mahorse.com • (413) 268-3302 copy editor Doris Troy feature writers Christina Andersen, Nicole Birkholzer, Andrea Bugbee, Alessandra Mele Mari Passananti, Abigail Powell, Stacey Stearns contributors Susan Goldfischer, Holly Jacobson, Suzy Lucine, Lori Mahassel Alessandra Mele, Diane Merritt, Laurie Neely, Rebekah Nydam Annamaria Paul, Kristen Whitney, Lisa Wohlleib county desk liaisons Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties Alessandra Mele • (413) 949-1972 • alessandra@mahorse.com Bristol County Melissa Root • (508) 863-0467 • melissa@mahorse.com Essex County Holly Jacobson • (978) 356-5842 • holly@mahorse.com Norfolk and Plymouth Counties Laura Solod • (617) 699-7299 • laura@mahorse.com Worcester County Karen Morang • (508) 797-2828 • karen@mahorse.com

State-of-the-Art Equine Laundry Facility

advertising main office • (413) 268-3302 • ads@mahorse.com

Expert Tack Repair

Advertising deadline for the June/July issue is May 5.

Gently Used Blankets and Tack for Sale Brass Name Plates Engraved

Established 1980 Jennifer Safron www.jennstackandblanket.com JennsTackRepair@comcast.net 114 Coburn Ave., Gardner, MA (978) 340-5576 Please call for hours 6

April/May 2016

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

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

your letters To the editor: I’ve enjoyed many of your magazines over the years. You have a beautiful magazine and it gives me much delight to read. Lisa Nakhoul, Wakefield

liked it. I had a big surge of interest on my farm Facebook page. Thank you very much.

To the editor: I really enjoy your magazine! Ray Blanchette, Monson

To the editor: Thank you so much for featuring my farm and me [Spring Willow Farm, February/March]. I loved the article. I’ve heard from a lot of my friends and clients that they really

Let us know your thoughts . . . and we’ll enter you to win a $25 Cheshire Horse gift card. All letters received by May 5 will have a chance in the drawing. Send your letters to: steph@mahorse.com or Massachusetts Horse 99 Bissell Rd., Williamsburg, MA 01096

I’ve always liked Massachusetts Horse and how it supports the wealth of talented horse people we have right here in this state. One of my students received the Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award for a versatility show we hosted here. She worked very hard that day with her excitable Morgan gelding, so to be recognized for her efforts was wonderful. What a great program! Lorna Palmer, Mendon

Betsy Merritt Barefoot Performance Natural Hoofcare

Orthopedic Trimming and Holistic Lameness Rehabilitation Trimming to promote the healing of coffin bone rotation (laminitis), club “feet,” navicular syndrome, thrush/white line problems, contracted heels, under run heels, cracks, poor hoof quality, and shod to barefoot transitions. Genuine options to conventional shoeing and hoofcare. High performance barefoot and maintenance trimming of all equines including donkeys, ponies, and minis.

Betsy Merritt

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

Dealer

Dealer Massachusetts Horse

Six Trail Rides

istock.com/paule858

Mark Your Calendar

by Alessandra Mele

rom the pine-crested heights of the Berkshires to the sandy shores of Cape Cod, the Bay State is crisscrossed with trails of natural beauty that’s perhaps best appreciated in the saddle. The abundance of equinefriendly trails in Massachusetts makes exploring the wilderness with your horse easy, and organized trail-riding events make it fun. This year, the number of trail rides listed in our Events Calendar is almost neck-and-neck with the number of shows. The variety of trail rides is impressive too: there are rides for charity, overnight rides, rides through nature preserves, rides on the beach, competitive rides, casual rides, themed rides, turkey trots, hunter paces, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and everything in between. Each event has its own adventure to offer, and we’ve lined up six trail rides that simply sound like too much of a good time to miss.

MSPCA Horses Helping Horses Beach Ride Every rider dreams of cantering down a beach with her equine partner, splashing in the saltwater as ocean breezes whip through a wild mane. The Horses 8

April/May 2016

Helping Horses Beach Ride, held in support of the MSPCA at Nevins Farm Equine Center in Methuen, offers a chance for riders to live that dream in the spirit of helping horses in need. “We host a number of events for Nevins Farm throughout the year, but this one is special because it’s specifically for our equine center,” says Julia

The breathtaking views from the shores of Crane Beach certainly make Horses Helping Horses an event that stands out. Pesek, community outreach coordinator. “All of the funds raised through Horses Helping Horses directly benefit the equine center and the horses living at Nevins Farm.” Held at Crane Beach, in Ipswich, the location is a big draw, as is the community atmosphere that makes riding on the beach less daunting. “The event is a trail ride on the beach, but it’s the organization that makes it special and attainable for many people,” Julia says.

“There are plenty of experienced volunteers and horse people there to support riders who haven’t been to the beach with their horses before. It’s a fun and safe way to experience the beach with your horse for the first time.” “Plenty” of horse people is right; in recent years the event has attracted some 200 riders and over the event’s lifetime they’ve raised $210,000. Julia predicts that this — the organization’s eighth beach ride — will be the biggest and best yet. “It started out as a simple, free ride, which was fun, but there are lots of trail rides and we wanted to do something special,” Julia says. “We eventually branched out and tried a fall beach ride, and people responded strongly because it was unique. Last year was our first at Crane Beach, and people loved it — the footing is ideal for riding, it’s a beautiful location, and it’s an exclusive venue most riders wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Now that everyone has settled into the new location, we’re expecting to see a very successful 2016 event.” The breathtaking views from the shores of Crane Beach certainly make Horses Helping Horses an event that

stands out, but what really keeps people and their horses coming back is the cause it supports. “The tradition of helping horses in need is what brings people together for this event,” Julia says. “The Nevins Farm Equine Center has no state or federal funding; we’re supported by special events and fundraisers like this and by the generosity of the community. It’s incredible to see riders rally for some of the neediest horses in New England, knowing they’re making a difference.” One of the best aspects of the Horses Helping Horses Beach Ride is the number of Nevins Farm alumni equines that return with their owners to participate. “This is always amazing for us to see,” says Julia. “Often those horses had come to us in very poor condition, and now they’re able to actively help other horses. Seeing them looking healthy, vibrant, and able to enjoy the beach with the people who love them is really special for us, and it drives home the reason why we do this.” The Horses Helping Horses Beach Ride will take place on October 22. Riders can register as individuals or as part of a team; the fee is $30 and an

additional $70 of fund-raising is required. To learn more and to sign up, visit mspca.org/beachride.

BSTRA National Trails Day Ride National Trails Day is a celebration of America’s trail systems, and it’s not unique to equestrians. Every year, hundreds of thousands of hikers, runners, bikers, paddlers, and horseback riders get outside on a beautiful June day to explore their favorite trails — and raise money to maintain them. Members of

The eight miles of wooded trails in the Greenbriar section of Hodges Village Dam are picturesque and perfect for riding. the Bay State Trail Riders Association have participated in the National Trail Day for 24 years, and the organization invites everyone who appreciates trails, with or without an equine partner, to take part in the celebration. Lynn Paresky, who has been with

BSTRA for 32 years, directs much of the organization’s fund-raising efforts, and National Trails Day is one of the group’s biggest annual events. “I have two Tennessee Walking Horses and my interest with them is strictly trail riding, so for me it’s very important to have a variety of well-maintained trails available for equestrian use,” she says. “Celebrating National Trails Day has been a great way for BSTRA to further its mission to improve local trails, making a positive impact on the entire trail community.” The trails the event features would inspire anyone to support their preservation: The eight miles of wooded trails in the Greenbriar section of Hodges Village Dam, in Oxford, are picturesque and perfect for riding. “Everyone is always so impressed by how beautiful the park is. It’s one of the most beautiful spots you can ride through in Massachusetts,” Lynn says. “The French River cuts right through the trails, there’s an abundance of wildflowers and birds to observe, and the footing is great.” The full day of riding and activities has plenty to offer. Gift bags with com-

Massachusetts Horse

A & B Insurance Group Insurance for All Your Equine Needs

Farm & Equine Equine Mortality Horse Owners Liability

Our agents have been serving the equine community for a combined 50+ years. Call Richard, Wendy, and John for a competitive quote with one of our many equine insurance carriers.

978-399-0025 | ABInsGroup.com Richard@abinsgroup.com Wendy@abinsgroup.com John@abinsgroup.com Licensed in MA, NH, VT, ME, CT & RI

memorative totes and donated items go to the first 50 participants to sign up, and prizes are awarded at the event. The top eight fund-raisers receive recognition and prize packages often valued at up to $500. A professional photographer is on location, there’s a hot lunch, and a raffle table has a wide array of prizes. “People go home with a lot!” Lynn says. Over the years, the National Trails Day Ride has become a BSTRA favorite. “We generally have seventy-five to a hundred participants, and the event has grown tremendously over the last two dozen years,” says Lynn. “The reason people come back is because it’s the biggest ride that directly supports the local trails: one hundred percent of the proceeds goes back into the trails we enjoy. When you team that up with a wonderful location, activities, prizes, freebies, and a great lunch, it becomes a very attractive day. This ride really has it all.” The BSTRA National Trails Day Ride will take place on June 12. Participation is open to all, and preregistration isn’t necessary. There are two ways of joining in: either pay a $30 fee or pay the fee, raise $100 in sponsorships, and get the fee refunded. For more information, visit www.bstra.org.

Glencroft Farm Spring Trail Ride Meandering across the farmland of Southampton is a network of trails through acres of woods, rolling hills, open fields, streams, and natural obstacles. Every spring, Glencroft Farm opens some of its private trails for a day of riding and a little friendly competition. The boarding farm has been holding this trail ride for years, and owners Mark and Kate Raymond say one of their greatest pleasures is to see people with their partner horses. “The trails are all on private land, ours as well as that of the surrounding farms,” Kate says. “The trail we host our organized rides on is a six-mile loop. We set up judged, natural obstacles and make a full day of it with prizes, activities, and lunch.” The obstacles, says Kate, “are stream crossings, uphills, downhills, logs, backing, and bridges over muddy spots. It’s good, friendly competition but in a relaxed atmosphere — it’s all for fun.” A judge and an assistant judge are stationed at each obstacle and assess 10

April/May 2016

how riders communicate with their horses to guide them through. Horseand-rider pairs receive points for each obstacle completed. There are three divisions, so every level of rider has a chance to succeed, and first- throughsixth-place ribbons and prizes are awarded for each division. One rider who exhibits the spirit of the event — excellent communication with her horse during the day and outstanding sportsmanship win or lose — receives special recognition. Twenty percent of the proceeds benefit a worthy cause. “The proceeds from the most recent rides have gone to the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, in Holyoke, our local PATH International organization,” Kate says. “We’ve also donated to the One Fund in Boston.” The charity for this spring’s ride will be announced later. “It’s a full day with plenty of activities, games, and contests,” Kate says. “This spring trail ride will be our Spirit Ride, as we’ve lost a few of our older trail horses this year. It will be our way of remembering them and keeping their spirits close while we also celebrate spirit as a force, energy, and power that endures in us all. It’s about courage, determination, and dedication.” The Glencroft Farm Spring Trail Ride will take place on April 30. For more information and to register online, visit glencroftfarm.com.

Massachusetts Ride for the Ribbon Hundreds of riders dressed in pink taking on 12 miles of trails can only mean one thing: the Massachusetts Ride for the Ribbon. This annual trail ride raises money to fight breast cancer and fund grants that support that fight in the state. This year, the ride celebrates its tenth anniversary, and it promises to be pinker than ever. Massachusetts Ride for the Ribbon was founded by Lysa Wilkins, of Wayland, who was inspired to combine her passion for horses with a cause very near to her heart. “I attended a breastcancer ride in Connecticut in 2003, the same year my mother was diagnosed with the disease,” she says. “I decided to bring that concept to Massachusetts in 2006, when my mom hit her three-year milestone. Our first year we raised seventy thousand dollars and had more than a hundred riders. Since then, we’ve grown significantly — we’ve

hosted two hundred riders and have raised well over half a million dollars for grants for local families and individuals in need of support, treatment, and screening.” The event takes place at Felton Field, in Barre, which boasts meandering woods, railroad beds, and scenic dirt roads. Participants can expect an energetic day; a light breakfast and lunch will provide fuel. Lysa and her team of volunteers have been hard at work. Spoiler alert: “There’ll be a pink agility course,” says Lysa, “a special surprise for those who have been with us every year since our first event, and possibly live music. And, of course, there’s always stiff competition for the pinkest horse and rider awards.” There’s always a fund-raising goal to go along with the festivities. In alignment with the ride’s ten-year anniversary, the goal is an ambitious one: $100,000. “People love this event because of the love that goes into making it happen,” Lysa says. “You’d be hard pressed to find a single person whose life hasn’t been touched by this horrible disease,

and this event gives us all an opportunity to share our experiences, our support for one another, and our love of horses.” The Massachusetts Ride for the Ribbon will take place on June 5. To participate, each rider must raise or donate a minimum of $250, and registration forms must be submitted before May 23. For more information, visit ridefortheribbonma.org.

Barre Riding and Driving Club Fall Trail Ride The Barre Riding and Driving Club is one of the oldest equestrian organizations in Massachusetts. Established in 1938, it arose from the custom of holding what were known as horse frolics, which consisted of six-part competitions, the proceeds of which were donated to the American Red Cross. Seventy-eight years later, BRDC is still holding frolics of its own. A perennial highlight is the Fall Trail Ride, a threeday, overnight event at Felton Field, in Barre. “This ride always takes place during Columbus Day weekend,” says Lynne Goodnow, president of the BRDC, “and

offers camping overnight from Friday to Sunday. Friday night we have a big potluck, and on Saturday there’s a full breakfast, lunch, and a dinner of barbecued chicken, baked ziti, baked potatoes, salads, and more.” An additional feature of the weekend is the Big Squeeze Apple Fest, which is a celebration of cider pressing and old-time bluegrass music that runs concurrently with the trail ride. “The scene is a blast from the past,” Lynne says. “Bluegrass musicians get together and jam. They set up tents with wood-burning stoves to keep out the chill, and there are couches and chairs for sitting with friends and listening to the jam sessions. They also have a mess camp with an old-fashioned kettle of homemade soup cooking over a big fire. It makes the horse campout something special to share with those who like getting back to their roots.” The trails have miles of wooded paths, railway beds, and cart roads to explore, and the camping field is expansive enough to accommodate the large crowd the event famously attracts. “Campers have enough space to set up fenced areas for their horses and can

Massachusetts Horse

Andy Mele

enjoy the two arenas on the premises to tions. The rider with the fasted time in riders. There’ll be a raffle, silent auction, Blue Star Equiculture wagon rides, each division places first. There will be practice in a controlled area,” Lynne ribbons and prizes to sixth place in and food. The combination of friendly says. Felton Field also has indoor bathevery division. competition and pleasure trail riding rooms. Both riders and non-riders may with friends promises to make for a ter“In the last few years,” Lynne says, compete in the horsemanship-knowlrific day. “this has really grown to a full festival, edge quiz. (The overall entry fee The hunter pace will have three with the Big Squeeze Apple Fest joining includes this event for riders; non-riders divisions for teams of two or three ridin on the fun.” She says she’s always are asked to make a donation.) There pleased to witness the enduring enthusi- ers: Walk Trot (all seats, no jumping), will be three quiz classes: Youth 12 and Trail Rider (all seats, no jumping), and asm for the event. “We’re very fortunate Under, Youth 13 to 17, and Adult. We’ll Field Hunter (hunt seat only, over that so many particibe awarding ribpants volunteer to bons and prizes for help, as well as the first through sixth great members of place. BRDC,” she says. “It The rider with takes a lot of effort the lowest comto put on full meals bined time for the for everyone, but hunter pace and many hands make judged obstacle less work for all.” course and the best The BRDC score on the horseFall Trail Ride, an manship-knowledge NEHT-affiliated quiz (converted to event, will take a time) will be the place October 7–9, day-end champion. and you may regisOther prizes ter on the day of on the agenda are the ride. To learn the Massachusetts Horse Junior more and to fill Horsemanship out a registration Award, the Most form, visit barre Alessandra and Brooke Mele riding the trails at Sandalwood Stables, in Wilbraham. This is the gorgeous location for the Massachusetts Horse Adventure Trail Benefit. Creative Dismount ridingdriving Award (let’s hope no club.com. one earns this one!), the Timely fences up to 18"). Every team with a Tortoise Award (slowest time), and the rider under 16 years of age must have Massachusetts Horse Bull in the China Shop Award (knocked one adult rider. The team in each diviAdventure Trail Benefit down the most obstacles.) There will be sion with the time closest to the ideal A new trail ride is coming to western special awards for Best Spirit: Individual Massachusetts, and it’s from the magaAdult, Individual Youth, and Team. So The private wooded trails dress up in blue and stars or a team coszine you’re reading now! In 11 years, the Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show has tume to show your support for Blue Star offer ideal wood-chip raised more than $58,000 for horseEquiculture! related nonprofits in the Bay State. In footing; pathways that The venue for the Massachusetts an effort to draw new participants in a Horse Adventure Trail Benefit is new wander along stone walls and exclusive fun and casual atmosphere, the event is to this event. The private changing its name and transitioning to wooded trails of Sandalwood Stables, in and streams; hills as well a combination hunter pace, judged Wilbraham, were completed in 2015, obstacle course, and horsemanshipas long stretches; an open and have ideal wood-chip footing, pathknowledge quiz. Participants can enter ways that wander along stone walls and field; a wooden bridge; one, two, or all three events. And there streams, hills as well as long stretches, will be more than $5,000 in prizes! and stunning views of the an open field, a wooden bridge, and This year we’ve earmarked proceeds stunning views of the Pioneer Valley Pioneer Valley. from the newly renamed Massachusetts from the height of Wilbraham Horse Adventure Trail Benefit for Blue Mountain. Star Equiculture, a draft- and working“Creating these riding trails has time wins. Six ribbons and prizes will be horse sanctuary in Palmer. Today Blue been a passion over the last few years, awarded in every division. Star provides sanctuary for 32 rescued, and I’m very pleased to see them open The judged obstacle course will retired, and working horses — horses to local riders for this event,” says have four divisions: Novice Youth, well worth the support of our commuChick Taylor, Sandalwood’s owner. Novice Adult, Open Youth, and Open nity. “Participants will appreciate the unique Adult. There will be 10 obstacles: riders The publisher and staff of the magnatural beauty of this area and will be will be penalized with time faults for azine wanted to come up with a concept able to thoroughly enjoy their horses refusals, knockdowns, and other infracthat would appeal to a wide variety of 12

April/May 2016

out on the trails, all in the name of Blue Star Equiculture, an organization I appreciate and support.” The Massachusetts Horse Adventure Trail Benefit will take place on Saturday, September 24 (rain date: Sunday, September 25). For more information, please visit mahorse.com and check out facebook.com/MassachusettsHorse BenefitShow. * Discipline, breed, age, and riding level aren’t important out on the trail. There it’s about celebrating nature, whether you and your horse go it alone, ride with friends, or join in friendly competition. The six rides you just read about present just a few of the exciting opportunities to hit the trails this season; check out the Events Calendar, which starts on page 34, to discover many, many more. Happy trails! Alessandra Mele, who lives in Wilbraham, works in marketing at W. F. Young/Absorbine. She enjoys spending time with the horses on her family’s farm, especially riding her Quarter Horse, JoJo.

