Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022 by Community Horse Media

C O M M U N IT Y

HORSE CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS & RHODE ISLAND

Spring/Summer 2022 | $7.50 | communityhorse.org

COMMUNITY NEWS LOCAL FARMS HORSEPEOPLE TRAIL GUIDES MASSACHUSETTS CONNECTICUT RHODE ISLAND EVENTS

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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contents

in every issue 7 From the Publisher 9 Your Letters 10 Hay Quality: Weather and Other Factors That Go into Producing Local Hay 24 Farms 42 Horsepeople 56 Horse Logic 60 Trail Guides 74 Youth Awards 76 Grand Prix Guidance 79 Overherd 87 Partners 97 This Olde Horse 99 Events Calendar 123 Directory

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

COMMUNIT Y

HORSE CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS & RHODE ISLAND

vol. 2, no. 1 Spring/Summer 2022

ISSN 2766-5011 PRINT; 2766-502X ONLINE

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096

•

phone: (413) 268-3302

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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. © 2022 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 Mark R. Baus, DVM, Nicole Birkholzer, Alessandra Corbett Sally L. Feuerberg, Holly Jacobson, Kara Noble, Stacey Stearns

contributors Wynatte Chu, Kathy Diemer, Allison Forsyth, Leonora Giguere, Heather Hicks, Raymond Hill, Kayla Ireland Pat Jackson, Jeanne Lewis Images, Cathy Leinert, Carole MacDonald, Lori Mahassel, Caroline Mansfield Christine Mard, Diane Merritt, Karen Parlin, Elaine Pascoe, Annamaria Paul, Lisette Rimer, Eliza Sawyer MaryAnn Smith, Ruth Strontzer, Sue Taracani, Patty Wahlers

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

Katie Upton, katieupton.com

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

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

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

From the Publisher appy spring! Sunshine, light

doing great things — starting on page 42.

breezes, shedding ponies — it

All interesting women doing great things.

of rain in July, many of us noticed how

with her herd of three escaping their pas-

much it affected the local hay we pur-

ture to visit the neighbor’s lush grass on

chase for our horses. Feature writer Sally

page 56. What does she do to bring them

Feuerberg asked area hay growers about

home when it’s dark out, no one is wear-

how weather and other factors impact the

ing a halter, and busy Route 9 is just a

feels so good.

After last year’s three straight weeks

Horse Logic columnist Nicole Birkholzer writes about her experiences

heartbeat away? Trail Guide columnist and explorer Stacey Stearns visits Hurd State Park in Connecticut, Upton State Forest in Massachusetts, and Newport beaches in Rhode Island. Turn to page 60 to get common-sense advice for driving, parking, and riding out. Feral barn cat Belfie keeps Little Rasta Man and Peanut company on a spring morning at Pocketful of Ponies Farm in Goshen, Massachusetts.

Prix Equine, writes about the Equine

yield and quality of hay. Read the article

Neck and Back in his Grand Prix

starting on page 8.

Guidance column on page 76.

I enjoy visiting other barns — back-

Mark Baus, DVM, founder of Grand

You’ll find news in our community

yard and larger equestrian facilities. It’s

starting on page 79 and news from eques-

so interesting how each stable is kept,

trian clubs on page 87.

what the social environment is like, and

Be sure to check out our Community

how each horseperson makes their land

Horse Youth Award winners on pages 74

and buildings work for the needs of the

and 75. These riders represent the future

horses in their care. Read about three

of our horse community and that future

farms — Frazier Farm, North Eastern

looks bright! (Want a free Youth Award

Performance Horses, and Hollow Hill

for your upcoming equestrian event? Visit

Equestrian Center — starting on page 24.

communityhorse.org/youth-awards.)

What interesting equestrians live in

Looking for something to do with your

our neighborhoods? In this issue you’ll

horse? Check out the Events Calendars for

meet Andrea Wilson Steele, Katie Walsh,

each state starting on page 99.

and Alex Caparco — interesting women

Happy Spring!

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Your Letters To the Editor: Thank you so much for the Community

Horse Youth Awards for our New England Western Finals as well as Dressage Finals. It is greatly appreciated! Thank you. Suzanne Ferris President IEA New England Dressage and Western

To the Editor: I so enjoy the new magazine format and

To the Editor:

size. Thank you!

The new magazine is beautiful. I was so

Bobbi Smith-Taylor, Hartford, CT

excited to find it in my mailbox! The Fall/Winter issue was full of interesting

To the Editor:

stories and upcoming events. The Partner

Thank you for providing a wonderful

News surprised me with how many eques-

goody-filled gift bag [Community Horse

trian clubs there are in Massachusetts and

Youth Award] to recognize an outstanding

Connecticut. I plan to join three of them in

young rider who demonstrates tenacity and

2022. I even read the ads! Thank you for

good sportsmanship at each of our shows

your efforts.

this year!

Sandra MacDonald, Longmeadow, MA

Beth Stone, Cornerstone Farm, Foster, RI

Let us know your thoughts!

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

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Weather and Other Factors That Go into Producing Local Hay

by Sally L. Feuerberg

January in the Northeast It’s supposed to be cold. Still, there were so many days that the word cold was woefully inadequate. It was frigid and exceptionally challenging for those of us who care for horses. On several occasions, both the actual and windchill temperatures hovered in the negative teens and single digits for stretches at a time. Staying inside a warm house was not an option as my husband and I have four or more feeding times a day. Also, it didn’t seem to make any difference that we were in the shed or that I was wearing heated gloves. I needed to take them off to sift through each flake of hay and discard thick stalks, stems, sticks, prickers, and an assortment of unidentifiable vegetation. My fingers and hands were painfully numb. Our horse, Dakota, is in his 30s and chewing has become difficult for him, so my husband and I have been going through each flake of every bale of our most recent hay purchase. To make it easier on Dakota, we also began the task of mixing two batches of hay, blending the best of last year’s second cutting with the few remaining bales from the previous 10

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

year’s (2020) much softer hay crop. We supplement Dakota with a complete senior feed, hay stretcher pellets, and bagged forage; happily, he’s maintaining his weight. He likes to nibble at his hay net and we’ll continue this ritual, which began in the fall, throughout the winter and probably into the early spring until this batch of hay is finally gone. And, yes, hope that this year’s crop will be better.

Sifting Through Flake by Flake In the past, I’d never had the need to dissect hay flakes to this extent. If there was an issue with a bale or a few bales, we simply returned it. My supplier was always, thankfully, very accommodating. As we filtered through flakes of hay from the 2021 crop, I started to examine the condition and contents of what I held in my hand. (At the time, it seemed like a reasonable thing to do to distract my mind from the cold.) Compared to the few remaining bales from 2020, the leaf-to-stem ratio in the batch from 2021 was significantly different. There was much less leaf, and the diameter of the stem was thicker. Stems were much more abundant and they were neither supple nor soft. Although the hay

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didn’t have that glorious aroma that sometimes intoxicates you, it was acceptable. The color was not the green we look for when we buy hay. So, what caused this overall disparity? And why was there such a quality variation in last year’s crop compared to the previous year? What factors, I wondered, come into play to determine a good hay season versus a bad hay season? My first thought was to consider the impact weather has on hay quality and harvesting. Then, a solution came to mind: Stop complaining and use this as a learning opportunity. What can I do to educate myself and become a more knowledgeable hay purchaser? I realized there were so many facets of hay production I knew little about — timing, various stages of cuttings, fertilization of fields, optimum drying times, the best storage, and the variety of grasses grown for hay in my area. Those were just a few of the topics I could explore. So, I decided to start my investigation. I initially thought of just scanning the internet, but internet searches can be overwhelming. I concluded that it would be far more beneficial to get input directly from several of the hay growers in my area.

Locally Produced Hay My first hay-grower contact was with Pleasant View Farms located in Somers, Connecticut. Pleasant View Farms grows roughly 600 acres of various small grains, as well as 650 acres of timothy/orchard grass hay and alfalfa hay. It’s run by brothers Louis and Jacob Lipton. This fourthgeneration farm has been in operation for more than 100 years, producing, providing and brokering premium-quality hay, feed, grain, and bedding products. They provide delivery to the New England area and surrounding states. Jacob helped to answer some of my most basic questions.

CH: What weather conditions are best for harvesting hay? Jacob: Our most ideal haying weather is low-humidity, dry heat, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s. This is typically the weather we get in late June and July. Harvesting hay for us is usually a threeday process from cutting the hay in the field to baling it and getting it home in storage. So, a minimum of three consecutive days without rain is necessary.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

CH: What month do you start harvesting hay? Jacob: Most years, we typically start baling dry grass hay the first week of June. We have made hay in the middle-to-end of May before but have found the best drying conditions are not until June when the timothy/orchard grass mixes are fully mature and we have consistent 80 degreeplus weather.

CH: How many times can you cut hay during the growing season? Jacob: On a typical year we shoot for three cuttings of our grass hay crops. This is generally the first week of June, middle of July, and then again in August/September. We do grow a small amount of alfalfa that we can cut up to four times a season because it’s faster growing and quicker maturing than grass. Some years, with excessive rain and less than ideal weather conditions, we may only get two cuttings of our grass hay.

CH: Is there an optimum time of day to bale? Jacob: We find that our optimum time for baling hay is about three hours after the

dew moisture has burned off. On a typical July day, this means that around 1 to 2 p.m. you’ll see us getting into the fields to make our first passes with the balers. If the moisture content is ideal, we will bale until the dew begins to set in, around 8 p.m. As the season progresses and we get closer to fall, our baling window in the day gets much shorter. Sometimes in September, the dew may not burn off until 3 p.m. and by 5 to 6 p.m. we have to shut the balers down because the dew moisture from the ground starts to rise.

CH: How did last year’s weather affect your hay production? Jacob: The 2021 hay season was one of our most challenging production seasons in the last decade. In a typical year, our first crop of grass is harvested by the end of June. With the excessive rain and short windows to get hay dry we were baling some of our first cutting in late July and August. The fields were too wet to get into with equipment; due to that we could not get hay to dry from the ground moisture being so high.

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CH: Were there other challenges that you had last year? Jacob: Other than the excessive rainfall and short periods of dry weather to get hay made, we did have several. Not being able to cut the hay at optimum plant maturity forced us to have no option other than to cut over-mature hay at a later date, resulting in lower-quality hay. Another issue we had was when we could finally get into our fields to cut hay, the ground was like a sponge for water, and it delayed the hay from drying. This caused us to tedder (fluff) the hay up and rake it more than usual to keep it off the ground to dry.

CH: Do you test your hay? Jacob: We use a company in Pennsylvania called Cumberland Valley Analytical. We also offer to send prospective customers’ hay out for them for analysis. We do test our hay annually as a reference for our customers to give them an idea of the nutrient content of each batch of hay but

since it is not a manufactured product there can be some variation and we do notify that it’s not 100 percent guaranteed. Also, if you sent hay to two different labs the results can vary dependent on the chemistry of the test done on it. ALREADY, SOME OF my primary questions were answered, but I had more. Each response gave me a better understanding; however, it also seemed that each explanation made me eager to learn more. I’d never considered how much impact the variances and timing of good and bad weather days had on that hay I held in my hand on that icy day in January. I was beginning to appreciate the grower’s perspective and realize some of the obstacles they face. My next farming contact was Rick Plumb from Meadow Ridge Farm in Litchfield, Connecticut. Rick was kind enough to answer some of my additional weather-related questions, especially the impact that the quantity of rain had on last year’s harvest. He also addressed

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other difficulties that occur in less-thanideal weather and environmental conditions. But before I asked my questions, I was curious to know a little about the farm itself. “The farm has been in my family since 1895,” says Rick. “We milk sixty dairy cows. Our milk is marketed through Agri-Mark, a farmer-owned co-op that also includes Cabot Cheese. We also sell raw milk, eggs, and maple syrup at our farm store. “In a normal year, we produce fifty thousand small, square bales of grass hay, most of which is destined for the local horse market. The hay is available for pickup or delivery in any quantity and we will deliver anywhere. We’ve gone to Martha’s Vineyard!”

CH: Too much rain or not enough: how does that affect the hay crop? Rick: Too little rain is better than too much. In a dry year, like the one we had in 2020, there are plenty of opportunities to make top-quality hay, but many times the yields are lower because there is not

enough rain to make crops grow to their full potential. Last year was okay until the end of June and then it rained for a month and no hay was made.

CH: Can you cut hay in the rain? Rick: Hay can be cut in the rain, if need be, as long as the weather is clearing out soon.

CH: How does wet weather impact hay drying times? Rick: Because of the lack of clear-sky sunny days it took longer for the hay to dry, sometimes an extra day, sometimes just another hour or two, which meant we’d start baling at 2 p.m. instead of noon. Often the dew would be coming in earlier in the evening, thus there were fewer hours on any given day to bale hay. Hence fewer bales could be made that day.

CH: Do you test your hay? Rick: Upon request I can test the hay and DairyOne Forage Testing Lab in Ithaca, New York is where I would send the sample.

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AFTER MEADOW RIDGE, it was on to Mitchell Farm in Southbury, Connecticut. The history of this farm spans nine generations. Talk about longevity! Rob Mitchell, along with his wife, Jodi, and their family own and operate the 500-acre farm that was established in 1759. They also run a farm stand throughout the winter season with farm-fresh eggs, firewood bundles, and first- and second-cut hay.

quality will be compromised. Windy days are helpful for getting the hay to dry quickly. Last year we had a lot of rainy weather in July and August, which made it challenging to get enough sunny days in a row to start the process. Ideally, the second cut should be baled before the first frost as the more exposures to frost the hay gets, the more the quality decreases.

CH: What kind of impact did last year’s weather have on your hay production?

CH: What are some factors that go into quality hay production?

Rob: The weather has a huge effect on hay. It’s critical that hay is as dry as possible when it’s baled. If there’s too much rain, it takes too long to dry in between the cutting, tedding (flipping it over and fluffing it to speed up the drying), raking, and finally baling. You need a few nice, hot, dry days in a row to bring in a field. If there’s not enough rain after your season’s first harvest, you won’t get enough yield in your second cut. It won’t grow enough. If it’s too hot and too dry, the

Rob: There are lots of factors that can affect the quality of hay. The fields should be fertilized and tested for pH to see if limestone needs to be applied. The timing of production is important. If you wait too long, the first cutting will have too much dead material in it. We like to have the first cutting wrapped up by around the fourth of July. That leaves plenty of time for the second cutting to have the four to six weeks it needs to grow.

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CH: If hay is properly harvested and stored, how long is hay good? Rob: If the hay has been properly harvested and can be stored in excellent conditions, it can last indefinitely. However, that means no moisture can get into the storage barn. We suggest putting the bottom bales onto pallets to increase air circulation, having fans to increase air ventilation, and ensuring there are no leaks in the roof. CLOSE TO MY home is Benedict’s Home and Garden in Monroe, Connecticut. Benedict’s is a family-owned farm and business that has been serving Monroe and the surrounding area for more than 50 years. I received some very helpful feedback from owner Bruce Benedict and store manager Shari Manely, who has worked for Benedict’s for 27 years. Shari is a fellow horse owner as well. Bruce shared a little history of the farm, explaining that his grandfather, Ralph, started the farm in 1940s. The store began as a feed and grain store run out of the family home. His parents, William and Merna, were also an integral part of the family enterprise. Benedict’s has now become a full lawn and garden, farm, and pet center run by Bruce and his staff.

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CH: Where does your hay come from? Bruce: We grow some of our own hay as well as purchase directly from local area farms. We don’t buy through brokers. The majority of the hay we purchase comes from a farm in New York we have worked with for many years now. Supporting farming and building lasting relationships is very important in our business.

CH: What should we look for when buying hay?

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Bruce: Is it dry to the touch? Free of mold? Is the color appropriate? Does it smell good? There should be no weeds, no dirt, no moisture, and it should be dust-free too. Choose hay that is soft, green, and leafy with thin stems so it’s easier for horses to eat.

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Shari: Number one, I would say, is to come down and look at the hay when you’re ready to buy. Although shipments of hay come to the store regularly, the crop may change depending on the cutting, the time of year, and what grasses and legumes are at their peak. I also suggest you buy a bale to see if your horses will eat it. However, keep in mind that hay is purchased and replenished regularly so the hay your horse samples today may only be available for a limited time.

CH: What are the most predominant types of hay in our area? Bruce: There are two main types of hay for horses — grass hay and legume hay. The most common grass hays in our area are orchard grass hay, timothy grass hay, and some brome grass hay. Alfalfa is a legume hay.

CH: Could we talk about hay color and what it indicates?

Bruce: Of course, green is the most desirable color for hay. It signals high protein and vitamin content and means it was not left in any harsh conditions during storage. It also is a good indication that it’s going to be more nutritious and mold-free. Hay can become yellow or sun-bleached if it has been stored in the sun. If your hay is sunbleached, it’s usually only the sides of the bale that become discolored. While that outer hay may lose some of its nutrients, the inside of the hay bale should still be okay. Brown hay signifies heat damage due to exceptionally high moisture content when baled. There’s a good chance that hay is moldy.

CH: What are your recommendations for hay storage? Bruce: Hay should not be stored directly on the ground or on concrete. Concrete will sweat when it cools, causing moisture. Dirt will also retain moisture. Storing hay on one, or even better, two wood pallets

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should give your hay adequate height off the ground and also create good ventilation. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight, if possible, as well. Shari: Store your hay in a dry, sheltered area, or cover the stack to protect it from the elements. Allow for air circulation if you’ll be covering with plastic or tarps. I WAS TRULY fortunate and extremely thankful to have these hay growers from my area assist me with my research and answer my questions. I’ll admit there was a lot I didn’t know and so very much I took for granted when it came to selecting and purchasing hay. More than anything, I was impressed by the multitude of multi-generational farming families my investigation encompassed. We, as caretakers of the horse, are blessed that our farmers are still persevering and are so remarkably adaptable under the many difficult conditions they encounter daily. So, the next time I’m in my barn on

a frigid January or February day with my frozen fingertips, I will stop complaining and yes, hope for a better growing season next year, for all of us.

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.

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Farm Woodbury

by Sally L. Feuerberg

Frazier Farm Achieving Success

course, the pony hugs and the neck and shoulder rubs given by the riders to their mounts for a job well done. That joyfulness and positive energy is Frazier Farm. This stalwart tradition has prevailed for many years on this historic property and is now in the capable hands of Corinne Gagnon. Corinne has owned and operated the farm since 2009. Her two sons, Colton (10)

their own “winter woolly bear” coats. Grassy areas are gradually taking over the once snow- and ice-covered fields, and the sun has begun the long-awaited process of dismantling the wintry carpet that has blanketed the fields. These are familiar surroundings to me, and they’ve triggered a recollection of many special memories of the horse shows and horse trials I attended there. These memories are vivid with color, sound, and emotion. The first and most prominent is the laughter and the unbridled enthusiasm of those participating, especially the children. I relive those enduring images of the awesome athleticism demonstrated by the horses going through their paces in the show ring and out on the cross-country course. And, of

and Weston (6), pitch in whenever possible, keeping that family vibe ever present. It’s a testament to Corinne’s determination that she keeps things running so smoothly and still maintains that relaxed atmosphere that has always endeared me to the place. But Corinne is strong and genuine, so much like Frazier Farm itself. As I began my farm tour with Corinne, Colton joined us. We started at the main barn, the heart of the farm. Although the exterior has been redone, it’s still quaint and charming. It evokes an aura of yesteryear. Adorned in that iconic, time-honored, deep red paint, the barn houses 20 box stalls, a feed room, and a heated tack room. Colton is precocious and friendly, and he shared some recently discovered history of the prop-

Flatlandsfoto

s I look out at the beautiful acreage of Frazier Farm in Woodbury, I’m feeling inspired and hopeful. I’m seeing all the eagerly anticipated signs that spring is slowly emerging. Out in the paddocks, horses are gathered in small groups peacefully nibbling their hay. Some horses are still wearing blankets, while others are perfectly comfortable in what I prefer to call

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

erty that he and his mom unearthed during a trip to the Town Hall. They found out that the farm dates back to the early 1900s.

CH: Corinne, it looks as though Frazier Farm went through quite a transformation last year. Can you tell us about some of the improvements you made? Corinne: We’re very pleased with our recent upgrades to the barn itself. For quite some time now, the barn has been in dire need of a paint job. Last year, we were able to completely re-side and paint the entire barn. Elite Painting out of Bethlehem did a great job with it. It was so nice to be able to breathe some life back into the old barn. FRAZIER FARM OFFERS daily turnout, twice-a-day grain feeding, and hay is provided four times a day. They also offer pasture-board, which includes 24/7 turnout with a group of horses, access to a run-in shed, and constant access to pasture grass and hay, depending on the season. Scheduled routine farrier, vet visits, and night checks are also included for both types of board.

CH: You have some of the most beautiful acreages for eventing, but your farm is open for teaching other disciplines, correct? Can you tell us a little about that aspect of Frazier Farm? Corinne: We’re very fortunate at Frazier Farm to have the beautiful acreage and property to support our cross-country course. For that reason, our main focus is eventing. We do, however, support various disciplines. Some of our riders prefer to stay in the ring, while for others, a leisurely hack around the fields is their ride of choice. I strongly believe that a formula for good riding and good training is universal and does not discriminate across disciplines, so we are open to helping riders, regardless of what specific route they choose.

WITHIN ITS 60 acres is an outdoor ring, a stone-dust arena, a dressage ring, and a grass jumping field. Five fields make up the cross-country course. Rolling hills and flat spaces offer incredible places to hack your horse. The cross-country course includes natural logs and portable jumps that are appropriate for those new to eventing as well as novice and seasoned riders. There are also great options for schooling in and out of wood lines. Schooling on the crosscountry course for non-boarders is offered.

