Massachusetts Horse August/September 2014

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

HORSE PUT THE HORSE BEFORE THE CART DRIVING PROSPECTS page 8

NATURAL ROOTS HORSE-POWERED FARMING page 14

LARRY POULIN GREATNESS TAKES TIME page 16

PIPESTAVE HILL

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August/September 2014

contents

August/September 2014

columns 20 The Bridge Center Therapeutic for Students and Volunteers

8

22 Youth Mustang Challenge

Anna Maclay

courtesy of Susan Koso

Lend a Hoof

14

Following Eight Bay State Competitors Special Feature

26 Smith-Worthington Saddlery Tradition and Quality

ShootThatHorse.com

28 Pipestave Hill Equestrian Paradise Trail Guide

18

16

in every issue

features 8

Put the Horse Before the Cart

5 From the Editor

16

Greatness Takes Time horseperson profile

Driving Prospects

14

Natural Roots Horse-powered Farming farm spotlight

Larry Poulin

7 Your Letters 29 This Olde Horse 30 Overherd: News in Our Community 36 Bay State Happenings

18

May

37 Junior Horsemanship Awards 38 Partners

From Auction House to Forever Home

45 Events Calendar

horse profile

52 Massachusetts Marketplace 54 The Neighborhood 56 Advertiser Index 57 Is This Your Horse?

Massachusetts Horse

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from the editor

I

n June, I introduced three-year-old Miniature gelding

Little Peanut into the Pocketful of Ponies Farm herd as a companion for Miniature gelding Little Rasta Man, who’s

blind. Peanut is working out well — he and Rasta groom each other, and there’s even a little roughhousing. He adores Haflinger mare Caszual, and when he’s not with Rasta, I often see him either under her tail taking advantage of its fly-swatting talent or trying to remove her fly mask.

He’s the busiest horse I’ve ever known. It’s as if he doesn’t want to miss anything. Yesterday, out in the field, he was galloping circles around the Haflinger mares. They ignored him, focused as they were on what Haflingers love

POP Photography

most — eating — while Peanut put on quite a show. Earlier in

Little Peanut and Little Rasta Man.

the week he was checking out his pasture neighbors — cows — and kept up a brave front until he realized the rest of the herd had made a beeline for the barn, for shade and some relief from the bugs. His gallop back began with his tail tucked but as he approached the herd, his tail flagged in the air and he seemed rather proud of himself.

And he’s friendly: He’d rather visit with me while I’m mucking than eat hay with the herd, and he finds Ella the barn kitty of great interest.

It’s a pleasure to see Peanut adjust to his new home and herd. For the first few weeks he didn’t sleep lying down, but now he’s a regular snoozer, early in the morning, with the rest of the herd. That’s when they have a respite, before the insects wake up to continue their summer-long onslaught.

I hope your horses are just as entertaining and bring you just as much delight.

Stephanie Massachusetts Horse

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M ASSAC HUS ETTS

HORSE vol. 13, no. 2 August/September 2014

ISSN 1945-1393

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 phone: (413) 268-3302 • fax: (413) 268-0050 • mahorse.com Massachusetts Horse magazine is an independently owned and -operated all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for the Bay State. © 2014 Massachusetts Horse All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

publisher/editor Stephanie Sanders • steph@mahorse.com • (413) 268-3302 copy editor Doris Troy feature writers Andrea Bugbee, Amy Finch, Karena Garrity, Susan Graham Winslow Suzy Lucine, Alessandra Mele, Laurie Neely, Stacey Stearns contributors Elizabeth Goldsmith, Denise Kellicker, Diane Merritt Jennifer Moreau, David Rousseau, Liz Russell, Wendy Wood county desk liaisons Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties Alessandra Mele • (413) 949-1972 • alessandra@mahorse.com Bristol County Melissa Root • (508) 863-0467 • melissa@mahorse.com Essex County Holly Jacobson • (978) 356-5842 • holly@mahorse.com Sophiea Bitel • (781) 286-0729 • sophiea@mahorse.com Norfolk and Plymouth Counties Laura Solod • (617) 699-7299 • laura@mahorse.com Barnstable, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties Stephanie Sanders • (413) 268-3302 • steph@mahorse.com

State-of-the-Art Equine Laundry Facility

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

Expert Tack Repair

Advertising deadline for the October/November issue is September 10.

Gently Used Blankets and Tack for Sale

on the cover: The view from behind the lines of Iron Mike, an ambassador for working horses from Blue Star Equiculture, who was adopted and loved by the Mele family. Sadly, he passed away in June. photo: Alessandra Mele

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

August/September 2014

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

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

your letters To the editor:

To the editor:

Thank you for sponsoring the Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award. My daughter Rachael won it at the Mane-I-Acs 4-H and Open Horse Show on June 21 and was so surprised!

Rachael was having a tough morning: her pony spooked and she fell off right before her first class. She gathered herself, dusted off, caught her pony (who went to the other end of the ring, of course), and got back on. She didn’t let it ruin her day.

When she opened that prize bag, she was super excited to receive a free one-year subscription to Massachusetts Horse.

What a great way to support our kids. Thank you again.

Roxanne Cyrankowski, Westfield

Thank you for the opportunity to be in Massachusetts Horse.

Alessandra Mele wrote a beautiful article. It’s amazing to have Major back in a magazine, not for winning but instead for the friendship between the truest friends on the planet.

Leanna Wilson, Kingston

To the editor: You do a great job on Massachusetts Horse. Keep up the good work.

Linda Murray, Foxboro

Let us know your thoughts . . . and be entered to win a $25 Cheshire Horse gift card. All letters received by September 5 will be entered in the drawing.

Send your letters to: steph@mahorse.com or Massachusetts Horse 99 Bissell Road Williamsburg, MA 01096

Massachusetts Horse

7

Put the Horse Before the Cart

© Shoot That Horse Photography

by Suzy Lucine

Jeff Morse and SBS Risky Business.

I

n colonial times, horse and buggy was the primary mode of transportation, both public and private.

Since the Industrial Revolution, driving horses has been a popular discipline within competitive equestrian sport, and young and old enjoy carriage-pleasure rides.

To help our readers find the perfect equine to put before the cart, we enlisted Keith Angstadt, Ginny Wheeler Halfpenny, Susan Koso, Andy Marcoux, Jeff Morse, Holly Pulsifer, and Elsie Rodney to tell us what they look for in a carriagedriving prospect, which breeds they prefer, and about their favorite horses.

What They Look For Keith Angstadt, of Bradford Equestrian Center, is a USEF dressage judge and a learner judge in driving dressage.

“Even though I’ve been training professionally for 8

August/September 2014

more than thirty-five years,” he says, “when I’ve looked for a horse for carriage driving, it’s been for myself, not for a client. My first two horses found me. And they were both Morgans.”

He talks about his first: “She was very forward thinking, and a nice, pretty mover.

If I had a stressful workday, I’d hitch her up and drive through a field, and it felt like a breath of fresh air.”

The second was a different story: “This gelding provided me with a challenge,” Keith says. “He didn’t always move forward the way I wanted him to; sometimes he was leery. But I liked that I could [in other situations] get him to do what I wanted him to do, so he was always thinking. He had a good work ethic and did well in training.”

The third time Keith went looking for a driving prospect, he added the requirement that he be able

to ride the horse. It had to be being safe, sound, and fun to work with, but also have some size, as Keith is six feet tall. “I found a sixteenhand, four-year-old Welsh Cob,” he says, “who’s working out well for me.”

Ginny Wheeler Halfpenny, of Highland Hill Farms in Berlin, manages a boarding stable and gives lessons. She has many years of experience showing Morgans and competing in combined driving events.

“When I’m looking for a horse to use in carriage driving, I want one with a driving brain,” says Ginny. “I want the horse to be forward thinking and brave. It has to be able to negotiate a cones course and to drive through the woods and over streams.

It has to be able to do many things.”

Susan Koso, who lives in Topsfield, has been involved with carriage driving since 1981, first as a competitor,

next as an organizer, then as director of the New England Region of the American Driving Society (ADS), then as secretary of the ADS. Now she’s an honorary board member. She holds ‘R’ licenses with the ADS and USEF in pleasure driving and an ‘r’ in driven dressage.

“When looking for a carriage-driving prospect, I think about what I want to do with the horse,” says Susan. “Will I be using it for show or to drive and ride?”

There are then several requirements. “I believe the first criterion for a driving horse is that it has the right mind,” says Susan. “I want a horse that accepts new things quietly and displays confidence. It shouldn’t react to being touched, so that if the vehicle or the whip comes in contact, it won’t panic.

Ideally, the horse has been backed without any major issues. I prefer a horse that’s built correctly, with a head

©Shoot That Horse Photography

©Shoot That Horse Photography

Ginny Wheeler Halfpenny and Noble Playgirl.

that isn’t too upright or ewenecked; either makes it more difficult for it to use its body efficiently.”

Andy Marcoux, of Coachman’s Delight in East Bridgewater, has been professionally training and driving carriage horses of all breeds and descriptions for more than 15 years. He’s a recognized ADS judge for the sport of combined driving and an evaluator for the Carriage Association of America’s Carriage Driver Proficiency Program. In addition, he holds the highest level of certificate issued by the British Driving Society.

“First and foremost, I look for a sound mind,” he says. “I want a horse that’s willing to please and relatively easy to teach. Ground manners are usually a good indicator of a horse’s mind.

This goes for both recreational and competitive horses. To me, standing and walking politely are the basis for all performance.”

Jeff Morse, of Green Meads Farm in Richmond, trains horses and people for carriage driving. He’s a member of the USEF Morgan Committee and the USEF Carriage Pleasure Committee, treasurer of the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association, director of the ADS, and chair of the ADS

Keith Angstadt and Cosmo.

Pleasure Driving Committee.

“It’s the rare, well-conformed Morgan that doesn’t make a good driving horse,” says Jeff. “I’m partial to them, so the first thing I look for is good Morgan type. If

ers; teaches and mentors officials; and advises carriage drivers about horses, vehicles, and harnesses. She has organized the Myopia Driving Events for 38 years.

“I look for a horse/pony

“Every time we came to an intersection, she’d want to turn away from the barn so we could keep going.

When I did bring her down the road that led home, she sadly slowed down, dragging her feet.”

—Andy Marcoux it’s not a Morgan, I still like to see a laid-back shoulder, more-upright neck, and a pretty head with an expressive eye.

“I also want a horse with a good brain (if it doesn’t think well, what’s the point of putting in all the work?). I also look for good hooves and legs; they’ll take a lot of abuse. And,” he says, “I like a horse with a lot of strong drive from behind. I can build muscle but I can’t build structure.”

Holly Pulsifer, of Ipswich, is an equestrian consultant. She officiates at combined driving competitions; organizes driving competitions; advises other organiz-

that’s sensible: not afraid of the sights, sounds, and stresses of the environment he’ll be used in — and that’s a huge task for any horse in today’s world,” says Holly. “If the horse/pony shies hard; succumbs to his natural instinct to run away; or turns into a shaking, jigging, rearing basket case, he isn’t material for safe driving.”

Elsie Rodney, of Lincoln, has been training horses for almost 30 years.

She worked from her farm, Elsie Rodney Stables, and also traveled to clients’ farms to give private lessons. She’s also been very active with the Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program,

in Lincoln.

“If I’m looking for a carriage-driving prospect,” she says, “temperament is key. I want a reliable and goodmoving horse. He has to like what he’s being asked to do; he has to like driving through cones and making quick directional changes, and not mind surprises.”

In addition, Elsie says, “I consider who will be driving: me, the professional; a seasoned amateur or junior driver; or someone new to this discipline.”

There’s one more consideration: “The horse has to look pretty driving and when standing still,” says Elise. “It’s a delicate balance.”

Breeds and Sizes Is there are particular breed that makes a good driving prospect? Here’s what the pros have to say.

Keith: “I’ve enjoyed working with Welsh Cobs as well as Morgans. And my wife and daughter have too. No matter who’s driving, though, the horse or pony must be safe and sound and have a good work ethic.”

Ginny : “A driving horse can be any breed, but I’m partial to Morgans. Several of my boarders drive other breeds, but I think Morgans do it fabulously.”

Susan: “For me, the first place to look is at breeds that Massachusetts Horse

9

are traditional driving animals: Morgans, Standardbreds, Welsh, Dutch, German Riding Ponies, Cleveland Bays, Friesians, and draft crosses. There are some very nice driving animals of other breeds, but they’re not commonly thought of as carriage-driving horses.

When it gets down to it, having the right mind is more important than breed.”

Andy: “I don’t look for any specific breed for carriage driving. The carriage-driving world is wide open in regard to the breeds that can participate. As a matter of fact, I’m not sure there’s a discipline in which you’ll see a wider variety of breeds and styles. In a typical day of training, I’ll see horses from a seventeen-hand Warmblood to a homebred thirty-five-inch Miniature, and everything in between.

“Certainly there are breeds that lend themselves more naturally to carriage driving, such as Morgans, Haflingers, and Friesians, but I’ve driven and competed Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, and Arabians, along with many others that people don’t think of as driving breeds.”

Jeff: “It’s the rare Morgan that doesn’t make a decent-to-exceptional

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August/September 2014

driving horse. The horses were selected primarily for driving work for about two hundred years, and they’re good at it. A close second are large Welsh ponies.

That’s what I like for myself, as a professional horseman. Maybe for an older amateur driver, something with a more laid-back attitude, like a draft cross, would work best.”

Holly: “I prefer large ponies to horses, and Welsh to most other pony breeds, and very little else. And no, Welsh wouldn’t be my first choice for the attributes I think make a great, safe driving horse.”

Elsie: “The breed I’ve worked with most in carriage driving is the Morgan.

It’s willing, and used a lot for many different things. Other breeds make good driving horses, but Morgans have worked best for me. They’re game, and always seem curious about what you’re going to ask them to do next.”

Favorites Although they’re professionals, certain horses and ponies have touched their lives in a special way.

Keith: “A favorite was a twelve-hand bay Welsh/Connemara cross who found me. He was used as a friend’s daugh-

ter’s event pony, and she outgrew him.

He’s very forward moving, road-safe, and kid-safe. I had him hitched in thirty days, and will trailer him up to Green Mountain Horse Association in Vermont just to drive the roads.”

Ginny : “Muffin, a Morgan mare, was one of my favorites to train to drive.

On our first drive ever down the street, a huge box truck came rumbling toward us and she hunched up. The truck driver didn’t slow down and whizzed right by us. Muffin only took a step sideways, but when doing so, she went into a ditch and fell over. I also ended up in a heap on the ground. My cousin Peter Wheeler came running from the barn to make sure we were okay, and to help me get her out of the ditch. She stood up and took a deep breath, I climbed back in the carriage, and off we went. Needless to say, she’s very brave and a joy to drive.”

Susan: “Carriage driving is a unique equestrian sport that embraces all breeds of equine and all abilities of drivers. We at ADS celebrate the fact that we have active drivers who are in their seventies, eighties, and even a few in their nineties competing right alongside our teenagers, but what makes the

Massachusetts Horse

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165 Main St., Suite 214 Medway, MA 02053

AUCTIONS

Summer Wrap-up Auction

ses Child-safe hosr! and ponie

Sunday August 24, 10 A.M. Featuring a wonderful group of child-safe horses and ponies back from their summer work, ready for new homes. This year’s group may very well be the largest and nicest quality group of horses we have handled for seasonal work yet.

Preview photos posted online as auction nears.

Horses available for trial August 19-23; all will be sold through the auction.

Catalog available online after August 21.

SHOWS

Western New England Dressage Show November 2 Tests for English and western riders, also offering a Professional division.

Part of the new Western New England Dressage Series with year-end awards.

New England Stock Horse Shows Five individually-judged classes for western and ranch-broke horses. Day and series end awards.

September 21 CLINICS

Jon Ensign Horsemanship Clinic

ever What ests, inter your ve we ha r you. fo thing some be a Don’t here! ger stran

October 11 - 13

Alessandra Mele

sport unique is the support that surrounds the community. We’ve seen a resurgence of new schooling competitions and recreational activities that are important indicators to the health of carriage driving across the country.”

Andy : “I started a Connemara filly years ago who turned out to be such an enthusiastic driving pony that she was the polar opposite to being barn sour.

Despite living in a beautiful barn, with a walk-out stall that led to large grassy fields and really wonderful people and horses, when we were driving she never wanted to go back home. Every time we came to an intersection, she’d want to turn away from the barn so we could keep going. When I did bring her down the road that led home, she sadly slowed down, dragging her feet.

“I’d actually feel guilty bringing her home, so if I had time,” he says, “I’d turn around and head out for another couple of miles. The moment I’d turn her around, she’d perk up and launch off into a bigger stride, excited to get to see more of the world. That’s heart!”

Jeff : “They all seemed to bring something to the table that I like. The horses I love most, the ones most special, are the ones who teach me something.” He talks about his first carriage-driving horse, Questfound Oceania: “He had suffered two front suspensory injuries. After I rehabilitated him, he went on to win six carriage-driving championships at the New England Morgan Show before I retired him, when he was about twenty-four.

“Others are special to me for different reasons,” he says: “Gaitwood Garmisch, Hatcreek Woody Allen, Maine Event Minstrel, Telishan Santiam, SBS Risky Business, and Stormcrest Orion are some of them.”

Holly : “Greenway’s Kilronin, a fourteen-point-three Connemara mare, is the favorite horse I started. She took to driving so easily, with reliability and confidence, that I could take her anywhere.

We did combined driving, pleasure shows, and lots of trail drives/rides where there wasn’t really much of any trail. She ended her career as a therapeutic driving horse, for which she received much love and attention, and could you ever bribe her with treats!

I’ve always boarded, and she learned the look/sound of my truck and would come looking for me when I came to the barn. She loved parades, being brushed, and having her udder

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scratched. At the age of fourteen, she won Grand Champion Mare at the Regional Connemara Show with her great conformation. The ponies I’ve had since make me realize how special she was.”