Massachusetts Horse

Horseperson Feature

Erin Celia One Hoof at a Time

Middleboro by Christina Andersen

cure. The rasp swiftly removes any lingering uneven areas and with a quick flip, the finer side of the rasp smooths out and finishes the Mustang roll. Then it’s on to the next hoof.

courtesy of Erin Celia

t’s one of those days in early spring when the sun shines bright, beckoning nature and people out from the dull of winter. The melted snow and rain have softened the earth, creating patches of squishy mud. Small bursts of grass struggle to push through, slowly bringing color to the landscape. The long driveway winds its way back through the woods before it finally opens to reveal Lakeville’s Holloway Farm. You’ll see an oversized outdoor arena, now empty except for a jump set and a few neatly lined cavalettis. There’s a small barn, then the main barn. Horses are coming in from turnout, stepping eagerly across the parking lot in anticipation of their evening meal. Erin Celia is standing next to a mare, leaning in to whisper some gentle words. She turns with a smile, and her silver jewelry sparkles in the light. Her hands rest casually on her chaps, holding her hot pink gloves, with her watch glistening and peeking out of sleeve. Maggie, her gentle Paint/ Quarter Horse, will turn six this year. She’s still a young filly — patches of baby fur remain under her wild mane — but she’s already well mannered. She stands patiently as she looks around inquisitively while Erin sorts through her trimming tools. Erin slides her green hoof stand and trimming tools across a rubber mat to bring them closer to the mare. She pulls on her pink gloves, then reaches down to pick up her rasp. Maggie shifts her weight to the right as Erin takes the horse’s front left leg and balances the hoof on her thigh. The long push of rasp against hoof wall sends tiny white shreds flying. After making her way around the hoof, Erin puts down the rasp and slides her hoof knife out from a pocket in her apron. With a few flicks of the wrist, she has removed the bars; now she delicately cuts back the frog. Next, she brings Maggie’s hoof forward onto the hoof stand while she finishes up the pedi-

April/May 2016

ERIN HAS BEEN trimming hooves in the southeastern part of the state for almost two decades. “Being around horses . . .” She pauses . . . “they’re in my blood.” She’s the first in her family to feel that passion. She still remembers the day when, as a child, she fell in love with them. Her grandmother had taken her for a drive, and from her window in the backseat she suddenly spotted some horses. After she demanded a closer look, her grandfather pulled over to appease her. She was hooked. Erin was born in the coastal town of Kingston. Like many little girls, she begged her parents for riding lessons. When she was eight years old, her wish came true and she began taking lessons with the late Leo Boyle, at Fleetwood Farms in Pembroke. She rode hunt seat and did the hunter/jumper circuit for some time, and got her first horse, an Arabian, in high school. As a teenager,

she worked in exchange for board for her little Arabian at a Saddlebred barn. After taking some time off to raise her children, Erin returned to her first love. “Once the kids were old enough for the barn, I got back into it,” she says. She began raising Arabians (she’s had more than 20 Paso Finos and Arabians; her current Paso Fino is Semper Fi) but had a difficult time finding a farrier who was patient enough. “No one wanted to trim my babies” she says, “so I started doing it myself.” That was the beginning of a career. “It was slow at first — I was just doing it for my own horses,” Erin says. Eventually she decided to further her education and training; 16 years ago she started studying with Gwenyth Browning Jones Santage, of Penzance Integrative Natural Hoofcare in Douglas. She followed that with studies in Rhode Island, with Marjory Smith; and with K. C. LaPierre at the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry. She also completed several apprenticeships throughout New England, among them with Bruce Matthews, a draft-horse farrier in Vermont. “He’s my mentor,” Erin says. “I learned so much from him.” She traveled with Bruce on and off for a few years before her business picked up. “I’m grateful for our time spent together, and for the knowledge he shares with me,” she says. “He’s a real horseman.” When she began trimming horses for other people, she says, “the business snowballed.” Erin has kept her full-time job in life insurance and trims horses on the side. Weekly, she says, she trims the hooves of about 40 horses, traveling all over eastern Massachusetts and in Rhode Island to keep up. “I often get stuck with the difficult horses,” she says. “I’ve a lot of patience, and problem horses always seem to find their way to

me. But I don’t mind. They need to be done too.” A member of the Hanson Riding Club, Erin rides at the beaches and cranberry bogs close to her home. She says she enjoys be able to ride where she grew up. Maggie is her first Quarter Horse, and Erin has some big dreams for the two of them. One hope, she says, is for the pair to participate in a holiday parade with the Hanson group. She has a strong affinity for the younger horses. She looks up from trimming Maggie, shaking her red hair out of her eyes, and says, smiling, “I get bored easily, just like the babies.” Erin finds ways to stave off boredom: “If I’m going to do something, I dive in and don’t stop,” she says. Going barefoot isn’t right for all horses. For many, though, says Erin, shoes aren’t necessary, and those horses thrive without them. She decided to name her company The Holistic Hoof and prides herself on trimming the hoof to bring it back into balance, the way it should be naturally. Her approach is based on the physiology of the hoof. Erin trims Maggie’s hooves every five weeks. This time around, there’s no

call for nippers: a quick and simple touch-up trim is all that’s needed to maintain the mare’s healthy hooves. She slips Maggie a little treat. Then, with one final pat on the neck, Erin turns away and smiles. “I’m dedicated to the health and welfare of your horse,” she says.

Subscribe today! at mahorse.com

Growing up on Nantucket, Christina Andersen explored the beaches and rode the trails with her trusty pony, Whinnie. At UMass Amherst, she studied animal behavior with a concentration in equines. After graduation, she taught draft-horse husbandry to future farmers and veterinarians. She spends her free time riding and driving her adopted draft horses, Bill and Mark.

May 15, 2016 July 10, 2016 August 28, 2016 September 11, 2016

August 5, 6, 7, 2016

Email Questions to: judy@cheshirehorse.com Massachusetts Horse

Farm Feature Plainville by Abigail Powell

Stargazer Hill Farm A Cooperative Barn Family

Abigail Powell

even years ago, Jessica and Bill their schedule. The feeding shifts Roberts were in the market for a ensure that all the horses eat at the same new home. “She just wanted to time, are turned out at the same time, have her horses at home, but I always and come back in at the same time. wanted to start a business,” Bill says, “It’s based on the fact that I didn’t grinning. “We kind of ended up somewant to get into a true rough-board situwhere in the middle.” What they ended up with was a 13-acre former cow farm in Plainville. They’d been aware of the property throughout their search, but it wasn’t until the price dropped and their Realtor urged them to “just go look at it” that they took a peek. “We just fell in love with it,” says Jessica. With lots of land atop a hill overlooking the Massachusetts–Rhode Island state line and a 10stall barn at the front of the Jessica Roberts and Bruin; Bill Roberts and Cruiser. property and a 4-stall barn behind the ation like what my mom dealt with,” house already in place, they knew they Jessica says, “but I also didn’t want would end up housing more horses someone to have to be responsible for than just their own. The couple immecleaning ten stalls alone.” diately put into action plans to coordiIt happened to be a perfect time to nate a boarding program. structure the farm in this way — as the economy was recovering from the 2008 Rough Board with a Twist recession, owners were trying to figure Horses were always part of Jessica’s life, out how to keep their horses without and most of the time her family kept paying for full board. Stargazer Hill them on rough board. Her mom would Farm had found its niche. go to the barn twice a day: first in the “It’s working out fabulously,” says morning, to feed, turn out, and muck; Jessica. and again in the evening, to bring in No one has ever missed showing up and feed again. to care for his or her horse or take his The only problem with the second or her feeding shift. “Not acceptable,” aspect of the arrangement was that Jessica says, shaking her head. “People boarders frequently fed and returned get the general feeling when they come their horses at different times. If here that stuff like that won’t fly with us Jessica’s mom happened to be the last — or with the other boarders.” one to arrive, her horses were left alone Jessica and Bill keep everything outside, in a lather that they were misscoordinated but reasonably flexible. ing out on dinner while everyone else Both have a background in engineering was in the barn eating. and both still balance a full-time job With her mother’s experience in with managing the farm. Jessica is in the mind, Jessica had the idea to establish IT department at SmartPak Equine her farm as a rough-board and feeding headquarters and Bill has always been co-op. All boarders must come once a in computer engineering. “There are day to muck their horses’ stalls and set always rules and processes,” Bill says. up their hay and grain, and once a week “We’ve kind of carried that over to how they have to take a feeding shift. They to we run the farm, and I think it’s can choose either a morning turn or an worked out pretty well.” evening one — whichever better suits A supply of hay and shavings is 16

April/May 2016

available for boarders to purchase but they’re welcome to source their own. Individual loft space is provided, so there’s plenty of room for people to keep their stores of hay separately. And because co-op boarders are responsible for their own horses, they have full control of their care: “People can manage their time and their money the way they want to,” says Bill. “The co-op actually pretty much runs itself,” says Jessica. “With the right people,” Bill quickly interjects.

Expanding, Not Excluding The latest big additions to the farm are the indoor arena and adjacent stalls, all of which were put in three years ago. Bill and Jessica first planned for these stalls to be organized for co-op boarding, but shortly after they broke ground on the project, a trainer approached them about running a full-board operation out of the facility. Bill and Jessica jumped at the idea. Thus, the indoor arena was built to suit that trainer, and has a tack room, an office, and 15 stalls, each with its own runout. The original trainer has since moved on and others have followed, but the stalls are still managed as a full-board operation separate from the co-op. Though Jessica focuses on hunters and Bill enjoys trail riding and hunter paces and shows an interest in eventing, the couple have kept the farm label-free as to discipline; they say they want everyone to feel welcome, regardless of the type of saddle they ride in. The facility is also fee-free for outside trainers, so boarders can bring in their own. “If you want a trainer to come here to teach you and in the long run that keeps you here and keeps you happy, then that’s fine with me,” says Jessica. As another amenity, there are no restrictions within the property based on whether you’re a full boarder or a co-op boarder — everyone may use any of the three grass fields, two outdoor arenas, and the indoor arena.

Becky Miller and Moon.

schooling shows, and plans to incorporate some Walk/Trot and Elementary Hunter classes for beginner adults, children, and green horses. “We’re really happy and going strong,” she says. “We’re looking forward to the shows this year, and hoping they take off.”

tively green pair looked for a local barn to call home. “I’ll admit I was hesitant when Chris came around because in the coop you have to handle everybody else’s horses,” Jessica says, “but he was really open to learning, so we gave it a shot. Now, four and a half years later, we rely heavily on him. He’s been great.” “People say you can’t choose your family, and that’s true,” says Chris. “Jess and Bill, as well as everyone else here, are family and I thank everyone for that. I could go on forever about how great this place and these people are.” Becky Miller, who has boarded at Stargazer Hill Farm for seven years, ever since it opened its barn doors, echoes the sentiment: “I feel comfortable here,” she says. “I never have to worry about my horses. It’s very familyish and it’s home for me. I don’t think of Jess and Bill as ‘Jess and Bill the property owners’; I think of them as family.” Also at Stargazer for seven years is Donna Ryan. “This is the longest I’ve ever been anywhere,” she says, “and I’ve never even thought about leaving. It’s so peaceful here. In your daily life, you’re working and dealing with things

Bill and Jessica are far from the absentee owners some rough-boarders are familiar with. In fact, they’re just as invested in the well-being of the people who keep their horses at Stargazer Hill Farm as they are in the well-being of the horses. The couple have received what’s perhaps one of the best compliments: “We’ve had people say to us, ‘You guys actually do what you say you’re going to do,’ ” Jessica says, seemingly amazed that anyone would experience otherwise. The couple encourage suggestions and keep a list of them alongside that of possible farm projects. Every year they email the boarders to solicit their feedback about improvements they’d like see. Based on the responses, and on what the couple expect to do, Bill and Jessica prioritize the projects.

Abigail Powell enjoys learning the ropes of dressage and eventing with her horse Maggie, a Mustang/Arabian she adopted from the MSPCA at Nevins Farm. She also owns Miniature Horse Zipper and goat Billy Boomer. She and her husband live in Topsfield.

Abigail Powell

Chris Norftill and Cody.

A Barn Family

in your personal life, too, but then you come here and you leave it all at the gate. All you have to do is come and enjoy your horse.”

Boarders who participate in the coop tend to be experienced, as they have to take on the responsibility of caring for their own horse and, on their shifts, of looking out for the others, but Chris Norftill is an exception. Chris grew up around horses and after a long absence from them, he wanted to get involved again so he could take his daughter, Jaslynn, trail riding. He rescued an abandoned Appaloosa named Cody and the rela-

Bill and Jessica have recently introduced shows. Last year they rented the property for a series of six schooling shows and the couple became involved with their organization and preparation. This year, instead of schooling events, they’ll host three NEHC-/MHCrated shows. Most of the exhibitors will be hunter/jumpers who would like to earn points toward medals, but Jessica says she doesn’t want to lose the friendly atmosphere that characterizes

Donna Ryan and Superman.

Named #1 animal book on HuffingtonPost.com Available at all online book stores. For a signed copy, go to mindful-connections.com Massachusetts Horse

Andover

Challenge Unlimited

by Mari Passananti

at Ironstone Farm

ones who traveled with Dick’s ven on the most bitter, snowiest Thoroughbred racehorses,” Deedee winter days, the sun always shines at Ironstone Farm.” So the farm’s says. “It was magic how the kids’ faces would break into enormous smiles.” founder, the late Dick Donovan, Word of the wonderful outing in quipped some 35 years ago. His assessment is a refrain repeated the countryside spread. by the dedicated staff and volunteers who year-round provide 450 clients a week with equine therapy for a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive issues. Ironstone Farm, 18 acres of serenity just minutes from Interstate 495 in Andover, is home to Challenge Unlimited, a registered charity founded by the Donovan family in 1983 with a simple but lofty goal: to improve people’s quality of life. Challenge Unlimited’s team of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and equine professionals work with 200 regular volunteers and a herd of 35 therapy horses and ponies to bring the joys and physiological benefits A student and volunteers at Challenge Unlimited. of riding and horsemanship to clients from infants to senior citizens. “The Donovans started getting Dick bought the property now phone calls from camps and schools for known as Ironstone Farm in 1960. children with a variety of special needs, According to farm lore, he was so and pretty soon a few special field trips enthusiastic about his plans for the and farm days turned into a regular property that he began clearing the Saturday event, and it grew from there,” land with his Cadillac. He dreamed of Deedee says. “We had groups from the breeding, training, and rehabilitating Perkins School for the Blind and Thoroughbred racehorses, and he set Alternative Leisure. Some of those little about to do just that. kids are forty or fifty years old now, and One day in 1972, Deedee O’Brien, they still come to ride every week.” Challenge Unlimited’s executive direcAt the time, therapeutic horseback tor since its inception, noticed the farm riding was a niche therapy. Progressive and ventured up its driveway. She happhysicians and therapists had begun to pened to work with special-needs chilrecognize that riding a horse simulates dren, but that day she was searching for the body’s walking motion and a place to board her horse. Dick leased increases stamina. As all equestrians her a stall. know, riding also improves balance and One weekend not long thereafter, strengthens the muscles of the trunk the Donovan family hosted a Saturday and legs. But the true magic of therafarm day for 40 children with special peutic riding is that a person who can’t needs. “We used the pony horses, the walk, and who may never walk, can feel courtesy of Challenge Unlimited

“

Lend a Hoof

April/May 2016

much of the sensation of walking by sitting astride a walking horse. “It grew organically,” Deedee says. “Most of our programs were parent driven. Early on we had a lot of children with cerebral palsy. Kids would sit on the ponies with their legs spasming, or scrunched way up like a jockey’s, and by the end of the lesson you’d see their legs relax down.” The transformation, both physical and mental, in the children amazed their parents and physicians alike. “Dick never said no to anyone, and he never charged,” Deedee says. “The early-intervention programs, for children ages nine months to three years, arose from parent demand. It was the parents of the babies with developmental delays, whether physical or verbal, who pushed the Massachusetts Department of Health to approve hippotherapy for these smallest patients.” Today, Challenge Unlimited has contracts with about a dozen earlyintervention programs, and there’s always a waiting list — even though the farm serves clients 11 hours a day, six days a week. In 1980, Ironstone Farm became the first venue in Massachusetts to host a Special Olympics equestrian event, and Challenge Unlimited’s relationship with the Special Olympics continues to this day. In 1992, the farm began operating a summer camp for children with special needs. In 2007, the farm cut the ribbon on an 80' by 200' indoor arena, funded entirely by donations, though Deedee notes that most of the kids still want to ride outside, whatever the weather. Challenge Unlimited wouldn’t be able to accommodate even a fraction of its weekly patient demand without its dedicated team of regular volunteers. (Challenge Unlimited always welcomes

Children’s Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School, first became aware of the riding program through parents of patients who told him their kids lit up on the back of a horse. The researchers noted improvements in patients when hippotherapy was added to their other treatments, in terms of both muscular endurance and the quality of the patients’ interactions with other people. Challenge Unlimited found new champions throughout the Boston medical community and others in the state, and its growing therapy

courtesy of Challenge Unlimited

new volunteers; it operates two training and orientation sessions a month.) Mary Ruth Luther, who found the farm through an ad in the newspaper, has volunteered for Challenge Unlimited twice a week for three years. “It’s the greatest place in the world,” she says. “It’s a big, well-run organization that doesn’t feel like a big organization, and they make it very easy to volunteer. It’s always peaceful, upbeat, and happy; the therapists are fabulous; and the Haflinger ponies we use with the little kids — they’re like the golden retrievers of ponies: calm and reliable.” Ironstone’s blond chestnut Haflingers even modestly resemble the goldens, at least in coloring. Every Tuesday morning, Mary Ruth works with one of therapists and an early-intervention group. She either leads the therapy horse or walks alongside it to spot the child on horseback. “Riding is a huge, huge help in getting kids to walk and talk,” she says. Says Neil Fater, Challenge Unlimited’s marketing director, “Little kids who endure many grueling therapies glow when they come here.” And Neil, too, is full of praise for the Haflingers: “They’re the perfect therapy horse — not too big, not too small, with a broad back and an easy temperament.” On Thursdays, Mary Ruth volunteers with a group of autistic teen boys. “They start out very shy and scared of the ponies, and by the end of the ride they beam with confidence,” she says. “They sit up taller and prouder. It’s wonderful to watch kids light up in reaction to the little things, about just being out on the farm and enjoying the outdoors. It teaches the volunteers to appreciate all our blessings.” “We’ve found that hippotherapy really helps autistic kids,” Neil says. “They get to be like everyone else while riding. Nonverbal kids actually start talking. There’s something unique between horses and humans that our ancestors understood. The breakthroughs that happen on the farm can’t be duplicated, or even approximated, in a clinical setting.” Even as the parent testimonials piled up, Deedee recalls, the medical community needed empirical evidence. During the 1990s, a research team made up of physicians, therapists, and graduate students followed several of the patients at Challenge Unlimited. One of the earliest local physician proponents of hippotherapy, Peter Raffalli, an attending neurologist at Boston

Ironstone Farm’s founder, the late Dick Donovan, dressed up as the Lone Ranger.

staff began receiving referrals from Spaulding Rehabilitation Center and most of the major teaching hospitals. Peter began volunteering at the farm every Saturday, often dressed as a clown to entertain the children. “He was like Patch Adams,” Deedee says. Peter still serves on what she describes as Challenge Unlimited’s “can-do” board. “The can-do spirit permeates the place and transfers to every kid in our programs,” she says. The can-do spirit also permeates Challenge Unlimited’s fund-raising. Deedee says the board’s first fund-raiser, a horse show in the early 1980s, netted a negative $19. “We learned from that,” she says, “and ended up doing fourteen hundred dollars better the following year.” The board still relies heavily on fund-raising; half of Challenge Unlimited’s budget comes from donations — which are appreciated at any time. Another key source of income is a

longstanding recreational-riding program at Ironstone Farm, and Challenge Unlimited welcomes its supporters to sponsor a rider. “We as a board work very hard to keep the programs from being elitist,” Deedee says. “We want to be accessible to all people in need, regardless of ability to pay.” In recent years, Challenge Unlimited has expanded its programming to serve combat veterans, cancer patients, seniors with memory disorders, and at-risk youth. Neil explains that whereas many of Challenge Unlimited’s programs center on riding, some groups use the farm for retreats, during which the participants help groom and care for the therapy horses. Challenge Unlimited’s Equine Encounter Program invites combat veterans with PTSD to lead horses through an obstacle course. “Participants see firsthand, with the horses, that leading by confident example produces better results than does tugging on a rope,” Neil says. “It’s amazing to watch the participants make the connections about how they’ve been treating people. One of the first veterans to participate told me he literally felt the breakthrough when he was leading that horse.” A group of Alzheimer’s patients makes a weekly visit to the farm. “Patients who haven’t spoken much in recent months begin telling stories about growing up on a farm or around horses,” Deedee says. “Being on the farm triggers happy memories. They brush the horses and they start talking.” One of Challenge Unlimited’s newest endeavors is its Arts and Education Center, a two-story house on the property where groups of ten or so at-risk youths, ages 14 to 22, can stay with their teacher and learn to share the tasks of living together and helping on the farm, all part of an evaluation for readiness for independent living. The board doesn’t like to say no. “Dick didn’t say no to parents,” Deedee says, “and his legacy lives on in our staff and volunteers. We’ve made it our legacy, too.” To learn more about the farm and Challenges Unlimited, volunteering, and making a donation, please visit ironstonefarm.org. Mari Passananti, the author of The Hazards of Hunting While Heartbroken and The K Street Affair, is a lifelong horse lover and rider. She lives in Wellesley with her family and is writing her third novel. For more about Mari and her work, visit www.maripassanantibooks.com.

