Connecticut Horse May/June 2016

CONNEC T ICUT

HORSE

May/June 2016 connhorse.com $4

summer In the saddle It’s a famIly affaIr

the rIght lead

page 8

page 27

sprague land preserve

sprIng vaCCInatIOns

traIl guIde

the vet Is In

page 24

page 34

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May/June 2016

contents

May/June 2016

columns 22 Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement Living the Good Life

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Lucy Prybylski

courtesy of Dawn-Marie Looney

Lend a Hoof

20

24 Sprague Land Preserve Trail Guide

27 Summer in the Saddle Summer Programs The Right Lead

courtesy of Deb Fabiani

34 Spring Vaccinations

18

Toni Leland

The Vet Is In

22

in every issue

features 8

It’s a Family Affair

18 Deb Fabiani Arbitrage Tack

In Connecticut

Horseperson Feature

16

Amanda Hughart Finding Her Way Youth Spotlight

20

Happy Trails Farm Horsemanship Runs in the Family Farm Feature

5

From the Editor

7

Your Letters

25

This Olde Horse

36

Overherd: News in Our Community

44

Partners

46

Connecticut Events Calendar

50, 52 Nutmeg State Happenings 55

The Neighborhood

56

Advertiser Index

57

Is This Your Horse?

Connecticut Horse

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From the Editor

T

his month, to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we’re telling stories of horsemen and horsewomen throughout the Nutmeg State who have

passed along to their children their respect and love for horses.

Even though there’s no national holiday for most of them, we’d also like to send a huge shout-out to all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and spouses who’ve spent countless hours in support of the horse lovers in their lives.

And a thank-you goes to everyone who makes sure our four-legged friends are safe, healthy, and happy.

To all of our readers, we hope this issue of Connecticut Horse finds you ready to jump into summer with plenty of energy for horsing around.

Giddy-up!

Karena Editor’s Favorite Quote “People wound, horses heal.” — anonymous

Connecticut Horse

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DeCarli Equestrian Center Large outdoor sand ring with adjacent cross country bank.

Small Cross-country Course . Miles of Trails . Monthly Clinics Outside Instructors Welcome . Truck-ins Welcome

Shows

Clinics

May 15 • Hunter/Jumper Schooling June 19 • Combined Training Schooling July 31 • Hunter/Jumper Schooling Sept 18 • Combined Training Schooing Oct 23 • Hunter/Jumper Schooling

May 1 • DeeDee Hopper May 17-21 • Regan Golob & Kelley Mills May 22 • Ann Bowie June 5 • DeeDee Hopper

Camp July 11-29 • Weekly Camp Sessions

Course May 28-30 & August 5-9 Deb Moynihan Centered Riding Certification Course

189 Sadds Mill Road Ellington, CT DeCarliFarm.com 860.878.9274 decarlifarm@gmail.com

CONNEC T ICUT

HORSE vol. 1, no. 6 May/June 2016

ISSN 2378-5721

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 phone: (860) 391-9215 • fax: (413) 268-0050 • connhorse.com Connecticut Horse magazine is an independently owned and -operated all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for the Nutmeg State. © 2016 Connecticut Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

publisher Stephanie Sanders • steph@connhorse.com • (413) 268-3302 executive editor Karena Garrity • karena@connhorse.com • (860) 391-9215 copy editor Doris Troy feature writers Andrea Bugbee, Sally L. Feuerberg, Toni Leland, Stacey Stearns contributors Shawna Baumann, Jessica Correia, Joan Davis, Raymond Hill county desk liaisons Fairfield and New Haven Counties Sally L. Feuerberg . sallyf623@gmail.com . (203) 339-0357 Tolland County Christine Church . christine.church@sbcglobal.net . (860) 748-9757 Litchfield County Chauntelle Masslon . oakridgefarm12@gmail.com . (860) 967-5871 Middlesex and New London Counties Karena Garrity . karena@connhorse.com . (860) 391-9215 Windham County Jessica Correia . j17correia@gmail.com . (774) 263-6198 advertising Karena Garrity . karena@connhorse.com . (860) 391-9215

Pepe (born Staryn, at Mystic’s Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue) lives with Cami Gordon in Westerly, Rhode Island. © Doug Foscale Equine Photography, dougfos.com.

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

the fine print The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Connecticut Horse staff or independent contractors, nor can they be held accountable. Connecticut Horse will not be held responsible for any misrepresentations or any copyright infringement on the part of advertisers. Connecticut Horse will not be held responsible for typing errors other than a correction in the following issue. All letters addressed to Connecticut 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 Connecticut Horse, are assumed to be legally released by the submitter for publication. Connecticut 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.

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May/June 2016

Your Letters To the editor: Keep up the great work. Everyone raves about you.

Raymond Hill, via email

To the editor: I enjoy Connecticut Horse and read it cover to cover.

Pam Wilhelm, Roxbury

To the editor: Thank you for the wonderful, in-depth article in the Youth Spotlight of the March/April issue on 10-year-old Kiersten Banas (“A Cinderella Story”). Lisa Peterson did such a great job featuring this little wonder that I thought I’d update your readers on her most recent achievement. Kiersten’s school-entry submission, a short film in the intermediate film category of the National PTA Reflections Contest about her horse, Cinderella, not only took first place locally, but also went on to win first place in the state. Now it’s on to the national competition, where her film will represent our great state of Connecticut. Thank you to publisher Stephanie Sanders and Connecticut Horse for featuring this inspirational little bundle of talent.

Joe Zimmerman, via email

To the editor: Thanks for the write-up and photos of our winter lecture series in the magazine and on your Facebook page.

Matt and Ashley Kornatowski, DVMs Twin Pines Equine Veterinary Services, Griswold Send your thoughts to karena@connhorse.com or Connecticut Horse, 99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096.

Connecticut Horse

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in Connecticut

Andreas Szekely

It’s a Family Affair

John Bennett with Kurt and Flora, Hackney/Clydesdales owned by Adrienne St. Cyr.

by Sally L. Feuerberg

Y

ou’re most likely a horse-show mom or dad if you can recall a time when you sat in the stands, stood along the railing of an arena, or found your spot at a show-ring fence. You probably still can’t forget the feeling of nervous anxiety that almost overwhelmed you as you watched your child compete in hunter, equitation, or western pleasure classes.

Or maybe you have memories of participating in a horse show yourself.

Despite the nerves and excitement of the moment, you can clearly remember the comfort and security of knowing your parents were somewhere out there cheering you on. You knew that win or lose, they’d still be there to celebrate an incredible triumph or console you when the disappointment was close to unbearable.

These scenarios are all part of what makes the bond 8

May/June 2016

between equestrian parents and their offspring so resilient, strong, and, at times, even tenacious.

John & Kay Bennett “I always considered myself a daddy’s girl,” Kay Bennett says. “I wanted to be with him all the time. Even on my days off, I wanted to tag along when he went to work at the university. I just loved being with him. I’m looking forward to us spending more time together when he retires.” Kay’s dad is John Bennett, who’s been the horse unit supervisor, and an academic assistant at the University of Connecticut’s Department of Animal Science for 29 years.

When John started his family business, in 1978, he was never afraid of hard work or the challenges that running a horse farm would entail. “I guess I’m a workaholic,” he says. “I grew up on a dairy farm, and when I got

home from school, I immediately went out to help with chores.”

His father was quite disappointed when John told him he wanted to raise and train horses. “My dad felt that there was no future in the horse business,” John says, “and in order to be successful at something, it’s good to have money coming in from all directions.” But John pursued his dream, and John Bennett Stables, in Putnam, is now in its 38th year. “We’ve proved our longevity and established an excellent reputation,” says John. “I even have a student who drives an hour and a half to take driving lessons here.” He laughs. “We must be doing something right.”

In the beginning, John had many people working for him to help operate the farm.

But as their careers developed, they would move on. “Jamie Gerrardi had been my barn manager for eight years and

taught classes in dressage and equitation,” says John.

“When she married and moved on to a place of her own, I approached my daughter, Kay, who was eighteen years old at the time, and asked if she had any interest in running the family business.”

As Kay recalls it, she answered: “This is exactly what I want to do.”

Kay has been running John Bennett Stables for 19 years. She’s built up her own lesson program with students ranging from 3 to 76 years old. “The thing I admire most about Kay is her outgoing personality,” says John.

“As you know, the equine business is a people industry; if you can’t deal with them in a pleasant manner, you’ll never succeed. The other trait that I admire is her organizational skill, everything from scheduling the vet and farrier to getting the paperwork in order for horse shows. She’s always at the top

Her little girl did, and at the age of four, Lauren competed in her first lead-line class with her pony, Sophie.

“It was all about horses for Lauren, from merry-gorounds to pony rides,” Shannon says.

Shannon bought a three-year-old Morgan gelding named Jesse for herself.

Although she started out riding saddle seat, she still rides

she has many happy memories. “We were at the Octoberfest Horse Show in West Springfield, Massachusetts — it’s one of our favorite shows. I started getting ready for my class and when I came out in my show clothes, Lauren had my horse on the cross-ties and was getting him ready for me, without my asking. I was so touched, and the class went great.

Dawn-Marie & Devyn Looney Rooster was Devyn Looney’s first pony, and she refers to him as “the meanest pony ever.” But, she says, smiling, “he did teach me how to be a better rider.”

Her first show with Rooster was at the Old Salem Horse Show when she was three years old. Now, at 13, she’s come a long way since

Shannon Santoro

courtesy of Dawn-Marie Looney

of her game. Don’t tell her this, but I could take a lesson or two from her in this regard.” (Oops, sorry, John!)

“As far as challenges,” says John, “we’ve a different opinion on certain things and sometimes argue over them, but the next day we’re over it and it’s business as usual. Kay can be stubborn at times; I think she gets it from her mother.” He laughs again.

Lauren and Shannon Santoro.

“The rewards are many,” he says, “but the main thing is that we kid each other and laugh a lot, and that’s important.”

Shannon & Lauren Santoro Devotion, boundless energy, and enthusiasm for horses are key ingredients in Shannon and Lauren Santoro’s relationship, and these traits make this mother-and-teenage-daughter bond exceptional.

“My own mom rode,” says Shannon, “and we were both part of our town’s 4-H program. I participated in local shows and at the age of sixteen my parents bought me my first Morgan show horse. I showed for a few years, but soon after, my life started taking a different direction. We sold the horse; I got married and soon after was pregnant with Lauren. I prayed for a little girl who would inherit my love and passion for horses.”

Devyn and Dawn-Marie Looney riding My Irish Ladd and Z Courage (in 2009).

Jesse today and has shown him throughout the area in western pleasure.

As for Lauren, she rides hunter/jumper and equitation. At age five, she started lessons with Lance Wetmore, of Bittersweet Farm in Bethany, and went on to show throughout the New England Morgan Horse circuit. As Lauren matured and her talents emerged, she and her mom proceeded to search for that perfect horse.

Lauren tried a number of horses, looking for just the right connection. It wasn’t until she rode Jim Fisher’s big-hearted and versatile Bodini, her mom says, that Lauren “fell in love. “She introduced the 14.2-hand gelding to jumping and Bodini excelled. Within a few months, she was competing in 2'6" classes and winning in her division.

“Today, my daughter and I are having the most fun of our lives,” says Shannon, but

“Lauren was on the rail, cheering me on and letting me know how we were doing.

We won reserve champion. It was our best ribbon at that level of competition and our first victory pass in the coliseum. It was a very emotional moment for me. When we got back to the barn, Lauren hugged me and congratulated me, and we both cried happy tears.

“After all the years of shows and classes, early mornings and late nights supporting her riding,” says Shannon, “the roles were reversed and she was the one supporting me. Then, two months after that show, I had shoulder surgery and Jesse was diagnosed with a torn suspensory. Lauren was there to help me recover and help take care of Jesse. She handwalked him every day. She still has to help me with my heavy western saddle. She’s a wonderful young lady, and I’m proud to be her mother.”

then. With her mom, DawnMarie Jacobson Looney, and her dad, Steve Looney, by her side, Devyn excels in the hunter/jumper discipline.

She recently competed at the Wellington Equestrian Festival (WEF) with her tenyear-old Thoroughbred/ Welsh mare, named Cherrybrook Who’s Lookin’, whom she affectionately calls Brooke. When Devyn is at the WEF, she attends Wellington Landings Middle School, but for the majority of the school year, she’s a student at Schaghticoke Middle School, in New Milford.

“I’ve had Brooke for two years now, and she’s become a part of me,” says Devyn. “I loved how she adapted to her new surroundings and other horses when we brought her to Wellington.”

“Devyn has a great love for horses and competing,” says Dawn-Marie. “Along with improving her skills, she loves to work with young Connecticut Horse

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Shane Rux

riders. She’s always a huge help at the a godsend!” Jim says. “She helps manage want his job.’ His energy, commitment, barn — patient, kind, hardworking, and the farm and teaches her young students and devotion to his work haven’t just a joy to be around. What I admire how to ride, and also shows them how to stopped from that day on.” the most about her is her humble manproperly care for a horse. When children Jim, his wife, Lisa (they’ve been ner. She never takes privilege for come on the road with us to a show and married for 32 years), and Matt have granted.” coached horses and their Dawn-Marie and Steve clients to more than 30 are the owners of Fair Hill World, Congress, and Reserve Farm, in Easton and New Congress championships.

Milford. Dawn-Marie teaches They also have dozens of a large contingent of youngregional championships as sters and runs a summer ridwell as multiple AQHA ing camp at both facilities.

Honor Roll titles.

She says it’s a bit reminiscent “I’m still actively involved of when her own mom and with the horses, but I also dad ran a children’s camp, have to be immersed in all called Buck and Beaver, in aspects of running the farm,” Shohola, Pennsylvania.

Jim says, “so Matt and his Joy and warmth are evimom do most of the primary dent in abundance when work with the horses. They Dawn-Marie interacts with work well together. Between her students. She must have Lisa’s tried-and-true methods inherited her patience and of training and teaching and Matt (on Lopin A Hot Streak), Lisa, and Jim Farrell at the 2015 All American gentleness from her mother, Matt’s willingness to impleQuarter Horse Congress. and she’s imparting those ment new theories of equine traits to Devyn. development and practices, they make a great team.”

Jim, Lisa, and Matt Farrell

Kris Rae Photography

“A family-operated business” is not just a catch phrase or a slogan when Jim Farrell refers to Greyledge Farm, located in Durham; there’s also a 50-year history.

Jim took over the farm, in the 1980s, from his parents, Ann and Jack Farrell.

His mother, at 80 years old, still enjoys coming over to help her son with the bookkeeping, although lately it’s been for a just few hours a Beverly, Matt, and Bob Lewis. day. You see, she’s battling cancer for the third time, and undergoing JoAnn has taught them, they know how chemotherapy. to work. They know their stuff.”

“My mom is a people person and As for the involvement of his sons, she loves dealing with the public,” Jim Matt and Christopher, Jim says, says. “But during her recovery, her “Initially, Christopher, my older son, resistance is compromised, so her conwas the one who wanted to follow in his tact with people has to be limited. It dad’s footsteps. We worked side by side. doesn’t slow her down, though. When He rode, competed, and showed a real we leave the farm to attend a horse passion when it came to horses. Matt, show, she and my sister, JoAnn, take on the other hand, wanted to play footcare of everything. They’re both an ball and basketball and had very little integral part of the business and I can’t interest in horses, but I established that tell you how wonderful it is to know that it was still mandatory that he exercise the farm is in the greatest of hands.” and ride the horses at least twice a Jim’s brother, Patrick, not only helps week. with the property’s operation and main“Then Chris came to a point in his tenance, he also drives the farm’s semilife when he felt a career change was in trailer to shows throughout the country, order,” Jim says, “and decided to join such as the All American Quarter Horse the Air Force. I was pretty shocked and Congress, in Ohio. As for JoAnn, “She’s surprised when Matt announced, ‘I

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May/June 2016

Bob, Matt, and Beverly Lewis Matt Lewis has been offering professional horseshoeing services through Connecticut and Rhode Island for more than 15 years. He shoes pleasure horses, hunter/jumpers, dressage horses, and drafts.

“Really, there isn’t much difference in shoeing a draft horse or a light horse, except to say that shoeing a draft is a lot harder on your body,” Matt says.

“I started out working for Tim Kriz when I was eighteen. My father guided me in that direction, and it was the best decision I ever made. If it wasn’t for my parents suggesting that I do an apprenticeship to learn to shoe,” Matt says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Twenty years ago, Matt and his mom, Beverly, and his dad, Bob, decided that a new family venture was in order, and Foxglove Farm, headquartered in Lyme, was born. Foxglove started with two draft horses that Matt and his dad had purchased together for recreational use. Today, there are eight drafts that make up the farm’s four teams.

The farm provides horse-drawn transportation for every momentous occasion imaginable and is famous for

its elegant wedding carriages. It’s also known for plowing demonstrations in spring, summer carriage rides, hayrides in the fall, and winter sleigh rides. You can even see the teams in action as they participate in the busy apple- and pumpkin-picking seasons at Middlefield’s Lyman Orchards.

“Foxglove Farm has now developed into quite a family operation,” Matt says.