CH: Your barn, horse shows, and horse trials always attract a wide range of ages and skill sets. How do you manage to accommodate such a diverse mixture of clientele and still maintain Frazier Farm’s friendly and relaxed atmosphere? Corinne: This is a great question, and it boils down to one single thing — our passion and love for the horses. We all share it. Many different ages, many different personalities, and walks of life, but we all share that. It’s a powerful thing. You’re a product of your environment and there’s something special about Frazier Farm. So many people tell me that their horses are relaxed here, or that they feel comfortable here. Good vibes are contagious and I take pride in knowing that other people feel that too.

CH: You’ve watched many of your youngest students develop into accomplished young adult riders. As a trainer and an instructor, what do you feel is the most important element to consider when teaching children? Corinne: I get so much joy from watching training develop, whether it’s watching a rider who has developed from a little, awkward kid to an accomplished rider, or a blank-slate horse that has developed into a cross-country machine. I love it all. Regardless of whether we’re talking about the development of the rider or the horse, the most important thing to instill is a mental game and confidence. Without that, you won’t get far. It can make you or break you. I strongly believe Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

it’s a trainer’s duty to build that in a rider or in a horse in order to achieve success. THE LESSON PROGRAM caters to any level of rider. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available ranging from one to one-and-a-half hours, depending on the group size. Frazier Farm has a few special horses available for on-farm halflease. Lease includes one lesson and two hack rides per week, use of tack, and farm amenities. Some of the most anticipated events at the farm include summer camps. There’s a Beginner’s Camp, Show Camps in Prep for Horse Shows, and Event Camps that are scheduled for this summer as well as horse shows and horse trials from May through October.

CH: Can you tell us a little about the instructors who work with you? Corinne: I feel a sense of pride every day when I watch my instructors giving lessons. Both Sarafina Goulet and Callie Switz started off as students of mine when

they were young kids several years ago. It’s rewarding to see them now, helping other young kids develop the skills necessary to become good equestrians, passing on their knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation. I just hired Abi Webster as full-time barn manager. She’s been a boarder here for about two years. With her degree in business management, coupled with her customer service skills from her previous job at SmartPak, plus life long experience with horses, Abi will be a valuable asset to the team here at Frazier Farm.

CH: What’s the most rewarding part of what you’ve accomplished at Frazier Farm? Corinne: There are many rewarding aspects of my accomplishments at Frazier Farm. It’s tough to pick one! I’d have to say watching riders achieve success is one of the most rewarding parts for me, whatever the goals are — in a lesson in the ring or bringing home the blue at an event — and anything in between. If you’ve been to one of our horse tri-

equestrian property specialist

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

als at Frazier Farm, chances are you’ve seen me running around here and there, keeping everything going smoothly as possible. It’s stressful work running horse shows, especially horse trials, but I notice every smile, every well-turned-out horse. I hear the enthusiasm, and every time some kind rider says, “We had a blast!” or “Thank you so much for hosting,” it really strikes a chord. It makes it so worthwhile for me. I always spend some time at the start box at our horse trials. It’s a reminder of why I do this. I particularly love it when a rider comes through the finish line — they’re beaming and patting their horse, on this amazing adrenaline high. I know how that feels, and it’s euphoric. I’m so proud and so grateful that I get to provide an opportunity for other horses and riders to have that experience. It’s like no other.

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Shelburne

Farm

North Eastern Performance Horses

by Alessandra Corbett

things fun. “There isn’t a single horse here I don’t look forward to working with,” Jill says, laughing. North Eastern Performance Horses is a lifelong dream

SVH Photography

n any given day at North Eastern Performance Horses, located in the quaint town of Shelburne Falls, a steady parade of fit, glossy horses

Jill and Biggie Smalls and Trip.

can be seen jogging, loping, spinning, and sliding across a freshly groomed arena. Owner and head trainer Jillian Haas is at the center of it all, training promising young horses, coaching determined riders, and making sure every horse receives excellent care. Maintaining the balance of equine well-being while achieving peak performance is what North Eastern Performance Horses strives to offer each client. Jillian and her team take exceptional care in making sure that happens, while keeping 30

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

come true for Jill, and she was happy to share all that the farm has to offer riders and horses today.

CH: How did you grow North Eastern Performance Horses into the business it is today? Jillian: I started riding when I was four, and I always knew I wanted to be a horse trainer. Growing up in Sunderland I had the opportunity to work alongside a skilled trainer who taught me a lot about riding and training reining horses. Once

I graduated from college, I started a side business training horses. It all started with one mare I trained for free, and now I have 32 horses in my program here at North Eastern Performance Horses. We’ve grown a lot in a short amount of time. When I first started out, I leased six stalls from a facility and trained a handful of horses. That lasted about a year before I found we needed more space, so I moved on to leasing a 15-stall barn. In 2020, my fiancé and I began looking for a farm of our own and purchased our cur-

CH: What is your training program like?

Jill and Playin in Rio at the 2021 Quarter Horse Congress.

Jill and Sugar Spangled Whiz at the 2021 Eastern Pennsylvania Reining Horse Association Show.

rent facility in Shelburne Falls. It’s been everything I could have ever dreamed of.

at the pace of each individual horse as we work toward reaching their full potential. The horse comes first, and the training follows from there. An important part of that philosophy is giving the horse time and space to just be a horse. For reining horses in particular, a lot of trainers feel it’s too big a risk to turn them out. The happiness of the horse has always been top priority for me, so we built special paddocks that allow all our horses to go out safely, get fresh air and sunshine, and then come back in and focus on their jobs. We all benefit from that.

Shane Rux

Awestruck photography

Jillian: I work with a lot of reining horses, but my goal is to develop sound, welltrained horses regardless of discipline. So, in addition to the reiners, I’m working with cow horses, ranch horses, and barrel horses, plus we do some western dressage and lower-level English dressage. When training a horse, I want to give them a well-rounded education that will keep them happy and allow them to enjoy a long-term career. I never push or rush — it’s important to stay patient and move

CH: Tell us a little about your facility and the services you oﬀer. Jillian: Our farm has 26 stalls set on 26 acres and offers all the space and amenities we need to run a full training program. We’re focused on performance horses here, but we offer custom training for all kinds of horses and coaching for riders of all abilities. We also love connecting horses we’ve trained with the right riders, and regularly offer horses for sale. At any given point, we have about 15 horses with us for training. I keep about five of my own horses here, and the rest are boarders who are clients of mine or take lessons with me. It’s a nice community we’ve built where everyone feels very involved and connected.

CH: What sets your training program apart from others? Jillian: This horse-first approach is a big differentiator for us. It’s what we do here — the well-being of every horse comes first no matter what. Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Another quality that sets North Eastern Performance Horses apart is the kind of relationships we’re looking to build with clients. These relationships are based on honesty and total transparency. I want my clients to feel they can always come to me with anything and that they can call on me anytime. When a person puts their trust in me, especially when it comes to training their horse, I take that as a big honor. It’s something I don’t take lightly. We’re also very fortunate to have an incredible team that helps make that sort of trust possible. Our barn manager is my best friend and has been by my side since our very first horse. My fiancé and all the people who help at the farm are the best support system I could ask for, and our clients benefit from their dedication too. It goes all the way to our farriers and veterinarians too. Having the right care, people, and team is so important, and I feel we have that perfect combination right now.

CH: Can you tell us about a time you really saw your training program work well? Jillian: Actually, that very first horse I worked with when I was just out of college stands out to me as a big success. Dove was a 16-year-old broodmare from British Columbia that had never been handled. She’d been through some significant trauma too — she was pregnant on her way down from Canada, and unfortunately aborted the foal. By the time she got to me for training, it felt like a very big job. Dove was scary to me in a lot of ways. I had been riding horses for a long time at that point, and this was the first real fear I had felt. I knew that if I could conquer this fear, I could carry that experience with me, and be able to do anything I set my mind to. Dove couldn’t be caught or even haltered, so I really had to start from the ground up, as if she were a weanling. The first step was just getting her to trust me. The more she trusted me, the more she would allow me to show her new things, and step-by-step we made progress. It

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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took some time, but she came around and became very docile. After our work together, she was sold to a woman in her sixties as a trail horse; she was that woman’s very first horse. Working with Dove taught me a lot about patience and believing in myself, and that experience will always be one of my most important successes. Horse shows, competitions, and titles are one kind of success, but moments of progress like these are the real accomplishments to me. I keep that at the center of all of my training here at North Eastern Performance Horses.

CH: What’s ahead for North Eastern Performance Horses? What are some goals you have for the future?

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Jillian: My goals are never ending! Mostly, I just really want to create a reputable business and continue to grow the program. I want to breed horses, raise them, train them, and compete with them at a high level. I’d like North Eastern Performance Horses to be sought out in this region as a

South Deerfield Veterinary Clinic Now Accepting New Clients Providing large and small animal medicine and surgery. Serving farms within a 40-mile radius of South Deerfield. For large animal owners, we offer a hauling-in facility, if preferred. Offering services in radiology, dentistry, annual vaccinations, pre-purchase exams, wellness exams, and emergency care. Since 1973.

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

trusted place to come and find a prospect, whether it be a show-ready horse or a promising youngster. We want to be a complete resource for our clients. But day to day, our goal is always about creating partnerships between horse and rider. You know when you go to a horse show, and you see that one pair that is just perfectly in tune? That’s what we’re always striving for. I want all my riders to experience that kind of partnership with their horses and be recognized for it. I want them to tune-up with that horse, understand that horse, and reach the highest level of success they can together. If we can keep making that happen, we’re achieving our goals.

you see it all click: the horse understands what you’re asking of him, and he genuinely wants to do it. I love that moment, and I love when my clients get to enjoy that moment with their horses too.

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.

Read back issues and subscribe!

CH: What is your favorite part about North Eastern Performance Horses? Jillian: I truly love what I do. It’s hard work, but even on the hardest days, you find the reward — there’s always a silver lining. I love seeing the little daily successes accumulate and turn into big successes. There’s no better feeling than that moment in training a horse when

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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

Litchfield Blue Seal Store 99 Thomaston Rd., Litchfield (860) 482-7116 blueseal.com

Browns Pet & Garden Center 144 Shaker Rd., E. Longmeadow (413) 525-2115 . awbrown.com

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Farm Middlebury

Hollow Hill Equestrian Center

by Kara Noble

ollow Hill Equestrian Center is a family-owned riding facility in Middlebury. The farm’s services include riding instruction in multiple disciplines for all ages and abilities, horse training, horse shows, homeschool programs, riding camps, a small breeding program, and boarding. Britt Heggland, owner and instructor at Hollow Hill, recognizes the value of spending time with horses, and she strives to put horses

Welsh Mountain Pony, Quarter Horse, and Appaloosa that packed me all over. I got a Morgan when I became interested in hunters. My father grew up riding too. He was into halter and roping and I shifted to showing on the Quarter Horse horse circuit when I was about nine. In my teens, I showed with Jim and Lisa Farrell of Greyledge Farm, and they invested a lot of time helping me and sharing their knowledge. They were great

within the reach of everyone who wants to learn to ride. Britt recently spoke to Community Horse about the farm and its programs.

mentors for me. In my early twenties, I got interested in training and did an internship with Toby Tyler in Massachusetts. After my parents divorced, my mom moved, and a property in Bethel popped up. “It’s got a barn,” she said. She bought the place with some help from my uncle, and I started my own business there on July 1, 2002 with two horses and $1,800 in my pocket. I was 20 years old.

CH: How long have you been involved with horses and how did you get started with them? Britt: My mother rode endurance on an Appaloosa named Bo, and their last ride was the Vermont 100 — which she couldn’t quite finish because she was pregnant with me at the time. I’ve always been involved with horses. I grew up in Wilton, where I had a saint of a pony — a fat, fluffy mishmash of 38

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

CH: What was your main goal when you started your own horse business? Britt: At Hollow Hill, our philosophy has always been that horses should be available to everyone, and we’ve worked hard

Been there . . . . . . jumped that. Assisting owners, riders, and trainers with: • Equine Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Entity Selection & Formation • Equine Taxation • Ownerships, Partnerships & Syndications • Land Use & Agricultural Exemptions • Sales & Leases • USEF & FEI Hearings

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

to keep our prices low without sacrificing any of the care. We have working-student programs, and we’re in the process of creating a 501(c)(3) scholarship program because there are still some students who can’t afford lessons no matter how low we keep prices. Twenty years into the business, we’ve built a nice little community at Hollow Hill. We’re up to 42 horses and 60 students. We offer lessons, boarding, homeschool programs, camps, and a show schedule.

CH: You recently opened a new, bigger Hollow Hill. How did you get where you are now? Britt: After starting at that eight-stall barn in Bethel, I managed a larger facility in Easton, and leased a place in Newtown for about eight years. The whole time I kept looking for the right place. When I walked through the door of this farm in Middlebury it felt like home. It’s an old 1827 farmhouse with its original floors and red oak beams that were harvested off the property. There are more than 17 acres, and my husband, Travis, and I cleared about 12 acres ourselves. We started work Thanksgiving weekend of 2019, had an Amish company come out and build the barn, and we moved into that barn on June 15, 2020. It was quite an undertaking, especially because I was pregnant at the time. Our son, Connor, was born on March 18, 2020, and he joined us, our son, Ryan, our daughter, Casey, and all the Amish workers who stayed with us during construction. It was quite an experience!

CH: Were you involved in designing the barn? Britt: Yes. I wanted the barn to be functional and efficient. It has two aisles of 21-stalls each, with the mares in one aisle and the geldings in the other. The aisles connect directly to our 70' × 140' indoor arena, which has sand footing that works for the many different types of riders here —dressage, hunter, reining, and ranch. 40

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

There are two 10' × 24' tack rooms, one for boarders and one for students, plus a round pen and a 90' × 180' outdoor ring. Along one side of the barn are individual paddocks, roughly 50' × 50' for horses that go out by themselves, and on the back side of the barn we have larger 100' × 75' paddocks for horses that go out in groups of two or three.

CH: You must have a great barn community to maintain a facility that size. Britt: We do have a great community at Hollow Hill, and we work well together. I take care of the first half of the barn myself, and I have a couple of high school and college students who take care of the stalls and water buckets in the other half. My husband, who also comes from a horse family and spent two years in the equine management program at SUNY Morrisville, manages the property. We also have a small breeding program, and he handles the babies until it’s time for them to start being ridden. Our kids range in age from 3 to 14. I homeschool them, and they help me with turnout in the morning and feeding in the evening. We definitely live a farm family life.

CH: Do your kids ride? Britt: At 14, Ryan is one of the most natural riders I’ve ever seen. He can ride anything. Our daughter, Casey, is 11 and she loves anything that moves. She'll do anything with any horse — which sometimes puts gray hair on my head! Our youngest, Connor, is two and just did his first lead line class last summer.

CH: Tell us about your educational programs at Hollow Hill? Britt: I teach up to 60 lessons a week, mostly kids between the ages of eight and fourteen. There’s also about a dozen women who ride and a handful of young men. We take students ages five and up, although I will consider a younger child on a case-by-case basis. There’s an ebb

and flow with disciplines in the lessons, but right now I have about 50/50 English and western riders. I teach all the lessons myself. With the exception of the summer programs and homeschool programs, I only do halfhour private lessons. I firmly believe you get the most out of the rider and the horse by putting a lot of intense work into 30 minutes. I have 12 lesson horses and I pride myself on their longevity. Some of them are 25 now and they’ve been with me since they were two. They are all sound and look great with hardly any maintenance because they have a good balance between work and lots of rest. They even have a chiropractor and a masseuse. I try to instill in my students the importance of taking good care of the horses. This year we did a winter break program, and we offer nine weeks of summer programs from June through August. I also have a six-week homeschool program in the fall and in the spring.

them five days a week. My philosophy for show horses is to put more pressure on them at home so they can relax at the show. When problem horses come in for retraining, I do a lot of groundwork, getting into their head before I start under saddle. In all my training, I always keep in mind who’s going to be riding the horse when I’m done training.

CH: What is the most important thing for people to know about Hollow Hill? Britt: I want the farm — and horses — to be accessible to everybody. Horses are a very positive influence to have in your life, and I want to open up that opportunity to more people.

Kara Noble is a writer and editor who lives on a hobby farm in Montgomery, Massachusetts, with her husband, Jerry, an Icelandic mare, a Shetland pony, and a pair of very opinionated miniature donkeys.

CH: What is the most important lesson your students learn and how do you teach it?

EQUESTRIAN OUTFITTERS

Britt: I’d say the most important thing they all learn is how to be a leader. I start with basic safety rules, then I teach by example. As they learn, the students start teaching things to the next generation. Kids who started with me at six years old are now in college; they mentor the younger kids, and all the kids support each other. That builds a great community and teaches them to be strong as well as how to be gentle, aware, and empathetic.

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CH: You also train horses. How does that fit in with everything else happening at Hollow Hill? Britt: Most of the training I do is with youth and amateur horses for the Quarter Horse circuit. I help new horse owners, and I have horses that come in for regular tune-ups. I’m training seven horses now, which is a good number for me. I work

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Horseperson Durham

Andrea Wilson Steele Author

by Sally L. Feuerberg

must confess! I’m an erratic reader at best. What does that mean? I read in spurts. Sometimes months go by and I barely pick up a book, then there are other times when I can easily read three books in a week. I revel in that feeling of being fully absorbed in a captivating story. But I’ve also found that if a novel doesn’t grab my attention in the first few chapters, it’s relegated to the bottom of my bookshelf. It will occupy that space until the time comes to donate it to my local library’s annual book sale, hopefully to find a more dignified place in someone else’s collection. Don’t get me wrong, there's nothing amiss with the publication. It’s the reader. I’m hard to please and I need something that calls me back whenever I put it down. I’ve heard it referred to as being hooked and I love it! And that’s precisely how I felt when I read Zen, by Andrea Wilson Steele. What made this reading experience even more satisfying was that I was privileged to meet and spend some time with the author. But first I’d like to start by telling you a little about Zen and why this book has earned the honored top placement on my bedside bookshelf. Zen has the perfect balance of mys-

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

tery, drama, history, global adventure, and some heart-stopping suspense—all the ingredients I find intriguing in a novel. (Not to give anything away, but there was one part of this story that I literally felt my heart drop!) But there were other components of this tale that kept me glued to its pages. Among them were Andrea’s wellwritten insights on the relationship of William “Zen” Griegg and his beloved horse, Tiger. Zen is a Swiss equestrian who has skyrocketed to the top of the European show jumping circuit. As he sets his sights on the 2000 Olympic Games, Tiger goes missing en route to a competition in the United States, and a ransom is demanded for the safe return of the horse. The ransom: a lost treasure from World War II that only a handful of people know to exist. Sigmund and Andrew Griegg are Zen’s father and grandfather, respectively. Both men are cunning Swiss investigators with well-established worldwide connections. They join forces with American investigator Alana Eastwood to solve this international mystery that leads them from a secret tunnel in the Owl Mountains of Poland, through the art galleries of Zürich, to the Hamilton Farm

Equestrian Center in Gladstone, New Jersey. Together, the Grieggs and Alana uncover an ingenious plot to execute the perfect crime. With the deadline closing in on reuniting Zen with Tiger in time to compete in the Olympic trials, the entire Griegg investigation team realizes that in addition to their diverse network of contacts they must use the intricacies of social media to undermine the abductors and unravel this complex crime. Throughout the book, I admired the way Andrea cleverly defines, intertwines, and organizes all the critical details of this riveting plot and then perfects it with a cast of strong characters. Andrea distinguishes each one with hints into their personal lives, skills, and past. It all comes together like a classic Alfred Hitchcocktype of thriller — intriguing, mysterious, and wonderfully mesmerizing. On a side note, Zen is Book 2 of the Griegg/Eastwood Mysteries. Book 1 is The Trap, but don’t feel that you have to read them in order because each book in the series stands on its own. All the primary characters introduced in The Trap are part of the storyline in Zen. They are reintroduced in the prologue of Book 2. Personally, I couldn't wait to read The Trap when I was done with Zen, and it didn’t disappoint.

Equestrian, Author, Videographer, and Publisher Andrea Steele was born in England and lived in Canada as a child before her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Connecticut. She lives with her husband, Willis, at Mouse Hole Farm in Durham. The couple shares their homestead with their two horses and two dogs. Andrea considers herself a life-long equestrian as she recalled her earliest and fondest childhood memories riding with her older sisters. As a child, she rode western; later she added hunters and eventing to her equestrian repertoire. Her present focus and passion are dressage and liberty work. During her corporate career Andrea

was an accountant and officer in two insurance-related businesses. Today, she is a proficient author, videographer, and publisher, co-authoring her first book with veteran horse trainer, Mark Russell, called Lessons in Lightness: The Art of Educating the Horse, which was published by Lyons Press in 2004.

CH: Tell us a little about life at Mouse Hole Farm. Andrea: Willis and I worked at the same company for many years. We knew each other as colleagues but we weren’t friends until the company was sold and we both lost our jobs. We went out on a date and that’s all it took to know we wanted to spend our lives together. Within a few months, we bought Mouse Hole Farm. He was new to a life with horses but fit right in because he’s one of those people that animals are attracted to and he loves them back. We continued to work our individual corporate day jobs at different companies for many years, but life on the farm with all our animals was and remains a sanctuary for both of us.

CH: Can you tell us a little about the book

Lessons in Lightness: The Art of Educating the Horse?

Andrea: The book delves into how to use classical dressage exercises for optimum performance and communication between horse and rider. It’s an exploration into the horse’s physiological and psychological state, which is the basis for building that strong bond most riders yearn to achieve. Learning lightness opens the door to the art of riding.

