Massachusetts Horse August/September 2017

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

HORSE

August/September 2017 mahorse.com $4

ANNUAL IEA ISSUE

BEST ADVICE AND FAVORITE MEMORIES BAY STATE IEA TEAMS page 8

ALLISON SPRINGMAN

COACHING, KIDS, AND IEA page 14

GRAZING FIELDS FARM NATIONAL IEA CHAMPIONS

page 16

HAZEL GROVE TRAIL GUIDE

page 20

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August/September 2017

contents

August/September 2017

columns 18 Going with the Flow

8

Cora Shillinglaw

Horse Logic

16

20 Hazel Grove Agricultural Association Trail Guide

26 Overherd News in Our Community

40 Bay State Events Calendar 14

22

features 8

in every issue 16

Grazing Fields Farm

5 From the Publisher 7 Your Letters

Bay State IEA Riders

National Champion Upper School IEA Team

Lead Feature

Farm Feature

Best Advice and Favorite Memories

24 This Olde Horse 34 Partners 48 The Neighborhood

14

Allison Springman Coaching, Kids, and IEA Horseperson Feature

22 Auction Rescues

50 Is This Your Horse?

Saving One Horse at a Time Lend a Hoof

Massachusetts Horse

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CARVER 508.866.9150 Richard.Blair@farm-family.com

NORWOOD 781.255.2002 Francis_Bingham@farm-family.com

EASTHAMPTON 413.203.5180 Josh.Nadeau@farm-family.com

SOUTHWICK 413.569.2307 themasonagency@farm-family.com

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

TOPSFIELD 978.887.8304 Dale_Johnson@farm-family.com

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

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

From the Publisher

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State competitions; raising $60,500 for horse-related nonprofit groups through the Massachusetts Horse Benefit; providing free subscriptions to the members of 32 organizations and clubs; and we’re in our 16th year of publishing news, photos, event coverage, and more.

Join us September 23 for the Massachusetts Horse Benefit Adventure Trail in Wilbraham. All proceeds will go to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen. This event is a unique combi-

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Here’s to the waning days of summer. The hay is stacked in the barn and the light is changing. Carrots are growing sweet and delicious in the vegetable garden, almost ready for eating, mostly by my horses.

Enjoy!

Congratulations to Morgan Young who won the Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award at the Buckle Show at Balmy Acres in Middleboro.

Morgan rides with Crimson Pointe Equestrian in Middleboro under the instruction of Kayla Schone.

Want an award for your upcoming competition? To learn more, visit mahorse.com/junior-awards.

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HORSE vol. 16, no. 2 August/September 2017

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editor Kathaleen Emerson feature writers Nicole Birkholzer, Andrea Bugbee, Sophia Hall, Alessandra Mele, Cora Shillinglaw, Stacey Stearns contributors John Dougherty, Susan Goldfischer, Denise Kellicker, April Learned Suzy Lucine, Diane Merritt, Karen Morang, Jennifer Moreau, Laurie Neely Annamaria Paul, Katelyn Parsons, Molly Watson, Lisa Wohlleib reporters Alessandra Mele • (413) 949-1972 • alessandra@mahorse.com Cora Shillinglaw • (508) 737-6810 • shillinglawc@gmail.com Holly Jacobson • (978) 356-5842 • holly@mahorse.com Karen Morang • (508) 797-2828 • karen@mahorse.com advertising main office • (413) 268-3302 • ads@mahorse.com Advertising deadline for the October/November issue is September 10.

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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: We think the title, “MSPCA Nevins Farm: 100 Years; 10,000 Horses,” says it all. Thank you Massachusetts Horse for highlighting where we’ve come from over the past century and where we’re going in the next!

Julie Pesek, MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Methuen

To the editor: I read Massachusetts Horse from cover to cover every issue and find it very informative and helpful.

Sally Ploof, Orange

To the editor: It’s with great honor and thanks to our wonderful friends from Massachusetts Horse, that the Balmy Acres Buckle Show will once again be giving out the Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award! We’re so appreciative of the support and encouragement we receive from Massachusetts Horse!

Let us know your thoughts!

Angela Balmes, Balmy Acres, Middleboro

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All letters received by September 5 will be entered in the drawing. Send your letters to: steph@mahorse.com or Massachusetts Horse, 99 Bissell Rd., Williamsburg, MA 01096.

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Best Advice and Favorite Memories Bay State IEA Riders

Edward Dougherty

by Stephanie Sanders

Haley Whittaker of Middleboro riding Tari at a Briggs Stable western IEA show in Hanover.

I

n 2017, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) celebrates its 15th anniversary. IEA’s mission is to introduce students in middle- and high school to equestrian sports, and to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction. Through the IEA, students have the opportunity to earn scholarships toward their college education through awards in competition and sportsmanship activities.

The IEA season runs from September 1 to the national finals in late spring/early summer. The 2017/2018 Hunt Seat IEA Nationals will be April 20 to 22 in Syracuse, New York, and the Western IEA Nationals will be in conjunction with the National Reining Horse Association Derby in late June 2018 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

Last year, there were 883 riders that were part of 65 middle school and 70 upper school hunt-seat teams in Massachusetts; 110 riders that were part of 7 middle school and 7 upper school western teams; and 249 hunt-seat teams and 22 western teams comprised all of New England (Zone 1).

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Horse Ownership Not Required The unique aspect of IEA competitions, at both the local and national level, is that none of the riders supplies her or his own horse or tack. Instead, students get the horse, saddle, and other tack at the show. Horses are chosen by a random draw. Though the rider and horse have a brief opportunity to orient themselves just prior to the over-fences classes, in all other classes the horse is new to the rider, and there’s no warmup time before entering the competition area.

Riders watch the horses warm up (ridden by riders not competing that day) and hope to learn about the horse they may draw. Coaches receive a handout with tips on how each horse “goes,” if spurs or a crop is needed, or a light touch and quiet legs.

We asked Emily Rockwell of Norwell, who rides with the Briggs Stable hunt seat team in Hanover, what’s her favorite thing about riding in the IEA. “I would have to say that I most enjoy the excitement of not knowing what horse you will draw,” says Emily.

“Getting there early in the morning to watch all of them warm up and taking

notes. The variety of horses is great and riding the different ones makes every rider stronger. ” “Don’t stress about riding a new horse,” says Audrey Keenan of Marshfield, who rides on the Briggs Stable western team. “It can be really nerve wracking when you’re on a horse that you don’t know, but it can also be nerve wracking for the horse that’s having a bunch of new riders on it. Just stay calm, cool, and collected and have fun.

I love the experience of not knowing what horse you will get and being surprised at how you do with a horse you’ve never ridden.”

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” says Netta Crombie of Florence, who rides on the Fox Meadow Farm hunt seat IEA team in Holyoke. “It’s a welcoming community where everyone’s main goal is to have fun and get experience. It’s not all about winning ribbons, it’s about the connection you make with the other riders, horses, and coaches.”

Hailey Boisvert of East Longmeadow rides on the Hopkins Biscuit Hill Heartland team in western Massachusetts and says, “Be confident and have a ton of fun!”

Levels of Competition

Best Advice

In hunt-seat competitions, there are five over-fences classes with fences no higher than three feet, and numerous flat equitation classes. Western riders show in horsemanship and reining.

Both disciplines offer a variety of ability levels — beginner, novice, intermediate, and open.

Middle school teams are for riders in grades 6–8; upper school teams are for riders in grades 9–12.

The scores are based on horsemanship and equitation, not the horse.

Each rider can compete in a maximum of five shows a year and, depending on her ability, one or two classes per show.

Points are tracked for individual rider’s accomplishments, as well as team performance — earning points to qualify for regional, zone, and national finals.

In hunt seat, riders and teams qualify to compete at regional, zone, and national competitions — narrowing down the field to those few invited to the IEA Hunt Seat National Finals. In Zone 1, qualifying western riders and teams compete in the zone competition and then go on to the Western IEA National Finals.

“Read the rulebook and decide what your goals are,” says 13-year-old Eliza Watson of Westfield, who rides on the Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center’s hunt seat team. “Do you want to just ride more and improve skills or do you want to qualify for regionals and beyond? Take ownership of your dream.”

“The more horses you ride, the more prepared you will be for IEA,” says Emily. “The horses range from easy to difficult and all have different ways they prefer to be ridden. The more horses you practice with, the more comfortable you will be with the horse you draw.”

“Listen to your coach, cheer on your teammates, practice, and make the best of every ride,” says Lizzy Hardy of Orange, who rides on the Crimson Acres western team in Orange. “Getting to ride different horses each time really tests your skills.”

“Don’t stress out too much,” says Maura Gannon of Lancaster. Maura rides on the Crimson Acres western team. “There will always be another chance to show what you know. This is a learning experience. It’s not the end of

Hillside Meadows Hunt Seat & Western Teams The Hillside Meadows IEA hunt seat upper and middle school teams are coached by Sheila Brady and the western upper and middle school teams are coached by Amber Woodruff.

ons lati on u t gra ran Con an Mo 016 & 2 h s Meg ing the tional a n N der win IEA 7 r Ri 201 ossove d!

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the world if you have one bad day; now you know what you have to work on and work toward.”

“My favorite thing about IEA is the experience and knowledge it gives a rider,” says Maura. “Not only do you grow as a rider, but you also learn valuable lessons for life. I’ve personally been improving my confidence by riding unfamiliar horses and I’ve seen my teammates grow as well.”

“Ride as many horses as you can,” says Madison Hurlburt of Orange, who rides with the Crimson Acres western team. “This is so important. Every horse is different and you’ll ride so many different types. Forward, lazy, all of it. It’s the best part of IEA — getting to ride so many horses! When you draw a difficult horse and are able to ride through it, it’s so rewarding. It’s such an amazing experience.”

“The one piece of advice I would give to someone joining an IEA team is to always listen to your coach and always smile even if you’re not having the ride of your life,” says Haley Whittaker of Middleboro, who rides on the Briggs Stable team.

“Sometimes a horse misbehaves in one class because the rider and the

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horse don’t click,” says Rachel Austin of Belchertown, who rides on the Fox Meadow Farm hunt seat team. “It’s not necessarily that the horse misbehaves all the time. I enjoy the different horses you get to ride with different abilities and personalities.”

“Don’t be upset if your ride doesn’t go as planned,” says Alaina Dacko of Medway, who rides on the August Farm hunt seat team. “IEA is meant to be a learning experience. Don’t think of it as wanting the blue ribbon, think of it as setting goals and trying your hardest to complete them!”

Nicole Normandin of Williamsburg rides with the Williston Fuller hunt seat team in Westhampton and says, “I like that you’re able to show for yourself and for your team, because at most regular horse shows it is all individual showing and placing.”

“IEA is all about equitation so pay attention to yours, even if you’re just riding for fun,” says Ceilidh Scott of Milton, who rides on the Briggs Stable team.

Teammates and Friendships “If you join IEA, you make so many memories and have so much fun,” says Emily. “Our team has grown really close

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August/September 2017

Alaina Dacko of Medway riding Moo at the Dana Hall School hunt seat IEA show in Wellesley.

Molly Watson

Kendall Crutchfield

over the past few years. You learn such valuable lessons about teamwork and also how you win some and lose some.

And, you meet some amazing horses along the way.”

“I always feel supported whenever I’m at a show or even in my home ring,” says Netta. “I love my teammates and my coach, I love the horses, and I love the organization as a whole. IEA has really helped me progress as a rider and as a teammate. I’m so thankful for my coach and my team, and happy that I have the opportunity to ride with such amazing people.”

“I really enjoy having the opportunity to ride so many different horses and visit different barns,” says Eliza.

“IEA makes what’s typically an individual sport a team activity.”

“The best thing about IEA is having a group of people who support the passion of riding and having a team who will always have your back,” says Haley.

“I love the team bonding at shows and lessons. We all support each other and share the passion to ride. Joining an IEA team has been an incredible experience and it has made me a stronger rider.”

“What I like best about IEA is being

Eliza Watson of Westfield rides on the Mount Holyoke College hunt seat IEA team.

Massachusetts Horse

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Rachel Austin of Belchertown rides on the Fox Meadow Farm hunt seat IEA team.

surrounded by my amazing teammates and coach,” says Alaina. “Everyone supports each other and we’re really just like a big family!”

“Become close with lots of the members on your team because there will be lots of long, cold, and tiring days spent with them,” says Nicole.

“I love just being friends with my teammates and joking around with them,” says Ceilidh. “One of my teammates invited the entire team to her sweet sixteen party. I had a great time dancing and being silly.”

How Much Does It Cost?

Less than owning a horse! Each rider must annually join the IEA; for the 2017–2018 school year, the membership fee is $55. Coaches and teams must also pay membership fees to the nonprofit IEA. Most IEA teams have a set number of required weekly riding lessons. At the shows, the entry fee per class ranges from $30 to $45. Riders pay a coaching fee at each show as well. The IEA does offer financial assistance: visit rideiea.org to download the forms.

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August/September 2017

Making Memories “My favorite memory with my IEA team would have to be our jump building competition,” says Emily. “We had a team contest for building a new jump.

We each sketched a jump set and the winner got their jump built and it’s in the indoor arena to jump. We had so much fun brainstorming ideas and waiting for the winner. It wasn’t so much about who won but that we got a new jump set that was extra special to the team.”

“There was terrible weather at a horse show,” says Netta describing her favorite memory. “The show was almost two hours from home, our team was tired and cold, yet we all kept our spirits high and kept riding. We were so supportive of each other and that was really a turning point for our team to really start connecting more.”

“My favorite memory of my IEA team is after we had an IEA show at our barn, we went back in the barn after cleaning up and started to play games like four corners and human knot,” says Audrey.

“My favorite memory is actually unmounted,” says Eliza. “I spent a day with my friend Maggie prepping for our

horse show, doing chores, putting materials together, and cleaning up the horses. It was really fun.”

“My favorite memory with my IEA team was going to regionals,” says Alaina. “We were there all day and cheering on the high school kids early in the morning all the way to the middle school kids competing in the last class. It was awesome to hang out all day and talk about our rides and what we can improve on. And, we had three riders make it to zones!

“Overall, IEA is a great experience for everyone. You learn a lot and it’s a good way to improve your riding and make new friends!”

“I do love the late nights, early mornings, and telling jokes that make no sense when we’re all overtired,” says Maura. “Those are the things that I remember the most. We’re far from perfect, but we come together and work hard for a passion we all share.”