“Besides my mom managing the bookings, my wife, Caitlyn, helps out when we need some extra support. My dad and I drive, transport, and work with the teams.” As for future generations joining the family business, Matt says, “My sixteen-year-old niece, Mya, is learning to drive.”

Matt says he appreciates being able to work with his dad: “We’ve made our mistakes together,” he says, “and we’ve learned lessons together. That’s pretty special.”

Daryl & Dani DeCarli Daryl DeCarli rode horses while she was pregnant with Dani, so you could say her daughter was riding before she was born, and Dani hasn’t slowed down since.

Connecticut Horse

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courtesy of DeCarli Farm

The DiCarli Equestrian Center Now, at 22, Dani is the primary holds numerous hunter/jumper shows instructor at the farm she grew up on, and clinics and takes part in the Gold the DeCarli Equestrian Center, which is Cooler Series, the Northeast’s largest in Ellington. She teaches beginner and intermediate riders in the hunter/jumper discipline.

Did I mention that she holds down two other jobs? She waitresses and is actively involved in real estate. All this, and she still manages to compete with Hopscotch, her seven-year-old half-Percheron, halfHanoverian/Thoroughbred cross, along with her 14-yearold grade horse, J.D.’s Spirit, named after her grandfather John DeCarli.

Today Dani is training under Marcus Rhatigan, who runs a private facility in Westfield, Massachusetts.

Daryl and Dani DeCarli with J.D.’s Spirit.

“Although I’ve trained with indoor show-jumping circuit. “At our many instructors, I feel that I’ve beneshows,” Daryl says, “Dani will organize, fited and learned the most from set up all the prize lists, and design the Marcus,” Dani says. jump courses. I’ll help wherever I can “I’ve watched her mature over the and handle all the registrations.” years,” says her mom, “as she takes what Although the mother-daughter she learns and passes it on to her students. I’m very proud to say that Dani is combination has proved to be a great team, the spirit of cooperation, dedicaevolving into a talented instructor.”

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May/June 2016

tion, and hard work is evident throughout the family. Daryl and her husband, Rick, maintain the farm. They produce their own hay along with operating the boarding and lesson facility, which is constantly changing or expanding. Nikole, Dani’s 17-year-old sister, helps with the barn chores and assists with their annual summer camp. In the DeCarli tradition, Nicole still finds the time for school and competition training with her tenyear-old Hanoverian/ Appaloosa, Soldier.

“My mom and I aren’t one for heart-to-heart talks,” Dani says, “but I tend to overreact when things go wrong and she’s always calm and just says, ‘Think about it and we’ll figure it out.’

Giving up isn’t something I’ve ever seen my mom do, and any time I need to hear it, she’s always there with a ‘You'll figure it out.’ To a lot of people, it may not seem like much, but for me, it’s just enough to get my head straight, so to speak, and make me get back to solving the problem, rather than panicking or

feeling sorry for myself. She’s the hardest worker I’ve ever met in my life.

Running a business with my mom is everything I’ve ever dreamed of,” Dani says, “and if I grow to be half the woman she is and half as hard a worker, I’ll be happy.”

Although her brother quickly lost interest, Terry remained enthralled. “There were days when I spent five to six hours in the saddle and loved every minute of

Terry Schreiber & Hillary Rheinheimer

courtesy of Hillary Rheinheimer

There’s a new addition to the Rheinheimer family, and she just may be the fourth generation to carry on the equestrian tradition. Little Hadley Elizabeth has some pretty big shoes — or, perhaps more appropriately, paddock boots — to fill. After all, her great-grandmother Elizabeth “Betty” Cadley had studied under Vladimir Littauer and her Hillary Rheinheimer and Terry Schreiber with Storytime. grandmother Terry Schreiber it,” she says. “Some of my greatest memwas a student of Victor Hugo-Vidal. As ories are those of riding with my mom for mom and dad, Hillary and Stan and my sister while my dad took my Rheinheimer, well, their credentials are brothers sailing.” equally impressive.

Her mother owned a riding school.

“My mom and dad bought our first “She started her school, in Milford, in horse after one of my brothers the early nineteen fifties,” Terry says. “I expressed a desire to learn the western remember there were times when she cowboy–style of riding,” Terry says.

taught as many as two hundred students, ranging from young children to adults, in a single week.” Terry, a former elementary school teacher, now gives lessons out of her own stable, Flight Way Farm in Chester.

She reflects on how her mom’s guidance influenced her even today: “Well,” she says, “my mother taught me, and I hope I’ve have taught my daughter, Hillary, patience and understanding. Each student has his or her own goals and aspirations, but you have to have each rider find her own strength and try to have each rider stretch to reach a higher goal.

“The lessons should be positive,” she says, “and the greatest teacher of all is the horse. We just facilitate; the horses are the ones that teach you about yourself and life. My mother also taught me that everyone is unique, and I shouldn’t lump beginners into one group and the more advanced into another group.”

STOP IN FOR YOUR SUMMER CAMP RIDING ESSENTIALS!

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Terry’s daughter, Hillary Rheinheimer, is an accomplished rider in hunter/jumper and hunt-seat equitation with extensive experience showing, training, and teaching. She and her husband, Stan, own Foggy Meadow Farm, in Deep River. Stan designs and builds the jumps for hunter/jumper shows and Grand Prix competitions throughout the country, and Hillary is the head trainer and coach of the Ethel Walker School’s prestigious riding program.

Now she has a newborn daughter of her own, as well as a three-year-old son, Tripp.

Hillary reminisces about some of the wonderful times she and her mom shared, the thrills and excitement that only participation at a horse show can deliver. “One of my fondest memories is from my final year showing at the National Horse Show Maclay Finals at the Meadowlands,” says Hillary. “I had to get up in the middle of the night to school my horse. Instead of getting a hotel room that we’d be in for only a couple of hours, my mom, myself, and our very good family friend and fellow horseman Holly Ridgway all stayed in the back of our Suburban. We ate the dinner Mom had brought from home

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May/June 2016

and brushed our teeth in the horse’s water bucket. We started falling asleep again, at two in the morning, because we had been awakened at midnight by the Budweiser Clydesdales outside our unique bedroom. We all certainly got a chuckle out of that one.”

As for advice and guidance from mom, Hillary says, “My mother taught me to be humble. Although a horse will always teach you humility, it’s best to enter into that relationship already having that knowledge. Riding is a lifelong sport and each day should be viewed as a learning experience. Perhaps it’s to relearn old lessons or to experience new ones. In order to be a competent horseperson, you must push aside your ego and recognize that there’s always room for improvement.”

With her grandmother, mom, dad, and big brother Tripp watching over her, little Hadley Elizabeth has a bright future. And, by the way, grandma Terry already has tack and a saddle ready for the family’s newest equestrian.

Don & Margaret Carpenter & George Gerl Sometimes parents make an innocent decision that has “sweet” repercussions

forever. That was the case with George Gerl’s mom and dad.

One day, when George was eight years old, his parents took him to a fastfood restaurant. Well, like most kids his age, he would have thought that was a fine treat, but when a sign inside enticed him with WIN A PINTO, he knew this could be the contest of a lifetime and he had to win the prize. As he started to fill out the entry form, he was devastated to learn that the “pinto” in question was the iconic Ford Pinto.

“I was inconsolable,” he says today.

“The only thing that finally relieved my disappointment was the promise from my parents of riding lessons.” Could this event have served as the catalyst that would eventually put George on the road to owning a farm?

George Gerl now owns Sweetwater Farm, in Clinton, which comprises 29 acres. Back in the 1930s and ’40s, the property was a game farm, especially for New York City residents who came to then rural Connecticut to hunt. In the ’60s and ’70s, it was a buffalo farm.

When George bought the property, in October 1990, he physically transformed it into the business it is today with riding rings, a hunt course,

turnouts, and an indoor riding arena.

Sweetwater offers lessons, training, boarding, birthday parties, and horse shows affiliated with the Connecticut Hunter Jumper Association, the Connecticut Horse Show Association, and Marshall and Sterling. It’s also the home of Sweetwater Feed & Equipment, which stocks high-quality horse and small-animal feeds.

“Once I started taking lessons on a regular basis,” George says, “it was suggested that I try showing. From the age of nine to thirteen, I rode all over the area. One of my fondest memories is of winning a class at the Durham Fair Horse Show in which I competed against more than twenty other riders.

My mom attended that show, as she did so many others. She always had a very special love of horses, although she didn’t ride much. I think she rode vicariously through me.”

George’s mother now lives just down the road from the farm and visits Sweetwater as often as she can. Maybe it’s to see three of her grandchildren, George’s twin six-year-old girls, Katie and Phoebe, and his four-year-old son, Henry.

Will they follow in their dad’s footsteps? “We don’t push them when it

comes to riding,” George says. “We wait till they ask to ride. They do have a pony, however, that they’ve shown in lead-line classes. His name is Peanut Butter.”

George’s children may or may not become the avid horseperson, trainer, and instructor their dad is, but you never know whether an innocent, unexpected, or amusing happenstance will launch them into an equestrian adventure of their own.

thank you for your dedication. You’ve taught us patience and perseverance, and you’ve not only made us better equestrians, but also become the role models for future generations.

Sally L. Feuerberg is the president of the Middlebury Bridle Land Association and a longtime resident of Newtown. Trail riding and continuing her lesson programs are her passions, along with the care of her family, horses, and farm.

To all those moms and dads who have been with us through those numerous early mornings and late nights, we

StonecreSt Farm equeStrian center Summer Program

June 27-July 1

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Stonecrest Farm’s Summer Program is a fantastic experience.

Our program runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with extended hours to 5 p.m.

Each session includes riding, horsemanship, crafts, and nature projects.

Participants will make long-lasting friends from surrounding towns and reunite with friends from past years.

Sign up for one week or all five. Visit us to meet staff and horses and to register. (Registration can also be done by mail.)

Forms can be found at StonecrestFarmCT.com.

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508 S. Britain rd., Southbury ct (one mile off I84, Exit 14) (203) 586-1016

stonecrestfarmct.com Connecticut Horse

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Youth Spotlight

Amanda Hughart Finding Her Way

North Branford

by Karena Garrity

O

courtesy of Amanda Hughart

Volunteering was something her n a damp, gray, early-spring mother wanted to be a father-daughter afternoon, the smile of 17-yearexperience — and it has been. Amanda old Amanda Hughart lights up and her dad, Andrew, volunteer at All the barn aisle at All the Kings Horses the Kings Horses every weekend.

Equine Rescue, a nonprofit barn in “Amanda and I have found our Northford. This teenager (affectionately nicknamed “the general” by fellow home on Sunday mornings,” says volunteer Walt Novak) wears stray bits of straw and a rouge, clinging stall shaving with pride. Amid the smell of fresh hay and the sounds of impatient horses whinnying because they know it’s close to feeding time, Amanda is thriving.

Amanda, who lives in North Branford, spends the majority of her free time at the rescue. When she’s not there, she’s just down the road, at Century Silhouette Farm, working in return for the lease of her best friend, a beautiful gray Quarter Horse mare named Jazz.

Today, at the rescue, her sandy blond hair is pulled Amanda and Jazz at Century Farm. back into a tight ponytail and she’s wearing jeans, a long-sleeve T- Andrew. “I’ve witnessed her confidence shirt, and work boots, grow exponentially. I’m so grateful that “Horses make me happy,” Amanda she and I’ve found a common ground says, smiling. through horses that we can share for But smiles were not always in abunthe rest of our lives.” dance for Amanda, who once suffered At the rescue, Amanda is both stufrom depression and anxiety and was dent and teacher — learning by doing, diagnosed at a young age with auditory yes, but also training new volunteers processing disorder. and overseeing many of the functions “When she was younger, Amanda of the barn. spent a lot of time feeling frustrated,” “Teaching others how to help these says her mother, Heidi. “Over the past horses has taught me that sometimes I four years, since Amanda has been volhave to go slow and I have to be very unteering at the rescue, working at the patient,” says Amanda. “I enjoy teachbarn, and immersed in horses, we’ve ing others about horses — they’re such seen a huge boost in her confidence. wonderful, large, loving animals and She’s all in, six days a week spent with once you give them your trust, they give horses, and she’s completely connected you theirs. That’s the most rewarding and dedicated.” part of helping here.”

Amanda’s infatuation with horses Amanda has earned the respect not began with a birthday-party pony ride. just of the horses and other volunteers, From there it became a passion, and but also of Mary Santagata, the founder she devoured every horse movie she of All the Kings Horses. “I love could see. Then she set out to find a Amanda. She’s such a great kid,” Mary rescue where she could volunteer, in says. “She’s a quick learner, she’s order to learn everything about horses respectful, humble, thankful, and and help them at the same time. appreciative of her experience here

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May/June 2016

and the opportunity to be trusted with the lives of these horses. And she can ride.

“Amanda is a true horsewoman and rider,” Mary says, “but there’s so much more to it than riding. She’s a great listener who wants to learn everything and get it right. And she’s protective of the horses here.”

“I love being around them,” Amanda says, “watching them, learning about their personalities, what they need, and how I can help them.” She pauses to sneak a kiss on the nose of Miniature Horse Bill, who is desperately vying for her attention. “I’m not sure yet exactly what I want to do, but I do know it will involve horses. I might like to go to school for barn management, therapeutic riding, or vet tech. I’m not sure.” She’s exploring colleges and universities that offer equine studies.

Walt, a volunteer — and a substitute teacher at Amanda’s high school — says Amanda can do anything she puts her mind to. “She’s always here to help,” he says. “She’s dedicated, and her enormous love for these animals is evident in everything she does here.”

He likes to tease her: “We’re so very lucky to have Amanda,” he says, “and we’re trying to encourage her not to go to college, because we don’t want her ever to leave.”

This summer, Amanda plans to compete with Jazz, in English pleasure, for the first time. The two have been perfecting their teamwork for two years now, and she says they’re ready to venture into the show ring.

“Being up on a horse is a great feeling and my favorite place to be,” she says. “I’m very excited about this summer — a little nervous but very excited.”

When she’s not cleaning out stalls, turning out horses and bringing them in, making sure they’re all getting the right food and medication, and groom-

ing (that’s her favorite thing to do, she says), Amanda is studying or spending time with her black Lab, Molly.

At the rescue, Amanda has helped care for, re-home, and rehab more than 50 horses. “Knowing you’re making a positive difference in the life of a horse that was at auction, owner surrendered, or had a hard past makes me feel really good,” she says. “Being here has helped me in many ways. I’ve learned so much about horses and it’s great therapy.

When I’m here, all my stress is gone. It’s a perfect hands-on way to do something wonderful for horses in need. You actu-

ally get to see some of them when they get here not looking or feeling great, not having a lot of trust, just totally unhappy. Then you get to witness their transformation and be a part of it. It really makes me feel good, and I’m grateful that I found this place and that I get to help horses find better lives.”

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Karena Garrity shares her home with her husband and two sons and a rescue Boston terrier/French bulldog. She volunteers at a therapeutic-riding center and spends her free time with her good friend, a Quarter Horse named Truman.

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Connecticut Horse

17

Horseperson Feature Oakville

by Andrea Bugbee

Deb Fabiani Arbitrage Tack

I

Crosby Middlemass

f you ask Deb Fabiani about her full- her youth with velvet show helmets with service tack shop, she’ll begin by a mere band of black elastic to hold telling you she’s a mom. them in place, she pulls out a cross sec“The best thing that ever happened tion of a modern helmet and explains to my daughters,” she says, “was being its components, what makes it safe, and involved with horses.” But when her why a traumatic fall causes hidden damkids were growing up, Deb could never age. Deb is a certified Charles Owen find a tack shop with a good consignhelmet fitter, and she requires each of ment section, and she thought there her employees to fit her for a helmet, had to be an economic way to keep multiple kids in breeches and coats. She wished there was a single helmet that would be safe and protective yet comfortable and show-worthy.

And trying to fit different horses for saddles and blankets and bits while simultaneously scrimping for college?

Yikes.

In 2010, Deb finally opened the Litchfield County store she had dreamed about. She calls it Arbitrage Tack, but could just as easily have dubbed it “Equestrian Solutions.”

As much a riders’ resource as it a retail shop, Arbitrage Tack does boast a lively consignment section, but it also offers lease options on saddles and bits; hunter coat and Shadbelly Deb fitting Jay Godston in a Samshield helmet. rentals; Micklem bridle rentals; tack and blanket repair; off-site tall boots, paddocks, and half chaps saddle fittings; on-site seminars, blanket before she allows them to assist cuscleaning, and waterproofing; and tomers. expert advice on everything from tall Virtual Shmirtual boots to bell boots. Arbitrage even appeases begging children by managing If you think shopping in your jammies at a horsey cyber site is just as good as wish lists, which operate like this: “Let’s put it on your wish list, dear, and maybe an actual visit to Arbitrage Tack (or any other professionally run tack shop), Grandma will get you those Zocks for then, with all due politeness, you’re your birthday.” dead wrong.