CH: Could you tell us about your friendship with Mark Russell? How has it influenced your riding as well as your writing, along with the educational programs that you produce today? Andrea: Mark Russell was the major influence on my riding, and that started me down the path to writing and producing educational material. I met Mark in the Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

1980s at a barn where I boarded my mare. I had just weaned her stud colt. While I had worked with Quarter Horse foals from weaning to riding, my Thoroughbred foal had a mind of his own, and I had problems. Mark had just brought some horses to the farm and even though we hadn’t met, he saw Spike rear up, hook his front leg over the rope, pull it out of my hand, and take off. I must have looked pathetic because he came over and asked if I’d like some help. I said yes and handed him the lead rope. Spike went up again, but Mark used his energy in a different manner than what I was used to. When the colt finished his tantrum, Mark put his hand on Spike’s forehead in a Spock-like mind-meld and Spike began responding rather than reacting. I knew Mark was different. Anyone reading this who knew Mark will recall his mind-melds they experienced themselves and smile. We were friends from that moment on. (Sadly, Mark Russell passed away following a riding accident in 2016.) While I wasn’t in a position to take many lessons, I followed Mark’s philoso-

phy as best I could. Some time later I asked him if I could help him write a book on his training methods. Much of my life since that enlightenment has been about sharing that knowledge with other riders and equine caregivers.

CH: Your current accomplishments are quite a transition in paths from your corporate career. You were an accountant and oﬃcer in insurance-related businesses. Was there a turning point that led you on your journey of becoming a successful videographer, publisher, and author? Andrea: I’ve always been content as an amateur rider. I loved my job in the insurance industry and my life seemed well balanced. However, after writing Lessons

in Lightness: The Art of Educating the Horse with Mark, I wanted to do more in the way of education. The most obvious move was to produce videos based on the book, but when I researched how to accomplish that, I soon realized I would have to do it myself. That’s not to be a control freak — Mark’s vision was so complex that relating it through someone

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

else’s camera lens just wouldn’t get it right. So, my husband and I went back to school. Willis learned the camera side of videography and I learned how to edit the footage he shot. We set up a studio in our home and equipped it with all the necessary equipment. The entire point of writing Lessons in Lightness was to write in simple terms that every rider would understand and I knew we could do the same thing with video once we had the training. To get started we decided on a small project to learn the ropes. That was Riding with Chi: Your Pathway to Energy Mastery. The program included Mark Russell and Patricia Norcia, a masterful local trainer. I’m happy to say that Riding with Chi is still our top-selling program. I went on to produce a series of DVDs called Advanced Equine Studies and released its first educational program, The Horse’s Respiratory System. That was followed by Saddle Fit for Horse and Rider and Equine Internal Parasites. My vision is to bring quality college-level education to everyone in the convenience of their homes. Our first two productions were awarded prestigious EQUUS Film Festival awards in 2015 and 2016. The programs sell to high schools and colleges with equine science programs, and youth organizations, but I’m most proud that riders and equine caregivers of any age (15 and older) can educate themselves — as I like to say, “We produce affordable learning experiences for anyone, anytime, anywhere.” We also released the long-awaited video based on Lessons in Lightness in 2016 and were ready to video another program with Mark when tragedy struck.

ation, and visualization while in motion on the horse. Each session combines discussion with exercise and meditation.

CH: When I finished Zen, I was thrilled to see that there will be a Book 3, Otobang’s Gift. Can we have a little teaser about what to expect? Andrea: Book 3 in the Griegg/Eastwood Mysteries, Otobang’s Gift, will delve into Alana Eastwood’s African roots. I can say that the story will span three continents and three centuries. Alana will get the reclusive Niedermeyer to venture out of the office, and my Zen characters will return as there is a horse connection on Alana’s secretive ancestral trail and how her father’s family came to America. It’s taking shape in my head and I’ll start unraveling the story onto paper soon.

CH: You took a break from video production and wrote two novels. What are you currently working on? Andrea: I’m back focusing on education and currently working on a series of local clinics and webinars. The first has a working title of Breathing Energy into Your Riding. It will be four sessions: Awareness of Breath, Increasing Relaxation, Using Visualization, and the fourth brings it all together to maintain low breathing, relaxCommunity Horse Spring/Summer 2022

South Hamilton

Horseperson

Katie Walsh Building a Foundation for Success

by Holly Jacobson

all it passion or a knack, Kathleen “Katie” Walsh has a deep fondness for off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) evidenced by the majority occupying stalls in Turning Tide Farm in South Hamilton. Located on the former Seven Acres Farm, the property is undergoing lots of renovations to align with Katie’s philosophy of the benefits of hack-

seat instructor, up until I went to college. As a teenager I was also a working student for Kathy Folk for two years at Farewell Farm, a premier eventing barn in Blythewood, South Carolina, an experience that instilled my love for eventing. When I moved back to Maine, my parents encouraged me to finish my equine studies degree at UMass Amherst.

Katie and Red Bull at the 2021 Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park.

ing out, which promotes conditioning and exposure to the natural world for all the horses in her care. Kate has helped many OTTBs onto new paths. Red Bull, acquired specifically for the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover competition held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, has joined Sunshine Ken, Megeve, Stan the Man, Johnny, and others to launch new lives, and turn their potential into second careers.

CH: How did your love aﬀair with the OTTBs start? Katie: While I was going to school in Amherst, I started galloping Thoroughbreds at the training track in nearby Hatfield. I absolutely loved it! I did get run away with a lot but I loved the conditioning part of the riding. If Suffolk Downs racetrack was still open, that’s where I’d be now.

CH: When did your horse journey begin?

CH: What is it about the Thoroughbreds that draws you to them?

Katie: Growing up in Kennebunk, Maine, I rode with Kris Woodward, a balanced

Katie: It’s their work ethic, trainability, and they’re bred to be athletic. I love how

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

individual they are with their different personalities; it’s a puzzle to figure each one out. The beauty of Thoroughbreds is that they are so versatile and really like to have a job. It takes a lot to be an eventer but they can be very suited to low-level hunters, dressage, or trail horses. Usually, in about two or three months, I can sense what direction they want to go; they pretty much tell me what they enjoy doing.

CH: Where do you acquire OTTBs? And where did you find your 2021 Retired Racehorse Project horse? Katie: I galloped horses at Suffolk Downs and met a trainer who would give me horses that either didn’t want to run or were done running and needed a new job. I ended up retraining about five horses from Suffolk Downs for new careers. Currently, I look at the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred ExRacehorses (CANTER) listings weekly, or a personal connection might call me about a horse.

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) had been on my radar but the timing has to be right as the horses can only be under retraining for nine months prior to the Thoroughbred Makeover. Last year, I had been in touch with some aftercare trainers in Maryland who sent me photos of three horses that were coming off the track. The first needed some lay-up, the second was scooped up quickly by an exercise rider for the RRP, so I took the last one. Runaway Bull was his racing name; we changed that to Red Bull as he’s a chestnut. He had started 63 races and was all race horse! Dressage is extremely hard for him at the moment; he’s hard to put in a box. He does have a big extended trot and quite a flamboyant canter. Jumping is his strong suit — he’s bold, a natural athlete, and very surefooted. He gets great distances to the fences and I feel very confident and safe on him. I would like to try some local events in the spring and summer and aim

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

for the long-format events in Maryland with him next fall.

CH: What was your Thoroughbred Makeover experience with Red Bull like? Katie: I competed Red Bull in the eventing and show jumping and it was a blast! It’s very time-consuming to laser focus on one horse in a condensed time frame but it was so amazing to see OTTBs in all the other disciplines, like working ranch, competitive trail, polo, and barrel racing. I loved watching the trainer talent that can develop these horses so quickly to perform such a wide variety of skills.

CH: Who are your mentors? Katie: I’ve worked with four-star eventer Stephie Baer for a few years now. She comes to me usually once a week, and in the summer, I trailer down to Course Brook Farm in Sherborn to take advantage of the outdoor jump courses at the facility.

Ferial Johnson at Ledyard Farm in Hamilton is always helpful to me, and I really value and miss my dressage lessons from Barend Heilbron, who commutes to New England from Ocala, Florida, periodically but hasn’t since COVID. Community Horse had the opportunity to

speak with Stephie Baer. Stephie admires Katie as a hands-on hard worker whose diverse background from racehorses to fox hunting is gratifying to teach. “She’s good with tricky horses,” says Stephie. “She’s very patient and takes her time. If they play around, Katie’s not worried. Her attitude stays positive and she doesn’t get discouraged. She’s willing to let them go at their own pace. Red Bull is a great example. He can jump the moon but he needs a tactful ride. Katie knows balance and flat work are the keys. She’s also very compassionate, the kind of person who may take on a horse in a bad situation. She can improve anything she sits on. Not only is Katie a good horsewoman, she’s fun to be around!”

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CH: You ride out a lot to the beach, trails, and foxhunting. How does that help your OTTBS to transition? Katie: I find Thoroughbreds have a good brain. They’ve seen a lot at the track and they love it. A few get revved up, but many are laid back enough to foxhunt in the back of the pack. I had one mare who last raced at the end of August and I took her foxhunting in September and she continued all season. It’s a great way for them to learn to jump following other horses and you can pick and choose jumps. Of course, some get excited but I find them easy to manage. I’ve hunted draft crosses that were much stronger.

CH: You have such a solid seat and always look like you’re smiling in the saddle. Are you ever afraid? Katie: I have a healthy fear (or respect), of the animal. I try not to put myself in a dangerous situation, and if the unexpected happens, I just stay calm until I am able to work through it.

CH: In 2020, you relocated your Turning Tide Farm from leased stalls to a permanent location. How are you renovating the property to suit your needs? Katie: On the one hand, it feels slow but we’ve actually gotten a lot done already. We upgraded the indoor footing, renovated the stalls off the indoor, and added turnouts to those stalls. The indoor is sunny and warm in the winter. The outdoor paddocks have been reconfigured with new fencing. There are three big pastures behind the barn that will be cleared to maximize turnout and we’re planning an outdoor riding area. I’m blessed to have people backing me that share my vision. The property is right on trails, so we can ride out to Appleton Farms or Sagamore Hill, or if it’s too wet, like last year, we can go up the road a bit and access other trails. Crane Beach is a ten-minute trailer ride away. Chickens, three kittens, and a new Australian Shepherd puppy add their antics to the farm’s character.

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CH: Tell us a bit about your boarders and students.

CH:What are your goals going forward living the horse life?

Katie: Right now, there are 16 horses; 13 are boarders, and my three projects. I teach a handful of students who don’t own their own horses, but they need to be comfortable dealing with sometimes squirrelly OTTBs! I also match horses and riders. I helped my boarder Ellen Folkard find Cooper, an eleven-year-old Pony of the Americas, after she lost her aged Appaloosa, Jalapeño.

Katie: I’m focused on growing the farm and retraining the ex-racehorses. I get great satisfaction finding a purpose and a new home for these incredible animals.

Community Horse spoke to Ellen who says

Holly Jacobson enjoys doing liberty work with her retired hunter Shadow, and competes her reining horse, Shiney Juice. They are the 2021 National Reining Horse Association USA Para Reining Champions.

Read back issues and subscribe!

she is thankful to have found Katie three years ago. “For more than one reason, I’m happy to be a client at Turning Tide Farm,” Ellen says. “It’s a no-drama atmosphere, there’s a high quality of knowledgeable care, and it’s amazing to watch the Thoroughbreds evolve in Katie’s program. Her passion about what she does makes it easy to cheer her on. It’s great to see her dream of creating her own place coming true.”

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Cranston

Horseperson

Alex Caparco

by Kara Noble

Turning Dreams into Reality

After Harry Potter passed away, we got an off-the-track Thoroughbred named Papa Charlie. He was about five years old when we got him, and we’ve had him for about 10 years. As a kid, I barely came up to the top of his leg. Papa Charlie is a good horse, but he’s a bucker.

ing horses, giving lessons, and helping the boarders at the barn to talk with Community Horse about her many accomplishments, her business, and her goals.

He taught me how to sit through a lot of things and helped me become the rider I am today.

CH: How did you first get involved with horses?

Alex: I started when I was about eight years old. We had a Quarter Horse gelding named Flash and I started barrel racing with him. Sadly, Flash passed away from cancer the following year. Not long after we lost Flash we got a mare named Dandy. When I started showing Dandy, everybody wanted her! At the time, I didn’t appreciate what it meant to have a horse like her or how much “try” she gave me. Dandy and I got a 17-second time in our first barrel race. I won my first buckle on her in the State Youth 4D Championship in 2014, then won the Youth 2D Champion with her in 2015.

Jamie Lawler Photos

Becca Jordan Media

t 19, Alex Caparco is a barrelracing champion, a horse trainer, a riding instructor, and the barn manager at Jocks Horse Farm in Cranston, Rhode Island. In 2021, she also launched her new business, AC Horses. Alex recently took time out from exercis-

Alex: I was born into a horse-loving family. When my mom was a kid, she really wanted a horse. As a teen, she bought one and hid it from her parents. When she turned 18 and finally told her parents about the horse, they built Jocks Horse Farm for her. We started in Scituate, but we’re in Cranston now. My mom got me my first pony — named Harry Potter — when I was four years old. My biggest goal was to be able to tack him up by myself, and when I did, I was so proud. I walked into the arena and said, “Look what I did!” 52

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

CH: When did you start barrel racing?

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She gave me her heart and my love for barrel racing.

CH: Has riding always come easily to you? Alex: Things have gotten complicated sometimes. A couple of years ago, I went off Papa Charlie and when I landed my collarbone snapped in half. That was physically painful and difficult, but the emotional impact hurt more. Dandy had recently passed away, and at that point, I thought, “This horse thing isn’t for me. I don’t want to do this anymore.” I didn’t have much interest in doing anything with horses for about four months. After my collarbone healed, I got a text message from a friend who needed some surgery, and she wanted one of her horses ridden while she was out of commission. Would I help her? That was exactly what I needed. After my friend healed up after her surgery, I started giving her riding lessons, and realized I really enjoyed teaching people to ride. Helping others encouraged me to keep going, and before long I started running barrels again with my mare Hayley.

I was shocked. We had no idea anything was wrong until the vet told us she had uveitis. Hayley is 20 years old, blind in her right eye, partially blind in her left eye, yet she still did incredibly well this past season. I’m very proud of her.

CH: Now that you know Hayley has sight issues, will you retire her? Alex: No. The vet said I should keep running Hayley or she’ll get depressed. I just need to be aware she’s blind.

CH: What are you proudest of about return to barrel racing?

CH: Who or what has shaped your philosophy as a horse professional?

Alex: Haley. In 2021, I rode her in competitions all over New England and New York. We won Youth 2D and the 3D Open at the Rhode Island State Championships, and we took the 3D Overall. We got Hayley when I was a baby and she was a filly but sold her when we were both still very young. Fortunately, she came back to me when she was 16, about a month after Dandy passed away. It was perfect timing. I wasn’t Hayley’s favorite person at first, but we’ve built a strong bond in three years. That’s important. A horse has to trust you in order to run barrels well. When Hayley recently came in from the field with a small ulcer on her eye, we called our vet. The vet pointed out how strong our bond has become. As she was examining Hayley, she said, “Are you aware this horse is blind in her right eye?”

Alex: My mom, Angela Caparco, of course. Jeremy Reid was another great mentor. He gave me the confidence to be the rider I am today. He taught me I can’t focus on what other people say. I have to focus on myself, and keep pushing forward, to keep doing what I do. The same with Kris McCaffrey. I learned to put the horse first. My training uses natural horsemanship and liberty work to build trust. First, I teach the horse to bond with me on the ground. By the time I get on their back, they’re confident enough for me to ride with just a rope.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

CH: How did you start training horses? How many are you training now? Alex: The first horse I trained (other than my own) belonged to a friend who had broken her wrist in a riding accident. I

worked with that horse for 90 days, and I discovered that I really like helping people with their horses. The two of them have recently started training barrels again and now she recommends me to other people. At the moment, I’m training my sixyear-old Quarter Horse, Ernie, on barrels, and I want to do some reining with him too. My plan is to finish him by summertime, and then start training one or two horses for other people through my new business, AC Horses. I want to take it slow and focus on giving each client a nice, calm, happy horse. Then I want to teach the person to ride their horse the way it was trained.

CH: What made you decide to start AC Horses and what services do you oﬀer? Alex: In the future, this farm will be mine, and I want to prepare for that so it won’t be a big shock when the whole load is on me. I want more for myself, for my horses, and for Jocks Horse Farm and starting my own business seemed like the right next step. I only started the business a few months ago, so it’s still developing. I plan to train horses, teach, and run special programs including a horse boot camp that will take place this summer at Jocks. The boot camp will teach horsemanship to students 10 and older. We’ll do some jumping, gymkhana, groundwork, and liberty — a different discipline every day. Whatever I do, I treat every horse like my own. They all get the same care, the same love, the same training. My goal — happy and confident horses and riders.

Alex: Jocks Farm is big — 53 acres with big pastures for turnout and lots of trails around us. We have 30 horses currently and we can house up to 55. I help my mom take care of the horses and the barn, work one to five horses a day, and help the boarders. That experience has given me skills that have really helped in getting AC Horses started.

CH: What motivates you to work with horses and to build your career? Alex: When I’m training horses, I always look for that, “Wow, we did that together!” feeling. My goal is to help people do things they’ve always dreamed of doing but didn’t think were possible. Someone once said, “It’s always a dream until you make it a reality.” That’s what I want to do — help people turn their dreams into a reality.

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CH: You also teach. What disciplines do you oﬀer and how many students do you have? Alex: I give lessons to 10 clients right now ranging from five-year olds just starting lessons to experienced riders in their 30s. We have great horses at Jocks that are ideal for teaching all kinds of riders from beginner to advanced, in whatever discipline they choose. I really enjoy teaching and I’d like to have more students.

CH: You’re also the barn manager at Jocks Horse Farm. What does that involve?

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Horse Logic

The Grass Is Always Greener

by Nicole Birkholzer

that we had to spread out in the woods and search for the horses. As we headed toward the woods, a woman arrived on foot in the driveway, calling out that the horses were at our neighbor's house where she was visiting. Up the quarter-mile driveway we ran. This was scary. The neighbor's property was right off the state highway. I wondered

Kristen Vallejo

everal years ago I co-hosted a two-day writing workshop at our then new property in the hills of Southern Vermont. For part of the day, we connected with my herd — my palomino Quarter Horse, Cutter, in particular — to ground us. The rest of the time we wrote. The day after the workshop my sister and I took our coffee out on the deck to

Shana, Monarch, Cutter, Nicole, and farm dog Scout.

relax and watch the horses in the pasture below. The moment I stepped onto the deck, my body contracted. Where were the horses? I had let them out of the smaller fenced-in enclosure into the large pasture just before I had poured my coffee. I called out to Shana, my Arabian mare. She usually responds to my calling and whistling, but I didn't hear her neigh, nor did she come running. A slight panic set in, and I felt adrenaline running hot through my veins. The pasture was surrounded by a thicket of woods that was hardly penetrable. I had gotten into the habit of letting the horses graze in the big field with supervision even though we had not yet installed fencing around the perimeter. “They must have escaped,” I said to my sister. "We’ve got to look for them. I grabbed two halters and yelled to my partner, David, 56

