Community Horse Fall/Winter 2023

COMMUNITY HORSE

vol. 3, no. 2 Fall/Winter 2023 ISSN 2766-5011 PRINT; 2766-502X ONLINE

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 • phone: (413) 268-3302 • communityhorse.org

Community Horse is owned and operated by Community Horse Media LLC and is an all-breed, all-discipline equestrian publication for Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

© 2023 Community Horse

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

publisher

Stephanie Sanders • steph@communityhorse.org • (413) 268-3302

editor

Kathaleen Emerson

public liaison

Sally L. Feuerberg . (203) 339-0357, sally@communityhorse.org

feature writers

Nicole Birkholzer, Chrissy Marie Capacchione, Alessandra Corbett, Sara Esthus Sally L. Feuerberg, Jennafer Maselli, Stacey Stearns, Mike Wilson

contributors

Christopher Capozziello, Amy K. Dragoo, Emma Guillot, Barbara D. Livingston, Belle Magna, Ruehle Photographix

advertising & questions

main office • (413) 268-3302 • info@communityhorse.org

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the fine print

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

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

Community Horse Fall/Winter 2023

CONNECTICUT , MASSACHUSETTS & RHODE ISLAND

community /kə'myoonədē/ noun

1. A group of people living in the same place.

2. A feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common interests.

Community Horse is just that, a group of equestrians in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island with shared interests and goals. Our goal is to build our equestrian community. We do this by focusing the features, articles, and calendar in every issue on local farms, equestrians, trails, and events and by giving the members of more than 60 organizations free

To the Editor:

online subscriptions and promoting those groups in our pages.

In this issue, we focus on equestrian helmet safety and the new ratings put out by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab beginning on page 8. Take a look and find the link to learn how your helmet was rated. You may be surprised.

As we enter the autumn season, perfect for horse activities, I’m happy to have my winter hay in the barn and plenty of apples and carrots to harvest on the farm.

Your Letters

To the Editor:

I’m so excited to share that my small business, The Hoof & Paw Co., is featured in the Community Horse Spring/Summer 2023 issue. Huge thank you to writer Alessandra Corbett and the editors and staff at Community Horse for this opportunity. Tess Vogel, The Hoof & Paw Co., Woodbury, Conn.

Many thanks to Community Horse for donating Youth Awards for the NEECA Donkey and Mule Show and the NEECA Barre Show! Terry Lupien, Winchendon, Mass.

Let us know your thoughts!

We’ll enter you to win a $75 Cheshire Horse gift card! All letters received by February 5 will be entered in the drawing. Send your letters to: letters@communityhorse.org or CommunityHorse, 99 Bissell Rd., Williamsburg, MA 01096.

What’s Your Helmet’s Rating?

New Helmet Ratings from Virginia Tech Helmet Laboratory

by Sally L. Feuerberg

I’ve been riding since the early 1970s and yes, I’ve always worn a helmet. When I think back on the construction of my first piece of equestrian headwear, I sometimes wonder how I survived. It was a fiberglass shell covered in black velvet with a very thin elastic chin strap, and a little black velvet button on top. It had no vents so most of the riding season it was hot. The helmet was mandatory; no questions asked, no discussion, no debate. I wanted to ride, so wearing a helmet was an easy decision.

Today, I still religiously wear my helmet, although it’s been much improved since then. It’s part of the riding attire I love, and the donning of my helmet is second nature. I wouldn’t even consider riding or working around horses without one. I even try to wear it when I’m grooming my horse, and, of course, as I’m tacking or untacking him.

However, many riders participating in all types of equestrian activities and sports are riding without appropriate head protection.

“Almost every person who’s ridden a horse has come off a horse,” Dr. Stefan Duma says. “When you think about the height [when you are mounted], there’s a

lot of energy, so when you come down on the ground, the head impact can be quite dangerous.” Dr. Duma is the founder of the Virginia Tech Helmet Laboratory and director of the Institute for Critical Technology and Science. “Equestrian riders visit the emergency room for brain injuries at higher rates than other sports,” he says.

In December 2022, Dr. Duma, Dr. Barry Miller, the Director of Outreach and Business Development, and Dr. Mark Begonia, the Director of Testing, together with the team from Virginia Tech Helmet Laboratory released an equestrian helmet study with new ratings.

“When the results were released, we had more than 100,000 unique visitors to the lab’s website (helmet.beam.vt.edu/ equestrian-helmet-ratings.html) in just a couple of days, and that’s about 10 times more than any other sport when we released those ratings,” said Dr. Duma.

I needed to know more, so I decided to learn as much as I could about the lab, the testing methods, rating system, scoring, and how the scores were calculated. Most important, I wanted to share the informa-

© Amy K. Dragoo

Researchers at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab in Blacksburg, Virginia, use the inverted mini-pendulum impactor to simulate the motion of a helmeted rider falling from a horse. Field tests were set up by researchers on dirt (hard) and sand (soft).

tion with others so they too could determine if they should be doing more to protect themselves from a head injury.

Virginia Tech Helmet Laboratory

The Virginia Tech Helmet Laboratory (VTHL) is a comprehensive injury biomechanics laboratory that was founded in 2007 with a specialty for studying brain injury and sports helmets. Since 2011, VTHL researchers have been providing unbiased helmet ratings that allow consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing helmets. They have tested and rated helmets for varsity, youth, and flag football; soccer; cycling; hockey; snow sports; and whitewater sports, transforming the science of sports safety by giving athletes, parents, and coaches impartial quantitative data that can help us to choose the safest equipment.

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings

Seed funding for the VTHL’s equestrian helmet initiative came from the United States. Hunter Jumper Association, followed by donations from the New England Equitation Championships, the United States Equestrian Federation, and the United States Eventing Association. These were matched by a donation from Jacqueline Mars and an anonymous gift boosting the total raised to the required $450,000. Using these funds, the VTHL has rated 39 equestrian helmets using the STAR evaluation system.

The VTHL ratings are an independent and objective assessment of helmet performance for consumers, free from manufacturer influence.

The STAR rating system is based on two fundamental concepts: 1) tests are weighted based on how often people experience similar impacts; and 2) helmets that lower linear and rotational acceleration reduce injury risk. STAR stands for the Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk. (Linear acceleration injuries result when the head is snapped forward or backward; rotational injuries result when the head is hit from the side, causing the brain to rotate inside the skull.)

Keep reading to learn how helmets are rated, how the rating system works, what all those acronyms mean when it comes to helmet certification, and whether your hair style impacts your helmet’s efficacy.

How are ratings determined for helmets?

A helmet’s rating is comprised of two components: the STAR score and the number of stars.

How is a STAR score calculated?

The STAR score is calculated based on a helmet’s performance in a series of impact tests. The impact conditions are sportsspecific and inclusive of the broad range of head impacts that athletes are likely to experience.

A helmet with a lower STAR score offers better protection. Each STAR score is then assigned a number of stars to categorize impact performance. The number of stars varies between one and five, with five stars being the best. Helmets with more stars provide a greater reduction in concussion risk for these impacts compared to helmets with fewer stars.

© Amy K. Dragoo

Dr. Barry Miller performs the ASTM tower drop at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab.

Understanding the Rating System

Each equestrian helmet is rated based on the results of 12 impact tests in the Virginia Tech Helmet Laboratory (VTHL). A pendulum impactor test rig was used to assess the equestrian helmets. For each impact, linear and rotational acceleration, indicators for concussion risk, were measured.

At the VTHL, the helmet’s front, side, and back are tested at two impact energies based on industry standards for equestrian helmet performance, advanced video analysis of equestrian events, and peerreviewed equestrian research. The lowerand higher-severity test conditions represent the range of impacts that could result in concussions. To see the technical documents for a complete methodology for these ratings, visit helmet.beam.vt.edu/ equestrian-helmet-ratings.html.

Helmet Safety Standard Jargon

Acronyms for safety standards you'll encounter when researching helmets:

ASTM F1163-23

The American Society for Testing and Materials is the current riding helmet standard for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This organization creates testing standards for manufacturers to meet. ASTM does not test or certify products. It provides the standard for laboratories to do the testing. Helmet manufacturers choose the laboratory and submit helmet models for testing to the ASTM standard.

SEI

The Safety Equipment Institute is a subsidiary of ASTM. SEI is a nonprofit organization that works with independent laboratories to certify safety and protective products for the United States and Canada. SEI certification programs are voluntary, but virtually all helmet manufacturers participate. SEI certifies the specific standard, so SEI ASTM F1163-23 means the helmet model is certified by SEI to meet the ASTM F1163-23 safety standard. (SEI is not the only organization that can test for an ASTM standard.)

BSI

The British Standards Institution develops helmet standards and tests them.

CE

The letters CE (Conformite Europeene/ European Conformity) appear on helmets that are allowed to be marketed in the European Economic Area. The CE marking is required and shows that the manufacturer ensures the helmet meets European Union legal safety requirements.

PAS 015:2011

Product Approval Specification is the standard that must be met for riding helmets in Great Britain. It was developed and is tested by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Kitemark/ KM 558234

Kitemark is also a BSI certification, most notably found on Charles Owen and KEP helmets. BSI tests the helmets and Kitemark includes batch testing and access to the manufacturer’s factory and offices.

VG1 01.040 2014-12

This is the newest standard from the European Union commission. It was created according to British standards and adopted by the European Union.

SNELL E2016

SNELL E2016 standards are safety certifications done by the Snell Memorial Foundation in California.

Why rate helmets?

All helmets sold must be certified to meet minimum safety requirements set by standards organizations. These standards are evaluated with testing on a pass/fail basis. However, not all helmets are created equal and two helmets that meet the standard may offer different levels of impact protection. The VTHL supplements these standards with sports-specific impact testing and rates the helmets on a five-star scale. This scale informs consumers of the relative differences in helmet protection in the context of reducing the risk of head injury.

What do the helmet ratings mean?

Simply stated, the helmet ratings identify which helmets best reduce concussion risk. More stars equate to better protection,

with five stars representing the best available helmets. VTHL encourages athletes to choose helmets with four or five stars.

Will five-star helmets prevent me from sustaining a concussion?

According to the VTHL website: “No helmet is concussion-proof. Any athlete can sustain a head injury, even with the very best head protection. The helmet ratings identify the helmets that best reduce your chances of sustaining a concussion. With that stated, helmets are only one piece of the equation to minimizing concussion risk. Rule changes and coaching proper technique can result in fewer high-risk head impacts and are perhaps the most important. Having the best available head protection for the remaining head impacts further reduces risk. This analysis is based on data trends and possibilities, and therefore a specific person’s risk may vary. This variation is likely dominated by genetic differences, health history, and impact factors such as muscle activation.”

I WAS ABLE to reach out to Drs. Duma and Miller to ask them some additional questions, hoping that further informa-

tion may help others who were either looking to upgrade their present headgear or considering the purchase of an equestrian helmet for the first time.

CH: What surprised you the most when testing equestrian helmets?

Dr. Duma: There’s a great opportunity for improvement in equestrian helmets. We’ve tested helmets for all sports and there are many technologies used in other sports that could be quickly applied to equestrian helmets to improve performance.

Dr. Miller: We didn’t really get surprised. Results were typical with the initial STAR rating releases we’ve seen in other sports. Equestrian helmets were designed to meet criteria from the various certifications. Now the companies have a design tool to further enhance the helmets with both linear and rotational head kinematics [the geometry of motion] considered.

CH: Are there changes you’d like to see in the equestrian helmet standards?

Dr. Duma: The biggest issue is that the standards do not currently include any rotational kinematic measures. Our testing is the first to include both linear and rota-

tional kinematic measures to evaluate all equestrian helmets. Both linear and rotational metrics are important when predicting brain injury.

Dr. Miller: They could include rotational head metrics and further reduce the thresholds to pass. I know several are evaluating these items.

CH: Do you recommend riders replace their helmets with a new one after a certain amount of time and/or after a fall? If yes, why?

Dr. Duma: Most equestrian helmets are only designed for one impact, so yes, they should be replaced after each fall. I recommend people get the highest-rated helmet that fits them well. If they have a low-rated helmet, they definitely should upgrade to a higher-rated product.

Dr. Miller: The technology will improve so within the next couple of years I would strongly consider looking at upgrading your helmet. If you had a decent energy fall, I would also recommend shopping for a new helmet as the helmet liner likely incurred some permanent deformation (crush or cracking) and may not perform as it was designed to if another fall occurs. The Snell Foundation recommends 5 years, even if your helmet appears to still be in good condition.

CH: What would you like to see for the future development and design of the equestrian riding helmet?

Dr. Duma: There are many padding technologies that could be quickly incorporated into the helmet design to provide better impact protection across all impact energies. If you look at what is being used in bicycle helmets, for example, there are many new lightweight systems that perform very well.

Dr. Miller: We’ve already been testing prototypes from several companies and the big improvement will be to not only protect from the high energy impact but additionally how to better protect from concussion risk, which can occur at much lower energy levels.

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What does the role of hair play in helmet retention or fit?

It has been common over the years for hunter/jumper riders with long hair to buy a slightly larger helmet so that they can tuck their hair up neatly inside it. This can, in some cases, result in a helmet that rocks back and forth during riding rather than remaining securely positioned on the head. Is this dangerous? Possibly. However, Dr. Barry Miller says the key factors to consider are whether the helmet retention system (harness and closure mechanisms) keeps the helmet in place during initial impact; and whether the helmet is designed to decrease both linear and rotational acceleration rates to minimize the likelihood of concussion.

For Black equestrians with natural hair styles, finding a helmet that fits can be quite difficult. Helmet inclusivity is important — it could mean the difference between life and a deadly brain injury.

Other companies have taken steps to adapt helmets to accommodate Black athletes’ natural hairstyles. For example, Riddell, a manufacturer of National Football League helmets, has developed a helmet with customized padding to help any hairstyle fit.

“As a black equestrian, I have tried on too many helmets to count — round, oval, custom, adjustable — none have offered a secure fit,” says Shaquilla Blake, writer of The Black Equestrian blog and adult amateur rider. “I’ve adjusted my hairstyles to accommodate my helmet fit; however, kinky hair can only be flattened so much. Hair comes in all different textures, and even some non-people-of-color riders can have thick hair that they cannot fit inside their helmet. As research has shown, tucking any texture of hair into a helmet alters the fit, and should a rider fall, it creates pressure points that can potentially cause more damage to the head.”

“I have natural dreadlocks that hang past my shoulders and are thick,” says Shaq. “Helmets sit on top of my head rather than sitting low enough to protect the base of my head, my temples, and my forehead. My helmet is the largest size that helmet retailers have to offer without having to order a custom helmet, and yet it does not fit securely and safely on my head.”

“The New York Times article, “Black Equestrians Want to Be Safe, but They Can’t Find Helmets,” ran in March highlighting the struggles Black equestrians face when looking for helmets was the catalyst for a partnership between myself and Back on Track,” says Shaq. “I reached out to Back on Track CEO James Ruder, and together we began brainstorming how best to address this issue by offering Black riders, and other riders facing helmet fit issues due to their hair, safer solutions and helmets with features such as MIPS [Multi-directional Impact Protection System] technology.”

“The solution for riders of color is simple,” says Shaq. “We need helmets that take into account our natural hair texture, volume, and length. All riders are entitled to properly fitted safety gear and the opportunity to enjoy this sport without having to limit themselves because of safety concerns due to the inability to find safe and inclusive gear.”

CH: There’s so much old and new information out there on the safety and importance of equestrian helmets. If you or a loved one were looking to purchase a new riding helmet or even upgrade their present one, what piece of advice would you give them?

Dr. Duma: Look at our equestrian ratings (vt.edu/helmet) and pick the highest-rated helmet that fits your head well. This is what I just did for my wife as she loves riding horses, and now she does so in a five-star rated equestrian helmet.

Dr. Miller: Shop the various models, try them on to ensure they would be comfortable for your riding time, and of course check out the VTHL ratings!

HELMETS SIMPLY SAVE lives and this newest study gave me additional facts, information, and reasons to reevaluate my present helmet choice. But was this study going to convince those who insist on not wearing a helmet when they ride, to change their minds? The University of Connecticut Department of Animal Science has a few startling facts and statistics on its website regarding riding helmet safety and brain injuries.

• An injured brain does not heal like a broken bone. Even seemingly insignificant head injuries can have long-term effects.

• Horseback riding carries a higher injury rate per hour of exposure than downhill ski racing, football, hang-gliding, and motorcycle racing.

• Medical examiner reports show that 60 percent or more of horse-related deaths are caused by head injuries. Helmets can reduce this possibility by 70 to 80 percent.

• Each year approximately 70,000 people are treated in emergency rooms because of equestrian-related activities.

• Riders between the ages 22 and 35 have the highest head injury rate.

• Head injuries are responsible for more than 60 percent of horse-related deaths.

• Head injuries are the most common reason for horse-related hospital admissions. Armed with the UConn facts and educated with the newest rating study by Virginia Tech, my decision to upgrade my helmet was an obvious choice. More than

anything else in the world, I want to give myself the greatest opportunity to ride for years to come.

But what about those who might still be uncertain or unconvinced? I decided to ask some of the riders I interact with what they thought. Why did they wear a helmet when they rode? Have they ever been involved in an equestrian-related activity in which wearing a helmet possibly saved their life or kept them from being seriously injured? Has not wearing a helmet ever cause them to suffer a head injury? The diverse equestrian activities of those who shared their stories alone was impressive.

Dr. Reeva Saria of Bethlehem, Connecticut, wears her helmet when she rides whether in a hunter pace, foxhunting, eventing, or out on the trails. What made her a helmet advocate? She shared her nonhelmet-wearing story with me. “I can tell you that I fell off once without a helmet and had amnesia for six months,” she says. “I lost a year of my life and couldn’t remember the end of a sentence. Luckily, my brain healed, but it was touch and go.”

Haddam, Connecticut, resident Heidi Smith teaches hunt seat and western students. She shows her gelding in Western Pleasure classes and enjoys trail riding with him. She also jumps and hunter paces with her mare. “About twenty years ago, I came off while in a jumping lesson and cracked the back of my helmet,” she says. “I did suffer a brain bleed; however, if I hadn’t had a helmet on, who knows what might have happened.”

Kowboy Ken Forcier of Oxford, Connecticut, enjoys cowboy-mounted shooting, trail riding, and camps with his horse. He also participates in field trials with his horse and dog. “My foot got hung up in the stirrup once and I fell backward.” he says. “I hit my head. When I woke up, my foot was still in the stirrup. My horse, Red, was still standing there. What a good boy. That’s when I started wearing a helmet.”

Head injuries can occur even before you get in the saddle! Former Newtown, Connecticut, resident and rider Sue Newbury recalled an incident. “My saddle slipped when mounting on the side of a road that was covered with gravel,” she says. “I hit my head when I fell off and

gravel was embedded in my helmet! That could have been my head!”