In consideration of new riders and Sorry. non-riding parents innocently cycloned Arbitrage Tack fills two e-NORinto the sport, Arbitrage Tack operates mous rooms in Oakville’s former Scovill on the belief that equine-related merPin Factory, a 52-acre brick behemoth chandise need not be excessively eluspanning both sides of Main Street. Just sive, expensive, or mysterious. “It’s got everything to do with good communica- wandering within this magnificent, 280,000-square-foot space is worth the tion because we care,” Deb says. “Right, visit, so plan on an extra hour to wrong, or indifferent, I’ve been known explore the numerous trendy, crafty, not to sell things. I think it’s unfair to upscale, and resale stores within its put a new rider in a one-hundred-andindustrial-age walls. Then pop into seventy-dollar paddock boot.”

Hard Core Sweet Cupcakes, but make Being a mother also makes Deb a sure to lick the frosting off your fingers stickler for safety. Reminiscing about

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May/June 2016

before you finally get to Arbitrage Tack, which is on the second floor. When you see the life-size statue of a horse at the end of the 100-foot hallway, you’ll know you’re close — and you’ll likely have to suppress the urge to gallop a real pony down its length.

In part, Arbitrage Tack is big because it’s in an old factory, but the size also suits Deb’s vision of what she wants to offer. “We have to carry a lot of inventory because we’re very concerned that our customers get the right product for what they’re doing,” she says. She’s standing in the spacious, highceilinged riders’ side of the store. Surrounding her are neatly ordered sections dedicated to breeches, boots, helmets, tops, barn wear, show wear, and just-for-fun bling.

That’s what Deb means by “a lot of inventory.”

Arbitrage also needs to be big because each horse and each rider is different; it’s simply not a one-product-suits-all industry. “You really want to be present and be working with a tack shop that can help you,” she says. “For example, it is critical — critical — to be fitted for a helmet. Everybody is full of asymmetries. We have rockers and tape to help with those.” All of Deb’s employees know how to adjust for unique dips and bulges.

Arbitrage employees are knowledgeable equestrians, so Erin Glover, over in the saddlery wing of the store, can demonstrate how to measure a horse for a blanket and then recommend a model that would suit a quiet, clipped stable horse and another that would be better for a rambunctious rascal with full turnout. And Deb is a saddle fitter, soon to be one of a rare handful of Americans certified by the British Society of Master Saddle Fitters.

She’ll make an on-site visit to an area stable to ensure that a saddle properly fits both horse and rider before her customer commits to buying it.

Not even Amazon Prime does that.

“If you’re not here in the store, you can’t touch or see or feel it,” Deb says.

“You can’t weigh the pros and cons of it

with an experienced member of the staff. Come in. Do it right the first time.

We know the barns. We know the horses. That’s the customization we do.

And we price-match.”

Personal Outfitter “We also have the largest dressing room in the state of Connecticut,” Deb says, laughing. She open the door to a space the size of a small paddock. There are plenty of hooks and hangers, and a comfy chair for patient parents to sit in.

“Very often we have parents who don’t ride,” Deb says. “This is where Crosby comes in” Crosby Middlemass is Arbitrage Tack’s apparel manager. Friendly, experienced, and oh-so-tasteful, she has a background in both fashion and the hunter/jumper world. An instructor and equestrian with an eye for flattering fits, Crosby can guide first-timers to sturdy, sensible lesson wear or she can help assemble a streamlined, elegant ensemble for the most serious competitors. The options are astonishing.

“At the basic level,” says Crosby, “there’s Devon-Aire. They’re spot on with their shades, their style, and their cuts.” Ovation, Romfhs, TreadStep, and Ariat dominate the mid-price range, and wear from Tailored Sportsman is top shelf. With that brand, Crosby says, “the fabric is hand-cut. The company also uses authentic suede. It’s the quality, the workmanship, that differentiates it from the others.”

Crosby can analyze anything.

“Outside of price point,” she says, “the easy way to look at breeches is: tight or woven? low rise or mid-rise? short, regular, or long?”

In addition, different cuts are kinder to different body types. For example, a five-foot three-inch, 130pound teenager riding in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) will be comfortable in an entirely different pair of breeches than that favored for a five-foot three-inch, 130pound middle-aged woman just getting back into riding.

“Crosby’s been known to have a customer with twelve pairs of breeches in the dressing room,” Deb says. “It’s really considering who the customer is and what she needs.”

But choices are everywhere. “Ariat boots come in eighteen dimensions — and then there are calf sizes,” Deb says, “and we carry eight styles of half chaps.”

Unstoppable Susan Sieber, of Woodbury, is an enthusiastic Arbitrage customer. She and her two daughters ride, and Susan is president of Little Britches Therapeutic Riding as well as on the executive board for Dressage4Kids.

“Deb’s a ball of energy. She’s just unstoppable,” Susan says. “She’s always learning new things. She has knowledge about so many things and she’s very, very interested in teaching, which is awesome. She’s ethical; she’s no-nonsense; she tells it like it is. She’s a very special person. She has a very big heart.

She loves horses. She wants the horse to be comfortable. She wants you to be comfortable. She’s not in it to make a buck. She doesn’t try to sell you things that don’t make sense.”

Beyond helping Susan and her daughters with their personal equestrian needs, such as clothing, tack, and blanket care, Susan credits Deb with doing all of the saddle, bridle, and helmet fitting for Little Britches. Deb has advised which tack best suits each therapy horse (one of which is actually Deb’s own little Paint). She has helped with grant writing for Little Britches, and, when the need arose, she has quietly outfitted some of the therapy students for their lessons for free.

Deb gives a lesson each year at Dressage4Kids — this year’s was about bits and bitting. She opens her store space for Pony Club, Post University, and Nonnewaug High School Vo-Ag meetings. She hosts free educational clinics on topics such as falling safely and insights from judges, and her store sponsors the Connecticut Horse Show Association, as well as area hunter paces, schooling shows, and IEA shows.

“Deb’s just been a wonderful friend to me, and I’m sure I’m not the only one of her customers to say that,” Susan says.

One of the things that keep Deb going is, she says, “a very understanding husband.” The others, she says, are her customers and their horses: “I’ve given my cell-phone number to many clients.

They start out as customers and they become friends. You just treat people how you want to be treated.”

WWW.ARMOURCOMPANIES.COM

Southwick resident Andrea Bugbee is a Pony Club mom, an IEA mom, and a backyard horse enthusiast. She does most of her writing while she waits for her daughter in the parking lots of numerous wonderful stables scattered throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

Connecticut Horse

19

Farm Feature Danbury

by Sally L. Feuerberg

Happy Trails Farm Horsemanship Runs in the Family

D

laughter, music, and warmth.

There’s an old barn in back of the house. It’s weathered but sturdy. Its core has not only defied Mother Nature’s wrath, but it has also been embraced by

News Times

anbury is the fourth most populated city in Fairfield County.

Within its borders lie the two massive campuses of Western Connecticut State University, as well as several nationally known corporations. The center of town is Main Street. Like many other municipalities in Connecticut, it’s composed of banks, shops, markets, restaurants, and traffic . . . lots of traffic. Here, in this most unlikely location, you’ll find a place where time has slowed, a place reminiscent of an era when life was simpler, when life was savored.

As you travel down a long dirt driveway, you can’t help but wonder how there can possibly be an operating horse farm here. After all, you’re just a mile from that bustling thoroughfare in the city’s downtown. But as you slowly pass the horse trailers that flank the drive, look to Ed and Lucy. your right and you’ll see suspended bridges, a teeter-totter, a balance beam, mountainside steps, tunnels, and water crossings. You’re catching a glimpse of an expansive obstacle course, one that also boasts many uncommon hurdles, bound to challenge and thrill the best horse-andrider teams. Then, as you gaze off into the distance, you see two horses contently munching hay in the morning sunshine. Now you know you’re in the right place.

Rounding the corner, you arrive at the home of Ed and Lucy Prybylski, the owners of Happy Trails Farm. With its quaint front porch, hitching post, and split-rail fence, the house looks as though it could comfortably fit in on any Western movie set. On the other side of the driveway is a large area with picnic tables, benches, and an old stone fire pit. Although the seats are empty, the tables bare, and the fire pit holds only ashes, the setting almost whispers of memories made with friends and 20

May/June 2016

her sunlight for more than 120 years. It has steadfastly witnessed several generations of the Prybylski family pass through its interior. At one time, hay was stacked in the loft, but now, appropriately, the barn is the site of parties, dances, and celebrations.

Off to the side of this iconic building is the main barn, built 30 years ago, when Ed and Lucy acquired the farm from Ed’s father. As you walk past the vacant stalls, the sound of soft nickers and whinnies beckons as the barn doors open up to a field filled with an assortment of horses, a pony, and one adorable donkey.

Ed Prybylski is the third generation to work on this family farm. As a youngster, he rode the two draft horses that performed a multitude of farm chores, such as the haying of fields, plowing, and gardening. He remembers his grandparents hitching up the pair to a buggy and traveling down to Main Street to peddle their homegrown veg-

etables, eggs, and milk. “We had chickens, cows, and gardens,” Ed says. “We were self-sufficient and lived off what the farm produced. My grandmother also made shoes, as well as whiskey and wine.”

When Ed bought his first horse, Cheyenne, at the age of 16, he says, “I wasn’t allowed to keep a pleasure horse on the farm. I was told he was too small to be put to work, so I had to board him down the road. Since then, I’ve always had horses in my life.”

Ed travels out of the area to help those seeking professional guidance, equine evaluation, and assistance in establishing the crucial foundation work necessary in every human–horse relationship.

But today he’s giving a lesson to Jane Rush and her horse, Nellie, one of the two she boards at Happy Trails.

Jane acquired the Morgan mare two years ago, and although Nellie had show-ring exposure, Jane wanted their relationship to go beyond that experience, and found numerous equestrian opportunities at Happy Trails Farm.

Ed, who prefers to give his lessons on horseback — “I feel that certain methods and techniques are demonstrated better when I ride with my students,” he says — is on Sage, a dapple-gray, four-year-old Quarter Horse mare. As you watch and listen, you notice that he’s instructing Jane and Nellie to function as a partnership, building confidence in both. There’s a soft, calming, supportive tone to his voice.

He starts with exercises to encourage flexibility and to give the horse an opportunity to loosen up before they begin their work. He takes the time to illustrate the skills required to build trust. He points out the importance of proper breathing, and explains how these exercises help to relax horse and rider, an integral part of the learning

process. As he canters alongside Jane, Ed demonstrates leg cues and hand position. He advocates only the lightest of touch on the reins. Joy is written all over Jane’s face: “I couldn’t have done this before without Ed,” she says. “Nellie has made so much progress. Look at her! She’s relaxing, and we’re having fun.”

“Patience is probably the most important quality in working with a horse,” says Ed. “It’s not easy to be patient, especially for me. But I’ve learned over and over that it’s a must.

Communicate with your horse, and try to understand what he’s thinking and feeling. Be clear in what you’re asking of him.”

Ed’s wife, Lucy, had always dreamed of having a horse farm of her own. At the College of Agriculture at UConn, she concentrated on the university’s pre-veterinary program. She was actively involved in its extensive equestrian science courses, and rode in its acclaimed horse program. “I have very little memory of my life without horses,” she says.

In the farm’s large outdoor ring, Lucy is working with a group, members of the Happy Trails Drill Team. Her rapport with them is evident, as both instructor and students seem to be enjoying the camaraderie as they learn.

“I’ve had a drill team at the farm on and off over the years,” Lucy says.

“We’ve a really good group right now.

We start the activity early in the winter, and it gets everyone riding on some days when they might not otherwise be motivated. This year was wonderful — we were able to practice all through the winter.

“There are so many benefits to a drill team for both riders and their horses,” Lucy says. “I’d say that the biggest thing for the riders is focus.

They have to ride their horse every second, and be mindful of their position and ready for the next command. This results in the horses being very focused as well, which is always great for training. It also teaches the horses to work in close quarters with one another and still be attentive to their riders’ signals. This carries through whether heading for the show ring or to a group trail ride.

It’s fun to see the horses evolve from ear pinning and tail swishing in the beginning to working together as a very cohesive group, and enjoying it.”

Lucy also holds a camp for horse-

women. “The activities vary somewhat, depending on the levels of the riders and their horses,” she says. “Some people bring their horse for the week and others lease a horse from Happy Trails Farm. We start out with a lot of groundwork — in the round pen, in the arena, on the road, in the obstacle fields. We work on riding skills both in the ring and out. We ride patterns, negotiate obstacles, play games, and do some problem solving. It’s a fun-filled week, and we all know how many laughs there are when a group of horsewomen hang out together for hours a day . . .”

Today Happy Trails Farm has 30 boarders, some of which have been with Ed and Lucy for almost two decades.

Boarders can participate in all sorts of activities, such as fun days, clinics on western/cowboy dressage, working equitation, ranch versatility, reining, and cow work; and riding on some of the most beautiful trails in Connecticut.

Tarrywile Park is just across the street and features some 21 miles of trails, and the trails of Old Quarry Nature Center and Rogers Park border the property.

There are now fourth and fifth generations in the Prybylski family: Ed’s son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Michelle, and their daughter, Olivia Lynch, and her husband, Ken, parents to the newest member, their granddaughter, Nora. Olivia is a mental-health professional at a family practice, but as a youngster she showed horses and was very involved with the local 4-H chapter.

“Olivia says she definitely benefited from that experience,” Lucy says. As for Nora, her grandmother says, “She just turned three and loves to visit the farm and her pony, Penelope. We gave her a little western saddle for Christmas, and I’m planning to turn her into a little cowgirl this spring and summer.”

Jim and Michelle are continuing the Prybylski equestrian tradition as the general manager and director of marketing and sales at Stony Creek Ranch, in Stony Creek, New York. The ranch will offer lodging and many resort activities, among them horseback riding and rodeos. Jim credits his father with instilling his lifelong passion for horses, but, he says, “my mother’s side loved horses just as much. I hope my career as a ranch manager will be a great success, and that my horsemanship will someday be as great as my father’s. But his boots are hard to fill, because they’re the foundation of an amazing man.”

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21

Lend a Hoof Salem

Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement Living the Good Life

by Toni Leland

F

Toni Leland

medication might not find a place. There resh air, sunshine, plenty to eat, are exceptions to that, though: Some of companions nearby, and a warm the residents have developed Cushing’s place to sleep. Sound like paradise? For the 23 elderly or infirm horses disease, which necessitates meds.

Even if a horse is accepted for the living on 50 acres at Salem’s Mitchell program, there’s a waiting list, and it’s a Farm Equine Retirement, that’s a good long one. At the moment, 55 horses are description. No one rides them, or tries to train them, or demands anything of them. They live out the remainder of their lives just being horses.

Believing that “there’s something wise and wonderful” about older horses, founder Dee Doolittle discovered her calling while working as equine manager at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, in Old Lyme. Now — 12 years later — Mitchell Farm is one of only a few accredited nonprofit sanctuaries in the United States that shelter and Dee Doolittle and Diesel. care for equine seniors.

Dee talks warmly about the horses in line for any spot that opens up, and that come to Mitchell Farm. “Our phithat opening may not come for several losophy is that we allow them to just be years. Some of the horses on the list are a horse or, in some cases, they need to “on hold” for one reason or another, learn or relearn how to be a horse,” she says Dee. An owner may not be ready to says. “A lot of show horses spend much part with an animal but is anticipating of their lives in small paddocks, maybe the need to. Some are keeping Mitchell interacting with horses over a fence but Farm as a backup. Others are themnever really interacting as a group.” selves aging and are trying to secure a She says she finds it rewarding to home for their horses when they can no watch a horse find a buddy when it’s longer care for them. never been with other horses. “It’s a When Sarah Papale applied for her slow process,” she says, “especially two older horses, 75 names were ahead because you have to be very careful with of theirs but, Sarah says, she was willing older horses.” to wait. Walter had been her first lesson Not all the residents of Mitchell horse and in time became a member of Farm are elderly; some are infirm and the family. He was 30 years old when he no longer usable. No matter; they’re all went to Mitchell, and lived there for still lovable. four years. Sarah’s other senior equine There aren’t too many require— Duke, a 21-year-old off-the-track ments for acceptance. Most important, Thoroughbred — has been there for a horse must be pasture-sound — unless five years. there’s too much snow on the ground, “I cried the whole way home after life is spent on grassy slopes. A horse dropping them off,” says Sarah. “I knew with laminitis won’t be able to stay at it was the right thing to do, but I missed Mitchell Farm, and one that needs daily them terribly.” Because she lives an 22

May/June 2016

hour away, she can visit only once a month or so.

“One thing I’ve really noticed,” Sarah says, “is that Dee goes the extra mile for the older population. They can develop a lot of ailments as they age, such as Cushing’s and arthritis. Many owners can’t afford the medication, or choose not to medicate. This is absolutely not the case for Dee — she’ll do whatever a horse needs to be comfortable and healthy.”

Kathy O’Connor was able to enjoy her horse for eight years before he was no longer ridable, and at that time, she knew she needed the perfect place for him to just be a horse. Now she says she’s fortunate that Killian is cared for at Mitchell Farm. “It has a warmth and hominess that instantly spoke to me,” she says. “Killian seems so happy and he looks wonderful.” Kathy lives more than an hour away, but makes the trip several times a year to visit her “old man.” * Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement is an animal-welfare organization, and, as it is with any other service organization, funding is critical. Dee says she spends a lot of her time writing proposals for grants. Although she’s been very successful with that, Mitchell Farm needs other sources of income, and that’s why the farm annually hosts several events.