Massachusetts Horse

Mindful Connections

by Nicole Birkholzer

Understanding the Herd

orses survive by living in herds. If you closely observe your horse, whether he lives in a herd of two in your backyard or in a paddock at a boarding facility, you’ll notice that he communicates with the horses around him hundreds of times a day. A flick of the ear, a turn of the butt, a shift in weight, a little snort: the signals just never stop.

that’s no longer useful to an individual horse or the herd. If a horse carries stress or depressed energy, it affects the wellness of the herd. In that case, Shana will often get into the horse’s face.

Herd Dynamics

FredFroese

Studying horses over the years, observing their herd behaviors, and learning from owners how the herd dynamic plays out in other areas of their life, I discovered that the traditional portrayal of a hierarchical herd dynamic is insufficient. The common belief that horses operate predominantly on a vertical pecking order is limiting. Yes, with reasonable awareness most people can detect the herd leader as he starts pushing the second in command off a hay pile. And if we stick around and watch long enough, we’ll see that as a result, the member next lower on the totem pole gets moved off the hay, and so on, until the lowest member ends up — possibly — at the leader’s pile. Leadership among horses is established for purposes of safety. As prey animals, horses need a leader to turn to for direction when danger is imminent. To keep the herd well balanced — mentally, emotionally, and spiritually — each horse has an important part to play.

Roles Shana, my young Arabian mare, is the herd energy balancer. She’s the one who contributes some of her own energy when a horse is stressed or physically or emotionally not feeling well. Shana positions herself near a horse in need, or has an eye on a particular horse from afar, and beams some good vibrations in the animal’s general direction. She also helps disperse energy 20

April/May 2016

She’ll run up to it, snap the air just short of the horse’s coat, and try to get the horse to be aware of its demeanor. In Shana’s eyes, a despondent horse is a safety risk and she sees it as her responsibility to bring the herd energy into balance for the sake of protection. Kaylaa, my late Arabian mare, was always the herd container. “There are two types of leaders in a herd situation,” writes the trainer Mark Rashid. He divides them into the “the alpha, or lead horse, that rules by dominance,” and the passive leader, which leads by example. “The passive leaders,” he writes, “are usually chosen by other members of the herd and are followed willingly . . . alphas use force to declare their place in the herd.” Kaylaa was a passive leader. She managed the herd by governing the perimeters of their pasture. When a younger, less experienced horse was spooked by a noise or a movement, she stayed grounded, unfazed: that is, she led by example. And then there are horses like Zander, who belongs to one of my clients. Zander is a sentry. He’s always

on the lookout, taking notice of every little movement along the horizon. “Be aware, there’s a deer,” he’ll tell his mates, or “Pay attention, a motorcycle is coming out of the garage,” or “Watch out, a person is walking down the driveway.” A sentry is frequently misunderstood. Often, its owner isn’t in tune with the horse’s acute sense of awareness and ignores the noticing (which is very frustrating to a sentry). Or the owner thinks the horse has attention deficit disorder and calls it back to what she thinks is focus without acknowledging it for a job well done (which to a sentry is just as frustrating). Usually, all we have to do to bring the horse’s attention to us is to recognize it for being an observer. I have one of those horses in the backyard. If Cutter, my Quarter Horse, and I hang out, and he becomes distracted by something at the edge of the field, near the woods, could I make him listen to me while he’s on the lookout? Yes, I could move his hooves and get his attention for a split second, just enough time for him to send me a look of annoyance, then he’d be back focusing on the edge of the woods. Could I do that until he gives up and succumbs to my will? Yes, I could. Or I could join him. I could look in the same direction, try to see what he sees, and then say, “Oh, it’s a group of turkeys! What an eye you’ve got!” Feeling understood, Cutter would drop his head, blow out through the nose, and most likely give me a little push with his upper lip, saying, “Thanks for seeing what I’m seeing.” My acknowledgment isn’t patronizing; rather, it’s respectful of his role and its importance. I’m showing him my herd support. If Shana resists my brushing her neck and instead moves her back end my way, I understand that she’s not in need of grooming but wants some energy work, which will help her fill up

her tank. With that little move, she’s telling me how I can be a valuable partner for her, and thus for the herd. In the next few days, when you head out to the barn, take a couple of deep breaths, then watch your horse. Is he the sentry, always surveying the land? Is he the connector, always standing next to the new horse? Or is he the security, walking the perimeter of the pasture as soon as he’s turned out to check for any odd scents that might be left from predators crossing the field in the night? When you understand your horse’s role in the herd, you can appreciate his behavior and, from there, recognize your opportunities to contribute. Horses take their roles seriously, and so should we. Acknowledge your horse’s “job” in the herd. Then see what happens. Nicole Birkholzer is a relationship coach for horses and their humans and the author of Pet Logic. As the creator of Mindful Connections™, she’s pioneering an approach to horsemanship and mindful living in which horses are honored as soul-companions and partners in our search for happiness, fulfillment, and wholeness.

Boston

This Olde Horse

For close to 40 years, horse-drawn streetcars dominated Boston’s streets. The first horse-car line began operation in 1856. Horse-drawn streetcars ran on tracks. In 1888, the first electric streetcar line began operation as a new method of public transportation. Before that, streets were heavy with traffic and horses were frequently injured as they pulled heavy loads. In 1897, Boston’s subway system, the nation’s first, began went into operation.

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email editor@mahorse.com.

May 8 . June 19 . August 14 June 11 - hanover hunt and Riding club show, Briggs stable, hanover september 11 - Massachusetts horsemen’s council Pleasure classic, Briggs stable, hanover Affiliated with ssHC, NEHC, and MHC and points from this show will accrue toward ssHC year-end awards!

Pleasure & Hunter Classics • NEHC- and MHC-rated Classes • MHJ Classes • Marshall & sterling Classes MHC 2'6" and 2'9" Hunter Derbies • In Hand • ssHC Medals with Finals at August show Breed specific Classes and Divisions for Quarter Horses, Color Breeds, Morgans, Arabians, and saddlebreds

“THE BIGGEsT LITTLE HORsE sHOW IN THE EAsT” show starts: 8 A.M. Warm up: 6:30 A.M.

sshconlIne.oRG

ssHC now offers online entries at www.Horseshowing.com!

Rozena’s Field, elm st. Raynham, Mass. Massachusetts Horse

Youth Spotlight

North Brookfield

by Andrea Bugbee

Ashley Cormier The Power of Persistence

hite Spruce Farms owner and trainer Susan Rainville wasn’t insane when she nodded approval for the six-year-old, western-broke Quarter Horse mare that her 14-year-old student Ashley Cormier wanted to purchase for dressage. The first horse Ashley had taken on a prepurchase trial had been alarmingly hot, and buying a ready-made dressage champion simply wasn’t in the Cormier family’s budget.

Ashley’s “backyard horse,” foaled in Illinois, is registered with the American Quarter Horse Association as RA Son of a Docs Lena, but Ashley calls her Lena. In horsemen’s terms, Lena is a 15.3-

courtesy of Ashley Cormier

“Quarter Horses are generally pretty manageable for juniors,” says Susan, who has been coaching Ashley at her New Braintree stable since the teen was seven years old and too tiny to slide a saddle onto a horse’s back without help. “I wouldn’t normally recommend a young horse for a young rider, but this horse was safe. She just needed an education. I would rather have kids ride something that’s manageable, that’s maybe a little less athletic, than a big fancy sport horse that’s too much for them. You can make any sound, healthy horse a competitive dressage horse.” Today Ashley, who lives in North Brookfield, is 17. She and that little western mare are training this winter to compete at third-level dressage. Ashley hopes to earn her United States Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze medal before she graduates from Bay Path Vocational Technical High School, in 2017. In order to do that, she must earn two third-level scores of at least 60 percent from two judges on two different rides. Susan believes Ashley’s goal is within reach — even on a western-broke Quarter Horse. “Here Ashley is, sort of a backyard kid on a backyard horse, making it work. I’m really proud of her,” Susan says. “Ashley’s proof that if you put hard work into it, you can definitely achieve your goals. She just wanted it, and she was willing to work for it. If you set reasonable goals for yourself and keep making baby steps toward those goals, you’ll realize your dreams before you know it.”

RA Son of a Docs Lena

April/May 2016

hand, well-muscled palomino mare. But to anyone simply admiring her, she’s petit, blond, and curvaceous. “She’s Barbie’s horse,” Susan says, joking, but the description fits. Lena is so off-theshelf pretty that she does, indeed, look as though she might have spent last summer modeling for Breyer rather than working on “haunches in” with Ashley. Being Ashley’s adored pet seems to be Lena’s calling. “She’s the first one at the gate if you go into the paddock,” Ashley says, standing next to Lena while the mare uses her muzzle to tickle up and down the teen’s arm, shoulder, and neck. “She tries to kiss you to death. She’ll lick you like crazy. On trail rides she stands in the middle of puddles and plays in them. She’s definitely a people person.” “She reminds me of a golden retriever in a horse’s body,” says

Ashley’s mother, Lynne, laughing. At shows, Lynne says, Lena has to be able to hang her head over the stall door so that every passerby can pat her, and Lena is a scoundrel for stealing hats, scarves, and towels. “Ashley spends a lot of time with her,” says Susan’s daughter, Marissa Pellegrino. Marissa is a Quabbin Regional High School sophomore who grew up going to horse shows with Ashley. “She really loves Lena a whole bunch. She brushes her, she’ll bring her cookies, a new blanket. She lets her graze, gives her a bath . . . ” All of that doting, it seems, is a part of Ashley and Lena’s partnership. “Lena’s a really sweet mare, but, like any other horse, you have to talk her into the work-ethic part,” Susan says. “Because Ashley spends so much time with her, they do have a bond. I think she does try for Ashley.” Under saddle, sweet, personable Lena’s movements are sure and bright. She easily acquiesces to Ashley’s cues, extending her front legs in a forward prance as her hind end powers from beneath. Her working walk is a march; her canter is a rhythmically rolling, gently bouncing ball. Together, Ashley and Lena are an enchanting pair. As horse and rider, they define the correct cues and willing, supple responses that form the base of all dressage. Together, Ashley and Lena have earned First Level Champion at Wild Aire Farm (in Southbridge), Intro B Champion at Xenophon Farm (in Montague), and the Crown Jewel Award at Dressage4Kids (in Saugherties, New York). Starting with schooling shows their first season, they quickly progressed to USDF-recognized venues, such as the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) Spring Show in Marshfield, where Ashley, in her second season showing with Lena, won her training 3 test. “That was a big confidence booster for her,” says Susan, “and she even rode her first second-level test at the end of

their second season.” But Susan emphasizes that it’s hard work, not talent alone, that’s been bringing Ashley and Lena so far.

DIY Dressage Horse In the beginning, Susan had recommended Lena to the Cormiers based on temperament, soundness, and affordability. But, like buying real estate solely for its location, there was a good deal of remodeling involved. “She was very, very green,” says Lynne, a 4-H graduate who grew up trail riding in Worcester County. She still owns her own horse, and now also a miniature donkey. “The first time we tried to canter Lena, she was out of the ring. She had no balance. This has really been a work in progress.” When trying out her first musical freestyle with Lena at White Spruce Farms, Ashley says, “There was something scary about the speakers that day. She ran through the entire thing.” Rather than giving up, Ashley spent the next few months desensitizing the mare, not only to speakers, but also to dogs, umbrellas, and other common horse-show terrors. That first season, they also built confidence in each other by going to shows. Getting comfortable off site, spending all day together, bathing, braiding, tack cleaning, trailering — after all of that, Ashley says, “we just grew together. She trusts me now.” With her first third-level test just months away, Ashley and Lena have recently graduated to a double bridle. It’s a handful for Ashley (and a mouthful for Lena), but with the pair’s MO of practice, patience, and trust, the transition is bound to be a success.

Giddy-Up to Goals Both Susan and Lynne describe Ashley as a goal setter. When working on a particular movement during her lesson, Ashley makes sure to practice it again on her own. Despite going to school, learning to drive, and earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), she rides at least three times a week in winter, much more in summer. Occasionally, she trailers out to lessons with dressage leaders such as Jane Karol, of Bear Spot Farm in Acton, Ann Marie Gregoire, of Silvercryst Farm in Southwick, and Suzanne Markham, of Divinity Dressage in Monson. She’s attended Dressage4Kids for the past four years, been a member of the USEF High

School Equestrian Program for three, and volunteered at the NEDA Spring Show. When she watches dressage at horse shows or on video, Ashley says, “I always think, ‘I want to try that. I want to see how that feels on my horse.’ I like how dressage looks.” And, according to Lynne, Ashley not only has the work ethic to master what she sees, but she also gets into a zone at shows that helps her stay extra focused on her goals. Two years ago, Lynne says, Ashley entered the ring at Dressage4Kids moments after an insect flew into her face. “She came in second with a score of seventy-five,” Lynne says, “and she had a bug in her eye the entire ride.” Overall, Ashley says, riding is more an upward climb than a sudden leap to the top. “There are tough times about it,” she says, “but you can’t let them get you down. The horse tries to be the boss, but you just have to work through it. Training is knowing more about the movements and taking responsibility for doing them, not just throwing them off to the side and not practicing them. The more responsibility you have, the better your connection with the horse.” With college and a career in nursing less than two years away, Ashley has no intention of dismounting when this next stage of her life arrives. She lives within commuting distance of good colleges and universities and has a stable at home, where Lena is close, content, and excellently cared for. Without hesitation, Ashley says, “I’ll definitely stay with riding for a while. It’s what makes me happy.” Andrea Bugbee is a freelance reporter. She lives with her husband and their children in Southwick.

Subscribe today! at mahorse.com

Natural Balance Equine Dentistry

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

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

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

Country Corral 35 Main St., rear, Rte. 9, Williamsburg, MA (413) 268-0180 countrycorral@aol.com M-F 9:30AM - 5:30PM, Sat 9:30AM - 4:00PM Right behind A-1 Hilltown Pizza in Williamsburg center.

Massachusetts Horse

Trail Guide

Carlisle

Great Brook Farm

by Stacey Stearns

reat Brook Farm State Park, in Carlisle, boasts rolling hills and long vistas. With more than 900 acres, 20-plus miles of trails, and a working dairy farm, the reserve is a gem. On a mild January morning, as I drove into the park entrance, I saw a family of mallards swimming in the marsh. What a way to begin the day! Judy Lorimer, of Pepperell, is vice president of New England Horse and Trail (NEHT) and active in the Littleton Horse Owners Association, which has been holding rides at Great Brook since 2008. “This is a great place,” she says. “We have a basic eighty-mile loop and there’s plenty of good parking. In addition, you can rent the Hart Barn, which has picnic tables inside.”

If there’s snow, ski trails (consult the winter map) don’t allow horses, and they’re not permitted on either the Tophet Loop West or the same trail East. Otherwise, you’re welcome to ride any of the trails; observe the posted signs.

Logistics

Stacey Stearns

The parking lot at the Ski Touring Center and Hart Barn, which is the one you need if you have a trailer, is large and dirt. To get there, continue on Lowell Road past the main entrance, which is on North Road; the lot will be on your right. From here, it’s just a short walk or ride along the edge of the cornfields to the heated restrooms, with running water, at the Interpretive Center — and access to the trails. (There’s a composting portapotty at the Hart Barn lot.) Parking is $2; pay at the self-service kiosk. Remember to leave the receipt on your vehicle’s dashboard. By midmorning, Great Brook is noisy with families (with and without dogs) and mountain bikers, but it quiets down when you get to the trails. Dogs can go off leash away from the park’s main areas if they’re trained to voice command. Although I didn’t have any trouble with them, I did see many dashing around and playing. There have been a couple of complaints on Yelp about manure on the trails. Whenever possible, as a courtesy to other users, please move your horse to the side of the trail or dismount and kick away the manure. 24

April/May 2016

The Trails Close to the parking lot, the trails are well marked, but once you get out a little farther, it’s possible to get lost. I always suggest that you carry a map! (Print a map, at home, from the DCR website: mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr.) I referred to my map a lot, as some intersections are confusing. Paths open up to beautiful views of the countryside. There are ample opportunities to ride through an agricultural field; just make sure to stay on the edge so you don’t damage the crops. Although you’re never far from civilization, do savor the peace and quiet these more open trails provide. One splendid feature of Great Brook is that there are some cross-country fences, which many equestrians particularly appreciate. “The area is used by, among others, the Old North Bridge Hounds hunt club,” Judy says. “We refer

to one loop on Pine Point as ‘the hound loop,’ as when you’re on it, you can hear them from their kennel. The members of ONBH help maintain the trails and cross-country fences.”