Stephanie is the publisher of Massachusetts Horse and Connecticut Horse. She lives in the foothills of the Berkshires on Pocketful of Ponies Farm with her two Haflinger mares, two Miniature geldings, two eventing horses currently sharing the pastures for the grazing season, and four adorable kitties.

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Massachusetts Horse

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Easthampton

Horseperson Feature

Allison Springman Coaching, Kids, and IEA

by Andrea Bugbee

R

emember the last time you rented a car? You pulled out of the lot full of confidence because, heck, you know how to drive.

But then you couldn’t find the directionals, and goodness those brakes were sensitive, and where was the cruise control, anyway?

Welcome to the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, or IEA. It’s the middle- and high school equestrian sport that challenges teams of riders to mount unfamiliar horses and, figuratively, find where all the “buttons” are.

But, unlike rental cars, horses have minds and moods of their own, and these riders must decode each horse’s individual mien in a matter of minutes — while being judged.

For equestrian coach Allison Springman, the IEA challenge fits perfectly with her passions, which are riding horses and teaching kids. As a paraprofessional at Hatfield Elementary School and a riding instructor at Heritage Farm in Easthampton, Allison (everybody calls her “Alli”) gets to do both.

“During the day I get to teach kids not on horses, and then I get to come to Heritage and teach kids on horses,” says Alli, during a chat in the cool, shady aisle of Heritage’s main barn. “I love to see how kids love to learn. I love to see them grow . . . not just the growth in the rider, the growth in the person, too. And I love to see how horses have helped some of the kids. I love to see how horses have impacted their lives.”

Making Massachusetts Home A Williamstown native, Alli’s path to Heritage Farm came via a detour through New Jersey where she was an equine studies major with a concentration in teaching and training at Centenary College in Hackettstown, New Jersey. “Horses were part of my life from the get-go,” Alli says, so it was natural for her not only to attend what her IEA kids call “horse school,” but also to join Centenary’s Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (ISHA) team. This talented equestrian qualified for nationals three of the four years she was in college, and she rode for Centenary’s 14

August/September 2017

American National Riding Commission (ANRC) team as well.

After college, Alli spent a year working as a groom at Spring Hill Farm, a competitive hunter barn in Frenchtown, New Jersey. In 2005, she came home to Massachusetts after

pleasure, competition, camps, English, western, and lessons. Douglas is also an equine dentist and a USEF judge.

Brother David runs an auction company. He’s the quick-talking cowboy who calls Heritage’s horse auctions.

Diane manages the lesson program and

accepting a position as barn manager and riding instructor at Heritage Farm, a western Massachusetts stable in Easthampton. Once at Heritage, Alli’s horse world expanded in exactly the way that her IEA riders’ world is expanded. She had become part of a stable where variety is status quo.

much of the farm’s day-to-day business.

“We paint with a pretty broad brush,” says Diane, waiting for the next of her afternoon lessons to arrive. The farm teaches both English and western riding. They have kept cows and hosted team penning clinics and events. They have buyers and boarders, lessees and lessoners. They host horse auctions and horse shows. In the quieter moments, they travel to hunter paces, to Western New England Professional Horseman’s Association shows, to trail rides, and to clinics.

“That’s the thing about Heritage,” says Alli, “you get to see the western.

You get to see the cows. You get to see the English. You see different horses.

You see different types of riders. You see a little bit of everything. I’m not saying that we have it all, but for me and for a lot of the kids, we have quite a bit.”

According to coach Alli, it’s that constant variety that gives her IEA team a boost. Let’s go back to the car analogy here. If you always drive a Ford, you learn how to drive a Ford. But if you work on a dealer’s lot and hop into dif-

Barn of All Trades If you’re a Massachusetts Horse reader, chances are you’ve either read about or attended a Heritage Farm auction at some point in your life. Semi-annual horse and tack auctions are part of the seasonal cycle there. With tides of sale horses and prospective buyers flowing in and out, the stable has no choice but to be well kept and well managed. It’s not fancy, but golly it’s active.

Heritage is a second-generation horse farm run by David, Douglas, and Diane Raucher, where each sibling wears a different, um, helmet. David and Douglas buy horses from across the country, sometimes from brother Dennis in Missouri. They bring in 300 to 400 horses a year to sell or lease for

ferent makes and models every month, then you learn how to drive.

“Our kids get to ride a bunch of different horses because there are sale horses in and out of here,” Diane says.

“We don’t just put any rider on any horse, but they do get a lot of experience. A lot of barns have to decide which horse to buy. Here, we have to decide which ones not to sell.”

That Family Feeling Alli’s love of teaching kids, not just teaching riding, is another charm that touches this team. “We’re not very competitive,” Alli says, shrugging. “We go to five shows, we do our best, and we see what it brings.” Despite her focus on growth rather than winning, Alli’s team has qualified for regionals in four of the last seven years, and Heritage has had an individual rider at nationals every year since the team started in 2010. In 2011, Heritage’s Indra RapinchukSouccar won the Middle School Future Intermediate over fences at nationals.

“IEA takes time and energy and effort,” says Alli. “I want [our team] to be better as riders, as people, to learn from their mistakes. At this age, you have to learn what it’s like to win and what it’s like not to win. That’s hard when you’re a kid. Having a small team helps.

Because we’re small, the kids feel like they’re a family. There’s a lot of support for each other. They respect each other.”

Andrea Egitto of Florence is an IEA parent whose daughter, Nicole Jablon, has ridden with Heritage’s team all four years of high school. “Alli’s really made a great team, which has been wonderful for these girls,” Andrea says. “There’s a sense of taking care of each other. They work together. The older girls take care of the younger girls. It really gave the girls a sense of ownership of the team — a real caring and tenderness for each other.”

That family feeling is something that both Alli and Diane (who also teaches the team) seem to naturally instill. Phrases like, “she grew up here,” “she’s homegrown,” and “she’s one of ours,” mark their conversations as if they were two favorite aunties at a family reunion. When talking about the cocoaching she does with Alli, Diane extends the family metaphor farther.

“We bounce ideas off each other,” she says. “It would be hard to be an only instructor, just like it would be hard to be an only parent.”

Well. Heritage is a family business, after all.

Improvement, Confidence, and a Smart Ride Being part of a family is great, but as an instructor, Alli also stands on her own.

“She’s very personable,” says 14-year-old Hannah Porter of Easthampton. “She starts the conversation. She gets to know you as a person. When she criticizes you, she doesn’t just tell you what you’re doing wrong, she tells you how to fix it.”

When Hannah qualified for nationals last year, her dad, Scott, says that Alli was immediately on the phone figuring out logistics. “She never questioned not doing it,” he says. “She took the time away from her life and her family to travel down to Virginia with Hannah.

That was really, really nice.”

“I can safely say that Alli’s shaped me into the rider I am today,” says Nicole Jablon, who started on Heritage’s western IEA team when she was in middle school, then switched to the English team in high school.

“English is where I really fell in love with riding. She made it fun. She made it exciting.” Now a graduated senior headed to the University of Arizona, Nicole says, “Alli’s really given me a lot of skills that I can take with me across the country. She’s brought me so far.

She’s always been so confident, so sure that I could improve, that there’s space for me to move forward.”

Nicole, Hannah, and their parents all commented on Alli’s ability to teach her riders to improve without dwelling on what’s not going right. “She’s great at explaining how to do it without telling me that I’m doing it badly,” Nicole says.

After all the work and fun, the preparation and the fundraising, when it’s finally show time, Alli coaches her team into the present. She offers tips on how to ride the horse they draw and the course they’ll jump that day. She reminds them to pay attention and ride every minute rather than letting nerves turn them into deer in headlights.

“I want them to think about what they’re doing,” Alli says. “Whenever they walk into the ring the last thing I say is, ‘Ride smart!’ ” Andrea Bugbee is a Pony Club mom, an IEA mom, and a backyard horse enthusiast. She does most of her writing while she waits for her daughter in the parking lots of numerous wonderful stables scattered throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

Blue Dog Leather 64 South Shore Dr., Orange, Mass.

978.544.2681 bluedogleather.com Massachusetts Horse

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Farm Feature Buzzards Bay

by Cora Shillinglaw

Grazing Fields Farm National Champion Upper School IEA Team

A

six years. “Jen is such a successful IEA coach because she’s personable, flexible, and educated,” says Nicole. “She’s someone that her students can approach and talk to whenever we need, no matter the topic. She’s a great friend as well as a coach. She also tries her best to make things work for everyone. There are a variety of practice times and locations to make things flow

Coaching for Success Jen’s secret to success is all about horsemanship and sportsmanship and it’s the focus of her teaching philosophy. It’s all about the horses; these young women would not be where they are today if it wasn’t for the fabulous horses in the IEA program. Jen teaches her riders that the horses’ needs come before their own even when its freezing outside

Pamela Denholm

s I venture down the driveway to Grazing Fields Farm, the atmosphere is busy with lessons, horses in wash stalls enjoying a cool down after a good ride, and, in the distance, I see a picnic table surrounded by young women giggling and excitedly talking over one another. As I approach the picnic table the laughter begins to subside and we make our introductions.

The Grazing Fields Farm team at IEA Nationals from left to right: Hannah Grey, Katelyn Billington, Sydney Letendre, Nicole Lindquist, Jen Sullivan, Bella Huckemyer, April Denholm, Emily Hay, Rachel Egan, Keelin Shanley, Sarah Smith, Anna Kelly, and Julie Kelly.

The Grazing Fields Farm Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team has 34 riders who attend a variety of middle- and high schools in and around Buzzards Bay. Three middle school riders, Keelin Shanley, Sarah Smith, and Anna Kelly, and five upper school riders, Katelyn Billington, April Denholm, Emily Hay, Sydney Letendre, and Nicole Lindquist qualified for nationals. Jen Sullivan has been the coach since the team’s inception six years ago and has developed the team from the ground up.

The conversation begins to flow as the young women relive the incredibly successful 2016/2017 IEA season — the upper school team won the national title in April. It becomes immediately evident that the girls view coach Jen as more than just a coach — she’s their friend, instructor, leader, and supporter.

More Than a Coach Nicole Lindquist graduated from Plymouth South High School in June and has been riding with coach Jen on the Grazing Fields Farm IEA team for 16

August/September 2017

just a bit easier for both riders and our parents as we all have such busy schedules. She’s also very aware of the importance of correct riding, horsemanship, and sportsmanship, and always makes a point to bring these to light in thoughtful and tactful ways. Jen is incredible and I’m very thankful to have had her as my IEA coach.”

Team captain Hannah Grey has very similar sentiments when speaking about coach Jen. Hannah has been riding on the team for five years and she’s a recent graduate from Rising Tide Charter Public School in Plymouth.

“Jen is such a great coach because this isn’t just a business for her, it’s very personal,” says Hanna. “She genuinely cares about every rider on the team both in and outside of the barn and that makes us trust her and want to work for her. I can’t even talk about being on a [college] team without her next year without crying because over the years Jen and I developed an incredible relationship. She really is one of my best friends.”

and you’ve been at a barn showing for 12 hours.

“The IEA horses are like saints, they really are amazing,” says Jen. “It really comes down to the horsemanship and it’s also about respecting the horses and what these horses can do. My riders know that they don’t say one bad thing about the horses, the horse is always right. If anything goes wrong it’s the rider’s fault. You don’t talk about getting a bad draw, getting a bad judge, it comes down to horsemanship and sportsmanship.”

“Everything is positive,” says Jen, “there’s no crying at the in-gate, none of that. My riders know if they need to take a second they can go take a moment and walk away. You take that moment and come back happy and positive and you finish the day.”

Jen also recognizes that she can only push her riders so far and the rest is up to how competitive they are and how hard they will push themselves.

Her riders have developed lifelong lessons of accountability and an internal drive for success.

“I emphasize that they’re athletes — you go to the gym, you run, you work out — you have to be strong, you can’t be weak,” says Jen. “I have the girls sign a contract to hold them accountable. They’re required to ride in at least one practice a week and can do as many practices as they want.

Before the post season they would lesson with me a few times a week on top of their other weekly lessons. These girls all ride at least once a day, if not more. This year we stepped it up quite a bit; they practiced an insane amount. In lessons, most of it is no stirrups and tons of sitting trot with their stirrups.”

“Team members get to ride a ton of different horses,” says Jen. “Kathy Fletcher, Grazing Fields Farm’s owner, is really great about letting the girls practice on school horses so they get that experience of adjusting to many different rides.”

Benefits Beyond Horsemanship All of the girls have taken away more than just a national title from this season. “Being on the Grazing Fields Farm IEA team, I learned how important it is to embrace every individual strength in order to better a whole,” says Nicole.

“The lesson of striving for a greater, bigger picture rather than simply improving oneself is very significant, and one I’m thankful to have learned in my time on the team.”

“I learned how to talk to people,” says Hannah. “I used to be shy, but I would have to talk to show managers, stewards, other coaches for assorted reasons. You don’t have to have the best to be the best. Not only is that a wonderful thing to remember in the horse world, but in the real world too.”

“Being a part of this team has helped me with my confidence,” says Emily Hay, a freshman at Marshfield High School. “Before joining the team, I was not only nervous going into the [show] ring but I was nervous when meeting new people. This team has helped me to be able to walk into the [show] ring on any horse and feel confident. I’m also able to help welcome any new riders onto our team.”

The IEA show season runs through the coldest and darkest time of year in Massachusetts. Imagine showing up at the barn at 4 a.m., it’s dark and the temperature is a balmy five degrees.

The girls are loading horses into trailers, packing up tack trunks, and filling hay nets, all with words of encouragement and smiles on their faces.

April Denholm, a freshman at Norfolk High School, has been riding on the team for two years. She sums up the horse show morning experience perfectly. “Horse shows are all about early mornings, road trips, and long days,” says April. “Don’t ask the riders, just ask their moms and dads. Nothing says, ‘I’m going to a horse show’ like waiting outside Dunkin Donuts at four a.m. on a freezing cold winter morning, waiting for them to roll up the shutters so that your mom can get a cup of coffee before sitting in a drafty indoor arena for eight hours.”

The Road to Nationals Each team member can compete in up to five IEA shows during the regular season from September to February with the goal of qualifying for the post

“I’ve watched these girls since the beginning of the season and what they’ve done is just incredible.”

Hannah Grey, IEA team captain

season. Since Grazing Fields Farm is in a small region, finding the opportunity for each rider to compete in five shows has proven to be a bit of a challenge for coach Jen. Her persistence and perseverance paid off in a big way for her team and her riders.