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

if the horses had walked up the driveway. Had they traveled along Route 9? As I came to the end of our driveway and looked around the bend, I saw both Cutter and Shana standing in the neighbor’s front yard, heads down. Phew. They were grazing and not in a panic. I took a deep breath as I walked toward them, slowing down my pace, and took in the scene. Both horses stood in raised vegetable beds, Cutter among broccoli and zucchini while Shana was near the onions. Both horses were eating the tall, juicy grass growing outside the wooden walls of the raised beds. I called out, “Cutter, Shana, hi!” The moment Cutter heard my voice, he lifted his head, and his eyes changed from relaxed to concerned. I literally saw the thought plastered on his face: “Hell no!” He was not going to let me put a halter

on him and take him away from this oasis he had just found. He pulled his hooves out of the broccoli and marched over to another vegetable bed, farther away from me and the halter. Chasing him would create more damage, so I turned my attention to Shana, telling her she was such a good girl and that she needed to help me out. Shana looked at me as I approached her calmly. Her eye was on me, and I could tell she understood my request. But she was also loyal to Cutter, so she headed toward him. While David and my sister stood near the road to create a barrier, I slowly followed the horses, softly asking them to stop. After about ten feet, Shana did stop. I sidled up next to her, swung the lead rope over her neck, took a deep breath, and placed the halter over her head. “Thank you, thank you,” I said. Seeing Shana haltered next to me set Cutter off into a panic. His freedom was about to end. He trotted, tail raised, heading closer to the sparse human barrier near the road. I turned Shana toward the field, away from the road, and lured Cutter to follow us. While my sister guarded the road, David took Shana from me, and I was finally able to halter Cutter as well. Everyone but Cutter exhaled. I fixed up the vegetable beds as much as possible and told the neighbor I'd pay for the damage. Both horses followed us down the driveway willingly, but when Cutter noticed we had walked them back to their own home, he stopped in his tracks and sighed. Not in relief but more in disappointment, as if to say, “We’re here again? No way!” Suddenly, I knew what he meant. I noticed that our pasture was plain, and many areas were dusty and rocky, not at all as tasty and nutritious as the vegetable beds and patch of grass next door. I will never know how Cutter knew that our neighbor had such an abundance of rich, green grass on her small patch of land. But I did understand why Cutter decided to head through the

woods to greener pastures that day. His work with each individual workshop participant had depleted Cutter more than I had realized. It had sapped his energy, and he went out to seek nutritious food to rejuvenate. Walking Cutter back into his enclosure, I promised to add more nourishing things for him to munch on and subsequently added a few special supplements to their diet, including organic barley powder and chelated minerals. Fast forward to a wintery afternoon earlier this year. I had just given the two geldings, Cutter and Monarch, our semiferal Nokota horse, each a flake of hay and let Shana out into the back yard to clean up some hay that had fallen off a bale. Shana is often out in the back yard, and I trusted that she would stick around. I leaned the gate against the post giving Sammy, our goat, time to make up her mind — stick with the boys or hang with Shana near the house. When I was done with my chores, totally forgetting the gate was not latched, I went into the house for an animal communication phone session. An hour later, David walked into my office. Our neighbor had called to say that our horses were once again in her backyard. I looked out the window; it was already pitch-black outside. Shana and Cutter were loose in the neighborhood, and most likely, Monarch was with them. I knew he would follow his herd to the end of the world. I apologized to my client, hung up the phone, and grabbed two halters before I once again ran up the driveway, the cold air burning my lungs. David was close behind with a flashlight. When we got up to the neighbor's property, the homeowner greeted us with a flashlight in her hand. “Where are they?” I gasped, coughing, out of breath. “They broke through the fence and are in that pasture over there now,” she said. My neighbor pointed toward a field I knew was surrounded by an electric fence Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

and barbed wire. I imagined all kinds of legs and hooves tangled and cut by wires. I asked David to hand me the flashlight. I needed to find a gleaming eye to know where they were. I slowly shone the flashlight from the far left to the right across the snow-covered meadow. At 11 o’clock (directionally speaking), I saw a pair of eyes light up, way down the field near the woods. I called out “Shaaanaaa!” in a singsong voice, then whistled to her. One breath later, we heard the thundering of hoofs. Three moving shadows emerged from the darkness, galloping across the snowy field, Shana in the lead. As our little group came into sight, Shana transitioned to a gorgeous extended trot. She paraded right past us, knees high, mane and tail flying, the boys in tow. I called out, “Look at you, gorgeousness, so beautiful!” Hearing my acknowledgment, Shana made a large loop to the left before turning back toward us. I switched to, “Okay, girlfriend, now it’s time to slow down and come over here.” Meanwhile, Cutter, energy high, passed me, and as he did I held a treat out to him, asking him to come over. He was curious enough to stretch his nose as far as he could to snatch the cookie out of my hand. This was good news. Cutter now knew I had treats. I was sure this knowledge would bring him back to me eventually. I took a deep breath and looked for Monarch. His gray dappled coat blended perfectly into the night sky and the snowy field, so I only saw a shadow moving around somewhere between Shana and Cutter. When Shana finished her beautiful circle in the field, she came toward me. I took another deep breath and praised her for coming closer. Within moments she stood, heart pounding, next to me. I reached out to pet her neck and then gently rolled the halter over her nose and ears and clipped the snap. I exhaled a few times and handed Shana over to David just like last time. 58

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Once Shana was haltered, Cutter took only a moment to make up his mind to visit me for another treat. As Cutter munched on treats I haltered him. Monarch, who has never been haltered in his life, stood right behind Cutter. I told David to take Shana home while I followed with Cutter. My sense was Monarch would follow the herd. As we approached the side of the state highway, Monarch suddenly moved past Cutter on the right, heading toward the road. For a moment, I held my breath but then realized Monarch had only passed to get in line between Shana and Cutter. It was rather magical to watch Monarch fit himself between Shana’s tail and Cutter’s muzzle like a link in a chain. We safely made it down the road and driveway, and all horses went into the pasture without a hitch. There are so many lessons in this story. When it comes right down to it, life with horses, prey animals, can be precarious. Often, as in my case, it’s the result of a human’s unintentional failure to notice or do something; other times, it might be an accident. Here’s what I know: • When the manure hits the fan, the first thing you must do is breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. You and your horse are running on adrenaline, and you need to be more grounded than your horse. • Calling your animals with a sing-song voice is always more appealing than a panicky voice. Call your horse’s name with a light tone, an attractive vibration rather than one of worry. Call your horses as you normally do when feeding or doing something pleasant with them. Some horses like a higher voice and melodic whistle; others respond better to a deeper solid voice and a short whistle. Play with it. Now. Practice it so you have something to rely on whenever the need arises. • Know your horse. I knew that Shana was jazzed up and would be much more responsive coming to me if I first praised her performance. And I also know that Cutter gets worried when people use a

firm or stern voice. When he snatched the cookie out of my hand, I said lightly and gently, “You little bugger, you snatched the cookie and ran off,” knowing he would realize this was not a dramatic situation and he could come back for more. Take a breath. Know thy horse.Have a chat to make a connection.

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Trail Guide East Hampton

by Stacey Stearns

Hurd State Park

Connecticut River. Although horseback riding is not listed for this park on the DEEP website, equestrians are encouraged to visit, and members of the New England Arabian Trail Organization (NEATO) have plans, in cooperation with the DEEP Eastern District Headquarters, to permanently mark trails for equestrian use, and expect to complete the project in Fall 2022.

for the public; today it spans over 1,000 acres with trails, picnic areas, fishing, and other features. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) manages Hurd State Park; maps and additional information are available on the DEEP website, portal.ct.gov/DEEP/ State-Parks/Parks/Hurd-State-Park/. Hurd State Park offers recreational opportunities for birding, picnicking, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. Boat camping sites are available from May 1 through September 30 and offer an overnight stop for those traveling the

Marilyn Allatin of East Hampton is a NEATO member and one of the volunteers working with DEEP’s Eastern District to mark equestrian trails. “Riding the trails at Hurd Park offers a unique and different experience depending on whether it’s spring, summer, or fall,” she says. “I’ve come to appreciate the beauty this park offers in its landscape, vistas, and wildlife. Migrating egrets often take refuge in hidden inlets along the river. Spectacular granite outcroppings along the Connecticut River are only visible in the late fall as you ride the trails along the Higganum Area. The Higganum Area has

Stacey Stearns

onnecticut established a State Park Commission in 1913 to protect and preserve land for residential recreational use. One of the earliest properties purchased was 150 acres along the bank of the Connecticut River in East Hampton. It was named Hurd State Park after the Hurd family, who settled on the land in 1710. The original 150-acre land purchase was intended to provide river access

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

a maintained, mowed path that parallels the river as you walk, trot, or canter through lush grass on soft footing. This can be a rather wet area in the early spring so it’s better to wait until things have dried out a bit. I find the interior trails challenging and perfect for getting my horse back in shape after a long winter’s break. To be able to enjoy Hurd Park, regardless of the season, makes this one of my favorite parks.”

A Leg Up Use Route 151 in East Hampton in your GPS to access Hurd State Park. It’s easy to reach from Route 66 as well as the interstate highways. The large, brown park sign clearly marks the main entrance. One unique feature of Hurd State Park from a logistics perspective is that it closes after the first snowfall and doesn’t reopen until spring when all the snow has melted. Hikers and cross-country skiers are still allowed to access the park from limited winter parking areas, but it is closed to all other trail users. Be sure to

check the website if you want to ride in early spring. Hurd State Park is popular, and you will see many cars and other trail users there. However, given the long driveway and ample parking, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy their time in the area. There are several dirt road pull-offs along the main paved road where horse trailers can park, or a large field at the end of the paved road that is also ideal for horse trailers. We parked on the pull-off just above Carlson Pond. There are also picnic tables near the pond for lunch after your ride. We did not venture into the main picnic area with our trailers; however, there were porta-potties near the pull-off where we parked. When we were done riding and ready to leave it was easy to pull back out onto the main driveway and head toward the park entrance.

Out Riding It Hurd State Park offers a little bit of everything we enjoy in a trail ride in the over Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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six miles of trails available. We rode technical, twisting trails that wound through the woods, wider trails that were probably old roads at one point, enjoyed scenic views, and the quiet of nature. This is a heavily trafficked park, but once we headed out into the woods, we only ran into a few other people on the trails. As is the case with many parks and forests, the space allows everyone to spread out. And, as with any good trail, you can ride the same trail in the opposite direction, and sometimes feel like you are on a completely new trail. We enjoyed this sensation at Hurd. Trails are rocky and narrow in many places, particularly on the red and blue trails on the east side of the main driveway. As we rode along, one of my friends commented that she wanted to come back with her mountain bike; the trails are ideal for that use and hiking too. We enjoyed the trails and welcomed the challenges the technical areas presented. Trail markings are not consistent, and the NEATO project will improve that. Riding will be easier to navigate in the

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

future. On our first loop, we rode down the driveway, past Carlson Pond, and then headed into the woods on the Red trail to our right. This climbs up into the woods and winds over old stone walls, through trees, up and over the hills. We rode the Red trail for about a mile until it reached the Green and White trails. Here, we connected to the White trail and headed back down to the main driveway, again riding alongside the huge stone walls in the woods and climbing back down the hill. After finishing that loop we rode back up the driveway, past the pull-off where our horse trailers were, and into the woods on the right at the driveway to another parking area before picking up the Orange trail, this time on the Connecticut River side of the park. We rode this as an out-and-back trail that took us down through Haddam Meadows (labeled as Higganum Meadows on the map; Higganum is a village in Haddam) and to a view of the Connecticut River. After enjoying the river view we rode back

the same way we came in and returned to the driveway. For the third loop we headed back down the driveway toward Carlson Pond and picked up the Red trail on the right before reaching our trailers. This trail crosses Hurd Brook, and instead of heading into the main picnic area we picked up the Blue trail, riding that loop parallel to the driveway and Carlson Pond, up and over to the Green trail, through the picnic area, and back down the Red trail and toward the horse trailers. Our ride allowed us to explore a little bit of each of the trails, and on a return visit, I would ride each of these trails as loops, incorporating more of the options available. The permanently marked trails and continuous use by equestrians will make this park a welcome addition to our list of favorites. Happy trails!

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

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Upton

by Stacey Stearns

Trail Guide

Upton State Forest

pton State Forest covers 2,660 acres in the towns of Upton and Hopkinton. The forest straddles the Worcester and Middlesex County lines. It’s a beautiful environment with ponds, forests, swamps, and hilly sections. Upton State Forest has numerous large rocks left behind by glaciers, similar to many of our forests in Massachusetts. It also has huge trees that speak to the age

would ride one of her horses instead, so she could work two at once. We rode her two show Morgans and it was good crosstraining and a change of scenery for the geldings.

of the forest, and a quiet and gentle peacefulness that envelops you. The Upton State Forest Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places. A plaque near the flagpole recognizes the camp’s establishment in 1935. Upton is unique in that some CCC buildings are still standing. In most of the CCC camps, buildings were taken down when the program ended, and the materials were repurposed. The CCC camp in Upton was leased to the National Youth Administration at the end of 1938 so the buildings remained. My friend, Debbie Lukas, lives in Plainville and is a lifelong equestrian. I was going to meet her at Upton State Forest with my horse, but she asked if I

are available at mass.gov/locations/ upton-state-forest. Use 205 Westboro Road in Upton in your GPS. We came in on Hopkinton Road traveling west and needed to make a sharp right turn that was basically a U-turn onto Westboro Road with a three-horse gooseneck trailer. On the way home, we continued on Westboro Road and went home another way rather than making that turn again. The large DCR forest sign greets you on the right at the forest entry. Here, there’s a fork, and you want to go right. A brown sign points you toward the forest headquarters and trailer parking. Once you pull in, the driveway makes a square. Regular parking is up at the back near the former CCC administration building. That and the other outbuildings now

A Leg Up

Stacey Stearns

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages Upton State Forest. Trail maps and other information

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

serve as the forest headquarters. Trailers are allowed to park on the grass in the middle of the square, which was formerly the CCC parade grounds. Bay State Trail Riders Association regularly hosts rides at Upton and uses this parking area too. It was easy to pull out when it was time to leave. While out on the trails, we saw many other trail users. Dogs were all leashed, and everyone was friendly and respectful of one another. Several parcels of land comprise the forest, and while most is contiguous, there are a few separate parcels and areas where private property is close to trails. We paid attention to private property signs and forest markers. There are side trails in the forest that are not labeled on the map. You should avoid these if you are unfamiliar with the forest or are uncomfortable getting lost and navigating your way back. Cell phone service in Upton State Forest is unreliable, so make sure you print a copy of the map or save it to your phone, so you don’t need service to access it. There were no maps at the trail kiosks.

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Hunting is allowed so we donned our blaze-orange vests before heading out. There are sensitive environmental ecosystems in Upton State Forest and it’s important to stay on the trails so we don’t damage them. This is more of an issue on the smaller side trails.

Out Riding It Our plan was to ride the unpaved Park Road down to Dean Pond Road, and then to Loop Road and back to the forest headquarters and our trailer. It seemed like that would be a good route for our horses, who were both new to trail riding, and it would give us a feel for the forest. We started out by going up around the trailhead because the electrical wires were hanging low. There is a side trail in by the CCC cottage (it was their infirmary), which joins the main trail to the second parking area. There is plenty of room to get around the forest gate, and we saw a 12foot, stone-lined shallow well across the stream and in the woods. There are two other wells in the forest, all built by the CCC for fire protection. We rode down Park Road, going left at the fork and over to Dean Pond. The CCC built the original dam at Dean Pond to make it into a recreation area. We left the pond and then went right on Loop Road at the next fork. Then, when we were heading back up Loop Road north toward the parking lot, we saw Whitehall Road and decided to follow it. Whitehall Road ends at private property, and connects to Grouse Trail, but Grouse Trail is a steep and rocky uphill climb. We turned around and retraced our path on Whitehall Road until we came to Sparrow Trail. We took that trail and reconnected with Loop Road. Further up Loop Road, we came to the sign for Grouse Trail and Mammoth Rock Trail. We were intrigued by the name Mammoth Rock and followed the trail into the forest. This is a technical trail that winds through the woods before finally arriving at Mammoth Rock. There were a few jokes as we rode along that the

rock might disappoint us, but it certainly is a large rock. We continued down the trail past Mammoth Rock until we arrived at the swamp near Southboro Road. We turned and headed back the way we had come and rejoined Loop Road. At some point, I need to go back to Upton and continue riding Mammoth Rock Trail and over to Spring Trail on the other side of Southboro Road. The DCR’s cultural resource management plan from 2013 says that the Stearns Homestead with two cellar holes is in this section (Hopkinton Springs). We did see a few other cellar holes on our ride. My family originally settled in Massachusetts, and we’re all descended from the same three brothers. It would be fun to see what was once home to some of my relatives. Debbie and I marveled at what lovely trails Upton State Forest had throughout our ride. Neither of us had visited Upton State Forest before. “I loved that the trails were well marked and aligned with the map,” Debbie says. “They were wide open, not too rocky, with good footing.”

We did about six miles, although we easily could have ridden nine miles by adding more trails. The unpaved roads — Park, Dean Pond, Loop, and Whitehall are wide, and the horses can easily travel sideby-side. The footing was great on these, and you could have a barefoot horse. Some of the smaller trails — Grouse and Mammoth Rock, especially — were rocky, and I was glad the horses had hoof protection. Overall, Upton State Forest is a beautiful trail system we can all enjoy, with natural water sources and ample parking. At the end of our ride, we left the horses in the trailer, happily munching hay and relaxing, and went back to explore the shallow well and look at the CCC buildings. It’s impressive remnants of their work. We also left unexplored trails waiting for our next visit to Upton State Forest. Happy trails!

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

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Trail Guide Newport

by Stacey Stearns

Newport Beaches

ewport County, Rhode Island, is home to amazing mansions, cliffside walks, and a thriving ocean community. It’s also home to Newport Equestrian Academy, located a short distance from beautiful beaches in the town of Middletown. The town was named because it’s between Portsmouth and Newport on Aquidneck Island in Newport County.

the beautiful city of Newport, or both. Come ride with us. If you’ve never ridden a horse on the beach, it’s an experience that you will never forget. It’s fabulous.”

Suzanne Hourihan is the founder of Newport Equestrian Academy. She grew up riding and became a professional, competing and training hunter/jumpers. Suzanne and her daughter, Kamie, coown the Academy where they offer training, instruction, boarding, and beach rides. “I moved to Newport because of the beautiful beaches and the history in Newport is overwhelming,” Suzanne says. “There’s always something fun to do. Visiting Newport is an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come, whether it’s riding on the beach, enjoying

through March 31) the rides go along the beach. In the summer they offer a different ride, which goes through some of the marshes and other scenic areas that remain open to horses. There are plenty of spectacular sights to explore in any season. Newport Equestrian Academy is located at 287 Third Beach Road in Middletown. There’s a small side street along Third Beach Road that leads to Newport Equestrian Academy and a few other houses. Look for a large green sign in front of a yellow house. Follow the driveway past the house and down to the barn. There’s some parking across from the barn

A Leg Up

Stacey Stearns

Trail rides with Newport Equestrian Academy are two hours and the cost is $150 per person, plus a tip for the trail guide. In the winter months (October 1

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

The 242-acre Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is at the end of Sachuest Bay. Surfer’s End is an inlet before a bluff that separates Sachuest Bay from Easton Bay. We entered the beach at the Wildlife Refuge property line. I rode Apache, Suzanne’s horse, who was a champion jumper six years in a row. Stacy Weaver was our guide. We rode out the driveway of the Newport Equestrian Academy and down Third Beach Road. We passed by Norman Bird Sanctuary, and then went right on Sachuest Point Road. The streets to the beach are narrow, but the horses were very traffic safe, and the community welcomed us and passed with care.

Road that horse trailers can use during the off-season. Remember to clean up any hay and manure before leaving.

Sachuest Point Road took us toward the beach where we rode between the dunes and along the entire length of Second Beach. We rode from the property line for the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge all the way out to Surfer’s End. Second Beach is the longer of the two beaches that flank the bay, and both are equally beautiful. As you may have guessed, Surfer’s End is a popular location for surfers and ocean kayakers. Second and Third Beaches are on opposite sides of the land leading out to the point, with Second Beach connecting Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge to Surfer’s End.

Stacey Stearns

door. If that is full, you can also park in front of the farm sign on the side street. Suzanne has 22 horses in her trail ride group. Guides pair riders with horses; all the horses are safe for those with no riding experience. You can go out with a scheduled group ride or request a private ride. I rode with a young couple that had never been on horses before. We started in the indoor arena, walked a few circles so they could get comfortable, and then headed out to the beaches. You can also trailer your own horse from October 1 through March 31 and park in one of the beach parking lots. There are several large parking lots along Third Beach Road and Sachuest Point

Out Riding It The area surrounding Newport Equestrian Academy is a mixture of beach community and preserved open space. Norman Bird Sanctuary is just down the road and has 325 acres preserved to protect birds and promote diverse habitats. Among the miles of hiking trails at Norman Bird Sanctuary, one leads to a feature called Hanging Rock. It provides panoramic views of the beaches and is well worth the 10-minute hike and entrance fee at the sanctuary.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

We could see the gothic chapel of St. George’s School in the distance at Surfer’s End, impressive as it overlooks Sachuest Bay. You feel like you’re in Ireland as you sit on your horse, looking up at the chapel. “Look around everyone. We’re riding on the beach, the sun is shining, and it’s a beautiful day. What more could we ask for!” said Stacy, as we rode along the beach with the waves gently lapping against the sand next to us. Indeed, we did have a perfect day. The sun was shimmering on the water, the beaches were relatively empty, and the horses were content. We walked along the edge of the surf, the horses sometimes drifting in and out of it, having traveled this route before. We stopped and chatted with others out walking, a few wondering how they could ride the beach too; others just wishing us a good ride. It’s about three miles down to the end of the beach near St. George’s School. We stopped for a few photos,

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

then turned and headed back toward Newport Equestrian Academy. Even though the horses knew this route well and knew they were headed home, none of them got antsy or acted up. A tractortrailer truck passed us on the narrow road right before we arrived back at the farm and none of the horses minded. Many equestrians and non-equestrians dream of riding the beach. Experiencing the beach with horses familiar with the waves and rolling water allows you to relax and enjoy the experience. The Newport beaches are iconic in New England and well worth a visit. Happy trails! y Stacey Stearns, a lifelong equestrian from Connecticut, enjoys trail riding and endurance with her Morgan horses.

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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. Want a free award for your upcoming equestrian competition in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island? Visit communityhorse.org/ youth-awards.

Congratulations to Serafina Park, 6, of Marblehead, Massachusetts for winning the Youth Award at the Merrimack Valley Regional Dressage Competition at Bradford Equestrian Center in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Riley Moody, 12, of Oxford, Massachusetts,won the Youth Award at Sunny-Croft Equestrian Center in Thompson, Connecticut. Congratulations, Riley!

Congratulations to Patrick Munise, 16, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts for winning the Youth Award at the Area 1 Schooling Horse Trials Championship at Apple Knoll Farm in Millis, Massachusetts.

Layla Sendrak of Vernon, Connecticut, and her pony, Ricky Bobby, won the Youth Award at White Birch Farm in Portland, Connecticut.Layla exemplified the meaning of being a hard worker and kept trying all day!

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

“This was Nugget’s first hunter pace and I couldn’t be more proud of her,” Ally Griswold. “I’ve had her since she was three (she’s eight now) but have grown up with her since she was six months old. She’s the best horse I could ever ask for. Nugget is the most willing and always gives a 110 percent in her performance. Nancy Cunningham

She’s a total love bug. She’s truly my best friend and I can’t wait for more jumper and eventing shows as that is her discipline.” Congratulations to Ally Griswold, 17, of Westhampton, Massachusetts, for winning the Youth Award at the Hampshire County Riding Club Hunter Pace at Corinthian Farm in Chester, Massachusetts.