The VTHL findings took me aback, to say the least. I discovered that my current helmet was only given three out of a possible five stars. I’ve always been under the impression that if I was wearing what appeared to me as the most appropriate, well-fitted, and protective equestrian headgear, I was at least giving myself the best chances of eliminating or reducing the possibilities of a brain injury.

I was also astonished to learn that cost doesn’t necessarily reflect the helmet’s performance. The top two rated helmets were valued at $460 and $58.

Want to check your helmet’s VTHL rating? Visit helmet.beam. vt.edu/equestrian-helmet-ratings.html. Read UConn’s helmet safety information at animal science.cahnr.uconn.edu/equine-helmet-safety-php/.

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

Rivendell Farm A Welcoming Atmosphere

by Chrissy Marie Capacchione

Rivendell Farm is just a stone’s throw away from the Durham Fairgrounds in Connecticut. The farm boasts a meticulously maintained facility with dedicated owners and staff that provide a collaborative and progressive equine experience.

Nestled at the end of a hidden drive, Rivendell is David and Sage Stachowiak’s vision realized — a community where all

in December 2022. The couple quickly realized what a treasure they had found. In addition to acquiring a beautiful equestrian property with a successful riding program, David and Sage immediately became part of the close-knit Rivendell horse community that they continue to build on.

Sage’s long-time trainer and friend, Dawne Wilson Jones, moved her business,

are welcome and encouraged to pursue their equestrian aspirations. Rivendell’s unique culture, quirky animal residents, and dedication to its clients’ aspirations, no matter the height, is truly a breath of fresh air.

Rivendell’s 20-acre facility has the capacity to stable and pasture up to 40 horses. The farm operates a busy lesson program and has several successful show teams that make full use of the two outdoor arenas and an indoor arena. Those seeking trail riding opportunities can easily access nearby Cockaponset State Forest, just steps away from the farm, offering an additional 15,600 acres for equestrians.

David and Sage Stachowiak’s adventure began when they purchased the farm

Colonial Hill Quarter Horses, to the farm. In addition, Roger and Lisa Passavant, who owned and built Rivendell, remain involved with Roger staying on as barn manager. While touring the property Sage tells Community Horse that Roger was involved with the construction of the property and laid each brick of the main barn’s aisles with his own hands, except for the final one, put in place by Lisa.

Developing a strong, supportive community was a top priority for David and Sage upon their purchase of Rivendell. The friendly smiles and contagious laughter that filled the aisles on the day of my visit are evidence of the community spirit that runs throughout Rivendell.

“ ‘No one takes care of your horse like you do . . . except us,’ is the Rivendell

Sage and Nellie

motto,” says Sage. “The horses receive individual care because they all have different needs. Clients are first drawn to us because the facility is beautiful and clean, but they stay with us because the care their horses receive is unparalleled.”

A plethora of comical wildlife from the surrounding woodlands has also taken up residence at the farm, including two red-tailed hawks, a giant turkey, a camera-ready woodchuck family, and an opossum with an insatiable appetite. Their quirky behaviors add to the unique charm and atmosphere of Rivendell.

Sage recently spoke with Community Horse about the journey that led her and David to Rivendell.

CH: Have horses always been a part of your life?

Sage: I didn’t begin riding until I reached adulthood. In college I had the opportunity to ride a little and loved the experience. My goal became owning one horse by the time I turned 30, but instead of one horse I actually owned two by then.

CH: What discipline or disciplines do you ride? Do you also compete?

Sage: Mainly I ride western but have also ridden English. I do compete in American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) western disciplines. To me, showing has always been about having fun and spending time with your friends and horses and less about the ribbons.

CH: What made you decide to take on the challenge of farm ownership and what was the process of transitioning from your original home to Rivendell Farm like for you?

Sage: I had wanted to bring my horses home for a while, but I also didn’t want to leave Dawne, so David and I decided that we would buy a facility with 20 stalls and bring Dawne and her clients with us. When David found the listing for Rivendell, we knew it was all we wanted, and more. The "more” was the scary part. But once we decided [to purchase the farm] everything started happening

quickly. We put our house on the market around Thanksgiving and had a cash offer, contingent on closing before the end of the year. From the offer on our former house to closing and moving was only around 14 days. We closed on the house and moved two days after Christmas. Needless to say, the holidays were a complete blur. Thankfully, Roger and Lisa were wonderful partners and we all dropped everything to pack and get everyone shuffled around with less than two weeks to get it all done.

CH: What is the biggest change or addition you have implemented since you purchased Rivendell?

Sage: That would be our addition of an AQHA western program including a western show team, in addition to our hunt seat program. There aren’t many facilities that offer both disciplines and that’s something we are proud of.

CH: Can you describe Rivendell’s riding and lesson programs?

Sage: We currently have two full-time riding instructors, Sara Hultgren and Dawne Wilson Jones. They head up our English and western divisions, and work wonderfully together on camps, our Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team, and many farm activities for all our clients. In a typical week we teach about 100 lessons. We also offer a week-long camp for three weeks in the summer, which includes riding activities but also offers additional activities such as crafts, horseback riding games, and a special event to wrap up camp at the end of the week. In addition to our IEA program, we also have several successful show teams including an AQHA show team, an English Connecticut Horse Show Association (CHSA) rated show team, and two local English and western show teams.

CH: Since you both work full time what has your experience been between balancing your careers while simultaneously operating the facility?

Sage: We have a great group of staff and clients. We’re so grateful and without them none of this would be possible.

CH: As new farm owners what has been the biggest challenge for you?

Sage: The facility was already running smoothly so it was really us getting into the flow of things and finding our own rhythm in an established routine. David hadn’t been involved with horses so now he’s learning not only about horse care but also farm upkeep; things like equipment uses and mechanics along with maintenance and upkeep of the property.

CH: The facility has a contagiously uplifting atmosphere; can you talk about the social culture at Rivendell?

Sage: The most important thing for me was to create an environment in which everyone feels both welcome and safe. It’s important for clients to be able to leave their worries and struggles of the outside world at the door when they get to the

barn and just be able to enjoy their horse and their time spent here. It’s a philosophy every member of the team supports and has helped to implement here.

While our show teams are very successful the most important thing is that the kids have fun, and that’s always the first thing I ask them about when they get back. We want them to know that we will clap for them regardless of ribbons or placing. If you want to compete, we do that, and we do it well. But if you just want to come and groom some of the older horses that’s fine too. There is so much pressure on kids today, and we didn’t want an environment that would put even more on our students.

SAGE COMPARES HER and David’s transition to farm ownership to the 2011 film We Bought a Zoo, based on a memoir by Benjamin Nee.

Sage: Rivendell Farm is my biggest adventure. At the end of the movie, Ben (played by Matt Damon) realizes he not only bought a zoo, but also found his fam-

ily in it. Ben found his new family among the staff, caregivers, clients and the animals that called Rosemore Zoo home. Like the movie, our goal and dream here at Rivendell Farm is that we all find our family, our community, and we enjoy this crazy adventure together.

ROGER’S FAVORITE SAYING is, “Sixty days at Rivendell fixes everything.” After visiting this impeccably run equine operation and experiencing its welcoming atmosphere it’s easy to see why.

Chrissy Marie Capacchione is a freelance writer and assists in managing and operations at her parents’ Connecticut farm. She enjoys restarting off-the-track Thoroughbreds and continues to develop her riding and equine management skills.

Stretch Classes for Equestrians

•

•

Easthampton

by Alessandra Corbett

Farm

A Continuing Evolution Heritage Farm

The lore of Heritage Farm runs deep in western Massachusetts; talk to any local horseperson and chances are they have some dusty memory or vague connection with the Easthampton stable. Established in 1972 by the Raucher family, Heritage Farm had served generations of horse folk with boarding opportunities, riding lessons, horse shows, clinics, horse sales, pony

Horsewoman Meg Deitner is the proud new owner of the 30-acre property, and she’s looking forward to building upon the rich history of horsemanship that has persisted at the facility over time. She received the keys to the front gate in June, immediately strapped on her muck boots, and jumped into restoring the farm. Chicken manure-coated stalls were scraped and scrubbed top to bottom,

camps, trail riding, auctions — anything that had to do with horses, you could find it at Heritage. It was perhaps one of the last remaining horse farms in this area operating with such breadth and accessibility. The farm was also well known for having cultivated one of the Pioneer Valley’s largest packs of “barn rats” (that’s horse-crazy youth, of course).

For all these reasons and more, the local equine community felt a collective twinge of sadness when the property sold to non-horse folk in 2019. It was thereafter used as a pet-boarding facility, so at least animals were still the focus — but still, the void was felt. Hope rekindled when the facility was relisted for sale earlier this year; perhaps the stalls could be filled with horses once again?

turnout fences were mended and elongated, and the hay loft was once again full of sweet smelling first-cut hay. The place was buzzing with renewal and Meg was at the center of it all, smiling as her own dreams took shape before her eyes.

CH: Tell us a little about yourself and your background with horses.

Meg: I grew up riding here in western Massachusetts and developed as a horsewoman at local farms. As a kid I volunteered at AJ Stables in Westfield, where I really got to know horses and formed an understanding of how to care for them.

When I got my first horse at the age of 16, I kept him at Coggins Creek Stables in Westfield, and trained him myself. He

was only five months old. Everyone told my parents they were crazy for letting a kid train a baby horse, but it worked out great. As a kid, you approach horses in ways we just can’t replicate as adults. That horse just turned 21, and he’s still the best horse I’ve ever had the pleasure of training. We call him the "perfect pony."

From there, I showed Quarter Horses, Paints, and pintos. In 2017, I heard on the radio that an Extreme Mustang Makeover competition was being held at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield and thought that it might be something fun and different to try. Since then, I’ve started 52 Mustangs — so I’d say it was a success!

Mustangs are primarily what I focus on now with my own business, and I love working with them. I get the horses out of holding and train them to the point where the average horseperson can handle them. Some clients prefer to finish the training themselves; others work with me to fully train the horse; and still others are looking to purchase fully trained Mustangs, ready for the trails or show ring. I take on about six training horses a month and do liberty and trick training as well.

CH: What sparked your interest in Heritage Farm?

Meg: For five years, I’d been leasing a barn in Holyoke where I kept my horses and ran my training business. We quickly outgrew that facility, and I was casually looking for the next step. The news that Heritage Farm was back up for sale popped up in my Facebook newsfeed one day, and it sparked my curiosity. I thought maybe I could check it out and just see what might happen.

I went into the [farm] visit with low expectations, thinking it might be out of my reach at that point. But when I arrived, I immediately fell in love with the farm and saw so much opportunity there. My partner loved it too, and we decided it was time to make a move. It all felt like we were in the right place at the right time

and needed to seize the opportunity. I’m so glad we did.

CH: What do you love about the facility? What would you like to change?

Meg: I’ve always loved this property, having grown up locally. It’s pretty perfect. The location is ideal, there’s plenty of room, the indoor and outdoor arenas are some of the largest in the area, and the barn is well established. It provides us the perfect foundation for building our own business here.

Heritage Farm already has such a wonderful history and community surrounding it, and we really want to build on that and create a legacy. Gracie Raucher is our farrier and Doug Raucher is our dentist, so we are still connected to the original family and are glad to have them involved.

As for changes ahead, the turnout area is our priority. We want to reorganize the paddocks and expand on them so that our horses have plenty of space. We’re also establishing some Mustang pens so I can expand my training program. We’re hoping to establish a trail course out back with lots of obstacles, and improved spaces to hold clinics and lessons. Overall, we just want to get the place back to the lively, friendly equine destination that it always was. It will take some work, but we’ve been doing a lot of cleaning, mending, and preparation so that we can get it all back to its former glory.

CH: What kind of programs, services, and opportunities will you be offering the local equestrian community?

Meg: First and foremost, we will be offering boarding and training opportunities to clients. I’ll be taking on training clients, and we are pleased to be partnering with Cathy Drumm in offering lessons and training as well. Cathy is renowned throughout the area for her expertise in western dressage and her dynamic interdisciplinary training. We’re thrilled to be working with her, and we’re planning on

bringing on additional trainers to offer lessons across a variety of disciplines.

We’re also hoping to offer a range of clinics throughout the year; everything from liberty and trick training to mounted shooting to dressage, trails, obstacles, and beyond. We’d like to remain open to anything and see what’s of interest to the community. If there’s a particular discipline or area that folks want to learn more about with their horses, we’ll find a clinician willing to come here and share their knowledge. We want there to be a big focus on learning and further developing skills.

Lise Krieger, who owns New England Saddle Fit, has opened an on-site saddle shop, an excellent resource for our community. Lise offers saddle fittings and saddle fitting clinics, which is a huge asset for the farm. Lise brings a lot of expertise as to how proper tack fit can create better partnership with our horses.

And finally, we are happy to be continuing our program for veterans at Heritage Farm, which we established at our former location. I’m very excited to expand this work; we only had so much room to operate previously, but now we’ll be able to accommodate many more participants.

In training Mustangs, I’ve found they have clear boundaries and help people to learn to regulate their own emotions making them particularly good at working in a therapeutic setting. For this reason, they are therapeutic to humans, and I’ve found them especially helpful with veterans and post-traumatic stress (PTSD) survivors. We work with veterans in all stages of recovery; some just like to come sit with horses and find a lot of peace in their presence; some might want to brush them and interact with them; and some want to be active and get in the pen with the Mustangs, learning how to train them. A wild horse is something so special, and it’s been rewarding to see how this program brings our veterans a sense of connection and purpose. We’re excited to expand that initiative here at Heritage Farm.

Boarding • Lessons Training • Showing

Specializing in starting young horses for riding and driving.

Devin Burdick

USDF Bronze Medalist Trainer/Manager/Instructor

25 Queen Lake Rd., Phillipston, MA (978) 696-1269 (text/voice)

stonebrookfarmdb.com

facebook.com/stonebrookfarmdb stonebrookfarm.db@gmail.com

CH: What do you think makes Heritage Farm unique?

Meg: This convergence of so many qualified, capable equine professionals and a variety of equine activities and learning opportunities will create something special in our area. It’s the community that sets this farm apart, and after operating on my own for the last few years that barn family is what I’m most excited to be a part of and build up. We want to create a welcoming, happy, and balanced environment here at Heritage Farm, and create space where we can all learn from each other and enjoy our horses together.

Alessandra Corbett is a freelance writer and designer in Wilbraham. She enjoys spending time with the horses on her family’s farm, especially riding her Quarter Horse, JoJo. To see more of her work, visit thehomegrownstudio.com.

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Farm

Ocean Crest Farm

by Jennafer Maselli

When Sam Bonsignore and Jess Stoukides first met, they immediately recognized a familiar passion in one another: their pure love and adoration for the creatures that make equestrian sports possible. As Jess settled into her new life in Rhode Island, the two became fast friends while Sam showed Jess all around her home state.

ponies, about half of which are owned by boarding clients, and half are our personal or lesson horses. For two trainers, we are at a very manageable size of about 20 lesson clients, including the students on our Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team. We do have a waitlist for both boarding and lessons until we find our next opportunity to expand further.

After realizing how perfectly their ideals on proper horsemanship and sportsmanship aligned, they saw a clear path forward in opening their own program together. Sam’s professional, client-driven business model was exactly what the duo needed to enact what she and Jess were envisioning. Founded in 2019 and currently operating out of Hammond Hill Farm, Sam and Jess’s Ocean Crest Farm in Saunderstown captures the spirit of the robust Rhode Island horse community.

CH: What community does Ocean Crest Farm cater to?

Sam: We’re a hunter/jumper barn with a strong emphasis on correct, foundation flatwork that focuses on equine body mechanics and communication. Our barn is currently at capacity with 14 horses and

CH: What do each of you feel was the most influential time in your equestrian career? How has it shaped your role at Ocean Crest Farm?

Jess: I started riding at just four years of age and it’s been a part of my life ever since. I’ve always been an active competitor, especially when I found my show horse, Louis, who was 14 years old at the time and is now happily retired at Ocean Crest. We always did the hard work ourselves. My parents trailered my and my sister’s horses; I was my own groom.

When I made the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team at Skidmore College as a freshman, my riding career really developed and took off under the instruction of Cindy Ford, Belinda Colgan, and Karen Hurff. Being able to

Saunderstown

Sam

Jess

ride and compete on such a variety of horses was huge. Cindy chose me to represent our team at IHSA Nationals as a flat rider where I earned reserved champion and in doing so helped contribute to Skidmore’s seventh national championship. It was such an incredible honor as a first-year student on the team.

My sophomore year, Cindy and Belinda asked me to become a team captain, and for the next three years we returned to IHSA Nationals as a team, achieving third place my sophomore and junior years. Not only did Cindy and Belinda help bring my riding to the next level, but I also learned so much about leadership and sportsmanship

nary school changed that I really explored Johnson & Wales. I wasn’t on the IHSA team, but I earned my Bachelors in Equine Business Management.

One of my professors connected me with a previous student who had a working student position open at the farm she and her husband owned in Germany. Previously, I wasn’t very interested in dressage, but it was just too different of an opportunity to pass up. It was a massive program, with anywhere from 40 to 60 horses in training, ranging from half a million euro Grand Prix horses down to the school master dressage ponies. It was tacking and untacking and riding usually three to ten horses a day. The program was so efficiently run on such a large scale and had an element of professionalism that was unmatched. The way we work with clients at Ocean Crest and the standard to which we keep our barn are motivated by my time in Germany.

CH: What drove your decision to start an Ocean Crest Farm IEA team?

as a captain. Those skills guide me every day at Ocean Crest.

Sam: I was hooked after a pony ride at a fair when I was young, and I remember years later telling my mom that she’d better get out her wallet because we were doomed. I went to private school and got out late in the afternoon so during the school year, I really only rode on the weekends and looked forward to summer break when I got to lease a horse and show.

The first big leap for me was when we bought my first horse, a Thoroughbred mare, from her exercise jockey at the track. It was a whole new level of growth and involvement for me. With my trainer’s help, I was able to retrain her and compete in 2'6" Mini Medal classes.

My mom had tried to get me interested in the program at Johnson & Wales University earlier in my riding career, but it wasn’t until my original goal of veteri-

Jess: We hadn’t originally planned on having an IEA team, but it came into our minds when we wanted to offer showing on a less expensive scale for our students who don’t own or lease a horse. When we finally did decide to do it, there were other trainers in our IEA region who were great role models and supports for us. It made getting started easy.

I love that riders get the full horse showing experience without horse ownership. The exposure of riding different horses [in the IHSA] was so influential for me, I wanted our students to have that opportunity as well. Like IHSA, IEA makes riding into a team sport and teaches the kids to help and cheer on their teammates and even other teams.

CH: What makes the community at Ocean Crest Farm unique?

