From the Publisher

Nicole Normandy Soon autumn will bring her cool days, bright blue skies, and colorful foliage . . . a perfect time to get out there with our horses.

After years of COVID-19 and increasing inflation, many of us find ourselves wondering what we’d do if we were unable to care for our horses. Feature writer Kara Noble asked those in the field of rescue, equine wellness agencies, and

equine assistance nonprofits what resources are out there for horse owners who find themselves in need of help. Read Equine Safety Networking starting on page 10.

Interested in equestrian facilities in our community? Read about three farms — Stargazer Farm in Connecticut, Cedarwood Farm in Massachusetts, and Faith Hill Farm in Rhode Island — starting on page 24.

What interesting equestrians live in our neighborhoods? In this issue you’ll meet Courtney Maum, Nutmeg State author of The Year of the Horses: A Memoir; Shaquilla Blake, a Bay State rider, writer, and activist; and Sarah Rivers, an Ocean State dressage trainer and farm manager — interesting women doing inspirational work — starting on page 42.

Horse Logic columnist Nicole Birkholzer writes about her experiences with horses who need clarification from their partners — a job description of sorts. Read Horse Logic on page 56. What can you do to define your horse’s job for him?

Trail Guide columnist and explorer Stacey Stearns visits Thompson trails in Connecticut, Grafton trails in Massachusetts, and the George Washington Wildlife Management Area in Rhode Island. Turn to page 60 to get commonsense advice for driving, parking, and riding out. Mark Baus, DVM, founder of Grand Prix Equine, writes about Using Radiographs to Trim and Shoe in his Grand Prix Guidance column on page 76. How can you work with your vet and farrier to improve your horses comfort?

You’ll find news in our community starting on page 80 and news from equestrian clubs on page 89. Be sure to check out our Community Horse Youth Award winners on pages 74 and 75. These riders represent the future of our horse community! (Want a free Youth Award for your upcoming equestrian event? Visit communityhorse.org/youth-awards.)

Looking for something to do with your horse? Check out the Events Calendars for each state starting on page 100.

Enjoy the season!

Miniature Horses Peanut and Little Rasta Man having a morning nap at Pocketful of Ponies Farm.