Taking a Ride I started on the Litchfield Loop but switched the Indian Hill Trail when I saw a jogger coming. Indian Hill is .6 mile of narrow single track, with roots, rocks, and pine needles covering it as you go up and down hills. It’s the kind of trail that will tell you how well your horse is trained — or not, if your kneecap bumps into a tree! After Indian Hill, I was back on the Litchfield Loop. At one point I wasn’t sure if I was still on it, but I followed hoof prints and bike tracks and ended up behind the dairy farm, heading back toward North Road. The Acorn trails (the Acorn Trail, Acorn North, and Acorn South) and Fern Loop are quiet, but be aware of traffic when you cross Lowell Road to get to them. The Acorn trails are rocky; I recommend hoof protection. All three of them have sturdy bridges and boardwalks for safe passage over the woodland marshes. Acorn North runs parallel to Lowell Street for a while as it loops back to the parking area. Running parallel to North Road, on the Pine Point Loop, a bridge crosses a marsh and stream fed by Meadow Pond. Stop on the bridge for a moment for a fine view of the water, then continue onto the Pine Point Loop or the Beaver Loop for more pond-watching. Pine Point Loop is an unpaved road, wide and flat with decent footing. Another ride is on the Woodchuck Trail, which goes on both sides of North Road. “Garrison Loop, off the Woodchuck Trail, is very rocky,” says Judy, “but it takes you past ‘the city,’

Stacey Stearns

Full-service training facility specializing in starting young horses and problem solving. Foundation in dressage, western pleasure, and hunt seat. Quality horses for sale and lease. Personal lesson programs for all ages. Therapeutic riding and horsemanship clinics.

HORSEPLAY STABLES which is a historic site.” The city consists of cellar holes, reminders of the area’s colonial settlers. “We also ride into Thanksgiving Ground Forest, which borders Great Brook State Farm Park on the north,” she says. Happy trails!

Terri & Joe Hoy owners

182 Cherry St., Middleboro . 774-406-7248 . horseplaystables.com

Stacey Stearns, a lifelong equestrian from Connecticut, enjoys trail riding and endurance with her Morgan horses.

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

Trailers 2016

Specializing in starting young horses correctly. 100% customer satisfaction using the round pen and natural horsemanship techniques. Over ten years experience starting horses as well as fixing existing problems. Your horse will go under saddle smoothly at all gaits. Guaranteed to be accomplished at the end of the month (30 days) or the training is free. References available. The cost of the one-

month training is $900, including board.

It’s a Pleasure Training with Peter Whitmore (978) 652-2231 . www.itsaple asure t raining.com

Massachusetts Horse

Overherd daughter, Victoria. Fox Hollow was the UPHA Morgan Pleasure Driving Horse of the Year. CH Medomak French Invasion and owner Kristin Hilf, of Sudbury, won for Morgan Classic Pleasure

During the week of February 9, some 600 enthusiasts from across the country arrived in Boston for the Super Convention, a first-time joint event among the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA), the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA), the American Hackney Horse Society (AHHS), and the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA). At Friday’s luncheon, trainer and U.S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee D. Wayne Lucas gave the keynote address and held the audience spellbound with his stories and explanations of some of his training practices. Broadway star and Tony Award–winner Beth Leavel opened Saturday night’s banquet with songs from many of her Broadway performances. The Bay State was well represented for prestigious awards: Rodney Hicks, of Rodney Hicks Stable in Pittsfield, was the UPHA Chapter 14 Horse Person of the Year and his son, Danny, was the AHHS Junior Exhibitor of the Year. One of Rodney’s clients, Maureen Quackenbush, received the AHHS Anna Lee Spires Judd Amateur Exhibitor Award. KGA Morgan owner Maggie Hood and trainer Nikki Rae Woodworth, of Mendon, came up on stage several times to receive awards. As Predicted, owned by Deborah Hamilton, was the UPHA Horse of the Year, UPHA Morgan Park Saddle Horse of the Year, and UPHA Morgan Overall Park Horse. Nikki also trained Fox Hollow Talk About Me for owner Cheryl Ricci and her 26

April/May 2016

Adult Alliance (YAA), Steven is one of the most active members of the Leadership Council. Chair of both the Marketing and the Education and Video Committees, he has worked on interviews with notable

Shiflet

Bay State Hosts the Super Convention

News in Our Community

Carol Fletcher presents the Cecil J. Brown Memorial Sportsmanship Award to Jerome Parker. He was accompanied by this mother, Joann Parker.

Driving Horse of the Year. Jerome Parker, of Southwick, received the Cecil J. Brown Memorial Sportsmanship Award, which goes to a person who puts aside his or her own needs and comes to help others. Jerome is the essence of a sportsman. He’s a breath of fresh air and a sight for sore eyes if you’re in trouble in the show ring. He’s one of the first to offer help whenever a competitor needs it. As a ringmaster, he treats others with respect, cheers for good performances, offers kind words to academy riders, and gives a sense of security to his fellow officials. Jerome values winners and eighth-place finishers equally, and affords them the same respect and gratitude. He’s the consummate sportsman and supporter to everyone, in and out of the ring. Steven Handy, of Marlborough, was named AMHA Young Person. A cochair of the AMHA Young

Morgan breeders, trainers, and exhibitors, which has resulted in popular YouTube videos that educate the Morgan community and promote the breed across the world. He’s always willing to promote and serve the Morgan community; most recently he participated in the AMHA’s strategic-planning session. A familiar face in the show ring, over the years Steven has earned many championships with his stallion, Bellerophon, and is known for helping competitors. Steven is a fine example of the impact the Morgan horse can have on a young adult. Jeff Morse, of Green Meads Farm in Richmond, received an AMHA Golden Reins Award, which honors professional trainers and instructors who’ve made their career with Morgans, have been active in the Morgan world for at least 30 years, and have spent those years instructing or training.

For more than four decades Jeff has bred, raised, trained, and shown the horses that descend from his grandparents’ Green Meads Farm. For more than 25 of these years, he’s specialized in training horses and ponies for carriage driving, raising the profile of the Morgan as an outstanding carriage horse. A well-known figure at driving events throughout the Northeast, Jeff runs an active lesson program and gives driving clinics worldwide. The award honors Jeff for his skill as a horseman, his promotion of the breed, his spirit of volunteerism, and his ongoing quest to help people and their equine partners reach their full potential. In addition to meetings, seminars, and award banquets, convention-goers enjoyed a night out at a Boston Celtics game; a welcome reception at Legal Seafoods, sponsored by Helen Rich; parties; youth activities; and a silent and live auction that brought in more than $70,000. Dedicated staff and volunteers helped to make this one-of-a-kind Super Convention a great success.

n Suzy Lucine

New Summer Kickoff Open Show There’s some very exciting news concerning the horseshow scene: A fabulous event has been created from the partnership of two clubs. The Twin State Saddlebred Association and the Vermont Morgan Horse Association are combining to introduce the Summer Kickoff Open Horse Show, to be held June 16 to 18 at Northampton’s Three-County Fairgrounds. This site has been the longtime home of the New England Morgan Horse Show and is a first-class facil-

ity. The famous outdoor ring, with its immense proportions and box seating, is ideal for large, competitive classes. There is an indoor ring and a covered warm-up ring in case of inclement weather. The stabling is also topnotch. Northampton is home to many fine restaurants and the area is quite picturesque. Judges will be Chad Cole, Missy Hanover, and John Greenall, for a full slate of classes: for Saddlebreds, Morgans, Hackneys, Road Horses, and Open and Equitation riders. A lot of interesting activities and parties are in the works, all to make the Summer Kickoff become a must-attend event. Mark your calendar now for what promises to be the show of the future! For more information, contact Hayes Sogoloff, at vtspringclassic@aol.com, or John Lampropoulos, at sheri2517@hotmail.com.

n Suzy Lucine

Camp Marshall Launches Therapeutic-Riding Program Camp Marshall, in Spencer, is excited to offer equinefacilitated therapy in a fun and supportive environment. We provide high-quality therapeutic horseback riding to achieve occupational, physical, speech, and cognitive gains for children with physical, emotional, and social needs. Certified instructors

conduct the classes, assisted by volunteers and physical therapists when appropriate. As always, safety is our highest priority. A half hour private lesson is $30; a one-hour private lesson is $45. The campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of programs and development, Ashley Dufrane, will head this special program. Ashley, who has been involved with horses and therapeutic riding for ten years, is a PATHcertified instructor, Massachusetts riding instructor, and certified Special Olympic coach and is completing her degree in animal science at Becker College. For more information and to register, visit camp marshall.net.

n Rebekah Nydam

UPHA Chapter 14 Scholarships Chapter 14 of the United Professional Horsemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association (UPHA) annually offers educational scholarships, open to applicants who are high school seniors or college freshmen. Applicants must be UPHA Chapter 14 junior or associate members or a child of an active UPHA Chapter 14 member. UPHA Chapter 14 incorporates all of New England and New York. Applications are due by April 16. For details, contact Barbara Irvine, at irvine44@aol.com.

n Suzy Lucine

NEHC/MHC-rated Shows June 12 . July 17 . August 7

Stargazer Hill Farm 16 Rhodes st., Plainville, MA (401) 595-9892 . stargazerhillfarm.com Massachusetts Horse

Legacy Stables Relocates HORSES

SMALL ANIMALS

EXOTICS

ACUPUNCTURE . CHIROPRACTIC . HOMEOPATHY . PHYSICAL THERAPY

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

FAMILY VETERINARY CENTER BUD ALLEN,

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

ROBIN KARLIN ALLEN, D.V.M.

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

Everyday low prices on new & used trailers!

A few months ago, Mike and Elizabeth Murphy relocated their full-service training and lesson program at Legacy Stables in Mendon to Elizabeth’s grandparents’ farm in Carver. Once known as Char-Mar Arabians, Legacy Stables is situated on 16 acres. It has 34 stalls and plans to add ten more soon. There’s an indoor arena, a 100' x 230' outdoor ring, and large pastures. There’s also a viewing deck for clients, family, and friends and a heated lounge with a full kitchen. Elizabeth and Mike added two heated tack rooms, an office, a bathroom, a heated wash stall, and a laundry room. The couple have been training together since 2003, and have accumulated an impressive list of Morgan world, national, and regional championship titles, by themselves and for their amateur and junior riders/ drivers. Liz’s sister, Kathleen Jensen, continues to assist in the role of instructor/ trainer. There are 28 horses in training, and the team give some 40 lessons a week. In addition to training and lesson programs, the farm holds two summer camps. And you may schedule birthday parties at Legacy Stables. To see the new location and the new website to go with it, please visit legacystablehorseridinglessonscarver.com.

n Suzy Lucine

Berkshire HorseWorks Secures First Grants

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

Tack Shop & Ranch Supplies We have the products and tack you’ll need to keep your horses happy, healhty, and safe. stall mats . feed tubs . bunk feeders . round pens . wire panels . gates . square bale feeders stock tubs . swing gates . field wire . fences . stalls

Grain . Hay . Shavings Paper or plastic bags for shavings. Wood pellet bedding. Quality hay from Canada and New York first and second cut timothy to alfalfa.

Team Sorting & Penning . Amerikhanas . Barrel Racing Events all month, every month.

Chipaway Stables Dave Costa, owner/operator . 132 Quaker Lane, Acushnet . 8:30 A .M. to 5 P.M., 7 days

508-763-5158 . www.chipawaystables.com 28

April/May 2016

Berkshire HorseWorks, in Richmond, which utilizes EAGALA Model Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, has secured its first three grants since receiving its 501(C)3 designation. Hayley Sumner, founder and director, is pleased to announce grants from the Berkshire Bank Foundation, the Warner Fund in New York, and an international organization that prefers to remain anonymous. In line with the Berkshire Bank Foundation’s mission — to help create healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities in which educational and economic opportunities are available to everyone — Berkshire HorseWorks will devise an eight-week Life Skills Program for students from the Berkshire Regional and Pittsfield School Districts who have a range of physical and mental challenges and because of financial constraints would not otherwise have access to this support. The goals will be for these stu-

dents to develop emotional self-awareness; identify how problems are viewed and what strengths overcome challenges; look at differences and create tolerance in our lives; and explore perceptions and their effect on group dynamics. The Warner Fund supports programs that in innovative ways benefit children with disabilities and children in foster care. Executive Director Michael D. Stalonas and the board of directors of the Warner Fund provide grants for hands-on service programs, advocacy, and research that help children to achieve their full potential. The fund’s commitment will facilitate many programs, such as Bully Intervention/Prevention, Girls Rule!, Sister Sense, and Team Effectiveness. To learn more about the programs, visit berkshire horseworks.com.

Blue Rider Stables Celebrates 25 Years Blue Rider Stables, in South Egremont, is celebrating 25 years of riding and would like friends and supporters to help recognize this milestone. Blue Rider was established in 1991 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive opportunities through riding, and has remained true to that mission. Among its programs are therapeutic riding, basic safe riding, riding without fear, and horse management, as well as summer events. Staff support the progress of each individual student, always mindful of the safety-first principle for both horse and rider. Blue Rider is requesting help to collect the narratives that make up the history of the organization. A form available at bluerider.org gives you — a rider, friend, supporter, or volunteer — the chance to talk about the

nurse-mare foals. Tater is a nurse-mare foal whose mother was taken from him to nurse another, “more valuable” foal. After hearing Tater’s story, Jess saw potential but also something else. Her first horse, Indy, who had been her best friend for 11 years,

not to have to fix holes in training or to undo bad habits. “I’ve also been told that when you have a horse from a baby, the connection you develop with it is really strong,” she says. Tater loves the company of both other horses and people. “He’s also extremely calm and quiet, never spooky,” Jess says. “He’s every horse owner’s dream. After Indy, I was so depressed and lost but now Tater fills my heart with love and joy. I feel like we saved each other.”

n Holly Jacobson

Horse Owner Education Series

Ellen Zaniewski

n Alessandra Mele

impact Blue Rider Stables has had on your life: how the program helped you or a loved one, or an anecdote about one of the equines, or a story from camp, or any special connection you’d like to write about. Blue Rider plans to post the photos and stories on Facebook, on its

Tater and Jess Zaniewski.

website, and on exhibit at its 25th-anniversary event, on September 17.

n Alessandra Mele

Tater Finds His Person “I wasn’t even looking for a horse,” says Jess Zaniewski, who lives in Boxford. “My trainer, Stevie Kehm, tagged me on Tater’s ad on Facebook.” The next day she went to Equine Affaire with the trainer and some barn friends. “Sitting in a Friendly’s having dinner,” she says, “we looked at the ad again and the town happened to be on the way home.” On a whim, she messaged the owner and that’s how she met a colt with a vivid jagged blaze. Tater came from Lilly Pond Foal Rescue at just a few weeks old. Located in Maryland, the rescue specializes in caring for orphaned

unexpectedly passed away last summer. “He was my fourteenth-birthday present,” she says. “We grew up together. Indy had done so much for me and I wasn’t there when he needed me most.” It was a devastating loss. “I honestly thought I’d never own another horse,” she says. “I kept riding but I felt disconnected.” However, Tater’s story struck a chord. “I felt like I could relate to him,” she says. “We both had something precious taken from us.” At eight months old, Tater arrived on the day after Thanksgiving. “Tater is the polar opposite of Indy in every way possible,” Jess says. “He’s filling a void but also taking a place in my life that’s entirely his own.” Jess says she looks forward to having a blank slate,

The South Shore Equine Clinic & Diagnostic Center, in Plympton, held its Horse Owner Education Series every other Monday evening in January–March. The talks were titled Hoof Lameness: Advances in Diagnostics and Therapies; Oh My Aching Back! How to Manage Back Pain; Nutrition: Is My FAT Horse Eating Enough?; Colic in Your Horse; Acupuncture and Chiropractic as Therapeutic Options; and The Lameness Exam and Current Treatment Options. Attendees enjoyed light refreshments, and there were even door prizes. To learn more about the SSEC and its upcoming events, visit ssequineclinic.com.

Overherdisms • “The first ride after winter is the most exciting ride of the year.” • “I like to ride him, I just don’t want to canter him.” • “A bad day at a show still beats a good day at work.” • “He may be push button but I can’t find the buttons.”

Massachusetts Horse

Partners The Bay State Trail Riders kicked off the year on February 7 with the Annual General Meeting and Awards Banquet at Alicante’s in Uxbridge. The food and the view were fabulous! Leah Kennedy and Ann Sellew took high-point honors in the adult and senior divisions, respectively, and Bill Knott was most active senior. Junior division honors went to Tristen Weeks. A highlight was the touching presentation of the Lea MacInnis Memorial Award, by Lea’s sister, Ann Lambertus, to Gloria Duhaime. Visit our Facebook page for a complete list of winners. BSTRA has a full calendar in store. The Spring Pace, in Douglas, on May 1, is open to both members and nonmembers. The event, sponsored by the Mane Place in Uxbridge, promises to be a great start to the season. A raffle will follow lunch. Also in May: the Scavenger Hunt takes place on the 22nd at Upton State Forest and the Lea MacInnis Versatility and Pleasure Ride is a week later, on May 29, at Camp Marshall in Spencer. To learn more and to register for the rides, visit bstra.org. June 12 is our National Trails Day Ride. We take off from the Greenbriar Recreation Area, which is at Hodges Village in Oxford. The day’s events, sponsored by Paresky Flitt & Company, will incorporate excellent trails, tasty food, raffles, and prizes, among them gift bags for the first registered riders. There’ll also be a special drawing for a beautiful Betsey MacDonald painting. Last year the event raised more than $15,000, which went to the matching 30

April/May 2016

grant for the 2015 trail project on the SNETT and in Douglas State Forest. This year’s goals are to increase participation to more than 100 riders and to improve the number of sponsored participants. It’s a fun and easy way to contribute to our

Yarmouth. To learn more, visit ccequineassoc.com and follow us in Facebook 7 Kristen Whitney

Hampshire County Riding Club Last year we transformed a section of our trails into an

courtesy of Heidi Potter

Bay State Trail Riders Association

The Hampshire County Riding Club is hosting a Heidi Potter Obstacle-Training Clinic on June 25 at the club grounds, in Goshen. All levels of riders, disciplines, and breeds are welcome. To learn more, visit heidipotter.com.

trail network, so we hope you’ll come out and show your support. 7 Annamaria Paul

Cape Community Equestrian Association The CCEA, a new organization born out of the oldest riding club on the Cape, promotes everything equine and family farming. Our mission is to foster cooperation and sportsmanship and we do that with competitions, shows, parades, trail rides, and recreational activities. Annually the club awards scholarships to three young people to help them continue their education after high school. We offer a mixed-discipline, judged show series; a hunter/jumper series; and a series of gymkhanas. We’d like to expand to incorporate other disciplines and clinics. Meetings take place on the first Thursday of every month at our show grounds, at 9 Rough Riders Path, South

obstacle course with more than 20 challenges, and the inaugural Woodland Trail Obstacle Challenge was a success. This year, in addition to a competition on Saturday, June 25, we’ll be hosting a Heidi Potter Obstacle-Training Clinic two weeks before, on June 11. Heidi will be presenting Improving Communication and Confidence, a clinic designed for all levels and disciplines. There will be separate instruction for beginners and for those who have more obstacle experience. To learn more about Heidi and the clinic, visit heidipotter.com or contact Lise Krieger, at (203) 685-2308 or lisekrieger@comcast.net. We’ll also be utilizing the trails for our Halloween Scavenger Hunt, to take place on October 22. For our July 20 meeting, join us for the Connect with Your Horse through Softening and Balancing Exercises Clinic, at Carrier’s

Farm in Southampton. Help your horse learn to be present and attentive by teaching him how to be soft and balanced. In this free, hourlong clinic, instructor and trainer Rachel Hackett will demonstrate how to evaluate your horse’s movement, release tension, and soften resistance both on the ground and under saddle. Monthly trail rides and camping weekends for members and guests round out the schedule. HCRC kicks off the season with the annual Pancake Breakfast Ride, on Sunday, April 10, from the dirt roads of Worthington to the Red Bucket Sugar Shack. On May 14, we’ll be riding from a member’s property in Conway into the Conway State Forest. Other rides will take us to Blandford, Windsor State Forest, the Northampton Meadows, and the Northfield Mountain Recreation Area. There are also two camping weekends scheduled, at the Wagon Wheel Campground, in Warwick, and at Felton Field, in Barre. To learn more, visit hampshirecountyridingclub.org and find us on Facebook. 7 Diane Merritt

Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association The Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show will take place August 17–20 at West Springfield’s Eastern States Exposition. This year’s theme is “Throwback”: members of the show committee will vote on their favorite concept from the past, and that will be reflected in the center ring. Judges will dress in costumes befitting the theme, and trainers, owners, and exhibitors will decorate their stalls and the box-seat area according to their favorites. New to the class schedule is Adult Equitation.

duce us to trick training. After lunch, Pete will set up a versatility clinic. Come for the day! Then, on June 25, nationally recognized horse woman Cathy Drumm will

Take note: The Youth of the Year contest will take place a day earlier, on August 16. Entry deadline is August 8. For more information, contact Carolyn Ritter, at cmritter641@yahoo.com or (413) 320-3176. For updates, visit massmorgan.com. If you have questions, contact Show Manager Molly O’Brien, at mhobrien2@comcast.net. 7 Suzy Lucine

members, but more are always welcome. In addition to full membership benefits, youth members get discounts on most NEECA clinics and events and a T-shirt. The New England

Spring is in the air and the NEECA is ready with a full calendar of events. The popular NEECA gymkhanas begin in April. So far we have five on the schedule, but keep checking our newly revised website (neeca.org) because we’re considering some additions. For just one example of what else is in store: On the morning of May 28, Phil and Pete Whitmore will intro-

Frank Whitney

New England Equestrian Center of Athol

NEECA 2015 gymkhana compeititor.

lead a Western/English Dressage Clinic. Another highlight promises to be an overnight campout, on September 17 and 18. We’re happy to say that we have 36 NEECA youth

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

Equestrian Center of Athol, a municipal horse park with easy access from Route 2, sponsors a variety of equestrian events for horse people of all disciplines and abilities and leases the multi-ring,

230-acre property to other equestrian organizations. To learn more, visit neeca.org and our Facebook page. 7 Laurie Neely

Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association We closed out 2015 with some outstanding accomplishments. In October we sent a strong NYATT team to the All American Quarter Horse Congress, along with our queen, Jocelyn Tanner, and her royal court. Amazing horses and riders attended the World, Select World, and Youth World Shows. We’ve had horses earning their superiors in various disciplines, and multiple honor roll too, among them a top five in the nation Open Halter Geldings with Broker Special, owned by Charlie Cerrone, of Worcester. We celebrated the season with a wonderful banquet at the charming Old Mill Restaurant, which is in

Crowley’s Commission sales Super Saturday Horse & Tack Auction April 16 | Tack at 10 a.m., Horses to Follow English & Western Pleasure Horses Super Cow & Reining Horses 40+ Camp & Trail Horses

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

Terri Ray (781) 837-6550 donrayinsurance.com

Consignments of tack and horses welcome. Visit www.crowleyshorses.com for more details. Early consignments get the best number. Greene County Horseshoe Supply coming with loads of tack! Don’t miss out on our incredible horses at great prices!

Come buy the best, from the best!

Auction Catalog at CrowleysHorses.com PRIVATE HORSE SALES | TRAIL & PONY RIDES RIDING LESSONS | CUTTING & SORTING CLINICS

Crowley’s Commission sales 32 Shoemaker Lane Agawam, MA 01001 (413) 786-1744 www.crowleyshorses.com

Insure your equine partner with a leading equine agent! Massachusetts Horse

We finish our season at the Region Six Super 6 Series and Novice Regional Championship Show, July 11–17, in West Springfield. To find out more, visit

Myopia Hunt summer hound exercises.

massqha.com and our Facebook page. 7 Lori Mahassel

Myopia Hunt Club The first time I came across Myopia Hunt, in Bradley Palmer State Park, I was curi-

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

Seminar & Demonstration

Free Demonstration with Your Horse

April 30 . 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 26 . 1 to 5 p.m.

Fun Day & Open Barn

Ground Driving Workshop

May 22 . 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adult Monthly Classes

July 10 . 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May – October . 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Obstacle Course Challenge

Child/Adult Weekly Classes

September 3 . 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 6 – Aug. 10 & July 7 – Aug. 11

Powerful Private Sessions!

Call R.J. or Paula for more information: (413) 634-8800 or (413) 335-7151 peacehavenhorsemindship@hotmail.com www.peacehavenfarm.com 32

April/May 2016

ous about what the group was doing. I had never heard hounds in full cry, nor seen them racing across a field with groups of formally attired riders chasing them.

Kim Cutler

Westminster. Numerous yearend and high-point awards were handed out to our amateur, open, and youth riders. MQHA also awarded scholarships to three of our active youth participants. Congratulations to one and all. We welcome you to help us kick off our 2016 show series. First up is the April 15–17 Novice and Open Show at the beautiful Three County Fairgrounds, in Northampton. This show will have AQHA Walk/Trot classes for ages 18 and under and 19 and over. Next up is May 19–22 at the Eastern States Exposition, which is in West Springfield. This is a great opportunity to ride in an enclosed coliseum. We’ll be offering free Aged Mares and Aged Geldings classes. We’re also pointing the New Hampshire Quarter Horse Show, June 10–12 in Deerfield, New Hampshire.

It looked like great fun, so I asked my trainer about what I was watching. “That’s the Myopia Hunt,” he told me, “and they’re foxhunting but they don’t hunt foxes.” Weird, I thought. “What do they hunt? Do they have guns?” “No guns,” he said. “It’s a drag hunt and the hounds try to find a scent laid down by one of the staff.” Oh, now I was really interested. I like riding through the woods, seeing new places, and hearing new sounds; nothing would be harmed and I’d appreciate the tradition. “Let’s do it!” I said. Myopia Hunt is open to the public and welcomes experienced riders with an appropriate horse to join in at any time. Even if you don’t have a horse, there are all sorts of opportunities to participate, by volunteering. We need people to help check in riders, at the beginning of hunts and at our special events (like our hunter paces and hunter trials). We need fence judges for the hunter trials; people to assist with road crossings and to help clear trails and mend fences; and administrative help. Interested? One way to ease into foxhunting is to

ride in one of our hunter paces, on May 15 and November 6. In a hunter pace, small groups of riders follow a route that mimics a foxhunt. The goal is to ride at a pace that most closely approximates the pace of an actual hunt, and there are divisions for all levels of riders, including jumping and non-jumping. If you’re concerned about taking a green horse to an event, consider having an experienced foxhunter take them out for their first few hunts. We have a list of local professionals on our website, and any of them can help give your horse confidence in a new sport. Another option is to come along on our summer hound exercises, which are free and a great low-key way to introduce green horses to the hustle and bustle of hounds running to and fro, as well as riding in a larger group. We head out Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m. for approximately 90 minutes. For more information, visit myopiahunt.org. For specific questions, contact Pam Mehlman, Myopia Hunt secretary, at (978) 337-3832 or pam@myopiahunt.org. Please join us in our mission to preserve the future through the traditions of the past. 7 Lisa Wohlleib

Old North Bridge Hounds Fun times were had by all on February 7 at the Sidesaddle: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Sidesaddle and More Clinic with American Sidesaddle Association Director at Large Rhonda Watts Hettinger. Master and Huntsman Ginny Zukatynski hosted the clinic, part of a series, at Fox Brook Farm in Berlin. The morning began with a talk on sidesaddle history, types and fitting, attire, and etiquette. A dozen sidesaddles, many antiques, were on display, along with some unique

What’s next? ONBH has two hunter paces scheduled: the first on June 26 at Great Brook Farm State Park, in Carlisle, and the second on

foxhunting in New England. The organization, in conjunction with its predecessor hunt, Millwood, will celebrate 150 years of hunting

Susan Goldfischer

habits. Rhonda, the five-time national sidesaddle champion, followed the presentation with a demo ride during which she wore formal sidesaddle attire. The rest of the day was full of firsts. The youngest rider was nine years old, and she fulfilled a dream when she rode sidesaddle on her pony, Brandy. Torrey, a regal 26-year-young Morgan, gave several of the riders their first aside experience. Although many of the adventurous souls who rode in the clinic expressed some trepidation, they all adapted amazingly quickly. Each rode at the walk and the trot — sitting and posting — and most even cantered. Rhonda gave support and encouragement throughout the day, and the pleasure she provided was visible on the faces of participants. It was such an excellent day that we’re holding another sidesaddle clinic on April 10 at Fox Brook Farm in Berlin.

The February 7 ONBH Sidesaddle Clinic with Rhonda Watts Hettinger was so successful that another is planned, for April 10.

October 2 at Lincoln’s Red Rail Farm. Other paces will be added to the series. We’re hosting the New England Hunts Championship Hunter Trials, with open divisions, on October 30. This year marks two milestones for ONBH and

with a special event at Callahan State Park, located in Framingham. There’s also a special hunt in honor of the 300th anniversary of the Wayside Inn. Our spring cubbing hunt season, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, begins in mid-

April and runs through the end of May. After summer-solstice group trail rides through our territories, the formal hunting season resumes in early September. To learn more about the hunter paces and to see our complete Spring Fixture Card, visit oldnorthbridgehounds.org. If you’d like to ride with us as a guest, please contact Master and Huntsman Ginny Zukatynski, at (508) 751-3315, in advance of the scheduled hunt. And if you want to take part by assisting from the ground or would like to see what we’re all about, you’re welcome to join us. Come on out! 7 Susan Goldfischer

Merrimack Valley Dressage Shows June 12 . August 21 . September 25 Intro to 4th and above; fabulous footing and judges. High-score awards; discount for Pony Club.

Dressage Training & Instruction Keith Angstadt USEF Dressage Judge USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist ADS Driving Dressage Judge

Congratulations to Kaylee Angstadt, 1 & 2 Star FEI Advanced Combined Driving Champion.

Congratulations to High Score Regional and National Adult Amateur Champion Kerry Lesiczka riding Firenze.

Lynda Angstadt USDF L Graduate USDF Bronze Medalist USPC DC/JPC

318 Boxford Rd., Haverhill, MA (978) 374-0008 kdangst@comcast.net or leangst@comcast.net

• Full Care Facility • Individualized Programs • Excellent Footing Indoor & Outdoor Arenas • Ample Turnout • Reasonable Rates • Truck-ins Always Welcome • PVC Paddocks • Onsite Competitions, Clinics & More Excellent Location – minutes from Routes 495, 95, and 93 Massachusetts Horse

events Massachusetts

April 2 JUMPER SHOW SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP, Stoneleigh-Burnham, Greenfield. sbschool.edu. 2 BRDC LINDA EIBEN, DVM, SHOT CLINIC, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com. 2 IHSA HUNT SEAT REGIONALS, Biscuit Hill Farm, Shelburne. ihsainc.com. 2 PONY EXPRESS TACK SALE, Dudley-Gendron Post, Sutton. the1ponyexpress@gmail.com. 2 WOOLEY HORSE SHOW, Crimson Acres, Orange. crimsonacres.org. 2 CNEER BENEFIT MINIATURE HORSE SHOW, Stoney Hill Farm, Barre. cneer.com. 3 MHC SHOW, River Wind Farm, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com. 3 CUMMINGTON MUSTANGS 4-H CLUB PAINT A HAFLINGER AND SIP, Cummington Community House. berkshirepaintandsip.com.

15 – 17 MQHA NOVICE AND OPEN SHOW, Northampton. massqha.com. 16 MHC-, NEHC-RATED HUNTER SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com. 16 HORSE AND TACK AUCTION, Crowleys Sales Barn, Agawam. crowleyshorses.com.

23 CCDS SPRING SEMINAR, Orleton Farm, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

17 TWO-PHASE, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

23 HRC PARADE/VERSATILITY CLINIC, East Bridgewater. hansonridingclub.org.

17 VERSATILITY CHALLENGE, Spring Willow Farm, Mendon. springwillowhorsefarm.com.

23 MHC SHOW, Cornerstone Farm, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

17 SPRING FUN SHOW AND OPEN HOUSE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

23 CATHY DRUMM CLINIC, Whip-o-Will Stables, Dudley. cathydrumm.com.

17 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Biscuit Hill Farm, Shelburne. wnepha.com.

23 BEO SPRING FLING AND MURDER MYSTERY DINNER, Villa Rose Restaurant, Ludlow. belchertownequineorg.com.

17 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

9 IHSA HUNT SEAT ZONE 1 FINALS, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. mtholyoke.edu.

17 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst. wnepha.com.

9 FIELDSTONE APRIL (A), Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

17 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

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

17 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Victory Stables, Stoughton. victorystablesinc.com.

9 RACHEL HACKETT LEARNING CIRCLE, Upper Main Farm, Hatfield. horseswithrachel.com.

17 MHC SHOW, River Wind Farm, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

9 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW SERIES AWARDS BANQUET, Dockside Restaurant, South Hadley. kellimarie43@yahoo.com.

17 HUNTER/EQUITATION SHOW, Evenstride Ltd., Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

9 – 10 MICHAEL PAGE JUMPING CLINIC, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

17 GRHC BROWN-BAG OBSTACLE COURSE AND RIDE, Wilbraham. granbyregionalhorse.org.

23 TWO-PHASE, Orchard Hill Equestrian Center, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com. 23 – 24 CENTRAL MASS. HORSE SHOW SERIES, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.net. 23 – 24 BSTRA PARK SERVE DAY, SNETT, Uxbridge. bstra.org. 23 – 24 SMARTPAK SPRING SALE, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. smartpak.com/RetailsStore. 23 – 24 AXEL STEINER DRESSAGE CLINIC, Aspire Farm, Walpole. aspirefarm.com. 24 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.ncom. 24 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org.

10 HRC TACK SALE, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

17 GOLD COOLER JUMPER SERIES FINALE, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. goldcooler.net.

24 USEF REGIONAL II RATED, NEHC, MHC, SEHA, MHJ SHOW, Herring Brook Farm, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

10 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. wnepha.com.

17 – 20 JH EVENTING BOOT CAMP, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

24 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

10 HCRC RED BUCKET PANCAKE RIDE, Westhampton. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

19 HEALING POWER OF PETS: FACT, FICTION, OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN? Varis Lecture Hall, Tufts Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton. capp@tufts.edu.

24 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. wnepha.com.

20 – 23 UPHA SPRING PREMIERE SHOW, West Springfield. uphaonline.com.

24 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Evenstride Ltd., Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

21 JH EVENTING TWO-PHASE, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

30 HORSEMINDSHIP SEMINAR/DEMONSTRATION, Plainfield. peacehavenfarm.com.

22 – 23 SHOW PREP CLINIC, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

30 MYOPIA HUNT SPRING ROADING BEGINS, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

10 ONBH SIDESADDLE CLINIC, Fox Brook Farm, Berlin. oldnorthbridgehounds.org. 10 COW SORTING, Sandy Hollow Stable, Rehoboth. (508) 889-1375. 10 MICHAEL PAGE JUMPING CLINIC, Dracut. cutterfarm.com. 10 HAE USED TACK SALE, 37 Nashua Road, Pepperell. 16 – May 31 ONBH FOXHUNTING, Tuesdays and Saturdays. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

15 – 17 NORTHEAST REINING SHOW, West Springfield. nerha.com.

April/May 2016

23 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

24 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

30 ECTA EQUINE EXPO AND PARAPHERNALIA SALE, Topsfield. (978) 768-6275.

Barre Riding and Driving Club Barre Horse Show Series June 26 • BRDC Scholarship Show July 17 • N.E. Equestrian Center of Athol Show August 7 • Central New England Equine Rescue Show August 21 • Apple Valley Pony Club Show September 18 • BRDC Show Contact: Jill Poulin, show secretary, barnesj4@yahoo.com. Visit barreridingdrivingclub.com for more information!

May 14 • BRDC Gymkhana Contact: Lauren Johnson, laurenaj379@gmail.com.

May 15 • Rachel Hackett Clinic Creating Partnership Through Better Balance Contact Lynn Goodnow (978) 544-3773 or lgoodnow@yahoo.com: Jane Lynds lyndsrjsb@aol.com

Trail Rides May 7 • Spring Trail Ride 13 and 20 mile rides. Felton Field, Barre

October 8 and 9 • Annual Fall Trail Ride 13, 15, and 20 mile rides. Felton Field, Barre Great trails, NEHT affiliated, home cooked meals, camping available, entertainment, abundant parking, water, public rest rooms. Contact: Margo Petracone (978) 621-9812 • westwindfm@aol.com

BRDC Equi-ships BRDC Equi-ships are offered to horse enthusiasts of all ages who wish to advance their experience with horses. BRDC is offering three $200 Equi-ships in 2016 to applicants who wish to attend camps, clinics, therapeutic riding programs, or any other approved equine education program. You do not need to own a horse. Applications are at barreridingdrivingclub.com and are due by June 1, 2016. For more info, contact Denise Kellicker at maeimage@gmail.com or (508) 277-5671.

Information about more fun and informative events at:

barreridingdrivingclub.com Massachusetts Horse

30 SEHA SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. southeasthunter.com.

1 NEMHS TRAINING CLINIC, Eight Fences Farm, Mansfield. nemhs.org.

8 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

30 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW SERIES, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

1 MHC SHOW, Castle Neck Farm, Essex. facebook.com/castleneckfarm.

8 DRILL TEAM COMPETITION, Crimson Acres, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

30 CATHY DRUMM WESTERN DRESSAGE CLINIC, Hatfield. cathydrumm.com.

1 RACHEL HACKETT CLINIC, Full of Grace Farm, Hadley. horseswithrachel.com.

8 DRESSAGE and TWO-PHASE, Weston. westonshows.com.

30 SPRING TRAIL RIDE, Glencroft Farm, Southampton. glencroftfarm.com.

1 BSTRA HUNTER PACE, Douglas. bstra.org.

8 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst. wnepha.com.

30 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, StoneleighBurnham School, Greenfield. wnepha.com.

1 SPRING CLINIC AND TACK SALE, UMass Horse Arena, Hadley. facebook.com/pioneervalley4hhorsefever.

8 USEF GRAZING FIELDS FARM SHOW II, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

30 CCDA EQUESTRIAN FASHION SHOW AND FAIR, West Barnstable. capecoddressage.org.

5 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

8 BLACK DIAMOND JUBILEE OPEN SHOW, Granby. friesianevents.com.

30 – May 1 DANIEL STEWART CLINIC, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com.

7 BRDC SPRING TRAIL RIDE, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

8 MHC SHOW, Back Bay Farm, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

30 – May 1 GREG BEST CLINIC, Midnight Moon Stables, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com.

7 CATHY DRUMM WESTERN DRESSAGE CLINIC, Mendon. springwillowhorsefarm.com.

8 SSHC SHOW, Rozena’s Field. Raynham. sshconline.com.

May

7 DOUG LEASOR BARREL RACING AND POLE BENDING CLINIC, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

8 NEDA SCHOOLING SHOW, Strongwater Park, Tewksbury. neda.org.

1 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Bellwether Stables, Hancock. wnepha.com. 1 USEF GRAZING FIELDS FARM SHOW I, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com. 1 HDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. heritage-dressage.org. 1 CCEA GYMKHANA, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

7 HUNTER/PLEASURE SHOW, Weston. westonshows.com.

8 RRDC PLEASURE SHOW, Rowley. rowleyridinganddrivingclub.webs.com.

7 DRESSAGE RIDE REVIEW RIDE WITH MELANIE CERNEY, Nevins Farm, Methuen. nhdea.org.

11 WESTERN DRESSAGE LESSON SERIES, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com.

7 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

13 – 15 KATHLEEN LINDLEY CLINIC, Roaring Brook Farm, Conway. leigh.apanell@gmail.com.