Jess: We place very high value on proper horsemanship skills. You cannot be in equestrian sports without caring for the animals first and foremost. We want our students to be well-versed in all aspects of

horse care, and we stress the significance of recognizing the signs of a happy horse and a not-so-happy horse. More than that, riders need to know how to care for a sick or injured horse.

Sam: Camaraderie is important to us. Just because you jump higher or have a more expensive horse doesn’t make you better, nor do you have the right to look down on someone. Many of us experience that in the horse world — I know I did — and we strive to ensure that our students understand the importance of supporting one another rather than passing judgment. IEA plays well with that mentality and teaches young riders to work through the rough times together and then celebrate the wins.

Jess: We want to create an empathetic group of people who love the animals but also love the people who love the animals. We’re all here because we love these special creatures, and we all need to remember that every day. Everyone deserves to feel relief and excitement when they walk through the barn door to do their favorite

thing with their horse-crazy friends. Our community really embodies that. It became very clear through the pandemic, and shortly after that when I was ill for several months. We never would have made it if it weren’t for all the supportive, compassionate people who make up the Ocean Crest Farm community.

CH: What exciting plans are you looking forward to?

Jess: When the right opportunity comes along, we’re looking forward to expanding. We share the goals of wanting to take on a few more boarding and lesson clients, as well as have a bit more room in the barn for some young or green project horses that we can put some miles on and resell. Recently, our clients have been enjoying competing in a new circuit at Next Venture Farm in Medway, Massachusetts. They host year-end finals modeled off the bigger equitation finals, but on a more attainable scale. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the continued success for our students and their horses throughout the next season and seeing them be able to show off their hard work.

Sam: Ocean Crest Farm is going into its fourth year. Right after we got the program started, and managed the challenges of a new business, we were hit with the pandemic. Now that we know this is going to work, we can finally enjoy seeing it pay off. It’s exciting for us to be able to breathe a bit and just put our focus going forward into how else we can enrich the lives of our clients and their horses.

Jennafer Maselli, a freelance editor and writer, lives in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. As a horse owner and rider, Jennafer enjoys everything from trail riding to reining to playing polo, and is an active USEF competitor with her Irish Sport Horse and Thoroughbred-cross geldings.

Horseperson Windsor

by Mike Wilson

Bridget Eukers and Rush

Two Lives Long Harnessed Together, Until One Could Not Go On

Bridget Eukers paused in the Windsor barn, her thoughts seemingly far away, and touched her horse’s halter like an amulet. On the floor just outside his empty stall lay a scattering of yellow chrysanthemums left by a sympathetic friend.

Bridget explained she hadn’t often used the halter on the horse. She and Rush had an understanding.

“I would only really put it on to exercise him because we could go in and out

mouth. The horse thought to be the previous American record-holder was 38 years and 203 days old when he died in 2016, according to the racing publication BloodHorse, which first reported Rush’s death. An Australian Thoroughbred lived to be 42, according to Guinness World Records. A typical Thoroughbred lives into its late 20s.

Whatever Rush’s rank among senior horses, his death marked the end of a 30year partnership — Bridget’s word —

of the barn without it,” she said, her fingers lingering on a strap. “I would just put my hand on his mane and we’d walk in and out.”

It had been just over a week since Rush had died on the concrete floor a few feet from where she stood. Bridget was still grieving, but also celebrating Rush’s extraordinary legacy. He was 39 years and 188 days old when he died, making him perhaps the longest-lived thoroughbred ever in the United States.

The record is hard to pin down. The Jockey Club, the Thoroughbred’s breed registry, does not keep longevity statistics, so people in horse racing go by word of

with horse and owner showing a level of dedication to each other that would be extraordinary for any two beings, equine or human.

“He would fight for me, and I would fight for him,” Bridget said. “Whether it’s your relationship with your horse, with your friends, or with your life partner, that’s what it comes down to. You’ll fight for me, and I’ll fight for you.”

They forged their relationship competing in equestrian events. Six days a week for six years, separated only by a saddle, they honed their skills, moving fluidly together and soaring over obstacles, three feet high at first and then three and a half.

Christopher Capozziello for The New York Times

Barbara

D. Livingston

Rush, known during his racing days as Dead Solid Perfect, with his owner, Bridget Eukers, in January 2022.

Eukers at Windsor Hunt Stables, where she kept Rush beginning in 2008.

For Bridget, being with her horse became a way of life.

She attended college close to home so she could stay near Rush, turned down jobs that would have cut into her time with him, didn’t socialize much and never went on vacation. The longest she ever spent away from Rush was one week, for a school trip.

In return, he gave her joy by carrying her on his back — around show rings and across Windsor’s quilt of farmlands, often at a thundering pace fit for a racetrack. “It really is a special thrill to feel a racing thoroughbred at full speed underneath you. It’s just magic,” she said.

Beyond that, he gave her a purpose, and a measure of peace. The simple routines of feeding Rush, cleaning his stall and giving him medicine made her feel useful and freed her mind. He was a job she loved doing. “It’s one of those Zen things,” Bridget said. “You have that rhythm, and it somehow centers your life.”

Through all of life’s challenges — angst about the prom, hard days at work, dates that didn’t happen, her father’s death — Rush was there for her. Bridget said she occasionally wept into his neck. He actually didn’t love that.

“He would sit and listen,” she said, “but he would get to a certain point that was like, ‘OK Mom, you cried. We’re good. I’m going to go have my hay now.’”

The horse who became known as Rush was foaled in Kentucky on May 4, 1983. He was sold as a yearling for $60,000 ($170,000 today) and registered as Dead Solid Perfect. He ran 16 times and won once, in 1986 at the Meadowlands, according to the horse racing statistics site Equibase, with the Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone up. After his racing career, he was sold to a new owner and trained in dressage.

Bridget’s parents bought the horse for her when she was in her early teens. Already named Rush, he was a beautiful athlete, Bridget said, with massive shoulders that swayed like a lion’s when he walked. He was also a scaredy cat, unnerved at different times by flowers, squirrels, and a mosquito lamp.

“His mission in life at that point was to worry about things and he was really good at it,” Bridget said.

They grew to understand each other.

She fed and groomed him and protected him from everyday objects. And when she asked him to clear a fence, he did, even though he was afraid.

“If I asked him to try, he would always try, and he would try and try,” she said. She still keeps the ribbons they won in riding competitions.

Bridget believes Rush’s diet contributed to his longevity. At 30, he indicated that he wanted a change from commercial horse feed. (“He started to tell me: ‘You know what? This just doesn’t work.’”) She began giving him organic meals of alfalfa pellets and whole grains. When the grains were too hard for Rush to chew, she turned them to mush in a slow cooker.

Last week, she still had two bags of bright green hay in the back of her car. It was made for guinea pigs, but Rush liked it.

Bridget stopped riding Rush when he was 35. He was still able to carry her, she said, but she now had a different priority: Her father had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Caring for Rush had to be balanced with researching treatments for her dad and just being with him. When her father died in 2019, she said, Rush was no longer fit to be ridden.

The once-brown horse was now mostly gray. He spent his days at Windsor Hunt Stables under an apple tree, communing with dogs named Wilson and Lola, red-winged blackbirds, wrens, a yellow barn cat and a Quarter Horse called Cowboy, who stole his hay.

Day after day, Bridget walked Rush up and down the little hill next to the barn, steering him away from the gravel path because the stones hurt his hooves. She massaged him with essential oils while he napped. She had him trot in a circle around her. She experimented with all kinds of dietary supplements, and Dr. Michael Stewart, Rush’s veterinarian for more than 20 years, gave him steroids to keep him strong.

People would ask Bridget how old Rush was, and when she told them, they would follow up with what she considered an indelicate question: “How long do horses live?”

Last summer, Rush somehow hit his head when he was alone. Bridget could tell by the swelling and his behavior. It

took him a long time to recover. He also suffered from an abscess on his left front hoof and persistent breathing difficulties. Amid it all, Cowboy, his companion of 14 years, died at 26, leaving Rush bereft.

About that time, Bridget, who worked in administration for an aerospace company, began receiving frequent texts at work alerting her that Rush was lying down, and she’d have to hurry to help him.

It’s fine for horses to lie down, Dr. Stewart said in an interview, but because of the way their digestive systems work, they must get up to survive. Bridget always managed to get Rush back on his feet, often with help, but as time passed she felt less and less comfortable leaving him alone. She began to spend nights in the barn, placing a chair outside Rush’s stall and wrapping herself in horse blankets as she listened to his breathing.

“You and I would be lucky to have somebody care for us like she cared for him,” Dr. Stewart said.

On the night of November 7, 2022, Bridget stayed with Rush until late, then went home to get a couple of hours’ sleep

in her bed. When she returned at 5:30 a.m., Rush was down, spilling out of his stall onto the cold barn floor. Bridget called her mother, then Dr. Stewart. For hours they worked to get him up, but the cramped space and the slope of the floor worked against them.

In recent years, Bridget said, people often told her that animals can sense when they are dying. He’ll tell you when it’s time, they would say to her. But Rush didn’t do that, she said. Even after she rubbed his forehead and told him, “You’ve done enough, you don’t have to try anymore,” he kept struggling to lift his head and scrabbling to get his feet under him.

Finally, Bridget asked Dr. Stewart if he thought this was the end, and when he said yes, she made her decision. She had fought for Rush as long as she could. She knew that even if they got him up, they would be back here again soon, and Rush would be suffering, and he would try for her again.

By Mike Wilson ©2022 The New York Times Company.

Secret/Sezuan x Foundation/Furst Heinrich . Segreto 66/Secret x Furst Wilhelm/ Don Gregory . Furstenball/ Furst Heinrich x Sandro Hit/Florian

Millville

by Sara Esthus

Horseperson

Trenton Ryder Smith-Worthington

In 1794, during George Washington’s fifth year as president, Normand Smith opened a saddlery in Hartford, Connecticut, that would become known as the Smith-Worthington Company. He was an enterprising business owner, and that entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force behind each of SmithWorthington’s leaders for 229 years — it’s the reason the Smith-Worthington name

in new ways. Trenton Ryder is the young visionary at the helm of the SmithWorthington Company today, and his story starts with a trail ride and a saddle.

CH: How have horses been part of your life? Did you grow up riding?

Trenton: I did not grow up in a horse family; however, we did go on a family trail ride roughly 17 years ago and since

lives on today. Throughout the centuries, leaders have ushered the business through times of booming growth and times of global challenges — they’ve taken risks and embraced new ideas, and through it all they’ve remained dedicated to their customers and their craft.

This year is the beginning of a new era, with a new leader who embodies all these time-tested qualities. He’s also passionate about horses and history, he thinks big, and he’s excited to rebuild the Smith-Worthington Company. He wants to honor the heritage and legacy of the business; he wants to compete with modern high-end brands; and he wants to test how equine businesses can support riders

that moment, I was hooked! Because we couldn’t afford regular lessons, I began working at different barns mucking stalls and cleaning horses in exchange for ride time. I would ride any horse I could get my hands on. When I first started riding, I had no formal training but as time went on opportunities presented themselves, and I was able to work at facilities that allowed me to gain more formal instruction. I now specialize in three-day eventing and dressage.

CH: How did you first connect with Smith-Worthington?

Trenton: I first got in contact with the previous owners of the company, Curtis

A young Trenton Ryder in 2023.

A young Normand Smith in 1794.

and Ruth Hanks, back in 2012. I had purchased a dressage saddle in Georgia. Knowing nothing about the brand I returned home to Massachusetts and did some research. I discovered that my saddle was a Smith-Worthington brand. I scheduled a time to drive to Hartford, Connecticut, and spent the better part of the day talking with Curtis and Ruth. They showed me around the warehouse, told me about the company’s immense history, and showed me the craftsmanship of my newly purchased saddle. This was fascinating to me. I kept the saddle for several years and then sold it to a friend.

When I was attending university, I remember discussing the company with my accounting professor in my freshman year. I said, “Someday I’m going to buy that business and make it great again.” But life moved on, and to be honest, I forgot about the company and had plans for other ventures.

It wasn’t until 2021 that I was reminded of Smith-Worthington, after a conversa-

tion regarding the reasons why certain businesses did or did not survive the global pandemic. It was at this time that I discovered the state of the business. Curtis Hanks had passed away and Ruth was in the process of closing the company. I wrote her a letter and expressed my interest in purchasing the company. She invited me over for lunch and we spent several hours discussing life and the state of the company. We had a wonderful conversation. She then asked me, “Why do you want to buy Smith-Worthington?” I expressed my desire to preserve the company’s great heritage and the desire to pave a way for myself in this world, which so often puts roadblocks in your path. It was time for me to do something different and combine my passions and my interests by taking this business and carrying it on for the future. I’m honored to have the ability to steward this business. After this conversation with Ruth, we began the negotiation process and ended up closing on the business this past March.

CH: What are you working on now and what is your vision for the future?

Trenton: When I purchased the business, the building had been sold and the inventory was gone. I purchased mainly the intangibles, which include the name, website, and trademarks. There were some historical items I was able to secure upon the sale but ultimately it has been up to me to establish a new entity. I’m in the design and manufacturing stage. That is accompanied by immense legal processes, which come with forming a company of this scale. I have a very specific vision of what I want my products to look like and I’m finding the tradespeople to fulfill my visions. Smith-Worthington previously carried a full range of products to completely outfit equestrians. However, because I’m basically starting from scratch, we will begin with a handful of products and grow over the coming years to reestablish ourselves as a premier saddlery in the global market. The goal is to get Smith-Worthington back to a place where we compete with the

higher-end saddlery brands. We will start with bridles, girths, breastplates, and other leather goods and grow to produce saddles in the coming years.

CH: How do you feel about taking this historic business into the future?

Trenton: I’m excited! When I was in university, I worked at a house museum. I gave tours and worked in the collections and interiors department, which was responsible for furnishing the rooms and acquiring original items back into the collection. I recall stating that “this was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.” It’s human nature to look for something to steward that is greater than ourselves. For this small moment in history, I get to be the one who stewards Smith-Worthington forward and preserves it for future generations. When Smith-Worthington was founded in 1794, Normand Smith was in his twenties. He probably never thought that the business would still exist over 200 years later, or that another young man

would purchase his company and desire to preserve it for the future, but here we are. I love history and I love horses; what better way to combine my two passions? The question then becomes, how do I preserve a company like this and yet ensure it for the future? The answer comes with a desire to preserve its tangible past in the form of objects, documents, and past products, but in a very real sense it also means preserving its legacy and reputation by producing high-quality products and maintaining high standards for the future. It would be very easy for a company this old to get stuck in a certain way of doing something or to disregard its past all together. There’s a marriage between that and I’m honored to be the one to carry this flag for as long as I’m given. I’m very humbled.

CH: What’s your goal for getting the business reestablished and seeing some items become available?

Trenton: The goal is to have products in the market by the end of the year —

that’s a very ambitious goal for sure. While at business school we discussed issues of this nature but there are a lot of obstacles you just don’t know about until you encounter them. When forming a business there are a tremendous number of details the public will never see. This includes the legality of trademarks and patents, formation of the entity, as well as designing products and specifications. All of these elements must be in place before any products hit the market. I had been working on these things before I made the announcement of the purchase of the company, so I am hopeful that we will have exciting product announcements in the coming months.

CH: You also have a vision for SmithWorthington being involved more directly with riding. How do you see that developing?

Trenton: As much as the horse industry has advanced throughout the decades, there can be a lot of other advancements in the way in which companies interact

with riders. This extends beyond traditional sponsorships. The vision for Smith-Worthington is to become a multifaceted business — making horse equipment but continuing to mold and shape equestrian sports in other ways. That could include being involved in owning horses, sponsoring riders, breeding, providing grants for competitors all the while providing the best equipment on the market to allow riders to compete and ride to their very best. It’s more than just making and selling horse equipment, although that’s the core. The conversation must be around preserving the sport.

CH: What else would you like people to know about your vision and plans going forward?

Trenton: There’s a great photo of an old New York showroom where you can see saddles lined up for sale and the back door open, which reveals people standing with their horses waiting to be fit for equipment. I want to bring that back! As the company grows, a goal would be to set

up a showroom accessible for people to bring their horses.

With my experience working in the museum collections department, and considering Smith-Worthington’s rich history, I want to start a company museum. I’m currently on the hunt to acquire historical items back for that very purpose. As the company establishes a more permanent location, my vision is to have horses, riding rings, testing facilities, warehouses, showrooms, and a museum where people can learn about this company’s rich and exciting history.

Sara Esthus is a brand strategist and designer, and she loves working on creative projects with farms and small businesses. Sara also enjoys serving on the Granby, Connecticut agricultural commission to help support local farms. She and her family have a small home farm in Granby, and she tries to ride her offthe-track Thoroughbred Red as much as possible.

Sarah J. Murphy Murfield Farm

by Chrissy Marie Capacchione

It’s 10 a.m. on an oppressively muggy July morning and Sarah J. Murphy has been up for hours tackling barn chores that must be taken care of daily, no matter the weather. Soaked in sweat from her labor of love, a brilliant smile lights up her face. It’s plain to see that Sarah is driven by her passion for horse

stuffed toy horses. It was an obsession. My mom said it was because I was born a Sagittarius, whose zodiac sign is a centaur (half human, half horse). My birthday, December 13, is also National Horse Day. Horseback riding began with weekend trail rides in Vermont with my mom; it became our tradition. By the time I

care and there is no place she would rather be.

The energy this horse woman radiates leaves no doubt that she’s creating the life she’s always dreamt of living. Sarah and her husband, Justin, together with lifelong friends and business partners Bruce and Lucia Field are constructing an equestrian facility on a 23-acre parcel in Cumberland, Rhode Island. After much deliberation, the foursome decided to merge their last names and Murfield Farm was born.

CH: Did you grow up with horses?

Sarah: We always farmed — dairy cows, beef cattle, and eventually horses. Long before physically getting my hands on a horse, I was that little girl who drew horses, read about them, and had tons of

turned 13, my father surprised me with my first horse, Dunkin, a Morgan cross. Dunkin and I competed at numerous rodeos and gymkhanas. At 18, I left Vermont and came to Rhode Island to help care for my grandmother, taking a break from horses.

Shortly after Justin and I were married, I was laid off from my job in finance, so I began searching for opportunities to get involved with horses again. That’s when I found Brookside Equestrian Center in North Smithfield. Eventually that evolved to managing the farm from 2014 to 2019. In 2019, I discovered the benefits of holistic equine therapies, magnawave and red-light therapies in particular, and became a certified practitioner traveling throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island to offer those services.

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CH: Is there a specific horse that pushed you to become better?