The Herrmann Lipizzan Stallions perform their escapades for huge crowds each August, and the September Music Festival is another big draw. This year’s national ASPCA Help-a-Horse Day (April 23) offered a $25,000 prize to the group that attracted the largest number of people to the event. In the hope of winning the grand prize, Mitchell Farm held its first-ever Barnyard Olympics.

In the nonprofit’s 12-year history,

Dee and her staff of volunteers can be pleased with their many accomplishments. “One thing we’re very proud of is that we have two accreditations,” she says, “one with Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, which is an international organization, and the other with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.”

The alliance was founded, in 2012, by people in the racing industry who recognized that there are a lot of Thoroughbreds that need care when their racing career is over. Today five off-track Thoroughbreds are enjoying retirement at Mitchell Farm.

Attaining accreditation is the result of a rigorous procedure, and maintaining it requires ongoing effort. “They look at everything,” Dee says, “finances, governance, horse care — and someone physically comes here every six months to check on us.”

Who helps with all this? Volunteers!

Walking around the well-maintained grounds and barn, it’s obvious that the folks who come to help are dedicated.

Jerry Boyle sets aside a manure rake. “Six years ago,” he says, “I bought a house with a beautiful barn and pasture and my neighbor tried to convince me to get a horse. I didn’t know anything about horses but the neighbor volunteered here, so I came along to see if I’d like it.” He smiles and shrugs.

“I never got a horse,” he says, “but I keep coming because I like the fresh air and the exercise.”

Flora Drapeau, another volunteer, started four years ago after she retired from her job as a nurse practitioner. “I wanted to do something totally out of my comfort zone,” she says. “Because I was retired and the horses were retired, it seemed like a match made in heaven.” Her favorite part about being there? She doesn’t hesitate: “The camaraderie is great,” she says, “and I love doing something helpful, useful, and different. And the horses are just beautiful animals.” * Later, Dee leans against the side of the barn and talks about the future. One goal is to expand the talent pool of the board of directors; she says she hopes to attract individuals who will help the grassroots nonprofit do more than just sustain itself. “And more volunteers would be good, too,” she says. “I’ve been wearing seven hats for the past eleven years, so these are some of my wish-list items — people who could help with things like accounting, PR, and

social media. I’d love to have a CPA who could help keep things on track.” In November, Dee hired barn manager Melissa McDonald, and Dee says Melissa has helped tremendously.

Mitchell Farm does more than see to the needs of its resident horses.

About a year ago Dee started a program — with generous funding from the ASPCA — called Shelter in Place. “My thought was that we can help twentythree horses right here, but I know there are many out there that are in need of help.” The idea arose, she says, because she was receiving so many phone calls from elderly people. She shakes her head. “They’d call and say, ‘My horse is now twenty-nine and I’m eighty-two and I’m having trouble getting out to take care of him. What can I do?’

“And that’s where unintentional, benign neglect starts,” says Dee. “The idea was to send volunteers out into the community to help these older folks keep their horses at home. The benefit is twofold: the horses don’t end up in the rescue stream and the older people have someone checking in on them, too.”

The money for Shelter in Place also serves as an emergency, safety-net fund, primarily for people in eastern Connecticut. If someone loses his job or is laid off for the winter, for example, and is struggling to make ends meet, the fund may be able to step in to help with the feed bill. Or there could be a horse emergency — colic, say, or an injury; the fund may be able to help with the vet bill. Dee sends information to veterinarians and farriers so they can make referrals.

Dee. As she reaches into her pocket, a dark Percheron named Diesel sidles up to her to beg for one of the peppermints she always carries.

Yes, life is good at Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement.

Toni Leland has written nine equestrian mysteries, a young-adult novel, two books on gardening, and a photographic history, and her articles have appeared in Grit, Over the Back Fence/Ohio, Country Living, Connecticut Lifestyles, Pathfinders, Sound and Country, Connecticut Family, and The Day (New London). She is the owner of Equine Graphics Publishing Group and SmallHorse Press.

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* Out in the pastures, 23 horses are being horses. Some are nosing through the emerging grass in the early-spring sun.

Some are napping. Some take notice of

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Connecticut Horse

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Sprague by xx Stearns

by Stacey Stearns

Trail Guide

Sprague Land Preserve

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some rain, the field was dry. You’re parking in what’s called the Watson property area when referring to the map. At the back of the field, there’s a big bulletin board, built by local Boy Scouts, that shows the trail map.

Plan Your Ride Park on Holton Road in Franklin, a dead-end street off Route 207. To get to this lot, drive past the SPRAGUE LAND PRESERVE sign, which is on your right. The parking area is a large field on the lefthand side, at a bend. Be sure not to take the gravel road on the right before the actual parking lot; you’ll have a tough time backing out to correct the error.

There’s plenty of room for horse trailers. And even though I went after 24

May/June 2016

I’ve been on, Sprague Land Preserve is the only place where I’ve run into a nest of ground bees. This can be dangerous. Bees usually find the second or third horse in a group, after the first horse stirs them up. In spring and summer, when riding in a group through a woods section, make sure there’s some distance between the horses: that decreases the likelihood of being stung.

If you ride along the Shetucket River, be courteous to those who are fishing it. Don’t water your horse close to them, and allow plenty of space between you and the river, as fish will easily spook.

The Ride

Stacey Stearns

he Shetucket River, at the confluence of the Willimantic and Natchaug Rivers, lies at the heart of the Sprague Land Preserve. The Shetucket is one of the best in New England for salmon fishing, and the trout run well too. The 500-plus-acre preserve boasts biking, hiking, kayaking, floating, and snowshoeing — and trails, trails in Sprague, Scotland, and Franklin. It’s all part of the Last Green Valley, a 35-town National Heritage Corridor.

Friends of the Shetucket River Valley (FoSRV), a nonprofit, was established in 2011 to identify and protect open space and to assist municipalities and other landpreservation organizations in fundraising and public-awareness campaigns to acquire property.

The organization’s involvement was crucial to the purchase of Watson Farm, 230 acres of meadow, farmland, and forests. FoSRV organized six benefit horseback rides and raised more than $8,000 to help buy the land.

Phyllis Alexander, of Franklin, is chair of FoSRV and an avid trail rider. “We’re working to raise money to purchase an additional hundred and eleven acres, known as the Robinson property,” she says.

“This piece of land in Franklin connects to the Sprague Land Preserve, which borders the Shetucket River. Evergreens and deciduous hardwoods, with fernand berry-covered hillsides, are predominant within the Robinson property.” The watershed here supports a rich array of fauna, too: the preserve is home to songbirds, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and eagles.

There’s a box that should hold copies of the map, but it was empty the day I rode at Sprague. To be safe, print a map at home from the photo gallery on the FoSRV website (shetucket.org) or take a picture of the map with your phone and consult it during your ride.

“Once parked and you start riding, there’s a trail right across the street,” Phyllis says. “The map is only of the original acquired property, the old Mukluk Club. Where you park is new property for FoSRV, formerly the Watson property, and we’re working on the maps for that area.”

Trails have been carefully maintained and marked by numerous volunteer groups. The footing is rocky, though, and I recommend hoof protection. The preserve is bordered on many sides by private land. If you see a posted sign, turn around and refer to your map to find your way back to a permitted trail.

Of the hundreds of miles of trails

Sprague Land Preserve is deceiving. I thought we were going for a quiet hack but there are more hills than I had realized. Our horses had a great workout, and as we crested rises and rode along ledges, the views were spectacular.

This is especially true from the ridgeline of hemlock and pine, which provides southeasterly panoramas of the river valley.

We rode a mix of trails: yellow dotted, yellow solid, blue, and orange. One of my favorites, although it held surprises for our horses, is the Fairy Trail. On this short stretch, a creative soul has placed a few fairy houses where you come around some curves.

The yellow trail, which we accessed from the back of the field, behind the map, proved steep and challenging for our horses, so we turned around and sought other trails. We came back out this way at the end of the ride, after connecting through the Watson blue trail, but somehow bypassed the steep section.

As we rode through the woods in the high bluffs on the north side of the preserve, we could hear water long before we saw it. As we rounded a bend, there was the lower waterfall, rushing down the rocks and into the stream below. Our horses had a drink in the stream, then we continued on, riding through the woods and along the edges of fields.

The preserve has approximately

one mile of water frontage, and the Shetucket River meanders peacefully as you ride beside it. There’s a fishing camp along the bank, and the remains of an old bridge abutment. Known as Wood’s Bridge, it was part of the gravel road that runs through the Sprague and was the primary access route between Norwich and Windham Center, before it was destroyed by a spring flood almost 200 years ago.

There are many places where you can ride right up to the river and water your horse. This year, FoSRV is building a bridge that will give your horse and you access to the trails on the other side of the river. You can also ride up to the dam and then head back out on the trails.

Riding along the bank of the Shetucket River brings a feeling of tranquility; I always suffer a twinge of regret when I have to turn away from the water and head back into the woods.

Happy riding!

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

Danbury

This Olde Horse

Making Hay Happy Trails Farm, 1950.

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email

editor@connhorse.com.

Connecticut Horse

25

Folly Farm Simsbury, CT

Summer Programs

Horse Shows

10 Weekly Sessions June 13 - August 22

Connecticut Hunter Jumper Association Connecticut Horse Shows Association New England Horseman’s Council Marshall and Sterling League

May 8 • June 4 • June 25 • July 24 Sept. 18 • Oct. 15 • Nov. 27

Horse Lover’s Program is open to riders of all levels, ages 7 and up. Participants will spend maximum time with the horses – riding at least 1.5 hours per morning with riding groups divided by skill. ey will practice caring for and grooming their horse, and learn about equine behavior.

Horse Lover’s Program is every week Mon. - Fri., 8:30 A .M. - 12:30 P.M. Program Cost: $500 first week; $475 for additional weeks.

Folly Farm Classic July 24 Held in conjunction with our rated show

After Program is for students who participate in the morning program and want more time in the saddle and more intensive training. Participants ride for an additional session during the afternoon.

student is paired with his/her own assistant and own pony; they learn the basics of grooming, riding, and horse care.

LY FAR L O

ff

M

Tiny Trotter’s Program is for riders ages 4 to 6. Each

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After Program can be elected on a day-to-day basis. Pick up is 3 P.M. Program cost: $65 per day for non-boarders; $50 for boarders using their own horses.

Tiny Trotter’s Program runs every Mon. - urs., 11A .M. - 12:30 P.M. Program cost: $275 per week

Sign up early to reserve your spot! www.follyfarm.us/summerprograms 26

May/June 2016

Folly Farm Show Stables 75 Hartford Rd., Simsbury CT (860) 658-9943 www.follyfarm.us

The Right Lead

Summer in the Saddle

Riding Programs

by Sarah Wright-Swaine

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

I

istockphoto.com

istockphoto.com

s your child already asking about a horse camp and it’s barely spring?

Maybe she began talking about it even before a scarlet leaf fell from a towering oak. If that sounds familiar, we’re here to help you find a place that will give your daughter or son a summer experience to cherish.

First of all, a camp must provide a positive and safe environment. The children should feel good about themselves and gain confidence.

And they should have fun: after all, this is horse camp, not boot camp.

Your decision should be based on the answers to a number of questions. First, sleepaway or a day camp? Then, what is your child is looking for? If she’s dedicated to one form of riding, you want a program that supports that discipline. How much riding does she want to do?

At a multipurpose camp, riding might be only a small component; at one that bills itself a “horse camp,” equine activities might be the only ones. Does she want some competition?

When researching the camps themselves, ask about how long each has been in operation. How many years has

it been under the direction of the same person? What is the camp’s — and the director’s— philosophy?

Where is it located? If it’s in a country setting, there’s probably plenty of space to ride; in a city or a large town, there may be only one place to ride. If

there’s just one ring, how much time is available for each camper? An eventing camp needs a lot of land to be able to incorporate cross-country jumping courses, stadium fields, and dressage arenas. A trail camp needs access to long dirt roads, trails, and fields. Does

the territory fit the needs?

Get the low-down on the full extent of the riding program. Daily, how much time will be spent in mounted lessons?

What about care and responsibility for horses? What about barn chores?

Shows and competitions can be opportunities for students to put what they’ve learned to the test, but they may also be stressful. Does the camp hold competitions? How serious are they? Is their purpose to cheer each other on or to crown a winner? Does everyone have the opportunity to compete or show, regardless of level or ability?

Afterward, does everyone feel a sense of accomplishment?

Ask about the instructors. What is their experience?

Are they in college and still themselves learning or are they seasoned? What is their training with children? What is their style of teaching? Can they provide for the child new to horses? the anxious child? the veteran competitor?

Will they be bunk counselors as well as riding counselors?

The size of a class determines how much attention your child will receive. Ask about the ratio of instructors to campers. In an advanced classes, 1:6 is a good ratio.

When the class is an hour or two long, horses have time to cool down between obstacles and campers have the time to Connecticut Horse

27

think of what they’ve learned between instruction periods. In a beginner class, the ratio should be smaller, so each child has the extra attention she needs, especially where safety is concerned.

Will your child be paired with the same horse for the duration of the camp? After a slight period of adjustment, having a consistent mount means the children can spend all of their time together on lessons, not on getting to know a new horse. Working together creates a partnership and also a sense of responsibility for their equine friends. It also fosters confidence. With a different horse every lesson, your child may become a diverse rider, but that special bond won’t form.

Although I’ve saved it almost for last, safety is the most important quality for any riding situation. Does the camp own its horses or does it rent/lease them for the summer? If it leases, are they the same horses every year? When a camp owns its horses, or leases the same ones year after year, staff learn each animal’s temperament in a variety of situations. A horse in a fenced-in arena, for example, may appear sluggish but then become exuberant on a crosscountry jumping field. A program that

Summer Equine Program 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Early arrival & later pick-up available! ages 6-14

June 27 - July 1 . July 11 - 15 July 18 - 22 . august 8 - 12

Riding Lessons Horses for Lease Training & Showing

Since 1973

Bittersweet Farm Instructor/Trainer Shauna perry 120 Litchfield Tnpk., Bethany, CT 203-393-3665 . 203-687-0333 shaunaperry1314@hotmail.com bittersweetfarm.wix.com/bsfct 28

May/June 2016

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Connecticut Horse

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uses its own horses means instructors can make the safest matches of horse and rider, and the most appropriate ones.

Just as having a safe mount for your child is crucial, so is her gear. What riding equipment does the camp require?

Helmets should be mandatory for all types of riding. Even on a leisurely trail ride, a horse can stumble at any time and a child could slip off. Your child should wear a helmet during every lesson and every other time she will be getting on a horse, and the camp should insist on this policy. Even if helmets will be provided, your child should bring her own — one that is fitted correctly.

A safety vest is an added precaution, especially if your child will be doing field work or jumping, because it provides protection to the chest, lower spine, and back. These vests have become more comfortable and less cumbersome than they were even just a few years ago. If a prospective camp doesn’t mention them, do consider buying one for your child. It’s worth it, just for the peace of mind.

When you’ve narrowed down your list, ask whether kids come back year after year. What do previous campers

Fox Ledge Farm Quality Dressage Training with a Winning Tradition

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

Happy Trails Farm Boarding with Expert Care Lessons • Training • Clinics & Events Working Equitation • Cowboy Dressage Fun Days • Drill Team • Trail & Obstacle Events Extensive Obstacle Course & Many Miles of Trails

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Offering: Board . Training Lessons . Clinics Dressage All Levels Welcome Indoor and Outdoor Facilities

East Haddam, CT

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www.foxledgefarm.net

May/June 2016

Connecticut Horse

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and their parents have to say? Ask for the name and phone number of someone, preferably close by, who can provide a recommendation. If you can, visit your choices to get a feel for them in action. And if your child will be attending a sleepover camp, she may benefit from a look-see before her session.

At the least, look at websites. Are the children smiling (and are they wearing helmets)? And do you see a variety of activities?

Taking care of a horse instills in a child a sense of pride and accomplishment. Confidence grows, as does selfesteem. Horses have the ability to alleviate homesickness, create joy, and provide unconditional friendship. For the child who loves horses, spending part of the summer with them, daily, can mean a lifetime of memories.

Sarah Wright-Swaine is the director of the Vershire Riding School, in Vershire, Vermont. She holds an MA in education from Sunbridge College and a BA from the University of California Santa Cruz.

Sarah Wright-Swaine is the director of the Vershire Riding School, in Vershire, Vermont. She holds an MA in education from Sunbridge College and a BA from the University of California Santa Cruz.

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May/June 2016

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Connecticut Horse

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The Vet Is In

by Christopher J. Weber, DVM

Spring Vaccinations

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Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, too, affects both horses and humans. It spreads almost entirely from a mosquito bite; on rare occasions, it can be trans-

xx

e vaccinate horses to prevent diseases that can cause illness and even death — and spring’s the time to go about protecting our equine friends.