Ava Kelley, 7, of Amherst, Massachusetts, won the Youth Award at the New England Equestrian Center of Athol’s Open Show in Barre, Massachustts riding Fox. Congratulations, Ava! Additionally, but not pictured:

y Chloe Mazzotta, 15, of South Glastonbury, Connecticut, won riding Maggie.

y Milenko Talmadge, 13, of New London, Connecticut, won at Treasure Hill Farm in Salem, Connecticut. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Filomena Grenga, 6, of North Scituate, Rhode Island, on winning the Youth Award riding Blue Boy at the Azrael Acres in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. (Two photos above.) Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Grand Prix Guidance

The Equine Neck and Back

by Mark R. Baus, DVM

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

system of joints, intervertebral discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and sheets of connective tissue. Although the back has many functions, its primary purpose is to provide a

123rf.com/martinkay78

o other region of the horse’s musculoskeletal system draws as much speculation as the back. As veterinarians, we commonly hear about the “cold-backed” horse or the “back-sore” horse. This assessment is made based on how the horse responds to pressing a sharp object, including fingernails, up and down the back. Since humans experience back pain frequently, we must assume the horse does as well. However, establishing the existence and the exact source of back pain is quite difficult. The horse’s skeleton is divided into two sections, the appendicular and axial skeletons. The appendicular skeleton refers to the limbs while the axial skeleton refers to the head, spinal column, sternum, and ribs. The spinal column provides the core frame for the musculoskeletal system and consists of many small bones (vertebrae) linked together in a linear fashion along the topline of the horse. The spine consists of seven cervical vertebrae in the neck; 18 thoracic vertebrae and six lumbar vertebrae in the back; five fused vertebrae of the sacrum and a variable number of coccygeal vertebrae bring up the rear. To provide the necessary rigidity and flexibility, the vertebrae are held together by a complex

firm but flexible frame for connecting the limbs to the body and supporting the body’s organs. As it concerns locomotion, the back plays a critical role transferring propulsion from the hind limb into motion. The hind limbs create mostly horizontal forces to move the horse forward, but it is the muscle masses of the back that create vertical forces to maintain balance, resist gravity, and propel the horse over obstacles. There is much debate about the movement of the vertebrae of the back during motion, especially when ridden. It was once thought that increasing flexion and bending of the spine was a critical function of the rider’s input during ath-

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

spines, it can occur anywhere along the thoracolumbar spines. The rider’s first response to solving this problem is to explore saddle fit. In my opinion, poor saddle fit is certainly a problem but usually does not cause kissing spine. The neck is also a common source of axial skeletal pain. It’s no wonder considering the large mass (the head) on the end of a long lever arm (the neck). Neck pain usually originates from the joints (articular facets) on each side of each cervical vertebrae. Like other joints, articular facets become painful from degenerative changes that occur over time. This pain is usually seen as reluctance to bend in one direction or the other and is often manifested as a lameness of one of the front limbs. This can also be treated by ultrasound-guided injections of the articular facets. Although sacroiliac, dorsal spine, and cervical facets are three problem areas in the axial skeleton, there are many other causes of axial skeleton pain. An accurate diagnosis of problems in this area involves a detailed lameness exam, possibly including radiographs, ultrasound, nuclear bone scan, or computed tomography. Compounding the difficulty of making an accurate diagnosis of back pain is determining simultaneous lameness of the limbs and their role in causing or aggravating back and neck pain. The horizontally oriented spine of the horse adds to the difficulty we humans have in understanding the function of the equine back. One of the most challenging aspects of riding horses is the mastery of a creature with a horizontal spine by a creature with a vertical spine. Our best riders do this intuitively!

Katie Hylen

letic pursuits. It’s now believed that although it’s important to develop the muscles of the neck and back, the vertebrae of the back should remain as rigid as possible while working or performing. Another ongoing debate in the sport horse world is whether back pain creates limb problems or if limb problems create back pain. In my opinion, it’s usually limb pain that creates back-related pathology. Chronic, low-grade lameness from a limb forces the back to compensate by shifting weight off that limb to another limb. This is especially true when a front and hind limb are simultaneously affected by lameness. In the normal state, the back transfers the push from the hind limbs into forward and vertical directions. But when one or more limbs are weakened from lameness, the back responds by transferring propulsion or load bearing to the stronger limbs. Although the exact compensatory movements are difficult to comprehend, the back may respond with excessive rotational forces causing inflammation and possible degeneration in the moving parts of the axial skeleton. A common sequel to chronic lameness of a hind limb is a strain of the sacroiliac joint. When one hind limb is stronger than the other, every thrust of the hind limbs, especially when jumping, causes the pelvis to twist. This twisting creates an added strain at the connection of the pelvis to the spine (the sacroiliac joint). Sacroiliac pain is usually manifested by a reluctance to canter and especially when changing canter leads. Affected horses will bunny-hop or kick out when asked to canter or change leads. Sacroiliac pain can usually be managed by ultrasound-guided injections in addition to treating the source of hind-limb lameness. Another consequence of chronic lowgrade lameness, especially when a front limb and hind limb are involved, is pain from the dorsal spines of the thoracic and lumbar region. Although “kissing spine” or “dorsal spine impingement” occurs most commonly in the distal thoracic

Mark R. Baus, DVM founded Grand Prix Equine in 2009. He’s provided care to horses in the same region and for many of the same clients for more than 30 years. Mark began the Connecticut Equine Podiatry Group to foster relationships between farriers and veterinarians.

Overherd

News in Our Community Woodslawn Therapy Miniature Horses For Joyce Purington, Miniature horses are so much more than just cute companions. She knows that although they may be small, minis can make big differences in the lives of children facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges. With the help of her four minis and her young granddaughters, Joyce offers therapy programs from her farm in western Massachusetts. “Horses first came into my life when I was just a young girl,” says Joyce. “I grew up in Gill and come from a family of ten. When my brother John was a teenager, my father got him a pony — but I was far more excited about that pony than he was! My love for horses blossomed from caring for that first pony. I eventually got my own strawberry roan Quarter Horse who I loved dearly. I joined a riding club for girls in Miller’s Falls and have many happy memories of riding all day long. “I married into a family with a dairy farm in Colrain called Woodslawn Farm. It’s been in the family for 238 years, and my husband and I are the current owners. In addition to our many dairy cows, I keep five horses of my own: four Miniature horses and a Palomino. I run an equine therapy program with the Miniature horses, called Woodslawn Therapy Minis, for children facing physical and mental challenges. “I’ve always especially loved Miniature horses. I find them to be a lot of fun, and I love how they are approachable for everyone. Minis are capable of so much. They are gentle and sweet and can be a really great way for someone to start working with horses — especially for people with a mental or physical challenge. Also, people often feel a little more comfortable starting small. “Personally, I enjoy training Miniature horses to drive and teaching them to per-

form little tricks. I’ve taught my minis to bow, do the Spanish walk, and smile on cue. It’s so fun to just play around with them! “About three years ago, I had a little boy with ADHD visit the farm. He had lots of energy, and it was difficult for him to focus that energy. His mother brought him to see the horses, and I invited him to drive one of the minis with me. He got

Joyce Purington at Woodslawn Therapy Miniature Horses.

into the cart, and it was amazing to see how his demeanor changed once we were out in the arena together. He became very calm, content, and absorbed in the task at hand. Best of all, he was happy — the smile on his face when he helped me drive the pony was heartwarming. “I was completely amazed by that interaction, and I started learning more about Miniature horses working as therapy animals. At the time, my sister-in-law, Carol Purington, was living with us. Carol was a well-known poet living with polio; unfortunately, she passed away about a year ago. In her room she had a respirator and an iron lung, which made a lot of noise and could be quite scary for horses. She was always very supportive of my interest in training the minis to be therapy animals and encouraged me to bring the Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

minis into her room, helping them get accustomed to different situations. She really loved it, and it was a helpful way for me to train the minis and explore all the ways they could offer people therapy. “My granddaughters, Redyn Gutierrez and Brynlee Purington, also took a special interest in this work and

Redyn Gutierrez training Peanut at Tractor Supply.

began assisting me in training the minis. Redyn is eleven years old and has become an incredible driver. Brynlee is eight years old and has recently started helping too. They both have a wonderful ability to connect with the children we work with. “I especially enjoy working with kids, so Redyn and I have explored different ways we could bring minis into the lives of young people. We’ve taken the minis into schools, and they always bring the kids a lot of joy — and it brings the minis a lot of joy too! One time, we took one of our minis, Indy, into a local school, and she was particularly drawn to a child in a wheelchair. This child was blind and Indy came right up to him, and let the child run his hands all over her. The child put his hand out and Indy licked it, and the child didn’t mind in the least. Indy would have followed that child home — they were instant friends! It was incredible to witness that sort of connection in just the brief time they spent with one another. “We also began welcoming more chil80

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

dren to the farm and practicing therapy there. It’s always amazing to see the growth and progress in kids who come to the farm regularly. We had a boy with autism working with us who was unsure about the horses at first; he was very shy and reserved and didn’t speak during his first two visits. The third time he came, he felt a little more comfortable and began petting the horses. Then, all of a sudden he began singing. His song had just three words — but those three words meant so much. His parents had tears in their eyes. It was so rewarding to see how the horses helped that child make progress, and to see him feel so happy and safe in their presence. Moments like these make me want to do this all the time. “Redyn, Brynlee, and I do a lot of groundwork with the minis to make sure they are comfortable with all kinds of children and situations. We take the horses out and practice leading them and teaching them to stand very still. We want them to feel relaxed and remain quiet whenever they are being handled by the children. Then we play! We drive the horses consistently, bring them through obstacles, and practice our games and activities with them using balls, pool noodles, buckets, and toys. It all helps them become versatile and confident, and I feel I can trust them with the children, many of whom may have never been around horses before. “I like the idea of children being able to let go of their troubles in the presence of horses, and simply enjoy what they are doing in that moment. That can happen in all different ways. For some, it’s as simple as finger painting on the wall with the assistance of an adorable mini. If we put a little paint on their muzzles, the minis will help in their own way, and that always brings smiles! Or maybe it’s drawing on the horse with chalk and making a rainbow unicorn! For others, driving the minis offers feelings of empowerment and accomplishment. The children sit next to me, and when they have those reins in their hands, they gain such confidence. They’ll yell out “Mom, look at

Brynlee Purington and Indy.

things I could have done. Redyn is a natural at training the horses. For example, she became very dedicated to working with my youngest mini, Peanut, who came to us as a very frightened horse. Redyn stayed very patient, gentle, and consistent with him. A few months ago, we took him into a nursing home and she had him smiling on cue, lifting his top lip to show off his teeth. That brought everyone there so much joy! Throughout the visit, Peanut was so calm, and it showed that he was really becoming a great therapy horse. That was all thanks to Redyn, and I’m so proud of what she’s accomplished. “Even more important, Redyn is wonderful with the children we work with. She can relate to them and connect with them in ways that adults just aren’t quite able to. The children tend to feel a little more comfortable with Redyn and aren’t as reserved as they might be with an adult they don’t know very well. “The smiles and the laughter our work inspires bring me so much happiness. Seeing these children overcome challenges and accomplish new things is most rewarding, and it’s something I have become very passionate about. It’s my greatest pleasure to bring others happi-

ness with my little horses, and I’ll feel very lucky to keep doing this for a long time.”

n Alessandra Corbett

Little Britches Therapeutic Riding This spring Little Britches Therapeutic Riding begins its 43rd year of providing riding and other equine-assisted therapies to individuals with special needs. Our mission is to change the lives of people with disabilities using the movement of the horse. Our 2022 spring program officially begins May 2 at our home facility, beautiful Tophet Farm in Roxbury, Connecticut, but many of our riders have been in the saddle since March, thanks to an innovative partnership with the Shepaug Agriscience Academy at Shepaug Valley School in nearby Washington, Connecticut. The school’s spacious indoor arena gives us a wonderful opportunity to extend our clients’ riding season in late fall and early spring, and the partnership provides an experiential learning opportunity for

Little Britches Therapeutic Riding

me!” and you can just see the pride. It feels great to be able to offer that sort of opportunity. “I’m so happy my granddaughters share my love of horses, and it’s such a joy to work alongside them in helping other children. When I first started the program, Redyn begged me to let her help, and it’s turned out to be one of the best

Brody Scalzo on Taz, with instructor Samantha Tutolo, volunteer leader Sierra Wilson, and Brody’s dad at Little Britches Therapeutic Riding in Roxbury, Connecticut.

Shepaug students who volunteer to assist. We currently serve more than 90 clients from towns throughout northwestern Connecticut. Our clients have a variety of disabilities, including but not limited to attention deficit disorders, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and anxiety disorders. We’re affiliated with the Professional Association of Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), and all our programs operate within PATH standards and guidelines. Our staff includes four PATH-certified instructors, physical and occupational therapists, and a speech pathologist. We are very fortunate to have over 70 trained and dedicated volunteers who help with programs, barn chores, and fundraising. Other than staff and volunteers, the most important members of the team are seven exceptional horses and ponies. Most of these equine “therapists” are retired from previous careers, so their temperament is mild. However, they are studied by instructors and therapists to determine which riders they are best suited for. For example, some people with special needs rock for sensory input, and the horse has to tolerate that. It is also important to factor in the rider’s height and weight. Little Britches is a nonprofit organization, and in order to keep our riders’ fees affordable we rely on grants, dona-

tions, and fundraising. Looking forward, we are working toward a long-term goal — owning a facility with an indoor ring so we can serve riders year-round. Every week, we see firsthand how therapeutic riding improves physical strength and posture, facilitates sensory integration and spatial awareness, reduces anxiety and promotes emotional wellbeing in our students. An added benefit is that the riders are having fun! People with disabilities are often on the periphery of athletic and social activities. At Little Britches our riders are the sports stars, no longer watching from the sidelines.

n Kayla Ireland & Elaine Pascoe

H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut The Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines (H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut), now celebrating its 41st year, will hold its annual Spring Open House on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, May 22. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

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Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Thinking of Selling Your

Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? We have several horses available for sponsorship, a program that

Kathy Diemer

The fun starts from the minute we open the gates at 10 a.m. with hourly tours to meet one of our newest arrivals, Norman, a rescue from the North Carolina kill pens, and his friends, from Miniature horses to draft-crosses. Our popular bake sale will offer tables filled with a variety of home baked goods, from cupcakes to cookies, many beautifully wrapped and ready to be given as gifts. Other great gift options such as OMI Jewelry from the talented Lise, bracelets and necklaces by Amy, and tie-dye t-shirts and bags will also be available. Remember, all the proceeds from your purchases go directly toward helping to care for our many horses. The tack shop is packed with too many items to list so be sure to stop in and check it out! A few of our featured items are a Wintec Isabell Werth dressage saddle in almost new condition and a Travis Bohannon western roping saddle. We have a huge variety of other saddles, bridles, blankets, boots, helmets, grooming equipment, and new and used equine clothing.

Justice, ridden by Devan Thomas, will be one of the featured horses at the H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut’s Summer Horse Parade on Saturday, July 23, in Washington.

includes four visits a month during which you can groom, spend time with, and hand-walk the horse for only $50. In addi-

Horse Property?

Consult Althea today!

Let more than 30 years of experience work for you!

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

Always Call Althea! Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

tion to horses for sponsor, we have several available for lease and adoption as well. Visit horseofct.org for more information about these programs, and plan to meet the horses during your tour. We will hold a special Summer Horse Parade on Saturday, July 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., another event you don’t want to miss! The Summer Horse Parade is an opportunity for folks interested in adopting, leasing, sponsoring, or volunteering to meet our many fabulous horses, ages 6 to 29, from Miniature horses to draftcrosses, with many available for the advanced-beginner to experienced rider. Our leasing program is for adults who ride regularly and want to find out what is involved in caring for a horse, while adoption is for the experienced horse owner looking for a lifetime companion. Sponsoring is an introductory option for those who would simply like to groom and hand-walk a horse. At the Summer Horse Parade you’ll meet a few of our horses including Justice, a 14-year-old, 15.1-hand Connemara/Quarter Horse gelding that loves working the trails (English and western) and will go for miles. He’s traffic safe; happy to lead, follow, or go solo; and loves attention. Justice is available to sponsor, lease, or adopt, and requires an intermediate rider and 24/7 turnout. Baron is a 17-year-old, 16.1-hand Belgian/Quarter Horse gelding that rides English and western for an intermediate rider. He’s a very handsome boy that loves to go for strolls or solo on the trails. He loves water and is traffic safe. Baron is available for adoption, lease, or sponsorship. Half Pint is a 22-year-old, 14.3-hand Arabian/Appaloosa cross gelding that rides English and loves to ride for miles on the trails. He’s happy to lead or follow and loves water. Half Pint is available to lease, sponsor, or adopt, and requires an intermediate rider under 150 pounds. In addition to the horses, you will meet several of our dedicated volunteers and learn the many ways you can help. From grooming and cleaning stalls to helping at fundraisers, many of our volun84

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

teers have learned so much from their four-legged friends. Interested in a career in the equine community? You can gain valuable hands-on experience working with our many rescues, and the personal rewards are immeasurable. H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization funded only by charitable contributions. All funds raised go directly to expenses for the horses — feed and blankets, farrier, dental, and veterinary expenses. If you’re looking for a lifetime partner, what better way to show your love than to support a local equine rescue! We are located at 43 Wilbur Road, in Washington. For questions or more information, visit horseofct.org or call us at (860) 868-1960.

n Patty Wahlers

Kim Allshouse, DVM, Joins Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Service Leah Limone, DVM, welcomes Kim Allshouse, DVM, to Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Service (NEVDS). Dr. Allshouse graduated from veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin, and then completed an internship at Texas A & M. While at A & M she had the opportunity to see a large and varied dentistry caseload and gain invaluable experience working with a board-certified equine dental specialist. Dr. Allshouse has been in general practice in Massachusetts for the past several years with a heavy routine dental caseload and has decided to join Dr. Limone and focus exclusively on advanced dentistry at NEVDS. To learn more, visit nevds.com.

End of an Era at Groton House Farm “Having had to cancel twice in the past two years due to the pandemic and facing an uncertain (and in any case limited) future, we have concluded that the time has come for Groton House to call it a day,” says Ann Getchell and the Winthrop family, owners of Groton House Farm in South Hamilton. “It’s something we haven’t contemplated until fairly recently, but the pandemic has only hastened the

inevitable. None of us is getting any younger, and nothing lasts forever.” Groton House Farm will no longer be holding its Annual Horse Trials; however, the Summer and Fall Classics at Groton House Farm will continue to run. “We have had a great run, thanks to all the people including volunteers, competitors, officials, and farm and logistic support personnel who have made it happen for so long,” says Ann. “Thanks, everybody, for your loyalty, your help, and your friendship.”

Fairfield County Hunt Club Welcomes New Show Manager The Fairfield County Hunt Club (FCHC) welcomes Jay Mullen as the new horse show manager for its two historic horse shows held in Westport — the Fairfield June Benefit Horse Show and the Fairfield August Horse Show. This year’s shows will be held June 21 to 25 and August 18 to 21, respectively.

manager for the Arizona Winter Circuit in Tucson, which is a four-week national hunter/level 3 jumper circuit held in February. In addition, Jay has managed such shows as the Saratoga Springs Horse Show and the Norfolk Hunt Horse Show. Jay is also the assistant horse show manager at the Eastern States Exposition Horse Show, the assistant night production manager at the Washington International Horse Show, and for 20 years has been technical coordinator for the New England Equitation Championship. Besides his extensive horse show management experience, Jay serves as vice-chair of the USHJA Zone 1 Committee and is a member of the USHJA Zone Council. Additionally, Jay is president of the Boston Chapter of the Professional Horsemen’s Association. Jay’s experience and knowledge will continue the high standards for the FCHC shows while maintaining the history and traditions that make us so widely known and appreciated.

Wynatte Chu

Two Massachusetts City to Saddle Sites Selected

The Fairfield County Hunt Club’s June Benefit Show will be held June 21 to 25.

Jay is from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, where for the past 30 years he and his wife, Fifi Schmidt, have owned and operated Birchwood Farm, a hunter/ jumper barn and show facility. Jay is a USEFlicensed “R” hunter/equitation and jumper judge as well as an “R” hunter course designer. Presently, Jay serves as the horse show

U.S. Equestrian is pleased to announce it has provisionally approved 17 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Community Outreach Organizations as part of the USEF Community Outreach Program, pending fulfillment of required background checks and U.S. Center for SafeSport trainings. The USEF Community Outreach Program, launched in 2021, is dedicated to supporting organizations across the country that provide equine-based learning opportunities and support the positive impact horses can have within local communities. These organizations will be recognized as USEF Community Outreach Organizations (COOs) and are united by their standards in equity, mission, and horse and human welfare. Each organization submitted an application, which was evaluated against the standard eligibility requirements, and was approved by U.S. Equestrian’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Review Committee, Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

consisting of executive staff, volunteers, and athletes. COOs receive several benefits, namely eligibility to apply for a grant through the USEF Opportunity Fund. USEF is committed to supporting these organizations through grant opportunities because they encourage more people

A City to Saddle participant enjoys a ride on Jacqui.

to get involved with horses and embody the vision of bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. City to Saddle at Mesa Farm, in Rutland, Massachusetts, as well as Horse SenseAbility in Sherborn, Massachusetts, were approved to join the program. For more information visit citytosaddle.org and usef.org.