Sarah: Yes. I’m sorry, I’m going to cry. I leased Me-Oh-My, an off-the-track Thoroughbred mare in 2011, and my husband surprised me and bought her for me as a Valentine’s Day gift. We lost Meo a little over a month ago. We did so many different things together — barrels, hunters, jumpers, cross-country, and she ended her career in 2017 at age 25 excelling in dressage. She did everything. Meo contracted a fungal infection in her right eye that required her eye to be removed. She had done so much for me and I wanted to do right by her, so I had the procedure done, and retired her. I promised Meo she would get to go out and graze on big grass fields before she left this world. And she sure did. She spent her last days grazing and kicking up her heels like a filly in the pastures here at Murfield Farm. It was really important for me to be able to keep that promise to her.

CH: Has anyone played a special role in your development and direction?

Sarah doesn’t miss a beat, and as she responds her eyes are full to the brim, overflowing with love and gratitude. Sarah: Yup! My dad, for one. He’s been an intricate part of helping to bring my vision for Murfield Farm to life. This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this — build a horse facility from the ground up. He’s been such a great mentor, helping me create the first plans for the facility, the placement of its structures, and guiding me through the correct order of the steps in the building process. Together we have explored different options to achieve the end result I want. I couldn’t have done this without him.

My husband, Justin, is super supportive! He is a city boy from Worcester, Massachusetts, turned country boy practically overnight. He said, “If this is your dream then this is my dream. Let’s make it happen.” Yesterday, he installed all this fencing that you can see. He’s pretty incredible — he can do anything. He’s my everything.

And, of course, my friend and business partner, Lucia. She‘s so much more than that. Truly genuine with a heart of gold, Lucia is family. Without her support, Murfield Farm wouldn’t exist. I’m forever grateful for such phenomenal people.

CH: How did you decide on the design and layout for the facility?

Sarah: My husband said, “Most women plan their weddings from the time they are five years old, but you’ve been planning your farm.” That’s true. I really love how Kentucky horse farms look and wanted to bring that here. I’ve taken ideas from different facilities I’ve seen over the years and put them together to create Murfield Farm.

CH: As a new business owner, what’s your hope for Murfield Farm?

Sarah: I want to have a place where no one feels like a black sheep. A place where clients can feel free to use their own service providers, train with their own instructors, or ride with Savannah Audet, an eventing instructor who will be on site, and not feel judged. Disciplines are not important here. I want this to be a space my clients never want to leave or feel they have to conform to what the masses are doing. My passion is providing the best care possible for the horses, and when we are up and running, I’m looking forward to being able to continue doing that. I love the holistic approach to healing and plan to make that a staple of our care.

CH: What advice would you offer those considering equestrian professions?

Sarah: Most important, be in it for the right reasons. You have to understand that this isn’t a career so much as a lifestyle. The hours are long and the weather can be rugged. Three-day weekends don’t exist on this side of the world; it’s a seven-day-a-week commitment. It’s very hard to make a living, and the reality is you may just break even. To me that’s okay. I do this because it’s my passion, my peace in life. While there are

numerous responsibilities this lifestyle has also allowed me to essentially stay home and raise my twin daughters. My kids are learning about responsibility and growing up in a way similar to my childhood, something I want them to experience. You must stay true to yourself, know your goal, and understand your strategy for reaching it.

CH: Have you struggled to balance your professional equestrian life with your personal life?

Sarah: Between the construction of the property and the daily care of our current horses staying in the barn that was already on the property when we purchased it, it’s been a bit of a struggle. Since my family lives in Vermont, I haven’t been able to travel to see them. That can be really hard. Once we’re open and fully staffed it will be easier to have that important time with family. We love to entertain, but for now we do that here at the farm. Some friends actually bought muck boots and keep them here. They get so excited to visit because they know they are going to spend time helping with the horses. Honestly, what helps is just the horses. If I have a bad day or am feeling stressed, I’ll go sit in the field or in a stall and just listen to the sound of them eating. It’s true peace for me.

CH: This has been quite a venture. What are you most excited for now?

Sarah: Opening. I’m really excited to open; it’s such a big deal. We’ve worked so hard to get here and had such amazing people behind us. I would love to host a fancy cocktail party for friends and family who supported us and helped us to get here. The excavators, electrician, contractors, and plumber have all been amazing to work with, and I would love to treat them to something great in the place they helped make so magnificent.

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Do You Communicate with Your Horse?

by Nicole Birkholzer

Of course you do. Every time you go to see your horse, you communicate. Your body expresses your energy and your emotions. Your mind communicates whether you are present or thinking about something else. Your words also connect you with your horse, sometimes less and sometimes more. You can also communicate intuitively. You may walk into the barn and immediately sense that your horse is not well. Your hand

wheel, and your breath shortens. When traffic starts moving you release your breath and get going. Trying to catch up, you zip through the neighborhoods and finally arrive at the barn with ten minutes to spare. You exit the car. Your breath is short, and your stride is fast.

In the meantime, your horse has been turned out with his friends or is relaxing in his stall.

Considering your state of being, would it surprise you if your horse stays away from you, and isn’t waiting at the gate or stall door?

touches your horse’s shoulder, and she releases a big shudder. Isn’t it amazing how many communication tools you have?

The tricky thing is that being unaware of these tools or ignoring them can lead to miscommunication.

Following are some suggestions to help you consciously use your body, mind, words, and intuition to enhance your communication skills with your horse.

Body

You have a riding lesson scheduled for 6 p.m. On your drive to the barn you get stuck in road construction. You keep an eye on the clock as the minutes tick away. Your eyes are focused on the car ahead of you, waiting for it to move. Your stomach gets tight, your hands grip the steering

The same is true for those of us who have their horses at home. If I go out to see my horses during a busy day full of phone calls, answering emails, or attending to an emergency, and I don’t stop to take a few deep breaths, my horses are not excited to hang out with me. I am bringing too much mental energy into the pasture. When this happens, my horses will find better places to seek ease than by standing next to me.

When we hold tension in our body our energy feels electric to a horse.

Take a deep breath right now. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Do the same before you see your horse. A deep conscious breath makes you aware of your body. Three conscious breaths will get your nervous system out of fight-or-flight mode. As you feel into your body, you release the tension and become grounded. Your horse will feel at ease with you.

Mind

How do you consciously manage your mind once you are with your horse? First and foremost, keep your mind on task. Stop thinking of what you were doing before you entered your horse’s space. Whether it was a traffic jam or an emergency call, those events have already happened, and your mind does not need to rehash them while you are hanging out with your horse. Also, keep your mind from thinking ahead.

Be in the now. Direct your mind to attend to your horse and use your senses to connect with him. Notice when your horse blows out through his nostrils and take it as a sign to take a deep breath yourself. Follow your hand as it wants to run down your horse’s spine. What do you feel? A warm spot? Breathe into it. Observe your horse as he lowers his head, licks, and chews. Keep your mind engaged with your horse’s expressions and let your body guide your hand to offer ease and relaxation.

Words

Verbal communication is one of the most powerful ways to communicate. When you explain things verbally, you immediately create a picture in your mind’s eye of what’s to come. That image allows your horse to wrap his mind around your plan. Here is the secret to verbally communicating with your horse: Use your words wisely.

As you pick your horse’s hoof, saying “good boy” many times is meaningless. Saying “thank you” at the end of picking the hoof expresses appreciation for your partnership. And, rather than abruptly putting a halter on your horse, take a moment and ask your horse, “Please put your muzzle into the halter.” Engaging verbally in short sentences has meaning when you ask for collaboration.

Avoid using the word don’t in your sentences. It doesn’t associate with a visual. If you say, “Don’t be afraid of the mailbox,” your horse will see a visual of moving away from the mailbox. Now, add your worry about your horse spooking at the mailbox, and you've just created a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Instead, use your words to describe what you do want to accomplish. Tell your horse, “Let’s take a breath and walk right past that mailbox.” Then take a breath, soften your seat, and look ahead so your horse can follow your lead.

Intuition

Using your intuitive skills creates the deepest connection with your horse. If you recognize and acknowledge your intuition, your life will flow with ease. Imagine you are in a lesson on a horse you have ridden only a few times. Going down the long side of the arena, you sense that the horse is not feeling right. You want to say something to the instructor but feel silly doing so; then as you head into the corner, boom, the horse explodes. You find yourself on the ground.

No surprise here. You intuitively knew something was not right. But because you don’t always trust your intuition, you let your mind override that tool.

Let’s say your mare spooks for no apparent reason. Your trainer thinks it’s a “mare thing,” and the vet wants you to have bloodwork done. In the meantime, every time you step next to your horse, you feel a splitting headache radiating from your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When you finally get the vet to look in your horse’s mouth, he discovers a molar split in half with an infection brewing. Listening to your intuition can mean advocating for your horse.

Or perhaps a few new boarders have arrived at the barn. The barn manager wants to rearrange the herd and wonders who to add to whom. Your gut tells you right away which horse would benefit from whom, and you share your idea. When you drive up to the barn the next day, all the horses have their noses in a hay pile. The barn feels quiet and at peace.

See what I mean? Following your intuition and speaking up for your horse allows you to carry more ease in yourself, and you’ll bring more ease to your horse.

A conscious breath will always be the tool to help you move from unconscious to conscious communication. Inviting

Nicole Birkholzer is a relationship coach for animals and their people. Her mentorship program, Your Animal, Your Mentor! teaches you to communicate with your animals on a deeper level to discover their innate wisdom. In her animal communication sessions, Nicole shares your animal’s thoughts, needs, and wishes. Learn more and listen to Nicole’s podcasts at mindful-connections.com.

your body, mind, words, and intuition to work together will strengthen and deepen the connection with your horse. It will make you an effective and mindful communicator.

Trail Guide Stonington

by Stacey Stearns

Barn Island Wildlife Management Area

Barn Island Wildlife Management Area in Stonington, Connecticut, first intrigued me because of the name. It’s actually a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides — Wequetequock Cove, Little Narragansett Bay, and the Pawcatuck River. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Marisa Rockwell of Durham has ridden the trails throughout Connecticut with her own horses and internationally on equestrian vacations. “I love the wideopen trails of Barn Island,” she says. “It has beautiful views and great parking. I use it as a small conditioning loop and appreciate the good footing.”

(DEEP) manages the boat launch and various groups work together to support the 1,022-acre wildlife management area.

Barn Island is unique along Connecticut’s shoreline because it’s the largest coastal management area in the state, and the only other undeveloped area besides Bluff Point State Park in nearby Groton. Five miles of trails explore coastal forests, fields, and tidal marshes. The original 427 acres of land were purchased in the 1940s, with additional land added in the 1950s. This acquisition has allowed more than 60 years of marsh research and undisturbed wildlife habitat. These habitats support a diverse ecosystem and wildlife population. Barn Island is also home to significant cultural and historical sites, including Venture Smith’s first home, a cemetery, and the old foundation of a cottage, aptly named Mosquito Farm. Apparently, the boat launch area was also a popular landing for bootleg alcohol during the Prohibition era.

A Leg Up

Use 249 Palmer Neck Road in Stonington in your GPS. It may come up as Pawcatuck — this is a village in Stonington. Parking is at the boat launch, and you can pull into a spot and then back out later. It’s a paved parking lot. Be sure to clean up after your horse.

There are also pull-offs along the road, and I pulled off on the right side, just past the green gate to the trail, under a large oak tree. I could see the boat launch parking lot from my spot but was in the shade.

Pack water for your horse, and save a map on your phone: portal.ct.gov/-/ media/DEEP/stateparks/maps/Barn IslandTrail2012pdf.pdf. The map isn’t completely accurate anymore, but a riding or trail app can also help. The town name, Stonington, should help inform your decision about hoof protection; there were a considerable number of rocks on the trails.

Stacey Stearns

I recommend going early in the day or on a weekday. I was there on a Monday holiday, Juneteenth, and the boat launch parking lot was already half full by midmorning, and a steady stream of vehicles went by as I tacked up. I did see many other trail users, mostly people walking and a few dogs, but the further out I rode, the fewer people I saw.

Out Riding It

It’s a special trail that lets you peek at snowy egrets as you ride along the tidal marshes. Birds were a theme for this ride, and I saw many egrets, along with ducks, and had the constant accompanying birdsong of various other species on other parts of the trails as we wound our way through the woods. I also shared the trail with a turtle as we were headed back to the parking lot at the end of the ride. It was crossing the trail from one side of the marsh to the other.

To start my ride, I headed up the driveway, away from the boat launch, went around the green park gate and onto an old gravel road. This goes past the Cook

Cove Marsh Observation Area with informational signs. A circle of stones is used for educational programming and picnics.

I continued down a small hill, and then into the first marsh area by heading right. The trail runs between two sides of marsh and is stone. One side has landscape fabric and grass growing; stay on the stone side. Once past the marsh, there’s a small stretch of trail, again old roads, and it comes to a Y intersection. I decided to start out by going right. I rode along on a couple more stretches of trail where there was marsh on either side, before heading into woodland trails in the interior of the wildlife management area.

When the trail forked again, I went right. We found good places where we could trot and canter, and appreciated being able to move out a bit on the trails as the deer- and horse flies were out, despite our fly spray. There were little hills that we rode up and down, a stream to cross, and we also rode past old, abandoned stone walls. Plenty of side trails and single track added extra bits of exploration.

At the top of a small hill I arrived at Venture Smith’s Freedom Site. Venture was a slave, captured in West Africa as a child and vowed he would be free again. He bought his freedom in 1765, and then bought 26 acres in Stonington, in what is now Barn Island Wildlife Management Area. It’s thought that he started farming there to stay close to his family until he could buy their freedom too. DEEP installed the sign this past May, and it was fitting to visit it and recognize his incredible life on Juneteenth. Smith and his

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family eventually moved to East Haddam, and that’s where he’s buried.

We continued along the trail, heading down a hill, and taking another right. We rode through this section for a while, and then turned around and headed back the way we came. We also went down the Urban Fire Break for a while, and turned again, heading back the way we had come. I wanted to ride through the marshes a second time, rather than riding a loop.

Coming back, after I crossed the marsh area again instead of going left, back up toward the observation area, I went right on the woods trail. I stayed right when the trail forked again. This got narrow in places, and I dismounted and led my horse under some trees. The trail brought us back out at the top of Palmer Neck Road, near the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area sign. I took a left down the road, until we arrived back at the green gate.

This time, I went to the trail on the right. It’s a short stretch that took us over to Wequetequock Cove for views there, and then we headed back to the road. I untacked at my trailer, and then let my horse graze along the side of the road.

Barn Island is the type of place trail riding dreams are made of. Perfect blue skies contrasted with vibrant green marshes and shimmering blue water. A mixture of trail types, some hills, and wildlife viewing keep the ride interesting. Happy trails!

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

Granville

Trail

Granville State Forest

by Stacey Stearns

Granville State Forest is more than 2,300 acres of cascading river and quiet woodlands. It’s located in Granville and Tolland, Massachusetts, on the Connecticut border in the southern Berkshire foothills. It borders the 9,152-

Natalie and Luke Hershberger’s Red Stone Farm in Granville is adjacent to the state forest; Natalie has spent countless hours on the trails. “My favorite thing to do is head out into the state forest,” Natalie says. “There are many options for a

acre Tunxis State Forest in West Hartland, Connecticut, creating a large swath of pristine woodlands for outdoor enthusiasts, including equestrians.

Granville State Forest offers camping, fishing, and limited hunting, and is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The Hubbard River runs through Granville State Forest, along with about 15 miles of trails. The river drops 450 feet as it runs over and through the rocks in the forest, creating waterfalls, swimming holes, and other areas enjoyed by a variety of trail users and wildlife.

Originally, this area was home to the Tunxis people, a community of the Connecticut River Valley who shared common cultural traits with the Eastern Algonquian-speaking peoples. It became farmland in the 1700s. It became a state forest in the 1920s.

quiet and peaceful ride. My favorite ride is to follow the river and let the horses grab a drink at the bottom of the pipeline.”

A Leg Up

Use 323 West Hartland Road in Granville in your GPS and that will take you to the park headquarters. Continue past this, coming from the south, on West Hartland Road, and park in the lot up near Hunt Road. It’s circular and gravel so you can pull through. The other options are to park in the paved camping area lot on the right before the park headquarters, when it’s not busy, or in one of the many areas on the side of the road.

Horse flies, deer flies, and other biting insects are prevalent so plan accordingly. Pack water, although there are places to water your horse on the trail, and there’s access to water at the camping area. Hoof protection is advis-

Stacey Stearns

able with the rocks, gravel, and roots. Be aware that this is black bear country. Wear proper attire during hunting season.

I was surprised how quiet the forest was. I passed by a few cars, saw one woman walking a dog, and a family at the river; otherwise I had the trails to myself. There are some trail markings, especially on popular trails and around the campground. Make sure you download a copy of the map or print it before you go at mass.gov/doc/ granville-state-forest-trail-map/download. Cell service is spotty in the forest.

Out Riding It

The first thing I noticed as I drove through Hartland and into Granville was the rugged beauty of the area as we climbed up into the southern Berkshire foothills surrounding the forest. There were many pull-offs along the road and trail access points, with the occasional car parked in them. Houses were few and far between, and I appreciated the quiet of the area.

The parking area and trails were shady, and I welcomed the cooler atmosphere on a warm, summer day. I heard the Hubbard River before spotting it, with the gurgling water bouncing over rocks as it wound its way south.

Riding into the woods, I was hit with the scent of mountain laurel, in full bloom in June. Walls of beautiful blooms could be seen as we rode through the woods.

There are several trails you can ride as a loop, making this a nice option, and one where you can get some longer distances in. Most trails are technical, and I was glad to have a trail savvy horse. It’s also hilly with some climbs and descents. Just remember your horse may be working harder than you think and plan your ride accordingly.

From the circular parking lot just past Hunt Road, you can ride out to the right and go past the second forest gate, on the paved road, and head south toward the camping area. This takes you down to the 4.4-mile Hubbard River Trail, which can be followed south to the forest perimeter, where a sharp left takes you back north on the 4.6-mile Ore Hill Trail.

Ore Hill goes north until it meets the pipeline, and at this point, you can either take the Pipeline trail back down to Hubbard River Trail or take a small connector trail over to West Hartland Road and then ride back down to the parking lot. Use caution if you do ride on the road, there aren’t too many vehicles, but they can go fast.

This was the area where I saw the mountain laurel, small waterfalls, and quite a few frogs headed back toward water or something else as they hopped across the trail in front of me. I also rode through the campground; it was empty on this Sunday afternoon, with a couple of the bear-proof food enclosures left open. Camp trail and Halfway Brook Trail offered a couple other trail options to explore and extend my ride further, with another section of the rocky Pipeline trail to explore too.

Another trail loop option is to take the Ordway Trail, across from the campground on the western side of West Hartland Road. This loop travels to the western side of the forest, until you come to the boundary, where the trail turns left, heading south, until you come to the southern boundary. Here, you go left again on the Searles Road Trail, and follow the southern boundary back to Searles Road, where you go left on the Sattler Trail. This short trail goes north and back to the camping area. This loop, Ordway to Searles and then Sattler, is 3.75 miles total, plus the distance to and from your trailer. You can avoid the road by riding down through the campground.