Core vaccines are those that protect against diseases that are endemic to a particular region, those with potential public-health significance or that are highly infectious (required by law), and those posing a risk of severe disease. Core vaccines have clearly demonstrated both efficacy and safety, and thus have shown a high enough level of patient benefit and a low enough level of risk to justify their use in the majority of patients.

Those against rabies, West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, and tetanus are core vaccines.

Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. The virus is spread through transfer of body fluid, usually saliva inoculated into a bite wound. Vets see cases of rabies throughout the year; they’re more prevalent, however, in the warmer months, when wildlife carriers have come out of hibernation. Here in Connecticut, the most common carriers are raccoons and skunks, but an infected horse may transmit rabies to other horses and to humans as well. Rabies causes neurologic symptoms and almost 100 percent mortality.

West Nile virus also affects both horses and humans. The virus is spread by mosquitos and is maintained in bird hosts, but it can’t be transmitted directly from one horse to another or to humans. Most cases are reported in August and September. West Nile causes encephalitis, depression, ataxia, decreased appetite, and fever and is fatal about 30 percent of the time.

Approximately 40 percent of the horses that survive an infection will develop lifelong complications, such as behavior and gait abnormalities.

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May/June 2016

mitted from horse to horse or from one human to another. The reservoir for eastern equine encephalomyelitis is birds and rodents and most cases occur in summer and early fall. Eastern equine encephalomyelitis causes fever, lethargy, and ataxia, followed by neurologic symptoms such as behavior changes, circling, and head pressing.

The mortality rate is close to 90 percent.

Tetanus is a bacterial (Clostridium tetani) disease that affects horses in much the same way as it does humans.

Although tetanus isn’t contagious, horses are very susceptible to the tetanus toxin. They may contract it from infected soil, manure, or a rusty nail, for example. Symptoms may be subtle at first: a slight retraction of the lips and some flaring of the nostrils.

They progress, though, to difficulty opening the jaws and a slight elevation of the tail (in horses, that is), followed

by generalized spastic activity of the large muscles and difficulty breathing.

Eventually, they can’t move. Horses may respond to antibiotics or an antitoxin; sadly, though, most die before treatment.

Risk-based vaccines are those selected to administer after an assessment performed by, or in consultation with, a veterinarian.

Use of these vaccines may vary among individuals, populations, and geographic regions, depending on exposure, age, use of the horse, and the severity of the disease.

Those against equine influenza, Potomac horse fever, equine herpes virus types 1 and 4, and strangles are examples of riskbased vaccines.

Equine influenza spreads when nasal secretions or airborne viral particles from an infected horse are transferred to another horse. Young horses are more susceptible than adults. Among the symptoms are a high fever — as high as 106 degrees — cough, decreased appetite, and weakness, and the disease often leads to a secondary bacterial infection. There’s no specific treatment, but anti-inflammatory drugs may control the fever, and if a secondary infection develops, antibiotics may be prescribed. Although the disease is extremely contagious, it’s rarely fatal.

Potomac horse fever is a bacterial disease, one researchers believe is transmitted to horses when they eat flies (mayflies and caddis flies, for example) or snails and slugs that have ingested the organism in water. (Potomac horse fever is more common in areas with water.) Possible signs are acute-onset fever, depression (sometimes profound), lack of appetite, mild coliclike symptoms, decreased manure production, profuse watery diarrhea, edema, and, in 20 to 40 percent of cases, acute laminitis. Some horses don’t display any

symptoms beyond a fever. Antibiotics are effective against the disease, but if it’s not treated quickly, the laminitis may be irreversible and thus lead to euthanasia.

Equine herpes virus usually spreads through either direct or indirect contact with nasal secretions. This virus can take any of three forms: respiratory disease, abortion, and neurologic disease.

Clinical signs are fever, lethargy, anorexia, nasal discharge, cough, and enlarged lymph nodes. Most horses have come in contact with the herpes virus by the age of two, and this early exposure often results in adult asymptomatic carriers that become high virus shedders during times of stress. The only treatments are supportive; there is no cure. The herpes virus is very contagious, especially to horses that have not been exposed to the virus before. It’s rarely fatal in the respiratory form. The reproductive form often leads to the loss of the foal and the neurologic form may end in death even in adult horses.

Strangles — the horse version of strep throat — is a very contagious bacterial disease: epidemics involving entire barns are not unusual. Young horses are more commonly affected but all horses are at risk. The organism

spreads directly, via contact with an infected horse, or indirectly, via contact with a water trough, a trailer, tack, grooming equipment, people’s hands and clothing, or an insect contaminated with pus draining from the lymph nodes of an infected horse. Symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, fever, lethargy, mucoid nasal discharge, and discharge from abscessed lymph nodes.

Treatment is somewhat controversial.

Most veterinarians, however, believe that antibiotics only prolong the disease and increase the risk of internal abscesses. Most horses will recover.

So now you know the diseases, but why do we vaccinate in spring?

There are several reasons. First, three of the diseases are spread by insects, so it’s important for a horse’s immunity to be strongest during the most likely time of infection: when insects are present in the environment.

Second, three of the diseases are spread by direct contact with infected horses, so because our horses are significantly more active, travel more, and are exposed to other horses more frequently during the warm-weather months, it’s important for a horse’s immunity to be strongest before it

comes in contact with lots of other horses.

The third reason is regulatory.

Many events require up-to-date influenza and herpes vaccinations. The United States Equestrian Federation, for example, recently implemented a rule that requires horses be current with these vaccines.

Owners and veterinarians should work together to determine which vaccinations are needed. It’s important to note that although vaccine technology has improved greatly in recent years, and although vaccines are safer and more effective than ever before, none is 100 percent effective. In addition, protective immunity is not immediate. In general, horses in any population are exposed to the same risks and should be vaccinated similarly.

To learn more, visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners at aaep.org/info/vaccination-guidelines.

Christopher J. Weber was born and raised on a farm in Nebraska. Following a 10-year career as an officer and helicopter pilot in the Army, he pursued his dream of becoming a veterinarian. He graduated from Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine in May 2005 and joined Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital, in Granby, in July of that year.

Connecticut Horse

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Overherd

News in Our Community can be compared to discovering that hidden pathway you were searching for. It’s the realization that you and your equestrian partner are communicating on all levels.

Showcasing the power of alternative therapies and medicines, the Equine Wellness Fair will be held May 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ray of Light Farm, East Haddam. The event will feature the exploration of new and ancient alternative therapies for horses, with a variety of demonstrations and vendors.

Guests will have the chance to learn about acupuncture from Dr. Chip Beckett, for example, and discover the benefits of aromatherapy from Kimberly Nevel. More than 20 professionals and vendors will be offering insight into a wide range of products, therapies, and techniques, such as yoga on horseback and Reiki.

“Everyone we’ve contacted about being part of this event has been very responsive,” says organizer Jennifer McDermott. “Our goal is to make these therapies more approachable and to educate people about professionals in the state who are available to help horses and other animals with different approaches to medicine. What works for one patient may not work for another patient, and knowing about these alternative medicines and how they can be coupled with conventional medicine is something we want everyone to have access to.”

For more information, visit to rayoflightfarm.com. n Karena Garrity

Sarah Geikie Clinic It’s that magical moment when it all comes together.

It's what every passionate and dedicated horseperson yearns and works for. It’s not the final destination but it 36

May/June 2016

method, which employs logical steps in sequence so that both horse and rider understand what they’re doing and, most important, how to do it in a relaxed, positive

Doug Foscale Equine Photography, dougfos.com

Equine Wellness Fair

world on March 30. His rich, chocolate-brown coat is just like that of his mom, Cocoa.

When Cocoa arrived at the rescue, in September, she was pregnant and had a bad case of pneumonia; it took round-the-clock care to nurse her back to health.

Now that mare and foal are doing well and bonding nicely, rescue staff and volunteers are ecstatic.

Once Puff is weaned, both Minis will be ready to find their forever homes. To see adorable photos and learn about adoptions, visit beechbrookfarm.homestead.com. n Karena Garrity

Miniature colt Puff, born March 30, at Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue in Mystic.

That light touch behind the girth; the slight shift of your seat; the minute stirruppressure change; the giving bend of the arched neck — your shoulders and elbows relax and soften as you feel the tempo and rhythm generated as horse and rider become one.

Under the tutelage of Sarah Geikie, participants in the February 25 clinic hosted

by Stephen Looney and Dawn-Marie Jacobson Looney, of Fair Hill Farm in Easton, achieved that magical moment.

Sarah’s approach emphasizes educating both horse and rider on the training fundamentals. As she worked with each student individually, Sarah demonstrated why developing the rider’s correct seat, balance, and aids is a prerequisite for effective communication with the horse. All levels, backgrounds, and disciplines benefit from Sarah’s training

way. As she interacted with riders, she explained why these steps matter and how to use them creatively when they ride on their own.

Sarah Geikie has been a dressage trainer, instructor, and competitor for more than 30 years and her students have been successful in both USDF and New England Dressage Association competitions.

She’s a faculty member as well as an examiner for the USDF Instructor/ Trainer Program. In addition, she was recently promoted to FEI four-star (C) dressage judge, one of only 11 in the United States. Sarah is based at Hanover Farm, in Marlborough. n Sally L. Feuerberg

It’s a Boy Beech Brook Farm Equine Rescue, in Mystic, is thrilled about its latest success story: the birth of Puff, a Miniature colt, who came into this

Ride a Pony for a Good Cause The fourth annual Pony Rides for Jessica will be held May 1 at Newtown’s Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard. Along with pony rides, there will be horseshoe painting, equine-related crafts, hair braiding, face painting, children’s entertainment, a bake sale, food, raffles, and door prizes.

This event is a fundraiser for the Jessica Rekos Foundation, which was created by her parents in honor of the little girl whose untimely death at Sandy Hook Elementary School affected the town’s entire equestrian community.

Three years ago, Jessica’s riding instructor, Montana Calloway, and King’s Bridge Farm launched Pony Rides for Jessica to contribute to the memorial fund.

Jessica adored everything equine, and one of the foundation’s goals is to give the gift of horseback riding to others.

Proceeds from the event go toward projects, chosen

by the Rekos family, that will enable Jessica’s energy and memory to live on. This year the money will benefit Jessica’s Camp and riding-lesson scholarships at King’s Bridge Farm.

The foundation asks that, “whenever you see a horse or a barn, please let your heart smile and fill with love for Jessica Adrienne Rekos. Keep all 26 Sandy Hook angels and their loved ones in your prayers always.”

To learn more, visit ponyridesforjessica.org. n Karena Garrity

New Hats Ebony Horsewomen, a nonprofit based in Hartford, recently received a large package from Arlington, Texas. The students were excited to open it, and then couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw what was inside.

A 94-year-old cowboy, an avid collector of Stetsons

who recently passed away, had wanted Ebony Horsewomen to inherit his cherished hats. They’re now on the heads of the very appreciative young men and women in the organization, who are wearing the beautiful gifts with great style. n Karena Garrity

Valley View Temporarily “Adopts” Jack and Confetti Valley View Riding Stables, in Dayville, took in a horse-andpony duo when a Plainfield family needed help for the two equines. A member of the Hooper family approached Amy Lyons, the owner of Valley View and its head instructor, in March after an ATV crash left Eric Hooper in a coma. On top of that, Eric’s wife, Laura, is battling stage-IV cancer even as she copes with her husband’s injuries and takes care of their nine-year-old daughter.

Amy thus took on Jack and Confetti, the horse and

pony the Hoopers kept in their backyard. The two will stay under Amy’s watchful eye until the Hoopers regain their footing.

The staff at Valley View Riding Stables are no strangers to helping horses, as they take in rescues whenever they can. It all started when Amy rescued her first horse, Star, when she was in the sixth grade.

Valley View is a boarding facility with a summer camp, riding lessons, and a therapeutic-riding program.

Groups for the spring riding program are forming now and there are still spots for the eight-week camp as well as within the therapeutic-riding program. To learn more, visit valleyviewriding stables.com. n Jessica Correia

Stonecrest Farm’s Expansion Stonecrest Farm and Equestrian Center, in

Southbury, is happy to announce that after a year and half of labor, its new barn, complete with eight 12 x 12 custom-designed stalls, each with generous windows and ample lighting, is ready for occupants. This brings the farm’s stall count to 20.

Stonecrest Farm, owned

by Eamonn and Holly Gillespie, provides care, instruction, and training for horse and rider in a warm and relaxing environment.

To learn more about the farm and its new barn, visit stonecrestfarmct.com. n Karena Garrity

Winner of Some Funky Stuff Congratulations to ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak, of Portraits by ShawnaLee, the people’s-choice winner of the Funky Stuff Art Show, a fund-raiser for Hidden Acre Farm and Therapeutic Riding Center in Naugatuck.

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38

May/June 2016

ShawnaLee won a $100 gift card to Funky Stuff the Collective, in Oakville, for her painting of Hidden Acres therapy horse Concho.

The event featured more than 100 paintings by both professional and amateur artists. Guests voted for their favorite work of art and each canvas was sold for $20. n Karena Garrity

Carousel Horse Farm’s Series Revamps Forms Carousel Horse Farm’s Open Show Series, utilizing feedback from competitors, revamped its online entry system. The new layout is user-friendly and clear — everything’s on one page.

The first show in the series is May 15; the other dates are June 26, July 24, and August 7. All shows will take place at the Woodstock Fairgrounds and begin at 8 A.M. Divisions include Open Hunter on the Flat, Saddle Seat, Open Adult, Youth

Walk Trot, Open Youth, Color Breed, Lead Line, Open Western, Limit Walk Trot, Beginner Walk Trot Canter, Adult Walk Trot, Green Horse, Senior Horse, Schooling Jumper, Open Jumper, Baby Green, All Stirrup, Walk Trot Hunter, Low Hunter, Schooling Hunter, and Special Hunter.

To see a prize list and enter online, please visit carouselhorsefarm.org. n Jessica Correia

Hidden Acres Announces Spring and Summer Programs With the mission to improve the minds and bodies and raise the spirits of children and adults with physical, developmental, and emotional needs through equineassisted activities, the nonprofit Hidden Acres, in Naugatuck, is offering a number of programs in spring and summer.

Intro to Equine-Assisted

Walsh’s Country Store All types of horse barns available: Shedrow, run-in, lean-to, modular, and monitor two-story barns.

Learning: a workshop for healthcare, counseling, and equine professionals interested in the field. Rebecca Caruso, LCSW/PATH instructor, and Jeanna Pellino, PATH instructor and equine specialist in mental health and learning, will lead the sessions. Through a series of ground exercises, participants will explore the benefits of equine-assisted learning and its potential for mental health. May 15 and June 5 Journey into Awareness: a workshop for adults. A series of unmounted activities will build self-awareness so that participants can apply what they learn to their daily lives.

May 22 and July 17 Respite Ranch – A Rejuvenation Session (adults): An afternoon of revitalization with Hidden Acres therapy horses. A series of activities designed with and around the horses (not riding) will help participants

practice mindfulness, selfexpression, and relaxation techniques. June 26 Pathways Program (ages 12–19): This 90-minute workshop will teach skills to help with challenges of everyday adolescent life. Students engage in experiential learning activities with Hidden Acres staff and therapy horses (not riding) designed to shift their perspective in a supportive environment. May 19, June 30, and September 15 Horse Spirit Summer Session (ages 6–14, of all riding levels): A summer-camp program. Participants with and without special needs come together for team building, riding, unmounted horsemanship, and games.

Certified riding instructors will lead activities that promote self-expression and help set personal goals in a relaxing, supportive environment. Session 1: August 8– 11; session 2: August 22–25

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Holistic Health Issue!

The July/August issue of Connecticut Horse is the Holistic Health Issue.

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May/June 2016

Family Corral (for families): An exciting new program that invites parents and children to the farm for an afternoon of learning with therapy horses. Staff will blend positive-parenting techniques with fun handson activities with the horses to focus on building skills such as mutual respect, establishing boundaries, and creating trust. All activities are unmounted. Dates TBD. To learn more, visit hiddenacrestrc.org. n Karena Garrity

Shea Days Saddle Seat Clinic Trainers, exhibitors, and auditors at Quarry Hill Farm’s annual Shea Days Saddle Seat Clinic enjoyed a warm, sunny weekend as they learned from one of the Arabian breed’s most notable horsemen, Tim Shea. The Lakeville farm, which specializes in breeding and training Arabians and half Arabians, hosted the clinic for the fourth consecutive year.

Participants came from New York and New Jersey as well as from throughout Connecticut.

Tim and his wife, Marty, have had quite an impact on Arabians. They’ve bred the most prolific sire of the past couple of decades and continue to work with top-performance horses as they train and show to promote good horsemanship.

For this clinic, Tim focused on saddle seat and driving and worked with all disciplines. Some horses were young and green; others, more seasoned, needed help to overcome a variety of challenges. Participants ranged from junior riders to adult amateurs and trainers.

Each horse-and-rider pair received special attention. Tim gave advice about riding and showing and discussed conformational difficulties, equine thinking, communication, and groundwork.

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Connecticut Horse

41

CHSA Lifetime Achievement Award

Caitlin Nuhn, of Westbrook, has joined High Hopes Therapeutic Riding. She will oversee all of the center’s programs, which annually serve more than 1,500 participants.

A graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Caitlin earned a master’s degree in forensic psychology. Her association with High Hopes goes back to her high school years, when she volunteered with the organization.

Before coming to High Hopes, Caitlin was director of training and employment at Vista Life Innovations, in Madison.

“Caitlin is a wonderful addition to our team,” says Executive Director Kitty Stalsburg. “Her extensive work within the field of human services and direct client contact will bring us a high level of expertise.”

Established in 1974 and accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International since 1979, High Hopes is one of the oldest and largest therapeutic-riding centers in the United States. The center is committed to providing quality service to all who might benefit from it, regardless of their financial means.

Trudy Wissel, of End of Hunt Equestrian Center, in Suffield, is the Connecticut Horse Show Association’s first Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Trudy was honored at the 83rd CHSA Celebration of Champions Gala on March 5 in Hartford.

Trudy is known for her

S

n Karena Garrity

ng pr i

Spring Arrival at Narnia Stables Narnia Stables, in Ashford, is expecting a new arrival in mid-May: a palomino foal by the Lusitano stallion Saphiro out of a Hanoverian mare belonging to Megan Brauch,

Tucker arriving at All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue, in North Branford.

endless energy, and her coaching style motivates and empowers riders. “My greatest passion is working with young riders and watching them develop,” she says.

Through Trudy’s example and positive attitude, End of Hunt’s riders learn more than just impeccable equitation and how to win ribbons: they learn life lessons along the way. Trudy instills in her students the qualities of loyalty, commitment, disci-

Valley Far

the owner of the barn.

In addition to running her boarding and training program, Megan travels around the country giving clinics on Straightness Training (ST), a method created by Marijke de Jong.

To learn more, visit facebook.com/narniastables. n Jessica Correia

A Hero to the Rescue Last month, a small blackand-white pony named Tucker escaped his enclosure

on a farm on Grassy Hill Road in Lyme. Although his tiny hooves were badly overgrown, very painful, and in extremely poor condition, Tucker made his way to the home of a neighbor, who immediately reported the situation to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The case was investigated and thanks to Tucker’s heroic action, more than a dozen horses, along with several other farm animals, have been taken in by rescues and stables throughout the state.

They will be fostered until they’re well enough to be adopted into forever homes.

Tucker and two other equines are now at All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue, in North Branford; Beech Brook Equine Farm Rescue, in Mystic, is caring for a mare; and Jumpers Academy, in Mystic, is helping “Crunchy.” Other horses are being assisted throughout the state.

All of the animals are in need of groceries and vet care. To make a donation, please contact a rescue near you. n Karena Garrity

Overherdisms • “He poses like a model every time he sees a camera.”

• “That’s a big guy, but look how sweet.”

• “It’s so weird to be at a show and not be able to ride.”

m Sales Leases

Boarding Lessons

Indoor Arena Owned and Operated by the Ross Family Trainer: Jennifer Braiden 1125 Essex Rd., Westbrook, CT (860) 399-5000 . (860) 304-5448 42 May/June 2016

pline, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.

Congratulations, Trudy.

courtesy of All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue

High Hopes Hires Program Director

Greyledge Farm Training • Showing • Western Riding Lessons All breeds • Specializing in American Quarter Horses More than 30 World and Congress Champions and Reserves Call for an Appointment: (860) 349-9722 or (860) 729-0057 Jim, Lisa & Matt Farrell Durham, CT greyledge.com

Partners manship and to provide lowkey competition. We welcome new riders and volunteers: Come join the fun!

For more information, follow us on Facebook (CT Gymkhana Series) or visit ctgymkhana.com. You may

44

May/June 2016

Joe Stewart, Gianna McCarter (on Poco), and Heather Ianotti at the Durham Memorial Day Parade. Joe is the CGA’s one-man ring crew; Gianna and Heather compete.

Joan Davis

The Connecticut Gymkhana Association (CGA) is a nonprofit, family-oriented riding organization that’s run by volunteers — and one of the oldest horse clubs in the state. It’s open to all ages, breeds, and western and English riders. Members accumulate end-of-the-year points for awards and the person who has earned the most CGA points wins a saddle. Individual membership is $10.

Each full-day gymkhana is organized into divisions and results are tallied daily.

At the end of the season, we announce the overall winners. Nonmembers are invited to ride as well at the same cost as members, $8 per class. Sample classes are Dash, Clover Leaf, Straight Barrels, Scurry, Key Hole, and Pole Bending. We’re holding eight shows, each with eight classes.

Our first show is Sunday, May 1, at Hillside Equestrian Meadows, in Wolcott. Other hosts will be Triangle A Ranch, in Middlefield; Smith’s Stables, in Bethlehem; and Baumann Brook Farm, in Prospect.

At the first show, divisions will be Pee Wee Leader, Pee Wee Rider, Novice, A, B, and C divisions. CGA pays out 70 percent for first, second, and third place in each class; first place through sixth receives a ribbon. (Pee Wee classes are Dash, Clover Leaf, and Straight Barrels at the cost of $5 for each class with ribbons given out for first through sixth place.)

The mission of the CGA is to educate its members about equine care, safety, horsemanship, and sports-

Joelle Stewart

Connecticut Gymkhana Association

The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Promoter Award went to three individuals who have made an outstanding impact promoting the Morgan breed. Patti Brooks, of East Lyme, Will Filosi, of North Stonington, and John

Sandy Strain and Magic take a break near the Salmon Brook Park riding ring.

Friends contributed the bench as a memorial to Bill Strain, a respected member of the Granby Horse Council of Connecticut and of the equestrian community.

also contact any board member (on our website).

7Shawna Baumann

Connecticut Morgan Horse Association The Connecticut Morgan Horse Association (CMHA) celebrated 2015 at its Yearend Awards Banquet on April 2 at the Nutmeg Banquet Hall in East Windsor.

Bennett Jr., of Putnam, were all recognized for their contributions to the breed.

Each year the AMHA Masters Certificate recognizes a Morgan owner, age 60 or older, who has a long affiliation with the breed. This year the certificate went to Lance and Martha Wetmore, of Bethany, who have been involved with Morgan horses since the 1940s. They oper-

ate Bittersweet Farm, and have bred and competed many champions on the local, regional, and national levels. Lance is a past president of the CMHA and the Connecticut Horse Council.

Their daughters and grandchildren are carrying on the family tradition, riding and showing Morgans. Over the years, Lance and Martha have brought many people into the Morgan breed.

Jada Goodwin, of Norwich, was the recipient of the Sue Brander Sport Horse Scholarship. The scholarship, created in memory of longtime club member Sue Brander, is awarded to an individual pursuing one of the sport disciplines. Jada plans to use her scholarship to continue in the jumper division.

Will Filosi was recognized as CMHA Person of the Year. Will was club president for the past six years and served as vice president and scholarship chair before that. Will retired as president this year, and the board and our members wanted to show their appreciation for the countless hours he has donated to the horse show, the turkey trot, and other club activities.

Our Youth Essay Contest was again a success. Winners in the 14-to-18-year-old division were Madeline Hatt (first), of East Lyme; and Josh Daniels, of Sprague. In the 10-to-13-year-old division, Ruth Swartzfager, of Warren, was first; Anneliese Woods, of Coventry, took second; and Alexandria Teran, of Goshen, was third. In the 8to-9-year-old division, Tosca French, of New Haven, and Grace Pulcifer, of Wallingford, tied for first.

Ava Copeland, of Northford, was second; Marjorie Swartzfager, of Warren, took third. In the 7-year-old divi-

Granby Horse Council of Connecticut This year the Granby Horse Council has a variety of events in store.

In April, the new drill team began practicing at Holcomb Farm. The parade team will take part in the Granby Memorial Day Parade and the Hartford Veterans Parade.

There will be several trail rides: scenic rides to Steep Rock, Mohawk Mountain, White Memorial, Maple Corners, and Evans Farm; a poker ride; benefits for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital; and a trip to a Rhode Island beach.

New this year is the Renaissance Ride and Faire, which will take place June 19.

Both riders and nonriders are invited to dress in period

costumes. Prizes will be awarded. The day will begin with a one-and-a-half-hour trail ride, followed by arena activities on horseback and on foot. Plans are for archery, mock jousting, sling shot, and more, and the drill team will present its first routine of the year. The event will close with a potluck picnic feast.

dinner with time to linger a little longer with friends, some of whom they hadn’t seen for months. Members exchanged stories of this year’s mild winter and riding opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible in freezing weather or snow, then settled down to make plans for the spring. Saddle tags for 2016 were distributed

will be safer for our fellow equestrians.

The MBLA Spring Ride will be held on June 4 (rain date: June 18). It will consist of two divisions: one for those who prefer a more relaxed pace and the second for those who prefer a more vigorous gait. A potluck lunch will be available after the ride and participants are encouraged to bring their favorite afternoon treat. The MBLA will provide the extras, including something decadent for dessert. Of course, carrots and apples will be in abundance.

7Sally Feuerburg

Tanheath Hunt Club Deborah Pollard

sion, Olivia Hatt, of East Lyme, was first; Beth Johansen, of Durham, took second; and Haley Copeland, of Northford, was third.

During the annual meeting, the club elected Stacey Stearns as the new president.

The vice president is Anita Hoynoski, Kristina Vine is the secretary, and Lisa Cocco is the treasurer. New board members are Bobbi Crider, John Crider, and Laura Lapointe. Returning board members are Rhona Mendrik, Kevin Vine, Dale Thompson, Shannon Santoro, Megan Thompson, and Will Filosi.

The Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show will be June 8 to 11 at the Eastern States Exposition, in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

And to celebrate our 60th anniversary, the club is holding a picnic on Saturday, September 10, at Northford’s Wild Wind Stables. For details about each event, visit ctmorgans.org.

7Stacey Stearns

Tanheath Hunt Club Annual General Meeting.

In July, Obstacle Play Day will be held for the third time in Salmon Brook Park.

Riders will have plenty of time to desensitize their equine in the saddle or in hand before the competition, which is optional.

To learn more, visit granbyhorsecouncilct.com, follow us on Facebook [Granby (CT) Horse Council], or call club president Joan Davis, at (860) 653-6805.

7Joan Davis

and the club’s president made a brief announcement of upcoming events.

The first spring trail clearing is tentatively scheduled for April 30. Those joining the effort will enjoy lunch, beverages, and snacks courtesy of the MBLA. Last year’s outing attracted a nice contingent of members who worked on many of the large tracks of the extensive Larkin Trail system. This year we’ll be cleaning the designated riding paths of fallen trees and branches so that riding

The Tanheath Hunt Club held its annual general meeting April 2 at the Gold Eagle, in Dayville, to elect officers for 2016–17 and to plan this year’s events.

Officers are Cathy Leinert and William Wentworth, joint masters; Jeanne MacLean, president; Raymond Hill, vice president; Leslie Cashel, recording secretary; Eric Schneider, corresponding secretary; Deborah Pollard, field secretary; Janeen Rose, treasurer; and Deb Cataldo, Jeanne MacLean, and Leslie Cashel, stewards.

To learn more about the club and upcoming events, visit tanheathhunt.com and follow us on Facebook.

7Raymond Hill

Middlebury Bridle Land Association The MBLA tried something different this year when it held the Annual Membership Dinner Meeting at Jesse Camillle’s Restaurant, in Naugatuck. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but it was held on a Friday.

Not a big deal? Maybe not, but for those in attendance, the eve before a weekend presented a chance to partake of a leisurely buffet Connecticut Horse

45

Connecticut

Events

May 1 GRTA TRAIL CLEANUP AND PICNIC, Nichols Nature Preserve, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

1 CGA GYMKHANA, Hillside Equestrian Meadows, Wolcott. ctgymkhana.com.

7 FCHC “C” SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

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

1 DEEDEE HOPPER CLINIC, DeCarli Equestrian Center, Ellington. decarlifarm.com.

1 CT BARREL HORSE SHOW, Old Bethany Airport. nbhact01.org.

1 CONNECTICUT HORSE COUNCIL MEETING, Berlin. cthorsecouncil.org.

1 PONY RIDES FOR JESSICA, Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, Newtown. ponyridesforjessica.org.

1 HORSE TRIALS, Riga Meadow Equestrian Center, Salisbury. rigameadow.com.

1 CTRA RIDE, White Memorial/Reservoir, Litchfield. cttrailridesassoc.org.

1 DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TEST, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

1 SNEHA SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. southernnewenglandhorsemenassociation.com.

5 OPEN SHOW, Five Oaks Equestrian Center, Tolland. fiveoaksequestrian.com.

6 – 7 MENTOR TRAINING WORKSHOP, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

7 CHSA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

7 GRTA DOGWOOD RIDE AND COUNTRY LUNCH, Sabine Farm, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

7 MOUNTED SHOOTING CLINIC, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

7 CTRA BLESSING OF THE MOUNTS RIDE, Cheshire. cttrailridesassoc.org.

7 DONKEY AND MULE SHOW, Bishop’s Orchards, Guilford. tripledalefarm@yahoo.com.

7 THC INTRODUCTION TO FOXHUNTING, Lord Creek, Lyme. tanheathhunt.com.

7 CHC RIDE/BLESSING OF THE MOUNTS/ COOKOUT, DeDominicis Preserve, Cheshire. cheshirehorsecouncil.org.

7 HOLISTIC HORSE FAIR, Ray of Light Farm, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

7 CDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. centerlineevents.com.

7 FCH KENTUCKY DERBY HUNTER PACE, Shallow Brook Farm, Bridgewater. fairfieldcountyhounds.com.

8 USEF/USDF DRESSAGE SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

8 CDCTA DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TEST SCHOOLING SHOW, Westbrook. cdcta.com.

8 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Babcok Hill, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

8 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

14 BRUNCH RIDE, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tyronefarm.com.

14 MEG BRAUCH STRAIGHTNESS TRAINING WORKSHOP, Narnia Stables, Ashford. facebook.com/narniastables.

46

May/June 2016

14 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

15 SCHOOLING HUNT SEAT SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

14 MOUNTED SHOOTING CLUB PRACTICE, West Granby. ctrenegades.com.

15 CHSA CHJA SHOW, End of Hunt Equestrian Center, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

14 CHSA CHJA PINES OPEN, Pine Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

15 CDS RIDE REVIEW RIDE WITH BOBBI CARLETON, Carbery Field Farm, Lebanon. ctdressageassoc.org.

14 CDA RIDE REVIEW RIDE WITH ALIX SZEPESI, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. vtdressageassoc.org.

14 – 15 NEPtHA OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. nepinto.com.

15 LCRVHC RIDE, Weber Woods. lcrvhc.org.

15 SPRING FLING HUNTER/JUMPER SCHOOLING SHOW, DeCarli Farm, Ellington. decarlifarm.com.

15 CTRA RIDE, White Memorial/Reservoir, Litchfield. cttrailridesassoc.org.

15 SCHOOLING SHOW, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

15 GRANBY PONY CLUB OPEN SHOW, Copper Hill Equestrian Center, West Suffield. granby.ponyclub.org.

15 CAROUSEL FARM OPEN SHOW, Woodstock Fairgrounds. carouselhorsefarm.org.

21 – 22 MOUNTED SHOOTING MATCH, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

22 CROSS TOWN RIDE WITH PHTA, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tyronefarm.com.

15 CHC SCHOOLING SHOW, KB Equine, Meriden. kbequinellc.com.

16 – 21 HORSE SHOW DAYS, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

17 – 21 REGAN GOLOB AND KELLEY MILLS CLINIC, Ellington. decarlifarm.com.

19 – 21 ANN HALLER CLINIC, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

21 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Hebron. windcrestfarm.net.

21 LEADERSHIP GROUND WORK/RIDING CLINIC, Danbury. (203) 778-6218.

Training

Leasing

Trails

Clinics

2 Outdoor Arenas

Parties

Indoor Arena

Group Lessons

Covered Round Pen

Show Coaching

239 Sand Hill Rd., Portland, CT 06480 (860) 581-0307 wbfllcct@gmail.com

22 CHSA CHJA BLUE RIBBON VENTURES SHOW, Westport. bhcmanagement.com.

22 TSHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Woodstock. tristatehorsemen.com.

17 FILLY NIGHT, Ray of Light Farm, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

Lessons

21 CVDC DRIVE, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown. cvdrivingclub.com.

21 TWO-PHASE SCHOOLING SHOW, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

15 HORSES HEALING HUMANS EXTREME CROQUET CHALLENGE, Stonington. horseshealinghumansct.org.

Boarding

21 FCH PREAKNESS STAKES TRAIL RIDE, FCH Kennels, Bridgewater. fairfieldcountyhounds.com.

22 CGA GYMKHANA, Smith’s Stables, Bethlehem. ctgymkhana.com.

22 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

22 CHC RIDE, DeDominicis Preserve, Cheshire. cheshirehorsecouncil.org.

22 CTRA JUDGED OBSTACLE POKER RIDE, Sun Rise Resort/Mashimoodus State Park, Moodus. cttrailridesassoc.org.

Got manure?