Elsie: “Ralph Melanson, who worked for me for many years, raised Port of Call, whom he wanted to train and drive, and he asked me to help him. This gelding had a great trot and a steady head set. He was a nice mover, and he and Ralph won everywhere — from CDEs to carriage pleasure-driving classes at Morgan shows. In 2006, Ralph gave the gelding to granddaughter

Kayla Perry, who has also excelled with him in junior exhibitor as well as novice and limit carriage-driving classes. This gelding was always a joy to work with.”

Suzy Lucine, NEMHS 2013 Mabel Owen Media Award winner, is the former editor of The Morgan Horse and the Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlar and coproducer of the Morgan Horse Video Review.

Massachusetts Horse

13

Natural Roots

Conway

Horse-powered Farming

by Amy Finch

L

Anna Maclay

eora Fisher is 10 years old, a small Gaella Ellwell, who own the South River but commanding presence as she Miso Company, which is just across the backs up Belgian drafts Pat and river. In fact, Natural Roots came into Lady so she can unhook and unhitch being because of miso. Or, more specifithem. Leora is the daughter of David cally, because 17 years ago a misoFisher and Anna Maclay, who operate Natural Roots, a horse-powered Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) vegetable farm in Conway.

Leora spent this hot summer morning driving the horses in the field with a tedder that fluffs up the mown hay to help it dry, and she describes its mechanics in a way that leaves a nontechnical mind in the dust.

Horses have been working at Natural Roots since before Leora was born, so they never had a chance to emerge as exotic and magical creatures, the way they do for many little girls. Leora started driving when she was six. “She’s good at it, too,” says her father. “Certain horses are very reliable and steady and I feel pretty confident with her using them in a variety of situations.” Leora and Lady loaded almost all of the hay in the barn this year, he says. (David and Anna’s son, Gabriel, is six; he’s not ready to drive yet, but David predicts he’ll be riding independently by the end of the year.)

Leora Fisher and Star.

The farm has five horses. In addition to Pat and Lady, there are Tim, Gus, and Star. The first four are minded friend of David’s took him to Belgians and Star is a Percheron/ visit the Ellwells’ company. The friend Standardbred mare. “Our horses help struck up a conversation with Christian us with every task on the farm, from about some nearby farmland that heavy plowing to delicate cultivating,” wasn’t being used. Consequently, says David. “They haul the harvest from David’s friend wound up doing some the field, give hayrides, dig potatoes, gardening on the land, and David and mow and harvest their own hay and joined him within a few months. The grain. In winter they skid logs from the land had been fallow since the late ’70s forest and even plow snow.” or early ’80s, when, David says, And that’s not all. “The horses are Christian briefly farmed with horses. instrumental in enriching the soil,” says Christian left behind some horseDavid, “as they’re the primary source of drawn equipment, a serendipitous manure on the farm. In the fields, they detail because David had already develtread lightly and don’t cause the soil oped a passion for getting business compaction that can result from the done with horses. He worked with wheels and weight of a tractor. Plus, the horses on a homestead in the Catskills, horses are essentially solar powered. in 1996, and then apprenticed at Horse They run on grass, hay, and oats, which Power Farm, in Penobscot, Maine. they help us grow and harvest right When you visit the farm, after the here on the farm. By using horses for rowdy clucking coming from the our farm power, we help to minimize chicken house (with 100 or so laying our carbon footprint; they deliver livhens), the first things you may notice ing, clean, and sustainable energy.” are three ancient-looking farming conDavid and Anna lease the bulk of traptions, things with big skinny wheels Natural Roots’ land from Christian and with spokes. You may think they’re arti-

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August/September 2014

facts lined up as sort of a history lesson in horse-powered farming, but that’s far from the case.

David hooks up Star and Lady to one of the contraptions, a cultivator he guesses is 80 to 100 years old.

He says he “pulled it out of the woods” years ago, evidence of Christian’s horse-powered stint from decades past. As David rides the cultivator in straight rows through the field, it could indeed be 1934 or even 1914, except for the low hum of traffic somewhere not far off, beyond the hills and trees.

The aged cultivator looks fragile but it’s not.

Nevertheless, David is excited about Horse Progress Days, an annual summer event held in Mount Hope, Ohio, that highlights the latest in horse-powered equipment.

The location is practical, given that Mount Hope is home to the largest Amish community in the United States. “There’s a lot of industry in the Amish communities around supporting the horse-powered aspect,” says David, “so it’s not difficult to find brand-new implements for just about any kind of farming you want to undertake.”

He continues: “It’s pretty mindblowing, what’s being put out these days — really, just about anything you can imagine, to the point where I’d say a lot of the bigger Amish farms are rivaling their tractor-powered counterparts, if not entirely in scale, at least in scale of equipment.” He reels off the various implements typically used in demonstrations at Horse Progress Days: “tillage tools, produce-specific tools, cultivators, sprayers, transplanters, haymaking equipment . . . there’s even a logging section.” David says he’ll probably conduct a couple of seminars at Horse Progress Days. (He’s also taking part in the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s annual Farmer to Farmer Conference, November 1 to 3, in Northport.)

One area that gets him particularly fired up is stationary horsepower — that is, horse treadmills, which could be used to grind grain, run washing machines, and power ice-cream makers

and sewing machines. At a previous Horse Progress event, he says, he watched a demonstration of “a whole hat-making-shop setup running on one central drive shaft.” He speaks of PTO drive shafts, belts and pulleys, and air compressors — details of cold logic offset by the big, warm, furry creatures that make using them possible.

The furry five at Natural Roots seem as if they’d be plenty amenable to treadmill workouts. Like all other draft breeds, Belgians are known for their composure. Star, the Percheron/ Standardbred bay mare, may be somewhat finer boned, but she’s also unflappable. On a short lead tied to a post, she and Lady stand still for 15 minutes while David busies himself fixing a piece of equipment. Later, the pair remain quiet for 45 minutes when David has to tie them to a tree and help in another field. It’s difficult to imagine a single horse not fidgeting or panicking in such a situation, never mind two.

David’s horses aren’t pets but, he says, with charming exasperation, “I love them all, and they all drive me crazy at one time or another.” He pauses, then: “That’s not really true.

They’re all different. I appreciate each of them for different attributes. Pat has a reputation for being the steadiest, the most reliable for beginners and kids, or if we have a visitor who wants to ride.

Gus, I love. He’s fast and powerful, so with his speed and strength, I get a lot of work done. But he’s not a beginner’s horse, so I don’t give him to just anyone to drive. Star’s great, pretty sensitive.”

David says that despite her relatively delicate physique, she keeps up with Gus better than any of the other horses do.

And, he says, “way better than Tim, who’s probably got a solid five hundred pounds on her.”

Since 1998, David figures he’s had maybe a dozen horses all told, mostly Belgians, a couple of Suffolks, and Star, whom he got from an Amish man in Minnesota. He’s worked principally with Belgians because of their availability.

(According to the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America website, Belgians “outnumber all other draft breeds combined in the United States.”)

David says he knows people who own Belgians but use them for riding, not pulling, and his horses do get ridden every day: The pastures where they graze at night aren’t close to the barn, so at each day’s start and end, it’s easier to hop on the horses than to lead them over the river and through the woods.

“With horses,” says David, “it’s a lot about the relationship and communica-

tion, cultivating qualities in myself that I’d like to cultivate into other aspects of my life — patience, consistency, communication skills. All these things help you work well with horses.”

Watching David drive Star and Lady on his antique cultivator, it’s obvious that he’s been honing those skills. For example, at the end of every row, he must stop the team and adjust the machine for a few moments before he can reverse direction and dig into a new one. It’s time-consuming and calls for a great deal of precision. After all, sometimes he’s working around seedlings an eighth of an inch high.

Having horses as coworkers brings its own brand of wisdom. “It can be hard enough to communicate effectively with people,” says David. “Working with horses, a different species with an entirely different language, expands our communication skills. The more I work with them, the more I refine my communication . . . it’s a lifelong learning process.

“The nature of work done with the horses — sweet smells, gentle sounds, hooves on the ground — lends itself to a heightened sensitivity to the subtle and dynamic qualities of the world around us,” he says. “This attunement is essential to good farming. Sharing work and life

with our equine partners is simultaneously grounding and uplifting.”

If you’re interested in horse-powered CSA farming, you can apply to Natural Roots for an apprenticeship, which in addition to teaching about soil, cultivation, and crops gives the opportunity to learn about working with draft horses. At any one time, the farm has at least a couple of apprentices on hand.

In addition, Natural Roots offers fresh produce for weekly pickup to customers who prepay for each season. The farm provides a cloth bag for them to fill with their own selection of vegetables from the day’s harvest. The farm shop sells local products, among them bread, cheese, fruits, yogurt, honey, maple syrup, and miso. For more information, visit www.naturalroots.com.

As a teenager, Amy Finch lived to ride. When distractions reared (such as writing for the Boston Phoenix, as well as for the Boston Globe), she spent decades away from horses. Then, about 10 years ago, Amy discovered Strongwater Farm, a therapeutic-riding program in Tewksbury. For a time she was a conditioning rider there, and she still volunteers for the program. She says she loves that horse barns smell exactly as they did 40 years ago.

Massachusetts Horse

15

Petersham

Larry Poulin

Greatness Takes Time

by Alessandra Mele

T

ake your time, do the job right,” became seriously interested in training and downs. “In 1992 the World Pairs says Larry Poulin, his laconic horses and decided to turn the family’s Driving Championships were in speech a remnant of his youth in business into his own career.

Gladstone, New Jersey, and I consider Maine. “That’s the way I do things.”

In 1978, he met Margaret Gardiner that time to have been the height of the Nothing has happened quickly for and began working at her farm. The combined driving sport,” he says. “Then, Larry, who now lives in Petersham, and 500-acre Morgan-breeding facility overif you were good enough, and if you that includes the careful training of looking the Hockamock Bay in had the right horses, you could go and each of his compete. It was horses. Whether as simple as they’re in harthat.” ness or under saddle, Larry Natasha Grigg takes his sweet When Larry met time. He anaNatasha Grigg, it lyzes each horse was the beginand then exening of one of cutes the techthe most successniques ful partnerships necessary to crein the history of ate a better partcombined drivnership. Larry’s ing. Natasha was in no rush, and an experienced the results he’s driver and gotten are breeder and had remarkable. served as presiWith a dent of the record 10 American Larry Poulin at Live Oak International Combined Driving Competition in Ocala, Florida. appearances in Driving Society. the World Pairs She had even Driving Championships, Larry has seen competed against Larry. “I met Natasha Woolwich, Maine, was where Larry the sport of combined driving grow in 1989,” says Larry, “and we still work picked up driving and developed a pasfrom a little-known discipline to an with the same three horses we’d had sion for the sport. He drove her internationally recognized one. He’s a from the beginning,” Larry says. In all, Morgan sport horses, and found great top driver, a much-sought-after judge, together they’ve bought 14 horses. success with a particular chestnut pair. and a compelling clinician. Larry’s They’ve taken world-championship Combined driving was still gaining achievements and contributions to competitions by storm. momentum when Larry began engagequestrian sports are lofty and inspir“Natasha has been extremely helping with it, and his early success didn’t ing, but at the end of the day, he quietly come easily. “The sport was extremely ful and supportive throughout my enjoys the time he spends working with career,” says Larry, “and has always young at that time, and I was very fortuhis horses. “I’m still doing it, and I’m believed in me. We have a lot in comnate to have my family supporting me,” still learning all I can,” he says. mon in our approach to training, and says Larry, “as well as some wonderful we take our time to develop each horses.” He entered his first competihorse.” He smiles. “She gets horses and Growing with the Sport tion at Myopia Hunt in Hamilton durkeeps them,” he says, “which I like. You Larry was born with a love of horses in ing the late ’70s. “There was only an know, they grow on you . . .” his blood. “This started out as a family advanced level then; that was all you Over the years, three horses in parbusiness,” he says, “and it’s always been could enter,” he says. “The sport still ticular have been at the center of a family business, long before dressage needed time to grow.”

Larry’s focus. Wiley is a bay was popular. My father’s brothers grew With Margaret’s Morgan team, Hanoverian, Cody is a gray Holsteiner, the sport, starting in the mid-1960s, Larry earned three national titles — in and Rivage is a gray Oldenburg. from my grandmother’s farm in 1985, 1986, and 1988 — and was the “Together,” says Larry, “Natasha Waterville, Maine.” His uncle Michael highest-placed US driver at the World and I brought all three horses to the Poulin, a member of the dressage team Pairs Driving Championships in 1985 FEI level in both combined driving and that took bronze at the Barcelona and 1987. After working for Margaret ridden dressage. She’s been a great Olympic Games, in 1992, was influential for a decade and then retiring the inspiration for helping me achieve my in Larry’s horsemanship early on, and Morgan team in 1988, Larry set off on goals.” As a matter of fact, he’s brought remains so today. his own, but continued to train and all of them to the FEI level, an astonishAfter high school, Larry was compete. ing accomplishment. drafted into the Army, and he served Larry has observed the sport two years. When he was discharged, he develop, and well remembers the ups Ann Pringle, Driving Digest

“

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August/September 2014

Dressage for Better Driving Spending years on each horse’s training and development is key to Larry’s approach. He says he’s a strong believer in the German training scale, which he finds applicable to both ridden dressage and driving. With its emphasis on establishing a solid foundation of rhythm and relaxation and from there building contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection, it’s an integrated program for the versatile horse. “We always take the complete approach to training, with dressage at the foundation of everything we do,” says Larry.

He drives home that philosophy at the many clinics and coaching sessions he leads. To address a problem, he says, start from the ground. “At clinics, I often I see that a horse is over-bitted,” he says, “so what I do is remove all the curb chains and extra equipment and go back to the basics. I’ll spend ten to fifteen minutes analyzing what’s going on with the particular horse and then determine which direction to go in.”

Larry also stresses education of the driver first and of the horse second.

“The biggest thing about driving horses is training the driver, not the horse,” he says. “It’s all about the eye and the

hand, along with the use of the whip.

That’s really all you have when you’re driving.”

The strong influence of classical, ridden dressage is evident when Larry drives. Whether he and his pair are executing a dressage test, navigating bold turns in the marathon, or maneuvering technically around the cones, what capture attention are grace, balance, and harmony. “The two disciplines intersect and build off each other,” Larry says. “A good, classical foundation serves these horses well.”

A New Career Larry officially retired from driving competitively in 2009, after his tenth World Pairs Driving Championships, in Kentucky. By this time he had clinched an unprecedented eight national titles.

A final blue ribbon in Lexington may have ended one career, but he’s already well into the next one, as he now focuses on ridden dressage with the same horses he drove to victories.

“My goal is to get one of these horses to the Grand Prix,” he says, “and Natasha continues her support.”

He trains from his own stable, in Petersham, where he and his wife, Christine, run the operation out of a

nine-stall facility. They spend half the year in Massachusetts and then he trains throughout the winter in Florida.

“You must know,” he says, “that I wouldn’t be successful without my loving wife.

She’s my silent partner; she takes up the slack and encourages me in everything I do. I’m very lucky to have her.”

It’s difficult to call the last five years “retirement,” as Larry is as busy as ever.

“Things are a little hectic,” he says, just back from a trip to Canada. “My lifestyle has changed. I’ve been doing a lot of officiating this year, so I’ll travel to shows and I’ll usually head a clinic afterward. I’m often gone for three or four days at a time. I’m away a lot, which has been a change for me. It can be a lot of work.”

The change of pace may seem at odds with years of taking his time, but the reasons for continuing with training still hold true: “I love being able to train horses and just to be with them,” Larry says, “and there’s always more to learn.”

Alessandra Mele, who lives in Wilbraham, works in marketing at W. F. Young/Absorbine. She enjoys spending time with the horses on her family’s farm, especially riding her Quarter Horse, JoJo.

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17

Warren

May

From Auction House to Forever Home

by Andrea Bugbee

M

as they eat their hay, and she pesters them into playing by relentlessly nipping at them until one finally takes up the game and chases her.

“She’s very nosy, very mischievous,” says Lisa. “She’s not afraid of anything and she has to get her nose into everything, especially if there’s food around.

May has more personality in that little body than should be allowed.”

elissa Finney, of Warren, can see the barn from her kitchen window, which is how she knew almost immediately that her new Haflinger, May, was a delightful little troublemaker.

“On and off. On and off,” says Melissa, describing the lights in her barn all night long as May, temporarily placed in quarantine, stretched over her stall door to explore that interesting switch on the wall — again and again.

“Anything she can reach will be in her stall by morning,” says Melissa, who

Lisa is one example of how destiny has played a part in Melissa’s life with

been attracted to that build.

“My plan was, if I was going to get a mare, to name her May, or if a gelding, Lewis, after my grandparents who have passed away,” says Melissa. May and Lewis Howarth had been loving, caring, and attentive. They invited her for sleepovers, made her tapioca pudding when she was sick, and took her to special places, such as the circus and even Disney World.

Month after month, Melissa let the photos of each auction horse flash past on her computer screen. She knew she

by now has learned to put everything expensive or potentially unsafe far beyond May’s wiggling lips. “Bridles, lead lines, driving whips — all in the stall with her. If there are driving cones in the ring, May has to go over, pick them up, and move them.”

Of the three horses that live on Melissa’s farm, May is the first to come up to the paddock gate when someone approaches. “She’s very, very into people,” says Melissa. May follows her around during chore time, affably stealing lettuce from Melissa’s sandwich, tossing her water bottle, and dropping her sweatshirt into the dirt.

May plays with everything, from dog toys to boards to jumps. Active in body and mind, she trots from one end of the paddock to the other — not because she’s nervous or high-strung, but because she can’t wait to get wherever she’s headed next.