Discount Eastern Equine Encephalitis Vaccines in Massachusetts Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) are spread by mosquitos and cause serious neurologic disease in horses. EEE is generally fatal in unvaccinated horses. During the summer months, EEE and WNV have been detected in mosquitos across Massachusetts and in surrounding states. This means all Massachusetts horses are at risk of exposure to this disease. Thankfully, vaccination can prevent these diseases. Call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. If you cannot afford this life-saving vaccine, the 86

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources may be able to help. MDAR is partnering with local veterinarians to offer discounted vaccinations for equine owners with financial need. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

n Dr. Margaret Gabour

Robert Schmitt, DVM, Retires Dr. Robert Schmitt established the South Deerfield Veterinary Clinic in 1973 with the intent of providing quality veterinary care for small and large animals. After many years of dedicated service to the community, he’s setting his sights on a well-deserved retirement. Dr. Schmitt graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He served a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy before starting the South Deerfield Veterinary Clinic. Thank you, Doc, for your years of care, kindness to the animals, small and large, in western Massachusetts! Samantha Clay, DVM, purchased the practice in February 2021 and Andraya Cole, DVM, joined the practice in September 2021. Samantha and Andraya will continue Dr. Schmitt’s legacy in serving the surrounding community’s needs for large and small animal veterinary services. To learn more, visit sdvconline.com.

SRH Veterinary Services Honored Congratulations to Dr. Helen Noble and Dr. Robert Orcutt of SRH Veterinary Services in Ipswich for being selected as Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Region 1 Veterinarians of the Year by Windrush Farm. Windrush Farm is a leading therapeutic riding center that serves children and adults with physical, developmental, and emotional challenges. SRH Veterinary Services is celebrating 70 years of serving both the large and small animal communities on the North Shore. SRH Veterinary Services is a Heritage Veterinary Practice. To learn more, visit srhveterinary.com and windrushfarm.org.

Partners Bay State Trail Riders Association

Karen Parlin

In 2021, BSTRA supported its mission to ensure trails are open and safe for all users, especially equestrians, through numerous ways. Nineteen rides were held in 11 towns and three states with a total of 719 riders in attendance. Local trails benefited from 307.48 hours of work at the following locations: Douglas State Forest, Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) in Douglas, BSTRA Property in

Mary Ellen Coyne and Karleen Mohn, winners of the Bay State Trail Riders Association 2021 Trivia Ride.

Douglas, West Hill Dam in Uxbridge, Peppercorn Hill in Upton, Hodges Village Dam in Oxford, Inman Hill Wildlife Conservation Area in Mendon, as well in Hubbardston, Athol, Barre, and Thompson, Connecticut. Seventeen-plus acres in Douglas were purchased to connect the SNETT to town-owned trails behind the schools, keeping the property preserved for future use. BSTRA donated to support bridge and trail improvements at Mount Jefferson in Hubbardston and the preservation of the Kelly property at Peppercorn Hill. Improvements to the parking field at Inman Hill were paid for by BSTRA. Let’s work together to make 2022 even more impactful! BSTRA plans to

complete the BSTRA property connector trail and the Red Pine Trail improvement, as well as support other areas. We cannot do it without you. Please save the dates for trail workdays scheduled for April 10, April 16, and May 21. Volunteers are essential to fulfill our mission. Many hands are needed to put on an event. Can you represent BSTRA at a local meeting, mark trails, or help with clean-up after a ride? Assist with fundraising? If you answered yes to one or all these questions, we want to hear from you. We’re also looking for someone to organize our National Trails Day Ride in June. The BSTRA volunteer program is a great way to support trails. Volunteers with four or more hours qualify for yearend awards and earn $0.75 per volunteer hour that can go toward membership fees, AGM tickets, ride passes, BSTRA clothing, gift certificates, or be donated back to BSTRA. But the best part of volunteering is you have fun working with others toward a common goal. To learn more, visit bstra.org. In other news, we would like to welcome Stefanie Covino, Phil Rutledge, and Jane Rutledge to the Trails Committee! The 2022 ride calendar is posted at bstra.org. Check it often to keep informed and sign up for events. Be sure to like us on Facebook so you don’t miss updates. And, if you have not done so already, please renew your membership. If you are not a member, consider joining. Not only will you have fun at our events, you’ll also be supporting trail riding and preservation. BSTRA membership also includes our monthly newsletter, The Bugle, reduced ride fees, and the opportunity to purchase excess liability insurance. To learn more and to join, visit bstra.org. See you on the trails!

y Annamaria Paul

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

On January 23, the winning riders of 2021were recognized during a Zoom Year-End Awards Ceremony. A complete list of all the award recipients can be found at cdctaonline.com. The Ernie award went to Susan Hawkins and Harmonicat; Trainer of the Year was Jennifer Braiden of Spring Valley Farm; Barn of the Year went to Bit by Bit Stable. Congratulations to everyone! The 2022 CDCTA Dressage and Combined Training Schooling Show Series will take place on Sunday, May 8, July 10, and October 2 at Treasure Hill Farm in Salem, Connecticut. Everyone is welcome — all ages and skill levels, members and nonmembers. Schooling shows offer the opportunity to polish skills, try a new level, and introduce a green horse/rider to the excitement of competition. CDCTA sponsors day-end, high-point awards, the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, and participates in the United States Dressage Federation’s Regional Schooling Show Awards. Connecticut Dressage Association (CDA) members may use CDCTA shows toward CDA year-end awards. Treasure Hill Farm offers an excellent showground atmosphere with GGT-footing arenas. Plans are coming together for clinics and events, including the 2022 Youth Dressage Festival. For updates, membership forms, and more information, visit cdctaonline.com and follow us on Facebook.

y MaryAnn Smith

Connecticut Morgan Horse Association CMHA is home to horses that thrill, and we have an exciting lineup of events for 2022. We’re excited to announce two changes to our programs. First, we’ve eliminated the horse nomination fee for year-end awards. All horses owned by members are eligible for year-end awards. Second, we’ve extended the Morgan Time Recreational Riding Program to match the club year — from November 1 through October 31. Our club events begin with the 88

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Annual Awards Banquet every March. Our annual Hot Chocolate Ride at Hammonasset Beach in Madison is Saturday, March 26. Our Spring Trail Ride is at Pachaug State Forest on Saturday, May 1; members Linda Krul and Celeste Santos-Rivera have a fun ride and lunch planned for us. The 61st Annual Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show is June 8 –11 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. Our committee works hard all year to plan for the show and make it a

Stacey Stearns

Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association

Mary Palumbo on Trixie and Erica Korper on Chance at the Connecticut Morgan Horse Association 2021 Hammonasset Beach Ride.

memorable event. In addition to a varied selection of classes in the main ring, we also offer a Therapeutic Lead Line class, the Youth of the Year Contest, a silent auction, and parties every night. There will be two inductees to the Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show Hall of Fame on Friday night — Stephen Kinney, editor of The Morgan Horse, and Equinox Bossanova, world champion western pleasure horse owned by Christine Nava-Moulthrop of Timber Hill Stables. In 2021, we added another trail ride to our lineup. This ride is held in October at Patti Brooks’ Hallelujah Hill Morgan Horse Farm in East Lyme, and is organized by Wanda Stazick, our trail committee chair. We’ll ride on the farm’s private trails over to Nehantic State Forest. The 2022 ride is dedicated to the memory of Lance Wetmore, past president of our club, and the date will be announced soon.

Our annual Turkey Trot to benefit the Sue Brander Sport Horse Scholarship is held the Sunday before Thanksgiving each year at Bluff Point State Park in Groton. Bundle up and join us for a fun ride with friends on Sunday, November 20. All breeds are welcome at all our trail rides and the rides are all affiliated with New England Horse and Trail. Finally, our club is excited to welcome a new slate of officers and board members for 2022, including Mary Tesla as president-elect, Adam Lagosz as vice president, Colleen Tondalo as secretary, and Jessica Dempsey as treasurer. We also express our sincere gratitude to our continuing and retiring officers, board members, and volunteers. To learn more about our events and initiatives, visit ctmorgans.org. We’ll see you at a show or on the trail!

ferent patterns, known as stages, and strive to shoot all 10 targets in each stage. Riding a clean match (no missed targets) is everyone’s goal. Each season welcomes new riders, new horses, and others starting the season at a new level. Our younger generation of competitors ride as Wranglers until age 12. Riders in the Wrangler class run the same pat-

y Stacey Stearns

The Renegades are anxious to put the winter weather behind them and get back into their saddles. We’ll start with a New Horse/Rider Clinic on Saturday, April 23, at the Old Bethany Airport in Bethany. If you’re interested in mounted shooting but not ready to ride in the clinic, we welcome you to come and learn what we’re all about. The first portion of the clinic is an unmounted introduction to the sport and safe gun handling skills. Clinic participants will learn how to load, unload, carry, and fire a firearm. The mounted portion of the clinic will involve both new and experienced horses and riders. The method of surrounding newer horses with seasoned ones has proven very successful. A gradual progression of gunfire, while monitoring the behavior of both horses and riders, is completed until all the horses demonstrate their acceptance to the new sounds. Those proving their competence will end the day riding at least one simple pattern. The competition season officially begins on Saturday, May 14, with Smokin’ Guns. Horses and riders will run four dif-

Jeanne Lewis Images

Connecticut Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooters

Connecticut Renegades member Willow Hicks and her horse, Arwen, will move up to the Ladies 1 division in 2022. Congratulations!

tern as the adults, but they carry cap pistols or unloaded firearms. This year, the Renegades are proud to welcome a recent Wrangler graduate into the Ladies 1 division. Willow Hicks, niece of club secretary Heather Hicks, has competed with the Renegades since 2015 and will be competing in the Adult division beginning this spring. Her entire shooting family is looking forward to seeing Willow’s progression. The Renegades always welcome new members. If you have an interest in horses and would like to find out more about our sport, please come to an event and introduce yourself to one of our many friendly members. Riding or owning a horse is not a pre-requisite. Several of our members are nonriders and just enjoy being part of a fun group. For more information about our club, including Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

clinic and membership forms, please visit ctrenegades.com or our Facebook page, CT Renegades – Mounted Shooters. The Renegades would also like to take a moment to remind everyone that life is short — so buy that horse and ride your ride!

y Allison Forsyth

Connecticut Trail Rides Association CTRA has another busy season planned. We’re planning a number of rides that are still to be finalized, so check cttrailridesassoc.org often for updates!

In addition to trail riding, we also enjoy camping with our horses. This year, members can enjoy camping at CTRA’s Camp Boardman and will also have two more opportunities to camp with their horses, both in June. The first will be at Natchaug State Forest, and the second will be at Machimoodus/Sunrise State Park. We are hoping more new members will get involved in some of the activities and that some of our more experienced members can pair up with them and show them the ropes. Come and join in the fun!

y Christine Mard

Granby Horse Council

Ruth Strontzer

The Granby Horse Council is a riding club based in Granby. We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate horse owners and the public and promote and support charitable causes in the community. The public is welcome at our

We have several new members and are hoping to interest more on each ride. New this year is a change to our membership. Due to the rising cost of our insurance coverage for guests on our rides, we can no longer invite guests. However, we are now offering a new way to try us out! If you want to attend a ride or an event sponsored by CTRA, you may purchase a trial membership for $15 for that ride or event. If you decide to join CTRA within 30 days of your trial membership, $15 will be applied toward your yearly membership. Besides our scheduled rides, we are expecting to have rides at Wadsworth Falls State Park, Tyler Mill Preserve, Bluff Point State Park, Steep Rock Preserve, Pistol Creek in Berlin, Upper Salmon River, and Lower Salmon River State Forest. We’re also planning more activities at Camp Boardman in Goshen. 90

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Heather Hicks

Connecticut Trail Rides Association members Debra Strickland on Buddy and Donna Santos on Jack at Wadsworth Falls State Park.

Granby Horse Council members Andrea Galuska on Blaze and Allison Forsyth on Tigger in the Southwick 250th Parade.

meetings, held the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. In the winter months we meet at the Holcomb Farm Workshop and in the warm months the meetings travel. Some of the many events planned for 2022 include a parade practice, a sharethe-road event, an obstacle day, an open farm day, and several trail rides, including a beach ride in October. To learn more, visit granbyhorse councilct.com. We look forward to seeing you at our meetings and events.

y Heather Hicks

Hampshire County Riding Club Since its inception in 1946, the mission of HCRC has been to foster interest in the use, care, breeding, and protection of horses, particularly to foster and support educational media for a general increase in the knowledge of horses and horsemanship. True to this mission, in 1967 the club purchased the house and 48-acre

The Beehive at the Hampshire County Riding Club’s Hawley State Forest Ride in 2021.

property of the oldest residence in Goshen, and with many hands, tools, and a bulldozer, began the transformation of abandoned pasture into a field for trailer parking, two large riding rings, and, more recently, two miles of woodland trails with an obstacle course. The original farmhouse, the center of club activities for many years, was dismantled to be reassembled and restored in a new location. Through the years, the club has offered events for equestrians of all ages and disciplines including open shows, dressage competitions, gymkhanas, obstacle competitions, scavenger hunts, competitive and pleasure trail rides, hunter paces, and a variety of clinics. This year, we’ve scheduled a number of club events including two new clinics designed to complement the evolving interests of our equine community. We’re offering a Jay Quinlan Ranch Riding Clinic on May 28. Jay, a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts, grew up competing as a 4-H’er and went on to coach successful Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and college equestrian teams. His current interest is in the western horse

performance disciplines such as reined cow horse, reining, and ranch riding. He holds a National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) judge’s card. The clinic will focus on the individual pattern class in the ranch riding discipline, and will include approaching and riding a successful pattern, exhibitor expectations, and showing on the rail. The other exciting new clinic is being presented by Harmony Horsemanship instructor and co-owner Melissa Ellis. Melissa presents the Understand Yourself, Understand Your Horse, and Understand the Language That Connects You Clinic. She believes this method builds a solid and trusting partnership with your horse built on communication and passive leadership. At this time, no date has been set for the clinic. The Versatility Clinic and Competition with clinician Peter Whitmore has become an annual favorite. On June 26, the morning session will include instruction on skills and practice with obstacles of varying degrees of difficulty, followed by an afternoon competition in beginner and advanced divisions. June 12 is the date for the HCRC Fun Day, featuring horseback games, old and new, with divisions from beginner to serious competitor and all ages, including a Lead Line division for the youngest riders. Another Fun Day, hosted by the Hilltown Misfits 4-H Club, will take place in the fall. Last year, we held our first RideCritique-Ride Dressage Clinic with judge/clinician Suzanne Mente, open to all horses in all disciplines. There was so much interest and enthusiasm from riders that we’ve scheduled two clinics for this season, the first on June 5, then again on August 7. Suzanne is an instructor with more than 20 years of experience teaching riding, equine management, and coaching the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Dressage Team at UMass. She’s been inducted into the Intercollegiate Hall of Fame, is a Certified Level 1 Instructor through the U.S. Eventing Association, and judges schoolCommunity Horse Spring/Summer 2022

ing shows across New England. The clinic format offers each rider time to perform their chosen dressage test, followed by feedback and advice from the judge. Riders then have the opportunity to repeat the test working to improve the elements discussed with the judge. Entries close on Monday prior to the clinic. Club-organized trail rides, open to HCRC members and their guests, the Chesterfield July 4th Parade, and a camping weekend will round out our schedule. Our first trail ride is at the Chesterfield Gorge on May 22, when we’ll ride from the Chesterfield Four Seasons’s Club along the Westfield River to Indian Hollow Campground for a trail lunch. On July 24, riders will travel on dirt road and woods trails from the HCRC grounds into the DAR State Forest to the fire tower for a trail lunch and stop for a splash in the lake on return. Watch for more rides to follow in the fall. Camping weekends will be shared with Barre Riding and Driving Club at Felton Field in Barre and Wagon Wheel Camp-ground in Warwick. Our grounds remain available to members and guests for ring use (including obstacles, gymkhana equipment, and jumps) and impromptu rides throughout the riding season. Monthly meetings, on the third Wednesday of every month, are devoted to either a directors’ meeting or open to the public with an educational presentation or guest speaker. Meetings are held at a local library or on Zoom. In 2021, we introduced the HCRC All-Round Horse and Rider Recognition Award. The purpose is to recognize members and their horses for the activities and events they participate in during the year that demonstrate their versatility and involvement. A member can accrue points for a variety of activities and earn medals/certificates for point accrual in various categories ranging from competitive to on one’s own and that include almost anything one might participate in related to horses. 92

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

To learn more and to join us, visit hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

y Diane Merritt

Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association We welcome our incoming president, Emily King, as well as several new and many returning officers and board members. We’re grateful for the time and efforts of our outgoing president, Kristen Trudell. Noteworthy is a sad farewell to Toni Gregoire who has served the club for 30 years! It’s the commitment and time of our volunteer members that help keep the club running smoothly. We thank each and every one of you! We have our lineup of shows for 2022 and would like to thank the management team of Marge and Andy Tanner for their ongoing efforts behind the scenes helping to secure everything we need to make these shows possible. April 8–10 is the Massachusetts Novice/Open/All-Breed Show in West Springfield (Ranch and Ranch Rail classes added); May 5–8 is the Massachusetts Annual Spring Show in West Springfield; July 19–24 is the Region Six Show in West Springfield. Please see our Facebook page and massqha.com for the additional pointed shows including our annual Amanda Putney Memorial Show, which helps to raise money for our annual scholarship awards. We thank the Putney family for their time and generous hearts. Wishing you all good strides moving forward.

y Lori Mahassel

Middlebury Bridle Land Association Is it just me, or did this January and February seem to go on forever? Most likely it was the combination of unexpected negative single-digit temperatures, bone-chilling windchills, treacherous ice, and snow. It made a lot of us reconsider our decision to call the Nutmeg State home during these past two months. But take heart, the calendar tells us it won’t be much longer before warmer weather arrives and we can forget about all the

challenges Mother Nature has thrown our way. It’s safe to say that the reappearance of spring and the opportunity to ride on some of our state’s most diverse and gorgeous trails will make our bad memories of winter disappear. So, if you’re anxiously looking forward to getting back in the saddle this spring and exploring some of these awe-

bership for nonriders is $25. Membership and waiver forms are available at middleburybridle.org. Your membership also entitles you to a discounted rate for our Annual Fall Hunter Pace held every September at Larkin Farm. Our Annual Membership Dinner Meeting, usually held in April, is on hold for now, but we’ll review this decision at a later date. Of course, any updates and changes will be posted to middleburybridle.org and our Facebook page. Current members will be notified of updates via email. MBLA members extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many generous landowners, especially the Larkin Family for the privilege of riding on their land. Thank you for your support!

y Sally L. Feuerberg

some locations, consider joining the Middlebury Bridle Land Association. The MBLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of some of the most spectacular private trails in Middlebury. Working in partnership with the Larkin Family, our members work to upgrade and maintain existing trail systems as well as acquire and expand our riding territory and bridle trails for generations to come. We can always use some help from our members on our trail system, and volunteers are greatly appreciated and welcome. The MBLA welcomes all disciplines of riders to enjoy our country trails and join in our efforts to preserve and defend our equestrian heritage. Your support is vital! Each day we are losing more and more open space to development, never again to be claimed for riding. Your membership strengthens our efforts in safeguarding our treasured bridle land. Single membership is $40, and a family membership is $60. Family membership includes up to four riders per household; names and ages of the children are required. Supporting mem-

New England Equestrian Center of Athol NEECA’s board of directors has been hard at work scheduling NEECA’s calendar of events for this year. While we’ve kept some of the golden oldies, we’re excited about the new events we’ll be offering. Following is a brief overview of some of the events taking place at NEECA

Caroline Mansfield

Kathy and Anna Lombardo won the Junior division at the Middlebury Bridle Land Association’s 2021 Fall Hunter Pace.

in the coming months. For more details on many of these events, go to neeca.org. The first gymkhana of our sevenevent series will be held on April 24. Lise Krieger of New England Saddle Fit will be doing a saddle fitting demo for us on May 7. On May 21 and 22 we’ll be hosting a Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

two-day English/Western Dressage Clinic with Devin Burdick. For something totally new, NEECA will be hosting a Triathlon on June 11, in cooperation with the Athol YMCA. Teams will consist of a horseback rider, bicyclist, and walker/jogger. Times for each team will be combined to decide the winner. We are extremely excited about this unique event and think NEECA is the perfect place to host it. The Donkey and Mule Show will be held in our back field and on our confidence course on June 25. Then we’ll be heading down to Barre on July 10 to host one of the horse shows in the Barre Riding and Driving Club series at Felton Field. We were so overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response we received for a Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) Equine Rescue Clinic that we’ll be offering this clinic twice — July 16 and 23. It’s wonderful to see so many horse folks interested in these clinics.

How about a nice massage?

For your horse!