The Grazing Fields Farm IEA team was well on their way to qualifying for regionals with Emily Hay, a freshman at Marshfield High School, and Sydney Letendre, a freshman at Plymouth North High School, both qualifying for regionals at their first three shows of the season.

Regionals were held at the end of February at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley. Grazing Fields Farm had a strong showing with both the middle school and high school teams proving that their endless hours of training, early mornings, and enduring freezing temperatures all paid off.

Zones took place in the beginning of April at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. The girls knew this was another opportunity to showcase their talent, dedication, and determination and that’s exactly what they did.

“Every team member pushed themselves, we worked hard, and trained hard,” says April. “We held each other

accountable and we practiced on each other’s horses. Our secret sauce was also our captain. Hannah kept us organized. She allowed us to give our full attention to our coach, she helped us focus, and be our best in the show ring.”

When asked what was different about this year, what made this year’s team so successful, Jen says, “It was all of them individually coming together as a team.”

Emily agrees that teamwork was key to their success. “In doing this, we were all able to help each other in areas we struggled with while also helping us show our strengths,” says Emily. “All of these girls helped me to feel confident every time I rode into that ring.”

The second to last week of April the Grazing Fields Farm IEA team was on their way to nationals at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington.

Team members who brought home ribbons in the team classes include: Varsity Intermediate Over Fences 2' Team champion, Katelyn Billington; Junior Varsity Novice Over Fences Cross Rails Team champion, April Denholm; Junior Varsity Beginner on the Flat Team fifth place, Sydney Letendre; Future Beginner on the Flat Team seventh place, Sarah Smith; Varsity Intermediate on the Flat Team fifth place, Katelyn Billington; and Future Intermediate on the Flat Team sixth place, Anna Kelly. Additionally, Katelyn Billington brought home fifth in the Varsity Intermediate on the Flat Individual.

“I’ve watched these girls since the beginning of the season and what they’ve done is just incredible,” says Hannah. “They all got so much stronger and I’m incredibly proud. This being my last IEA season, I wanted to go out with a bang and being captain of a national championship team, I can’t imagine a better way to end it. Being a part of it was just so rewarding. It showed that all the extra early mornings when I got up to just be there for Jen and the girls, and the late nights spent in front of a computer screen organizing our team made a difference, and it was all worth it. I mean, I would do it all again with or without a national title. It was really rewarding.”

A native of Cape Cod, Cora currently resides in Wellfleet with her husband, two rescue dogs, and her horse Braveheart. Cora is a threee-day eventer and works for SmartPak in the IT department.

Massachusetts Horse

17

Horse Logic

W

hen I was 11 years old, all my dreams came true. I was offered a free lease of a horse.

Her name was Burton Candy’s a.k.a.

Cindy.

Cindy was a New Forest Pony — dark brown with a chocolate brown muzzle. She belonged to a family in town who had three other horses. Two of the horses were leased to older girls from the neighborhood, the third, Rocket, a pony, belonged to Sylvia, the family’s daughter.

Sylvia and I became fast friends and spent every waking hour we were not in school or doing homework with our horses.

Every day after school we mucked and fed and rode, and on weekends we filled our fanny packs and took off for the day.

Looking back, every time I hopped on my bicycle to go and see Cindy, my mind was focused on nothing but Cindy, and when I turned the corner and saw her standing in the pasture my heart expanded. Every. Time.

When Sylvia and I brought the horses in from the field, we loosely tied them to a hitching post and got to work. If it was mud season we’d grab a rubber currycomb and, with some elbow grease, clean our horses. If the weather was warm and the horses were clean we’d grab a little bucket and two sponges, one to wash our horses’ faces, the other to clean the teats and in between, and any dried manure stuck to their behind.

On rainy days we brought the horses into the stalls adjacent to the tack room and sat in front of the stalls, under the covered roof, to clean our tack. Cindy’s and Rocket’s heads would be hanging out over the Dutch doors, releasing shuddering breaths, deeply relaxed in the company of their humans.

It’s the gift of our younger selves, the ability to go with the flow — to assess a situation and come up with a plan that fits the circumstance. It didn’t 18 August/September 2017

matter what we did, as long as we did it with our horses. We decided from our heart, not our head.

That flow gets interrupted when we eventually decide to become more formal in our horse adventure. Once we get serious about lessons, showing, and competing, we arrive at the barn with a

took one look at Duke and sighed.

Duke’s right side was covered in dried mud. From the edge of his eye socket to the dock of his tail his flea-bitten gray coat was murky brown.

Frustrated, Sandra pushed the halter over Duke’s ears, marched him to the grooming area, and got to work.

One eye on the clock, Sandra curried, brushed, and wiped, working up a sweat.

Duke, sensing Sandra’s rush, got antsy himself and stepped forward until he hit the end of the cross ties. Sandra pulled on the halter to have Duke step back, to which he responded by stepping forward again.

After Duke repeated the behavior twice more, Sandra was tired of the dance.

She eyed Duke, decided he was clean enough, skipped the hoof picking, grabbed the saddle, quickly tightened the girth, switched the halter for a bridle, and went into the arena to ride for 20 minutes before she had to head out for a meeting.

At the mounting block Duke refused to step up. After pulling the reins left and right a few times Sandra had him positioned close enough so she could mount.

Sandra’s ride was utterly dissatisfying. Duke spooked a few times in the corner where the jumping poles are stored, and when Sandra asked him to trot, he seemed choppy and somewhat distracted, so much so that Sandra retreated to walking only. Sandra was annoyed because she had planned to work on improving her extended sitting trot.

When she got off Duke she was frustrated with herself and with Duke, and wished that she had spent the last hour in the office preparing for her upcoming meeting. She brought Duke to his stall, took off his halter and left.

Driving down the driveway she hoped her next visit would be more gratifying.

Maria Itina

by Nicole Birkholzer

Going with the Flow

plan. And, as we get older, our lives are more complicated and we have more on our mind. We’ve a preconceived notion of what we want to accomplish, and we most likely are not paying much attention to what our horse is experiencing while we plot and plan.

Often the result is that both horse and human feel not heard and seen, leading to a misunderstanding that creates a riff in the relationship. We may go through the motions of horse ownership without the heart-warming effects that drew us to horses in the first place.

Mud and Mayhem Sandra got a pony at age seven, graduated to a horse at 12, gave up riding when she went to college, and reconnected with horses when she turned 40.

Inspired by the boarders at the barn, she bought Duke, a 15-year-old Quarter Horse, so she could join the others on trail rides.

As the vice president of a local bank, Sandra’s time with her horse is limited. When she arrived at the barn one weekday afternoon, with less than an hour to groom, tack, and ride, she

Stems and Serenity Mary, a part-time clerk at the town office, married with ten-year-old twins, went to the barn the same day as Sandra. When Mary arrived at the pasture, her horse Callie, a Morgan, looked like a hot mess. Rolling in her pasture, Callie had picked up a bunch of goldenrod stems that were now skillfully woven into her tail hair. Mary called out to Callie, “Girlfriend, what did you do to yourself? We better get you cleaned up before you get chased by your own tail.” She took the halter off the fence hook and asked Callie to place her muzzle into it so they could walk up to the barn together.

In the grooming stall, Mary took a deep breath and realized that riding was certainly out of the question until Callie’s tail was free of debris. A tail covered in foreign objects could easily turn into a predator-like experience for Callie, especially if she was in her hot-totrot mode.

With only an hour before she had to pick up the twins at school, Mary surrendered to the notion that she might not have enough time for a ride, but at least she could spend the time removing the sticks and hang out with her mare. She squeezed some detangler out of a tube and got to work.

As Mary brushed out strand by strand, Callie dropped her head, blew out a few deep breaths, and cocked her hind leg. Mary noticed, and realized the debris stuck in her tail had stressed Callie more than she had let on. Mary was glad Callie was able to release some of the tension through the repetitive motion of the brush.

Once Callie’s tail was flowing, Mary grabbed a rubber curry comb, one of Callie’s favorites, and let her mare sniff it. Immediately Callie moved her head up inviting Mary to curry the underside of her neck. After the little massage Mary took the curry to the underside of Callie’s belly, and that caused the mare to wiggle her upper lip, showing how good it felt to be curried. Next, with a soft brush, Mary put on the finishing touches. As Mary gently followed the direction of the cowlick on her forehead, Callie nuzzled Mary’s hand in reciprocation.

When Mary reached for the hoof pick, Callie lifted her left front hoof ready for the picking. One, two, three, four . . . once the hooves were clean Mary looked at the clock and was surprised that she still had 20 minutes before she needed to leave the barn.

She didn’t have enough time to tack and ride, but she could hop on Callie bareback to take a spin around the farm.

As they approached the mounting block Mary took a deep breath and Callie followed suit. At the mounting block Callie stood like a statue, and when the two of them arrived at the path in between the pines, Mary felt so connected with Callie that she forgot about the fiery trot her Morgan mare usually displayed and eased into a beautiful extended trot without losing her balance.

After their short but sweet ride, Mary brought Callie back to the pasture, gave her a little scratch under the chin, and told her, “See you tomorrow.”

As Mary headed down the driveway, she realized that, as short as it was, this had been her favorite ride on Callie.

These two examples show that horses are energy sponges. When we stress because something is not going according to our perfectly hatched plan — inclement weather, a muddy horse, a lost shoe — our horse not only picks up on it, but is affected by it. When, instead of going with the flow we resist what is, our horse becomes resistant, too.

However, if we meet our horse in the now, just as we did when we were younger, with all the realities that encompass that very now, we’re literally guided to the best outcome possible, as Mary and Callie showed us.

Nicole Birkholzer is a horse advocate, animal communication expert, and the author of Pet Logic. Nicole is pioneering a new approach to horsemanship where horses are honored as soul companions and partners. To learn more about Nicole’s services go to nicolebirkholzer.com.

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Massachusetts Horse

19

Groton

by Stacey Stearns

Trail Guide

Hazel Grove Agricultural Association

T

Jack McCrossan, jackmccrossan.com

than 30 percent of the land in the town but you’ll need to back your trailer in. he 14-acre Hazel Grove Park in From the town forest, you can use Groton is primarily an equestrian of Groton is protected open space — most of which is accessible to the public Fitch’s Bridge — a fairly new, and park with a half-mile Standardvia an extensive trail network.” equine-safe footbridge — to cross the bred training track, infield cross-counThe Groton Riding and Driving Nashua River and ride the trails in try course, two enclosed arenas for Club, founded in 1932, calls Hazel Hazel Grove Park as well. However, I groundwork, and extensive trail riding Grove Park home, as does the Groton recommend purchasing a membership options. The cross-country course has Pony Club and Nashoba Valley Pony or day pass and parking at Hazel Grove 13 series of jumps with approximately Club. There are some small barns on Park.

35 jumping efforts. Heights vary from 12" to 3'. The main ring at Hazel Grove Park is 154' x 256'.

The town of Groton owns Hazel Grove Park and it’s the only town-owned Groton site actively supporting equestrian sports.

William P. Wharton gave the property to the town in 1941 for equestrian use by Groton residents and groups with permits. At one time, it was also home to the Groton Fair. The Hazel Grove Agricultural Association (HGAA) has the lease to manage the property for the Groton Park Department.

HGAA was formed in 2012 and has six board members who manage and maintain Hazel Grove Park, and make recommendations to the park commisBay State equestrians at the May 7 Hazel Grove Agricultural Association Benefit Trail Ride. sion. Laurie Smigelski of the property used by the Standardbred You must be an HGAA member or Groton serves as chair of HGAA. Laurie racehorses, and a few electric fence pad- purchase a day pass to ride at Hazel and her husband John lease 200 acres docks. Up to 12 Standardbreds are Grove Park. Riders can purchase a $10 in Groton as Excalibur Farm, and she’s boarded at Hazel Grove Park each year. day pass or an individual ($50) or family also an active equestrian. Other board Winning Spirits, an organization that membership ($75) at hgaa.org. All fees members include Mary Gray, Elaine supports carriage drivers with physical go to improving and maintaining the Holland, Meredith Scarlet, and Emma disabilities in the Northeast, also hosts park. Display your membership sticker and Tim Newman.

“We’re continually improving Hazel arena driving trials at Hazel Grove Park. or day pass in your truck window. The other option is to use the membership Grove Park with the help of member sign-up kiosk at the pedestrian crossing dues, volunteers, Standardbred boardA Leg Up ing fees, events, day use fees, and the in the park.

Groton borders Ayer and Pepperell in Groton Park Commission,” Laurie says.

Trail maps are available at northeastern Massachusetts. The town “These improvements are helping to grotontrails.org. Select HORSEBACK RIDis easily accessed from Interstate 495, strengthen Groton’s ties to the horse and the park is at the end of Jenkins ING from the menu, and you’ll find the community at large.”

Road — a dead end road. As an equesmap of Hazel Grove Park, as well as the Groton has about 100 miles of trian park, there’s ample parking availGroton Town Forest, and the J. Harry trails, and some can be accessed from able for horse trailers.

Rich State Forest.

Hazel Grove Park. The Groton Trails There’s also parking for a few twoThere’s also a trail map on a large Committee has markers and mileage horse trailers in Groton Town Forest, on sign at the membership sign-up kiosk signs out on the trails. According to the a single-lane dirt road, off the junction that you can snap a photo of with your Groton Trails Committee report, “More of Town Forest Road and Wharton Row, smartphone if you forgot to print a map

20

August/September 2017

at home, or don’t want to refer to the website via your smartphone while out on the trails.

Whether trail riding on your own, or attending an event, riders must pack their own water for their horses and themselves.

Equestrians Are Welcome Equestrians are welcome to use the trails and infield at the facility from dawn to dusk. Groups of five or more riders need to submit a facility use request prior to visiting. Professional trainers also bring in riders for group lessons, and both trainers and student are asked to be members of HGAA. The racetrack is private; expect to see sulkies working on the track, or around the barns. Most of the Standardbreds are worked in the morning, but they may be out any time of day.

There are a few events at the park each year, in addition to regular use by the groups that call the park home. It’s best to check the events calendar at hgaa.org prior to your ride to avoid conflicts. Each spring, HGAA hosts a trail ride and a dressage ride-review-ride as benefits for the park. Approximately 35 riders participate in the annual benefit trail ride. Jack McCrossan Photography of Groton donates his services for HGAA programs.

Out Riding It Hazel Grove Park backs up to the Nashua River, and sections of the trail run alongside the river. Pine and deciduous trees line the area, providing vast woodlands to explore, and shade during the summer months.