“She’s probably the little sister of the barn,” says good friend and boarder Lisa Tretheway, who also lives in Warren.

According to both women, May, a nineyear-old stabled with two teenaged mares, is up to all sorts of antics they say the older horses would never tolerate from each other. She rudely nudges in

horses. They’re known each other from childhood in East Longmeadow: They met in kindergarten and remained friends until after college, when they lost touch. More than a decade later, they wound up coaching in the same kids soccer league. They had both moved to Warren, and each had two children roughly the same ages.

Although they met again through their children, it was horses that reignited the friendship.

“It’s great to have somebody to share riding with,” says Lisa, who has taken ownership of Melissa’s oldest horse, Mist, an 18-year-old grade mare perfect for pleasure riding and trails.

“Horses brought me and one of my best friends back together again. It’s all good.”

But Lisa calls the story of how Melissa got May “amazing.”

Melissa had spent about a year using the Facebook page Camelot Horse Weekly to follow horses for sale at Camelot Auction House, in New Jersey. “You feel bad because there are so many horses out there,” Melissa says.

“I’ve always been drawn to the drafty ponies — the Fjords, the Haflingers, the Icelandics. They’re very cute. I’ve always

wanted to rescue a horse that had a minimal chance of being sold, but she also knew she had to be careful. “It’s something you really have to think about because you don’t know what you’re getting,” she says. Without an onsite visit, without interviewing previous owners, without a complete vet record, Melissa knew buying an auction horse would be risky.

Then she saw May. “I can’t explain what attracted me to her,” says Melissa. “There was something about her that was very feminine and pretty. I took a chance. I called and purchased her over the phone with a credit card. I had no real information — just a picture and a small description. After that, I got to thinking. I knew she was registered and called back about an hour later to ask what her registered name was. Well, to my amazement, it was Baby Precious May. How weird is that? I feel like it was fate. It’s as if my grandmother sent her to me.”

This dainty Haflinger mare that already shared Melissa’s grandmother’s name arrived at her new Massachusetts home on May 13, 2013 — the same month and day as the original May’s birthday.

courtesy of Melissa Finney

Good Things Are Meant to Be

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August/September 2014

A Gamble Pays Off For a total of about $1,000, Melissa had purchased May and covered vet, Coggins, and transport fees. “My husband thought I was crazy,” she says, laughing. But after 12 hours on the road, she recalls, “May walked off the trailer as if she was coming out of her stall. She’s always been kind of chill, not disturbed by much.”

Although blonde and beautiful, May had a high parasite load, a slight cough, and clear nasal discharge. She also had a large belly and swollen teats.

Three weeks in quarantine proved that May was neither ill nor pregnant (phew!), and that May was an absolute doll. “She’s thirteen-point-two hands,” says Melissa. “She’s more refined. She’s not a big, drafty build, but we’re still shifting things around; we’re still building muscle. My farrier says her hooves are really, really good. Her hooves are bigger than those of my quarter horse.”

Using May’s registration, Melissa tracked down two past owners, both of whom have sent photos of the mare under saddle, as well as with each of the two foals she bore in quick succession (hence the lingering mama look).

Enjoying It All When choosing a horse, says Melissa, “I’ve come to realize that you have to

put a lot of thought into what you want to do with it. It’s not for me to ride around in a ring all the time. I like all disciplines. I like to trail-ride. I grew up riding English, but I ride a little western too. Riding, driving, ground work: I like to mix it up. There’s so much you can do.”

Fortunately, through experimentation, Melissa says she’s discovered that May is versatile. “She’s willing to do lots of different things, and that’s what I like. I like to appreciate it all.”

One of the more captivating projects Melissa has undertaken is turning May’s small amount of driving experience into a full-blown hobby. With the enthusiastic help of her father, Don Maynard, who lives in East Longmeadow, Melissa found and restored an old shaftless pony cart.

Then she put May to harness. “She didn’t understand long-lining, but she did know how to pull,” says Melissa. “It’s almost like she was taught to drive but not to long-line. She never moves a muscle when hitching to a cart.”

Melissa now drives May fairly regularly, her father seated by her side. “I enjoy sitting there, going along. You can talk. It’s fun,” says Don. Though he’s not particularly a horse person, Don has a soft spot for personality-

packed May. “She’s a wonderful horse,” he says. “She’s cuddly. She likes human beings. A lot of horses, you go for a ride and they can’t wait to get back to the barn, but not this one. She loves to be with you. She’s a good-looking horse, too.”

In June, Melissa and Lisa participated in the Old Sturbridge Village antique carriage rally, historically costumed in driving aprons, straw hats, and brown leather gloves. She has driven May at the Grand Trunk Railway in Brimfield, and hopes to explore some of the carriage roads in Brimfield State Forest this summer.

Melissa’s instincts when she first saw her Haflinger’s picture were trustworthy: “May has been the most amazing horse. We’ve developed a wonderful bond. She’s special to me in many ways,” Melissa says. “Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I got.”

Does May shares any traits with Melissa’s grandmother? “Funny you would ask,” says Melissa, “but I’ve always thought they have a similar sweetness, but they’re also strong, tough ladies. I can’t say Grandma was into mischief like May, though!”

Andrea Bugbee is a freelance reporter. She lives with her husband and their children in Southwick.

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Dealer Massachusetts Horse

19

The Bridge Center

lend a hoof

Bridgewater

by Karena Garrity

T

Therapeutic for Students and Volunteers

courtesy of the Bridge Center

he Bridge Center, in Bridgewater, life. I get to see beaming kids as they set has been able to harness the and then meet their life goals on a daily emotional and physical synergy basis. Parents have cried on my shoulbetween horses and humans through der because they’re so moved by what’s programs that improve and enhance the lives of individuals with special needs. Participants at the 20-acre, state-of-the-art facility learn, grow, and heal in a nurturing environment with the help of the gentle breaths, balanced strides, and intuitive sensitivity supplied by a herd of a dozen therapy-trained horses.

With an array of equine opportunities, such as riding, carriage driving, hippotherapy, horsemanship, camps, and volunteer experiences, the Bridge Center is significant to the lives of individuals who struggle with physical, emotional, and/or developmental challenges.

Inviting them into the nonjudgmental equine world has proved time and again to have positive effects and bring joy.

“It’s therapy that doesn’t look, feel, or seem like therapy, and that’s why so many people of all ages respond to it,” says therapeutic-riding director The Bridge Center student Matt Killion riding Jugsy.

Kevin Eardley.

A Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) going on,” he says. “It’s refreshing. What International Premier Accredited other line of work has this kind of Center founded by the Knights of reward — marrying horses and people Pythias, the facility has a number of pro- for a wonderful outcome?” grams that help participants improve “Being on the back of a horse is balance, mobility, coordination, physical amazing,” says Paige Lawson, who has strength, confidence, and self-esteem. been riding at the Bridge Center for the With six instructors and 75 volunpast ten years. “You forget about everyteers, the center serves some 375 stuthing else and just focus.” dents each year.

Says her mother, Patti Maloney, “No one ages out of our programs “We’ve seen such progress in her confiunless she or he wants to,” says Kevin, dence and joy. Paige jumps out of bed who is also a PATH-certified instructor. every Saturday for her lesson.”

“We have students here as young as two The horse’s gait mimics that of and as old as seventy-seven.” humans, moving the rider’s pelvis in a For many participants, the only three-dimensional, side-to-side motion, time they get to, or want to, sit up which aids in building strength, correctstraight is when their hands are ing posture, and amping up circulation. wrapped around soft leather reins and The horse’s stride has the same neurotheir feet are securely in stirrups. logical impact on a rider’s brain as does “What’s kept me so engaged over walking, which is one reason this is such the past twelve years,” says Kevin, “is the an important therapy. day-to-day progress. Whether it’s baby But it’s the intuitive nature of steps or leaps and bounds, you get to horses that’s still remarkable to Kevin. witness firsthand how important this is “I’ve watched students show up at and how much it’s changing someone’s the barn who have high anxiety and it’s

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August/September 2014

absolutely amazing to see how a horse will read that right away,” he says.

“Horses read our energy and have an uncanny way of understanding our feelings. Even when a horse is a little crabby with us, the minute a student comes in, that same horse will drop its head into the student’s arms and you can see the two melt together.”

He marvels: “To watch horses — born with the fight-or-flight instinct — trust over and over again is amazing, and proof that they’re tuned-in animals that seek to help us.”

Horses at the Bridge Center have been chosen carefully. “We test and train our horses intensively before we incorporate them into our program,” says Kevin. “For every five or ten horses we test, we usually take just one.”

Current equine star and Kevin’s unofficial go-to partner is Roxy, a 14-yearold Haflinger mare who smiles on cue for treats.

“She’s wonderful,” says Kevin. “She’s extremely well rounded and kind, she stands quietly for grooming and mounting, and, because of her personality and size, she’s perfect for students who need a lot of hand-on work. On the flip side, with our more experienced and independent students, she’s wonderful because she’s patient and trustworthy. Roxy can do pretty much everything.”

Another standout is 30-year-old Jugsy, a Quarter Horse known for his ability to stop on a dime and carry students on a very comfortable ride, especially at his collected canter. Now semiretired, Jugsy is saddled up for a workout just once or twice a week.

(Most other equines work six days a week.)

“We keep our horses here as long as we think they’re happy doing what they’re doing and they’re healthy and sound,” says Kevin. “When it’s time for retirement, each situation is different.

In some cases, the horses have been given to us with the stipulation that when it’s time for retirement, the own-

ers want them back. Others either stay with us retired or we find suitable forever homes, where we know they’ll be well cared for, for the remainder of their lives.”

The Bridge Center is as therapeutic for volunteers as it is for students.

“There are side-walker opportunities for people who are more comfortable working with the students than with horses and horse-leader opportunities for those who are more horse-savvy and have an understanding of what the animals are going to do,” says Kevin. “You can also work in the barn: we always need people for mucking stalls, hand-walking the horses, and general facility maintenance. We try to make it work for everyone.”

The Bridge Center has a work program for “horse-crazy” teens and college students in which they earn one free riding lesson each week by committing to volunteer on a three- or four-session schedule a week. “We usually have four of these volunteers during each semester,” says Kevin.

There’s also the Volunteers in Process (VIP) special-needs-volunteer program, which is for participants who have gone through the volunteer training. They may work one or two hours a week in the barn and experience the facility from another view.

For five-year volunteer Kari Cincotta, her time at the barn, which started off as a way to get horses back into her life, has turned out to be just what she needed to help cope with her stressful job as a criminal attorney.

“My volunteer time is really my therapy time and that’s probably why it’s increased from the two hours a week I started with to the six hours or more it turned into,” she says.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the center generates operating money through a multitude of fund-raising activities and events, among them the annual Golf Classic, Comedy for Kids Night, and two horse shows, which are a venue for participants to exhibit their accomplishments.

For more information, please visit www.thebridgctr.org, or call (508) 697-7557.

Karena Garrity enjoys writing about her passions: horses and other animals, architecture, and food.

She shares her home with her husband and two sons, as well as an elderly pug, a 16-year-old Manx cat, and a rescue Boston terrier/French bulldog.

She’s an enthusiastic volunteer at a therapeuticriding center and spends quality time with her good friend, a Quarter Horse named Truman.

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Massachusetts Horse

21

Youth Mustang Challenge

Karen Morang Photography

Following Eight Bay State Competitors

special feature First annual Youth Mustang Challenge judges, competitors, and organizers.

by Laurie Neely

T

hree months ago, 22 trainers between the ages of 8 and 18 adopted young, untouched Mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management at Crimson Acres, Orange. The trainers took the Mustangs to barns throughout New England, New York, and Pennsylvania as participants in the Mustang Heritage Foundation Youth Mustang Challenge, organized by professional trainer and high school teacher Peter Whitmore, of It’s a Pleasure Training, in Orange, and his wife, Jessica Nelson Whitmore.

Thus began 90 days of training that would culminate in a series of competitions, after which a participant would be named Youth Trainer of the Year and many of the Mustangs would be sold at auction to go on to new homes.

On the morning of Saturday, June 14, throngs of people and horses crowded the grounds at the New England Equestrian Center of Athol for the annual Equestrian Showcase. There were 21 temporary stalls, decorated with photographs and posters, under tents for the Mustangs, and their trainers were anxiously grooming and walk-

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August/September 2014

ing the horses among flapping vendor tents, children in strollers, and dogs on leashes. Three months ago, these horses were wild; it was clear that something amazing had happened in the span of just 90 days.

“The trainers went way beyond our expectations,” says Peter. “These were some of the best-trained young horses I’ve ever seen.” And in the following days, every one of them proved him right.

There were numerous special moments over the two-day competition.

For example, in March there were 10 trainers from Massachusetts, and those 10 were there for the final events, among them Winchendon’s Jordyn Clark, who lost her horse to an early colic. Jordyn came to support the other trainers as they competed, and at the awards ceremony, on Sunday, received a framed photograph of Ransom, the horse she lost, donated by photographer Karen Morang. Most of the spectators were wiping away tears as Jordyn left the arena.

Tears flowed throughout both days, some on the faces of youngsters facing

the realization that the horses with which they’d worked so diligently and lovingly were going to new homes and some were tears of happiness.

Rachel Maxton and Gunner Rachel, Westfield Riding Club junior vice president and winner of the Handling and Conditioning and InHand Trail classes as well as the overall Youth Trainer of the Year, was overcome by emotion with every award she earned. “I never thought a competition would have such an impact on my life,” she says. “Gunner was very difficult, and about a month before the competition I came close to calling the Whitmores to say I couldn’t deal with him anymore.”

Then it all came together for Rachel and Gunner, and by the time they got to Athol, they were an exceptional team. Gunner jumped through a ring of “fire” made of paper streamers, climbed steps, calmly accepted a blindfold, and walked over a teeter-totter in the freestyle competition. Says Rachel, who put Gunner into the adoption auction, “The girl who bid the highest was crying because she was so happy. I know

he’s in great hands. He got a loving home in New York, and that’s as perfect as it gets.”

Samantha Van Fleet and Brazil Samantha, who won the Most Patient Trainer Award, expected to send Brazil to a new home too. She’d prepared her-

Maeve Ronan and Evergreen

Karen Morang Photography

Maeve and Evergreen placed third in the Handling and Conditioning class. “He was pretty much a brat,” says Maeve, “the opposite of how he was at home.” But, she says, “the fact that he didn’t perform his best doesn’t discredit our work,” especially as Evergreen was the horse everyone thought might be ill when Maeve first took him home. “I succeeded in changing a dull, lifeless, and unhappy Mustang into a spirited, healthy, happy one. Now he has a loving home.”

Evergreen was adopted by a family in Maine, and is stabled at Dreamcatcher Farm in Saco, with Youth Mustang Challenge participant Hannah Clifford’s Mustang, Fuego. Within days, Evergreen’s new family was 2014 Youth Mustang Trainer Rachel Maxton with Gunner. sharing photos and news so Maeve could follow the horse’s progress self to say good-bye after showing him with his new owner, Miranda. ground-driving in the freestyle competi-

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tion and winning second place in the Dare to Dream poster event. “I wanted him to be good so he’d get a good home,” she says. To Samantha’s surprise, her father was the winning bidder, and at the end of the day a beaming Samantha loaded Brazil onto the trailer and took him home again.

Elizabeth Hardy and Tyler Elizabeth’s training months began with a broken hand, but then she and Tyler placed sixth in Handling and Condition and fourth in the In-hand Trail class.

After the competitions, she felt a bit weepy as she prepared to sell the little gelding she’d come to love. But Elizabeth and Tyler weren’t really separated after all: Tyler went to a Whitmore family member in a nearby town, and she’ll be able to maintain their relationship.

Lauren Shell and Jackpot Lauren and Jackpot placed fifth in Handling and Conditioning, second in the In-Hand Trail class, and second in Freestyle to win second place

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Massachusetts Horse

23

overall. “I’m beyond proud of Jackpot,” says Lauren. “He was a superstar all weekend and I couldn’t have asked him to be any better.” Lauren was one of the trainers who knew from the start that they’d be keeping their Mustangs. She returned to Cape Cod to continue working with her blue-roan gelding.

Lauren has been a rodeo rider and a barrel racer, so Jackpot probably has an exciting career ahead of him.

Jim not only took Dallas home to Granville for future training as a potential reiner, but also bought Outlaw, the Mustang trained by Christen Brown, of Pennsylvania.

Tristan Weeks and Spock

courtesy of Lauren Shell

Jim Novak and Dallas

tic about working with the Whitmore family again.

one, they’d like to invite the 2014 participants who continue to train their Mustangs to return and show what they’ve accomplished.

They also hope some of the trainers will take on another Mustang. But Rachel, Youth Trainer of the Year, will be too old to compete again, and that’s fine with her: “It was absolutely flawless for me,” she says. “Gunner went to an amazing family who are letting me contact them and even visit him. I wouldn’t have changed anything about this experience, and there’s just no beating this year.”

Laurie Neely is an animal-portrait artist and writer. She lives in Orange with her husband, Ray; Meha, a semiretired Appaloosa mare; and her riding and driving pony-mule, Saint Niklaas. She serves on the board of the New England Equestrian Center of Athol and the Dare-to-Dream Educational Farm Program at Crimson Acres.

Tristan was the youngest comLauren Shell’s Mustang, Jackpot, during the Freestyle class. petitor and had one of the biggest horses, the one his mother Peter, Jess, and the rest of the team described as “marching to a different are planning some changes for next drummer.” Tristan received the judges year’s Youth Mustang Challenge. For prize for The Most Try for his outstanding work with the initially challenging Spock, and then took home the Mustang to love and grow into.

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Amara Brooks and Houdini Amara took Houdini back to Belchertown after what she called “a great journey.” Houdini was one of the youngest horses, one Amara says was “very willing to learn new things,” and taught her patience as they trained together (a lesson each trainer said he or she learned). “He’s a keeper,” says Amara.