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47

22 ANN BOWIE CLINIC, DeCarli Farm, Ellington. decarlifarm.com.

AUCTIONS & SALE HORSES

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

22 USEA USEF SPRING HORSE TRIALS, Kent School, Kent. onthebitevevents@gmail.com.

Next Auction: Summer Wrap-Up Auction August 28

23 – 25 ADVANCED CERTIFICATION EVENT, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

Horses and ponies coming back from summer work.

26 – 29 CQHA SPRING FLING, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. cqha.com.

Stay tuned to our website and Facebook pages for updates!

27 – 30 CTRA MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND RIDE AND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

28 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

28 USEA USEF HORSE TRIALS, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

EVENTS

Clinics April 30 - May 1 Daniel Stewart Clinic June 22 - 24 Jon Ensign Clinic

Dressage Show April 24 WNEPHA Dressage Show

June 25 Ranch Horse Clinic

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

Hunter Shows July 17 . Oct. 2 WNEPHA Hunter Show

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

stalls for lease The Connecticut Military Department has indoor stalls for lease at the Governor’s Horse Guard facilities in Avon and Newtown.

More than 10 stalls available at each location.

newtown

Proceeds benefit the units of the Governor’s Horse Guard

for information & rates, visit www.ct.gov/mil/stall-lease 48

May/June 2016

29 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Sweetwater Farm, Clinton. sweetwaterct.net.

30 CHJA SHOW, Oak Meadow Farm, East Windsor. rideoakmeadow.com.

30 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

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

avon

29 CCBA HORSE SHOW, Glastonbury Hunt Club, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

June 3 – 5 TRI-STATE HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

3 – 5 DEB MOYNIHAN CENTERED RIDING CERTIFICATION COURSE, DeCarli Farm, Ellington. decarlifarm.com.

4 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

4 WORKING EQUITATION MORNING CLINIC, Happy Trails Farm, Danbury. (203) 778-6218.

4 AFTERNOON SCHOOLING SHOW, Happy Trails Farm, Danbury. (203) 778-6218.

4 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

4 DINNER FOR A DRAFT, Haddam Neck Fairgrounds. ctdraftrescue.com.

4 NWCDHA SPRING DRAFT HORSE CLINIC, Smith Stables, Bethleham. northwestctdrafthorse.com.

4 – 5 HORSES HEALING HUMANS EQUIZEN RETREAT, Stonington. horseshealinghumansct.org.

5 CHC RIDE, DeDominicis Preserve, Cheshire. cheshirehorsecouncil.org.

11 FCH BELMONT HUNTER PACE, Shallow Brook Farm, Bridgewater. fairfieldcountyhounds.com.

5 CGA GYMKHANA, Smith’s Stables, Bethlehem. ctgymkhana.com.

5 DEEDEE HOPPER CLINIC, DeCarli Equestrian Center, Ellington. decarlifarm.com.

11 JUDGED PLEASURE RIDE I, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tyronefarm.com.

5 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

11 GALLOP, DINE, AND DANCE, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

5 BETHANY HORSE SHOW, Old Bethany Airport, Bethany. bethanyhorseshow.org.

5 WMAA OPEN AND HUNTER SHOW, Four Town Fairgrounds, Somers. westernmaapp.com.

5 CTRA RIDE, Natchaug State Forest, Eastford. cttrailridesassoc.org.

5 USEF/USDF DRESSAGE SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. centerlineevents.com.

5 CDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. ctequestriancenter.com.

5 HORSE TRIALS, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

12 ANNE BOWIE CLINIC, Lord Creek Farm, Lyme. lymetrailassociation.org.

13 USEF/USDF DRESSAGE SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

14 – 19 USEF A-RATED OX RIDGE CHARITY SHOW, Darien. oxridge.com.

11 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

15 – 18 WORKSHOP AND CERTIFICATION, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

11 SUMMER OPEN HOUSE, Stonington. horseshealinghumansct.org.

16 – 19 CQHA SUMMER SIZZLER CLASSIC, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. cqha.com.

12 SNEHA SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. southernnewenglandhorsemenassociation.com.

18 GOSHEN STAMPEDE, Goshen. goshenstampede.com.

12 CT BARREL HORSE SHOW, Old Bethany Airport. nbhact01.org.

18 VERSATILITY COMPETITION, Babcok Hill, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

12 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Babcok Hill, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

18 CGA GYMKHANA, HIllside Equestrian Meadows, Wolcott. ctgymkhana.com.

12 SCHOOLING SHOW, White Birch Farm, Portland. facebook.com/whitebirchfarmct.

18 CHSA CHJA PINES OPEN, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

12 CTRA RIDE, Salmon River State Forest, Colchester. cttrailridesassoc.org.

18 LTA SCRABBLE RIDE, Lord Creek Farm, Lyme. lymetrailassociation.org.

12 POLO FOR CHILDREN BENEFIT, Greenwich. holeinthewallgang.org.

19 TSHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Woodstock. tristatehorsemen.com.

12 95TH ANNUAL GREENWICH HORSE SHOW, Milliken Property, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

19 CHSA SHOW, Avon. ctfirsthorse.org.

7 CHC MEETING, Berlin. cthorsecouncil.org.

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

9 – 12 SHALLOWBROOK CHARITY HORSE SHOW, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

10 – 12 CHSA-RATED DRESSAGE SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.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

Connecticut Horse

49

Nutmeg State Happenings Tim Shea Clinic at Quarry Hill Farm Litchfield County

Jessica Correia

To see more Nutmeg State Happenings, find us on Facebook.

19 COMBINED TRAINING SHOW, DeCarli Farm, Ellington. decarlifarm.com.

25 – 26 ECDHA DRIVING CLINIC, Franklin.

Minis to drafts. easternctdrafthorse.org.

19 CTRA RIDE, George Dudley Seymour State Forest, Middle Haddam. cttrailridesassoc.org.

26 SNEHA SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. southernnewenglandhorsemenassociation.com.

19 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB SUMMER HUNTER PACE, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.com.

26 CAROUSEL FARM OPEN SHOW, Woodstock Fairgrounds. carouselhorsefarm.org.

19 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

21 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

21 – 23 FCHC “A” SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

22 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. foxledgefarm.net.

25 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

25 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

25 MOUNTAIN TRAIL CHALLENGE, Happy Trails Farm, Danbury. (203) 778-6218.

25 – 26 DOM SCHRAMM CLINIC, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

50

May/June 2016

26 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Weatogue Stables, Salisbury. weatoguestables.com.

26 CTRA RIDE, Roraback Wildlife Management Area, Harwinton. cttrailridesassoc.org.

26 CCBA HORSE SHOW, Glastonbury Hunt Club, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

26 CDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Grand View Stable, Columbia. ctdressageassoc.org.

July 1 CHJA SHOW, Ridgefield Equestrian Center, Ridgefield. ridgefieldequestriancenter.com.

2 CHSA CJHA SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Hebron. windcrestfarm.net.

2 CHC RIDE, DeDominicis Preserve, Cheshire. cheshirehorsecouncil.org.

2 BARN DANCE, Horses Healing Humans, Stonington. horseshealinghumansct.org.

2 – 4 CTRA WEEKEND, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

3 CHSA CHJA SHOW, End of Hunt Equestrian Center, Suffield.endofhunt.com.

26 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Sweetwater Farm, Clinton. sweetwaterct.net.

3 ENGLISH AND WESTERN DRESSAGE SHOW, White Birch Farm, Portland. facebook.com/whitebirchfarmct.

27 VAULTING CLINIC, Litchfield Hills. horseshealinghumansct.org.

3 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

30 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Avon Valley Show Stables, Avon. avonvalleyshowstables.com.

5 USEF C-RATED SHOW, Ox Ridge Hunt Club, Darien. oxridge.com.

7 – 10 WESTBROOK SHORELINE CLASSIC, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

Connecticut Horse

51

Nutmeg State Happenings Sigma Alpha Show at UConn Horse Barn Hill Arena Tolland County

Christine Church

To see more Nutmeg State Happenings, find us on Facebook.

8 DAN JAMES BODY CONTROL UNDER SADDLE CLINIC, Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, Newtown. thehorseguard.org.

8 AN EVENING OF ANIMAL COMMUNICATION, Ray of Light Farm, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

8 – 10 TSHA OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

9 CDCTA DRESSAGE SYMPOSIUM WITH PIERRE ST. JACQUES, Salem. cdctaonline.com.

20 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. foxledgefarm.net.

12 – 16 WESTBROOK SHORELINE CLASSIC, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

20 OPEN SHOW, New Canaan Mounted Troop, New Canaan. newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

13 USEF/USDF DRESSAGE SHOW, Sperry View Farm, Bethany. centerlineevents.com.

23 DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm Equestrian Center, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

16 – 17 NEPtHA OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. nepinto.com.

17 CGA GYMKHANA, Triangle A Stables, Middlefield. ctgymkhana.com.

9 – 10 ANIMAL COMMUNICATION WEEKEND, Ray of Light Farm, East Haddam. rayoflightfarm.org.

17 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

9 CVDC DRIVE, Machimoodus/Sunrise State Park, Moodus. cvdrivingclub.com.

17 CDCTA DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TEST SCHOOLING SHOW, Gales Ferry. cdctaonline.com.

10 ECDHA DRAFT HORSE SHOW, North Stonington Fairgrounds. (860) 535-1416 or easternctdrafthorse.org.

17 CDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Carbery Fields Farm, Lebanon. ctdressageassoc.org.

10 CT BARREL HORSE SHOW, Old Bethany Airport. nbhact01.org.

10 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

10 OPEN SHOW, New Canaan Mounted Troop, New Canaan. newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

52

10 SCHOOLING SHOW, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

May/June 2016

17 MOUNTED SHOOTING MATCH, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

17 CHSA CHJA PINES OPEN, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

19 USEF C-RATED SHOW, Ox Ridge Hunt Club, Darien. oxridge.com.

23 FCHC “C” SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

23 MOUNTED SHOOTING CLUB PRACTICE, West Granby. ctrenegades.com.

23 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Sweetwater Farm, Clinton. sweetwaterct.net.

23 – 24 USEF/USDF DRESSAGE SHOW, Carbery Fields Farm, Lebanon. centerlineevents.com.

24 CAROUSEL FARM OPEN SHOW, Woodstock Fairgrounds. carouselhorsefarm.org.

24 CHJA, CHSA, NEHC, M&S SHOW, Folly Farm, Simsbury. follyfarm.us.

24 CHSA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian.

Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

24 CT BARREL HORSE SHOW, Old Bethany Airport. nbhact01.org.

24 SNEHA SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. southernnewenglandhorsemenassociation.com.

August

7 USEF/USDF DRESSAGE SHOW, Weatogue Stables, Salisbury. centerlineevents.com.

24 CCBA HORSE SHOW, Glastonbury Hunt Club, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com.

5 – 9 DEB MOYNIHAN CENTERED RIDING CERTIFICATION COURSE, DeCarli Farm, Ellington. decarlifarm.com.

7 HORSE TRIALS, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

27 USEF C-RATED SHOW, Ox Ridge Hunt Club, Darien. oxridge.org.

6 CVDC DRIVE, Beacon Woods, South Glastonbury. cvdrivingclub.com.

10 FCHC “C” SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

30 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

6 ECDHA CARRIAGE RALLY, Blue Slope Country Museum, Franklin. easternctdrafthorse.org.

12 – 14 HERRMANN’S ROYAL LIPIZZAN STALLIONS, Salem. mitchellfarm.org.

30 NATIONAL COWBOY DAY PARADE AND PICNIC, Happy Trails Farm, Danbury.

(203) 778-6218.

6 CHSA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

13 JUDGED PLEASURE RIDE II, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tyronefarm.com.

6 CDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Weatogue Stables, Salisbury. ctdressageassoc.org.

13 CHC RIDE, DeDominicis Preserve, Cheshire. cheshirehorsecouncil.org.

6 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Weatogue Stables, Salisbury. weatoguestables.com.

13 CHSA CHJA PINES OPEN, Pines Farm, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

7 CAROUSEL FARM OPEN SHOW, Woodstock Fairgrounds. carouselhorsefarm.org.

13 MOUNTED SHOOTING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

7 SNEHA SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. southernnewenglandhorsemenassociation.com.

13 – 14 CTRA AUCTION and BARBECUE WEEKEND, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

30 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Windcrest Farm, Hebron. windcrestfarm.net.

31 SUMMER SIZZLER HUNTER/JUMPER SCHOOLING SHOW, DeCarli Farm, Ellington. decarlifarm.com.

31 USEF C-RATED SHOW, Ox Ridge Hunt Club, Darien. oxridge.org.

31 TSHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Woodstock. tristatehorsemen.com.

31 CHSA CHJA SHOW, End of Hunt Equestrian Center, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

7 CTRA RIDE, Salmon Brook Park, Granby. cttrailridesassoc.org.

13 – 14 NEPtHA OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. nepinto.com.

7 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhuntclub.com.

13 – 14 REBECCA GILBERT STRAIGHTNESS TRAINING CLINIC, Narnia Stables, Ashford. facebook.com/narniastables.

How about a nice massage?

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Ridgefield, CT (203) 431-02072 kathy.curran@snet.net

Equissage by Kathleen Curran

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Call or email for your introductory offer!

GNATHOLOGIST Shelley Wysocki Equine Gnathological Training Institute, Certified Academy of Equine Dentistry

Training ~ Lessons ~ Showing ~ Sales

DENTAL NEEDS FOR HORSES, PONIES & MULES

7 Thrall Road, Broad Brook, CT (860)307-6963 ~ mcph279@gmail.com www.carverperformancehorses.com

Educated . Experienced . Reliable . Serving New England

(860) 212-0114 Member of: Equine Dental Providers of America . Connecticut Farm Bureau International Equine Dental Association

Connecticut Horse

53

14 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Oak Meadow Farm, East Windsor. rideoakmeadow.com.

14 CT BARREL HORSE SHOW, Old Bethany Airport. nbhact01.org.

24 CHJA SHOW, Ridgefield Equestrian Center, Ridgefield. ridgefieldequestriancenter.com.

14 CGA GYMKHANA, Triangle A Stables, Middlefield. ctgymkhana.com.

14 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, R Folly Farm, Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

25 – 28 CHSA FINALS, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

16 CHJA SHOW, Ridgefield Equestrian Center, Ridgefield. ridgefieldequestriancenter.com.

25 –28 CTRA 50/50 BENEFIT RIDE WEEKEND, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

18 – 21 FCHC “A” SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

28 CHJA SHOW, Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

19 – 21 TSHA OPEN SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. tristatehorsemen.com.

28 SNEHA SHOW, Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. southernnewenglandhorsemenassociation.com.

20 WORKING EQUITATION EVENT, Happy Trails Farm, Danbury. (203) 778-6218.

28 DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, Treasure Hill Farm Equestrian Center, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

Containerized Manure Removal Containers from 4 to 30 cubic yards Farms with one horse to 100!

Serving southwestern Connecticut

20 CHSA SHOW, Shallowbrook Equestrian Center, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

28 CT BARREL HORSE SHOW, Old Bethany Airport. nbhact01.org.

21 CTRA RIDE, Steep Rock Preserve, Washington Depot. cttrailridesassoc.org.

21 SCHOOLING SHOW, White Birch Farm, Portland. facebook.com/whitebirchfarmct.

Newtown, Connecticut 203-426-8870 www.associatedrefuse.com

21 SCHOOLING SHOW, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

23 USEF NEHC CHJA SHOW, Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

Hartford County

4-H Camp

28 CGA GYMKHANA, Triangle A Stables, Middlefield. ctgymkhana.com.

clinic, show, 28 CCBASend HORSEyour SHOW, Glastonbury Hunt Club, Glastonbury. connecticutcolorbreed.com. trail ride, seminar, and lecture to events@connhorse.com

September to have it published in

2 – 4 MYSTIC Mystic Valley the SUMMER EventsFESTIVAL, Calendar.

Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mvhchorse.com.

It’s free!

Dressage is our Specialty Board . Lessons . Training All Breeds Welcome (especially Morgans)

Bring Your Own Horse June 26 - July 2 (860) 289-4177 hartfordcounty4-hcamp.org

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

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

Chuck Sharples Equine Transportation 860-575-0020

Horses on the Move 562 S Main St., Middletown, CT (860) 347-2531 www.midstatetractor.com 54

May/June 2016

Based in Connecticut Regional service from Maine to Florida

info@chucksharplesequine.com www.chucksharplesequine.com Facebook.com/ChuckSharplesEquine

the

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BARN CATS

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

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

WHITE PICKETS STUDIO (978) 724-8823 whitepicketsstudio.com Fabio and Sara Deponte art.

ASSOCIATIONS nnnnnnnnnnnn

CHESHIRE HORSE COUNCIL cheshirehorsecouncil.org Trail rides and maintenance, community service.

CONNECTICUT BARREL HORSE connecticutbarrelhorse.com CONNECTICUT COLOR BREED ASSOCIATION connecticutcolorbreed.com CONNECTICUT DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION ctdressageassoc.com CONNECTICUT GYMKHANA ASSOCIATION ctgymkhana.com CONNECTICUT HORSE SHOWS ASSOCIATION chsaonline.com.com

Your Everything Equine “white pages” SILVER LINING STABLES Monroe, CT, (203) 445-6318 silverliningstablesct.com Premier horse-boarding facility.