Redding, CT (203) 297-3008 kathy.curran@snet.net

Call or email for your introductory offer! 94

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Two more new events are the Micro Chip Clinic on September 10, followed by a Hunter Pace on September 17. Add in a couple of Cash Gymkhanas in June, August, and November; a Poker Ride; the Elwin Bacon Day and you can tell we have a busy year ahead of us. And we are still working on more! NEECA is a nonprofit organization consisting of nearly 200 members who are developing a municipal equestrian park on 250 acres in Athol. Currently the park offers a 240' x 100' main arena, a 200' x 200' warm-up ring, a round pen, an enclosed confidence course, and miles of trails. The mission of NEECA is to preserve and protect land for equine interests while promoting good horsemanship and educating equestrians for the betterment of the horse, now and for the generations to follow. A NEECA membership is just $25 a year and comes with money-saving benefits. For more information and to join us, visit neeca.org.

y Caroline Mansfield

Old North Bridge Hounds We’re hoping you can join us for some fun this spring with the Old North Bridge Hounds. Our club is conveniently located in central Massachusetts and we ride in the areas of Stow, Berlin, Concord, Lincoln, Groton, Westminster, and Carlisle. Our hunt is a drag hunt; no animals are harmed. The hunts include groups that allow riders to choose the intensity level of their ride in the hunt. All guests can call ahead and discuss any questions or concerns with our Master and Huntsman, Virginia Zukatynski. Her number is (508) 751-3315. Spring hunting starts in mid-April, with rides on Tuesday and Saturdays through Memorial Day. The last hunt is hosted by Virginia at her farm in Berlin. And next year you can always join us in February and March to play and work with the hounds. We’re having a beach ride at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire on April 9, and we may be participating in a

Old North Bridge Hounds Virginia Zukatynksi, Master and Huntsman, with the hounds and Bartok.

in Lincoln. The pace covers the Walden Pond area and beautiful woods with lots of appealing jumps. All jumps are optional. The Hunter Pace series, along with providing the regular ribbons, will be adding champion and reserve champion ribbons in all divisions to the highest-scoring riders in the series. More information is available at oldnorthbridgehounds.org. And, in case you need something else for fun, my favorite, the New England Hound Show is being hosted by the Tanheath Hunt Club at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret, Connecticut, on May 22. All information, including the fixture card for spring riding and events, will be at oldnorthbridgehounds.org. We hope you can join us for some fun in 2022!

y Pat Jackson

Reddington Rock Riding Club RRRC is a fun, family-oriented horse club whose members enjoy trail riding and community in Stafford Springs. The club is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and the 50th year at its Camp Glazier horse camping facility. The club was organized in 1962 when a small group of local horse owners

decided to ride together as a group and work to develop bridle trails in the area. In 1972, members raised the funds to purchase the 18-acre property located on Handel Road in Stafford Springs. Camp Glazier directly abuts the Shenipsit State Forest with its extensive horse-friendly trail system. The camp has approximately 30 camping lots with corrals, which can be rented for the season by club members. The camp also has running water, a pavilion, kitchen, bathroom, and easy parking for horse trailers. The club encourages and promotes the sport of trail riding for all ages and protects and improves the equine trail system in the Shenipsit State Forest and around the Stafford/Somers area. Our season runs from mid-April through November with trail rides, fun days, barbecues, game nights, holiday parties, guest speakers, and other special events such as the Blessing of the

Sue Taracani

Carole MacDonald

parade in April as well. Our spring rides kick off with a Poker Ride on May 15 at Great Brook Park in Carlisle. This is always a fun day for riders of all disciplines Our Hunter Pace series starts with a ride at Great Brook on June 19, with an additional ride on July 17, again at Great Brook with a different course, including new jumps. The series ends October 9 with the last pace event at Red Rail Farm

Reddington Rock Riding Club members from left Eliza Sawyer on Alice, Heather Cunningham on Eden, Chris Harris on Tango, Jen Jacobson on Eve, and Wendy Cahoon on Remi at a trailhead of the RRRC horse camp .

Mounts. The club also participates in parades and National Trails Day. Our first big event of 2022 combines a National Trails Day ride with the Blessing of the Mounts. Taking place on June 5, we welcome guest horses and riders. We welcome new members and guests. For more information, visit reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

y Eliza Sawyer

Pomfret Horse and Trail Association On a snowy February day, more than 50 horse lovers braved the cold to watch a Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Pomfret Horse and Trail Association clinic organizer Dr. Jane Toomey introducing trainer Danielle Rigby in the indoor arena at Stargazer Farm.

expert Buck Brannaman. She now specializes in starting young horses and retraining troubled horses. In a large indoor ring, Danielle demonstrated groundwork exercises for safety and confidence in the saddle. She taught that maintaining a “bubble” of space between trainer and horse was key to teaching respect. Reviewers commented that Danielle inspired them “to return to groundwork” and that “she was clear, encouraging, and very knowledgeable.” Long after the demonstration was over, Danielle patiently and thoroughly answered questions about training in the 20-degree weather. PHTA sponsors clinics and trail rides to promote education and trail preservation in the Pomfret area. To learn more, visit pomfrethorseandtrail.com.

y Lisette Rimer

Tanheath Hunt Club Although it was a cold winter with a limited number of unseasonably warm days, club members have been out riding. We’ve also been busy planning our 2022 schedule of events. We will have three hunter paces this year —April 24 at Douglas State Forest in Douglas, 96

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Massachusetts; June 26 at Cedar Rock Farm in Hampton, Connecticut; the final hunter pace, to be held in September, is still in the planning stage. Luckily, we were able to hunt into December, capping the 2021 season with our Christmas Hunt, held at one of our newest venues — Glen Farm in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. We’ve had two events there and all members attending agreed it was a great location. Riders are able ride through woods, fields, and a vineyard, all with a spectacular view of the Sakonnet River. We look forward to returning this year. Depending on weather, we hunt throughout the winter but this year’s extreme cold and the accompanying ice precluded that. Nonmembers are welcome to cap in for a hunt or come to observe, and we encourage riders and nonriders to attend

Cathy Leinert

Lisette Rimer

natural horsemanship demonstration at Stargazer Farm in Woodstock. Natural horsemanship emphasizes the use of body language to affect horse behavior. PHTA sponsored the clinic with trainer Danielle Rigby. Danielle began her study of natural horsemanship while working on the film The Horse Whisperer and meeting horse

Tanheath Hunt Club Whippers-In John Ryan and Leslie Cashel working with the hounds.

as spectators. We have hunts starting in April and running through June, and we’ll add more in the coming months. Despite the weather, Huntsman Sherri Colby and her team have been working with the hounds regularly. It’s important that the hounds get out to exercise, play, and work with each other and the hunt staff. Sherri has been joined by members John and Bonnie Ryan, Leslie Cashel, and other volunteers. The club is always looking for volunteers and help in all areas. Please contact Masters Darcy Johnson or Kara Waldron if you are interested. Our biggest event of the season will be the New England Hound Show on May 22. The Tanheath Hunt Club will sponsor the Hound Show this year and next. Each

Hartford

This Olde Horse

Published by the Chapin News Company, Hartford, Conn. Leipzig-Berlin. c. 1905.

club sponsors a hound show for two consecutive years on a rotating basis. The New England Hound Show is an exciting event, and all New England hunt clubs participate. The event is held in concert with the Master of Foxhounds Association (MFHA). The MFHA is an umbrella organization promoting and supporting hunt clubs throughout North America. The MFHA’s goal in supporting hound shows is to promote hunt membership and public interest in hounds and increase participation. In addition, a hound show provides an opportunity for learning and the exchange of information, from evaluating the quality of hounds — breeding, and showing — to topics fundamental to the sport of mounted hunting with hounds. Several classes will be held demonstrating the training, ability, agility, obedience, and overall fitness of each club’s hounds. This year’s event will be held at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret. For more information, please contact Leslie at lecashel1@outlook.com or Nancy at austin211@gmail.com.

We’ll have a number of other events throughout the summer and a full slate of hunts starting in the fall. Our staff, especially the Masters, have been working diligently to acquire new venues for hunts in addition to maintaining the existing venues we have. For more information, please visit us at tanheathhunt.com or like us on Facebook.

y Raymond Hill

Read back issues and subscribe!

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Lynn

This Olde Horse

Nador’s Ice Cream and Egg-Nog, the Smallest Business Team in the World in Lynn. c. 1901.

This Olde Horse Newport

The Newport Horse Show, Four-in-Hands before the judges, Newport, Rhode Island. Postcard published by Robbins Bros. Boston, Mass. and Germany. Mailed August 1, 1908. 98

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

events CONNECTICUT

April

10 WESTBROOK REINDEER SCHOOLING SHOW FINALS, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

2 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Canaan. nehc.info.

10 LISA NASTRI BARREL CLINIC, Middletown. (860) 306-1750.

2 – 3 THE PINES, South Glastonbury. pinesfarm.com.

10 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Willington. magnoliaruneqcenter.com.

3 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Westport. nehc.info.

10 CHJA SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequetrian.com.

3 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB HUNT, Bass Farm, Scotland. tanheathhunt.com.

10 DRESSAGE SHOW, Portland. white-birch-farm-llc.com 10 – 11 NEHC SHOW, Eastfield Farm, Ashford. nehc.info.

9 OPEN AIR TACK & TAG SALE, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info. 9 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Gales Ferry. nehc.info.

15 VIRGINIA LEARY DRESSAGE CLINIC, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

9 CHJA SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. chja.net.

16 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

Dawn Bonin Horsemanship Natural Horsemanship . Lessons . Sales/Leases . Versatility Course Two Outdoor Rings . Indoor Arena . Miles of Trails

ps ip Cam ges 5-7) h s n a rsem Pals (A

Ho 4 - Pony ) ges 8+ 1-2 ower (A P y June 2 n o - 22 P 2 July 19 t9-1 Augus ’ Around in s or Just H ges 8+) (A

April 30 - Babcock Hill Fun Show June 11 • October 8 • November 5 - Versatility Competition & Trail Challenge June 5 • October 2 • October 30 - Versatility Clinic . October 30 - Halloween Fun Ride

See website for more upcoming events. Giﬅ certificates available! Coventry, Connecticut 860-742-2667 (barn) . 860-985-7611 (cell) DawnBonin.com . BabcockHill.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

16 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Westport. nehc.info.

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

16 LISA NASTRI BARREL CLINIC, Middletown. (860) 306-1750.

7 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Willington. magnoliaruneqcenter.com.

17 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB HUNT,Little Dipper Farm, Brooklyn. tanheathhunt.com.

7 CHJA SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequetrian.com.

17 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com. 23 NEW HORSE AND RIDER MOUNTED SHOOTING CLINIC, Old Bethany Airport, Bethany. ctrenegades.com. 23 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Westport. nehc.info. 23 NBLA SHOW AND GO RIDE, Huntington Park, Newtown. (Walk only ride, picnic lunch to follow.) nblact.com.

8 USEF/USDF DRESSAGE SHOW, Bethany. centerlineevents.com. 8 CDCTA DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. cdctaonline.com. 8 GHC PARADE PRACTICE, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com. 8 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

23 – 24 THE PINES, South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

8 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Portland. white-birch-farm-llc.com

23 FAIRY TALE SCAVENGER HUNT AND OPEN HOUSE, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

12 – 13 COMBINED TRAINING CLINIC, Frazier Farm, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

23 – 24 CDA RIDE CRITIQUE RIDE, Bethany. ctdressage.org.

14 MOUNTED SHOOTING MATCH, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

23 – 24 THE PINES, South Glastonbury. nehc.info.

14 THE PINES, South Glastonbury. nehc.info.

24 CABIN FEVER SHOW SERIES, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

14 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

28 – May 1 WESTBROOK HUNT CLUB SPRING FLING “A”, Westbrook. bhcmanagement.info.

14 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

30 LISA NASTRI BARREL CLINIC, Oxford. (860) 306-1750.

14 – 15 PHTA LUKE REINBOLD CONFIDENCE THROUGH HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC, East Woodstock. pomfrethorseandtrail.com.

May

15 CTRA GINGER TULLAI MEMORIAL RIDE, Machamoodus State Park, Moodus. cttrailridesassoc.org.

1 CTRA RIDE, Goodwin State Forest, Hebron. cttrailridesassoc.org. 1 DRESSAGE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com. 1 LISA NASTRI BARREL RACING CLINIC, Oxford. (860) 306-1750. 1 CMHA RIDE, Pachaug State Forest, Jewett City. ctmorgans.org. 1 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB INTRO TO FOXHUNTING, Ayer Mountain Farm, Franklin. tanheathhunt.com.

15 BSTRA RIDE, Thompson. bstra.org. 15 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB HUNT, Little Dipper Farm, Brooklyn. tanheathhunt.com. 15 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com. 15 SUNSHINE SHOW SERIES, Somers. shallowbrook.com. 15 COMBINED TEST, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

1 SNEHA SHOW SERIES, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

15 – 16 NEHC SHOW, Ashford. nehc.info.

6 CHJA SHOW, Ethel Walker School, Simsbury. chja.net.

20 YARD SALE FOR THE EQUINES, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

6 – 7 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

21 CTRA BLESSING OF THE MOUNTS AND CHC INVITATIONAL RIDE, Pine View Stables, Cheshire. cttrailridesassoc.org.

7 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

100

8 CTRA RIDE, White Memorial, Litchfield. cttrailridesassoc.org.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

21 H.O.R.S.E. OF CT OPEN HOUSE, Washington. horseofct.org.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

101

21 GHC PARADE PRACTICE, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

5 SNEHA SHOW SERIES, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

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

5 CYNTHIA JENSEN SHOW, Terryville. terryallenfarms.com.

22 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Gales Ferry. nehc.info.

5 NBLA TRAIL RIDE, Paugussett State Park, Newtown. nblact.com.

22 TSHA OPEN SHOW, Woodstock. tristatehorsemen.com.

5 VERSATILITY CLINIC, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. babcockhill.com.

22 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Ayer Mountain, North Franklin. sites.google.com/site/ayermountain. 22 SNEHA SHOW SERIES, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com. 22 NEW ENGLAND HOUND SHOW, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.com.

9 – 12 5A BAKER PRODUCTS CHARITY SHOW, Somers. 5abakerproductscharityhorseshow.com. 11 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com.

27 – 30 CTRA MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CAMP OUT, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

11 VERSATILITY COMPETITION AND TRAIL CHALLENGE, Babcock Hill Horses Naturally, Coventry. babcockhill.com.

28 HORSE TRIALS, Gales Ferry. useventing.com.

11 BIG BARN BASH, Old Lyme. highhopestr.org.

28 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Westbrook. nehc.info.

11 –12 NEHC CHJA BLUE RIBBON VENTURES CLASSIC, Westbrook. bhchorseshows.com.

29 HORSE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com. 29 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Avon. avonvalleyshowstables.com. 29 CCBA SHOW, Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breedassociation.mailchimpsites.com. 29 PHTA CROSS TOWN RIDE, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret Center. pomfrethorseandtrail.com. 30 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com. 30 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Terryville. chsaonline.com.

June 4 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com. 4 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com. 4 – 5 CLAUDIA TARLOV DRESSAGE CLINIC, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

12 CTRA RIDE, East Hampton. cttrailridesassoc.org. 12 GRTA 100TH SHOW, Greenwich. thegrta.org. 12 SUNSHINE SHOW SERIES, Somers. shallowbrook.com. 12 HORSE TRIALS, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com. 12 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com. 12 CDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Morris. ctdressage.org. 18 PAINT WITH THE HORSES, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org. 18 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com. 18 THE PINES, South Glastonbury. nehc.info. 18 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com. 18 DRESSAGE SHOW, Portland. white-birch-farm-llc.com

5 CTRA RIDE, Natchaug State Forest, Eastford. cttrailridesassoc.org.

19 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

5 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB HUNT, Tyrone Farm, Pomfret. tanheathhunt.com.

19 CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. wellawayfarmct.com.

5 NEHC FWPHA SHOW, Westport. fwpha.com. 5 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com. 5 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Gales Ferry. nehc.info. 102

6 RRRC RIDE, Stafford Springs. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

19 TSHA OPEN SHOW, Woodstock. tristatehorsemen.com. 19 – 20 NEHC SHOW, Ashford. nehc.info. 20 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB HUNT, Ayer Mountain Farm, Franklin. tanheathhunt.com.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

103

21 – 25 FAIRFIELD BENEFIT SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

28 GHC SPRING SECRET RIDE, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

22 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. foxledgefarm.net.

30 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Avon. nehc.info.

24 – 25 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

July

24 – 26 CTRA CAMPOUT, Machamoodus State Park, Moodus. cttrailridesassoc.org.

2 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com.

25 MOUNTED SHOOTING MATCH, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

2 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Hebron. nehc.info.

25 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com.

2 CHJA FWPHA SHOW, Ridgefield. steppingstonefarmct.com.

25 CHJA CHSA NEHC SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com.

3 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com.

25 TSHA DRESSAGE AND TWO-PHASE SERIES, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. tristatehorsemen.com.

4 SHARE THE ROAD EVENT, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

26 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com. 26 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com. 26 CCBA SHOW, Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breedassociation.mailchimpsites.com. 26 THC SUMMER HUNTER PACE, Cedar Rock Farm, Hampton. tanheathhunt.com.

Promoting dressage through education and opportunity with schooling shows, clinics, and year-end awards.

Schooling Dressage Shows May 7 Sperry View Farm, Bethany . Virginia Leary “L”

June 12 R Folly Farm, Morris . Krystal Wilt “L”

July 24 Weatogue Stables, Salisbury . Jane Rodd “L” & Doris Carlson “L”

September 4 Sperry View Farm, Bethany . Roberta Carleton (r)

September 17 BelleFree Farm, Columbia . Linda Currie “L”

USEF Level 1Dressage Show July 20 Weatogue Stables, Salisbury . Sara Schmitt (S) Detailed prize list information available at:

ctdressage.org 104

1 – 4 CTRA CAMPOUT, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

7 – 10 SHORELINE CLASSIC, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com. 9 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com. 10 CDCTA DRESSAGE AND COMBINED TRAINING SCHOOLING SHOW SERIES, Treasure Hill Farm, Salem. cdctaonline.com. 10 CHRISTMAS IN JULY LIGHT WALK, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

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:

age Dress Show ling Schoo eries S ly 20 2 . Ju June 2 ust 17 Aug

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

10 SUNSHINE SHOW SERIES, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

17 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

10 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com.

17 TSHA OPEN SHOW, Woodstock. tristatehorsemen.com.

10 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Canaan. nehc.info.

17 SNEHA SHOW SERIES, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com.

10 PHTA HUNTER PACE, Chandler Farm, Pomfret Center. pomfrethorseandtrail.com.

18 STEEP ROCK RIDE, Washington Depot. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

13 USEF/USDF DRESSAGE SHOW, Bethany. centerlineevents.com.

20 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. foxledgefarm.net.

13 – 16 SHORELINE CLASSIC II, Westbrook. westbrookhuntclub.com.

20 USEF DRESSAGE SHOW, Salisbury. ctdressage.org.

16 GHC POKER RIDE, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

20 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Canaan. nehc.info.

16 CHRISTMAS IN JULY LIGHT WALK, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

21 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Westport. nehc.info.

16 RATED SHOW, Somers. shallowbrook.com.

22 CHRISTMAS IN JULY LIGHT WALK, Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

16 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com.

23 H.O.R.S.E. OF CT HORSE PARADE, Washington. horseofct.org.

17 THE PINES, South Glastonbury. nehc.info.

23 GHC LONG YELLOW RIDE, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

17 RRRC 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, Stafford Springs. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

23 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com. 23 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Gales Ferry. nehc.info.

17 HORSE TRIALS, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com.

335 Middle Road Turnpike, Woodbury, CT Dressage Show

Horse Trials

Schooling Shows

May 1

Three divisions: Elementary,

Classes from Walk Trot to Short

Beginner Novice, and Novice

Stirrup and Open Hunters to

Combined Test May 15

Schooling Jumpers

June 12

May 29 . July 24

July 17 September 18

August 21 . October 16

Boarding . Training . Lessons . Shows Beginner Summer Camps . Show Summer Camps . Eventing Summer Camp . Cross-country Course Open for Schooling

(203) 263-2627

frazierfarmct.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

105

23 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com. 23 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Westport. nehc.info. 24 CHJA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com. 24 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Portland. white-birch-farm-llc.com 24 HORSE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com. 24 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com. 24 CHSA SHOW, Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com. 24 CDA SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Salisbury. ctdressage.org. 30 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com. 30 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Hebron. nehc.info. 30 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Lakeville. townhillfarm.com. 30 – 31 MOUNTED SHOOTING MATCH, Bethany. ctrenegades.com. 31 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Suffield. endofhunt.com. 31 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Westport. nehc.info.

HORSE POWER FARM ir nA Ope Tag k& Tac le Sa il 9 Apr

to .m. 10 a

An Eventing Facility

. 2 p.m

Lessons • Boarding Clinics • Test & Tune

Cross Country Derbies May 6/7 . June 24/25 August 5/6 . October 7/8 Paperless Entry & Payment

Ann Bowie BHSII(T) Canterbury, CT horsepowerfarm.info 860.334.1772 106

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

31 CCBA SHOW, Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breedassociation.mailchimpsites.com.

August 5 – 6 CROSS-COUNTRY DERBY, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info. 6 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com. 6 TSHA DRESSAGE AND TWO-PHASE, Salem. tristatehorsemen.com. 6 CHJA CHSA SHOW, Simsbury. follyfarmshowstables.com. 7 TSHA DRESSAGE AND TWO-PHASE, Salem. tristatehorsemen.com. 7 CHSA CHJA SHOW, Terryville. chsaonline.com. 7 DRESSAGE SHOW, Portland. white-birch-farm-llc.com 10 NEHC CHJA SHOW, Westport. nehc.info. 11 THE PINES, South Glastonbury. nehc.info. 13 GHC RIDE, Moodus. granbyhorsecouncilct.com. 13 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com.

13 – 14 CTRA ANNUAL AUCTION AND BARBECUE, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org. 14 RRRC FAMILY FARM DAY, Stafford Springs. reddingtonrockridingclub.org. 14 SUNSHINE SHOW SERIES, Somers. shallowbrook.com. 14 CCBA SHOW, Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breedassociation.mailchimpsites.com.

27 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com. 28 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com. 28 HORSE TRIALS, Lakeville. useventing.com.

September 2 – 4 CTRA LABOR DAY WEEKEND CAMPOUT, Camp Boardman, Goshen. cttrailridesassoc.org.

14 CHSA CHJA SHOW, New Milford. quietreinfarm.com.

3 GHC OBSTACLE DAY, Granby. granbyhorsecouncilct.com.

17 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Fox Ledge Farm, East Haddam. foxledgefarm.net.

3 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com.