I spent several hours riding and exploring and left countless miles to enjoy another day too. The pandemic made a lot of changes, including increased trail use. It’s a good thing that more people are getting outside, but sometimes it’s nice to have a forest to yourself too. That’s exactly what Granville State Forest provides.

Happy trails!

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

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Lincoln Woods State Park

by Stacey Stearns

Lincoln Woods State Park consists of 627 acres in the Blackstone Valley. It has the distinction of being Rhode Island’s first state park, established on February 12, 1909. February 12 is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, so the park was named for him.

Lincoln Woods is close to Pawtucket, Cumberland, and Providence. While sitting in Providence traffic my GPS told me I was only minutes away from the park. A few minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot of Sunset Stables, a privately owned operation adjacent to the state park.

This helps protect trails for equestrian use and keeps everyone safe as there are some blind corners on the trails. Horses use Zone A, the trails to the west of Quinsicket Road; Zone B is a multi-use trail that allows mountain biking. Picnic tables and other recreational areas need to be reserved because it’s such a popular park.

A Leg Up

Lincoln Woods State Park is large, so you’ll want to park in the correct place to ride Zone A. The official address is 2 Manchester Print Works Road, but it is

Lincoln Woods' location in the northeastern part of the state makes it a popular destination for many residents. Visitors enjoy Olney Pond, a central part of the park, and are welcomed by a covered bridge at the Breakneck Hill Entrance. Olney Pond offers swimming in the summer, and ice fishing in the winter. Little League playing fields, fishing, boating, and other activities are also popular.

Increased trail use led the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), which manages the property, to split the trail system into two zones to accommodate both equestrians and mountain bikers.

easier to come in on Twin River Road, off Route 146.

Use the address for Sunset Stables, located just outside the park, in your GPS: 1 Twin River Road. Drive past Sunset Stables and go through the park entrance. Take a right and park in the large, paved lot on the left side after the giant rock. The parking lot and rock are both easily identifiable. I met three Department of Environmental Management officers on bicycles, and asked one about horse trailer parking, and this was his recommendation. The road is a 2.5-mile loop (with one-way traffic) around Olney Pond.

Stacey Stearns

You’ll ride back past the entrance to get to the trails in Zone A. The trail is on the left, beyond the yellow gate. Download a copy of the map onto your phone at riparks.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur881/ files/2023-02/map-lincoln-woods.pdf.

I recommend riding on a weekday or during the off season as Olney Pond, the picnic areas, and trails are busy on the weekends. I rode in May, before the Memorial Day holiday, and the park was packed when I explored it after leaving Sunset Stables.

There are speed bumps and a bridge after the beach; drive carefully when pulling a horse trailer. Pack fly spray, water for your horse, and be sure to clean around your trailer before leaving.

Out Riding It

I visited Lincoln Woods on a weekend, so decided to ride with Sunset Stables, an official park concessionaire, instead of trying to find trailer parking. Jim Borden owns and operates Sunset Stables with Linda Oliviera, his partner. Sunset Stables has operated for more than 25 years, and there are close to 30 horses on the property. In addition to offering guided trail rides, they have lesson programs in multiple disciplines, take riders to shows, and offer cow sorting and team penning.

“The state park is very scenic with a lot of wildlife,” Jim says. “Trail rides here are relaxing, almost therapeutic, and the horses we have are some of the best around for beginner as well as experienced riders. We spend a lot of time finding the right horses and training them.”

Diamond, my horse for the day, was a spunky black gelding who knows the trails and enjoys his job. I rode with the guide, and a man and his young daughter, neither of whom had ridden before. The staff at Sunset Stables gave them some basic instructions before we headed out on the trail.

We rode from the Sunset Stables property right into the state park, entering Zone A trails near the Zachariah Allen Spring. Those parking near Olney Pond and riding on their own will enter

the trails near Tablerock Hill, after riding down the park road past Chimney Grove and the picnic areas. Either way, the Zone A trails are giant loops with interior trails allowing you to add distance to your ride. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the trails, including riding out to Quinsicket Pond.

Our group picked up the trail near Zachariah Allen Spring and headed north. At the first intersection we took a right, riding toward the connector trail for the main part of the park. At the connector trail we went left to stay on Zone A trails, riding toward the trail to Quinsicket Pond. Instead of going right at the fork, we stayed left to continue looping in Zone A.

The trails are rocky, with a lot of huge boulders. A receding glacier created the Blackstone Valley 15,000 years ago. It moved south from Massachusetts through Rhode Island, leaving the valley, and the boulders on the trails here, in its wake.

We weaved around the boulders and trees, and were in the shade most of the time. Birds sang throughout the ride. We saw no other trail users in Zone A, since they are horse trails only. It’s like having your own private trail system. It was even more surprising once I left Sunset Stables to explore the rest of the park and saw how many people were in the other areas. The only other sound of civilization was when we rode the back side of the loop in Zone A, near Breakneck Hill Road. I could hear cars in the distance, but not for long, as we looped back into the woods.

Soon, we rounded a bend and were headed back toward the private trails of Sunset Stables. We dismounted, and the smile on the little girl’s face told me that we might have a future equestrian in our midst.

Lincoln Woods State Park is a hub of recreational activity, but the designated horse zone makes it a peaceful escape for equestrians. Happy trails!

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

Youth Awards

The Community Horse Youth Award is given to the junior exhibitor who has shown the best horsemanship and sportsmanship at an equestrian competition. This is the youth who is working hard with a great attitude. This junior is taking good care of their horse, cheering on their friends, and helping others.

yAlexis McGabe won the Youth Award riding Arabian mare Amira at the Spirit Trail Ride in Southampton, Massachusetts, on May 6. “The judges thought Alexis remained calm even though her horse was anxious,” says ride organizer Kate Raymond. “She was patient with soft, quiet hands and gave Amira reassuring pats.” Congratulations, Alexis!

y At her first away show, Addilyn Grabo,7, of Coventry, Connecticut, won the Youth Award at the Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association’s Show at the Westbrook Hunt Club riding Watch My Twix, a Chincoteague Pony. Congratulations, Addilyn!

y Payton McPherson, 11, of East Granby, Connecticut, won the Youth Award at the Frazier Farm Combined Test riding Pepperoni. Congratulations, Payton!

yShade Bedard won the Youth Award at the Horse Power Farm Cross Country Derby in Canterbury, Connecticut, for her outstanding sportsmanship. Congratulations, Shade!

y Alana Noe riding Heyday Revolution won the Youth Award at the Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show. Alana rides with Alex Matta at A&M Equine Services in Middleboro, Massachusetts. Congratulations, Alana!

Additionally, but not pictured:

yAugusta Gaudet, 9, of Manchester, Massachusetts, won the Youth award aboard Delilah at the Back Bay Farm Horse Show in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Congratulations, Augusta!

Emma Guillot

Belle Magna

News in Our Community

Horse Tales: Galloping into Children’s Books

It’s no surprise that horses have starred in children’s books for generations. Horses make ideal leading characters — they carry us on adventures, race to our rescue, bear our burdens, and bring us joy.

Breyer Animal Creations. Guests can read books in our barnyard and “groom” the gallery horses. And there’s room for imaginative puppet play in the Giddy Up Theater too.

To learn more, visit carlemuseum.org or call (413) 559-6300.

Whether in fairytales or historical narratives, stories of horses touch our emotions time and again.

In the East Gallery of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts, the exhibit Horse Tales: Galloping into Children’s Books will be shown until December 31, 2023. It showcases both classic and contemporary picture books exploring the ways horses have captivated human hearts and artistic imaginations. The exhibit features tales of triumph and heartbreak, fantasy, and friendship. Most significantly, it examines how horses — in life and in the pages of a book — expand our humanity.

Curated by chief curator Ellen Keiter and guest curator Carla Carpenter, guests can view 80 drawings, paintings, collages, prints, and digital illustrations by 50 artists. Visitors of all ages are invited to draw horses, guided by a variety of how-to books and horse figurines courtesy of

Sandra Whitmore Recognized by IEA

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) hosted the very successful IEA Western National Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, June 24 and 25. Held at the historic Will Rogers Coliseum Complex during the American Paint Horse Association World Championship Show, the IEA welcomed nearly 200 youth riders from across the nation in grades 4–12 for a heated individual and team competition. Fourteen National Champion titles were awarded to riders and 24 teams competed to claim team titles.

Crimson Acres’ Western Team coach

Sandra Whitmore of Orange, Massachusetts, was presented with the 2023 Roger Elder Memorial Coach Sportsmanship Award on Saturday night. Several years ago, the western horse world lost a great horseman and long-time IEA coach, Roger Elder. Roger was well-known for his quiet leadership and generous spirit. With his

Ruehle Photographix

Horse Tales: Galloping into Children’s Books will be shown until December 31, 2023 at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Sandra Whitmore was presented the Coach Sportsmanship Award at the IEA Western Nationals with IEA co-founders, Myron Leff and Roxane Durant.

passing the IEA, American Quarter Horse Association, and friends created the Roger Elder Memorial Coach Sportsmanship Award. In the spirit of Roger’s outstanding sportsmanship, this award is presented each year to a deserving IEA coach who embodies the same characteristics of good sportsmanship, humble generosity, and long-standing dedication to the IEA. Sandra has been an IEA coach for more than 14 years.

“Tonight, I watched my coach and mentor, Sandy Whitmore, receive the Coach Sportsmanship Award at the Western IEA Finals,” says Amanda Phelps. “Sandy has worked so hard and continues to pour her heart into the farm and her riders. I’m beyond blessed and honored to have learned everything I have from her. I want to thank her for everything she has done for not only me but for everyone at Crimson Acres. Sandy’s the glue that holds everything together. Congratulations, Sandy! Thank you for everything you do for us. Thank you for making your family my family.”y

Partners

Looking for a way to get more involved in your equestrian community? Listed here are nonprofit clubs, associations, and rescues in your neighborhood. Each listing’s heading is color coded by state. yConnecticut yMassachusetts yRhode Island

y Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut

ahcofct.org

The Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut (AHCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, encouraging, and stimulating interest in the outstanding qualities of the beautiful and most versatile equine, the Arabian and half-Arabian horse. AHCC is the largest Arabian Horse Association-recognized club in Region 16, an area that includes New York and most of New England.

y Barre Riding and Driving Club

barreridingdrivingclub.com

The nonprofit Barre Riding and Driving Club (BRDC) promotes interest in horses, furthers ideals of equine education and sportsmanship and raises funds for scholarships. The 80-year-old BRDC hosts a spring and fall trail ride, clinics for members, and a horse show series at Felton Field in Barre, Massachusetts. Proceeds from the BRDC Scholarship Show, one of the shows in the series, are used to award academic scholarships to local students, as well as equine scholarships to children and adults to assist in their equine pursuits.

y Bay State Trail Riders Association

bstra.org

The Bay State Trail Riders Association (BSTRA) keeps access to trails open for equestrian use. BSTRA advocates for multi-use trails that are horse friendly and include hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The organization strives for the acquisition, maintenance, and preservation of trails to benefit all trail users. BSTRA’s projects have made improvements in forests and parks in 33 towns in the Commonwealth. BSTRA offers organized trail rides in Massachusetts, and a few in Rhode Island.

y Camp Marshall 4-H Center

campmarshall.net, campmarshallequestriancenter.net

Camp Marshall, in Spencer, Massachusetts, provides a positive learning experience for youth in a safe and fun environment with hands-on outdoor and agricultural experiences that foster respect, independence, and positive self-esteem. This is a private, nonprofit organization with a long tradition of providing a 4-H–based camp experience to youngsters each summer. Children do not have to be 4-H members to attend Camp Marshall. Weekly equestrian summer camps and vacation camps are just a few of the activities for equestrians. A horse show series is held at Camp Marshall.

y Charles River Dressage Assoc.

crdressage.org

The Charles River Dressage Association (CRDA) provides an affordable, quality dressage schooling show series, clinics, educational lectures, and sponsorships to its members and the local community. The schooling show series are held at Apple Knoll Farm in

Millis, Massachusetts. In addition, CRDA strives to offer a friendly casual forum in which riders can compete and gain knowledge about dressage.

y City to Saddle

citytosaddle.org

“Give a child a leg up!” That’s been the City to Saddle motto since the launch of this program in 2004. It underscores the mission of providing equestrian opportunities for underserved children — programs that enrich the lives of boys and girls in so many ways — fostering confidence, self-fulfillment, and joy. City to Saddle is a grassroots Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization run by a devoted group of volunteers.

y Connecticut Barrel Horse Assoc.

ctnbha01.com

The Connecticut National Barrel Horse Association club provides safe, fun, and competitive events for all who wish to barrel race not only in Connecticut, but throughout the New England Area. All levels of riders from beginner barrel racers through advanced are encouraged to join.

y Connecticut Color Breed Assoc.

connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com

The Connecticut Color Breed Association offers five open horse shows per year at the Glastonbury Hunt Club and at Falls Creek Farm. A Trail Riders Program and a Dressage Program reward members at the annual awards banquet.

y Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue

ctdraftrescue.org

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of draft horses bound for slaughter, in addition to the victims of starvation, neglect, or abuse, or surrendered by owners no longer able to provide for their needs. Since its inception in 2011 by founder, executive director, and equine veterinarian, Stacey Golub, 130 horses have been rescued and the majority adopted into loving new homes.

yConnecticut Dressage Assoc.

ctdressage.org

The Connecticut Dressage Association (CDA) is a nonprofit organization promoting dressage in the Northeast through education and opportunity. CDA is also a Group Member Organization of the United States Dressage Federation, which offers schooling shows, recognized shows, clinics, and year-end awards.

y Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Assoc.

cdctaonline.com

The Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA) is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization committed to providing instruction, education, and competition opportunities for dressage and event riders in Connecticut, as well as promoting horse care

and safety for its members. CDCTA participates in the United States Dressage Federation Regional Schooling Show Awards Program for its schooling shows and the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program. CDCTA also offers clinics and seminars.

y Connecticut Gymkhana Assoc.

facebook.com/connecticutgymkhana

The Connecticut Gymkhana Association promotes fun-filled competition and strives to educate its membership.

y Connecticut Horse Council

cthorsecouncil.org

The Connecticut Horse Council (CHC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving all aspects of the horse industry in Connecticut. CHC is an affiliate of the American Horse Council. Since 1971, CHC has worked to be the voice of the horse industry in Connecticut. CHC has been involved with zoning, enacting state laws, equine health issues, disaster planning for horses, and more. CHC regularly interacts with legislators, town boards, and others in its dealings with horse-related concerns. The organization also advocates for horse owners in Connecticut and is a resource for those seeking information.

y Connecticut Horse Shows Assoc.

chsaonline.com

The Connecticut Horse Shows Association (CHSA) welcomes all riders who seek good sportsmanship and enjoy competition. CHSA was established in 1928 to encourage and promote the interest of

Connecticut horse shows. CHSA has approximately 100 affiliated shows each year enabling riders and horses to compete for more than 100 year-end awards. CHSA also has a scholarship program for members pursuing higher education and has given more than $50,000 in scholarships.

y Connecticut Morgan Horse Assoc.

ctmorgans.org

The Connecticut Morgan Horse Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying the Morgan breed. The club has numerous events throughout the year, including the annual Connecticut Morgan Horse Show in June; all are welcome, including all breeds of horses.

y Connecticut Renegades

ctrenegades.com

Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooters holds matches for one of the nation’s fastest growing equestrian sports. The Renegades offer a new horse/new shooter clinic each spring. Additional matches are held throughout the riding season.

y Connecticut Trail Rides Assoc.

cttrailridesassoc.org

Formed in 1940 to help promote the sport of trail riding, the Connecticut Trail Rides Association is based in Goshen. It’s a familyoriented group that trail rides throughout the state from early spring through fall.

y Granby Horse Council

granbyhorsecouncilct.com

Founded in 1979 by residents of Granby, Connecticut, the GHC is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote the protection of the rights of horses, other equines, and the horse people in the town of Granby; the education of horse owners and the public; educational and charitable causes in the community; and riding activities such as trail riding, parades, and demonstrations.

y Granby Regional Horse Council

granbyregionalhorse.org

Since 1994, the nonprofit Granby Regional Horse Council (GRHC) has served the needs of equestrians in greater Western Massachusetts. GRHC offers educational lectures, organizes trail rides, hosts an annual horse show, and works with other groups to save trails and open space.

y Greenwich Riding and Trails Assoc.

thegrta.org

The Greenwich Riding and Trails Association (GRTA) preserves, protects, and promotes open space, historical trails, and the tradition of horseback riding. The GRTA organizes several annual equestrian events as fundraisers to support this mission. GRTA’s Nichols Nature Preserve is a 94-acre property open to horseback riding.

y Hampshire County Riding Club

hampshirecountyridingclub.org

The Hampshire County Riding club is a nonprofit organization that

offers fun and educational presentations and events for equestrians of all ages and disciplines, including organized trail rides, competitions, clinics, and seminars at the club’s 47-acre grounds in Goshen, Massachusetts.

y Hanover Hunt and Riding Club

briggsstable.com

The Hanover Hunt and Riding Club (HHRC) is a volunteer-based organization that began in 1932. The HHRC holds numerous events throughout the year, including the annual June Horse Show, the Wednesday night Mini Shows, trail rides, a used tack sale, and an annual awards banquet. HHRC is located at Briggs Stable in Hanover, Massachusetts, where the Hanson Riding Club, Heritage Dressage Association, and the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council also hold shows.

y Hanson Riding Club

hansonridingclub.org

The Hanson Riding Club (HRC) hosts trail rides, horse shows, clinics, and a year-end awards banquet. Shows are held in Massachusetts at Briggs Stable in Hanover and Balmy Acres in Middleboro. HRC offers four organized trail rides each year, including a benefit beach ride, in addition to two versatility events. Throughout the year, HRC organizes clinics with trainers and judges. In addition to its scholarship program, HRC also offers two reward programs — the Ambassador Program and Milestone Points.