There are more than 20 miles of trails accessible from Hazel Grove Park if you plan your route correctly. By riding across Fitch’s bridge, you reach the West Groton Throne trails in Groton Memorial Town Forest, the largest trail network in town. The five-mile marked loop of Surrenden Farm trails can also be accessed through Hazel Grove Park.

Hikers are welcome in Hazel Grove, and you should expect to see many other trail users in the town and state forest, including hikers and mountain bikers.

The trails offer a tremendous variety of terrain and are great for conditioning your horse, or just enjoying nature. Riding alongside the river offers beauty and the unique views that only a river trail can provide.

Trails vary from wide cart paths to

Summer Wrap-up Auction August 20, Sunday, starts at 10 a.m.

New and used tack at 10 a.m., followed by trailers and equipment, and horses and ponies of all sizes, ages, shapes, and disciplines, many of whom have spent their summer working in lesson programs across New England and will be ready for their new homes in your barn!

Stay tuned to our website and Facebook pages for updates!

Always a nice selection of horses and ponies for sale.

Watch videos and view photos at HeritageFarmEasthampton.com.

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October 1

see Call us to s and new horse s! ponie

Open to buy, sell, and trade horses 7 days a week, by appointment.

Nice Horses for Nice People.

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State Auctioneer license # AU450

winding hilly trails, and an old railroad bed.

Park Improvements A new cross-country jump is being added this year using some of the old railroad ties. A group of Pony Club members created a cross-country woodland loop trail as part of their land conservation project. The Pony Club members also do a spring and fall cleanup at HGAA. This year HGAA members Lance Wright, Laurie Smigelski, and Adam Burnett plus the Groton Pony Club parents are constructing a new trail loop in the woods.

“All of the Groton trails are wonderful,” Laurie says. “We’re fortunate to not have rocky trails that are commonly found in New England. Most trails in Groton are wooded areas.”

Hazel Grove Park is a prime example of how visionary thinking and voluntary efforts can benefit the entire equestrian community. Come out to Groton and explore these trails. You won’t be disappointed.

Happy riding!

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

Massachusetts Horse

21

Truro

Lend a Hoof

Auction Rescues Saving One Horse at a Time

by Sophia Hall

W

hen you pull into Karen Tosh’s driveway, you can see two small muzzles and fluffy forelocks at a gate up on a small hill.

Located down a private road in Truro, the Miniature horses get to enjoy lots of attention and especially sunshine this time of year. Snickers and Martino are the current residents of Auction Rescues, a nonprofit that strives to save ponies and Miniature horses from kill buyers at horse auctions.

Martino’s auction photo.

Karen, who’s a retired attorney, is now able to spend more time with Martin, her Friesian gelding, as well as her first pony Smokey, who will always be with Karen. She enjoys just riding for fun, with dressage as her preferred riding discipline. Karen always knew that she wanted to help animals and is now able to do so.

The desire to rescue was put into gear when Karen was on Facebook and came across Camelot Sales Stables, now known as Cranbury Sales Stables in New Jersey. The Facebook page advertises horses needing saving from the kill pen. Sometimes videos will be included in the advertisement, sometimes just a photo and a number. Buyers place a lot of faith in the luck of the draw, as they truly don’t know what they’re getting until they bring an equine home.

“Horses that aren’t purchased by individuals or saved by rescue groups 22

August/September 2017

ultimately find themselves in what’s called the kill pen or the feedlot pen,” says Karen. “This is where the kill buyers take the horses that are left, purchasing them for pennies on the pound. At the New Holland sale in Pennsylvania, kill buyers load eighteen-wheelers with horses for the long journey to Mexico or Canada as there are no slaughterhouses currently licensed in the United States. The trip is a nightmare, with horses crowded into the trailers. The

companion for her pony that had recently lost his partner. Knowing that Folly would receive excellent care, Karen agreed, and he now lives in a forever home. This made room for Karen to purchase another equine at risk. “The biggest challenge was deciding to undertake the lifetime responsibility for a horse whose background and temperament were unknown,” says Karen. “From Folly I learned what training and love could do, and our success with him made

Folly in his new forever home.

small or sick ones are especially terrified. In some instances, a trailer may arrive in Canada, only to have paperwork rejected as inadequate, resulting in the horses being transported back to the original slaughter auction.”

Karen’s first rescue (with husband Tracey Maclin, also an attorney), was a gelding pony named Folly in 2015.

Folly’s journey began in a livestock auction in Kentucky. Cranbury Sales Stables purchased him in Kentucky to sell at its weekly auction in New Jersey.

Folly was saved from slaughter and ultimately made the trailer ride to Truro.

“I was behind Karen completely in deciding to create a rescue,” says Tracey, “and I even found Folly first on the auction network site just as his time was running out.”

While Karen initially thought she would keep all the horses she rescued, a woman approached her looking for a

us confident to rescue the next three.”

However, when Karen first started rescuing, she had to board the horses in her care. Knowing that she had to come up with a more affordable and suitable situation, Karen reached out to her neighbors for help. They generously allowed her to use part of their land and build the fenced-in area and run-in she now has for the horses. And it’s safe to say that the minis certainly approve of the situation. Karen enjoys taking them on walks and even takes them out to the beach, where they’re learning to venture into the surf.

Like many rescues, Karen continues to be successful with the help of donations and volunteers. Her volunteer for the summer is Sophie Rosenthal. Sophie has riding experience and animal volunteer experience, but this will be her first time volunteering with horses. Karen also has year-

round help from Casey White, a student at Mount Ida College, who assists with grooming, clipping, feeding, and working with the minis on ground manners.

“I love helping Karen with the minis no matter what it is,” says Casey. When asked how she helps the horses, Casey says, “Being patient with them when either longeing or body clipping is both important and rewarding with treats being key in their trust.”

Karen has been teaching both Snickers and Martino to longe, jump, and hopes to teach them to drive. She was told Martino was rideable and hopes to test this out soon.

A total of four horses have been saved by Karen’s actions, including a mini colt named Einstein. Einstein is currently eligible for adoption and is at a sister rescue, Mills River Rescue in Marstons Mills. There, Patti Maroney owns and runs the property, and shares the passion of saving horses with Karen. Knowing she had the space to house more horses in addition to the few she already owned, Patti wanted to be able to save Miniature horses too.

When asked about the most rewarding part of rescuing, Patti says, “It’s to be able to have all my ponies turned out, feeling confident, healthy, well-adjusted, and loved by their new families after I’ve received them thin, afraid, and sometimes dangerous. That’s a gift for me.”

Before starting Mills River Rescue, Patti volunteered with Peace for Ponies, where they take in pregnant mares and give them a safe place to have their foals.

Inspired, Patti decided to venture out on her own and that’s when she turned to fellow horse friend Karen, who donated her legal services to help get Mills River Rescue up and running. Patti still works with Peace for Ponies and considers them a sister

rescue as well, since they share common goals.

Although this is Mills River Rescue’s first year, they started out helping four minis, giving them a new home when their owner became too ill to care for them. Patti says, “I hope to someday be able to devote myself full time to a sanctuary for the old or unadoptable ponies [and Miniature horses] as well as continue to save one or two at a time.

That’s my dream.”

Patti has help from Stephanie Galioto, who keeps her two horses on the property, as well help from her niece Liza Duarte, friend Jane Hoppe, and several other volunteers. Auction Rescues and Mills River Rescue work together in finding ponies and Miniature horses in desperate need of help and placing them in forever homes. Currently, there are a few adoptable horses, all of which are too sweet to resist. Want to adopt? Visit millsriverrescue.com.

“I find that only with horses can I be in the moment, fully present, unfettered by all the concerns, projects, goals, that accompany us throughout our days,” says Karen. “I’m so grateful for my husband because he’s one hundred percent behind this.”

Karen hopes to rescue another mini soon and in the meantime, puts all of her energy into caring for the ones currently in her care. “I worked really hard as a lawyer for thirty-five years and being able to now save horses makes it all worthwhile,” says Karen.

Karen takes visits by appointment and loves to share her passion. To lend a hoof, visit auctionrescues.org or call (617) 314-3617.

Sophia Hall, of Falmouth, will begin her senior year in the fall at Wheaton College to finish her degree in English. Outside of class, she spends as much time as she can with her horse Toby and pup Charlie. Sophia is a summer intern at Massachusetts Horse.

Massachusetts Horse

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Royalston 15-Acre Farm Not to be Missed!

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Overherd

News in Our Community barn manager Gia Barss.

“We’ll also need to address some other concerns such as overgrown hooves and dental issues.”

All told, the horses’ veterinary care may top $5,000.

The MSPCA has established a donation page for anyone who wishes to contribute to the horses’ veterinary care.

To donate in support of the

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm in Methuen is the new temporary home for 10 draft horses surrendered from a property in central Massachusetts on June 28 after their former owner was unable to care for them.

The horses were transported to Nevins Farm on June 28 after their owner surrendered them to MSPCA law enforcement officer Christine Allenberg, who had been working with the owner for months to secure veterinary care the animals needed.

“Some of them are underweight and some have teeth and hoof issues,” says Christine. “But at the end of the day, the owner did the right thing, which was to accept that he could no longer meet their needs and to surrender them to our care.”

The animals range from 7 to 28 years of age; nine of the horses are geldings and one mare.

The Nevins Farm team has been settling the animals into new quarters on the farm, which in recent months has been inundated with farm animals — dozens of pigs, ducks, goats now housed in the horse barn, their populations spilling beyond their species-specific paddocks and shelters. The arrival of the horses requires another shuffling of living quarters to ensure all animals are safe and comfortable.

“We see some ribs and spines showing on some of the horses, so getting everyone to a healthy weight and comfortably settling them is the priority at this early stage,” said Nevins Farm 26

August/September 2017

skills and earn some cash in the process? Applications are being accepted for Equine Affaire’s popular all-breed Versatile Horse and Rider Competition (VHRC) that will take place on Friday, November 10, in West Springfield. A select group of 25 horse and rider teams will tackle a challenging obstacle/ trail course in this timed and

MSPCA at Nevins Farm

MSPCA Nevins Farm Takes in Herd of Drafts

MSPCA staff lead surrendered draft horses off the equine ambulance at Nevins Farm in Methuen.

horses, visit mspca.org/ drafthorses.

“We often take for granted just how many animals of various kinds have crossed our threshold over the decades and, thankfully, through the support of the public, we’re able to piece together the resources needed to see to their care,” says Gia. “Right now our goal is to get the horses well enough so that in the coming weeks we can place them into new homes,” says Gia. The MSPCA-Nevins Farm will announce in the weeks ahead the horses’ availability for adoption. To learn more, visit mspca.org.

Test Your Horsemanship at Equine Affaire Are you ready to show the world your horsemanship

judged race for $5,500 in cash prizes and the coveted title of 2017 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition Champion.

“The VHRC is a challenging test of horsemanship for those who choose to put their skills to the test, and it attracts some pretty amazing contestants,” says Eugenia Snyder, Equine Affaire president. “The event has become really popular for both the contestants and attendees because it’s fun, fast-paced, and unpredictable.”

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four contestants with the first-place team receiving $2,500 and the title of VHRC Champion and the second, third, and fourth place teams receiving $1,750, $1,000, and $250 respectively. Ribbons will be presented to the top 10

teams and additional awards will be announced prior to the event.

The VHRC is open to all riders age 18 years and older and horses of all breeds and disciplines. A maximum of 25 horse and rider teams will be pre-selected to compete based on application materials submitted.

The VHRC course will be made up of 12 to 13 obstacles and patterns set in the 95' x 200' coliseum. The obstacles may include jumping over or through structures, backing through a pattern, pole bending and/or roll backs, gait changes, various gymkhana games, ground tying, working gates, and riding over or through difficult or spooky objects.

The horsemanship performance of each contestant will be judged on each obstacle. Performance points will be awarded on a scale of one to five based on the rider’s horsemanship, the horse’s attitude, and the team’s overall performance. Horses and riders will be required to complete the course within a given time. Any contestant who fails to meet this time limit will be disqualified.

Ride times will be translated into points, and the team with the highest overall point score will be the winner.

The entry fee for each horse/rider team is $350 and includes stabling on Thursday to Saturday and three single-day tickets to Equine Affaire. Applications and support materials are due by September 8.

Just want to watch?

Come and empathize with the contestants as their horses succeed at some obstacles and fall short at others. You can also learn a lot by watching the different

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approaches that outstanding horses and riders take in tackling the same obstacles. Admission to the VHRC is included in general admission to Equine Affaire.

To obtain details on the VHRC and an entry form, visit equineaffaire.com, click on the Massachusetts event page, and follow the PARTICIPATE link to access the VHRC page. You may also contact Alison Scott at ascott@equine affaire.com or (740) 845-0085 ext. 105.

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Blessings Farm is a ministry located in central Massachusetts. We offer horseback riding instruction in a non-competitive environment. Our mission is to contribute in a small way to the wellbeing of children, building and developing the farm in the hope of influencing children in a way that will spark their interest in horsemanship.

Blessings Farm is raffling off a likenew 17.5" Shires Optimus jumping saddle with an interchangeable gullet system (one medium gullet bar is included). The retail value of the saddle is $695. Tickets are $10 each and only 200 tickets are being sold. The winning ticket will be drawn on Saturday, October 14, at 7 p.m. during our

Harvest Pony Rides at 50 H. Foote Road in Charlton. You need not be present to win.

To view the saddle, visit blessingsfarm.org. To purchase tickets, email howlin madholly@hotmail.com or call (413) 245-3658.

n April Learned

Massachusetts Equestrians at Devon Representing numerous breeds and disciplines, many Massachusetts horse enthusiasts were entered in the 121st Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, held May 25 to June 4 in Devon, Pennsylvania.

This historic show is the longest running and the largest all-breed outdoor show in the country. Final entries totaled near 1,800 horses and ponies from around the world. With the grandeur of Philadelphia's prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event featured a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally.

In the Carriage Driving division, Mary Stokes Waller and her husband Harvey always make the journey from their Orleton Farm in Stockbridge to compete at Devon. This year, Mary drove a pony pair hitched to a Spider Phaeton. They were reserve in the Pony Double Harness Pairs/Tandems Opportunity class.

Sisters Deidre Henry and Darla Wright had a successful show. They are trainers/instructors at High Tail Acres in Newbury. Their sister Deana also instructs at the family farm owned by Dawn and Skip DelTorchio, their very proud parents.

Deidre’s Forty-Seven Straight won both the qualifying class and the Country Hunter Pleasure Championship.

Abigail Tate rode the 10-yearold gelding.