7 – 8 USEA HORSE TRIALS, King Oak Farm, Southampton. kingoakfarm.com.

13 – 15 HVAHA ANNUAL SHOW, West Springfield. hvaha-show.org.

25 Forest Lane, Millis, MA ~ (508) 376-2564 Miguel Anacoreta Soares Classical Dressage Clinic May 21 - 23 Rider slots available. Auditors $25 per day with lunch.

Hunter Paces Poker Run - June 12 Halloween - October 23

Summer Jumper Shows

JH Eventing Boot Camp

CRDA Dressage Shows

June 15 . June 22 . June 29 July 13 . July 20 . July 27 Aug. 3 . Aug. 10 . Aug. 17 Aug. 24 . Aug. 31 . Sept. 7

April 17 - 20

May 8 . June 5 August 14 . October 2

Schooling Horse Trials Championships

Prize lists and entry forms at:

August 28

JH Eventing Two Phase April 21

CRDA Adult Camp

N.E. Miniature Horse Society Shows

April 30 - May 1

June 26 . August 21

Check the website often as new events are added!

appleknoll.com. Check the website often as new events are added!

The facilities at Apple Knoll Farm are available for rental for horse shows, clinics, and other equine activities. Our cross-country course is open for schooling by appointment, weather permitting. 36

April/May 2016

Massachusetts Horse

13 – 15 NEECA SUSAN HARRIS CLINIC, Windswept Farm, Petersham. neeca.org.

15 HRC OPEN SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

19 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

13 – 15 ADULT DRESSAGE CAMP, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.ncom.

15 HUNTER PACE AND PLEASURE RIDE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

19 CCDA CONSTANCE CLARE-NEWMAN CLINIC, Yarmouth. capecoddressage.org.

14 OPEN SHOW, Crimson Acres, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

15 MYOPIA SPRING HUNTER PACE, Myopia Schooling Field, Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

19 – 22 MQHA ANNUAL SPRING SHOW, West Springfield. massqha.com.

14 STEPHIE BAER CLINIC, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

15 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Victory Stables, Stoughton. victorystablesinc.com.

20 GAMES NIGHT, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

14 HUNTER SHOW, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

15 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

14 MEET THE HORSE IN THE NOW WORKSHOP Holyoke. mindful-connections.com. 14 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com. 14 BRDC SPRING GYMKHANA, Felton Field, Barre. barreridinganddrivingclub.com. 14 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Biscuit Hill Farm, Shelburne. wnepha.com. 14 CUMMINGTON MUSTANGS OPEN PARTNERSHIP SHOW, Goshen. Teamwork, relationship, and skill. cummingtonmustangs.webs.com.

15 MHC SHOW, River Wind Farm, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com. 15 GRHC SPRING TRAIL RIDE, Leverett. granbyregionalhorse.org. 15 TWO-PHASE, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com. 15 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

21 THREE-PHASE, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com. 21 NEECA SPRING RIDE, Lake Dennison, Winchendon, neeca.org. 21 CCDS JEFF MORSE DRIVING CLINIC, Richmond. colonialcarriage.org. 21 RACHEL HACKETT LEARNING CIRCLE, Upper Main Farm, Hatfield. horseswithrachel.com. 21 BLESSINGS FARM OPEN BARN, Charlton. blessingsfarm.org. 21 HORSE TRIALS, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

15 SPRING FLING TWO-PHASE, Ledyard Farm, Wenham. ledyardfarm.com.

21 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

14 HCRC CONWAY STATE FOREST RIDE, Conway. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

15 BRDC RACHEL HACKETT CLINIC, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

21 – 22 CENTRAL MASS. HORSE SHOW SERIES, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.net.

14 BLESSING OF THE HORSES, Veasey Memorial Park, Groveland. neernorth.org.

15 THREE-PHASE SCHOOLING SHOW, Groton. groton.ponyclub.org.

21 – 23 MIGUEL ANACORETA SOARES DRESSAGE CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com.

14 – 15 NEDA SPRING DRESSAGE SHOW, Marshfield Fairgrounds. neda.org.

18 – 22 FIELDSTONE SPRING FESTIVAL, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

22 BSTRA SCAVENGER HUNT, Upton. bstra.org.

Special Classics Equine Journal Pleasure Classic Two Town Trotters 4-H Fit & Show Classic Tough-E Nuf Stables Walk Trot Classic Holiday Acres Hunter Challenge Classic CEO Stables Equitation Classic Miles of Excavating Lead Line Suitability Classic Camp Marshall Gambler’s Choice Classic Emerald Equine Speed Round Classic

TWO HUNT RINGS, ONE OPEN RING

MHJ Medal Classes

CMHSS 2016 SHOW DATES Jumpers on Saturdays starting at 1 p.m.! All jumper shows judged by Jessie Caprioli.

DIVISIONS WITH DAY-END AWARDS 4-H Adult Walk Trot Beginner Walk Trot Beginner WTC Children’s Equitation Children’s Hunter Green Horse Hunter Green Horse Open Green Horse Open WT Lead Line Med./Long Stirrup Hunter Miniature Horse

OTTB Open Adult Open Hunter Open Junior Open X-Rails Pet Pony Children’s Stock Seat Senior Horse Short Stirrup Equitation Short Stirrup Hunter Walk Trot 11 & Under Hunter

Walk Trot 11 & Under Open Walk Trot 12 -17 Gymkhana

Saturday Jumper Divisions: 2’, 2’3”, 2’6”, 2’9”, 3’, and 3’3”

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, April 23 & 24 Judges: Richard Luckhardt & Ray Hackett

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, May 21 & 22 Judges: Lucy Tisdale & Kelli Marie Wainscott

SATURDAY & SUNDAY June 18 & 19 Judges: Mary Beth Hendrick Tocco & Sarah Bonini

Rings & Footing are New and Improved!

A great YEAR END AWARDS BANQUET with additional banquet awards, including a $100 leading trainer award.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, August 27 & 28 Judges: Kimberly Jungherr & Karol Bennett

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, October 1 & 2 Judges: Jessica Roberts & Jennifer Sullivan

For information or prize list, contact Will George at: wgeorge79@aol.com or 508-344-4424

www.cmhss.net

April/May 2016

Massachusetts Horse

22 CCEA OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

28 – 30 MARY WANLESS CLINIC, Cutler Farm, Medfield. cutlerfarmdressage.com.

22 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

29 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.ncom.

22 HORSEMINDSHIP FUN DAY AND OPEN BARN, Plainfield. peacehavenfarm.com.

29 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Overmead Farm, Lenox. wnepha.com.

22 TANHEATH HUNT SPRING HUNTER PACE, Douglas State Forest. tanheathhunt.com. 22 WMAA PETER AND PHIL WHITMORE CLINIC, Granby. westernmaapp.com. 22 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montauge. xenophonfarm@aol.com.

29 HRC TRAIL RIDE, Myles Standish State Forest, Carver. hansonridingclub.org. 29 MYOPIA POLO OPENING DAY, Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

22 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Blythewood Stables, Pittsfield. wnepha.com. 22 HUNTER SCHOOLING SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com. 23 MASSACHUSETTS RIDE FOR THE RIBBON, Barre. maridefortheribbon.dojiggy.com. 26 – 29 GREATER BOSTON CHARITY HORSE SHOW, Topsfield Fairgrounds. greaterboston charityhorseshow.com. 28 NEECA TRICK TRAINING AND VERSATILITY CLINICS, Athol. neeca.org. 28 TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Hamilton. grotonhousefarm.com. 28 – 30 BSTRA MEMORIAL DAY CAMPOUT, Carver. bstra.org.

29 BSTRA LEA MACINNIS VERSATILITY AND PLEASURE RIDE, Spencer. bstra.org.

30 STEPHIE BAER CROSS-COUNTRY CLINIC, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

June 2 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com. 2 – 5 CRAA SUMMER SPECTACULAR, Eastern State Exposition, West Springfield. orgsites.com /ct/connecticutriverarabian. 4 SEHA SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. southeasthunter.com. 4 ECTA-THALON RUN-BIKE-RIDE-KAYAK RELAY, Bradley Palmer State Park, Hamilton. ectaonline.org.

4 OPEN SHOW, Orange. crimsonacres.org. 4 HIPPITY HOP CIRCUS, Blue Rider Stables, South Egremont. bluerider.org. 4 – 5 BRDC WEEKEND CAMPOUT/TRAIL RIDES, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com. 5 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org. 5 USEF GRAZING FIELDS FARM SHOW III, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com. 5 HUNTER PACE AND PLEASURE RIDE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net. 5 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Harmony Hill Farm, Great Barrington. wnepha.com. 5 WRC RIDE, Otis State Forest, Otis. westfieldridingclub.org. 5 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Bradford. (978) 374-0008. 5 CCDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, West Barnstable. capecoddressage.org. 5 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Midnight Moon Stables, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com. 8 MYOPIA HUNT SUMMER HOUND EXERCISES, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Hamilton. myopiahunt.org. 8 FEA BLACK DIAMOND JUBILEE BENEFIT SHOW, Granby. friesianevents.com.

Open & Hunter Show June 5 • 8:30 a.m. • Four Town Fairgrounds, Somers, CT

New n! io locat

High-point Champion and Reserve in All Divisions: Junior Walk Trot, Senior Walk Trot, Hunter Type Walk Trot, Green Horse Walk Trot English, Western, Color Breed, Green Horse, Ranch Horse, Low Hunter, Baby Green Hunter, Open Hunter

New! d ee All Br es! s Class

Yankee Color Classic Now with All-breed Classes! July 23 & 24 • Eastern States Exposition, West Springﬁeld, MA High-point Champion and Reserve in All Breed Divisions: All Breed Walk Trot 12 & Under (All Seats) All Breed Youth (English & Western Classes) All Breed Adult (English & Western Classes)

Class lists, entry forms, show rules, and directions can be found at westernmaapp.com. Or, email massappy@verizon.net. 40

April/May 2016

8 – 9 LUCINDA GREEN CLINIC, Ledyard Farm, Wenham. ledyardfarm.com.

AUCTIONS & SALE HORSES

8 – 11 CONNECTICUT MORGAN OPEN SHOW, West Springfield. ctmorgans.org.

See our selection of horses and ponies for sale at farmheritage.com.

9 – 12 CCDS COMBINED TEST AND PLEASURE DRIVING SHOW, Orleton Farm, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

Next Auction: Summer Wrap-Up Auction August 28

11 HORSE TRIALS AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

Stay tuned to our website and Facebook pages for updates!

Horses and ponies coming back from summer work.

11 RACHEL HACKETT CLINIC, Upper Main Farm, Hatfield. horseswithrachel.com. 11 NEECA EQUESTRIAN SHOWCASE, Athol. neeca.org. 11 HHRC ANNUAL SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 11 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Riverbank Farm, Dalton. wnepha.com.

EVENTS

11 MHC SHOW, River Wind Farm, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

Clinics

11 HCRC HEIDI POTTER OBSTACLE CLINIC, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

April 30 - May 1 Daniel Stewart Clinic

12 ADULTS-ONLY DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.ncom. 12 POKER RUN HUNTER PACE, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com. 12 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org. 12 USEF GRAZING FIELDS FARM SHOW IV, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com. 12 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Biscuit Hill Farm, Shelburne. wnepha.com. 12 AHAM OPEN SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. massarabianhorse.org. 12 BSTRA NATIONAL TRAILS DAY RIDE, Hodges Village Dam, Oxford. bstra.org.

June 22 - 24 Jon Ensign Clinic

New England Stock Horse Shows June 26 . Sept. 11 . Nov. 6

15 JUMPER SHOW, Millis. appleknoll.com. 15 WESTERN DRESSAGE LESSON SERIES, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com. 16 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com. 17 GAMES NIGHT, Crimson Acres, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

July 17 . Oct. 2 WNEPHA Hunter Show

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

12 Merrimack Valley Dressage Show, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. (978) 374-0008.

14 – 17 SUMMER KICKOFF OPEN SHOW, Northampton. vtspringclassic@aol.com.

Hunter Shows

Open to buy, sell, or trade horses 7 days a week, by appointment. Nice Horses for Nice People. Auctions . Hunter, Stock Horse, and Dressage Shows . IEA Team

12 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

12 – 13 EQUITATION CLINIC, StoneleighBurnham, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

April 24 WNEPHA Dressage Show

June 25 Ranch Horse Clinic

12 WRC SHOW, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

12 NEHC-, MHC-RATED SHOW, Stargazer Hill Farm, Plainville. stargazerhillfarm.com.

Dressage Show

18 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com. 18 NEECA ROUND-PENNING CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org. 18 RACHEL HACKETT LEARNING CIRCLE, Upper Main Farm, Hatfield. horseswithrachel.com. 18 – 19 CENTRAL MASS. HORSE SHOW SERIES, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.net. 18 – 19 BUCK DAVIDSON CLINIC, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com. 19 HRC TRAIL RIDE, Myles Standish State Forest, Carver. hansonridingclub.org.

19 SUMMER CLASSIC AND SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Groton House Farm, Hamilton. grotonhousefarm.com. 19 MHC-, NEHC-RATED HUNTER SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com. 19 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com. 19 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW AND HORSE TRIALS, Southampton. kingoakfarm.com. 19 CCEA OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com. 19 NSHA EQUITATION/JUMPER SHOW, Byfield. northshorehorsemens.org.

Massachusetts Horse

Dressage Schooling Show Series May 22 . Karen Roberts “L” June 26 . Bill McMullin “R” July 31 . Lainey Johnson “L” September 4 . Kathi Bruce “L” October 9 . Lynda Angstadt “L” English & Western Tests

Dressage Clinics

Vern Batchelder . April (Call for date!) Bill McMullin . June 25 Sharon McCusker Bill Warren Like us on Facebook to see who’s coming!

19 GRHC OPEN SHOW, Dufresne Park, Granby. granbyregionalhorse.com.

July

19 SSHC SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. sshconline.com.

1 MHC SHOW, River Wind Farm, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

19 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

1 – 3 NORTHEAST REINING SHOW, West Springfield. nerha.com.

20 VOLO FARM OPEN BARN, Westford. volofarm.com.

1 – 4 BSTRA CAMPOUT, Douglas. bstra.org.

22 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com. 22 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 22 – 24 JON ENSIGN CLINIC, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com. 24 – 25 NORTHEAST FRIESIAN CLASSIC, Topsfield Fairgrounds. nefhc.com. 25 NEECA CATHY DRUMM DRESSAGE CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org. 25 HORSE TRIALS AND DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

elaine

Kachavos

80 sunderland rd., rte. 47 montague, mass. 413.367.9828 X enophon F arm @ aol . com 42

April/May 2016

5 NHHJA SUMMER FESTIVAL, Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax. nhhja.com. 6 SCARLET APPLE HORSE TRIALS, Scarlet Hill Farm, Groton. sppletreefarm.org. 6 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

7 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Harmony Hill Farm, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

26 HUNTER SCHOOLING SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com. 26 NEW ENGLAND STOCK HORSE SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com. 26 NEMHS SUMMER CELEBRATION SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. nemhs.org. 26 VERSATILITY CHALLENGE, Spring Willow Farm, Mendon. springwillowhorsefarm.com. 26 BRDC SCHOLARSHIP OPEN SHOW, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

janice

4 MARION HORSE SHOW, Charles E. Washburn Memorial Park, Marion. marionhorseshow.com.

25 HCRC WOODLAND OBSTACLE-COURSE CHALLENGE, Goshen, hampshirecounty ridingclub.org.

26 HDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. heritage-dressage.org.

Xenophon Farm

3 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown. wnepha.com.

7 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

25 – 26 HEATHER BLITZ CLINIC, Cutler Farm, Medfield. cutlerfarmdressage.com.

Stalls available in the 16-stall barn with attached indoor arena. Nestled at the base of Mt Toby this “Massachusetts Horse Farm of Distinction” provides outstanding care for you and your horse.

2 MHC SHOW, Century Mill Stables, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

25 THREE-PHASE, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

25 RANCH HORSE CLINIC, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com.

Stalls Available

2 OPEN SHOW, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

26 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montauge. xenophonfarm@aol.com. 26 ONBH HUNTER PACE, Great Brook State Park, Carlisle. oldnorthbridgehounds.org. 26 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 26 FREE HORSEMINDSHIP DEMO WITH YOUR HORSE, Plainfield. peacehavenfarm.com. 28 – July 2 NORTHEAST BENEFIT, Northampton. northeastbenefithorseshow.com. 29 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 29 JUMPER SHOW, Millis. appleknoll.com.

7 SEACOAST MORGAN HORSE SHOW, Topsfield Fairgrounds. nhmorgans.com. 7 – 10 NHHJA SHOW, Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com. 8 – 10 REGIONAL 4-H SHOW, Northampton. mass4h.org. 9 NEECA HORSE-CAMPING DEMONSTRATION, Athol. neeca.org. 10 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Bellwether Stables, Richmond. wnepha.com. 10 DERBY CROSS, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com. 10 CCEA OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com. 10 WNRDC PIPESTAVE HILL HORSE TRIALS, West Newbury. wnrdc.com. 10 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org. 10 WRC RIDE, Blandford Ski Area. westfieldridingclub.org. 10 HORSEMINDSHIP GROUND DRIVING WORKSHOP, Plainfield. peacehavenfarm.com. 10 WNRDC HORSE TRIALS, Pipestave Hill, West Newbury. wnrdc.com. 11 – 17 AQHA REGION 6 SUPER 6 SHOW, West Springfield. massqha.com. 13 WESTERN DRESSAGE LESSON SERIES, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com.

Susan Rainville Susan is a USDF bronze and silver medalist. She offers dressage lessons as well as lessons in groundwork to help horse and rider learn to do their jobs with confidence and relaxation. Susan’s systematic approach to training horses and riders has proved successful.

Adult Dressage Camp sponsored by May 13, 14, and 15 A fun and friendly atmosphere of learning and socializing for all levels. The weekend includes private riding lessons, ground-work sessions, and confidence-building exercises. Stabling available. Join us for the entire weekend or part of it. À la carte pricing available.

Dressage Schooling Shows April 24 | May 29 | September 11 | October 23

Adults Only Schooling Shows June 12 | July 17

Children’s Day Camps June 27 – July 1 | July 11 – 15

White Spruce Farms Where Learning to Ride is Fun!

Learn more at whitesprucefarms.com! 560 Gilbertville Road, New Braintree, Mass. | 978-257-4666 Massachusetts Horse

13 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

17 HORSE TRIALS AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

17 NEECA OPEN SHOW, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

13 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

17 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

17 MHC SHOW, Cornerstone Farm, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

17 NEHC-, MHC-RATED SHOW, Stargazer Hill Farm, Plainville. stargazerhillfarm.com.

20 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

17 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com.

20 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

13 MHC SHOW, River Wind Farm, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com. 15 GAMES NIGHT, Crimson Acres, Orange. crimsonacres.org. 16 RACHEL HACKETT LEARNING CIRCLE, Upper Main Farm, Hatfield. horseswithrachel.com. 16 MHC USEF SHOW, August Farm, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com. 17 NEDA SUMMER SHOW, Twisdenwood Farm, Greorgetown. neda.org.