CONNECTICUT RENEGADES ctrenegades.com CONNECTICUT TRAIL RIDES ASSOCIATION ct-trailrides.org FIRST GOVERNOR’S HORSE GUARD Avon, CT, (860) 463-3372 ctfirsthorseguard.org Oldest continuously active mounted cavalry unit in the United States.

GRANBY HORSE COUNCIL OF CONNECTICUT granbyhorsecouncilct.com GREENWICH RIDING AND TRAILS ASSOCIATION thegrta.org MIDDLEBURY BRIDLE LAND ASSOCIATION middleburybridle.org NEWTOWN BRIDLE LANDS ASSOCIATION nblact.com POMFRET HORSE AND TRAIL ASSOCIATION pomfrethorseandtrail.com TANHEATH HUNT CLUB tanheathhunt.com

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SPRING VALLEY FARM Westbrook, CT, (860) 399-5000 Hunter, jumper, boarding, lessons.

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING Old Lyme, CT, (860) 434-1974 highhopestr.org.

Therapeutic riding, driving, Horses for Heroes, unmounted equine learning.

STONECREST FARM Southbury, CT, (203) 586-1016 stonecrestfarmct.com Boarding, lessons, indoor/outdoor ring.

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

SWEETWATER FARM Clinton, CT, (860) 669-9473 sweetwaterct.com Lessons, training, boarding, shows, sale horses, events facility.

RAY OF LIGHT FARM E. Haddam, CT, (860) 873-1895 rayoflightfarm.org Animal-assisted therapy; rescue center

BOARDING AND TRAINING nnnnnnnnnnnn

BABCOCK HILL FARM DAWN BONIN HORSEMANSHIP Coventry, CT, (860) 985-7611 babcockhill.com Natural horsemanship, lessons, training, boarding, sales/leases.

CENTURY SILHOUETTE FARM Northford, CT, (203) 627-4587 Private lessons; variety of disciplines.

DECARLI EQUESTRIAN CENTER Ellington, CT, (860) 878-9274 decarlifarm.com Boarding, lessons, training, shows, sale horses, and clinics.

EPIC FARM Middlefield, CT, (860) 620-3686 epicfarm.com Boarding, training, lessons, sales/leases, camp.

FOLLY FARM SHOW STABLES Simsbury, CT, (860) 658-9943 follyfarm.us Training, showing, board, lessons, polo.

EQUINE DENTISTRY VAQUERO TRAINING CENTER E. Windsor, CT, (860) 623-2687 vaquerotrainingcenter.com Boarding, training, lessons, education of horse and rider.

WESTBROOK HUNT CLUB Westbrook, CT, (860) 399-6317 westbrookhuntclub.com Board, training, lessons, shows, clinics.

WHIMSY BROOK FARM Redding, CT, (203) 938-3760 whimsybrookfarm.com Boarding, lessons, training, equine therapies, Pony Club.

CLIPPER AND BLADE SERVICE

CONNECTICUT MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION ctmorgans.org

EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY

FOX LEDGE FARM, ANN GUPTILL E. Haddam, CT, (860) 873-8108 foxledgefarm.net Dressage lessons, training, clinics.

GREYLEDGE FARM Durham, CT, (860) 349-9722 greyledgefarm.com Training, boarding, lessons, showing, Quarter Horses.

GUILFORD RIDING SCHOOL Guilford, CT, (203) 453-8768 grsriding.com Connecticut shoreline’s premier riding stable.

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CLIPPER BARN OF CONNECTICUT Baltic, CT, (860) 822-1951 theclipperbarnofct.com Repairs, sharpening, all types.

CONSTRUCTION nnnnnnnnnnnn

CARRIAGE GATE CONSTRUCTION Serving the Northeast, (717) 951-9443 Horse barns, garages, remodeling.

THE CARRIAGE SHED (800) 441-6057, carriageshed.com Custom-built barns, shed rows, arenas.

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SHELLY WYSOCKI E. Haddam, CT, (860) 212-0114 equinedentalct33662@att.net Prophylaxis, equilibration, and gnathological procedures.

EQUINE LAUNDRY nnnnnnnnnnnn

LE CHEVAL LAUNDRY Willamantic, CT, (860) 428-1283 abr10000@aol.com Quality laundry and repair service.

EQUINE MASSAGE nnnnnnnnnnnn

EQUISSAGE BY KATHLEEN Ridgefield, CT, (203) 431-0272 kathy.curran@snet.net A nice massage, for your horse!

EQUISSAGE NE/NY Sterling, CT, (860) 564-7759 equissage-ne-ny.com Masterson Method, Equissage, equine bodywork, myofascial release, infrared photon light therapy, Reiki.

EQUINE RELATIONSHIPS nnnnnnnnnnnn

MINDFUL CONNECTIONS mindful-connections.com What is your horse trying to tell you?

Tuning in to your companion.

CREMATION HAPPY TRAILS FARM Danbury, CT, (203) 778-6218 Pleasure riding, obstacle course, trails.

J.A. MCDERMOTT HORSEMANSHIP Guilford, CT, (203) 434-9505 willingresults.com Bridging science and holistic horsemanship.

JOHN BENNETT STABLES Putnam, CT, (860) 928-7098 john.bennett_jr@uconn.edu Lessons all disciplines, training, harness.

MOVADO FARMS Durham, CT, (860) 463-5272 movadofarms.net Lessons, IEA team, leasing, shows.

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EQUIPMENT

CONNECTICUT HORSE CREMATION Killingworth, CT, (860) 881-7802 cthorsecremation.com Loving, dignified cremation service.

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EDUCATION nnnnnnnnnnnn

FARRIER

POST UNIVERSITY Waterbury, CT, (800) 345-2562 post.edu BS in equine studies.

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UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT Storrs, CT, (860) 486-2413 animalscience.uconn.edu Two- and four-year ANSC degrees.

ELECTRICAL

MYSTIC VALLEY HUNT CLUB Gales Ferry, CT, (860) 464-7934 mvhchorse.com Boarding, training, sales, shows, hunter, jumper, equitation, ponies, children, and IEA/IHSA teams.

STANTON EQUIPMENT John Deere, stantoneq.com Plainfield, CT, (860) 230-0130 East Windsor, CT, (860) 623-8296 Canaan, CT, (860) 824-1161

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RV PARTS AND ELECTRIC Waterbury, CT, (203) 755-0739 hedman@snet.net Electrical work; trailers, trucks, RVs.

MATT LEWIS Colchester, CT, (860) 575-2455 foxglovefarm.com Professional horseshoeing for the performance horse.

FEED AND PET STORE nnnnnnnnnnnn

LOCK, STOCK & BARREL (203) 393-0002 lsbfarmsupply.com Large-animal feed and pet food.

Riding apparel, tack, farm supplies, and power equipment.

Connecticut Horse

55

SWEETWATER FEED AND EQUIPMENT Clinton, CT, (860) 669-9473 sweetwaterct.com Tribute Equine Nutrition; pet foods.

HORSES FOR SALE nnnnnnnnnnnn

REAL ESTATE nnnnnnnnnnnn

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Alexis Devlin, Realtor Colchester, CT, (860) 214-9859 alexisdevlin.com Experienced equestrian Realtor.

HERITAGE FARM Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-1612 farmheritage.com Open to buy, sell, or trade horses seven days a week, by appointment.

CROSBY MIDDLEMASS REALTOR Connecticut, (203) 558-2046 higginsgroup.com Specializing in equestrian properties.

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

WILLIAM PITT SOTHEBY’S REALTY Mariette Woolfson, Realtor Essex, CT, (860) 883-3667 mwoolfson@wpsir.com Equestrian properties.

INSURANCE nnnnnnnnnnnn

FARM FAMILY INSURANCE To find an agent near you, visit farmfamily.com.

KATHY KANE INSURANCE Gales Ferry, CT, (860) 625-7128 kanekathyo@yahoo.com Specializing in horses and farms.

LOANS nnnnnnnnnnnn

WILLIAM RAVEIS EQUESTRIAN Lori Vogel, Realtor Middlefield, CT, (860) 614-0666 lorivogel.com Specializing in Equestrian Lifestyle Real Estate.

RETIREMENT SANCTUARIES nnnnnnnnnnnn

MITCHELL FARM Salem, CT, (860) 303-8705 mitchellfarm.org Permanent sanctuary for senior horses.

BLUEBIRD MEADOWS FARM N. Granby, CT, (860) 604-8088 bluebirdmeadowsfarm.com Buying and selling quality tack.

REINS Essex, CT, (860) 767-0777 reinstackshop.com Fine equestrian apparel, tack, footwear, and gifts.

SMITH-WORTHINGTON SADDLERY Hartford, CT, (860) 527-9117 smithworthington.com Fine English saddlery and tack.

TRACTORS/EQUIPMENT nnnnnnnnnnnn

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

TRAINER nnnnnnnnnnnn

CATHY DRUMM (413) 441-5278 cathydrumm.com Travels to you; English and western.

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

TAYLOR FARM New Hartford, CT, (860) 482-8725 taylorlynn58@gmail.com Horse retirement is all we do!

CONNECTICUT TRAILERS Bolton, CT, (877) 480-4197 cttrailers.com Quality trailers; sales, parts, service.

JOHN McCARTHY TRUCKING (860) 377-9498 East Coast New England to Florida.

MANURE REMOVAL,

RIDER FITNESS

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ASSOCIATED REFUSE HAULERS Newtown, CT, (203) 426-8870 associatedrefuse.com Containerized manure removal in southwestern Connecticut.

RIDE FIT (206) 713-6761, ridefitnow.com Fitness program developed for riders.

LE MAY, INC. Newtown, CT, (203) 347-2531 We buy manure.

ARMOUR COMPANIES (800) 876-7706 armourcompanies.com Stall components, aluminum, no rust.

PENDERGAST HAULING AND BARN SERVICES New Fairfield, CT, (203) 948-9493 Manure removal, arena-footing restoration, excavation service.

PHOTOGRAPHY nnnnnnnnnnnn

STALL COMPONENTS nnnnnnnnnnnn

SUMMER PROGRAMS nnnnnnnnnnnn

HARTFORD COUNTY 4-H CAMP S. Windsor, CT, (860) 289-4177 hartfordcounty4hcamp.com Youths and adults partner together.

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

RED SKYE FOUNDATION Bethany, CT, (203) 891-6787 redskye.org Camp, therapy, team building, lessons.

KATE LUSSIER PHOTOGRAPHY Wallingford, CT, (203) 213-7738

S. J. RIDING CAMP Ellington, CT, (860) 872-4742 sjridingcamp.com Overnight girls riding camp; lessons.

KATHRYN SCHAUER PHOTOGRAPHY Guilford, CT, (203) 710-9945

TACK

katelussierphotography.com Individualized attention, reasonable rates.

kathrynschauerphotography.com Horses, pets, families.

SARAH GROTE PHOTOGRAPHY Cromwell, CT, (860) 301-6647 sarahgrote.com Lifestyle, event, pet, and nature.

SARRA-ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY S. Windsor, CT, (860) 644-7161 Fine-art equine portrait photography.

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TRAILERS & TRANSPORTATION nnnnnnnnnnnn

VETERINARY nnnnnnnnnnnn

BECKETT & ASSOCIATES VETERINARY SERVICES Glastonbury, CT, (860) 659-0848 beckettvet.net Horses, pets, farm animals.

BROOKLYN-CANTERBURY LARGE ANIMAL CLINIC Canterbury, CT, (860) 546-6998 bclargeanimal.com Serving eastern CT and RI. Equines, farm animals, and camelids.

EGGLESTON EQUINE Woodstock, CT, (860) 942-3365 egglestonequine.com Lameness, pre-purchase exams, veterinary medicine and dentistry.

CARA KNESER, DVM Bozrah, CT, (860) 823-8951 kneserveterinary.com Mobile 24/7 Equine Veterinary Service.

ARBITRAGE TACK Oakville, CT, (860) 417-2608 arbitragetack.com Equipment you need at prices you can afford. We keep you riding.

SALEM VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC Salem, CT, (860) 859-1649 salemvalleyvet.com Preventive medicine, emergency care, lameness, dentistry, surgery.

BEVAL SADDLERY New Canaan, CT, (203) 966-7828 beval.com New Canaan, Gladstone, NJ stores.

East Coast mobile unit.

TWIN PINES EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES Griswold, CT, (860) 376-4373 twinpinesequine.com Quality, compassionate care.

advertisers index Absorbine ........................................... 59 Arbitrage Tack .................................... 29 Armour Companies .............................. 19 Associated Refuse Haulers ................ 54 Bittersweet Farm ................................ 28 Bluebird Meadows Farm .................... 47 Blue Seal ............................................ 58 Braideez ............................................... 6 Brooklyn-Canterbury Clinic ................. 17 Cara Kneser, DVM ............................. 30 The Carriage Shed ............................... 2 Century Silhouette Farm ..................... 17 Chuck Sharples Equine Transportation . 54 Connecticut Classic Horse Show ......... 14 Connecticut Horse Cremation ............ 33 Connecticut Military Department ...... 48 Dawn Bonin Horsemanship ................. 21 DeCarli Equestrian Center .................. 6 Don Ray Insurance .............................. 37 Dover Saddlery ................................... 38 Eastern States Exposition Horse Show . 49 Epic Farm ............................................ 25 EquiCuts .............................................. 41 Equine Gnathologist Shelley Wysocki . 53 Equissage ........................................... 39 Equissage by Kathleen Curran ........... 53 Fairfield County Hunt Club ................. 43 Farm Credit East ................................. 11 Farm Family Insurance ........................ 51 Folly Farm ........................................... 26 Foxfire Stables ................................... 54 Fox Ledge Farm .................................. 30 Frazier Farm Training Center ................ 5 Greyledge Farm .................................. 42 Guilford Riding School ........................ 32 Happy Trails Farm .............................. 30 Hartford County 4-H Camp ................ 54 Heritage Farm .................................... 48 Higgins Group Equestrian Properties . 45 High Hopes Therapeutic Riding .......... 46 H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut ................... 23 JA McDermott Horsemanship .............. 7 John Bennett Stables .......................... 7 Just Horses ......................................... 23 King Barns ............................................ 4 Le May, Inc. ....................................... 47 Lock, Stock & Barrel ............................ 60 Lori Vogel Team .................................. 32 Matt Lewis Professional Horseshoeing . 41 Michele Carver Performance Horses . 53 Midstate Tractor & Equipment ........... 54 Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement ....... 30 Mohawk Distribution .......................... 53 Mountain Top Inn & Resort ................. 35 Noble Outfitters .................................. 12 Pendergast Hauling & Barn Services .. 28 Pleasant View Farms ............................ 21 Red Skye ............................................. 37 Reins ................................................... 13 Sarah Grote Photography .................... 5 SJ Riding Camp ................................... 28 Smith-Worthington Saddlery ......... 17, 57 Spring Valley Farm .............................. 42 Stanton Equipment ............................. 32 Stonecrest Farm .................................. 15 Strain Family Horse Farm .................... 47 Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group ........ 31 Tribute Equine Nutrition ..................... 41 Twin Pines Equine Veterinary Services . 15 Walsh’s Country Store ........................ 39 Whimsy Brook Farm ............................ 57 White Birch Farm ................................. 47 White Pickets Studio ............................ 11

Is this your horse?

Connecticut’s own Smith-Worthington Saddlery is the proud sponsor of Is This Your Horse?

275 Homestead Ave. Hartford, Connecticut 860 . 527 . 9117 smithworthington.com

Karena Garrity

Crafting fine English saddlery and tack since 1794.

Available at fine tack shops throughout the U.S.

Is this your horse?

This photo was taken April 16 at the Mystic Valley Hunt Club Schooling Dressage Show, in Gales Ferry.

If this is your horse, contact us at win@connhorse.com for a Smith-Worthington Saddlery leather halter.

Subscribe Today! at connhorse.com

Connecticut Horse

57

Benedict’s Home & Garden 480 Purdy Hill Road, Monroe (203) 268-2537 benedictsgarden.com Fleming’s Feed 353 Route 165, Preston (860) 889-7536 flemingsfeed.net Fleming’s Feed 786 Route 1, Stonington (860) 535-3181 flemingsfeed.net

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May/June 2016

G. M. Thompson & Sons 54 Middle Turnpike Mansfield Depot (860) 429-9377 gmthompson.net H. H. Stone & Sons 168 Main Street South, Southbury (203) 264-6501 hhstoneandsons.benmoorepaints.com Litchfield Blue Seal Store 99 Thomaston Road, Litchfield (860) 482-7116 . blueseal.com

Lock, Stock & Barrel 770 Amity Road, Bethany (203) 393-0002 . lsbfarmsupply.com Meriden Feed & Supply 846 Old Colony Road, Meriden (203) 237-4414 Find us on Facebook Norwich Agway 217 Otrobando Avenue, Norwich (860) 889-2344 norwichagway.com

Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supply 21 Mount Parnassus Road East Haddam (860) 873-1946 shagbarklumber.com Valley Home & Garden Centre 16 Railroad Street, Simsbury (860) 651-5646 valleyhomeandgarden.com

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MONROE, CT PERMIT

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