Deidre was in the winner’s circle with Undulata’s Legend’s of the Fall in the Junior/Novice Fine Harness class. Later in the show, they were the reserve Open Fine Harness Champions. Nancy

Cashman Reed owns the fiveyear-old chestnut gelding.

Rodney Hicks Stable always has a top presence in the Dixon Oval. For the sixth time, Spiderman won the Open Hackney Pony Championship. Rodney drove the popular black pony to the blue in the qualifying class as well for owner Ed Ochsenschlager.

Jackie O was reserve in the Open Roadster Pony

class at Devon. Nancy and Louis Andreano own the nineyear-old chestnut gelding.

“The Dixon Oval is such a large ring that I had many options to put Miles in places so he was able to make great passes,” Melissa saya. “He just loved trotting down the long straightaways under the lights with the cool breeze and the spectators cheering.

He thought everyone came to the show to watch him.

Forty-Seven Straight won the Saddlebred Hunter Country Pleasure Championship at the Devon Horse Show with Abigail Tate in the irons for owner Deidre Henry.

class. Owned by Janet Crawford Hicks, the 11-yearold mare was driven by Janet and Rodney’s son, Danny.

Two years ago, Danny drove this talented pony to Devon’s Amateur Roadster Pony Championship. Once again, Janet did an incredible job as chair of Devon’s Saddlebred/Hackney Committee, coordinating parties, events, and gift baskets for exhibitors.

Attaches Chocolate Thunder and owner Lynda St. Andre continued their success at Devon. They won the Country Pleasure Driving Championship in 2014 and 2016, and once again this year. Lynda hails from Taunton, and shows under the direction of David and Kristen Cater of Cater Stables.

The Morgan gelding, Miles of Fortune GCH, and trainer Melissa Morrell of Moreland Farm in West Brookfield, won the very first ever Open Pleasure Driving

Miles is a horse that’s always looking for some great entertainment and he found it at Devon. It was a thrill.”

Exhibitors travel far and wide to compete at the Devon Horse Show. The show is rich in history and tradition, which many work hard to continue. One of the many reasons they do this is because of the show’s unique atmosphere, where competitors perform before large and appreciative crowds who enjoy the sport of horses, no matter what the breed or discipline. They also enjoy the country fair, with its delectable delights and wonderful boutiques.

n Suzy Lucine

IEA Western National Finals Nearly 200 western riders from across the nation spent two days vying for individual and team national titles at the IEA Western Finals held during the National Reining Horse Association Derby July

1 and 2 at the Oklahoma City State Fairgrounds. Saturday’s activities included individual competition in both reining and horsemanship, with Sunday’s team competition heating up the arena with the same classes, but with teams collecting points along with ribbons.

At the completion of classes, the IEA held a Parade of Teams, whereby every team marched with banner in hand (and sometimes in costume) around the arena as their name was announced. The day concluded with the presentation of numerous awards to both teams and individuals.

Meghan Moran of Hillside Meadows Equestrian Center in Grafton was the Champion Crossover Rider (the rider with the most combined points between hunt seat and western classes) for the second year in a row, and the Hillside Meadows upper school team placed fourth in the nation.

Hillside Meadows’ rider Grace Markowski won reserve national champion in the NRHA Varsity Intermediate Reining Individual class and Isabelle Shakespeare won reserve national champion in the NRHA Future Intermediate Reining Individual class.

Grace Houghton, of the Nashoba Valley Sliders, won fifth in the NRHA Future Intermediate Reining Individual class.

The Crimson Acres Equestrian Team’s Maura Gannon won reserve national champion in the Middle School Horsemanship Knowledge Test Award and Emilee Geyster placed eighth.

Briggs Stable’s Audrey Keegan won sixth in the Upper School Horsemanship Knowledge Test Award.

Congratulations!

Fox Meadow Relocates In the wake of Smith College’s decision to terminate equestrian programs and transition the school’s Massachusetts Horse

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August/September 2017

riding team from varsity to club status, and the subsequent closure of Fox Meadow Farm in Northampton, owners Lori and Jay Quinlan have relocated the facility to Mountain Road in Holyoke, where they’re offering a variety of riding programs and educational opportunities.

Lori had been running the riding programs at the Smith College location, and was determined to see the long legacy of Fox Meadow Farm continue.

“We moved the facility to Holyoke in May, and we’re very happy with the new location so far,” says Lori. “It offers multiple grass fields for turnout and riding, an indoor and outdoor arena, and trails off of the property.”

While the farm will no longer have any affiliation with Smith College or the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association team, a variety of horsemanship programs will be available to riders of all levels. “Our goals are to continue to offer an education in horsemanship and riding to area middle- and high school students, with a strong focus on IEA riding,” says Lori.

“Riders can expect a supportive atmosphere where competition is a focus, but horse care and the well-being of the horse is always first priority.”

To learn more about the Fox Meadow Farm IEA team or ranch horse lessons and training, call (413) 531-3589 or visit the Fox Meadow Farm Facebook page.

n Alessandra Mele

Massachusetts Horse Benefit Adventure Trail Join us for the Massachusetts Horse Benefit Adventure Trail — a combination hunter pace, judged obstacle course, and horsemanship knowledge quiz — September 23, Saturday, in Wilbraham.

(Rain date September 24, Sunday.) Participants can enter one, two, or all three events. There will be more than $5,000 in prizes and access to private trails exclusive to this event.

The hunter pace will have three divisions for teams of two or three riders: Walk Trot (all seats, no jumping), Trail Rider (all seats, jumping optional), and Field Hunter (hunt seat only, over fences up to 2'). Every team with a rider under 16 years of age must have one adult rider.

Prior to the hunter pace the seven-mile route is set and clearly marked. A pair of experienced riders go out along the route and will ride it at a walk and trot for the Walk Trot division; at a walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop for the Trail Rider division; and at a walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop over logs and jumps no higher than 2' for the Field Hunter division.

These riders set the pace — the ideal time that all other riding teams will try to match for each division. The team in each division with the time closest to the ideal time wins!

Six ribbons and six prizes will be awarded in every division.

The judged obstacle course will have four divisions: Novice Youth, Novice Adult, Open Youth, and Open Adult. There will be 10 obstacles: riders will be penalized with time faults for refusals, knockdowns, and other infractions. The rider with the fastest time in each division places first. There will be ribbons and prizes to sixth place in every division.

Both riders and non-riders may compete in the horsemanship-knowledge quiz. (The overall entry fee includes this event for riders; non-riders are asked to make a $10 donation.) There will be three quiz classes: Youth 12 and Under, Youth 13 to 17, and Adult. We’ll be awarding ribbons and prizes first through sixth place in every division. The rider with the lowest combined time for the hunter pace and judged obstacle course and the best score on the horsemanship knowledge quiz (converted to a time) will be the day-end champion.

Other prizes on the agenda are the Massachusetts Massachusetts Horse

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wood-chip footing, pathways that wander along stone walls and streams, hills as well as long stretches, an open field, a wooden bridge, and stunning views of the Pioneer Valley.

Ride with the Best It’s been repeated by such great coaches as football’s Vince Lombardi and Olympic show jumping’s George Morris because it’s true: Practice doesn’t make

Massachusetts Horse

Horse Junior Horsemanship Award, the Most Creative Dismount Award (let’s hope no one earns this one), the Timely Tortoise Award (slowest time), and the Bull in the China Shop Award (knocked down the most obstacles.)

Registration is $30 and fundraising of at least an additional $70 is required by September 17. All proceeds go to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen. We’re celebrating and honoring MSPCA Nevins Farm’s 100year anniversary by raising funds for the horses in its care. Prizes will be awarded to the top individuals who raise the highest total pledges as well as to members of the top fundraising teams!

The venue for the Massachusetts Horse Adventure Trail Benefit is exclusive to this event. The private wooded trails of Sandalwood Stables in Wilbraham were completed in 2015, and have ideal

The Massachusetts Horse Benefit Adventure Trail is a combination hunter pace, judged obstacle course, and horsemanship knowledge quiz held September 23, Saturday, in Wilbraham. There will be more than $5,000 in prizes and access to private trails exclusive to this event.

To learn more, visit mahorse.com/benefit and facebook.com/Massachusetts HorseBenefit.

perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. The perfect step to your personal best is to sign up before September

8 for the Ride with the Best Program at Equine Affaire, November 9–12, in West Springfield. The Ride with the Best Program delivers an unparalleled opportunity for a select group of riders and horses to access individualized instruction from some of the world’s most proven horsemen and women over a four-day series of more than 50 clinics across a range of disciplines.

“This is an all-access pass to excellence,” says Coagi Long of Equine Affaire, confirming this year’s line-up includes national and world champions, and Olympic, WEG, and Pan American squad riders. Applicants can practice with representatives of their sport including Greg Best (hunter/jumper), Phillip Dutton (eventing), Craig Johnson (reining/ ranch riding), Steffen Peters and Vitor Silva (dressage), Barbara Schulte (cutting), Suzy Stafford (driving),

Briggs Stable Tack Shop & Consignment Area

Dublin . Tuff Rider . Saxon . Noble Outfitters . Horze . Shires . Ariat Weatherbeeta . Tough 1 . Professional’s Choice . Roma . Absorbine

Barn Supplies . 1st & 2nd Cut Hay Paper-bagged Shavings . Grain Livestock . Poultry . Wild Bird Seed Dog, Cat, Small Animal, and Reptile Pickup and Delivery!

Mini Shows Wednesday evenings starting at 6 P.M. June 21 to August 23 All members of the Hanover Hunt & Riding Club eligible for year-end awards.

Lead Line . Therapeutic . Walk Trot . Games Jumping . Equitation . Pleasure Great food and drinks available at the Hanover Hunt & Riding Club food booth.

Briggs Stable • 623 Hanover St., Hanover Centre, MA (781) 826-3191 • Class lists at briggsstable.com

Visit Briggs Tack Shop, a full service shop, while at the shows!

We’re an authorized Kingston Trailer dealer!

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Robin Gollehon (western pleasure), Liz Graves (easy gaited), Jeff Wilson (cowboy dressage), and Ken McNabb, Julie Goodnight, Van Hargis, Chris Irwin, Steve Lantvit, and Wendy Murdoch.

Under saddle, in-hand, and at liberty, the Ride with the Best Program can match applicants with presenters seeking candidates who represent specific skills or challenges, as well as those seeking to build overall horse-and-rider harmony.

The experience is as economical as it is educational, as expenses normally associated with traveling for just one specific clinic yield so much more at Equine Affaire: four days of equestrian education, entertainment, and shopping.

Program fees start at $75 and include clinic participation, event admission, and 24 hours of on-site stabling.

Applications are reviewed and selected based on written applications and videos.

To learn more, visit equineaffaire.com, click on the Massachusetts event page, and follow the PARTICIPATE link. Prefer a personal touch? Information packets and applications are available through Alison Scott at ascott@equine affaire.com or (740) 8450085, ext. 105.

Berkshire HorseWorks Relocates Ever since Hayley Sumner founded Berkshire HorseWorks in 2013, she’s had dreams of having a farm of her own where the organization could flourish.

Berkshire HorseWorks brings the EAGALA (Equine Growth and Learning Association) Model of equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning to the Berkshire

county community as a means to help participants cope, heal, challenge, communicate, lead, and empathize in today’s world.

Berkshire Horseworks got its start leasing space from Berkshire Equestrian Center in Richmond where it fully developed and saw early success and on June 20 the team packed up and moved to a new home. “I had been trying to find a way to create a more nurturing environment for my clients, providing them with a sanctuary in which they could be mentored and feel safe,” Hayley says. “This is a big step toward that. We now have seven acres to call our own, complete with trails through the woods, a pond filled with lily pads, round pens for one-on-one work, grassy paddocks, and a big outdoor ring.”

To learn, visit berkshire horseworks.com or call Hayley at (310) 488-9777.

n Alessandra Mele

Overherdisms • “I wasn’t looking for a pony. She found me.”

• “I miss the days when I was young, fearless, and living without joint pain.”

• “Getting into and communicating with the horse’s mind is the pathway to his heart.”

• “I’m going to get some pizza for lunch, want anything?” “ . . . um, it’s 9 a.m.”

• “At this point, I’m only showing for the cute pictures. I know I’m not winning *$#%.”

• “I want to smuggle a mini into my basement so I can smush it whenever I want.

If my mom weren’t so noisy, I could probably pull it off.”

Massachusetts Horse

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Partners Our goal is to foster connections within the horse community throughout the Bay State, and one of the ways we do this is with our Partners Program.

Massachusetts organizations that partner with us receive a free one-year subscription for each member; space in the magazine for news, events, and photos; and a link from mahorse.com to its website.

Thank you to all who generously give their time, money, and donations, and thanks to those who have come to any of our events in support of our mission. We look forward to seeing you at future events.

Happy riding!

7 Denise Kellicker

one agreed they would like to return next year. Huge thanks go to Dot Iorio, owner of Apple Knoll Farm, for her generosity.

Rain caused some flooding on the trails and the planned nine-mile loop was shortened to six miles. This may have been a blessing in

Barre Riding and Driving Club

34

August/September 2017

Granby Regional Horse Council Denise Kellicker

The club hosted a very successful versatility clinic with Peter Whitmore in May. Twenty-two riders enjoyed a beautiful and informative fun day at Felton Field in Barre. It was a great way to prepare humans and horses for the upcoming summer activities. We plan on making this an annual club event so we hope to see you next year!

The annual spring trail ride in May came with a little rain again this year, but all who turned out made the best of things, and enjoyed plenty of riding, food, and, as always, lots of laughs and good conversation. Many camped for the weekend.

Our first annual show fell on a beautiful day in June and was very well attended. We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at our next club show on September 17.

Our annual Fall Trail Ride will be October 7 and 8 at Felton Field in Barre.

Camping is available, and as always, the weekend will include plenty of food, riding, and camaraderie.

We’re looking to add a possible driving clinic so stay tuned!

To learn more and see updates, visit barreriding drivingclub.com and find us on Facebook.

BRDC exists through donations and memberships so that we can fulfill our mission of giving scholarships to the youth in our community.

goes directly into trail improvement projects. The event was a smashing success.

Participants, volunteers, and sponsors raised $17,000!

Together we are making a difference by ensuring a safe trail network remains open to all.

BSTRA’s next fundraiser ride is the Fall Benefit Pleasure Ride on September 24 in North Scituate, Rhode Island. To learn more, visit bstra.org.

See you on the trails!

7 Annamaria Paul

The 4th of July was a beautiful day for the parade in Petersham. Barre Riding and Driving Club members Margo Petracone riding Star with the flag, Marianne Wojcicki riding Robbie, and Anastelli Cruz riding Navi.