17 HUNTER SCHOOLING SHOW, Reunion Farm, Plympton. southcoastseries.com. 17 HRC OPEN SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

22 – 24 WMAA YANKEE COLOR CLASSIC AND OPEN SHOW, West Springfield. westernmaapp.com.

17 ADULTS-ONLY DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.ncom.

22 – 24 HCRC CAMPOUT, Warwick. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

Hand-crafted using high-quality materials and workmanship. Careful fitting for horse and rider. Hand Built Saddles starting at $2,500 Custom quality leather goods: western saddles . purses . totes chaps . chinks . belts . halters . bridles reins . breast collars repairs . restoration dog collars & leashes Open most days, call ahead to be sure.

Blue Dog Leather

64 south shore Dr., Orange, Mass. 978.544.2681

April/May 2016

21 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

bluedogleather.com

23 DRILL TEAM COMPETITION, Crimson Acres, Orange. crimsonacres.org. 23 MHC-, NEHC-RATED HUNTER SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com. 24 USEF MEDAL DAY I, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com. 24 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 24 NSHA EQUITATION/JUMPER SHOW, Myopia Hunt Club, Hamilton. northshorehorsemens.org. 24 BSTRA PLEASURE RIDE, Domnarski Farm, Ware. bstra.org. 24 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst. wnepha.com.

New England Equestrian Center of Athol’s

Equestrian Showcase June 11 .

saturday, 9 A.M.

Versatility Challenge Limited to 25 entries. $50 entry fee. Cash prizes!

Trust & Training at Liberty Versatility step-Up Challenge

Drill Team Competition Cash prizes! All drill teams invited. All ages, disciplines, and abilities. Four rider minimum per team. Quadrilles, short Programs, Freestyles, Theme Drills.

Enter events at neeca.org.

FREE ADMIssION!

Mustang Discussions & Demonstrations Watch 2014 and 2015 trainers and Mustangs — see the progress they’ve made and what they’re doing now! Talks and Q & A’s on Mustang adoption and training.

Mustang-only Versatility Challenge

Tack & Collectible silent Auction Tack & Equipment Vendors Great Food!

MIG Equine

Vendor space openings and information on competitions and demonstrations, contact Peter at (978) 652-2231.

Upcoming Equestrian Center Events All take place at the Equestrian Center unless otherwise noted.

Gymkhana series

spring Trail Ride

Cathy Drumm Clinic

April 24 . June 12 . July 10 August 21 . september 25

May 21 at Lake Dennison

June 25 Western & English

AnnMarie Fisher at winchendon35@gmail.com

Pam DeGregorio at pamdeg2002@yahoo.com

Trick Training & Versatility Clinic

Horse show

Frank Whitney at (978) 833-2634 freeway3289@gmail.com

susan Harris Clinic May 13 to 15 Windswept Farm, Petersham Daily Groundwork sessions Balance and Body Awareness Caroline Mansfield at (978) 249-2813 brycarmansfield@aol.com

May 28

July 17 Felton Field, Barre

Cowboy Wannabe Versatility Challenge september 10 Peter Whitmore at (978) 652-2231

Campout with Horses september 17 & 18 Kathy D’Orto (978) 249-2279

Pam DeGregorio at pamdeg2002@yahoo.com

Althea Bramhall (978) 249-3188

Roundpenning Clinic

Mule & Donkey show

November 5

June 18

August 14

Pam DeGregorio at pamdeg2002@yahoo.com

Laurie Neely at li1wing@verizon.net

Athol-Orange Elks Club, Orange Kathy D’Orto (978) 249-2279

Fall social

New England Equestrian Center, 660 New sherborn Rd., Athol

Go to www.neeca.org for all the details! Massachusetts Horse

25 – 30 NEW ENGLAND MORGAN HORSE SHOW, Northampton. nemha.com. 26 – 29 USEF HEAD OF THE BAY CLASSIC I, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com. 27 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

APRIL 15 ~ 17 MassQHA Youth, Novice, and Open Show (massqha.com)

JUNE 16 ~ 18 Summer Kickoff Open Show vtspringclassic@aol.com 28 ~ 7/2 Northeast Benefit Horse Show (northeastbenefithorseshow.com)

JULY 8 ~ 10

Regional 4-H Horse Show (mass4H.org)

25 ~ 30 New England Morgan Show (nemha.com)

AUGUST 4~7

CT Summer Classic Show (ctasb.com)

11 ~ 14 Northampton Hunter/Jumper (biscuithillfarm.com)

SEPTEMBER 2~5

Three County Fair (threecountyfair.com)

17 ~ 18 Massachusetts State 4-H Show (mass4-H.org) 30 ~ 10/2 Mass. Horsemen’s Council Days of Champions (mahorsecouncil.com)

413.584.2237 THREEcountyfair.com 46

April/May 2016

3 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 3 – 7 PONY CLUB EVENTING CAMP, Stoneleigh-Burnham, Greenfield. sbschool.org. 4 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

27 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

4 – 7 CT SUMMER CLASSIC SHOW, Northampton. ctasb.com.

30 USEF HEAD OF THE BAY EQUITATION DAY, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

6 MHC-, NEHC-RATED HUNTER SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

30 – 31 USEA HORSE TRIALS, StoneleighBurnham, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

6 USEF MEDAL DAY III, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

31 CCDS FUN DAY, Oreleton Farm, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

6 – 7 BEAR SPOT DRESSAGE SHOW, Bear Spot Farm, Concord. bearspotfarm.com.

31 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montauge. xenophonfarm@aol.com.

7 NEHC-, MHC-RATED SHOW, Stargazer Hill Farm, Plainville. stargazerhillfarm.com.

31 CCEA HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

7 BSTRA PLEASURE RIDE, Northfield Mountain. bstra.org.

31 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Biscuit Hill Farm, Shelburne Falls, wnepha.com.

7 HRC OPEN SHOW, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

August

7 BRDC OPEN SHOW, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

1 – 4 USEF HEAD OF THE BAY CLASSIC II, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

7 THREE-PHASE, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

3 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

7 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Blythewood Stables, Pittsfield. wnepha.com.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY RIDING CLUB EVENTS! APRIL 10 - Worthington Red Bucket Pancake Breakfast Ride MAY 14 - Conway state Forest Ride JUNE 11 - HEIDI POTTER OBSTACLE CLINIC JUNE 25 - OBSTACLE COURSE CHALLENGE JULY 10 - Blandford Ride JULY 22 - 24 - Camping at Warwick Wagon Wheel Campground AUGUST 7 - Windsor state Forest Ride SEPTEMBER 11 - Northampton Meadows Ride OCTOBER 16 - Northﬁeld Mountain Fall Foliage Ride OCTOBER 22 - SCAVENGER HUNT

NEW NOVEMBER 5 - Hammonasset Beach state Park Ride !

$500 ip rsh Schola school

h for hig & college s senior dents! stu

(members only)

www.HampshireCountyRidingClub.org

7 HCRC WINDSOR STATE FOREST RIDE, Windsor. hampshirecountyridingclub.org. 9 USEF MEDAL DAY IV, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com. 10 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

20 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW SERIES, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

17 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 17 – 18 MASSACHUSETTS STATE 4-H SHOW, Northampton. mass4h.org.

21 NEMHS FINALE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. nemhs.org.

17 – 20 MASSACHUSETTS MORGAN HORSE SHOW, West Springfield. massmorgan.com.

21 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Midnight Moon Stables, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com.

10 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

17 – 27 SILVER OAK JUMPER TOURNAMENT, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

11 MHC SHOW, River Wind Farm, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

18 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

11 – 14 NORTHAMPTON HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Northampton. biscuithillfarm.com.

18 MHC USEF MEDAL DAY, August Farm, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

13 CAPE COD HUNTER, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

19 GAMES NIGHT, Crimson Acres, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

14 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

19 SUMMER THREE-PHASE, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

21 TANHEATH HUNT PRIZE RIDE, Hodges Village Dam, Oxford. tanheathhunt.com.

14 WRC RIDE, Becket Land Trust, Becket. westfieldridingclub.org.

19 MHC SHOW, River Wind Farm, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

21 Merrimack Valley Dressage Show, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. (978) 374-0008.

14 MHC, USEF MEDAL DAY, August Farm, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

19 CAPE COD HUNTER, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. capecodhunter.com.

21 BRDC OPEN SHOW, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

14 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

20 BLESSINGS FARM PONY RIDES, Charlton. blessingsfarm.org.

21 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

14 NEECA MULE AND DONKEY SHOW, Athol. neeca.org.

20 RACHEL HACKETT LEARNING CIRCLE, Upper Main Farm, Hatfield. horseswithrachel.com.

21 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

14 SSHC SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. sshconline.com.

20 HORSE TRIALS AND DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

17 JUMPER SHOW, Millis. appleknoll.com.

21 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org. 21 CCEA OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com. 21 HDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. heritage-dressage.org. 21 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

21 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Bradford. (978) 374-0008. 21 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

Briggs Stable

84 Annual th

June Show

Mini Shows Wednesday evenings starting at 6 P.M. June 22 to August 24 New All members of the Hanover Hunt & Riding Club are eligible for year-end awards.

t Star ! e Tim

Saturday • June 11

Lead Line . Therapeutic . Walk Trot . Games Jumping . Equitation . Pleasure

Outside Course Warm-ups 6:30 to 8 A .M. Trailer Parking Starts at 6 A .M.

Great food and drinks available at the Hanover Hunt & Riding Club food booth.

Briggs Stable • Route 139, Hanover Centre, MA

Briggs Stable • 623 Hanover St., Hanover Centre, MA (781) 826-3191

Affiliated with NEHC, MHC, and SSHC MHC, NEHC, and SSHC Medal Classes

Class lists may be downloaded at www.briggsstable.com.

Show Manager: John Dougherty (781) 826-3191 Program may be downloaded at www.briggsstable.com.

Visit Briggs Tack Shop, a full service shop, while at the show! Massachusetts Horse

23 – 27 NEHJA DERBY FINALS, Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

28 VERSATILITY CHALLENGE, Spring Willow Farm, Mendon. springwillowhorsefarm.com.

4 HUNTER PACE AND PLEASURE RIDE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

24 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

28 SUMMER WRAP-UP AUCTION, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com.

4 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montauge. xenophonfarm@aol.com.

24 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

31 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

4 HRC OPEN SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

31 CAPE COD HUNTER, Marston Mills. capecodhunter.com.

4 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Harmony Hill Farm, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

September

5 SCARLET APPLE HORSE TRIALS, Scarlet HIll Farm, appletreefarm.org.

2 – 4 MYOPIA 116th ANNUAL SHOW, Myopia Schooling Field, Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

7 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

2 – 4 BLANDFORD FAIR HORSE SHOW, Blandford. theblandfordfair.com.

8 MYOPIA HUNT FALL SEASON BEGINS, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. myopiahunt.org.

24 WESTERN DRESSAGE LESSON SERIES, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com. 24 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com. 25 – 28 NORTHEAST REINING SHOW, West Springfield. nerha.com. 27 CCEA GYMKHANA, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com. 27 – 28 CENTRAL MASS. HORSE SHOW SERIES, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.net. 28 DARE-TO-DREAM ADULT SHOW AND GAMES, Crimson Acres, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

3 THREE COUNTY FAIR HORSE SHOW, Nortampton. threecountyfair.com. 3 HORSEMINDSHIP OBSTACLE COURSE CHALLENGE, Plainfield. peacehavenfarm.com. 3 CAPE COD HUNTER, Saddle Rowe, Medway. capecodhunter.com.

28 MASSACHUSETTS HUNTER JUMPER FINALS,Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com. 28 GRHC TRAIL RIDE, Lithia Springs, South Hadley. granbyregionalhorse.com. 28 HORSE TRIALS AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 28 HUNTER SCHOOLING SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

3 – 5 BSTRA CAMPOUT, Carver. bstra.org. 3 – November 29 ONBH FOXHUNTING, Tuesdays and Saturdays. oldnorthbridgehounds.org. 3 – 5 KATHLEEN LINDLEY CLINIC, Roaring Brook Farm, Conway. leigh.apanell@gmail.com.

10 COWBOY WANNABE VERSATILITY, Athol. neeca.org. 10 RACHEL HACKETT LEARNING CIRCLE, Upper Main Farm, Hatfield. horseswithrachel.com. 10 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Blythewood Stables, Pittsfield. wnepha.com. 10 LENOX TUB PARADE, Lenox. colonialcarriage.org. 10 AFTERNOON JUMPER SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com. 10 MHC SHOW, Century Mill Stables, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

Introducing a new kind of horse show! Emphasis on Teamwork, Relationship, and Skill

Open Partnership Show May 14 . 140 Ball Road, Goshen . Casual show dress!

Divisions

Classes

Green Horse Walk Trot Green Horse Walk Trot Canter Adult Walk Trot Youth Walk Trot Adult Western Youth Western Adult English Youth English Youngster In Hand Novice Small Equine In Hand & Driving

Performance In Hand Obstacle In Hand Horsemanship Pleasure Individual Workout Rail Challenge Obstacle Under Saddle Full division descriptions, class descriptions, and show rules available online.

Details, class list, and entry form at

CummingtonMustangs.webs.com 48

April/May 2016

Judges: Ray Hackett & Kelli Wainscott Division Day Rate: $60 $10 discount for 4-H & HCRC members!

Used Tack Sale at Show

10 – 11 USEA HORSE TRIALS, King Oak Farm, Southampton. kingoakfarm.com.

11 HCRC NORTHAMPTON MEADOWS RIDE, Northampton. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

11 MHC CLASSIC AND PLEASURE FINALS, Briggs Stable, Hanover. mahorsecouncil.com.

11 CCDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, West Barnstable. capecoddressage.org.

11 STALL MATES 4-H CLUB OPEN SHOW, Marion. stallmates4hclub.webs.com.

15 WRC RIDE, Knightville Dam, Huntington. westfieldridingclub.org.

11 WNRDC ADVENTURE TRAIL, West Newbury. wnrdc.com.

11 RRDC PLEASURE SHOW, Rowley. rowleyridinganddrivingclub.webs.com.

16 GAMES NIGHT, Crimson Acres, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

11 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.ncom.

11 NEW ENGLAND STOCK HORSE SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com.

17 HRC FIESTA DAY, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

11 GRHC POKER RIDE, Dufresne Park, Granby. granbyregionalhorse.com.

11 AHAM OPEN SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. massarabianhorse.org.

17 – 18 NEECA CAMPOUT WITH HORSES, Athol. neeca.org.

11 NEDA SCHOOLING SHOW, Strongwater Park, Tewksbury. neda.org.

11 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Victory Stables, Stoughton. victorystablesinc.com.

18 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

11 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Midnight Moon Stables, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com.

11 WRC OPEN SHOW, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

18 SEHA SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. southeasthunter.com.

11 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

18 FALL CLASSIC HORSE TRIALS AND SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Groton House Farm, Hamilton. grotonhousefarm.com. 18 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

Selling Your Farm? Let More Than 30 Years of Experience Work for You! Contact Althea today! Althea Bramhall,Hometown Realtors 617-678-9300, althearealtor@gmail.com

18 BSTRA HUNTER PACE, Douglas. bstra.org. 18 HUNTER SCHOOLING SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com. 18 HORSE TRIALS AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 18 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com. 18 CCEA HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

September 22 - 25 Saddlebreds, Hackneys Morgans, Friesians

ing brat , e l e C s year ! 100 16 – 20 1916

September 14 - 18 Hunter/Jumpers Hunt Seat Equitation USHJA Zone 1 HOTY Finals

September 29 - October 2 Draft Horse Show $35,000 Big E Draft Horse Showdown

ENTRIES CLOSE AUGUST 15, 2016

April/May 2016

18 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Biscuit Hill Farm, Shelburne. biscuithillfarm.com. 18 BRDC OPEN SHOW, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com. 20 FALL HUNTER PACE, Weston. westonshows.com.

Myopia Hunt Join us in 2016 for fox hunting and much more! Spring Roading begins April 30

24 MASSACHUSETTS HORSE ADVENTURE TRAIL BENEFIT, Sandalwood Stables, Wilbraham. Hunter pace, obstacle course, and horsemanship-knowledge quiz. More than $5,000 in prizes. mahorse.com. 24 DARE-TO-DREAM RODEO AND FAMILY FARM DAY, Orange. crimsonacres.org. 24 MHC-, NEHC-RATED HUNTER SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

Spring Hunter Pace ~ May 15 Casual Summer Hound Exercises June - August

Fall Hunt Season begins September 8 Hunter Trials ~ October 23 Fall Hunter Pace ~ November 6

Myopia has many opportunities to participate, watch, and volunteer. For more information, please visit

www.myopiahunt.org.

24 NEECA FALL TRAIL RIDE, Wendell State Forest. neeca.org. 25 Merrimack Valley Dressage Show, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. (978) 374-0008.

116th Myopia Horse Show September 2, 3 & 4

We invite you to join us as we preserve the future through the traditions of the past.

25 HORSE TRIALS AND DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net.

25 HRC OPEN SHOW, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org. 25 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org. 25 CCEA OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

NEHC & MHC Shows

Facilities Include:

friendly atmosphere . good footing inviting courses . very affordable April 16 . May 14 . June 19 July 23 . August 6 . September 24 October 8 . November 12

20 acres of grass and sand paddocks 40-stall show barn 2 spacious lighted outdoor rings watering system in the rings automated horse “Eurosizer” walker

Summer Camp Sessions

85' x 250' indoor riding arena

June 27 - July 1 . July 11 - 15 July 25 - 29 . August 8 - 12

qualify for year-end, medal points on farm

August 22 - 26

Come ride in a friendly atmosphere with all the amenities and a proven record of success! 73 Oakland Street, Medway Massachusetts ~ Less than an hour from Boston, Worcester, and Providence.

SaddleRowe.com

(508) 533-7108 Massachusetts Horse

25 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Bradford. (978) 374-0008.

2 HDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. heritage-dressage.org.

26 BLESSINGS FARM BARBECUE, Sturbridge. blessingsfarm.org.

2 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

30 – October 2 MHC DAYS OF CHAMPIONS, Northampton. mahorsecouncil.com.

2 ONBH HUNTER PACE, Red Rail Farm, Lincoln. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

October

2 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com.

1 – 2 CENTRAL MASS. HORSE SHOW SERIES, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.net.

3 CCDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, West Barnstable. capecoddressage.org. 7 – 9 BRDC FALL TRAIL RIDE WEEKEND, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com. 8 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com. 8 MHC-, NEHC-RATED HUNTER SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com. 8 – 10 BERKSHIRE COACHING WEEKEND, Orleton Farm, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org. 9 THREE-PHASE AND SCHOOLING SHOW, Groton. groton.ponyclub.org. 9 WNRDC HORSE TRIALS, Pipestave Hill, West Newbury. wnrdc.com. 9 HUNTER SCHOOLING SHOW, Palmer River Equestrian, Rehoboth. southcoastseries.com. 9 BSTRA PLEASURE RIDE, Mount Jefferson, Hubbardston. bstra.org.