In the end, that was perhaps the most rewarding part of the experience: learning patience. Peter and judges Kelly Wainscott and Pinnie Sears told participants that whether or not they placed in the competition, they’d all done something that, in Kelly’s words, “most people would never be able to do.” They had learned and displayed patience, horsemanship, and sportsmanship that would endure for a lifetime.

Congratulations to all the youth trainers.

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The Future The BLM and the Mustang Heritage Foundation were delighted by the professionalism of the organizers and the participants, and say they’re enthusias24

August/September 2014

Jeremy Mimitz: 413-297-1231 108 Coes Hill Rd., Southwick, MA

Massachusetts Horse

25

Smith-Worthington Saddlery

courtesy of Smith Worthington Saddlery

Tradition and Quality

by Stacey Stearns

Note: Smith-Worthington is a proud title sponsor of the October 4 Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show.

T

he oldest saddle maker in the western hemisphere is right here in New England. SmithWorthington Saddlery, of Hartford, Connecticut, is celebrating its 220th anniversary in August. Normand Smith founded the company in 1794 — to give you a picture of how long ago that was, George Washington was the country’s first president.

Smith-Worthington is owned and operated by Curt and Ruth Hanks. “My father started working here as an office boy during the Great Depression,” Curt says, “and bought the company in the 1950s. I’ve been working here full time since I graduated college, in 1968. Our goal is to have high-functioning and comfortable products for the horse and rider.”

“Smith-Worthington used to supply saddles for cavalries around the world,” says Ruth, “and movie stars have also used our saddles. The polar explorer Admiral Byrd had Smith-Worthington make dog harnesses for his 1928–30 Antarctic expedition.”

Now, she says, “we see ourselves as caretakers of the company. We want it to succeed and thrive, and to be here long after we’re gone.”

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February/March 2014

Products Among Smith-Worthington’s wares are saddles, bridles, halters, leads, martingales, breastplates, bits, and other leather products including dog leashes.

“Smith-Worthington is one of the nicest vendors we do business with,” says Donna White, of White Haven Farm in Upton. “They’re awesome people with great products. We’ve been carrying their tack since 1998: the leather strap goods, saddles, bits, irons, sheets, and other products.”

The bridles in the signature line are made with pliable continental leather and can be used in the show ring, but they’re also durable enough for everyday work. The Elite line of strap goods and bridles uses higher-quality European leather. This leather is carefully tanned for the right balance of firmness and flexibility.

“The Humane girth is popular and difficult to keep in stock,” says Ruth.

“The elastic on either end is in a V-shape and self-equalizes as well as sliding to conform to the shape of the horse. It’s available in both dressage and full-length sizes and has been extremely popular with dressage riders. It provides an ergonomic fit for a horse, and is broad in the sternum and buckles. We haven’t had one returned yet.”

The Invictus Dressage saddle is the newest and finest at the company. Some

of the best saddles the business has ever made have been produced in the last few years because riders are so involved in the design process.

Smith-Worthington has a line of bits from three inches to seven inches — for Miniatures all the way to drafts. All of the strap goods come in every size as well.

The Nightwind dressage saddle is available in draft size. Custom belts, harnesses, and holsters are also manufactured.

At White Haven Farm, the leather strap goods find favor with customers.

“The braided reins are attractive and comfortable to use, very soft on your hands,” Donna says. “The gripper reins, which have much better grip and are more comfortable than rubber reins, are fabulous in a downpour and enable you to keep your grip. Over the years, the grab straps have saved many of my customers from unplanned dismounts.”

Building Saddles Most contemporary saddle companies build saddles from traditional fibers with high-quality leather. Recently, treeless saddles and biothane saddles have also garnered interest.

“Our saddles are unique because we still use original methods and materials,” Ruth says. “This means a steel-reinforced tree, pure linen webbing in the tree, high-quality open-grain leather, and

wool-flock stuffing in the panels. A lot of saddles have some of these things but not all of them. By combining quality with modern design, we have some of the finest saddles in the world. We also

pany can change the girthing system, add more leg support, and change the stirrup bars.

“When building a saddle,” says Curt, “it’s important to fit the rider first, because the first part we make is the seat and you can’t adjust that after it’s done.

The panels, which go against the horse’s back, are the last part of the saddle to be made and we can adjust them easily.”

“We have more than a hundred demo saddles that we send out for people to test and figure out the element of motion,” says Ruth. “The demo ride is all about what the person likes. Everything changes when you add motion, so we want people to ride in a saddle before they buy it. The bone structure of the rider plays into how the saddle fits. After you’ve ridden for an hour,” she says, “you know whether or not something is the proper fit.”

“They excel at special orders, making every adjustment to build the saddle around your body as well as your horse’s,” Donna says. “SmithWorthington also does custom saddle fittings. Not all horses and riders are built the same, so things need to be tweaked.

“One of the unique things about Smith-Worthington,” Donna says, “is that Curt matches horses and riders with their saddles exactly, and you don’t get that with standard saddle makers. Their attention to detail is rare in this day and age. Curt is a craftsman, and very quality oriented.”

Looking Ahead

An early Smith-Worthington saddle (above) and the new Invictus Dressage saddle.

stand behind all of our products.”

Debbie Lukas, of Plainville, says her family has been riding in a SmithWorthington Lane Fox saddle-seat saddle for close to 50 years. “My dad bought the saddle new when I was a year old,” she says. “It has maintained its quality, and other than a little wear at the stirrup leathers, you wouldn’t notice that it isn’t new. Everyone has ridden in it at some point, and I rode in it from dawn to dusk as a child. It’s a well-made, quality product. If you take care of a SmithWorthington saddle, it’ll last a long time.”

The Hartford factory offers full-service alterations and repairs. SmithWorthington custom-fits saddles to horses, using primarily wither tracings that clients mail in. For riders, the com-

For Curt, a challenge has been to keep the supply chain filled with raw materials of the quality the company wants. “We use English leather because there aren’t a lot of tanneries left in the United States,” he says. “The two-and-a-half-inch linen webbing for the seats is also difficult to source.”

“A lot of people don’t realize that Smith-Worthington is right here in New England, and a resource,” Ruth says.

“I’m working to build name recognition.

We want people to ask their local tack shop for our products.”

There are nine Smith-Worthington dealers in Massachusetts — Country Tack and Supply, in Lanesboro; Crop and Carrot, in Spencer; Equine Essentials Tack, in Kingston; Equestrian Shop North, in Ipswich; Pegasus Farm Tack Shop, in Acton; Sackett Ridge Saddlery, in Westfield; Saddle Shed, in South Grafton; Triple Crown Tack Shop, in West Boylston; and White Haven Farm, in Upton.

“We’re always working to improve our products,” says Curt. “We want Smith-Worthington’s name to be associated with service, quality, and value.

You’ll get what you pay for, and more.”

For interesting news about saddles, check out Smith-Worthington’s blog, at www.blog.smithworthington.com.

Stacey Stearns is a lifelong equine enthusiast from Connecticut who enjoys competitive trail riding with her gelding and learning the ins and outs of dressage with her mare. When not in the barn, she reads and writes about horses.

The October/November issue will

trail safety plus competitive trail riding and fall foliage rides. feature

Want to be interviewed? Place an ad?

Email us at info@mahorse.com.

Massachusetts Horse

27

trail guide

West Newbury

Pipestave Hill

Equestrian Paradise

by Susan Graham Winslow

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wenty thousand years ago, the mile-thick Wisconsin ice sheet that covered much of New England began to melt. Churning and grinding in its northern retreat, the glacier passed over West Newbury, leaving behind rolling hills and lowlands that

T

the Church began to divest its realestate holdings on the North Shore.

Townspeople rallied to petition the town of West Newbury to buy the property, which cost $1,000,000. Jerry and Mary Lee Mahoney spearheaded the effort to preserve the open space and

“We also worked with the town to set aside a section of Mill Pond for use by riders, another reason Pipestave is such a special place,” says Amy. (Riding in Mill Pond is allowed only where signs mark the horse area, past the dock.)

“We rope off the jumps between winter

dip gently toward the coast, a few miles away in Newburyport.

Pipestave Hill, located on Route 113 just minutes from Interstate 95 and less than an hour from downtown Boston, is snugged between the Merrimack River to the north and Mill Pond to the south. The property, once home to the Pawtucket (Piguaket) Indians, is now a protected 200-acre paradise for recreational horseback riders, hikers, and sports enthusiasts.

The name “Pipestave” derives from the barrel-making industry in colonial West Newbury. A pipe was a type of a barrel made of wooden staves that could hold approximately 125 gallons.

The rich forests in this area of West Newbury were prized for the wood harvested to form those staves.

Today, Pipestave represents the farsightedness of the local horse owners and conservationists who helped to preserve this vast open space, once owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.

The 300 acres of fields, forest, and lakeshore served as a retreat, school, and children’s camp, but in the 1970s,

trails. They also resurrected the circa1920 West Newbury Riding and Driving Club (WNRDC), in the 1990s, and the organization has worked tirelessly since then to protect Pipestave.

Pipestave boasts two riding rings, a parking area with a section for horse trailers, and 20 miles of pristine, wellmaintained trails winding through fields and lush woods and along the shoreline of crystal-clear Mill Pond.

The WNRDC maintains a cross-country course here used twice a year for the Pipestave Hill Horse Trial Series, held in July and October. Volunteers mow, maintain the cross-country jumps, and monitor and clear the network of trails.

Amy Bresky, past president of the WNRDC and a longtime board member, calls the town’s purchase of the land “brilliant.” “Buying Pipestave showed great foresight in preserving the precious open space that makes West Newbury so special,” she says, “particularly when pressure from developers is strong. Pipestave is an incredibly beautiful place to ride or hike, and it serves an important role in our community.

and our first horse trials, in early summer, to preserve the footing, but at other times people are able to school over the fences.”

Amy is a passionate horsewoman, but, she says, “I see Pipestave more often from the seat of my tractor than my saddle. I’ve ridden all the trails, though, and when you get out there, you feel as if you’re miles away from anywhere. It’s wonderfully peaceful and beautiful.”

Over the past 20 years, West Newbury farm owner, trainer, coach, and judge Sara Contois has ridden over almost every inch of the property. “I use Pipestave to train my young horses and riders, and I spend time out there in every season,” she says. “I walk my dogs and go snowshoeing in winter, and there’s nothing better than taking the horses in the pond on a hot summer day. The trails are great for fitness, and the horse trials are a wonderful starter event for all. It’s been a great asset to the entire community.”

Download a Mill Pond/Pipestave trail map from www.ectaonline.org, and

August/September 2014

large trail maps are at kiosks near the parking lot and trailheads. Please respect the footing and seasonal fence restrictions. You’ll find a Porta Potty near the sports fields and water for horses at the DPW building, close to the entrance to the parking lot. Remember to clean up before you leave. Parking is free, and there is no fee to ride.

Belonging to the WNRDC is not required for access, but new members are always warmly welcomed.

Because Pipestave is a multiuse facility, which means shared parking, visit www.wnrdc.com and check the calendar: it outlines the town’s use of the four sports fields, and parking is tight when a game is going on. Note: Horses are not allowed on the sports fields.

Pipestave is connected to the 68acre Riverbend Conservation Area.

Here there are miles of trails through bald eagle and shorebird habitat along the Merrimack River. Go to www.ectaonline.org for more info and to download a trail map.

Happy trails!

Susan Graham Winslow is a therapeutic-riding instructor, lifelong horsewoman, and owner of Dancing Bear, a Shire gelding.

This Olde Horse

South Sandwich

1910 William Jones mail carrier, South Sandwich.

Photo by Eastern Illustrating and Publishing Company, Orange

Have a photo for This Olde Horse? Email HORSES

SMALL ANIMALS

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overherd New Horse Camping Site Peaceful Acres Camp Ground, in Hubbardston, has opened for horse camping. It has 300 acres of private land with trails, and direct access to the Mount Jefferson Conservation Area.

For details, contact Carol Curtis at (978) 928-4413 or carolc15@verizon.net.

News in Our Community Canton Equestrian Center to Riesling Stables, in Plymouth. Situated on 18 acres, Riesling has a 20-stall barn, and each stall has its own in-and-out paddock.

mare is possible), good with arena work (no trail-only horses, please), temperament a 1 or 2 (on scale of 10; 1 is nice and docile), tolerant, and safe; walk, trot can-

On September 6, Strongwater Farm will hold its Fall Fiesta Charity Ride/ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge. The ride, which takes place in Tewksbury, will cover six miles and has six new obstacles. All proceeds are earmarked toward building an indoor arena. For rider information, visit www.actha.us or call host Cordula Robinson at (617) 642-8842. Learn more about the farm at www.strongwaterfarm.org.

Junior Exhibitor of the Year Ali Funkhouser, of Franklin, the 2013 UPHA Chapter 14 American Saddlebred Junior Exhibitor of the Year, is headed to Oklahoma City University and she plans to major in acting. She was a member of the National Honor Society of Franklin High.

Ali shows her five-gaited American Saddlebred mare, Broadway Of Lullaby, and her three-gaited show pleasure mare, Dance Captain, under the direction of her parents, Bob and Raye Lynn Funkhouser, of Miscoe Meadow.

n Suzy Lucine

Riesling Stables Under New Management After eight fantastic years, Nora Reardon, High Flyers 4-H Club leader, riding instructor, and camp director, is moving from the 30

August/September 2014

Paul Vicario

Fall Fiesta Charity Ride

2013 UPHA Chapter 14 American Saddlebred Junior Exhibitor of the Year Ali Funkhouser, of Franklin, with Dance Captain.

Lessons will be held in the large outdoor arena and the bright indoor arena.

Students and boarders will also enjoy using the round pen and having their horses turned out on one of several grass pastures. Nora will offer trail rides, as the facility abuts Myles Standish State Forest. To learn more, visit www.abitofriding.com and www.rieslingstables.com.

n Laura Solod

Lesson Horse Wanted Janet Renard, program director at Equus Therapeutic in Lanesboro, is looking for a horse to add to her stable.

“Ideally, we’d like a large pony or small horse [13.3 to 14.3 hands],” she says, “between the ages of eight and fifteen (a sound older horse will be considered), gelding (though a quiet

ter, no jumping. Can be donated to the program (tax deductible) or taken on a free lease; purchase a possibility, if reasonable.” Contact Janet at (413) 841-2709 or renard@berkshire.rr.com.

n Alessandra Mele

more than 450 riders and 25 teams.

Equus Therapeutic Receives Multiple Grants Equus Therapeutic Equestrian Center, which operates out of Wedgewood Farm in Lanesboro, has received multiple grants to help fund its summer programs and lessons. One is from the William and Margery Barrett Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Another is from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire (CCNB), a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. A third is from the J. C. Earle Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation, which has bestowed it now three years in a row. These grants enable Equus to provide a number of scholarships to riders, as the center pursues its mission to provide a safe, encouraging environment where children and adults with special needs maximize their physical, emotional, and intellectual potential through the development of their relationship with horses.

n Alessandra Mele

2015 IHSA National Show in West Springfield

Abby Wagner Receives NCAA Equestrian Scholarship

The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) will hold its 42nd IHSA National Show April 30 to May 3, 2015, at the Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield.

The IHSA Nationals were held in West Springfield in 2007 and since then the grounds have a new show office and a covered warm-up area.

The IHSA Nationals include hunt seat, western, and reining competition with

Abby Wagner, an honors student, graduated from Longmeadow High School this spring and is headed to Auburn University as an NCAA Division I scholarship athlete. She was recruited for the Alabama school’s varsity hunt-seat team. Only 14 schools in the nation offer NCAA scholarships for equestrian sports. Wagner most recently competed in the adult medals and equitation at the Winter Equestrian Festival and

brought home several ribbons, among them tricolors and a division championship. As a junior rider, she competed for three years in the Big Equitation divisions, placing in important AA shows, such as HITS, Saugerties, Brandywine at Devon, and Old Salem Farm. She qualified for all the Big Equitation finals and in 2012 competed in the Maclay Regional Finals and the USEF Hunt Seat Medal Finals.

n Alessandra Mele

Windrush’s 50th Jubilee Founded by Marjorie Kittredge in 1964, Windrush Farm, in Boxford, was one of the first therapeutic equitation centers in the United States. Windrush annually provides an array of educational services and therapeutic activities to more than 1,700 children, adults, and their families, including veterans, with the help of some 150 volunteers. Windrush also plays host for the Special Olympics each fall.

This year’s date is October 4.

Those with memories about Windrush are invited to contribute them by email.

A special Golden Jubilee event will take place on Saturday, September 20, 6:30–10:30 P.M., under the tents at the farm. Come celebrate 50 years of fine work with cocktails and appetizers, dinner, dancing, awards, and raffles. For ticket info, visit www.windrushfarm.org.

n Holly Jacobson

At the Movies For several days last fall, Groton House Farm provided a pastoral backdrop for a shoot for the movie The Equalizer. Says GHF owner Ann Getchall, several horses were part of one scene and got some pats from Denzel Washington, and at the end of the day, members of the crew fed them apples and carrots.

Based on the 1980s TV

series of the same name, the film stars Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a former covert agent who hires himself out to the powerless in need of justice. Filming took place in Salisbury, Hamilton, Chelsea, Haverhill, and Boston. The Equalizer is scheduled for release in September.

n Holly Jacobson

Ride with the Best at Equine Affaire Equine Affaire, November 13–16, will host more than 150 clinics, seminars, and demonstrations and address a wide range of equine disciplines and horse-related topics. Although training clinics will be designed to instruct horse people watching from outside the riding arenas, they’ll provide opportunities for selected riders and horses to receive individual instruction and training from many of the industry’s top professionals. Some clinic fees are just $75.

Most of the clinicians will be participating in the Ride with the Best program and accepting horses and riders for their sessions.