Bay State Trail Riders Association BSTRA’s Spring Hunter Pace, sponsored by the Mane Place, was held May 21 at the Douglas State Forest. Sixty riders competed over a course set with jumps to please every level rider.

Photographer Christine Belsky was on hand to capture riders’ smiles as they returned from the course.

A delicious hot lunch was provided to pre-registered riders. Awards and raffle followed lunch. To see the results, visit bstra.org.

The Fall Hunter Pace will be September 17, so mark your calendars and be sure to pre-register for lunch.

Seventy-seven participants attended BSTRA’s annual fundraiser, the June 11 National Trails Day Ride.

Sponsored by Yered Trailers, the ride was held at Apple Knoll Farm in Millis. The venue was lovely, and every-

disguise because the day was extremely hot and humid.

On-site horse microchipping was made possible by Dr. Skiffington of Ocean State Equine Associates.

Artist Janet Aleid of Janet’s Pet Portraits drew the winning raffle ticket for a portrait she donated to BSTRA. Penny Lamb of Douglas was the lucky winner.

The first 50 registered riders received a goody bag that included a BSTRA logo National Trails Day hat and numerous other treats.

Awards were presented to the top eight fundraisers who together raised $12,500: Lynn Paresky, Becky Kalagher, Donna Johnson, Sue Quirk, Susan Wheeler, Rose Zariczny, Kelly Lyons, and Sheila Giguere.

A raffle with prizes exceeding $3,300 followed the awards presentation.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the National Trails Day Ride

Join the GRHC for some trail time this fall. By popular demand, we’ll be going back to Lithia Springs in South Hadley for a late summer pleasure ride on August 28.

A seasonal meal will be served after everyone returns. To learn more, contact Diane at (413) 527-9532 or grhc@charter.net.

This year our annual Poker Ride on September 10 at Dufresne Park in Granby will include a competitive trail course. The ride fee includes a meal and the choice to do both activities.

Ribbons and/or prizes are given out for both. To learn more, contact Jennifer at pixie01033@aol.com or (413) 427-0683.

Join us in the Belchertown Parade on September 25. It’s a lot of fun and you can dress up yourself and your horse with your own theme. For insurance reasons, you must be a member of the GRHC to participate in the parade.

There are upcoming trail rides in October. To stay up to date, visit granby regionalhorse.org or follow us on Facebook.

7 Jennifer Moreau

know that MFBF is lobbying on your behalf to include commercial equine farms in this bill? That way when you pass your commercial equine operation to the next generation, your heirs will not get slammed with inheritance taxes.

Currently, Massachusetts has an estate tax that is levied when the value of an inherited estate exceeds $1 million, and many of our

The past couple of months have been busy ones for the club with the popular Cathy Drumm Clinic at the club grounds, participation in the celebration of the 70th year of the Chesterfield July 4th Parade, a trail ride through the Chesterfield Gorge to Indian Hollow, and a horse camping weekend at the Wagon Wheel Campground.

Next on the calendar is our Weekend-O-Fun at our club grounds, August 5 and 6, with lots of open space for campers and horses. Camp with your horse and experience campfire cooking and a starry night sky. The weekend will feature a trail ride in the nearby DAR State Forest and multiple activities, including competing in horseback games, challenging yourself and your horse in our woodland obstacle course, and searching the trails for objects in a scavenger hunt. Plus, of course, relaxing with your horse and friends.

On September 10, we will ride in the Hawley State Forest, picking up trails used in this year’s Massachusetts Cross-State Trail Ride, held in the same location. In the fall we will again be riding at the Northfield Mountain Recreation Center for our Foliage Ride, and then riding on the beach at Hammonasset State Park.

Both rides are open to HCRC members and their guests.

To learn more, visit hampshirecountyriding club.org and follow us on Facebook.

7 Diane Merritt

Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation House bill 3323 and Senate bill 1584 are acts to establish estate tax valuation for farms. You may be wondering why you should care about these bills. Did you

equine farms in the definition of agricultural value, as the organization’s recent survey found there are 2,300 horse farms in the state that care for 26,000 horses. The total economic impact of these horse farms exceeds $386 million. For this reason, we need our industry included in bills that keep us in business, like this one.

While MFBF is working for you, it can’t work without

Massachusetts Horse

Hampshire County Riding Club

Clinician Cathy Drumm teaching at the Hampshire County Riding Club in Goshen.

commercial horse farms fall into this category. The estate tax is based on the highest and best use of the land, which is typically the development value, rather than the agricultural value.

As the equine industry in Massachusetts supports approximately 7,000 jobs and protects 40,000 acres of land, MFBF understands the importance of our industry and wants to ensure commercial equine farms continue to be family-owned and operated. MFBF does not want to see your heirs sell part of the business to pay the estate tax.

This bill would value commercial stables at agricultural value for estate tax purposes. The land would need to remain as a commercial stable for at least 10 years to fully enjoy this benefit. If the land is developed within 10 years, back taxes will need to be paid as well as an elevated capital gains tax.

MFBF has been lobbying to include commercial

you. Please help me in raising the profile of MFBF within the Massachusetts equine industry by encouraging fellow horse enthusiasts to join MFBF today. To join MFBF and support our efforts to lobby for bills like this one, visit mfbf.net.

7 John Dougherty

Myopia Hunt Club Members of the Myopia Hunt are eagerly awaiting the start of hunting season.

We have a full calendar of events and encourage those new to foxhunting to join our more experienced foxhunters for great sport over some of the area’s most beautiful countryside.

The 117th Myopia Horse Show is scheduled for September 1 to 3 and is one of the longest running horse shows in the country. The show includes hunter, equitation, and jumper classes.

The show is distinctive for having one of the few

remaining natural hunter courses in the country. The Saturday schedule typically highlights many traditional classes enjoyed by patrons of the show and a festive Patrons’ Luncheon.

A favorite class is the Old Campaigner Cup, the lead line class that has been the beginning of many equestrian careers. It also honors the horses and ponies that for many years have allowed these debut performances.

A Ladies Side-Saddle Hunter class with the Barbara Keough trophy is also a fan favorite. Other popular classes include Qualified Hunters, the Family Class, and Pairs of Hunters over fences and under saddle. Another longstanding tradition is the Vixen Cup, which recognizes the best junior foxhunter. It’s held on the outside course over traditional hunt field obstacles including coops, walls, hedges, and ditches commonly found on the hunt field.

The cubbing season runs from September 5 to 21 and is an excellent opportunity to condition horses and hounds for formal hunting.

Meeting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, participants are expected to ride in ratcatcher attire — tweed jackets with shirts and ties or colored stock ties are preferred. To find start times, visit myopiahunt.org/ calendar.

The Opening Meet, always a spectacle for riders and nonriders, is Saturday, September 23, at 55 Waldingfield Road in Ipswich. This meet is for subscribing members of the hunt, and many from the larger horse community show up to watch the hounds, beautifully turnedout horses, and riders in formal hunt attire gallop across fields and jump stone walls and fences.

Other highlights of the Massachusetts Horse

35

New England Equestrian Center of Athol We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who came out and supported NEECA at two major summer events. First, the Equestrian Showcase in June 36

August/September 2017

was an exciting day of drill team competition, demonstrations by trainers, a talent contest, and more. We’re already looking forward to the second Saturday in June 2018. Second, our annual horse show, part of the Barre

Topics included veterinary care, grooming, and horse safety. There were smiles and giggles everywhere. We must admit we probably sent more than one child home saying, “But why can’t I have a pony?” This year’s Youth Day

quickly with repeat riders.

Her knowledge, keen eye, and humor make lessons with Cathy educational and fun, and she’s become a favorite clinician at NEECA. To find contact information for NEECA events along with membership information, visit neeca.org and follow us on Facebook.

7 Laurie Neely

Old North Bridge Hounds

Susan Goldfischer

season are the Junior Opening Meet, on Friday, September 29, at the Myopia Schooling Field and the ever-colorful Junior Halloween Hunt October 27.

Creative costumes for horses and riders add to the fun of this annual event, but we do ask that all junior riders are turned out safely with heeled boots and a safetyapproved helmet. Juniors are the future of our sport and we want to ensure safe outings and good times!

One of our most colorful events is the Blessing of the Hounds and Landowners’ Picnic, a Columbus Day tradition. On Monday, October 9, we will host a picnic for our generous landowners and share in the great foxhunting tradition of the Blessing of the Hounds.

On November 11, Myopia hosts the New England Hunts Joint Meet where all the hunts in New England gather for a hunt through some of our best country. Historically, there are usually 100 riders and horses that participate and guests are welcome to join!

Our season ends with our Thanksgiving Day Hunt at Appleton Farms in Ipswich, a community-wide tradition that is enjoyed by all ages.

With so many options and opportunities to participate, watch, and volunteer, we invite you to join us in our mission to preserve the future through the traditions of the past. To learn more about the Myopia Hunt, including detailed scheduling information, please visit myopiahunt.org.

7 Lisa Wohleib

The Old North Bridge Hounds July 4th annual barbecue at Red Tail Farm in Lincoln.

Riding and Driving Club series, was another great day of horsemanship, with riders from lead liners to seasoned seniors turning out for a day of competition and camaraderie. Thank you for your support.

On July 9, NEECA’s gymkhana series continued with this summer’s new inhand division! Some children and Miniature horse owners wanted to be part of this popular series, so now, in addition to riders and drivers of all ages, we have participants running on foot through the patterns, leading — or sometimes being led by — minis! The next two gymkhanas are scheduled for August 20 and Sept 17. Come ride, lead, drive, or just watch the fun.

Last year we introduced a Youth Day at the equestrian park, where children with little or no equestrian experience had an opportunity to learn about horses, then groom, handle, and lead one of the four Miniature horses we had there for them to get to know. There were day-care providers and parents learning right along with the kids.

will be held on August 5. We hope you’ll share the information on this event and bring kids with you to Athol for all the fun and excitement.

Another first last year proved to be a great success — horse camping. This year, on July 8, Margo Petracone, Larry Marshall, and Marianne Woijcicki offered their second annual How To Camp with Horses demonstration in preparation for this year’s campout at the NEECA Equestrian Park September 8 to 10. Last year we had a midnight trail ride, Jeopardy game, fun on the confidence course, amazing breakfasts, and a potluck dinner. This year we’re adding the annual versatility competition headed up by Peter Whitmore to the camping weekend schedule.

Sign up soon, because this will fill up fast!

Finally, for those who haven’t yet ridden with western/traditional dressage clinician Cathy Drumm, don’t miss the opportunity to do so. Cathy will be teaching in Athol again on August 13 and Sept 2. Sign up soon, because her clinics fill up

ONBH members and friends celebrated July 4th and its beautiful weather at the annual hunt club barbecue at Red Rail Farm in Lincoln.

Those in attendance who had ridden in ONBH’s recent hunter pace at Great Brook Farm shared stories and many received their ribbons.

Our upcoming event calendar includes many great opportunities to get out and ride, join our friendly team of volunteers, or be a spectator.

ONBH’s annual trip to Saratoga, New York, is planned for August 23 and 24.

On September 10 we’ll have our Learn to Ride Side Saddle Clinic with side saddle hall of famer Rhonda Watts Hettinger. This clinic is always fun and entertaining, and newbies wanting to try riding aside are encouraged to do so. Participants can bring their own horses and we will have a few spots available to ride ONBH-affiliated horses. Auditors are welcome.

ONBH’s Fall Hunter Pace on October 1 will take riders through the beautiful woods in Lincoln and the course will be ridden out of Red Rail Farm.

The annual New England Hunts Hunter Trials will be hosted again this year

by ONBH on Sunday, October 29, at Great Brook Farm in Carlisle. The trials are open to hunt members and nonmembers. We’ll have novice divisions with a maximum height of 2'6". There’ll be pairs and teams as well.

Westfield Riding Club WRC is busy planning and preparing for monthly summer trail rides, a Games Day on August 6, and its annual 4-H and Open Show on September 10.

These events come on the heels of the club’s spring show that had 90 entries, classes with entries 14 to 20

hunter, western, saddle seat, registered breed, and driving. Non-division challenge classes include Jackpot, Ground Driving, and Dressage Suitability. The Founders’ Day Perpetual Trophies also will be awarded.

Amenities include show photography, a mobile tack store on site, and a food booth.

“We’ve worked hard to evolve and to increase communications with mem-

Westfield Riding Club

Pairs (two riders) and teams (three riders) compete the course riding together. Come out and enjoy this historic event.

There are a number of other special events being planned and, of course, the fall fixture card of ONBH hunts is being finalized. Our fall hunt

At the Westfield Riding Club Spring 4-H and Open Show 4-H’ers line up for final judging in equitation.

season starts in mid-September and we ride Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the season.

To learn more, visit old northbridgehounds.org or call Ginny Zukatynski, MFH, at (508) 751-3351. To sign up for or learn more about the Side Saddle Clinic, contact Susan at (508) 395-3877 or smgoldwl@gmail.com.

7 Susan Goldfischer

deep, and parking at capacity.

WRC horse shows are approved by the Open Horse Show Association, the American Paint Horse Association, and the Pinto Horse Association of America.

For those interested in showing, a new division this year is the Open Walk Trot Championshi, which is for riders of all ages who are not yet cantering or loping. The show also features classes and prizes in disciplines including

Large SmallsoAnimal bers and the and community that we can provideMedicine activities with and that &value Surgery meet the needs of riders and horse peoServing North ShoreBonini, since 1951 ple of all the ages,” says Sarah WRC president.

“Attendance is the highest Helen Noble, VMD . Robert Orcutt, DVM ever andDerek whenCavatorta, we get Facebook comDVM PhD ments like ‘Nice grounds, well kept,’ Kirstin Anderson, DVM . Ashley Taylor, DVM and ‘Thanks again for the great experiMary Annwe’re Montesano, ence,’ we know on the DVM right track.”

295 High St, Ipswich, Mass.

Trail rides are for members only.

978-356-1119 . 978-356-5758 Not a member? (ph) No problem.

Trail (f) membership is only $15 for the year.

srhvets.com

Massachusetts Horse

37

Riders meet up at various locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut to enjoy time with horses and friends, weather pemitting.

The WRC is a nonprofit organization founded on the eve of World War II in 1939 by a group of horse enthusiasts whose intent was “fostering interest in the use, care, breeding and protection of horses.�

WRC is an all-volunteer organization, and our members’ love of all things horses drives the coordination of, and participation in, activities. All activities generally take place at the club grounds located at 29 Fowler Road in Westfield. Monthly club meetings are held in the clubhouse on the show grounds and are open to all interested in attending.