April/May 2016

9 HUNTER PACE AND PLEASURE RIDE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net. 9 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Victory Stables, Stoughton. victorystablesinc.com. 9 CCEA HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com. 9 WNRDC PIPESTAVE HILL HORSE TRIALS, West Newbury. (Horse trials, combined test, and dressage only.) wnrdc.com. 9 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montauge. xenophonfarm@aol.com. 9 WRC RIDE, Dayville Reservoir, Chester. westfieldridingclub.org. 9 MHC SHOW, Back Bay Farm, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com. 11 NORTH AMERICAN BELGIAN CHAMPIONSHIP, West Springfield. nabc8.com.

Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association’s

Hunter/Equitation Shows April 17 April 30 May 1 May 8 May 14 May 15 May 22 May 29 June 5 June 11 June 12

Biscuit Hill Farm Stoneleigh-Burnham School Bellwether Stables Muddy Brook Farm Biscuit Hill Farm White Horse Hill Blythewood Stables Overmeade Farm Harmony Hill Farm Riverbank Farm Biscuit Hill Farm

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

April 10 April 17 April 24

Mount Holyoke College Muddy Brook Farm Heritage Farm

15 HORSE TRIALS AND DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net. 15 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW SERIES, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. mhcriding.com. 16 BSTRA PLEASURE RIDE, Robinson State Park, Agawam. bstra.org. 16 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Midnight Moon Stables, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com.

Featuring year-end awards in many divisions. Full schedule can be found at:

wnepha.com

An organization for horsemen, by horsemen.

Massachusetts Horse

Presents the 21st

Equine Expo Paraphernalia Sale Saturday, April 30, 2016 . 9-3 Large marketplace of new and used items! Plus services for the horse, rider, and driver. Demonstrations All Day . $5 Admission Held in the indoor arena at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1, Topsfield Vendor Spaces Available . Free Parking

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

16 HUNTER/EQUITATION SHOW, Evenstride Ltd., Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

30 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Evenstride Ltd., Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

16 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

30 HUNTER SCHOOLING SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

16 BRDC/HCRC FALL FOLIAGE RIDE, Northfield Mountain. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

30 CCEA GYMKHANA, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

22 MHC SHOW, Century Mill Stables, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

November

22 HORSES HELPING HORSES BEACH RIDE, Crane Beachk, Ipswich. mspca.org/beachride.

4 BRDC SHOW SERIES BANQUET, location TBA. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

23 HALLOWEEN HUNTER PACE, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

5 NEECA FALL SOCIAL, Athol/Orange Elks Club. neeca.org.

23 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.ncom.

5 MHC SHOW, Herring Brook Farm, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com.

23 MYOPIA HUNTER TRIALS, Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield. myopiahunt.org.

6 BSTRA TURKEY TROT, Carver. bstra.org.

29 MHC SHOW, Cornerstone Farm, Haverhill. ridecornerstonefarm.com. 29 MHC SHOW, Herring Brook Farm, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com. 30 NEW ENGLAND HUNTS CHAMPTIONSHIP HUNTER TRIALS, Great Brook State Park, Carlisle. oldnorthbridgehounds.org. 30 HALLOWEEN THREE-PHASE SCHOOLING SHOW, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com. 30 BSTRA BIG PUMPKIN RIDE, Upton. bstra.org.

6 NEW ENGLAND RANCH HORSE SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. farmheritage.com. 6 MYOPIA FALL HUNTER PACE, Groton House Farm, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org. 6 HUNTER PACE AND PLEASURE RIDE, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net. 6 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Victory Stables, Stoughton. victorystablesinc.com. 12 MHC-, NEHC-RATED HUNTER SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com. 13 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com. 19 MHC SHOW, Herring Brook Farm, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com. 20 MHC SHOW, Castle Neck Farm, Essex. facebook.com/castleneckfarm. 20 SCHOOLING SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. campmarshall.net. 26 MHC SHOW, Herring Brook Farm, Pembroke. herringbrookfarm.com. 27 HUNTER/EQUITATION SHOW, Evenstride Ltd., Byfield. evenstrideltd.com. 27 THANKSGIVING SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Cutter Farm, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

Honor a junior at your upcoming event with a free Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award. To learn more and request one, visit mahorse.com/Junior_Award.html.

April/May 2016

the

neighborhood

ASSOCIATIONS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• GRANBY REGIONAL HORSE COUNCIL Central & Western MA, (413) 527-9532 granbyregionalhorse.org Family-oriented trails, shows, clinics. HAMPSHIRE COUNTY RIDING CLUB Goshen, MA, (413) 268-3372 hampshirecounty ridingclub.org Monthly trail rides, open show, hunter pace, clinics, educational speakers. BARN CATS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• PAWS WATCH Newport, RI, (401) 848-9867 pawswatch.org Barn cats need homes! Healthy, fixed, vaccinated barn cats provide rodent control. Delivered! DRESSAGE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BRADFORD EQUESTRIAN CENTER Haverhill, MA, (978) 374-0008 Dressage for all disciplines and driving. Keith Angstadt, USEF dressage judge. CATHY DRUMM Pittsfield, MA, (413) 441-5278 cathydrumm.com Clinics, lessons, training, western and English dressage, hunter/jumper. FAIRFIELD FARM Rochester, MA, (508) 763-8038 dressageatfairfieldfarm.com Boarding, instruction, training, indoor. MARGARET HILLY South Deerfield, MA, (802) 595-1258 mhilly@mtholyoke.edu USDF “L” judge; FEI rider; private, semiprivate lessons; clinics. NANCY LATER LAVOIE Ashby, MA, (561) 714-7447 nancylaterdressagehorses.com Training, lessons, clinics. Accepting new students of all levels. Top-class facility. WHITE SPRUCE FARMS New Braintree, MA, (978) 257-4666 whitesprucefarms.com Dressage shows, instruction, all levels/ages. EQUINE DENTISTRY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WENDY BRYANT, EQDT Northampton, MA, (413) 237-8887 ravenhillequine.com Natural balance equine dentistry. Improved topline, maximized performance, increased flexion. Serving New England/New York. NORTHEAST EQUINE VETERINARY DENTAL SERVICES LEAH LIMONE, DVM Topsfield, MA, (978) 500-9293 nevds.com Licensed professional veterinary dentistry. Routine preventive care, maintenance, diagnostics, extractions.

Your Everything Equine “white pages”

EQUINE ENTERTAINMENT ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• DALE PERKINS/MESA FARM Rutland, MA, (508) 886-6898 daleperkinshorseshow.com Trick riding and much more. EQUINE MASSAGE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• HORSEBACK AND BODY Northampton, MA, (413) 320-7690 jobunny@comcast.net Massage therapy for horses, humans. KIT CAT PHOTO & ANIMAL MASSAGE Central Mass., (636) 459-5478 kitcatmassage@gmail.com Certified equine and canine massage. TOPLINE EQUINE MASSAGE Franklin, MA, (508) 254-7412 toplinemassage@yahoo.com Certified and insured. EQUINE WELLNESS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUE RIBBON EQUINE Massachusetts (413) 325-5777 blueribbonequine.com Massage, laser, LED, animal communication, “Where does my horse hurt” body checkups. HAFLINGERS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• SOMMER HILL FARM Adams, MA, (413) 743-9301 sommerhaflingers@yahoo.com One Haflinger is never enough. HORSES FOR SALE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• HERITAGE FARM Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-1612 farmheritage.com Auctions, sale horses, shows, clinics, boarding, lessons, and training. STRAIN FAMILY HORSE FARM Granby, CT, (860) 653-3275 strainfamilyhorsefarm.com New England’s largest quality sales stable. Supplying NE with horses and ponies since 1967. Forty family, trail, and show horses to choose from. New loads every week. We buy horses, take tradeins and consignment horses. Great three-week-exchange guarantee. Find us on Facebook. INSTRUCTION/TRAINING •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BACK BAY FARM Ipswich, MA, (978) 356-0730 backbayfarm.com Lessons, boarding, training, and sales. INSURANCE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CORINTHIAN INSURANCE AGENCY Medway, MA, (877) 250-5103 corinthianequine.com Equine protection specialists.

DON RAY INSURANCE Marshfield, MA, (781) 837-6550 donrayinsurance.com Farm, mortality, major medical and surgical, clubs, shows, instructors. FARM FAMILY INSURANCE farmfamily.com Carver: (508) 866-9150 Easthampton: (413) 203-5180 Great Barrington: (413) 528-1710 Marlborough: (508) 485-3800 Middleborough: (508) 747-8181 Northborough: (508) 393-9327 Norwood: (781) 255-2002 South Deerfield: (413) 665-8200 Southwick: (413) 569-2307 Topsfield: (978) 887-8304 Westford: (978) 467-1001 Williamstown: (413) 458-5584 Worcester: (508) 752-3300 JUDGES ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MARY BRAZIE Egremont, MA, (413) 528-2367 arabpinto13@yahoo.com Judging open, 4-H, carded. ED GOLEMBESKI Gill, MA, (413) 863-2313 riker119@comcast.net 4-H, open shows, clinics, lessons. NORWEGIAN FJORDS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUE HERON FARM Charlemont, MA, (413) 339-4045 blueheronfarm.com Quality, purebred registered Fjords. PHOTOGRAPHY •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• C A HILL PHOTO S. Dartmouth, MA (508) 789-0541 cahill.smugmug.com cahillphoto@gmail.com Equine, family, and farm photography in New England. KAREN MORANG PHOTOGRAPHY Find us on Facebook. Equine photography and events. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA N. Dighton, MA, (508) 863-0467 melissaroot.com Equine portrait photography and events. REAL ESTATE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ALTHEA BRAMHALL HOMETOWN REALTORS North Quabbin region, (617) 678-9300 althearealtor@gmail.com Real estate is more fun with horse people! EQUINE HOMES REAL ESTATE LLC MA and NH, (800) 859-2745, ext. 704 equinehomes.com sally@equinehomes.com Sally Mann, Realtor, MA and NH.

BERNICE GIARD REALITY Oakham, MA, (508) 882-3900 oakham@charter.net Country properties. STABLES, FARMS, BOARDING •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CARRIER’S FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-0333 rcarrier0333@gmail.com Indoor, outdoor arenas, round pens, fields. GLENCROFT FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-8026 kraymond24@hotmail.com Boarding, pastures, ring, trails, fields. STRAIN FAMILY EQUESTRIAN CENTER LLC Southwick, MA, (413) 569-5797 strainfamilyequestrian.com Boarding, lessons, training, sales, therapeutic riding. TACK •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CHESHIRE HORSE Swanzey, NH, (877) 358-3001 cheshirehorse.com English, western, feed, supplies, trailers. DR. COOK BITLESS BRIDLE (866) 235-0938 bitlessbridle.com Safe, gentle, effective alternative to using a bit. SMARTPAK RETAIL STORE Natick, MA, (508) 651-0045 smartpak.com/retailstore Tack, equipment, supplements, blankets, apparel, gear, gifts, clearance outlet. TRANSPORTATION ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• J.R. HUDSON HORSE TRANSPORTATION West Bridgewater, MA, (508) 427-9333 jrhudsonhorsetrans.com Serving the lower 48 states and Canada. NORTHEAST EQUINE TRANSPORTATION Southbridge, MA, (774) 633-1499 nehorsetrans.com Serving Northeast, PA, NY, NJ, DE, MD. VETERINARIANS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• FAMILY VETERINARY CENTER Haydenville, MA, (413) 268-8387 famvets.com Traditional and alternative care for dogs, cats, exotics, and horses. SOUTH DEERFIELD VETERINARY CLINIC DR. ROBERT P. SCHMITT S. Deerfield, MA, (413) 665-3626 sdvc@aol.com Equine medicine, surgery since 1969.

Massachusetts Horse

Massachusetts marketplace Want to be more eﬀective & harmonious with your horse? Now Accepting Boarders New 20,000-square-foot Facility!

Sarah Sheehy oﬀers:

Riding Instruction . Training Sessions Groundwork Lessons . Clinics

Horse Leases Available

Helen Noble, vMd . Robert Orcutt, dvM derek Cavatorta, dvM phd Kirstin Anderson, dvM . Ashley Taylor, dvM Mary Ann Montesano, dvM

partial $275/mo., half $400/mo., full $525/mo.

Beginner to Advanced Instruction Hunt Seat/Equitation, Dressage, Eventing, Western

Brimfield, MA 413-245-3083 . fairviewfarmsjjc.com

Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Serving the North Shore since 1951

Sarah Sheehy Training & Horsemanship Central Massachusetts (978) 724-3403 . sarahsheehy.com

Got Manure? FOR

295 High St, Ipswich, Mass. 978-356-1119 (ph) . 978-356-5758 (f)

www.srhvets.com

Independence Stable, LLC

MANURE REMOVAL LARGE & SMALL FARMS

Roll-off containers 10 to 30 yards on call or scheduled service. Full stock pile removals.

Dressage Schooling Shows Including Western Dressage Tests!

Recovery . Maintenance . Performance Therapeutic Massage . Bodywork . Reiki Jo Bunny licensed massage therapist, certified equine massage therapist

(413) 320-7690 • jobunny@comcast.net

April 24 . August 14 September 18 Lessons . Training . Boarding . Clinics

978-425-6181 MitranoRemoval.com Proud sponsor of Bear Spot Musical Freestyle and Oakrise Farm Shows.

RER Ponies Training, Lessons & Sales by CHA certified, BHS trained, and USDF competitor

Heather Reynolds Dostal Freelance Instruction . Lesson Horses Available U.S. Pony Club Riding Center

Charming private facility offering: Boarding, training, pony starting, and tune ups. Professional, well rounded, goal oriented lesson program for riders of all ages beginner through advanced.

www.RERponies.com 413.427.2026 8 Circle Dr., Hatfield, MA

April/May 2016

Is This Your Horse?

Browbands with Style Individually designed & crafted Supple black or brown bridle leather 13" to 17" (mini to warmblood)

Lise Krieger

Custom orders are always welcome!

Is this your horse? This photo was taken at the Hampshire County Riding Club’s Woodland Obstacle Course Challenge, in Goshen. If this is your horse, contact us at win@mahorse.com for a month’s supply of SmartPaks and more from the Bay State’s very own SmartPak, smartpakequine.com.

advertiser index Aah Light ....................................... 57 A & B Insurance Group ................... 10 A & B Lumber Barns ........................ 11 Absorbine ...................................... 49 Angel View Pet Cemetery .............. 59 Apple Knoll Farm ........................... 36 Bacon’s Equipment ........................ 25 Barre Riding and Driving Club ....... 35 Betsy Merritt ................................... 7 Blue Dog Leather ........................... 44 Blue Rider Stables ......................... 52 Blue Seal Feed .............................. 60 Bob Burrelli ................................... 56 Bradford Equestrian Center .......... 33 Briggs Stable .................................. 47 Browbands with Style ..................... 57 Camp Marshall Equestrian Center . 39 The Carriage Shed ........................... 2 Cathy Drumm ................................. 44 Central Mass. Horse Show Series . 38 Cheshire Fair Horse Shows ............. 15 The Cheshire Horse ......................... 5 Chipaway Stables .......................... 28 Country Corral ............................... 23 Crimson Acres ............................... 56 Crowley’s Sales Barn & Stables ...... 31 Cummington Mustangs ................. 48 DK Saddlery ................................... 10 Don Ray Insurance Agency ............ 31 Eastern States Exposition Horse Show ............................. 50 Equine Homes ............................... 37 Essex County Trail Association ..... 54 Fairview Farms JJC ........................ 56 Family Veterinary Center ............... 28 Farm Credit East ............................. 9 Farm Family Insurance ................... 58 Hampshire County Riding Club ..... 46 Hampshire Tractor Corp. ............... 25 Hanover Hunt and Riding Club ...... 47

Heritage Farm ................................ 41 Hometown Realtors ....................... 50 HorseBack and Body ..................... 56 Horseplay Stables ......................... 25 Independence Stable .................... 56 It’s a Pleasure Training .................. 25 Jenn’s Tack & Blanket Service ........ 6 Julie Goodnight ............................... 5 Just Horses .................................... 52 Kristen Whitney Design .................. 52 Mindful Connections ...................... 17 Massachusetts Horse Benefit ........ 13 Mitrano Removal Service .............. 56 Mountain Top Inn .......................... 53 Mount Holyoke College ................. 39 Myopia Hunt .................................. 51 Natural Balance Equine Dentistry . 23 N.E. Equestrian Center of Athol .. 45 Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Services ........................ 15 Peace Haven Farm ......................... 32 RER Ponies .................................... 56 Saddle Rowe ................................... 51 Salty Dawg Equine Services ............ 6 Sandy Hill Farm ........................... 54 Sarah Sheehy Training & Horsemanship ........ 56 SmartPak Retail Store ................... 27 South Coast Series Horse Shows .. 39 South Shore Horsemen’s Council ... 21 SRH Veterinary Services ................ 56 Stargazer Hill Farm ........................ 27 Three County Fair .......................... 46 Triple Crown Feed ........................... 4 Western Mass. Appaloosa Assoc. . 40 WNEPHA ........................................ 53 White Pickets Studio ....................... 13 White Spruce Farms ....................... 43 Xenophon Farm ............................. 42 Yered Trailers ................................ 25

Find us on Facebook & eBay or email kkwildhorse2010@hotmail.com

Massachusetts Horse

CARVER 508.866.9150 Richard.Blair@farm-family.com

NORWOOD 781.255.2002 Francis_Bingham@farm-family.com

EASTHAMPTON 413.203.5180 Chad_Meyer@farm-family.com

SOUTH DEERFIELD 413.665.8200 T.Viles@farm-family.com

GREAT BARRINGTON 413.528.1710 Bob.Sinopoli@farm-family.com Dominic.Sinopoli@farm-family.com

SOUTHWICK 413.569.2307 themasonagency@farm-family.com

MARLBOROUGH 508.485.3800 Martin_West@farm-family.com MIDDLEBOROUGH 508.747.8181 Andrew_Brodeur@farm-family.com NORTHBOROUGH 508.393.9327 Jeff.Pichierri@farm-family.com Kevin.Sullivan@farm-family.com

April/May 2016

TOPSFIELD 978.887.8304 Dale_Johnson@farm-family.com WESTFORD 978.467.1001 Donald.Ludwig@farm-family.com WILLIAMSTOWN 413.458.5584 MaureenOMara@farm-family.com WORCESTER 508.752.3300 Thomas_Carroll@farm-family.com

Massachusetts Horse

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MONROE, CT PERMIT

Amherst Farmer’s Supply 320 Pleasant St., Amherst (413) 253-3436 . amherstfarmerssupply.com A.W. Brown Pet & Garden Center 144 Shaker Rd., E. Longmeadow (413) 525-2115 . awbrown.com

Bridgewater Farm Supply 1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357 bridgewaterfarm.com Country Corral 35 Main St., Williamsburg (413) 268-0180 . countrycorralonline.com

Bernardston Farmer’s Supply 43 River St., Bernardston (413) 648-9311 bernardstonfarmerssupply.com

Dodge Grain Company 59 N. Broadway, Salem, NH (603) 893-3739 . dodgegrain.biz

Brattleboro Agway 1277 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT (802) 254-8757 . achilleagway.com

Erikson’s Grain Mill 113 Main St., Acton (978) 263-4733

Essex County Co-op 146 S. Main St., Topsfield . (978) 887-2309 essexcountycoop.net Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange Rte. 32, Gilbertville . (413) 477-6913 hardwickfarmers.net Hoosac Valley Coal and Grain 2 Gavin Ave., Adams . (413)743-0163 hoosacvalleycoalandgrain.com Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926 sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com

#140

Thibault’s Poultry 92 N. Spencer Rd. Spencer (508) 612-1907