Some are seeking riders and horses with specific skills or problems to demonstrate and resolve; others are looking for any riders interested in improving their general horsemanship. Among the clinicians are Chris Cox, Mark Rashid, Dan James, David O’Connor, David Marcus, Jane Savoie, Nicole Shahinian-Simpson, Bob Giles, Aaron Ralston, Lynn McKenzie, Tom Chown, Cliff Swanson, Shaina Humphrey, Gary Lane,, Heidi Potter, Jim Masterson, Wendy Murdoch, and Mark Bolender.

Details and application are at www.equineaffaire.com.

Click on the Massachusetts event and follow the “Participate” link. You may also receive the same information and an application by contacting Kristen Gump Massachusetts Horse

31

at kgrump@equineaffaire.com or (740) 845-0085, ext. 104.

Application deadline is September 15.

entries and more than 100,000 visitors for the oldest and largest multi-breed show in the country.

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales’ exhibitions were also a draw, as were the array of shopping opportunities and the many family activities in the Country Fair area of the

Jim Masterson, author of the bestselling book and DVD Beyond Horse Massage and the new DVD Dressage Movements Revealed, has teamed up with Absorbine.

“Jim Masterson and his revolutionary method of equine massage align naturally with Absorbine products and our mission,” says Chris Jacobi, general manager of the Equine Division at Absorbine. “The Masterson Method’s innovative technique, concern for wellness, and celebration of the human–equine bond are qualities that our products can stand by, and we have witnessed the impressive results ourselves. We’re excited to engage in this new partnership, and look forward to expanding the ways in which we offer superior muscle and joint care for horses.”

The partnership between Absorbine and the Masterson Method/Jim Masterson grew in an effort to help educate horse owners on how they can address stress in their horses’ bodies, leading to top performance and a great attitude, and fittingly will officially kick off at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France, taking place August 23 through September 7. Jim will be the official equinemassage therapist for the USET Endurance Team, a role he has filled for members in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012.

Devon Horse Show: Where Champions Meet The 118th Annual Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, held May 22–June 1 in Devon, Pennsylvania, attracted almost 2,000 32

August/September 2014

Shane Shiflet

Absorbine Teams Up with Jim Masterson

me around the ring, loving all the applause.”

Three members of the St. Andre family, of Taunton, also showed their Saddlebreds under the direction of Luman Wadhams.

Lynda St. Andre was second in the Country Pleasure Driving qualifying class and won the Country Pleasure

Jessica St. Andre, of Taunton, and He’s the One won the Ladies Five-Gaited class and the Amateur Five-Gaited reserve champion at Devon.

show grounds. Carriage Racing returned as an exhibition in the Dixon Oval.

New this year were the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase and the appearance of Australian horseman and bush poet Guy McLean.

Sixteen-year-old Chloe Deeb, of Halifax, has done a great job this season catchriding Just Go With It for owner Elaine Gregory. At Devon, they won the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship for the third consecutive show.

(The first was UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premiere; the second was at Bonnie Blue.) This duo shows under the direction of Luman Wadhams, of Luman Wadhams Stable, in Warren, Vermont.

“This gelding loved showing off in front of the crowd,” Chloe said. “He stepped right up and took

Driving Championship, with Attaches Chocolate Thunder.

“I was really proud of myself considering this was the first time I had shown at Devon, and it had only been eighteen months since Luman Wadhams taught me how to hold the reins correctly,” said Lynda. “I can’t wait to show back at Devon next year. I love showing outside in a big ring and before a huge audience.”

Lynda’s daughter Rachel was second in the Adult FiveGaited Show Pleasure class riding her six-year-old gelding, Bewitched by Charm.

Rachel’s sister, Jessica, debuted on her nine-year-old gelding, He’s The One. They won the Ladies Five-Gaited class and went on to win the Reserve Amateur Five-Gaited Championship.

Showing under the direction of Rodney Hicks, of Rodney Hicks Stable in

Richmond, Marjorie Kenney drove The Perfectionist to reserve honors in both the Amateur Harness Pony qualifying class and then the championship.

Rodney drove Heartland Rendezvous to top honors in the Limit Harness Pony class.

This mare is owned by Susanne Harrod. Her road pony, Heartland River Dance, was second in the Amateur Road Pony qualifying class and then took the Amateur Road Pony Championship. He was driven by Susanne’s son, Joe Harrod.

After winning the Open Hackney Pony qualifying class, The Spiderman won the Hackney Pony Championship for the fourth time in Devon history. The black stallion was driven by Rodney Hicks for owner Edward Ochsenschlager.

Kathy Comeau drove her new gelding, X Tremely Grand, to reserve honors in the Amateur Hackney Pony qualifying class. She said she was especially happy with this performance because it was Grand’s first time in the show ring.

Also from the Berkshires, Harvey and Mary Waller, of Orleton Farm, brought several horses and ponies to compete. In the Pony Double Harness Pairs/Tandems section of the Devon Carriage Pleasure Driving Marathon, the Wallers’ Welsh ponies finished first. Hitched to a spider phaeton, they were driven by Doris Leacy.

Harvey drove their four-inhand of Warmbloods to second-place honors in the Coaching Timed Obstacle.

Kimberly Malomian, of Needham, rode her Russian Gold to the Amateur/Owner Hunter, 3'3", 18 to 35 Championship and was the Amateur/Owner 3'3" Grand Champion.

Thousands of spectators were sitting or standing in

Massachusetts Horse Benefit

Katie Upton . katieupton.com

All proceeds go to the Central New England Equine Rescue, in West Warren

Show

Over $10,000 in prizes!

In the past nine years, $48,000 has been raised for Massachusetts nonproďŹ t horse organizations!

October 4, Saturday 8 A.M. Hampshire County Riding Club Grounds . 140 Ball Road, Goshen, Mass.

Ring 1 Judge: Carrie Cranston . Ring 2/Outside Course Judge: Kelli Marie Wainscott Fenced-in warm-up area . Beautiful, quiet show grounds Three $200 Ultimate Pleasure Classics . Three $150 Equitation Classics . NEW $150 Hunter Hack Classic Three NEW $150 Discipline Rail Classics . $150 Costume Classic Divisions with day-end awards: Walk Trot or Jog Ages 7 to 12 . Walk Trot or Jog Ages 13 and Over Green Horse Walk Trot or Jog . NEW Horse In Hand . English Junior . English Adult . NEW Color Breed Western Pleasure . NEW Western Ranch Horse . Youngster In Hand . Small Equine In Hand . Driving Single Plus two NEW Lead Line classes, two NEW Adult/Challenged Rider classes, and three NEW jumping classes!

For prize list and to enter online, visit mahorse.com!

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August/September 2014

every available space to watch the $100,000 Grand Prix.

Germany’s Olaf Petersen Jr. set the course for 31 in which there were nine clear rounds to advance to the jump-off.

Four riders qualified two horses each: McLain Ward and Laura Chapot, of the United States, and Ireland’s Paul O’Shea and Kevin Babington. The short course saw five entries jump clear in the second round.

Paul and Primo de Revel, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned

by Michael Hayden, jumped to victory in Paul’s first time competing at Devon. Paul took the victory gallop after the highlight event of the week.

n Suzy Lucine

Equine Herpes Myelitis On Sunday June 8, a horse at Suffolk Downs became acutely ill and was transported to a veterinary referral hospital for treatment of neurologic disease. Nasal swab results were positive for equine herpes virus (EHV) neuropathic strain and the horse was humanely euthanized. The clinical signs and positive test results indicate a confirmed case of equine herpes myelitis (EHM).

Biosecurity restrictions were put in place at the track. Horses scheduled to race or train were allowed to enter the racetrack but had to remain on the grounds until the all-clear. Horsemen were asked to do twice daily temperature checks and observations. A horse with a temperature above 101.5 degrees or an animal exhibiting any sign of illness was to be reported immediately to its veterinarian.

Horses stabled in the contact barn were barred from racing. Suffolk management adjusted the morning training schedule to allow

those horses access to the track after the general population had returned to the barns.

Tracing information is currently being gathered to determine other animals that may have been exposed to the confirmed case during the incubation period.

Adult Horsemanship Classes Peace Haven Farm, in Plainfield, is holding adult day classes through October.

Monthly, there are two Level 1 classes, one Level 2, and one Level 3. Students may participate with their own horse or spend the day with one of the farm’s safe equines. Each class consists of horsemanship on the ground as well as in the saddle and riding lessons with R. J. Sadowski, a Massachusetts-licensed and CHA-certified instructor.

Classes begin at 9 A.M. and end at 5 P.M., with a break for a potluck lunch. For more info, contact R.J. or Paula, at (413) 634-8800.

The October/November issue will feature

trail safety plus competitive trail riding and fall foliage rides.

Want to be interviewed?

Place an ad?

Email us at info@mahorse.com.

Massachusetts Horse

35

Bay State Happenings South Shore Horsemen’s Council

Photography by Melissa

Bristol County

Waldingfield Horse-driving Trials

ŠShoot That Horse Photography

Essex County

Bay State Trail Riders Association Pleasure Ride

Alessandra Mele

Hampshire County

36

August/September 2014

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

Junior Horsemanship Awards

Massachusetts Horse gives back to your community through its Junior Horsemanship Award program. The award is given to the junior exhibitor who has shown the best horsemanship and sportsmanship at a competition in the Bay State. This is the junior who is not winning, but who is working hard with a great attitude. This junior is taking good care of her horse, cheering on

her friends, and helping others. Want to give out a free Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award at your upcoming event? Email award@mahorse.com.

These awards are made possible by Stephanie Sanders-Ferris, Massachusetts Horse publisher, and Absorbine.

Kiera Delahanty

Holly Jacobson

Laura Cogan

Sophiea Bitel

Andrea Bugbee

Jenna Turrini

Claire Hall

Ana Hecht

Holly Jacobson

Carin DeMayo-Wall

Gabriella Santaniello

katieupton.com

Massachusetts Horse

37

Partners Hampshire County Riding Club

The BRDC annual Spring Trail Ride had a good turnout, as did the Memorial Day Parade (15 horses and riders!). The Scholarship Show went smoothly; thanks again to Jill Poulin for managing another a fabulous day.

We look forward to giving out those well-deserved scholarships.

There’s plenty more to come . . . three more shows in the series, the October annual Dental Clinic, the Fall Trail Ride, and the Horse Show Banquet.

We’d like to thank all those who come to our events. We enjoy our time with you.

Heading into late summer and looking toward September, HCRC has sched-

Granby Regional Horse Council Thanks to the volunteer crew for an amazing show in June.

The next show is August 23 at Dufresne Park, in Granby.

August 10 is a trail ride.

September is a busy month.

We start with a Poker Ride at Dufresne Park on September 7. The trails are fun and there are prizes and a great meal after. On September 20 we’re off to the Belchertown Fair. Members are welcome to march in the parade on foot or on horseback. That afternoon we’ll put on a demonstration. The Old Time Gymkhana is on September 28 at Dufresne Park. Come play some games while riding! There’ll be ribbons and prizes, and all ages and disciplines are welcome.

For details about all our events, visit www.granbyregionalhorse.org.

7Jennifer Moreau 38

August/September 2014

Drumm at www.cathydrumm.com, (413) 4415278. Auditors are free!

On September 14, we’ll meet at the HCRC grounds for a 10 A.M. ride to nearby DAR State Forest. Come appreciate the wood roads and the trails, then join us for a trail lunch at the fire tower. Contact Diane Merritt, (413) 268-3372 or dianemerritt67@gmail.com.

September 28 is the date of our Conway State Forest Ride. We’ll ride on wood roads and trails from Whately into the state forest.

Bring a trail lunch. For details, contact Lise Krieger, (413) 397-3447 or lisekrieger@concast.net.

All of our rides are open to HCRC members and guests.

For information about our club and to see our calendar of events, visit www.hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

7Diane Merritt Myopia Hunt

©Shoot That Horse Photography

7Denise Kellicker

Connecticut River, where we’ll enjoy the picturesque nighttime boats and the lights of the nearby marina.

For more info, contact Diane

courtesy of the Barre Riding and Driving Club

Barre Riding and Driving Club

Top: Barre Riding and Driving Club member Betsy Johnson on Chief at the Barre Memorial Day Parade. Bottom: A competitor at the June Granby Regional Horse Council’s Open Show at Dufresne Park, Granby.

uled a horsemanship clinic and three trail rides.

August 9 is the date for our annual Full Moon Ride in the Northampton Meadows. We’ll meet at 7 P.M. for a campfire and barbecue, followed by a moonlight ride on farm roads leading to the

Merritt, at (413) 268-3372 or dianemerritt67@gmail.com.

HCRC’s pastoral club grounds provide a relaxing setting for you to spend the day with Cathy and your equine friend. The clinic is open to all. For details and to sign up, contact Cathy

On August 30 and 31, the Myopia Hunt will host its 114th annual horse show.

Held on the historic grounds of the Myopia Schooling Field in Hamilton, the show will feature classes for all ages and levels of riding.

On Saturday, the main hunter ring will run all day, with traditional and show hunters competing on the outside course over both man-made and natural obstacles. Some highlights are the $2,500 Myopia Hunter Derby, a $500 Ladies Sidesaddle division, and qualified hunters and hunter pairs. The child’s ring will offer classes from Walk Trot to Novice Hunters and

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Hanson Grain Hanson, MA (781) 447-6621

The Cheshire Horse Swanzey, NH (603) 358-3001 Massachusetts Horse

39

wearing formal hunt attire, we waited for the beginning of the parade to pass. Our mounts were keen and

Massachusetts State Troopers. There was much excitement from the crowd as the Myopia Hunt, an inte-

S. Decker

Equitation. Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council medals will be at stake on both days, and New England Horsemen’s Council medals will be awarded on Sunday.

Sunday, August 31, the grass Grand Prix field will feature show-jumping classes for all levels, then the $5,000 Myopia Jumper Classic finishes the day. Warm-up rounds will be on Friday, August 29, from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M., and each morning from 6:30 to 7:45. Questions? Visit www.myopiahunt.org.

The Myopia Hunt kicked off Memorial Day with a contingent of 11 riders joining in the Hamilton Town Parade. After gathering at our schooling field, we took a short hack to the home of one of our members and stationed ourselves across from Town Hall.

Horses braided and riders

The 114th annual Myopia Hunt Horse Show will feature the $2,500 Hunter Derby and the $5,000 Jumper Classic.

excited as they saw the marching bands. On cue, we fell in behind the quiet and well-mannered four-horse contingent from the

gral part of Hamilton and North Shore history, joined the Memorial Day celebration for the first time in almost 40 years.

On June 8, a determined group from the Myopia Hunt turned out for a cleanup day.

The weather cooperated, and armed with rakes, trimmers, and shovels, they cleared and upgraded our gorgeous schooling field.

Hound exercises commenced June 11 and will continue Wednesday and Saturday mornings through August. This is a great way for you to introduce horses to the hunt field and the hounds, and to start legging up your horse for the fall. As a change in routine, this can add a little spark to your summer riding.

On June 21, the Essex County Trail Association (ECTA) held its Summer Solstice Festival at Groton House Farm. Many Myopia Hunt members came to support our partners in North Shore countryside preserva-

114th Annual

Myopia Horse Show Saturday August 30 & Sunday, August 31 Myopia Schooling Field, South Hamilton, Mass. $2,500 Myopia Hunter Derby $5,000 Myopia Jumper Classic Two days of MHC Medals divisions include: Short Stirrup . NEHC and MHC Medals Jumper Divisions from 2'3" to 3'6" $500 Ladies Side Saddle Division Qualified Hunter classes, and more.

Kim Cutler & Ted Mehm

All hunter classes held on the historic Myopia Hunt Field with some new as well as historic permanent jumps.

Manager

This show is professionally run with good courses in a beautiful setting.

Joint Masters

John Manning 40

August/September 2014

For more information email jmanning@crocker.com or visit myopiahunt.org.

7Wendy Wood and David Rousseau

Old North Bridge Hounds The sound of hooves echoed when 20 riders from the Old North Bridge Hounds

— and their cameras — in droves.

The inn, the oldest hostelry in the country, has

Sophiea Bitel

tion and restoration. The ambience under the tents at Groton House Farm was sublime, and we enjoyed a special summer evening of fun, food, and music with friends old and new. There was a raffle and a brief live auction featuring a great pair of Billy Joel concert tickets.

We encourage all who ride and use the trail system here on the North Shore to get involved and support all of our generous and active open-space partners, among them the ECTA, Appleton Farms through The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR), and Essex County Greenbelt, in any way you can. Because of the tireless work of these organizations, we all enjoy the natural beauty that is the North Shore.

At the West Newbury Riding and Driving Club Pipestave Horse Trials on July 13. The next Pipestave trials are on October 12; Adventure Trail Day is September 14.

(ONBH), dressed in hunting attire, rode by the Wayside Inn, in Sudbury. What was a common sight 150 years ago brought out the day’s diners

operated continuously for almost 300 years on one of the oldest commissioned roads. The inn opened in 1716 and was a resting stop

for mail carriers and travelers on their way to Boston, but it became famous when Henry Wadsworth Longfellow made it the gathering place of his 1863 book, Tales of a Wayside Inn. The inn abuts a trail system that riders have enjoyed for generations. This was the territory of the Millwood Hunt, a mainstay in the area for 103 years. When it disbanded, in 1969, some of its members formed Old North Bridge Hounds. Today, ONBH is one of 11 hunt clubs in New England.

ONBH engages in drag hunting: instead of chasing real foxes, our human foxes lay a scent trail of anise oil.

This rich past is what inspired our members to start at the Wayside Inn on Father’s Day to ride the territory and lunch in one of the historic dining rooms.

Western Massachusetts Appaloosa Association presents its

Open Show & Hunter Show September 21 Open Show starts at 8:30 a.m., Hunter Show starts at 10:30 a. m.