Barn Laundry of Cape Cod Wash & Repair Services

We service MA and RI, and have traveled as far as Southern NH for extra large orders. Very fast turnaround times, one to three weeks year round, even during our busiest seasons. Washes, re-waterproofing, and repairs. We use Blanket Safe professional equine wash products, specifically designed for horse blankets to safely and effectively wash items without damaging waterproofing. All blankets are ALWAYS air-dried. Farm pick-up and delivery as well as two drop-off locations on Cape Cod. Free gift with each wash order and very competitive prices.

y Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary

hayburrinn.org

Hay Burr Inn’s all-volunteer staff is dedicated to saving the lives of horses that are victims of starvation, neglect, abuse, bound for slaughter, or whose owners are unable to provide for their needs. The nonprofit organization’s goal is to rehabilitate and restore the physical and emotional health of the horses and when possible, to find them a loving foster home, or continue to give them the special, intensive care they need to live out their days in peace at Hay Burr Inn’s Plainfield, Connecticut, location.

y H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut

horseofct.org

The Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines, H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, established in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected horses. In addition to rescue, H.O.R.S.E. maintains an ongoing commitment to educating the public on proper horse care. Open house and horse showing events, as well as volunteer days and a basic horse care clinic provide opportunities to support H.O.R.S.E and meet the horses.

y Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council

mahorsecouncil.com

The Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council (MHC) is comprised of equestrians of all breeds and disciplines with a focus on

hunter/jumper, equitation, and pleasure styles of riding. The Council offers support and guidance for those interested in the Massachusetts show circuit, the MHC Finals, higher education scholarships, marketing and communication internships, or the year-end banquet.

y Massachusetts Morgan Horse Assoc.

massmorgan.com

The Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association hosts one of the largest all-Morgan horse shows in the country. Its members are eligible for generous academic scholarships and year-end awards.

y Massachusetts Quarter Horse Assoc.

massqha.com

The Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association is organized to educate youth and adults about the American Quarter Horse; its temperament and history; to advocate for the best interests of Quarter Horse owners, riders, and enthusiasts, as well as the breed; to promote and encourage breeding, performance, and competitions involving the American Quarter Horse within the Commonwealth; and to encourage sportsmanship and youth activity.

y Middlebury Bridle Land Assoc.

middleburybridle.org

The Middlebury Bridle Land Association (MBLA) in Middlebury,

Refuse supplies manure removal containers in Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield Counties in CT, Westchester and Putnam Counties in NY

Connecticut, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of our region’s bridle trails for horseback riding. The MBLA welcomes riders of all disciplines to enjoy its country trails and join in its efforts to save and defend our equestrian heritage. Membership strengthens MBLA’s efforts in safeguarding treasured bridle land. Each day equestrians are losing more and more open spaces to development, never again to be claimed for riding.

y Myopia Hunt Club

myopiahunt.org

The Myopia Hunt Club, established in 1882, welcomes all equine enthusiasts to participate in foxhunting. The Myopia Hunt gathers just north of Boston, Massachusetts, with foxhunting meets in Hamilton, Ipswich, Topsfield, Essex, Rowley, Newbury, and West Newbury. Equestrians can participate as subscribers, patrons, or cappers, and enjoy foxhunting by following the hunt. The Myopia Hunt is grateful to have such beautiful countryside — a combination of both public and private property whose owners have generously granted it access. The spring season begins in late April/early May. Fall roading starts in September.

y Nashoba Valley Hunt

nashobavalleyhunt.org

Located in Royalston, Massachusetts, Nashoba Valley Hunt is dedicated to the enjoyment of foxhunting. Members enjoy their time out with the hounds while riding horses, bicycles, walking, or following along in their vehicle. It’s a time to enjoy the countryside as

well as work the hounds. Each meet ends with a traditional hunt breakfast where members can enjoy each other’s company and share the follies of the hunt. Hunting season typically runs from opening meet in September to late December, or whenever the snow and ice make the footing too treacherous.

y New England Equestrian Center of Athol

neeca.org

The New England Equestrian Center of Athol (NEECA), is a horse park in North Central Massachusetts. Through grants, fundraisers, numerous equestrian events, auctions, and tack sales, along with hands-on workdays at the park, NEECA members continue to maintain and improve this 200-acre horse park. The park offers a fenced-in main arena with a public address system and a second arena, which can be divided into two warm-up rings or a driving or dressage arena; a round pen located near the main arena; a trail loop with a versatility confidence course; and a large trailer parking area adjacent to the main ring.

y Newtown Bridle Lands Assoc.

nblact.org

The Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) is a nonprofit volunteer organization formed in 1978 in the town of Newtown, Connecticut. NBLA’s goal is to foster an interest in horseback riding as well as to preserve, protect, and maintain riding and hiking trails in the community. NBLA works with landowners and developers to maintain and expand crucial links in Newtown’s trail system.

y New Canaan Mounted Troop

newcanaanmountedtroop.org

The New Canaan Mounted Troop (NCMT) is a nonprofit youth development and therapeutic equestrian center located in New Canaan, Connecticut, whose mission is to build leadership, responsibility, and confidence in youth through sound horsemanship and to enrich the lives of individuals with special needs through equineassisted activities.

y North Shore Horsemen’s Assoc.

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064651723107

The North Shore Horsemen’s Association holds pleasure shows at Bob-Lyn Stables in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and hunter shows in Hamilton. An awards banquet finishes the year.

y Old North Bridge Hounds

oldnorthbridgehounds.org

The Old North Bridge Hounds (ONBH), established in 1969, is registered with the Masters of Foxhounds Association. ONBH’s hunt country, primarily in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is a combination of suburban and rural territories. Like most hunt clubs, ONBH engages in drag hunting, not live foxhunting. This ensures that the hounds will follow a scent laid on a prescribed course; it also ensures participants a nice run every time the hounds go out. Hunts are Tuesday and Saturday mornings during the hunting seasons. The ONBH also holds a hunter pace series.

y Peace For All Animals

peaceforallanimalsrescue.org

Peace For All Animals is a rescue organization whose goal is to help donkey foals, pregnant jennys, and many other animals in need. They are in East Wareham, Massachusetts and serve the South Shore and Cape Cod Area.

y Pomfret Horse and Trail Assoc.

pomfrethorseandtrail.com

Pomfret Horse and Trail Association (PHTA) is a nonprofit, volunteer organization formed in 2007 to preserve, protect, and maintain open space and the century-old system of riding and hiking trails in Pomfret, Connecticut. PHTA promotes responsible horseback riding practices and minimal-impact trail use, holds educational clinics, and supports local land trusts and other nonprofit organizations. PHTA’s goal is to preserve the town’s rural heritage through community-minded trail use, horse keeping, and riding. The PHTA holds two organized trail rides annually.

y Reddington Rock Riding Club

reddingtonrockridingclub.org

Reddington Rock Riding Club (RRRC) is a private organization founded in 1962 when the club’s founding members purchased 18 acres in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Today the property, which borders the 7,000-acre Shenipsit State Forest, is known as Camp Glazier. RRRC sponsors trail rides, fun days, educational events, and assists in maintaining bridle trails in the area.

y Rhode Island Arabian Horse Assoc.

riarabianhorseassociation.com

The Rhode Island Arabian Horse Association (RIAHA) is a small group of dedicated equestrians — owners, trainers, riders, breeders, admirers — who are enthusiasts of the Arabian and half-Arabian. RIAHA conducts several events throughout the year, including horse shows, clinics, and demonstrations, as well as regular meetings.

y Rhode Island Federation of Riding Clubs

rifederation.wixsite.com/rifrc

Since 1966, the Rhode Island Federation of Riding Clubs (RIFRC) has organized horse clubs and individual horse people in Rhode Island and bordering states into a single body. This action works toward establishing and maintaining bridle trails and equine activities. The RIFRC has lobbied for legislation, supported 4-H, and is an active member of Rhode Island Trails Advisory Committee. RIFRC members have maintained the LeGrand Reynolds Horseman’s Area, in Exeter.

y Rhode Island Horseman’s Assoc.

rihorseman.com

The Rhode Island Horseman’s Association is a group of hunter, jumper, and equitation riders, trainers, and farms that attend affiliated horse shows at member farms throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts including the annual Rhode Island Equitation Championships.

y Southern New England Horsemen’s Assoc.

snehassociation.com

The Southern New England Horsemen’s Association holds a horse show series of six shows at the Glastonbury Hunt Club in Glastonbury, Connecticut.

y South Shore Horsemen’s Council

sshconline.org

The South Shore Horsemen’s Council (SSHC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the interest and education of horsemanship. Since 1962, the SSHC has offered a series of horse shows with year-end awards in more than 65 divisions, with many special awards. The series of three shows are held at Rozena’s Field in Raynham, Massachusetts. Two affiliated shows are held at Briggs Stable in Hanover — the Hanover Hunt and Riding Club June Show and the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council’s “The Classic.”

y Tanheath Hunt Club

tanheathhunt.org

In 1958, a small group of people met at Glean Maura Farm in Ashland, Massachusetts, and formed the Tanheath Hunt Club (THC). The schools would rent horses to guests for the day of the hunt. In 2014, the club re-incorporated in Connecticut, and voted to change from a live hunt to a drag hunt. A new kennel was constructed in North Franklin, close to THC fixtures. In addition to foxhunts, the club holds spring, summer, and fall hunter paces; intro to foxhunting clinics; the Blessing of the Hounds; hunter trials, and a turkey trot.

Jenna McCarthy and Jack Rabbit Slim

Barrett Yates Mack and Darius Terri Ray and Waling

y West Newbury Riding and Driving Club

wnrdc.com

The West Newbury Riding and Driving Club (WNRDC) preserves and improves riding opportunities in West Newbury; organizes riding activities with members of the equine community and the general public; and promotes camaraderie and understanding with all users of the preserved open space areas. The WNRDC is dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of open trails in its local communities for the purpose of passive recreation and the benefit of the environment. The WNRDC holds two horse trials annually to raise funds to continue to improve the town-owned Pipestave Hill Equestrian Recreation Area, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. The club also holds an annual Adventure Trail competition, with funds from that event going to benefit trail work in West Newbury.

y Western Massachusetts Appaloosa Assoc.

westernmassapp.weebly.com

The Western Massachusetts Appaloosa Association (WMAA) has been a regional club, holding a charter from the national Appaloosa Horse Club since the 1960s, with members throughout New England. The WMAA’s primary goal is to support and promote the Appaloosa. The WMAA holds the Yankee Color Classic Appaloosa and All Breed Show annually.

y Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Assoc.

wnepha.com

The Western New England chapter of the Professional Horsemen’s Association (WNEPHA) holds an annual awards banquet for equestrians attending WNEPHA–affiliated hunter/jumper/ equitation horse shows at member farms in Massachusetts and eastern New York.

y Westfield Riding Club

westfieldridingclub.org

The Westfield Riding Club (WRC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1939 by a group of horse enthusiasts committed to fostering healthy horses, good riders, and excellent horsemanship. The WRC plans a year full of exciting events including shows, trail rides, clinics, educational seminars, parties, contests, and raffles. The WRC owns five acres in Westfield, Massachusetts. The grounds feature a rustic meeting house with a kitchen, fireplace, and a nice porch; a riding arena complete with a judge’s booth, as well as a cookshack, a small storage barn, and plenty of room to park trailers.

In every issue, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island equestrian-related nonprofits can be listed here and have their events listed in the Events Calendars. Each member of the nonprofits will receive a free one-year online subscription. Club officers and board members receive a free one-year print subscription — thank you for volunteering! Would you like to see your local organization or nonprofit listed here? Email partners@communityhorse.org.

Double B Ranch

Horsemanship for All Disciplines

Training . Lessons . Boarding . Certification

Training

We train horses and their owners. Natural horsemanship is all about the human nurturing a relationship with the horse so strong and close, so as to earn the horse’s complete trust. We do this using soft and quiet techniques, which are always in the best interest of the horses.

Licensed and certified horse trainer and clinician with more than 40 years experience in all disciplines. Uses natural horsemanship to solve your horse’s problems. Beginning with ground work to achieve harmony and trust, you’ll then move on to riding for that balanced partnership so essential to all phases of riding.

Intense Horsemanship Lessons

Ranch/Trail Obstacle Course

Cow Working/Cow Sorting (mechanical cow on premises)

Ranch Roping . Team Penning . Reining Training Performance Horses

Flat Work/Jumping . Equitation/Classical Dressage

The Team:

Christine Burrelli . Bob Burrelli, Jr.

Bob Burrelli, Sr.

If you want help with your horse, or to hold a clinic, please contact us. Call for a free demonstration!

The

70

Double

Jeannette

FullerPhotography

Jeannette FullerPhotography

SEPTEMBER

2 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Terryville. chsaonline.com.

2 – 3 RIHA EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIPS, Gales Ferry. rihorseman.com.

3 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

3 CHSA CHJA SHOW, New Milford. chsaonline.com.

3 INTRO TO FOXHUNTING, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.org.

9 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Avon. chsaonline.com.

9 VOLUNTEER DAY, Washington. horseofct.org.

10 CDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Bethany. ctdressage.org.

10 SNEHA SHOW, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

10 CHSA CHJA NEHC PINES OPEN, Moosup. chsaonline.com.

10 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

10 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

10 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

16 USHJA CHJA CHSA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

16 CTRA FALLS RIDE, Wallingford. cttrailridesassoc.org.

16 RIDE FOR OPEN SPACE, Woodstock. wyndhamlandtrust.org/ride-for-open-space/.

17 CGA GYMKHANA, Saddleview Farm, Bethany. facebook.com/ConnecticutGymkhana.

17 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

17 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

22 – 24 WESTBROOK FALL CLASSIC, Westport. chsaonline.com.

23 GRTA DAY IN THE COUNTRY SHOW, Greenwich. thegrta.org.

23 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Ayer Mountain Farm, North Franklin. (860)642-8053.

24 COMBINED TEST, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

24 SEPTEMBER SIZZLER, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

24 CCBA SHOW SERIES, Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

Fox Ledge Farm

Dressage Training with a Winning Tradition

Ann Guptill

USET Pan Am Dressage Team Silver

USDF Certified Instructor & Examiner

USDF “L” Judge Graduate

USPC Graduate A

Offering:

Board . Training . Lessons . Clinics

All Levels Welcome . Exercise & Layup Conditioning

Show Prep, Coaching . Indoor & Outdoor Facilities

Schooling Show Series . Trails & Open Fields Staff On Site 24/7

29-A Daniels Road, East Haddam, CT (860) 873-8108 . eqarts@snet.net

www.foxledgefarm.net

24 CHJA SHOW, Fox Crossing Equestrian, Morris. chja.net.

24 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

30 CTRA PISTOL CREEK, Berlin. cttrailridesassoc.org.

30 – October 1 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Avon. chsaonline.com.

OCTOBER

1 SNEHA SHOW, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

1 CDCTA DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW, location TBA. cdctaonline.com.

1 CTRA COCKAPONSET RIDE, Chester. cttrailridesassoc.org.

1 CHJA NEHC PINES OPEN, South Glastonbury. chja.net.

1 BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS, Franklin. tanheathhunt.org.

2 CMHA MEMORIAL RIDE, East Lyme. ctmorgans.org.

4 12TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST, East Hampton. ctdraftrescue.org.

7 CDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Columbia. ctdressage.org.

7 CHJA CHSA MHC NEHC SHOW, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

7 CREEPIN’ INTO HALLOWEEN, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

7 FALL SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

7 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

8 TANHEATH HUNT, Franklin. tanheathhunt.org.

8 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

8 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

8 HORSE TRIALS, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

8 HORSE TRIALS, Kent. useventing.com.

8 GRTA HUNTER PACE, June Hill Farm, Stamford. thegrta.org.

8 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Gales Ferry. chsaonline.com.

9 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

13 – 14 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

14 VERSATILITY COMPETITION, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

14 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

14 BASIC HORSE CARE CLINIC, Washington. horseofct.org.

15 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Coventry. ctequestrian.com.

15 CGA GYMKHANA, Bethany. facebook.com/ConnecticutGymkhana.

15 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Avon. chsaonline.com.

21 CTRA FUN DAY, Moodus. cttrailridesassoc.org.

21 CHSA CHJA PINES OPEN, South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

21 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

21 – 22 TAME YOUR LIZARD BRAIN CLINIC, Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

22 HUNTER PACE, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.org.

22 HORSE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

22 USHJA CHJA CHSA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

22 CHJA SHOW, New Canaan. newcanaanmountedtroop.org.

22 DRESSAGE SHOW, Bethany. sperryviewfarm.com.

22 CMHA MEMORIAL RIDE, East Lyme. ctmorgans.org.

28 CHJA SHOW, Willington. chja.net.

29 THRILLS IN THE HILLS “PINK” SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

29 WGHA GHOST RIDE, Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

29 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

29 CGA HALLOWEEN GYMKHANA, Hillside Equestrian Meadows, Wolcott. facebook.com/ConnecticutGymkhana.

29 TANHEATH KIDS HALLOWEEN HUNT, TBA.tanheathhunt.org.

29 CHSA CHJA BRV SHOW, Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

29 GYMKHANA AND GAMES DAY, Coventry. dawnbonin.com.

NOVEMBER

4 VOLUNTEER DAY, Washington. horseofct.org.

4 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Avon. chsaonline.com.

5 CHJA SHOW, Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. chja.net.

5 HUNTER PACE, Ayer Mountain Farm, Franklin. tanheathhunt.org.

5 CHSA SHOW, Gales Ferry. chsaonline.com.

11 CHSA CHJA PINES OPEN, South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

11 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

12 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

12 CHSA BRV SHOW, Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

12 TANHEATH HUNT, Bass Farm, Scotland.tanheathhunt.org.

12 BSTRA THOMPSON RACEWAY RIDE, Thompson. bstra.org.

17 – 19 INDOOR TACK SALE, Washington. horseofct.org.

18 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Hebron. windcrestfarmct.com.

18 CHJA SHOW, Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. chja.net.

19 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

19 CHSA SHOW, Somers. chsaonline.com.

19 CMHA FALL TURKEY TROT, Bluff Point State Park, Groton. All breeds welcome! ctmorgans.org.

22 HORSE SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

25 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

26 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

26 TURKEY TROT, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.org.

DECEMBER

2 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, East Hampton. ctdraftrescue.org.

9 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE, Washington. horseofct.org.

10 TANHEATH HUNT, Bass Farm, Scotland.tanheathhunt.org.

JANUARY

7 TANHEATH HUNT, Bass Farm, Scotland.tanheathhunt.org.

21 TANHEATH HUNT, Franklin. tanheathhunt.org.

28 TANHEATH HUNT, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.org.

SEPTEMBER

2 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW, Medway. capecodhunter.com.

2 MUSTANG TIP CHALLENGE, Athol. itsapleasuretraining.com.

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

2 PENNING AND SORTING, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com

3 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

3 NEDA FALL DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. neda.org.

3 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

3 NEDA FALL WRAP-UP VIRTUAL DRESSAGE SHOW, neda.org.

3 SCHOOLING JUMPER SERIES, Athol. heronscreststables.com.

3 SUNRISE RANCH SERIES, South Hadley. (413) 695-8343.

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

6 – 10 NORTH EAST CLASSIC, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

8 – 10 REGIONAL 4-H SHOW, Northampton. mass4H.org.