The club organizes educational activities, programs, shows, trail rides, and other events to enhance the understanding of correct horse

38

August/September 2017

management and riding, as well as appreciation of the horse with particular emphasis on youth participation at all levels.

To learn more contact club president Sarah Bonini at dressarah@comcast.net or (413) 531-2111, or visit westfieldridingclub.org and follow us on Facebook.

7 Molly Watson

Subscribe today! at mahorse.com

Massachusetts Horse

39

events Massachusetts

August 2 AKF JUMPER SHOW, Millis. appleknoll.com.

5 MHC/NEHC HUNT SEAT SHOW, Saddle Rowe, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

2 JUMPER NIGHT, Black Oak Stables, Hamilton. blackoakstables.com.

5 POLO MATCH,Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

2 MYOPIA POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

5 NO BULL SORTING, Hixville Livery Stables, Dartmouth. (508) 995-8803.

2 BRIGGS STABLE MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

5 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

2 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

5 NEECA YOUTH FUN DAY, Athol. neeca.org.

5 – 6 HCRC WEEKEND-O-FUN, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

3 VIRGINIA LEARY CLINIC, RER Ponies, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

5 REHOBOTH BREED EXPO VERSATILITY COMPETITION, Attleboro. kimberlytitus217@gmail.com.

5 – 6 SMARTPAK ANNIVERSARY SALE WEEKEND, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. smartpak.com/retailstore.

3 – 6 CONNECTICUT SUMMER CLASSIC SHOW, Northampton. ctasb.com.

5 HORSEMINDSHIP GROUND DRIVING WORKSHOP, Plainfield. peacehavenfarm.com.

6 SOUTH COAST SERIES SHOW, Wolf Rock Farm, Plympton. southcoastseries.com.

4 NER BULLS AND BARRELS, New England Rodeo Ranch, Norton. newenglandrodeo.com.

5 GRAZING FIELDS FARM MEDAL DAY, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

6 BEACHIN’-IT SUMMER FUN OPEN SHOW, Pepperell. atouchofmajic.com.

40

August/September 2017

5 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Blythewood Stable, Pittsfield. wnepha.com.

6 AUGUST THREE-PHASE, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

10 – 13 NORTHAMPTON HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Northampton. biscuithillfarm.com.

6 FUN SHOW SERIES, Countryside Farm, Attleboro. countrysidefarmma.com.

11 NER BULLS AND BARRELS, New England Rodeo Ranch, Norton. newenglandrodeo.com.

6 4-H HOT TO TROT SHOW, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

12 TEAM SORTING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

6 MHC SHOW, Plainville. stargazerhillfarm.com.

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

6 WRC GAMES DAY, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

12 COUNTRY COOKOUT HUNTER PACE, Spencer. campmarshallequestriancenter.net.

6 BRDC CNEER OPEN SHOW, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

12 HORSEMANSHIP, VERSATILITY, AND COWBOY RACE CLINIC, Fairview Farms JJC, Brimfield. cgary1106@gmail.com.

6 BSTRA LAKE DENNISON PLEASURE RIDE, Royalston. bstra.org.

12 AMERICA’S MUSTANG SHOWCASE, Athol. itsapleasuretraining.com.

8 GRAZING FIELDS FARM MEDAL DAY, Buzzard’s Bay. grazingfields.com.

12 – 13 SMARTPAK BATHING SUPPLIES SALE, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. smartpak.com/retailstore.

9 AKF JUMPER SHOW, Millis. appleknoll.com.

9 BRIGGS STABLE MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

13 CRDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

9 JUMPER NIGHT, Black Oak Stables, Hamilton. blackoakstables.com.

13 MYOPIA POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

10 HERRING BROOK FARM HUNTER SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarmma.com.

Area 1 Schooling Horse Trials Championships

13 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Beland Stables, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

25 Forest Lane, Millis, MA ~ (508) 376-2564

August 20 Pre-Elementary . Elementary Advanced Elementary . Beginer Novice

North Bridge Equine Summer Jumper Series

Upcoming qualifying competitions at: Apple Knoll Farm, Hilltop Equestrian Center, Orchard Hill Equestrian Center, Frazier Farm, Green Acres, Azrael Acres, Groton House Farm Classic, Groton Pony Club, Pipestave Hill, Hitching Post Farm, Valinor Farm, Course Brook Farm, Scarlet Hill Farm

Prize lists and entry forms at:

Season end cash and prizes!

Aug. 2 . Aug. 9 . Aug. 16 Aug. 23 . Aug. 30 . Sept. 6

Lead Line . Equitation classes Ground Poles . Cross Rails 2' . 2'3" . 2'6" . 2’9" 3' . 3'3" . 3'6" . 3’9" . Height of Choice

Hunter Pace

October 22 - Halloween Hunter Pace

Charles River Dressage Show August 13 . October 1

Horses and Ponies For Sale/Lease Training with Adrienne Iorio

Three-Day Eventing Competitor and Trainer

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

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

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

Massachusetts Horse

41

Trailers 2017

13 NEECA CATHY DRUMM WESTERN/ENGLISH DRESSAGE CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

18 HERRING BROOK FARM HUNTER SHOW, Pembroke. herringbrookfarmma.com.

13 AUGUST FARM MEDAL DAY, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

18 GAMES NIGHT, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

13 SSHC SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. sshconline.org.

13 SUNRISE PLEASURE SHOW/WMAA SHOW, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

13 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Belchertown. independencestablesllc.com.

13 STONEYBROOK 4-H SADDLE CLUB OPEN SHOW, Westford. janetbersani@gmail.com.

18 SUMMER GYMKHANA SERIES, Hillside Meadows, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

18 NER BULLS AND BARRELS, New England Rodeo Ranch, Norton. newenglandrodeo.com.

18 DRESSAGE EVENING SHOW, Silvercryst Farm, Southwick. (413) 569-5230.

19 –20 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

16 AKF JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

19 – 20 SMARTPAK KERRITS TRUNK SHOW, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. smartpak.com/retailstore.

16 JUMPER NIGHT, Black Oak Stables, Hamilton. blackoakstables.com.

19 NO BULL SORTING, Hixville Livery Stables, Dartmouth. (508) 995-8803.

16 BRIGGS STABLE MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

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

16 – 19 MMHA SHOW, West Springfield. massmorgan.com.

20 MYOPIA HUNT HUNTER TRIAL SCHOOLING, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

16 – 20 SILVER OAK JUMPER TOURNAMENT, Halifax. showfieldstone.com.

20 SUMMER WRAP-UP AUCTION, Easthampton. heritagefarmeasthampton.com.

16 SOUTH COAST SERIES JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

20 SOUTH COAST SERIES SHOW, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

“The Classic” Horse Show and Pleasure Finals sponsored by the Massachusetts Horsemen’s council Double Point MHC Show Affiliated with neHc, ssHc open and Breed classes More than 100 exhibitors compete for great prizes and awards offered in a multitude of open, Breed, pleasure, Western, saddle seat, and equitation classes in two rings to ensure a variety of classes.

Sunday, September 10, at Briggs Stable, 62 Hanover Street, Hanover, Mass.

Show Begins Promptly at 8 a.m.

Pleasure Classic Finals: Hunter, Saddle Seat, Western WalkTrot Pleasure Classics: MHC Walkt Trot 10 & Under, SSHC Walk Trot 11 & Older (no qualifying needed for Walk Trot classics)

Lifetime Pleasure Horse Achievement Award

Massachusetts Horse Junior Horsemanship Award

For more information, please visit mahorsecouncil.com.

42

August/September 2017

20 GREEN HILL STABLES SHOW SERIES, Berlin.

(978) 491-0264.

20 MUSTANG SHOW, Haverhill. kaitlynewadmanmustangs.com.

27 MHJ HUNTER/JUMPER FINALS, Halifax. showfieldstone.com.

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

20 CCEA JUDGED SHOW SERIES, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc.com.

27 HUNTER SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

20 SCHOOLING TWO PHASE/DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

20 FHANE DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Feeding Hills. www.fhane.org.

20 CMHSS SHOW, Spencer. cmhss.net.

22 – 26 NEHJA DERBY FINALS, Fieldstone Show Park, Halifax. showfieldstone.com.

27 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.com.

27 MYOPIA POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

20 MYOPIA POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

23 MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

27 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Overmeade Farm, Lenox. wnepha.com.

20 WRC LITTLEVILLE DAM RIDE, Huntington. westfieldridingclub.org.

23 JUMPER NIGHT, Black Oak Stables, Hamilton. blackoakstables.com.

27 BSTRA HOOF AND SNEAKER POKER RUN, Mendon. bstra.org.

20 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. leangst@comcast.net or (978) 374-0008.

23 AKF JUMPER SHOW, Millis. appleknoll.com.

27 CONFORMATION, MOVEMENT, AND BIOMECHANICS CLASS, Ohana Farm, North Brookfield. fdhorsemanship.com.

24 – 27 NERHA NORTHEAST SUPER SLIDE-IN, West Springfield. nerha.com.

20 AREA 1 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIPS, Millis. appleknoll.com.

28 HTI MONDAY NIGHT JUMPER/FUN SHOW, Plainville. (508) 245-6993.

25 NER BULLS AND BARRELS, New England Rodeo Ranch, Norton. newenglandrodeo.com.

28 – September 1 SMARTPAK BACK TO SCHOOL WEEK, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. smartpak.com/retailstore.

20 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org.

26 FUN DAY, Blue Rider Stables, North Egremont. bluerider.org.

20 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, White Horse Hill Farm, Richmond. wnepha.com.

30 CATHY DRUMM CLINIC, Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

26 VERSATILITY/EXTREME COWBOY TRAIL, Marshfield. cityslickers3@comcast.net.

20 CENTRAL MASS HORSE SHOW SERIES, Spencer. cmhss.net.

26 – 27 SMARTPAK CANINE SUPPLIES SALE, SmartPak Retail Store, Natick. smartpak.com/retailstore.

30 AKF JUMPER SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

Paula Simmons

Paula Simmons

20 CORNERSTONE FARM HUNTER SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

Accepting New Clients & We Have Training Slots Open Heather Reynolds Dostal, BHS trained, USDF “L” Graduate, Bronze Medalist, Clinician & Judge RER Ponies is a U.S. Pony Club Riding Center offering boarding, training, horse/pony starting, and tune-ups.

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

Congratulations to Kaleigh Simmons on her achievement of being 2016 CT Level 1 Junior Training Level Rider Champion with RER Ponies’ Dancing with Myself! *

RER Ponies

. 54 Plain Rd., Hatfield, Mass.

(413) 427-2026 . RERponies.com . rerponies@gmail.com Massachusetts Horse

43

30 JUMPER NIGHT, Black Oak Stables, Hamilton. blackoakstables.com.

2 – 4 BSTRA LABOR DAY CAMPOUT, Myles Standish State Forest, Carver. bstra.org.

9 TEAM SORTING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

30 WESTERN DRESSAGE LESSON SERIES, South Hadley. cathydrumm.com.

3 MYOPIA POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

9 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Blythewood Stable, Pittsfield. wnepha.com.

30 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Holly Hill Farm, Marston Mills. capecodhunter.com.

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

9 MHC SHOW, Bolton.centurymillstables.com.

31 BACK BAY FARM MHC SHOW, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

3 RECOGNIZED DRESSAGE SHOW, Beland Stables, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

September

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

9 TUB PARADE, Lenox. colonialcarriage.org.

1 – 3 MYOPIA HORSE SHOW, Myopia Schooling Field, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

1 – 4 THREE COUNTY FAIR, Northampton. threecountyfair.com.

3 HRC OPEN HORSE SHOW, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

9 – 10 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Southampton. grindstonemountainfarm.com.

10 SOUTH COAST SERIES SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

10 FALL HUNTER PACE, Spencer. campmarshallequestriancenter.net.

5 – 21 MYOPIA HUNT CUBBING on Tuesdays (8 a.m.), Thursdays (5 p.m.), and Saturdays (8 a.m.), South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

10 OPEN JUMPER SHOW, Chelmsford. midnightmoonstables.com.

2 POLO MATCH, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

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

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

2 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW AND FINALS, Saddle Rowe, Medway. capecodhunter.com.

8 BLUE RIDER HORSE SHOW, South Egremont. bluerider.org.

10 WRC FALL 4-H AND OPEN SHOW, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

2 – 4 HORSEMEN’S MEMORIAL WEEKEND, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

8 – 10 NEECA CAMPOUT WITH HORSES, Athol. neeca.org.

10 BACK-TO-SCHOOL-BLAST OPEN SHOW, Pepperell. atouchofmajic.com.

2 – 4 BLANDFORD FAIR SHOW, Blandford. theblandfordfair.com/horseshow.html.

8 – 10 MASSACHUSETTS STATE 4-H SHOW, Northampton. mass4-H.org.

10 HCRC HAWLEY STATE FOREST RIDE, Hawley. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

2 NEECA CATHY DRUMM WESTERN/ENGLISH DRESSAGE CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

117th Annual

Myopia Horse Show September 1-3 Myopia Schooling Field, South Hamilton, Mass. $2,500 Myopia Hunter Derby $5,000 Myopia Jumper Classic $1,000 Child/Adult Jumper Classic MHC Medals divisions include: Short Stirrup . NEHC and MHC Medals

Jumper Divisions from 2'3" to 3'6" . Side Saddle Class Qualified Hunter classes, and more.

Joint Masters

Hunt Night ~ Friday, September 2 Qualified Hunters, Appointment, Hilltoppers, and more.

Kim Cutler & Nicholas White

Manager John Manning

44

Technical Advisor Wendy Wood

August/September 2017

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

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

Prize list at myopiahunt.org.

10 CORNERSTONE FARM HUNTER SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

16 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

17 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Belchertown. independencestablesllc.com.

10 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague. (413) 367-9828.

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

21 MHC SHOW, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

10 BSTRA CARDINAL RIDGE FARM PLEASURE RIDE, Barre. bstra.org.

16 BRDC DENTAL CLINIC with Rich Walthers, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

10 MYOPIA POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

17 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

10 MHC CLASSIC, Briggs Stable, Hanover. mahorsecouncil.com.

17 HRC VERSATILITY, Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

17 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org.