Rain or shine!

Two Rings . . . Two Shows . . . One Day! 9 Open Show Divisions 13 Hunter Show Divisions: www.parascreen.com

info@parascreen.com

Open Adult . Open Youth . Beginner . Open Walk Trot Green Horse Walk Trot . Hunter Type Walk Trot . All Stirrup Baby Green . Modified Hunter . Children’s Schooling Hunter . Low Hunter . Amateur Adult Hunter A low-key, fun hunter show!

Day-end Division Championships for Both Shows

EQUINE FECAL TESTING As low as $19 each Case discounts available All testing performed within a USDA-APHIS certified laboratory Affordable, private, fast, easy and convenient Results sent directly to you Kit includes postage-paid, pre-addressed mailer

Westfield Fairgrounds Russellville Road Prize list and information at: www.WesternMaApp.com MassAppy@verizon.net Massachusetts Horse

41

Elizabeth Goldsmith

Wayside Inn

Millwood Hunt Club at the Wayside Inn, 1924.

Old Northbridge Hounds riders at the Grist Mill on Father’s Day.

First we rode to the Grist Mill, another famous structure on the grounds. Henry Ford, who preserved the Wayside Inn in the 1920s as a living museum, commissioned the mill, which ground its first grain on Thanksgiving Day 1929. The mill is incredibly picturesque — with the water wheel turn-

mothers, Martha Bryant and Mary Litogot Ford. The chapel was constructed of wood from trees felled by the infamous hurricane of 1938.

ing, it’s easy to imagine yourself back when it was producing stone-ground flour for Pepperidge Farm and later for the King Arthur Flour Company.

Next, we rode past the Martha-Mary Chapel, one of six nondenominational chapels built as a tribute to Henry and Clara Ford’s

e Awesom any deals! M ock. in st models

7Elizabeth Goldsmith West Newbury Riding and Driving Club Phoebe Clewley, of West Newbury, is this year’s recipi-

ent of the WNRDC Scholarship. Phoebe will be a sophomore at Smith College, where she’s studying psychology on a premed track.

We’d like to remind volunteers, young and old, that you’re all appreciated as vital members of the team.

Volunteers who are high school seniors or are attend-

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

Learn to: • Understand horse behavior • Apply horse psychology • Build a powerful relationship with any horse

Learn o ses t exerci ep e help k e f s you a

Day Classes May - October

Bumper pulls, goosenecks, and living quarters.

Many styles and sizes in stock. A few 2013 models in stock!

Lowest prices in the Northeast.

Trade-ins, service repairs on all makes and models.

Good used trailers available.

Quick financing. Delivery available on all models.

The coffee is always on. Worth the drive!

Three decades of professional experience!

Adult Levels 1, 2, 3 For information call (413) 634-8800

Have fun: • Monthly All-day Classes • Trail Rides • New Obstacle Course • Private appointments at your farm or ours

Call R.J. or Paula for more information: (413) 634-8800 www.peacehavenfarm.com www.on-the-road.net 42

August/September 2014

www.eomega.org/workshops/mind-whispering#-workshop-description-block

ing college or another continuing-education program are eligible to compete for the yearly scholarship. All other volunteers are automatically enrolled in a twice-yearly drawing for a nice thankyou gift/prize.

Mark your calendars for September 14, the date of the annual Adventure Trail. The following month, on October 12, will be the second Pipestave Hill Horse Trials (three-phase events).

Perfect for those who enjoy a challenging yet friendly competitive environment, this event offers jumps ranging in height from 2' to 2'9" and comprises Modified Novice, Beginner Novice, Modified Beginner Novice, Elementary, and Grasshopper divisions. If you want to compete without stress or strive to move up a level, this horse trial is for you! Admission is free to spectators. For details and an entry form, visit at www.wrndc.com.

7Liz Russell

Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association’s

Hunter/Equitation Shows July 27 August 3 August 14 August 17 August 24 August 31 September 6 September 13 September 14 September 21 September 28

Emerald Glen Blythewood Stables Riverbank Farm White Horse Hill Overmeade Farm Harmony Hill Farm Blythewood Stables Emerald Glen Biscuit Hill Farm White Horse Hill Riverbank Farm

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

August 23 September 14 October 19

Emerald Glen Blythewood Stables King Oak Farm

Featuring year-end awards in many divisions.

Full 2014 schedule can be found at:

wnepha.com

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Massachusetts Horse

43

44

August/September 2014

events Massachusetts

August 1 – 3 REGIONAL 4-H SHOW, Northampton. www.mass4H.org/programs/horses.

2 PAT CONNORS HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC, Grafton. www.hillside-meadows.com.

2 MHC-, NEHC-RATED SHOW, Medway. www.saddlerowe.com.

2 TEAM SORTING COMPETITION, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

2 BTA/BOLT SHOW, Boxford. (978) 8879681 or amsbox@comcast.net.

3 AZRAEL ACRES OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. www.azraelacres.com.

3 DRESSAGE/COMBINED TEST, Xenophon Farm, Montague. xenophonfarm@aol.com.

3 COWBOY MOUNTED SHOOTING, Walpole. www.masixshooters.com.

3 WNEPHA HUNTER/EQUITATION SHOW, Blythewood Stables, Pittsfield. www.wnepha.com.

6 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. www.briggsstable.com.

6 – 10 NORTHAMPTON HUNTER/JUMPER, Northampton. www.biscuithillfarm.com.

7 MHC NEHC SHOW, Pembroke. www.riverwindfarm.com.

7 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Plymouth. www.valinorfarm.com.

9 4-H AND OPEN SHOW, Crimson Acres. www.crimsonacres.org.

9 MSPCA NEVINS BENEFIT SHOW, Gibson Kennel, Grafton. (508) 839-2206.

2 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Berlin. www.orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

3 BEAR SPOT FOUNDATION DRESSAGE BENEFIT, Bear Spot Farm, Concord. www.bearspotfarm.com.

9 JUMP FOR BUCKS JUMPER SERIES, Camp Marshall, Spencer. (508) 885-4891.

2 NEW ENGLAND SUMMER CLASSIC, Buzzards Bay. www.grazingfields.com.

3 BSTRA POKER RUN, Mendon. www.bstra.org.

9 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

3 CNEER SHOW, Felton Field, Barre. www.barreridingdrivingclub.com.

4 MHC MEETING Double Tree, Milford. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

9 HCRC FULL MOON RIDE, Northampton. www.hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

3 HUNTER SHOW, Fox Meadow Farm, Northampton. spayne@smith.edu.

4 BILL McMULLIN CLINIC, Xenophon Farm, Montague. xenophonfarm@aol.com.

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

3 NBHA COMPETITION, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com

6 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. www.appleknoll.com.

9 CCRR TIMEBARS/GYMKHANA, South Yarmouth. www.capecodroughriders.com.

2014 Competition Dates AUGUST 6 - AKF Summer Jumper Show No. 7 10 - CRDA Dressage Show (crdressage.org) 13 - AKF Summer Jumper Show No. 8 20 - AKF Summer Jumper Show No. 9 24 - Miniature Horse Show (nemha.org) 27 - AKF Summer Jumper Show No. 10 SEPTEMBER 3 - AKF Summer Jumper Show No. 11 10 - AKF Summer Jumper Show No. 12 28 - Jumping Derby Prize lists and entry forms at:

OCTOBER 5 - CRDA Dressage Show (crdressage.org) 19 - Jumper Derby 26 - Fall Hunter Pace NOVEMBER 1-2 - NEDA Symposium (neda.org) Ingrid Klimke & Dr. Ina Goesmer Clinics 15-16 - Daniel Stewart Clinic 22 - CRDA Clinic (crdressage.org)

appleknoll.com

The facilities at Apple Knoll Farm are available for rental for horse shows, clinics, and other equine activities.

Our cross-country course is open for schooling by appointment, weather permitting.

Apple Knoll Farm ~ 25 Forest Lane, Millis, MA ~ (508) 376-2564 Massachusetts Horse

45

Dressage & Combined Test

Schooling Series English & Western Dressage Year-end Awards Banquet

August 3 . Bill McMullin “R” September 7 . Susanne Handler “R” October 12 . judge Grace Golden “L”

Clinics August 4: Bill McMullin . “r” Judge, Silver Medalist TBA:

Sharon McCusker . FEI Trainer Verne Batchelder . FEI Trainer Bill Warren . International Judge

Xenophon Farm janice

&

elaine

Kachavos

80 sunderland rd., rte. 47 montague, mass.

413.367.9828 X enophon F arm @ aol . com 46

August/September 2014

9 LEVEL 2 DAY CLASS, Plainfield. www.peacehavenfarm.com.

17 HUNTER/EQUITATION SHOW, Haverhill. www.ridecornerstone.com.

10 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. www.crdressage.org.

17 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center. (978) 374-0008.

10 HORSE POWER HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Southbridge. www.wildairefarm.com.

17 LEVEL 1 DAY CLASS, Plainfield. www.peacehavenfarm.com.

10 HRC OPEN SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. www.hansonridingclub.org.

17 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, White Horse HIll, Richmond. www.wnepha.com.

10 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Belchertown. Judge Gretchen DeMone. www.independencestablellc.com.

18 LIFE COACHING WITH HORSES, free support after cancer, Byfield. www.innerweathcoaching.com.

10 SCHOOLING SHOW, King Oak Farm, Southampton. www.kingoakfarm.com.

18 FIELDSTONE EQUITATION SHOW, Halifax. www.fieldstoneshowpark.com.

10 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. www.belandstables.com.

19 JUMP FOR BUCKS JUMPER SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. www.campmarshall.net.

10 DRESSAGE DAYS SERIES, Feeding Hills. www.ddphorses.com.

19 – 23 NEHJA DERBY FINALS, Halifax. www.fieldstoneshowpark.com.

13 – 14 GEOFF TEALL CLINIC, Ipswich. www.backbayfarm.com.

19 – 23 SUMMER SHOWCASE II, Halifax. www.fieldstoneshowpark.com.

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

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

13 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. www.briggsstable.com.

20 MHC SHOW, Riverwind Farm, Pembroke. www.riverwindfarm.com.

13 – 16 MASSACHUSETTS MORGAN SHOW, West Springfield. www.massmorgan.com.

20 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. www.briggsstable.com.

13 – 17 SILVER OAK JUMPER TOURNAMENT, Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax. www.silveroakjumpertournament.com.

20 HCRC MEETING, Williamsburg. www.hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

14 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Riverbank Farm, Dalton. www.wnepha.com.

14 SOUTH COAST SCHOOLING HUNTER SHOW, Buzzards Bay. www.grazingfields.com.

15 MHC SHOW, Riverwind Farm, Pembroke. www.riverwindfarm.com.

21 LIFE COACHING WITH HORSES, Byfield. www.innerweathcoaching.com.

21 – 24 NORTHEAST REINING SHOW, West Springfield. www.nerha.com.

21 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Plymouth. www.valinorfarm.com.

22 GAMES NIGHT, Crimson Acres. www.crimsonacres.org.

16 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. www.mhcriding.com.

23 DRILL TEAM COMPETITION, Crimson Acres. www.crimsonacres.org.

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

23 GRHC OPEN SHOW, Dufresne Park, Granby. www.granbyregionalhorse.org.

16 LEVEL 1 DAY CLASS, Plainfield. www.peacehavenfarm.com.

23 TEAM SORTING COMPETITION, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

16 - 17 TEAM PENNING, Marshfield Fairgrounds. www.chipawaystables.com

23 BLUE RIDER STABLES FUN DAY, French Park, North Egremont. www.bluerider.org.

17 THREE-PHASE, Berlin. www.orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

23 LEVEL 3 DAY CLASS, Plainfield. www.peacehavenfarm.com.

17 HORSE POWER TWO-PHASE, Southbridge. www.wildairefarm.com.

23 DERBY CROSS AND TWO-PHASE, Sherborn. www.coursebrookfarm.com.

17 APPLE VALLEY PONY CLUB SHOW, Barre. www.barreridingdrivingclub.com.

24 HORSE POWER DRESSAGE SHOW, Southbridge. www.wildairefarm.com.

17 SSHC SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. www.sshconline.com.

24 NEMHS MINIATURE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. www.nemhs.org.

17 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. www.heritage-dressage.org.

24 ADULT GAMES AND BBQ, Crimson Acres. www.crimsonacres.org.

A Classical Touch

24 SUMMER WRAP-UP AUCTION, Easthampton.www.farmheritage.com.

24 OPEN SHOW SERIES, Rehoboth. www.journeyshavenrs.com.

Classical Learning for Horse and Rider

24 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. www.cutterfarm.com.

24 AMERIKHANA, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

Riding Lessons

24 COWBOY MOUNTED SHOOTING, Walpole. www.masixshooters.com.

All ages and levels

24 NASHOBA VALLEY HUNT HUNTER PACE, Groton. www.nashobavalleyhunt.org.

Eventing . Dressage Jumpers . Hunters

24 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Overmeade Farm, Lenox. www.wnepha.com.

27 MINI SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. www.briggsstable.com.

Horses available for On-farm lease

27 ROBIN GROVES CLINIC, Bradford Equestrian Center. leangst@comcast.net.

Boarding with 100' x 200' Outdoor

27 JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. www.appleknoll.com.

New students receive their first half-hour private riding lesson free! A $30 value.

27 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Marston Mills. www.capecodhunter.com.

28 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Buzzards Bay. www.grazingfields.com.

Sandee eroux 111 Federal Street, Belchertown (413) 250-3303 . classicaltouchstable.weebly.com

29 USEA YOUNG HORSE EVENT, Scarlet Hill Farm, Groton. www.appletreefarm.org.

29 – SEPT. 1 BSTRA LABOR DAY CAMP OUT, Carver. www.bstra.org.

JuNe

30 CCRR TIMEBARS/GYMKHANA, South Yarmouth. www.capecodroughriders.com.

24 ~ 28 Northeast Benefit Show (508-759-9512)

30 CAPE COD HUNTER FINALS, Saddle Rowe, Medway. www.capecodhunter.com.

JuLy

30 TEAM SORTING COMPETITION, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

5~6

30 THREE COUNTY FAIR HORSE SHOW, Northampton. www.threecountyfair.org.

30 – 31 114th MYOPIA HORSE SHOW, Hamilton. www.myopiahunt.org.

30 – September 1 SMARTPAK RETAIL STORE LABOR DAY SALE, Natick.

31 NBHA COMPETITION, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

31 DRESSAGE DAYS SERIES, Feeding Hills. www.ddphorses.com.

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

31 DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. www.belandstables.com.

413.584.2237 THREEcountyfair.com

KOF Dressage Days (kingoakfarm.com) 11 New England Classic Open Dressage Show (erahc.org) 12 ~ 13 Andalusian/Lusitano Show (erahc.org) 21 ~ 26 New England Morgan Show (nemha.com)

AuguSt 1~3

APRiL 18 ~ 20 MaQHA Youth, Novice, and Open Show (massqha.com) 24 ~ 27 Connecticut Arabian Show (arabianhorseclubofconnecticut.org)

Regional 4-H Horse Show (mass4H.org) 6 ~ 10 Northampton Hunter/Jumper Show (biscuithillfarm.com) 29 ~ 9/1 Three County Fair (threecountyfair.com)

MAy

September

8 ~ 11

1 TEAM SORTING COMPETITION, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

17

MaQHA Horse Show (massqha.com) New England Classic Open Show

SePteMbeR 12 ~ 14 24 ~ 28

Massachusetts State 4-H Show (mass4-H.org) Mass. Horsemen’s Council Days of Champions (mahorsecouncil.com) Massachusetts Horse

47

HORSe POweR SHOwS twO-PHASeS August 17 . September 21 . October 12

HuNteR JuMPeR SeRieS July 27 . August 10 September 14 & 28 October 19 November 2 & 9

DReSSAge SeRieS June 1 . July 20 . August 24 Prize lists and entry forms at wildairefarm.com!

wild Aire Farm wildairefarm.com . (508) 765-0641 926 Dennison Dr., Southbridge, MA Minutes off I84, MA Pike, Rtes. 20, 9, 290, 146, 395.

1 SCARLET APPLE THREE-PHASE, Scarlet Hill Farm, Groton. www.appletreefarm.org.

7 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Belchertown. www.independencestablellc.com.

3 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Millis. www.appleknoll.com.

7 NEDA SCHOOLING SHOW, Strongwater Farm, Tewksbury. www.neda.org.

4 MYOPIA HUNT CUBBING BEGINS, meet locations vary. www.myopiahunt.org.

7 WRC FALL OPEN SHOW, Westfield. www.westfieldridingclub.org.

6 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

7 GRHC POKER RIDE, Dufresne Park, Granby. www.granbyregionalhorse.org.

6 ACTHA-JUDGED TRAIL RIDE, Tewksbury. www.strongwaterfar.org.

7 SCHOOLING SHOW, Bella Blue, Wrentham. (508) 561-5829.

6 LEVEL 2 DAY CLASS, Plainfield. www.peacehavenfarm.com.

10 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Millis. www.appleknoll.com.

6 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Blythewood Stables, Pittsfield. www.wnepha.com.

11 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Buzzards Bay. www.grazingfields.com.

6 – 7 KING OAK FARM HORSE TRIALS, Southampton. www.kingoakfarm.com.

12 – 14 STATE 4-H SHOW, Three County Fairgrounds. Northampton. www.mass4h.org.