10 PENNING AND SORTING, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com

10 ASPCA MACLAY REGIONALS, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

10 DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

10 MHC SHOW, Haverhill. mahorsecouncil.com.

10 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

10 NEECA GYMKHANA #4, Athol. neeca.org.

10 WNEPHA SHOW, Bellwether Stables, Richmond. wnepha.com.

10 SNECDA CARRIAGE DRIVING CONES, TBA. snecda.org.

10 USDF DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

10 MHC “THE CLASSIC”, Briggs Stable, Hanover. mhconline.com.

10 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

Apple Knoll Farm Events

Northbridge Equine Challenge Series

Jumper Shows

August 2 . August 9 . August 16 . August 23

August 30 . September 6 - Finale with Awards

Emma Ford Clinic

August 16

Lynne Kimball Davis Teaching Days

Aug. 12 & 13

Sept. 23 & 24 . Oct. 21 & 22

CRDA Dressage Schooling Show

August 6 . September 17 crdressage.org

Jerry Schurink Clinic

August 17 & 18

New England Dressage Association

Fall Kickoff Show

September 3

Area I Schooling Horse Trials

Championships

September 10

USEA-Recognized Horse Trial

October 7

Halloween Hunter Pace

November 5

Board . Lessons . Training

Schooling . Facility Rentals

Horses and Ponies For Sale

appleknoll.com/sales

Our MISSION is to provide a safe, comfortable, and well-equipped facility for horses and riders to develop the skills and confidence required for the sport of Eventing.

Equine Expo & Tack Sale

Saturday, April 27, 2024 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Large vendor marketplace selling new and used items!

Plus services for the horse, rider, and driver. Demos.

$5 Admission . children under 10 free Vendor Spaces Available . Free Parking Held Indoors . Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds

10 AREA 1 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIPS, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

10 BSTRA WESTERN TRIVIA RIDE, Upton. bstra.org.

11 NEECA DRIVING DAY #6, Athol. neeca.org.

15 – 17 NEPTHA FALL FIESTA SHOW, Northampton. neptha.info.

16 SHOW SERIES, Douglas. chanaderostables@gmail.com.

16 NEECA HUNTER PACE, Athol. neeca.org.

17 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

17 NSHA PLEASURE SHOW, Amesbury. nshorsemens.org.

17 WNEPHA SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

17 WRC TRAIL RIDE, Washington. westfieldridingclub.org.

17 SOUTH EAST HUNTER SHOW, Medway. southeasthunter.com.

17 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

17 HRC OPEN SHOW SERIES, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

17 CMHSS SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org.

17 TWO PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

17 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Montague. (413) 367-9828.

17 BRDC SHOW SERIES, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

17 BSTRA FALL HUNTER PACE, Douglas State Forest. bstra.org.

17 DRESSAGE SHOW, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. crdressage.org.

17 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Holliston. rideaugustfarm.com.

Monthly Guest Clinicians

The Western New England chapter of the Professional Horsemen’s Association of America holds Hunter, Jumper, and Dressage Shows.

HUNTER/JUMPER EQUITATION SHOWS

Aug. 6 . Grindstone Mountain, Southampton

Aug. 20 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

Aug. 27 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

Sept. 17 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

Sept. 24 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

Oct. 8 . Harmony HIll Farm, G. Barrington

Oct. 29 . Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst

Dec. 31 . JW Equestrian, Southampton

See 2024 Show Dates at wnepha.com

WNEPHA EQUITATION FINALS

September 1-3

NEW LOCATION! White Hollow Farm, Stillwater, NYWalk

Trot Final. Beginner Equitation Final

Short/Long Stirrup 18” Medal Final Pre-Child/Adult 2’ Medal Final

Children’s Equitation 2’6” Medal Final

Adult Equitation 2’6” Medal Final

Modified Junior Equitation 2’9” Medal Final Junior Equitation 3’ Medal Final 18”, 2’, 2’6” and 2’9” Hunter Classics

Year-end awards in many divisions. Full schedule can be found at

17 SCHOOLING SERIES, Berkley. fullcircleequestrian@gmail.com.

22 – 24 NHHJA FALL CLASSIC, Northampton. nhhja.com.

22 – 24 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

23 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

23 USEF MHC NEHC SEHA MHJ SHOW, Medway. nv-farm.com.

24 HCRC RIDE, Hawley. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

24 POKER RUN RIDE, Carver. marionhorseshow.com.

24 PENNING AND SORTING, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com

24 WNEPHA SHOW, SJH Equestrian, Richmond. wnepha.com.

24 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

24 HRC VERSATILITY, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

24 SOUTH COAST SERIES HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

29 – Oct. 1 MHC DAYS OF CHAMPIONS, Northampton. mahorsecouncil.com.

30 NEECA DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY, Athol. neeca.org.

30 SUNRISE RANCH SERIES, South Hadley. (413) 695-8343.

30 – Oct. 1 USEF USEA HORSE TRIALS, Course Brook Farm, Haverhill. coursebrookfarm.com.

OCTOBER

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

1 WNEPHA SHOW, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

1 SNECDA CARRIAGE FUN DAY AND POKER DRIVE, TBA. snecda.org.

1 NEECA CASH GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org.

1 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

7 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Apple Knoll Farm, Millis. appleknoll.com.

7 NEECA MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY, Athol. neeca.org.

7 – 8 BRDC RIDE WEEKEND, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

8 POLO MATCH, South Hamilton. myopiapolo.com.

8 PENNING AND SORTING, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com

8 4TH ANNUAL HUNTER PACE, Corinthian Farm, Chester. facebook.com/PaulaBeckCorinthian or (413) 454-5742.

8 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Groton. grotonponyclub.org.

8 USEF NEHC MHC SHOW, Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

8 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

8 WNEPHA SHOW, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

14 USEF MHC NEHC SEHA MHJ SHOW, Medway. nv-farm.com.

15 TWO PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

15 HRC VERSATILITY, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

15 HCRC NORTHFIELD MOUNTAIN RIDE, Northfield. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

18 – 22 NEW ENGLAND EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIPS, West Springfield. Newenglandequitation.com.

MHC Pleasure Classic 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. Pleasure Classic Finals: Hunter, Saddle Seat, Western Walk Trot Pleasure Classics: MHC Walk Trot 10 & Under, SSHC Walk

Sunday, September 10, at Briggs Stable, 623 Hanover Street, Hanover, Mass. Show Begins Promptly at 8 a.m.

For more information, please visit mahorsecouncil.com.

Independence Stable

21 SUNRISE PLEASURE SERIES, South Hadley. (413) 695-8343.

22 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Holliston.rideaugustfarm.com.

22 PENNING AND SORTING, Acushnet. chipawaystables.com

22 SCHOOLING SERIES, Berkley. fullcircleequestrian@gmail.com.

22 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

22 HILLTOWN MISFITS 4-H CLUB FUN DAY, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

22 DRESSAGE SHOW, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.com.

28 SHOW SERIES, Douglas. chanaderostables@gmail.com.

Dressage Schooling Shows

29 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Haverhill.coursebrookfarm.com.

29 SOUTH COAST SERIES HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

29 WNEPHA SHOW, Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst. wnepha.com.

July 9 . Aug. 20 . Sept. 17

29 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

29 BSTRA BIG PUMPKIN RIDE, Upton. bstra.org.

Boarding

Training

404 S. Washington St. Belchertown, Mass.

NOVEMBER

4 USEF NEHC MHC SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

4 NEECA FALL SOCIAL, Athol. neeca.org.

4 SUNRISE RANCH SERIES, South Hadley. (413) 695-8343.

5 BSTRA TURKEY TROT, Carver. bstra.org.

5 HRC VERSATILITY, Middleboro. hansonridingclub.org.

Personalized Hampshire County Riding Club Events!

Forest Ride

Fall Foliage Ride

Open Fun Day

5 HALLOWEEN HUNTER PACE, Millis. appleknoll.com.

5 GHC LAST HURRAH RIDE, Granville. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

5 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

5 USEF NEHC MHC HOLIDAY I, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

11 USEF MHC NEHC SEHA MHJ SHOW, Medway. nv-farm.com.

12 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

18 CRDA AWARDS BANQUET, Millis. crdressage.org.

18 USEF NEHC MHC SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

26 USEF NEHC MHC SHOW, Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

25 USEF NEHC MHC SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

26 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

DECEMBER

10 USEF NEHC MHC HOLIDAY II, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

31 WNEPHA SHOW, JW Equestrian, Southampton. wnepha.com.

Hunter Shows

August 6 . September 24

October 29 – Halloween Show featuring Hunter Pairs Derby!

Jumper Shows

August 9 . August 23 . September 2

All Hunter Shows at Grazing Fields Farm in Buzzards Bay, Mass. Classes for Lead Line through 2'6" Hunters and Equitation. Ideal shows for novice exhibitors and riders on school horses.

Annual Banquet . High Point Awards!

All Jumper Shows at Valinor Farm in Plymouth, Mass. Wednesday evenings under the lights.

Find

Celebrating

events

SEPTEMBER

10 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Ashaway. hunterridge. squarespace.com.

17 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com

24 RIHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com.

30 RIHA SHOW, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.net.

OCTOBER

15 RIHA SHOW, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.net.

15 SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

22 HRC TRAIL RIDE, Goddard Memorial State Park, Warwick. hansonridingclub.org.

29 RIHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com.

NOVEMBER

5 WGHA TURKEY TROT, Goddard Park, Warwick. wghaweb3.wixsite.com/wgha.

5 RIHA SHOW, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

12 RIHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com.

19 TANHEATH HUNT, Greene. tanheathhunt.org.

26 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

DECEMBER

17 TANHEATH HUNT, Greene. tanheathhunt.org.

JANUARY

14 TANHEATH HUNT, Greene. tanheathhunt.org.

Directory Listings

l Connecticut l Massachusetts

l Rhode Island l Region

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION Mindful Connections® with Animals

Nicole Birkholzer; nbirkmc@gmail.com

Phone consultations; barn calls serving MA, CT, and RI

Is your horse suddenly shying at the mounting block? Not getting along with a pasture mate? There’s a reason for it. A phone call/barn visit gives you insights and clarity. Ad on page 52.

Soul Level Animal Communication® and Pangu Energy Work

Karen Dendy Smith; karendendysmith.com; (339) 205-3010

U.S. and Canada (online Zoom sessions)

Insight allows for a deeper partnership. Whether alive or in spirit, you can ask your horse questions, learn more about your relationship at the soul level, gain insight into behaviors, and understand how your horse is feeling from their perspective (physically and emotionally).

APPAREL Anni Lyn Sportswear

anni-lyn.com

Your source for fashionable and affordable riding apparel! Well thought-out designs and all at an affordable price. Free shipping, free returns, and no minimum, ever! Ad on page 20.

ART AND GIFTS

Lisa’s Art & Horses

Lisa Guarino; (401) 475-2749; lisa@lisasart.com; lisasart.com

Looking for a special gift? Lisa’s Art & Horses offers a variety of artistic gift items. Equine paintings, T-shirts, portraits. Find that perfect gift!

BARNS

AND INDOOR ARENAS

Mid-Atlantic Triply Ceilings

Mohrsville, PA; (717) 926-2274; ceilings@midatlantic.biz

We provide sales and installation of the Triply Ceiling System to clean, brighten, and soften the atmosphere of your interior space including barns, garages, indoor arenas, and more. Ad on page 100.

WeCover Structures

(866) 403-3811; wecoverequine.com

Ride in bright, natural light year round. WeCover designs and builds dream riding arenas using durable fabric roof panels and steel framing. Tailored to fit beautifully on your property.

BEACH HORSEBACK RIDING

Newport Equestrian Academy

Middletown, RI; (401) 837-4188; newportequestrian.com

Trail rides by beautiful beaches! Our popular two-hour horseback riding tour will take you by two beautiful beaches and out to a wildlife preservation. You’ll be delighted by panoramic views of miles of beach.

RHODE ISLAND

BEDDING

R & R Pallet Corp.

120 Schoolhouse Road, Cheshire, CT; (203)272-2784

jrizzo.javanet@rcn.com; rrpalletcorp.com

Uniform, clean, semi-dry hardwood and softwood bedding; mixed sawdust and shavings in bulk. Large quantities available $10 per cubic yard. Decorative mulch $10 per cubic yard. Firewood blocks $100 per cord. Pick up (we’ll load your truck)/local delivery available. Call for more information.

BRUSH CLEARING/PASTURE RECLAIMING

M5 Landworks

Serving MA, RI, CT; (508) 510-2004; m5landworks.com

Pasture restoration, field mowing, fence line clearing, underbrush clearing, bridle trail creation, forestry mulching. We’ll manage your overgrown land. Ad on page 69.

CAT SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC

TEAM Mobile Feline Spay/Neuter Clinic

Throughout Connecticut; (888) FOR-TEAM; everyanimalmatters.org

TEAM brings affordable spay/neuter and vaccination services for cats to more than 25 communities statewide. Any Connecticut cat — domestic, barn cat, stray, or feral — is welcomed aboard. Low cost. Call now to book your appointment.

EDUCATION, RIDING PROGRAMS

The Ethel Walker School

Simsbury, CT; (860) 408-4200; ethelwalker.org

Pamela J. Safford, Assistant Head for Admission and Enrollment, admission@ethelwalker.org

At Walker’s, riders train on campus in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines to achieve regional and national titles under the guidance of our nationally recognized trainers. Ad on page 41.

EQUESTRIAN ATTORNEYS

Sean Hogan, Esq.

Westport, CT; (203) 221-3250; seanhoganlaw.com

Attorney focusing on estate planning and assisting trainers, owners, and investors in equine-related transactions and litigation in Connecticut, New York, and before the USEF. Ad on page 81.

Sowerby & Moustakis Law, PLLC

Massachusetts & New Hampshire (603) 249-5925; info@SMLPLLC.com; MassachusettsEquineLaw.com

Horse owner Peter A. Moustakis has developed a passion and appreciation for matters related to equine law including contract law, transactional work, personal injury, and trust law. Equine contracts including purchase agreement, bill of sale, transportation release, equine facility boarding, liability, and lease agreements.

EQUESTRIAN FITNESS ZZ Productions

Judith Lindstedt; zz.judithproductions@gmail.com

Stretch classes for equestrians. Be the best you can be in the saddle. Loosen up back, spine, knees, and ankles. Strengthen quads and core. Focus on stretches to get ready for your ride. Ad on page 21.

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES

Amanda DeFazio Equestrian Specialist

(774) 392-4831; amanda.defazio@raveis.com

amandadefazio.raveis.com

Find your dream equestrian property or sell your farm. Amanda is passionate about helping her clients realize their dreams as an equestrian specialist with William Raveis. Ad on page 57.

Equine Homes Real Estate

Sally Mann; (800) 859-2745; equinehomes.com

Featuring equestrian and country properties in New England and Florida. Our team of Realtors understands and appreciates the unique nature of these properties and looks forward to matching you to the property that is right for you. Ad on page 75.

Vogel

Team at William Raveis Real Estate

(860) 840-4720; lorivogel.com

Team Vogel is dedicated to the listing and sale of equestrian estates, luxury properties, and professional horse facilities throughout southern New England. Years of experience, award-winning service. We understand it’s not just a home, it’s a lifestyle. Ad on page 99.

EQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICES

Blue Rider Stables, Inc.

South Egremont, MA; (413) 528-5299; bluerider.org

Where happy horses help make happy humans. We offer a holistic educational environment in which people and animals can safely interact, and through their mutual therapeutic experiences, broaden the scope of their lives. Year-round programs for children and adults, with and without disabilities.

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

Old Lyme, CT; (860) 434-1974; highhopestr.org

High Hopes serves more than 170 children, adults, and veterans weekly through therapeutic riding and carriage driving; unmounted horsemanship; summer camps and specialty programs. Providing professional training and education for instructors. Always seeking interns and volunteer support.

New Canaan Mounted Troop

New Canaan, CT; (203) 966-0634; newcanaanmountedtroop.org

We are a 501(c)(3) youth development and therapeutic equestrian center. We operate a comprehensive horsemanship program for youth ages 7 to 17 and a therapeutic program.

New Horizons Center Equine Assisted Therapy

Foster, RI; (401) 397-9242; cornerstonefarmri.com

Located at Cornerstone Farm. Offers riding and driving instruction to individuals with a wide range of disabilities utilizing the healing power of horses.

SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center

174 Morgan Road, Canton, CT; (860) 841-9930; spirithorsect.org

Therapeutic horseback riding and nonriding lessons for people of all ages, with and without disabilities. Early intervention program, one-hour mentorship lessons, summer programs, and equineunified vocational agricultural training program.

EQUINE DENTISTRY Dillon’s Equine Dentistry

Edward F. Dillon; Serving New England (508) 528-2242 (voice/text); dilloneq.com

Overall dental care for horses, ponies, minis, and donkeys. Twentyfive years experience. Tooth extractions, no power tools, no sedation required, no farm call fee. New customers welcome. Ad on page 34.

Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Service

Leah Limone, DVM, DAVDC/Eq & Kim Allshouse, DVM

Topsfield, MA; (978) 500-9293; nevds.com

Board-certified equine dental specialists licensed to practice in MA, NH, VT, ME, RI, and CT. Comprehensive oral/dental exams, routine maintenance, advanced diagnostics with digital radiography and oral endoscopy, basic and advanced extractions.

EQUINE LAUNDRY

Barn Laundry of Cape Cod

Harwich Port, MA; (508) 432-0552; barnlaundry.com

Servicing MA and RI. Fast turnaround times, one to three weeks year-round, even during busiest seasons. Washes, re-waterproofing, and repairs. Professional equine-safe wash products to preserve waterproofing. Always air dried. Free gift with order! Ad on page 70.

EQUINE RESCUES

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue

East Hampton, CT; (860) 467-6587; ctdraftrescue.org

CDHR rescues, rehabilitates, retrains, and rehomes at-risk draft horses in the Northeast. We host gelding clinics, educate horse owners about responsible care, and help struggling horse owners.

Rising Starr Horse Rescue

Wilton, CT; (203) 257-8345; risingstarrhorserescue.org

Rescue, rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome at-risk horses. Adoptions, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities. Lessons, summer programs, fun, and education. Free programs for veterans. We give horses a second chance at life.

EQUINE RETIREMENT FACILITY

Oak View Farm

Washington Depot, CT; joegitterman@me.com

Staff and owners live on this small farm with their own horses. Large paddocks and fields with water on demand. 24/7/365 turnout. Daily hands-on checks, grooming, supplements. Same love and attention we give our own steeds. References available.

EXPOSITIONS & SALES

Equine Affaire

West Springfield, MA; equineaffaire.com

Equine Affaire, the nation’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering will be November 9 to 12, 2023. Learn from and mingle with many of the foremost trainers, coaches, competitors, judges, and experts in the horse industry and experience a wealth of equine and equestrian products. Ad on page 89.

Equine Tack & Paraphernalia Sale

Topsfield, MA; Kay at (978) 768-6275; kljoreo@aol.com

April 27, 2024 in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. Large vendor marketplace selling new and used items, services for the horse, rider, and driver. Vendor space available. Ad on page 86.