10 NHC POLO IN THE COUNTRY, Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

17 SCHOOLING TWO PHASE/DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

10 CRANBERRY CIRCUIT HUNTER SHOW, Mashpee. (508) 564-0754.

17 MYOPIA POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

13 – 17 USHJA ZONE 1 HOTY FINALS, West Springfield. thebige.com.

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

15 GYMKHANA SERIES, Hillside Meadows, Grafton. hillside-meadows.com.

17 SEHA SHOW AND FINALS, Saddle Rowe, Medway. southeasthunter.com.

15 GAMES NIGHT, Orange. crimsonacres.org.

17 FUN SHOW SERIES, Countryside Farm, Attleboro. countrysidefarmma.com.

21 – 24 SADDLEBRED, HACKNEY, MORGAN, FRIESIAN SHOW, West Springfield. thebige.com.

23 MASSACHUSETTS HORSE BENEFIT ADVENTURE TRAIL, Wilbraham. Combined hunter pace, timed obstacle course, and horsemanship knowledge quiz. To benefit the MSPCA Equine Center at Nevins Farm. mahorse.com.

23 OLYMPIAN NONA GARSON CLINIC, Sunflower Meadows Equestrian, Berkley.

(508) 567-2860.

23 TEAM SORTING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

23 MHC SHOW, Medway. saddlerowe.com.

16 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW/DERBY/MEDALS, Bellwether Stable, Richmond. wnepha.com.

23 – 24 EQUESTRIAN TALENT SEARCH, South Hadley. mhcriding.com.

23 – 24 USEA HORSE TRIALS, StoneleighBurnham School, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

24 WRC OCTOBER MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST RIDE, Washington. westfieldridingclub.org.

17 BSTRA HUNTER PACE, Douglas. bstra.org.

24 MYOPIA POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

Massachusetts Horse

45

Dressage Schooling Show Series

June 25 - “R” judge Bill McMullin July 30 - judge TBA Sept. 10 - “L” judge Kathryn Hitzig October 8 - “r” judge Keith Angstadt

Dressage Clinics

24 HRC SUPREME INVITATIONAL. Balmy Acres, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

24 SOUTH COAST SERIES SHOW, Wolf Rock Farm, Plympton. southcoastseries.com.

Stalls Available

XENOPHON FARM

30 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING CLINICS, LECTURES & COMPETITIONS! JANICE

& ELAINE KACHAVOS

80 SUNDERLAND RD., RTE. 47 MONTAGUE, MASS. 413.367.9828 X ENOPHON FARM @ AOL . COM

46

August/September 2017

28 – October 1 MHC DAYS OF CHAMPIONS, Northampton. mahorsecouncil.com.

24 CMHSS SHOW, Spencer. cmhss.net.

24 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, White Horse Hill Farm, Richmond. wnepha.com.

24 CCEA JUDGED SHOW SERIES, South Yarmouth. ccequineassoc@gmail.com.

25 HTI MONDAY NIGHT JUMPER/FUN SHOW, Plainville. (508) 245-6993.

29 MYOPIA HUNT JUNIOR OPENING MEET, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.org.

30 NO BULL SORTING, Hixville Livery Stables, Dartmouth. (508) 995-8803.

30 TEAM PENNING, Chipaway Stables, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com.

30 – October 1 JEFF WILSON COWBOY DRESSAGE CLINIC, Spencer. campmarshallequestriancenter.net.

Natural Balance Equine Dentistry October 1 WNEPHA HUNTER SHOW, Heritage Farm, Easthampton. heritagefarmeasthampton.com.

Bill McMullin Sharon McCusker Bill Warren . Verne Batchelder Like us on Facebook to see who’s coming!

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

28 – October 1 DRAFT HORSE SHOW, Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield. thebige.com.

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

1 CRDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

1 BSTRA MOUNT JEFFERSON RIDE, Hubbardston. bstra.org.

Optimize the health and performance of your horse with minimally invasive techniques. Wendy re-aligns the biomechanical function to fit the individual horse.

Horses . Ponies . Minis . Donkeys

Wendy Bryant, EQDT (413)237-8887 . w-bryant@comcast.net wbryantnatrualbalancedentistry.com Certified practitioner in Natural Balance Dentistry®

1 EQUINE SAFETY AND AMBULANCE TRAINING, Methuen. mspca.org/events.

1 OLD NORTH BRIDGE HOUNDS FALL HUNTER PACE, Lincoln. (508) 510-1182.

7 USEA-RECOGNIZED HORSE TRIALS, Course Brook Farm, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

7 POLO MATCH, Boston Polo, Georgetown. bostonpolo.org.

7 – 8 BRDC FALL TRAIL RIDE WEEKEND, Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

8 ANNUAL HORSE SHOW, Blue Rider Stables, North Egremont. bluerider.org.

Lost in the Paperwork?

Bookkeeping . Cash Flow Management Projections/Forecasting . Insurance Audits Liaison with Tax Professionals Obtaining Financing . Accounting Migrations On site and remote options available.

APRIL 21 ~ 23 MassQHA Youth, Novice, and Open Show (massqha.com)

JUNE

Years of experience, many satisfied customers, references available.

South Shore CFO Angelina Natale, President . Halifax, MA (339) 206-3005 . natale534@comcast.net

15 ~ 17 Summer Kickoff Open Show vtspringclassic@aol.com

3~6

CT Summer Classic Show (ctasb.com)

silver medalist Centerline Scores three-star rider 16 years teaching & training

White Spruce Farms

Central Massachusetts (978) 257-4666 whitesprucefarms.com

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

Regional 4-H Horse Show (mass4H.org)

AUGUST

USDF bronze &

MANURE REMOVAL FOR LARGE & SMALL FARMS

JULY

24 ~ 29 New England Morgan Show (nemha.com)

Dressage Training from the Ground Up

Got Manure?

27 ~ 7/1 Northeast Benefit Horse Show (northeastbenefithorseshow.com)

7~9

DRESSAGE

We provide stress-free accounting services!

Susan Rainville

Recovery . Maintenance . Performance Therapeutic Massage . Bodywork . Reiki

(413) 320-7690 jobunny@comcast.net

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

10 ~ 13 Northampton Hunter/Jumper (biscuithillfarm.com)

SEPTEMBER 1~4

Three County Fair (threecountyfair.com)

8 ~ 10

Massachusetts State 4-H Show (mass4-H.org)

28 ~ 10/1 Mass. Horsemen’s Council Days of Champions (mahorsecouncil.com)

413.584.2237 threecountyfair.com

Independence Stable, LLC

Dressage Schooling Shows Including Western Dressage Tests!

August 13 - Rachel Markel Webber “L” September 17 - Sue Edelen “L”

Lessons . Training . Clinics

Lessons 5 Training Clinics 5 Drill Team Horse Shows Games Nights Summer Camps

Massachusetts Horse

47

the

neighborhood

ASSOCIATIONS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• BAY STATE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION bstra.org Keeping trails open for equestrian use; organized trail rides; volunteer opportunities for trail clearing and maintenance.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY RIDING CLUB Goshen, MA, (413) 268-3372 hampshirecounty ridingclub.org Monthly trail rides, woodland obstacle course, scavenger hunt, and clinics.

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

Your Everything Equine “white pages”

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

EQUINE MASSAGE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• EQUISSAGE NE/NY MA, CT, RI, (860) 564-7759 equisportmt@sbcglobal.net Integrated body work for performance horses: reiki, Masterson Method, sports and therapeutic massage, myofascial release, cranio-sacral therapy, infrared photon therapy.

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

DRESSAGE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• BRADFORD EQUESTRIAN CENTER Haverhill, MA, (978) 374-0008 Dressage for all disciplines and driving.

Keith Angstadt, USEF dressage judge.

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

CATHY DRUMM Pittsfield, MA, (413) 441-5278 cathydrumm.com Clinics, lessons, training, western and English dressage, hunter/jumper.

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

FAIRFIELD FARM Rochester, MA, (508) 763-8038 dressageatfairfieldfarm.com Boarding, instruction, training, indoor.

MEG HILLY South Deerfield, MA, (802) 595-1258 mhilly@mtholyoke.edu USDF “L” judge; FEI rider; private, semiprivate lessons; clinics.

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

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

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

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

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

Routine preventive care, maintenance, diagnostics, extractions.

48

August/September 2017

STRAIN FAMILY HORSE FARM Granby, CT, (860) 653-3275 strainfamilyhorsefarm.com New England’s largest quality sales stable. Supplying NE with horses and ponies since 1967. Forty family, trail, and show horses to choose from. New loads every week. We buy horses, take trade-ins and consignment horses. Great three-weekexchange guarantee. Find us on Facebook.

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

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

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

FARM FAMILY INSURANCE farmfamily.com Carver: (508) 866-9150 Easthampton: (413) 203-5180 Great Barrington: (413) 528-1710 Marlborough: (508) 485-3800 Middleborough: (508) 747-8181 Northborough: (508) 393-9327

Norwood: (781) 255-2002 South Deerfield: (413) 665-8200 Southwick: (413) 569-2307 Topsfield: (978) 887-8304 Westford: (978) 467-1001 Williamstown: (413) 458-5584 Worcester: (508) 752-3300 JUDGES •••••••••••••••••••••••••• MARY BRAZIE Egremont, MA, (413) 528-2367 arabpinto13@yahoo.com Judging open, 4-H, carded.

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY •••••••••••••••••••••••••• KAREN MORANG PHOTOGRAPHY Find us on Facebook.

Equine photography and events.

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

REAL ESTATE •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ALTHEA BRAMHALL HOMETOWN REALTORS North Quabbin region, (617) 678-9300 althearealtor@gmail.com Real estate is more fun with horse people!

EQUINE HOMES REAL ESTATE LLC MA and NH, (800) 859-2745, ext. 704 equinehomes.com sally@equinehomes.com Sally Mann, Realtor, MA and NH. BERNICE GIARD REALITY Oakham, MA, (508) 882-3900 oakham@charter.net Country properties.

STABLES, FARMS, BOARDING •••••••••••••••••••••••••• CARRIER’S FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-0333 rcarrier0333@gmail.com Indoor, outdoor arenas, round pens, fields.

GLENCROFT FARM Southampton, MA, (413) 527-8026 kraymond24@hotmail.com Boarding, pastures, ring, trails, fields.

STRAIN FAMILY EQUESTRIAN CENTER LLC Southwick, MA, (413) 569-5797 strainfamilyequestrian.com Boarding, lessons, training, sales, therapeutic riding.

TACK •••••••••••••••••••••••••• CHESHIRE HORSE Swanzey, NH, (877) 358-3001 cheshirehorse.com English, western, feed, supplies, trailers.

DR. COOK BITLESS BRIDLE (866) 235-0938 bitlessbridle.com Safe, gentle, effective alternative to using a bit.

SMARTPAK RETAIL STORE Natick, MA, (508) 651-0045 smartpak.com/retailstore Tack, equipment, supplements, blankets, apparel, gear, gifts, clearance outlet.

TRANSPORTATION •••••••••••••••••••••••••• J.R. HUDSON HORSE TRANSPORTATION West Bridgewater, MA, (508) 427-9333 jrhudsonhorsetrans.com Serving the lower 48 states and Canada.

VETERINARIANS •••••••••••••••••••••••••• FAMILY VETERINARY CENTER Haydenville, MA, (413) 268-8387 famvets.com Traditional and alternative care for dogs, cats, exotics, and horses.

SOUTH DEERFIELD VETERINARY CLINIC DR. ROBERT P. SCHMITT S. Deerfield, MA, (413) 665-3626 sdvc@aol.com Equine medicine, surgery since 1969.

Advertise for just $49 a year?

Yes!

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Plus, receive a free one-year subscription .

Place your ad at mahorse.com.

Massachusetts Horse

49

Karen Morang

Is This Your Horse?

Now Accepting Boarders 20,000-square-foot Facility!

Is this your horse?

This photo was taken at the June 3 Azrael Acres Schooling Horse Trials in Uxbridge. 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, and a two-year subscription to Massachusetts Horse.

Horse Leases Available partial $275/mo., half $400/mo., full $525/mo.

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

Brimfield, MA 413-245-3083 fairviewfarmsjjc.com

RER Ponies Training, Lessons & Sales

by BHS trained, USDF “L” Graduate & Bronze Medalist

Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association’s

Hunter/Equitation Shows August 5 August 20 August 27 September 2 September 3 September 9 September 16 September 24 October 1 October 8 October 15 October 29

Blythewood Stables White Horse Hill Overmead Humane Society Show Harmony Hill Three County Fairgrounds Blythewood Stables Bellwether Derby/Medals White Horse Hill Heritage Farm WNEPHA FINALS Harmony Hill Muddybrook Farm

Dressage Shows

English and western dressage classes.

August 20 September 17

Emerald Glen Stockade Polo Club

Heather Reynolds Dostal Available for Judging & Clinics U.S. Pony Club Riding Center offering boarding, training, pony starting, and tune-ups. Professional, well rounded, goal-oriented lesson program for riders of all ages beginner through advanced.

Accepting new clients with 2017 expansion!

8 Circle Dr., Hatfield, MA 413.427.2026

RERponies.com . rerponies@gmail.com 50

August/September 2017

Featuring year-end awards in many divisions.

wnepha.com Full schedule can be found at:

An organization for horsemen, by horsemen.

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

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

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

Bridgewater Farm Supply 1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357 . bridgewaterfarm.com

Essex County Co-op 146 S. Main St., Topsfield (978) 887-2309 essexcountycoop.net

Country Corral 35 Main St., Williamsburg (413) 268-0180 . countrycorralonline.com

Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange Rte. 32, Gilbertville . (413) 477-6913 hardwickfarmers.net

Hoosac Valley Coal and Grain 2 Gavin Ave., Adams (413)743-0163 hoosacvalleycoalandgrain.com Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926 sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com Thibault’s Poultry 92 N. Spencer Rd. Spencer (508) 612-1907 Massachusetts Horse

51

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRIDGEPORT, CT PERMIT

#140

It takes more than luck to get you there safely.

Horse owners from throughout New England and beyond have counted on Orchard Trailers for more than 27 years to provide some of the safest, most reliable trailers available. If you’re a past customer, we welcome you to visit again and see what’s new in the trailer world. If you’re new to Orchard, or to horse trailers in general, our experienced staff is ready to help you find the right trailer for you and your horse.

Kingston Classic Standard Two Horse Straight Load

Adam Excursion Three Horse Slant Load with Dressing Room

Largest inventory of horse trailers in the Northeast!

orchardtrailers.com | info@orchardtrailers.com | (413) 665-7600 | (800) 998-8779 78 State Road, Whately, MA 01093 Financing Available!