6 NORFOLK HUNT FALL HUNTING BEGINS, Walpole. www.norfolkhunt.com.

7 RRDC PLEASURE SHOW, Rowley. www.rowleyridinganddrivingclub.webs.com.

7 HUNTER/EQUITATION SHOW, Haverhill. www.ridecornerstone.com.

7 DRESSAGE/COMBINED TEST, Xenophon Farm, Montague. xenophonfarm@aol.com.

13 MHC-, NEHC-RATED SHOW, Medway. www.saddlerowe.com.

13 JUMP FOR BUCKS JUMPER SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. www.campmarshall.net.

13 HRC FIESTA DAY, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. www.hansonridingclub.org.

13 DRESSAGE SHOW AND TWO-PHASE, Uxbridge. www.letterperfectfarm.com.

Kit Cat Photography

7 HRC OPEN SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. www.hansonridingclub.org.

13 TEAM SORTING COMPETITION, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

Dressage - Training through FEI Eventing - USEA ICP Level II Instructor USDF Silver Medalist . USHJA Certified Trainer Judging - USDF “L” Graduate with Distinction

TRAINING, INSTRUCTION, JUDGING, COACHING, AND CONSULTING. 22 ROOD HILL RD., SANDISFIELD, MASS. WWW.KATIEROCCO.COM PH: 413.258.4459 CELL: 413.429.6907 48

August/September 2014

Shows . Horse Trials . Summer Camps Summer Show Series

Horse Trials Series

Summer Camps

May 18 . June 22 July 13 . August 3

June 1 . July 20 Sept. 21 . October 12

July 21 - 25 August 4 - 8

Lessons ~ Sales ~ Boarding Azrael Acres, 144 Williams St., Uxbridge, Mass. (508) 234-2678 Visit www.azraelacres.com for class lists, brochures, and more information.

13 LEVEL 3 DAY CLASS, Plainfield. www.peacehavenfarm.com.

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

13 LENOX TUB PARADE, Lenox. www.colonialcarriage.org.

14 WNEPHA DRESSAGE SHOW, Blythewood Stables, Great Barrington. www.wnepha.com.

14 HCRC DAR STATE FOREST RIDE, Goshen. www.hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

14 AMERIKHANA, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

14 NBHA COMPETITION, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

14 CCRR OPEN SHOW, South Yarmouth. www.capecodroughriders.com.

14 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Chelmsford. www.midnightmoonstables.com.

14 SOUTH COAST SCHOOLING HUNTER SHOW, Buzzards Bay. www.grazingfields.com.

14 POLO IN THE COUNTRY, Medfield. www.norfolkhunt.com.

Is riding your horse a struggle?

Are you battling over who’s in control?

Is your horse working from fear and worry instead of peace and understanding?

Learn to ride in harmony as a team!

Experience the joy of riding a horse that wants to work with you!

Private Lessons . Training Short Courses . All Levels Full Care Facility . Full Training

17 HCRC MEETING, Williamsburg. www.hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

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

14 WNRDC ADVENTURE TRAIL, Pipestave Hill, West Newbury. www.wnrdc.com.

20 MYOPIA HUNT OPENING MEETING, subscribers only, formal attire. www.myopiahunt.org.

14 HRC VERSATILITY EVENT, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. www.hansonridingclub.org.

20 THREE-PHASE, Berlin. www.orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

14 MHC CLASSIC, Briggs Stable, Hanover. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

20 MHC HUNTER SHOW, Medway. www.saddlerowe.com.

14 HORSE POWER HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Southbridge. www.wildairefarm.com.

20 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

14 SOUTHEAST HUNTER FINALS, Saddle Rowe, Medway. www.southeasthunter.com.

20 LEVEL 1 DAY CLASS, Plainfield. www.peacehavenfarm.com.

14 LEVEL 1 DAY CLASS, Plainfield. www.peacehavenfarm.com.

20 HRC BEACH RIDE. www.hansonridingclub.org.

We invite you to come and observe experienced trainer Nancy Later Lavoie at our beautiful locations: Summer Winter Heartwood Farm The Ashby Stock Farm 1155 Main St. 999 B Road Loxahatchee Groves, Florida Ashby, Mass.

Carousel Dressage Horses Top class training facilities with a friendly and well educated staff.

nancylaterdressagehorses.com

Massachusetts Horse

49

Developing riders and horses to their highest potential in a professional, friendly environment.

Lessons and Training Host three WNEPHA, MHC, NEHC-rated shows each year Travel to Local and A-rated Shows Summer Riding Programs

20 FALL HORSE TRIALS, Greenfield. www.sbschool.org.

24 – 28 MHC DAYS OF CHAMPIONS, Northampton. www.mahorsecouncil.com.

20 – 21 DANIEL STEWARD CLINIC, Sherborn. www.coursebrookfarm.com.

27 RIDE TO RAISE RODEO, Dare to Dream Educational Farm Program, Crimson Acres. www.crimsonacres.org.

21 AZRAEL ACRES HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. www.azraelacres.com.

21 BSTRA FALL HUNTER PACE, Douglas. www.bstra.org.

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

21 NEW ENGLAND STOCK HORSE SHOW, Easthampton. www.farmheritage.com.

21 HORSE POWER TWO-PHASE, Southbridge. www.wildairefarm.com.

21 HUNTER PACE, Westport. www.norfolkhunt.com.

21 WMAA OPEN SHOW AND HUNTER SHOW, Westfield. Two rings, all breeds. www.westernmassapp.homestead.com.

Indoor Arena . Outdoor Arena Large, Grass Paddocks

Debora Sullivan 136 Richmond Road, Hancock, Mass.

(413) 717-2433 . deborasull@gmail.com

bellwetherstables.com

21 FALL CLASSIC HORSE TRIALS, Hamilton. www.grotonhousefarm.com.

21 SOUTH COAST SCHOOLING HUNTER SHOW, Lakeville. www.grazingfields.com.

21 SPECIAL OLYMPICS EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL, Lanesboro. www.equustherapeutic.org.

24 ROBIN GROVES CLINIC, Bradford Equestrian Center. leangst@comcast.net.

27 TEAM SORTING COMPETITION, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

27 ACTHA TRAIL CHALLENGE, Southampton. www.glencroftfarm.com.

28 HORSE POWER HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Southbridge. www.wildairefarm.com.

28 OPEN SHOW SERIES, Rehoboth. www.journeyshavenrs.com.

28 BSTRA SCAVENGER HUNT, Upton. www.bstra.org.

28 HCRC CONWAY STATE FOREST RIDE. www.hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

28 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Bradford.

(978) 374-0008 or leangst@comcast.net.

28 GRHC GYMKHANA, Dufresne Park, Granby. www.granbyregionalhorse.org.

28 EVENTING DERBY CROSS, King Oak Farm, Southampton. www.kingoakfarm.com.

28 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Riverbank Farm, Dalton. www.wnepha.com.

28 JUMPING DERBY, Millis. www.appleknoll.com.

28 PEGGY SANTANIELLO MEMORIAL TRAIL RIDE AND LUNCH, Wilbraham. www.belchertownequineorg.com.

30 MHC SHOW, Medway. www.saddlerowe.com.

October 4 MASSACHUSETTS HORSE BENEFIT SHOW, Goshen. www.mahorse.com.

August 16 October 18 Breast Cancer Benefit Show MHC Equestrian Center, South Hadley Jackpot Paybacks!

15 day-end & year-end Championships Junior Horse . Lead Line . Color Breed Challenged Rider . Youth Walk/Trot/Jog Adult Walk/Trot/Jog . Beginner Rider Very Small Equine . Youth English . Adult English Green Horse Walk/Trot/Jog Green Horse Walk/Trot/Jog/Canter/Lope Versatility Horse . Youth Western . Adult Western

NeHC Medal and Pleasure classes! two indoor arenas with eurofelt footing Outdoor sand rings for warm up Stalls available . Plenty of parking

Contact Kelli at (413) 695-8343 or kellimarie43@yahoo.com

Prize list at: www.mhcriding.com 50

August/September 2014

4 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. www.chipawaystables.com.

4 MHC-, NEHC-RATED SHOW, Medway. www.saddlerowe.com.

4 MSPCA NEVINS BENEFIT SHOW, Gibson Kennel, Grafton. (508) 839-2206.

4 LEVEL 2 DAY CLASS, Plainfield. www.peacehavenfarm.com.

5 BSTRA PLEASURE RIDE, Hubbardston. www.bstra.org.

5 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. www.crdressage.org.

5 CCRR TIMEBARS/GYMKHANA, South Yarmouth. www.capecodroughriders.com.

5 JEAN KENDALL MEMORIAL SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. www.crdressage.org.

Massachusetts marketplace

Horse-able Bed & Breakfast!

PETERSHAM – Well-appointed antique Colonial in North Central Massachusetts adjacent to Windswept Farms Equestrian Facility, which includes a large indoor arena. Rooms and suites with private baths, fireplaces, beautiful and comfortable indoor common rooms, outdoor patios. Outbuildings that can be converted for horses. Horses will love it here! Plus a retail shop and office. Visible location on Route 32. $449,000.

Real Estate Is More Fun with Horse People!

Contact Althea today!

Althea Bramhall,Hometown Realtors 617-678-9300, althearealtor@gmail.com

Ted Moser, BS, LMT A Masterson Method Practitioner 413 . 522 . 0658 equusintegratedtherapy.com Serving western Mass., southern Vermont, and northwest Conn.

RER Ponies Training, Lessons & Sales

by CHA certified, BHS trained, and USDF competitor

Heather Reynolds Dostal

FEI Stallion: Werbellin, at stud.

Foals & Horses for Sale Training, Backing/Starting

Greengate Hanoverians

New Braintree, Mass info@greengatestud.com . 508-729-0706 www.greengatestud.com 52

August/September 2014

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

Charming private facility offering: Boarding, training, pony starting, and tune ups.

Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Serving the North Shore since 1951 Helen Noble, vMd . Robert Orcutt, dvM derek Cavatorta, dvM phd Kirstin Anderson, dvM . Ashley Taylor, dvM

Professional, well rounded, goal oriented lesson program for riders of all ages beginner through advanced.

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

295 High St, Ipswich, Mass.

978-356-1119 (phone) 978-356-5758 (fax) www.srhveterinary.com

Massachusetts marketplace

Proudly serving the Pioneer Valley for over 25 years.

Complete Wellness Care including Dental, Lameness, and Reproduction

Recovery . Maintenance . Performance Therapeutic Massage . Bodywork . Reiki

State of the Art Digital Radiography

Jo Bunny

P.O. Box 1019, Easthampton, mass.

licensed massage therapist, certified equine massage therapist

(413) 320-7690 • jobunny@comcast.net

John L. Cowley, m.S., D.V.m.

(413) 527-4414 thehorsedoctor@verizon.net

978-425-6181 call us first

Manure reMoval for large & sMall farMs roll-off containers 10 to 30 yards on call or scheduled service.

Susan Bartfay, CEMT

full stock pile removals.

Barn/outbuilding demo & removal

Massage . Laser . LED . Animal Communication

• fencing demo & replacement

“WHERE DOES MY HORSE HURT” Body Check-ups Susan is privately trained by Dr. Renee Tucker

Proud Sponsor of Bear Spot Musical Freestyle and the Oakrise Farm Show Series.

www.mitranoremoval.com

Independence Stable, LLC

(413) 325-5777 BlueRibbonEquine.com susan@blueribbonequine.com

Dressage training facility, Monson, Mass.

“R” Dressage Judge; FEI Trainer/Competitor; Lessons, clinics, German imported horses for sale.

Indoor/outdoor arenas, all day turnout.

www.deeloveless.com (860) 208-6017 . deeloveless2@comcast.net

White Spruce Farms Where Learning to Ride is Fun! Schooling Shows Sept. 14 - Heather Dostal . Oct. 26 - Rita Brown

Dressage Schooling Shows

Adults-only Schooling Show

Including Lead Line & Western Dressage Tests!

Sept. 28 - Lisa Camilleri

August 10 - Judge Gretchen DeMone September 7 - Judge Bobbie Carlton

Come join the fun!

Bring your own horse or ride one of our school horses.

Year-end awards for both show series.

Lessons . Training . Boarding . Clinics

Belchertown, MA (413) 284-0371 independencestablellc.com

Susan Rainville USDF bronze and silver medalist

www.whitesprucefarms.com (978) 257-4666 Massachusetts Horse

53

the

neighborhood

4-H ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MASSACHUSETTS 4-H PROGRAM (800) 374-4446 www.mass4H.org/programs/horses Horse 4-H clubs in the Bay State.

ASSOCIATIONS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BAY STATE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC. Douglas, MA, (508) 476-3960 www.bstra.org Preserving trails, pleasure/competitive rides.

GRANBY REGIONAL HORSE COUNCIL Central & Western MA, (413) 527-9532 www.granbyregionalhorse.org Family-oriented trails, shows, clinics.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY RIDING CLUB Goshen, MA, (413) 268-3372 hampshirecounty ridingclub.org Monthly trail rides, open show, hunter pace, clinics, educational speakers.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND PROFESSIONAL HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION www.wnepha.com Hunter/equitation and dressage shows; year-end awards.

BAREFOOT TRIMMING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• IN BALANCE HOOF, JOANNE HUFF Holyoke, MA, (413) 695-0470 joanne_huff@yahoo.com Experienced barefoot trimmer for performance.

BARN CATS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• PAWS WATCH Newport, RI, (401) 848-9867 www.pawswatch.org Barn cats need homes! Healthy, fixed, vaccinated barn cats provide rodent control. Delivered!

BARNS/BUILDINGS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• THE CARRIAGE SHED White River Junction, VT, (800) 441-6057 www.carriageshed.com Barns, sheds, arenas, homes, garages.

COMMUNICATION ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MINDFUL CONNECTIONS Nicole Birkholzer www.mindful-connections.com Build a deeper bond, communicate effectively, and develop a trusting relationship with your horse.

CREMATION/CEMETERY SERVICES ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ANGEL VIEW PET CEMETERY Middleboro, MA, (800) 287-0066 www.angelview.com Horses, ponies, pets. Transportation available to all of New England, 24/7.

54

August/September 2014

Your Everything Equine “white pages”

DRESSAGE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NANCY LATER LAVOIE Ashby, MA, (561) 714-7447 www.nancylaterdressagehorses.com Training, lessons, clinics. Accepting new students of all levels. Top-class facility.

DEE LOVELESS Monson, MA, (860) 208-6017 www.deeloveless.com “R” judge, FEI trainer/competitor, clinics.

FAIRFIELD FARM Rochester, MA, (508) 763-3224 www.dressageatfairfieldfarm.com Boarding, instruction, training, indoor.

XENOPHON FARM Montague, MA, (413) 367-9828 xenophonfarm@aol.com Dressage and combined test schooling show series; year-end awards; clinics.

EDUCATION ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• EQUISSAGE NEW ENGLAND/NY www.equissage-ne-ny.com Equine sports massage-therapy certification.

EQUINE DENTISTRY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WENDY BRYANT, EQDT Northampton, MA, (413) 237-8887 www.ravenhillequine.com Natural balance equine dentistry.

Improved topline, maximized performance, increased flexion. Serving New England/New York.

DILLON’S EQUINE DENTISTRY New England, (508) 528-2242 www.dilloneq.com 20+ years, servicing New England.

EQUINE MASSAGE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUE RIBBON EQUINE Massachusetts (413) 325-5777 www.blueribbonequine.com Massage, laser, LED, animal communication, “Where does my horse hurt” body checkups.

EQUINE SPORTS THERAPIES Brooklyn, CT, (860) 774-8027 www.equinesportstherapies.com Massage, digital thermography, aromatherapy, Reiki.

EQUISSAGE NE/NY Serving New England, (860) 564-7759 equisportmt@sbcglobal.net Certified Masterson Method practitioner, certified Equissage instructors, certified Equissage practitioners, equine bodywork, myofascial release, infrared photon light therapy, and Reiki.

HORSEBACK AND BODY Northampton, MA, (413) 320-7690 jobunny@comcast.net Massage therapy for horses, humans.

HORSE WELLNESS Waltham, MA, (617) 314-5768 www.horse-wellness.com Equine physiotherapist and acupuncturist certified in Germany; equine massage.

KIT CAT PHOTO & ANIMAL MASSAGE Central Mass., (636) 459-5478 kitcatmassage@gmail.com Certified equine and canine massage.

TOPLINE EQUINE MASSAGE Franklin, MA, (508) 254-7412 toplinemassage@yahoo.com Certified and insured.

ANDREW MORTIMER, EQDT Plainfield, MA, (413) 634-5656 amanda@bcn.net Health, performance floating, extractions.

EQUINE RESCUES ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BAY STATE EQUINE RESCUE Oakham, MA, (508) 882-3704 www.baystateequinerescue.org Providing for abused/neglected horses.

NORTHEAST EQUINE VETERINARY DENTAL SERVICES LEAH LIMONE, DVM Topsfield, MA, (978) 500-9293 www.nevds.com Licensed professional veterinary dentistry.

Routine preventive care, maintenance, diagnostics, extractions.

BLUE STAR EQUICULTURE DRAFT HORSE SANCTUARY Palmer, MA, (413) 289-9787 www.equiculture.org Helping horses, humans, and Mother Earth. Horse rescue and sanctuary.

EQUINE DIRECTORY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• JUST HORSES DIRECTORY Huntington, MA, (413) 667-3439 www.justhorses.com Southern New England, eastern New York.

EQUINE ENTERTAINMENT ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• DALE PERKINS/MESA FARM Rutland, MA, (508) 886-6898 www.daleperkinshorseshow.com Trick riding and much more.

CEDAR OAKS EQUINE RESCUE Plymouth, MA, (508) 728-9062 www.cedaroaksequinerescue.org Rescues and takes in horses in need.

CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND EQUINE RESCUE Central Mass., (978) 621-6717 www.cneer.com Rescuing abused, abandoned, neglected horses; restoring to heath and spirit.

LUCKY HORSE EQUINE RESCUE Bolton, MA, (978) 293-6153 www.luckyhorse.org Dedicated to the care of all equines.

NEVINS FARM, MSPCA Methuen, MA, (978) 687-7453 www.mspca.org Animal care and adoption center.

