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 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