FEED & FARM SUPPLIES

Benedict’s Home & Garden

480 Purdy Hill Rd., Monroe, CT; (203) 268-2537; benedictsgarden.com

Serving Monroe and surrounding area since 1950. Feeds: Blue Seal, Nutrena, Triple Crown, Kalmbach/ Tribute, New Country Organics. Hay, shavings, straw. Horse/pet and poultry supplies.

Blue Seal

Find a dealer near you at blueseal.com. Ad on pages 30 and 31. Amherst Farmer’s Supply, amherstfarmerssupply.com

A.W. Brown Pet & Garden Center, awbrown.com

Benedict’s Home & Garden, benedictsgarden.com

Bridgewater Farm Supply, bridgewaterfarm.com

Essex County Co-op, essexcountycoop.com

G.M. Thompson & Sons, gmthompson.net

Greenfield Farmers Co-op Exchange, greenfieldfarmerscoop.com

Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange, hardwickfarmers.net

Leeway True Value, leewayace.com

Litchfield Blue Seal Store, blueseal.com

Lock, Stock & Barrel, lsbfarmsupply.com

Meriden Feed & Supply, facebook.com/MeredenFeed

Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain, sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com

Pleasant View Farms

Somers, CT; (860) 698-2388; pleasantviewfarmsinc.com

Premium quality hay, small and large square bales, large round bales, timothy, timothy/orchard grass, orchard grass/alfalfa, alfalfa. Bagged and bulk grains, bagged shavings, pellets, hemp, and straw. Pick up and delivery. Ad on pages 14 and 15.

Poulin Grain

Find a dealer near you at poulingrain.com. Premium feeds and personalized service since 1932. Formulated to meet the unique demands of the Northeast. Latest cutting-edge technology and industry-leading research in every bite — so you can always be sure they’re getting the best. Ad on page 73.

FINANCING & LOANS

Farm Credit East

240 South Rd., Enfield, CT; (800) 762-3276; countrylivingloans.com

Loans for building a country life. Financing for farms, home construction, land, equestrian facilities. Our lending experts specialize in financing rural properties. Ad on pages 22 and 23.

HOOF AND LEG CARE

Hawthorne Products

(800) 548-5658; hawthorne-products.com

Hawthorne manufactures award-winning hoof, leg, and breathing care products. We develop, manufacture and sell the finest products at the best value by offering quality services, education, and solutions to all horse lovers.

INSURANCE A & B Insurance Group

Licensed in MA, NH, VT, ME, CT & RI (978) 399-0025; abinsgroup.com

Insurance for all your equine needs. Farm and equine, equine mortality, horse owner’s liability. Our agents have been serving the equestrian community for a combined 50 plus years. Ad on page 65.

American National

Boxborough, MA: Donald Ludwig (978) 467-1001

Carver, MA: Richard Blair (508) 866-9150

Centerville, MA: Mark Sylvia (508) 428-0440

Great Barrington, MA: Dominic Sinopoli (413) 528-1710

Lisbon, CT: (860) 376-2393 or (860) 808-6608

Middleborough, MA: Kevin Sullivan (508) 998-0512

Middlefield, CT: (860) 349-7064

North Adams, MA: Kim Perry (413) 398-5011

Northborough, MA: Jeff Pichierri (508) 393-9327

South Deerfield, MA: Tim Viles (413) 665-8200

Southwick, MA: The Mason Agency (413) 569-2307

Topsfield, MA: Scott Brockelman (978) 887-8304

West Greenwich, RI: Ashley Johnson (401) 397-1050

Wilbraham, MA: Sean Rooney (413) 887-8817

Williamstown, MA: Marcia Hawkins (413) 458-5584

Worcester, MA: Thomas Carroll (508) 752-3300

Ad on pages 60 and 61.

Don Ray Insurance

Terri Ray; Serving CT, MA, and RI (781) 837-6550; donrayinsurance.com

Competitive rates, educated service, and help substantiating values. Mortality and major medical, farm packages, horse associations and clubs, directors and officers, horse shows, clinics, expo coverage, instructor liability, and payment plans. Ad on page 74.

JUMP EQUIPMENT & TACK BOXES Salty Dawg Equine Services

Serving MA, CT, and RI; (508) 259-6924; saltydawgequine.com

Custom-made jumps, tack trunks, bit boxes, and more. Great for year-end awards. View photos at saltydawgequine.com and on Facebook. Ad on page 4.

MANURE REMOVAL

Associated Refuse Hauler

Newtown, CT; (203) 426-8870; associatedrefuse.com

Containerized manure removal for one to 100 horses; containers from 4- to 30-cubic yards. Serving Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield Counties in CT. Ad on page 71.

Mitrano Removal

Shirley, MA; (978) 425-6181; mitranoremoval.com

We provide large and small horse farms with a manure removal program that suits the farm’s needs. Retain a 10- to 30-yard container and we provide removal service. Choose to stockpile your manure and we provide removal service. Ad on page 56.

SADDLES & SADDLE FITTING

New England Saddle Fit

Lise Krieger; Serving New England (203) 685-2308; newenglandsaddlefit.com

Certified saddle fitter for English and western saddles. Saddle assessments, fitting evaluations, flocking, repairs, consignments, and sales. Ad on page 28.

TACK REPAIRS & LEATHER WORK

Awl for the Horse

Fran Hornick; (203) 371-5635; awl4thehorse@gmail.com

Repair work for English, western, harness, and more. Refinishing, conditioning, custom work, leather carving. By appointment only.

TACK & EQUIPMENT

Briggs Tack Shop & Trailer Sales

Hanover, MA; (781) 826-3191; briggstackshop.com

Full-service tack shop with everything for the horse and rider. Authorized dealer of Kingston Trailers. Ad on page 47.

Cheshire Horse

Swanzey, NH; (877) 358-3001; cheshirehorse.com.

English and western tack, apparel and footwear, horse clothing, pet food and supplies, feed and supplements, stable supplies and fencing, horse/utility trailers, chicken coops, and gifts. Ad on pages 2 and 7.

Meader Supply

Rochester, NH; (800) 446-7747; meadersupply.com

English and western tack, driving supplies, blankets, boots, first aid, fly control, hoof care, supplements, dewormers, work apparel, riding apparel, hay, grain, bedding, feeders, stall mats, shelters, fencing, and farrier supplies. Ad on page 29.

Triple Crown Tack Shop

West Boylston, MA; (508) 835-2773

triplecrowntack.com; info@triplecrowntack.com

Triple Crown Tack Shop has been in the horse community for decades and our owners and staff are riders, here to serve all riders of all levels. We carry hunter/jumper casual and show apparel, as well as items for eventing, dressage, trail riding, and foxhunting including boots, helmets, tack, cleaning supplies, supplements, blankets, horse treats, collectibles, and gifts.

THERAPIES

BEMER

Amy Robb; (603) 381-1038; amy.robb@bemermail.com amy-robb.bemergroup.com

BEMER- Low frequency PEMF technology for your horse’s health. Performance, Recovery, Stress Reduction, & Prevention. Free demos, sales, rentals. Will travel to you. Ad on page 37.

Grey Mare Magna Wave

Jenny Cournoyer; Serving MA, CT, and RI (774) 329-7489; greymaremagnawave.com

Grey Mare Magna Wave offers the best in pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Serving all of New England. Sessions to suit all needs. Rentals available. Ad on page 53.

TRAINING, LESSONS & BOARD

Apple Knoll Farm

Millis, MA; (508) 376-2564; appleknoll.com

Our mission is to provide a safe and well-equipped facility for riders to develop the skills and confidence required for the sport of eventing. Facility rentals. USEA horse trials, jumper show series, clinics, and more. Ad on page 85.

Babcock Hill Horses Naturally

Dawn Bonin Horsemanship

Coventry, CT; (860) 985-7611 (cell); dawnbonin.com

Lessons, versatility clinics and competitions, versatility course, sales/leases, two outdoor rings, indoor arena, miles of trails.

Back Bay Farm

Ipswich, MA; (978) 356-0730; backbayfarm.com

A premier hunter equitation training and boarding stable. Riding lessons, showing, training, full board, sales, and leasing. Horse shows on farm; beach and country rides off farm. Travel to USEF local shows. New riders welcome! Ad on page 91.

Bob Burrelli Natural Horsemanship

Plymouth, MA; (508) 224-9430; bobburrelli.com

Natural horsemanship trainer and clinician with more than 40 years experience training and teaching all disciplines. Create a better partnership with your horse through gentle, effective, and traditional Vaquero training methods. Starting colts, helping problem horses, and helping horse and rider partnerships. Ad on page 77.

Bradford Equestrian Center

Keith & Lynda Angstadt; Haverhill, MA (978) 374-0008; leangst@comcast.net

Dressage training and instruction, full-care facility, individualized programs, excellent footing, indoor and outdoor arenas, ample turnout, reasonable rates, dressage competitions and clinics.

Carrier’s Farm

Nancy Carrier; Southampton, MA; (413) 527-0333

Indoor arena, outdoor riding ring, round pen, fields, obstacles, trails, individual or group turnout, friendly adult atmosphere. All disciplines welcome, owner lives on premises.

Cathy Drumm

Teaching throughout the Northeast (413) 441-5278; cathydrumm.com

Clinician, trainer, and coach of western dressage, working equitation, and mountain trail. Kindful training for horse and rider. Happy, relaxed horses and riders are my objective. Ad on page 26.

Cornerstone Farm

Beth Stone; Foster, RI

(401) 397-9242; cornerstonefarmri.com

Instruction in all disciplines, quality boarding. Schooling show series: May 21, July 9, August 20, September 17, and October 15. “Ride for the fun of it!”

Crimson Acres

Whitmore Family; Orange, MA; (978) 575-0341; crimsonacres.org

Lessons, training, clinics, drill team, horse shows, game nights, boarding, and summer camps. We provide a safe educational environment. Dare to Dream Educational Farm Program. Ad on page 90.

Double B Ranch

Plymouth, MA; (508) 746-8545; doubleb-ranch.com

Horsemanship for all disciplines. Natural horsemanship training, lessons, boarding, and certification. Ranch/trail obstacle course, cow work, ranch roping, team penning, reining, flat work/jumping, and equitation/classical dressage. Ad on page 77.

Fox Ledge Farm

Ann Guptill; East Haddam, CT; (860) 873-8108; foxledgefarm.net

USET Pan Am Dressage Team Silver, USDF Certified Instructor and Examiner, USPC Graduate A, and USDF “L” Judge Graduate. Training, lessons, board, clinics. All levels welcome. Schooling show series. Wooded trails and open, rolling fields. Ad on page 80.

Fuller Family Equestrian

Westhampton, MA; (413) 539-1242; fullershorsefacility.com

Intimate boarding environment and quality care. Matted stalls, recently renovated indoor arena, jumping field, outdoor arena, trails, group or individual turnout, indoor wash stall. Lessons with our trainer or yours. Because it’s not just your horse, it’s your family.

Gold Rush Farm, LLC

5 Silver Hill Rd., Easton, CT (203) 268-9994; goldrushfarmsct.com

Trail rides, lessons, summer camps, boarding, pony rides, pony parties, bonfire nights, and corporate events. We focus on building a strong relationship between horse and rider.

Horse Power Farm

Ann Bowie, BHSII(T); Canterbury, CT (860) 334-1772; horsepowerfarm.info

Eventing farm specializing in lessons, boarding, clinics, and test and tune. Cross-country derbies, perfect for the green eventer and the professional with a young horse. Dressage, stadium jumping, and cross-country training. Ad on page 82.

Horses With A Heart

Shana Holland; Chester, MA; (413) 354-7744

Infants through advanced riders. Problems, restarts, mounted and unmounted, horse therapy. Horses connect and communicate through body language, energy, and space. Body riding is safer, more harmonious, and healthier for horses. Will travel.

Independence Stable

Dottie Foreman; Belchertown, MA

(413) 284-0371; independencestablellc.com

Dressage schooling shows with traditional and western dressage tests. Riding and carriage driving instruction. Board and training with personalized attention for each horse and rider. Ad on page 90.

It’s a Pleasure Training

Peter Whitmore; Orange, MA (978) 652-2231; itsapleasuretraining.com

Peter specializes in starting young horses correctly. More than 25 years experience starting horses as well as fixing existing problems. Available for clinics and events. Board available as well as internship program. Ad on page 83.

JDS Equine Services

Jasmine Sasser; Dudley, MA; (508)-468-9092; jasmine.jdsequine@gmail.com; facebook.com/jdsequine

Specialize in green and “problem” horses, starting, tune ups, desensitization, trail riding, showing, and more. Customized training programs. Experience with difficult cases. All ages, breeds, disciplines, and training goals are welcome. Ad on page 21.

Rebecca Hathaway Horsemanship

Manager, Sandy Hook Equestrian Center; Newtown, CT (203) 313-6389 (voice/text); sandyhookequestriancenter.com

Riding lessons, horse training, natural horsemanship, boarding. Equitation, jumping, dressage lessons, horsemanship groundwork/ riding, haul-ins welcome. Self-esteem and confidence building, improve cognitive skills, problem solving, games, and fitness.

Red Mare Farm

Kate Cameron; Hatfield, MA; (978) 739-4707; redmarefarm.com

Young horse training and starting. Lessons on your horse or ours. Kids and adults. Boarding. Two-phase and dressage shows. Eventing barn, open to all riding styles. Ad on page 84.

RER Ponies

Heather Dostal; Hatfield, MA; (413) 427-2026; rerponies.com

Lessons, summer programs, clinics, training, starting, Pony Club. Adults and children. Heather is a USDF “L” graduate and bronze medalist. Dressage, cross-country, stadium jumping. Ad on page 86.

Stonebrook Farm

Devin Burdick; Phillipston, MA; (978) 696-1269; stonebrookfarmdb.com

Specializing in starting young horses for riding and driving. Boarding, lessons, training, and coaching. Dressage and carriage driving focus. Devin is a USDF bronze medalist. Ad on page 28.

West Meadow Farm

Sandy Hodskins; Bradford, NH (603) 558-4155; westmeadowfarmnh.com

Have a better partnership with your horse. Happy Horse, Happy Life Programs, Stockmanship Clinics, Linda Parelli Clinics, Joe Wolter Clinics, and more. Private lessons for an hour, a weekend, or a week! Your horse or ours. Sandy also travels to you.

TRACTORS/EQUIPMENT Bacon’s Equipment

Williamsburg, MA; (413) 268-3620; baconsequipmentinc.com

Kubota, Stihl, Land Pride, and Husqvarna. Sales and repairs for more than 40 years. Family owned and operated. Competitive pricing. We have what you want! Ad on page 83.

TRAILERS & TRAILER REPAIRS

Briggs Tack Shop & Trailer Sales

Hanover, MA; (781) 826-3191; briggstackshop.com

Authorized dealer of Kingston Trailers for more than 50 years! Fullservice tack shop with everything for the horse and rider plus we’re a Stübben Custom Authorized Dealer and Fitter. Ad on page 47.

Whitehorse Truck & Trailer Service & Sales

Northbridge, MA; (508) 641-9212; whitehorsetruckandtrailer.com

We come to you for complete trailer service! New and used trailers for sale, trailer consignments, pre-purchase inspections, gooseneck and hitch sales and installation, truck modifications, brake controllers and repairs, and wheel/tire replacement. Ad on page 98.

VETERINARIANS

Beckett & Associates Veterinary Services

Chip Beckett, DVM, Jennifer Webb, DVM

Caitlin McIntosh, DVM, Stephanie Tornaquindici, DVM

Glastonbury, CT; (860) 659-0848; beckettvet.net; info@beckettvet.net

Farm calls and trailer-in appointments. Preventative care, medical diagnostics, dentistry, sports medicine, ophthamology, surgery, alternative medicine, vaccinations, reproduction, and emergency services.

Connecticut Equine Clinic

Servicing large portions of eastern CT; (860)742-1580

connecticutequineclinic@gmail.com; connecticutequineclinic.com

Multi-doctor ambulatory equine-exclusive practice, offering preventive care, dentistry, pre-purchase exams, lameness evaluations, sports medicine and regenerative treatments, and chiropractic care.

EquidDoc Veterinary Services

Caitlin Eaton, DVM; Liz Forbes, DVM; Tessa Lumley, DVM

Central MA and beyond; (508) 885-4205; equiddocvet.com

Veterinary care for your horses including 24/7/365 emergency coverage for our clients, preventative health care, lameness exams, parasite management, radiography and ultrasound, dentistry, prepurchase exams, geriatric exams, and more. Ad on page 43.

North Bridge Equine Associates

Fred Nostrant, DVM, Stephanie Shen, DVM

Laura Parisio-Wood, BVetMed, MRCVS, CVMMP

Eastern and Central MA, Southern NH (978) 337-1260; northbridgeequine.com

Progressive sport horse medicine, performance evaluations, acupuncture, chiropractic, dentistry, wellness exams, emergency care. Compassionate and progressive veterinary practice that provides high-quality, personalized veterinary care. Ad on page 27.

Ocean State Equine Associates

Hollie Stillwell, DVM; Enda Currid, DVM; Anne Marie Skiffington, DVM

Kate Frazier, DVM; Alex Catalano, DVM; Megan Calitri, DVM

Scituate, RI; (413) 766-6578; oceanstateequine.com

Serving Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. Ambulatory and hospital-based services, lameness and performance evaluations, equine pre-purchase exams, preventative healthcare, dentistry, internal medicine, and emergencies.

Helen Noble, VMD . Robert Orcutt, DVM

Elizabeth Lordan, DVM

Nicole Syngajewski, DVM

Delaney Patterson, DVM

South Deerfield Veterinary Clinic

Samantha C. Clay, DVM & Andraya Cole, DVM

South Deerfield, MA; (413) 665-3626; sdvconline.com

We provide preventive care and medical care for large and small animals. We’re accepting new clients! Ad on page 67.

SRH Veterinary Services

Helen Noble, VMD; Robert Orcutt, DVM; Elizabeth Lordan, DVM

Evice Bolton, DVM; Nicole Syngajewski, DVM; Delaney Patterson, DVM Ipswich, MA; (978) 356-1119; srhveterinary.com

Large and small animal medicine and surgery. Serving the North Shore since 1951. A Heritage Veterinary Practice. Ad on page 98.

Tri-State Veterinary Services

Lisa Dauten, DVM; Litchfield, CT (860) 459-0986; tristatevetservices.com

Mobile large animal veterinary practice serving CT, MA, and NY. We provide skilled and reliable veterinary services to equines, cattle, swines, small ruminants, and camelids through science-based medicine, client education, and management ingenuity.

Twin Pines Equine Veterinary Services

(860) 376-4373; twinpinesequine.com

Serving eastern Connecticut as well as areas of Tolland, Hartford, and New Haven Counties; and Rhode Island. Full-service equine ambulatory practice offering quality, compassionate care for your horse. Ad on page 49.