NEW ENGLAND EQUINE RESCUE NORTH West Newbury, MA, www.neernorth.org mary.martin@neernorth.org Equine assistance in Massachusetts.

EQUIPMENT ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BACON’S EQUIPMENT Williamsburg, MA, (413) 268-3620 Kubota, Yanmar, Stihl, Husqvarna. Sales and repairs for over 30 years.

EVENTING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• APPLE KNOLL FARM Millis, MA, (508) 376-2564 www.appleknoll.com Cross-country schooling, training, lessons, sales TMC EVENTING Ipswich, MA, (781) 244-9955 tiff316@yahoo.com Lessons, training, boarding, showing, clinics.

GRAIN AND BAGGED FORAGE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• AUBUCHON HARDWARE Webster, MA, (508) 949-2500 Purina, Mazuri, horse supplies, and more.

BLUE SEAL FEED (866) 647-1212 www.blueseal.com Feeds, supplements, forages, pasture mix.

PURINA (800) 227-8941 www.horse.purinamills.com Textured, pelleted feeds; supplements.

TRIPLE CROWN FEED (800) 451-9916 www.triplecrownfeed.com Feeds, forages, supplements.

GROOMING ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• SCRATCH N ALL (888) 9-SCRATCH, (888-972-7282) www.scratchnall.com An animal-enrichment scratching and grooming pad.

HAFLINGERS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• SOMMER HILL FARM Adams, MA, (413) 743-9301 sommerhaflingers@yahoo.com One Haflinger is never enough.

HAY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• JAY NOONE Serving New England, (413) 222-8286 hayjayhorses@yahoo.com Quality hay, local/long-distance horse transportation, stall mats, shavings.

HOOF CARE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BAREFOOT PERFORMANCE Williamsburg, MA, (413) 348-5798 betsymerritt@hotmail.com Orthopedic trimming and holistic lameness rehabilitation.

JOEY STETZ FARRIER SERVICE Blandford, MA, (413) 848-2336 www.ramona-farms.com Dependable, carring, ethical, and professional.

HORSES FOR SALE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CHIPAWAY STABLES Acushnet, MA, (508) 763-5158 www.chipawaystables.com Horses, ponies for sale; trailers, tack shop, ranch supplies, grain, hay, shavings; roping, penning, and sorting.

HERITAGE FARM Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-1612 www.farmheritage.com Auctions, sale horses, shows, clinics, boarding, lessons, and training.

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

Supplying NE with horses and ponies since 1967. Forty family, trail, and show horses to choose from. New loads every week.

We buy horses, take trade-ins and consignment horses. Great three-weekexchange guarantee. Find us on Facebook.

HUNTERS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BACK BAY FARM Ipswich, MA, (978) 356-0730 www.backbayfarm.com Equitation, clinics, boarding, training.

ORION FARM South Hadley, MA, (413) 532-9753 www.orionfarm.net Local to national champions, boarding, training, showing, ponies for sale.

WILD AIRE FARM Southbridge, MA, (508) 765-0641 www.wildairefarm.com Horse Power two-phases, hunter/jumper, and dressage shows.

INSTRUCTION/TRAINING •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BACK BAY FARM Ipswich, MA, (978) 356-0730 www.backbayfarm.com Lessons, boarding, training, and sales.

CRIMSON ACRES Orange, MA, (978) 575-0341 www.crimsonacres.org Boarding, training, lessons, clinics, camps.

CATHY DRUMM Pittsfield, MA, (413) 441-5278 www.cathydrumm.com Clinics, lessons, training, and more.

GRANDVIEW FARM Dighton, MA, (508) 410-5877 www.grand-view-farm.com Indoor instruction, training, showing, boarding.

JOYFUL RIDING Donna Moret, BHSII, (413) 588-8514 Develop centered, balanced, harmonious connections between you and your horse. Dressage, balance seat, trails.

DEE LOVELESS Monson, MA, (860) 208-6017 www.deeloveless.com Full-service dressage-training facility.

MORNING LIGHT FARM Brimfield, MA, (413) 563-3477 morninglightfarm.net Boarding, training, clinics, indoor, trails.

SANDY HILL FARM Florence, MA, (413) 535-7484 www.sandyhillriding.com Private riding lessons, all ages.

WHITE SPRUCE FARMS New Braintree, MA, (978) 257-4666 www.whitesprucefarms.com Dressage shows, instruction, all levels/ages.

MANURE REMOVAL •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MITRANO REMOVAL SERVICE Massachusetts, (978) 425-6181 www.mitranoremoval.com Manure removal for small and large farms; full stockpile removals.

MINIATURE HORSES, SUPPLIES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• STAR LAKES MINIATURE TACK Atlasburg, PA, (724) 947-9939 www.starlakefarm.com Complete line of Miniature horse tack.

NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BOB BURRELLI Plymouth, MA, (508) 224-9430 www.bobburrelli.com Licensed/certified horse trainer/clinician.

HORSE-MIND-SHIP: RJ SADOWSKI Plainfield, MA, (413) 634-8800 www.peacehavenfarm.com Clinics, colt starting, farm visits.

INSURANCE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A & B INSURANCE GROUP Westford, MA, (978) 399-0025 www.abinsgroup.com AFIS-designated equine insurance professionals.

IT’S A PLEASURE TRAINING Orange, MA, (978) 652-2231 www.itsapleasuretraining.com Starting horses under saddle and in harness correctly, 100% satisfaction.

CORINTHIAN INSURANCE AGENCY Medway, MA, (877) 250-5103 www.corinthianequine.com Equine protection specialists.

NORWEGIAN FJORDS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUE HERON FARM Charlemont, MA, (413) 339-4045 www.blueheronfarm.com Quality, purebred registered Fjords.

DON RAY INSURANCE Marshfield, MA, (781) 837-6550 www.donrayinsurance.com Farm, mortality, major medical and surgical, clubs, shows, instructors.

FARM FAMILY INSURANCE www.farmfamily.com Carver (508) 866-9150 Centerville (508) 957-2125 Dedham (781) 326-2002 Easthampton (413) 203-5180 Great Barrington (413) 528-1710 North Easton (508) 230-0995 Northborough (508) 393-9327 Southwick (413) 569-2307 Williamstown (413) 458-5584 Worcester (508) 752-3300 JUDGES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CARRIE CRANSTON Ashfield, MA, (413) 628-0152 equine79@msn.com 4-H, open shows, carded, references.

ED GOLEMBESKI Gill, MA, (413) 863-2313 riker119@comcast.net 4-H, open shows, clinics, lessons.

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

PAINT HORSES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BALMY ACRES Middleboro, MA, (508) 947-5085 www.balmyacres.com APHA/PtHA, pleasure, show, performance.

PHOTOGRAPHY •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• C A HILL PHOTO S. Dartmouth, MA (508) 789-0541 cahillphoto@gmail.com Equine, family, and farm photography in New England.

EDR PHOTOGRAPHY Auburn, NH (603) 548-5485 edrphotography@yahoo.com Equine/equestrian photographer for hire.

KIT CAT PHOTO & ANIMAL MASSAGE Central Mass., (636) 459-5478 kitcatmassage@gmail.com Horses, pets, people, portraits, events.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA N. Dighton, MA, (508) 863-0467 www.melissaroot.com Equine portrait photography and events.

PONY CLUBS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CENTRAL NEW ENGLAND PONY CLUB www.cne.ponyclub.org Central New England region.

RER PONIES - U.S. PONY CLUB CENTER Hatfield, MA, (413) 427-2026 www.rerponies.com Training, lessons, sales, Pony Club Riding Center, boarding, pony starting, tuneups.

SOUTHEASTERN PONY CLUB www.southeastern.ponyclub.org Southeast New England region.

QUARTER HORSES •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• SKYZ THE LIMIT PERFORMANCE HORSES Southwick, MA, (413) 297-1231 skyzthelimitph@yahoo.com AQHA Professional Horseman, boarding, lessons, training, sales.

REAL ESTATE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ALTHEA BRAMHALL HOMETOWN REALTORS North Quabbin Region, (617) 678-9300 althearealtor@gmail.com Real estate is more fun with horse people!

EQUINE HOMES — MARILYN LEARY Oakham, MA, (800) 859-2745 ext. 709 Specializing in equestrian, country properties.

EQUINE HOMES REAL ESTATE LLC MA and NH, (800) 859-2745 ext. 704 www.equinehomes.com sally@equinehomes.com Sally Mann, Realtor MA and NH. BERNICE GIARD, REALTOR/BROKER Oakham, MA, (508) 882-3900 oakham@charter.net Country properties.

RIDING APPAREL •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• COUNTRYSIDE FARM RIDING APPAREL Sterling, MA, (978) 235-4004 www.countrysideridingapparel.com Custom and in-stock riding apparel, equestrian jewelry, JPC dealer, used apparel; consignments welcome.

STABLES, FARMS, BOARDING •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CARRIER’S FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-0333 rcarrier0333@gmail.com Indoor, outdoor arenas, round pens, fields.

EMERALD FARM Bellingham, MA, (508) 966-2482 www.smithlyndequine.com Dressage, eventing, hunter, boarding, lessons, training, leases.

GLENCROFT FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-8026 kraymond24@hotmail.com Boarding, pastures, ring, trails, fields.

INDEPENDENCE STABLE Belchertown, MA, (413) 284-0371 www.independencestablellc.com Lessons, training, boarding, clinics, dressage schooling shows.

NEW MEADOWS FARM Pepperell, MA, (978) 502-0966 www.newmeadowsfarm.com Boarding, indoor, jump field, turnout, licensed instructor. Furnished one-bedroom appartment for rent on farm. No smoking, no pets. $800 per month plus heat.

Massachusetts Horse

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OLDE DARTMOUTH FARM South Dartmouth, MA, (774) 263-2845 www.oldedartmouthfarm.com Lessons, boarding, training, showing, transportation.

JENN’S TACK & BLANKET SERVICE (978) 340-5576 jennstackrepair@comcast.net Blanket cleaning, repair. Used blankets and tack for sale.

HAMPTON VETERINARY SERVICES Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-4414 thehorsedoctor@verizon.net Wellness care, dental, lameness, reproduction, digital radiography.

RAVENWOOD FARM Holden, MA, (978) 430-7946 www.ravenwoodfarmma.com Boarding, indoor, free-choice hay, lessons.

TACK SHOPS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CHESHIRE HORSE Swanzey, NH, (877) 358-3001 www.cheshirehorse.com English, western, feed, supplies, trailers.

NORTH SHORE EQUINE, PC Newburyport, MA, (978) 621-2641 northshoreequineoffice@comcast.net Excellent comprehensive equine veterinary care.

RIESLING STABLES Plymouth, MA, (508) 224-6533 www.rieslingstables.com 17 acres, 20 stalls, indoor/outdoor arenas, $650.

SUMMER CAMP •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT Chittenden, VT, (802) 483-2311 www.mountaintopinn.com Adults, children, camps, overnight accommodations.

TACK, BLANKET, HARNESS REPAIR •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BLUE DOG LEATHER (978) 544-2681 www.bluedogleather.com Quality repairs and custom work.

SMARTPAK RETAIL STORE Natick, MA, (508) 651-0045 www.smartpak.com/retailstore Tack, equipment, supplements, blankets, apparel, gear, gifts, clearance outlet.

VACATION RENTAL •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• MAINE LAKESIDE FARM Maine, (207) 266-6100 Weekly vacation rental with barn, pasture, and riding arena; ride and drive at Acadia National Park.

VETERINARIANS •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• FAMILY VETERINARY CENTER Haydenville, MA, (413) 268-8387 www.famvets.com Traditional and alternative care for dogs, cats, exotics, and horses.

advertiser index Absorbine ........................................ 51 A Classical Touch ............................ 47 Angel View Pet Cemetery ................ 59 Apple Knoll Farm ............................ 45 Aubuchon Hardware ....................... 35 Azrael Acres ................................... 48 Bacon’s Equipment ......................... 37 Bellwether Stables .......................... 50 Betsy Merritt ................................... 19 Blue Dog Leather ............................. 43 Blue Seal Feed ................................ 60 Bob Burrelli ..................................... 53 The Carriage Shed ............................ 2 Carousel Dressage Horses .............. 49 The Cheshire Horse .......................... 7 Coldwell Banker .............................. 52 Corinthian Insurance ........................ 12 Country Corral ................................. 23 Crimson Acres .................................. 53 Dee Loveless .................................... 53 Don Ray Insurance Agency ............... 15 Draft Horse Passion .................. 27, 50 Dragonfly Farm .................................48 Equine Affaire .................................. 44 Equine Equipment Savings ............. 33 Equine Homes ................................... 11 Equus Integrated Therapy ............... 52 Fairview Farms JJC ........................... 57 Family Veterinary Center ................. 29 Farm Credit East ............................... 21 Farm Family Insurance .................... 58 Greengate Hanoverians ................... 52 Hampton Veterinary Services .......... 53 Heritage Farm .................................. 13 Hometown Realtors ......................... 52 HorseBack and Body ....................... 53 Horse-Wellness.com ........................ 43 Independence Stable ...................... 53

It’s a Pleasure Training ................... 24 Jay Noone ....................................... 23 Jenn’s Tack and Blanket Service ....... 6 Joey Stetz Farrier Service ................. 41 Kloter Farms ...................................... 5 Massachusetts Horse Benefit Show . 34 Mitrano Removal Services ............... 53 Mountain Top Inn and Resort .......... 49 Myopia Hunt Show .......................... 40 Natural Balance Equine Dentistry ... 23 Northwoods Nickers Horse Treats ... 17 On the Road Trailers ....................... 42 Orion Farm ...................................... 57 Padula Brothers ............................... 25 ParaScreen.com ............................... 41 Peace Haven Farm ........................... 42 Purina Mills .................................... 39 RER Ponies ...................................... 52 Salty Dawg Equine Services .............. 6 Skyz the Limit Performance Horses . 24 SmartPak Saddlery ........................... 31 Smith-Worthington ............................ 10 SRH Veterinary Services .................. 52 Sunrise Pleasure Horse Show .......... 50 Susan Bartfay, CEMT ....................... 53 Three County Fair ............................ 47 Triple Crown ..................................... 4 Western Massachusetts Appaloosa Association ................................ 41 Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association ........... 43 White Spruce Farms ......................... 53 Wild Aire Farm ................................. 48 Xenophon Farm ............................... 46 Yered Trailers ................................. 29

Advertise for just $49 a year?

Yes!

AMY J. RUBIN, DVM Sunderland, MA, (413) 549-5511 rubinaj69@yahoo.com Wellness and lameness exams, vaccinations, dentistry, emergencies.

Have your business and/or services in Massachusetts Horse and on MAHorse.com for just $49 for the year.

Plus, you receive a free one-year subscription to Massachusetts Horse.

DR. ROBERT P. SCHMITT S. Deerfield, MA, (413) 665-3626 sdvc@aol.com Equine medicine, surgery since 1969.

VIDEO/DVD PRODUCTION •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ZZ CREATIVE VIDEO PRODUCTIONS Fitchburg, MA, (978) 345-7250 www.zzcreativevideo.com Horse show/events documentation, reasonable, professional, experienced.

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mahorse.com . 413.268.3302 56

August/September 2014

is this your horse?

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Mitch Greenwald, rockdalephoto.com

at mahorse.com

Is this your horse?

This photo was taken at the June 8 Antique Carriage Rally at Old Sturbridge Village. If this is your horse, contact us at win@mahorse.com for a month’s supply of SmartPaks and more from the Bay State’s very own SmartPak, smartpakequine.com.

Orion Farm

MASSACHUSETTS . FLORIDA

Now Accepting Boarders New 20,000 square-foot Facility!

ESTABLISHED 1988

e W he r Are Stars Born!

Full, Rough, or Semi-rough Board . All-day Turnout . Private Paddocks Minutes to Brimfield Trail System . Hot and Cold Wash Stall 100 x 200 Lighted Outdoor Arena . 160 x 80 Dust-free Indoor Arena 100 x 100 Outdoor Jumping Ring . Large Tack Room . Lounge Area Open Horse Shows . Jumper Nights . Two-phases

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

Programs Home of the Worcestershire Pony Club.

Afterschool Enrichment (September - June, 8-week sessions) Mommy and Me (Year-round, 4-week sessions) Diasy Riders and Cowboys (Year-round, 4-week sessions)

If you want to be the best, you have to train with the best!

Versatility and Desensitization (Meets weekly for six weeks)

Local to national champions, we can help you reach all of your riding goals.

All levels of lessons available for ages 4 and up, plus adults.

Quality horses and ponies for sale or lease. Boarding, training, and showing.

121 Haynes Hill Road, Brimfield, MA (413) 245-3083 • fairviewfarmsjjc.com

S. Hadley . (413) 532-9753 . www.OrionFarm.net Massachusetts Horse

57

58

August/September 2014

Over 33 Years of Service

Cremains available to family within 72 hours.

Massachusetts Horse

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MONROE, CT PERMIT

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

Brattleboro Agway 1277 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT (802) 254-8757 . achilleagway.net Bridgewater Farm Supply 1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357 bridgewaterfarm.com

Erikson’s Grain Mill 113 Main St., Acton (978) 263-4733 Essex County Co-op 146 S. Main St., Topsfield (978) 887-2309 essexcountycoop.net

Beaver Valley Farm 17 Main St., Pelham, NH (603) 635-2597 . beavervalleyfarm.net

Country Corral 35 Main St., Williamsburg (413) 268-0180 . countrycorralonline.com

Family Pet & Garden Center 14 Columbia Rd., Rte. 53, Pembroke (781) 829-2220

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

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

Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange Rte. 32, Gilbertville (413) 477-6913 hardwickfarmers.net

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Robbins Garden Center 28 Sutton Ave., Oxford (508) 987-2700 robbinsgarden.com Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926 sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com Thibault’s Poultry 92 N. Spencer Rd. Spencer (508) 885-3959