18 – 21 FAIRFIELD SHOW, Westport. huntclubonline.org. 20 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com. 21 HORSE SHOW, Woodbury. frazierfarmct.com. 21 SNEHA SHOW SERIES, Glastonbury. snehassociation.com. 26 – 28 CHSA FINALS, TBD. chsaonline.com. 27 MOUNTED SHOOTING MATCH, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

3 CHSA CHJA NEHC SHOW, Gales Ferry. nehc.info. 4 CHSA CHJA SHOW, New Milford. quietreinfarm.com. 4 POLO MATCH, Greenwich. greenwichpoloclub.com. 4 CDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Bethany. ctdressage.org. 10 POLO MATCH, Farmington. farmingtonpoloclub.com. 10 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW SERIES, Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

Join us! We are a small but dedicated group, passionate about horses and hounds, friendly and helpful to newcomers. April 24 - Spring Hunter Pace Douglas, MA May 1 - Intro to Foxhunting N. Franklin, CT May 22 - New England Hound Show Pomfret, CT June 26 - Summer Hunter Pace Hampton, CT

Plus many more events in the planning!

www.TanheathHunt.com Follow us on Facebook: Tanheath Events Darcy Johnson MFH (860) 942-6448 Kara Waldron-Murray MFH (401) 752-9288 William Wentworth (860) 933-3523 Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

107

events MASSACHUSETTS

April

2 – 3 IEA ZONE 1 FINALS, West Springfield. rideiea.org.

10 BSTRA TACK SALE, Grafton. bstra.org.

4 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOWS, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

10 GFF USEF SHOW, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

4 WINTER WARM-UP SHOW, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

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

8 – 10 MQHA NOVICE/OPEN ALL-BREED SHOW, West Springfield. massqha.com.

10 MHC SHOW, Rehoboth. mahorsecouncil.com.

9 WINTER ONE-DAY SHOW, Westford. mostlymares.com. 9 HDA DRESSAGE VIRTUAL SHOW. heritage-dressage.org. 9 NEECA WORK DAY, Athol. neeca.org.

10 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. (978) 374-0008. 16 CCDS KEITH ANGSTADT SPRING CLINIC, Orleton Farm, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org. 16 HUNTER & EQUITATION SHOW, Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

9 JUMPER SHOW, Greenfield. sbschool.org.

16 NEXT VENTURE SHOW II, Medway. nv-farm.com.

9 TACK SALE, Northfield. applecreekfarmhorses.com. 9 – 10 ALLISON SPRINGER CLINIC, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

16 COMBINED TEST WITH CROSS-COUNTRY SCHOOLING, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

We Speak Fluent Neigh! A Few Stalls Available Now! Boarding . Training . Onsite Leases Accepting Students Ages 8 and Up Owner is an Eventer . Open to all riding styles!

All-day Turnout, Stalls with Run Outs, Individual Turnouts, and Pasture Board Heated Tack Room . Indoor Arena Round Pen . Trails . Outdoor Arena

Kate Cameron

hase Two-P e Shows ssag r 30 ctobe & Dre .O

1 4 Plain Road, Hatfield, Mass. uly 3 on up 29 . J y Poles ice of a d n M u o o (978) 739-4707 ors ch nd Gr ine a competit ts. L d a Le tes nly www.RedMareFarm.com USDF age-o . Dress USEA or attire m r al o f n i RedMareFarmLLC@gmail.com but Neat 108

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

Apple Knoll Farm Events Lynne Kimball-Davis Clinics

Northbridge Equine Challenge Series

April 29 . May 13 & 14 . June 10 & 11 July 23 & 24 . August 13 & 14 September 10 & 11 . October 15 & 16 contact cburkhart3636@gmail.com

Jumper Shows

USEA Horse Trials May 7

June 8 . June 15 . June 22 . June 29 July 6 . July 13 . July 20 . July 27 Aug. 3 . Aug. 10 . Aug. 17 . Aug. 24 August 31 - Finale with Awards

NEDA Summer Dressage Show July 17 . neda.org

Dressage Schooling Shows May 15 . June 12 . August 7 . Sept. 18 crdressage.org

LandSafe Equestrian Clinic

Spring Hunter Pace

USEA Future Event Horse

May 22

July 30 - 31

July 31

Lainey Ashker Clinics July 2 & 3 . October 29 & 30 contact zinabaltopouloseventing@gmail.com

Area I Schooling Horse Trials Championships

NEMHS Shows July 10 . Aug. 6

nemhs.org

September 17

USEA Horse Trials lists Prize forms r t n y . and e knoll.com le e p p at: a the websit Check as events often dded! are a

October 1

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.

APPLE KNOLL FARM 25 Forest Lane, Millis, Massachusetts (508) 376-2564 | AppleKnoll.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

109

17 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

30 BSTRA NANCY MAENZO MEMORIAL RIDE, Douglas. bstra.org.

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

30 SPHSS OPEN SHOW, South Hadley. (413) 695-8343. 30 SOUTH EAST HUNTER I SHOW, Medway. southeasthunter.com.

20 – 23 UPHA SPRING PREMEIR, West Springfield. nehc.info.

30 – May 1 CRDA ADULT DRESSAGE CAMP, Millis. crdressage.org.

21 – 24 CQHA SPRING SHOW, Northampton. cqha.com.

May

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

1 HDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Hanover. heritage-dressage.org.

23 – 24 ROBERT MENDOZA CLINIC, Oxford. (774) 200-9069.

1 GFF USEF HORSE SHOW I, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

24 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org.

1 MHC NEHC SHOW, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

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

1 RRDC OPEN SHOW, Rowley. rowleyridinganddrivingclub.webs.com.

24 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

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

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

1 NEECA SIX SHOOTERS DEMO CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

24 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

4 SOUTH COAST JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

24 THC SPRING HUNTER PACE, Douglas. tanheathhunt.com.

5 – 8 MQHA SPRING SHOW, West Springfield. massqhq.com.

29 LYNN KIMBALL-DAVIS CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com.

6– 8 NH HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Northampton. nhhja.com.

30 EQUINE EXPO AND TACK SALE, Topsfield. (978) 768-6275.

7 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Millis. appleknoll.com.

30 NEECA POKER RIDE, Athol. neea.org.

Spring Trail Ride May 14

Fall Trail Ride Weekend October 8 & 9 Trail rides offer 6.6, 10, 13, and 16 mile routes. Gravel roads, rail beds, woodland trails, and a small amount of pavement. NEHT affiliated

Open Show Series Divisions include Lead Line, Beginner Walk Trot, Walk Trot 11 and Under Open, Walk Trot 12-17 Open, Walk Trot Adult Open, Walk Trot Beginning Canter Open, Open, GreenHorse Walk Trot Open, Short Stirrup Medium Stirrup, Open Hunter, Modified Hunter, Driving Barre Riding and Driving Club is a Non Profit 501(c)3 club. Most of our events are held at Felton Field in Barre, Massachusetts, a beautiful facility located on Old Coldbrook Road. Felton Field features two show rings, a food booth, secretary's booth, bathrooms, running water, and plenty of space for parking for cars and trailers. ! !

BarreRidingDrivingClub.com 110

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

WNEPHA JOIN US!

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

HUNTER/JUMPER EQUITATION SHOWS April 10 White Horse Hill, Richmond, MA

July 3

Bellwether Stables, Hancock, MA

May 1

Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst, MA

July 8

SJH Equestrian, Richmond, MA

May 8

White Horse Hill, Richmond, MA

July 10

JW Equestrian, Granby, MA

May 15

SJH Equestrian, Richmond, MA

July 16

Harmony Hill, Great Barrington, MA

May 21

JW Equestrian, Granby, MA

July 17

Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst, MA

May 22

Riverbank Farm, Dalton, MA

July 24

Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown, MA

May 29

Harmony Hill, Great Barrington, MA

Aug. 7

Grindstone Mountain, Southampton, MA

June 5

Bellwether Stables, Hancock, MA

Aug. 14 White Horse Hill, Richmond, MA

June 12 White Horse Hill, Richmond, MA

Aug. 21 Berkshire Humane Society (pending)

June 19 Grindstone Mountain, Southampton, MA

Sept. 4

June 26 Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown, MA

Sept. 11 Bellwether Stables, Richmond, MA

Harmony Hill, Great Barrington, MA

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

WNEPHA.com An organization for horsemen, by horsemen.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

111

7 NEECA LISE KRIEGER SADDLE FITTING DEMONSTRATION, Athol. neeca.org. 7 CAPE COD HUNTER II, Medway. capecodhunter.com. 7 – 8 MEGAN DEITNER LIBERTY AND INTRO TO TRICKS CLINIC, Lanesboro. fourseasonsstables@yahoo.com.

21 MANE-I-ACS 4-H AND OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Westfield. facebook.com/maneiacs4h. 21 WNEPHA SHOW, JW Equestrian, Granby. wnepha.com.

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

21 – 22 NEECA DEVIN BURDICK ENGLISH/WESTERN DRESSAGE CLINIC, Windswept Farm, Petersham. neeca.org

8 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

22 SPRING HUNTER PACE, Millis. appleknoll.com.

8 NEXT VENTURE SHOW III, Medway. nv-farm.com.

22 WNEPHA SHOW, Riverbank Farm, Dalton. wnepha.com.

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

22 HRC OPEN SHOW, Hanover. hansonridingclub.com.

11 – 15 FIELDSTONE SPRING FESTIVAL I, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

22 WRC TACK & TAG SALE, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

13 – 14 LYNN KIMBALL-DAVIS CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com. 13 – 15 AHCC ARABIAN SHOW, West Springfield. ahcofct.org. 13 – 15 MARY WANLESS RIDER BIOMECHANICS CLINIC, Dartmouth. meghanhamiltondressage.com. 14 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Athol. heronscreststables.com. 14 BRDC SPRING RIDE, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com. 14 – 15 NEPTHA MAY SHOW, Northampton. neptha.info. 15 HRC TRAIL RIDE, Plymouth. hansonridingclub.org.

22 CMHSS SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org 22 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com. 22 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. (978) 374-0008. 22 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com. 22 HCRC CHESTERFIELD GORGE RIDE, Chesterfield. hampshirecountyridingclub.org. 22 MHC NEHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

15 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org.

28 HCRC JAY QUINLAN INTRO TO RANCH RIDING CLINIC, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

15 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Millis. crdressage.org.

28 – 29 NORFOLK HUNT SHOW, Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

15 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

28 – 30 BSTRA MEMORIAL DAY CAMPOUT, Carver. bstra.org.

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

29 WNEPHA SHOW, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

15 ONBH POKER RIDE, Carlisle. oldnorthbridgehounds.org. 15 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Groton. grotonponyclub.org. 15 MHC NEHC SHOW, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com. 15 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com. 15 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague. mente.dressage@gmail.com. 15 WNEPHA SHOW, SJH Equestrian, Richmond. wnepha.com. 18 SOUTH COAST JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

112

21 HDA DRESSAGE VIRTUAL SHOW. heritage-dressage.org.

29 TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Red Mare Farm, Hatfield. redmarefarm.com. 30 SARAH THRASHER CONFORMATION CLINIC, Hatfield. rerponies.com.

June

1 SOUTH COAST JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com. 4 SOUTH EAST HUNTER II, Medway. southeasthunter.com. 5 NEMHS AMHR MINIATURE HORSE SHOW, Millis. mynemhs.wordpress.com. 5 WRC 4-H AND OPEN SHOW, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

18 – 21 GREATER BOSTON CHARITY SHOW, West Springfield. greaterbostoncharityhorseshow.com.

5 HCRC SCHOOLING DRESSAGE CLINIC/SHOW, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

18 – 22 FIELDSTONE SPRING FESTIVAL II, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

5 GFF USEF HORSE SHOW III, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

90 Annual th

June Show Saturday • June 11

2'9" 2'6" & rby r De Hunte ions! Divis

Outside Course Warm-ups 6:30 to 8 A .M., Trailer Parking Starts at 6 A .M. Open Show with Ring and Hunt Course Affiliated with NEHC, MHC & SSHC . NEHC & SSHC Medal Classes Show Manager: John Dougherty (781) 826-3191 Program may be downloaded at briggsstable.com.

Briggs Stable

Mini Shows

Wednesday evenings starting at 6 P.M. • June 22 to August 24 All members of the Hanover Hunt & Riding Club are eligible for year-end awards.

Lead Line . Therapeutic . Walk Trot . Games . Jumping . Equitation . Pleasure Great food and drinks available at the Hanover Hunt & Riding Club food booth. are Dates t to c je sub to e due g n a ch . 9 -1 COVID

Class lists may be downloaded at www.briggsstable.com.

623 Hanover St., Route 139, Hanover Centre, MA (781) 826-3191 . briggstackshop@gmail.com

www.briggsstable.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

113

5 MHC NEHC SHOW, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

19 ONBH HUNTER PACE, Carlisle. oldnorthbridgehounds.org.

5 MHC NEHC WNEPHA SHOW, Hancock. bellwetherstable.com.

19 GROTON HOUSE FARM SUMMER CLASSIC, Groton. grotonhousefarm.com.

5 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Athol. heronscreststables.com. 5 – 6 NEDA SPRING SHOW I & II Halifax. neda.org.

19 HCRC MELISSA ELLIS LIBERTY CLINIC, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

8 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com.

19 HORSE TRIALS, Kent. useventing.com.

8 – 11 CMHA OPEN SHOW, West Springfield. ctmorgans.org.

19 WNEPHA SHOW, Southampton. wnepha.com.

8 – 12 CQHA JUNE CLASSIC, Northampton. cqha.com.

22 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com.

10 – 11 LYNN KIMBALL-DAVIS CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com.

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

11 NEECA YMCA TRIATHLON, Athol. neeca.org.

22 – 26 PLYMOUTH ROCK HUNTER JUMPER CLASSIC I, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

11 HHRC JUNE SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 11 CCDS PICNIC DRIVE, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org. 11 NEXT VENTURE SHOW IV, Medway. nv-farm.com. 12 HRC TRAIL RIDE, Plymouth. hansonridingclub.org. 12 WNEPHA SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com. 12 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Millis. crdressage.org. 12 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague. mente.dressage@gmail.com. 12 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com. 12 HCRC FUN DAY, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org. 12 GFF USEF HORSE SHOW IV, Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com. 12 MHC NEHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com. 12 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com. 12 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Independence Stable, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com

25 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. (978) 374-0008. 25 NEECA DONKEY/MULE SHOW, Athol. neeca.org. 25 CITY TO SADDLE 5K FUNDRAISER, Mesa Farm. citytosaddle.org. 26 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org. 26 WRC TRAIL RIDE, Otis. westfieldridingclub.org. 26 HDA DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Briggs Stable, Hanover. heritage-dressage.org. 26 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 26 HCRC PETER WHITMORE VERSATILITY CLINIC AND COMPETITION, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org. 26 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com. 26 SCHOOLING TWO-PHASE, Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

15 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com.

26 WNEPHA SHOW, Williamstown. wnepha.com.

15 SOUTH COAST JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

29 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com.

18 NEECA CASH GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org. 18 SPHSS OPEN SHOW, South Hadley. (413) 695-8343. 18 CAPE COD HUNTER SHOW III, Medway. capecodhunter.com. 19 CMHSS SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org 19 SSHC SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. sshconline.org. 19 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 19 TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Dracut. cutterfarm.com. 114

24 – 26 WMAA YANKEE COLOR CLASSIC ALL BREED SHOW, Northampton. westernmassapp.weebly.com.

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

29 BRIGGS STABLE MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 29 SOUTH COAST JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com. 29 – July 3 PLYMOUTH ROCK HUNTER JUMPER CLASSIC II, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com. 30 – July 4 BSTRA CAMPOUT, Douglas. bstra.org.

July

1 – 3 REGIONAL 4-H SHOW, Northampton. mass4h.org.

New England Equestrian Center of Athol’s

Upcoming Events

All take place at the Equestrian Center unless otherwise noted. Spring Work Day April 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Caroline at carolinemansfield01@gmail.com

Devin Burdick Clinic

Hunter Pace

May 21-22 - Windswept Farm, Petersham September 17 Pam at pamdeg2002@yahoo.com Stephanie at mrstessier88@yahoo.com

NEECA/YMCA Triathlon

Try It Out/Guided Trail Ride

June 11 Sue Ellen at semvet@msn.com

TBA Margo at westwindfm@aol.com

Donkey/Mule Show

Elwin Bacon Fun Day

June 25 Terry at terrylupien360@gmail.com

October 1 Frank at freeway3289@gmail.com

Heron’s Crest Stables Schooling Jumper Shows

Poker Ride April 30 Frank at (978) 833-2634 freeway3289@gmail.com

May 14 . June 5 . Aug. 14 . Sept. 4 Lead Line to 3' Jumpers Schooling attire w/ATSM/SEI helmet. heronscreststables.com.

Gymkhana Series April 24 . May 15 . June 26 . July 17 Aug. 21 . Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Lead Line to All-Out Competitors Patterns posted at neeca.org. Frank at freeway3289@gmail.com

Cash Gymkhana Series

Fall Social Open Horse Show July 10 Felton Field, Barre Terry at terrylupien360@gmail.com

June 18 . Aug. 6 . Nov. 19 Stephanie at mrstessier88@yahoo.com

MSPCA Large Animal Rescue Clinic

Six Shooters Demo Clinic

July 16 & July 23 Caroline at carolinemansfield01@gmail.com

May 1 Margo at westwindfm@aol.com

Lise Krieger Saddle Fit Demo May 7 Debbie at netmessages@yahoo.com

MicroChip Clinic August 13 Sue Ellen at semvet@msn.com

November 5 Althea at althearealtor@gmail.com

NEECA Trail Map and Informational Brochure!

N OW L E ! IL AB V A A

Become a member and be part of something special for generations to come! Protecting and preserving land for equestrian interests and hosting events for the enjoyment and education of horse lovers.

New England Equestrian Center, 802 New Sherborn Road, Athol

Go to neeca.org for all the details! Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

115

2 – 3 LAINEY ASHKER CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com. 3 75TH OPEN BREED SHOW, Marion. marionhorseshow.com. 3 MHC WNEPHA NEHC SHOW, Hancock. bellwetherstable.com. 5 – 10 NHHJ SUMMER FESTIVAL, Halifax. nhhja.com.

10 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Independence Stable, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com 10 MINIATURE HORSE SHOW, Millis. mynemhs.wordpress.com. 10 WNEPHA SHOW, JW Equestrian, Granby. wnepha.com. 13 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com.

6 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com.

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

6 BRIGGS STABLE MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 8 JUMPER NIGHT, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

13 SOUTH COAST JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

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

14 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

9 HDA DRESSAGE VIRTUAL SHOW. heritage-dressage.org.

15 JUMPER NIGHT, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

9 BLANDFORD FAIR HORSE SHOW SUMMER CLASSIC, Blandford. (413) 695-8343.

16 MSPCA LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org. 16 NEXT VENTURE SHOW V, Medway. nv-farm.com.

9 – 10 NEPTHA JULY SHOW, Northampton. neptha.info.

16 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

10 NEECA OPEN SHOW, Felton Field, Barre. neeca.org.

16 WNEPHA SHOW, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

10 HRC OPEN SHOW, Hanover. hansonridingclub.com.

17 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org.

10 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 10 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com.

17 NEDA SUMMER DRESSAGE SHOW, Millis. neda.org. 17 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

Hunter Shows May 22 . June 26 . July 17 Aug. 7 . Sept. 4 . Oct. 30

Jumper Shows May 4 . May 18 . June 1 . June 15 June 29 . July 13 . Aug. 3 . Aug. 17 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 us on Facebook at *South Coast Series Horse Shows* More information at southcoastseries.com or email mel@grazingfields.com 116

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

17 WRC TRAIL RIDE, Washington. westfieldridingclub.org.

24 WNEPHA SHOW, Williamstown. wnepha.com.

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

24 HCRC RIDE, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

17 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com. 17 ONBH HUNTER PACE, Carlisle. oldnorthbridgehounds.org. 17 WNEPHA SHOW, Amherst. wnepha.com. 17 ECRRA SHOW, Rowley. rowleyridinganddrinvingclub.webs.com. 19 – 24 REGION SIX AQHA SHOW, West Springfield. massqha.com. 20 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com. 20 BRIGGS STABLE MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 22 JUMPER NIGHT, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 23 MSPCA LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

26 – 30 NEW ENGLAND MORGAN HORSE SHOW, Northampton. nemha.com 27 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com. 27 BRIGGS STABLE MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 27 – 31 HEAD OF THE BAY SHOW, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com. 29 JUMPER NIGHT, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 30 – 31 LANDSAFE EQUESTRIAN CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com. 31 USEA FUTURE EVENT HORSE, Millis. appleknoll.com. 31 TWO-PHASE AND DRESSAGE SHOW, Red Mare Farm, Hatfield. redmarefarm.com.

August

23 MHC NEHC SHOW, Bolton. centurymillstables.com.

3 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com.

23 – 24 LYNNE KIMBALL-DAVIS CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com.

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

23 – 24 USEA HORSE TRIALS, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

3 SOUTH COAST JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

24 BSTRA POKER RUN, Mendon. bstra.org.

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.

Sunday, September 11, at Briggs Stable, 623 Hanover Street, Hanover, Mass. Show Begins Promptly at 8 a.m.

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

Lifetime Pleasure Horse Achievement Award • Community Horse Youth Award

For more information, please visit mahorsecouncil.com. Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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4 – 6 UPHA CHAPTER 14 CLASSIC, Springfield. nehc.info. 6 NEECA CASH GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org. 6 MINIATURE HORSE SHOW, Millis. mynemhs.wordpress.com. 6 HORSE TRIALS, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

BIN

D. P E T E RS

6 WRC GAMES AND FUN DAY, Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

7 SSHC SHOW, Rozena’s Field, Raynham. sshconline.org. 7 CRDA DRESSAGE SHOW, Millis. crdressage.org. 7 HCRC SCHOOLING DRESSAGE CLINIC/SHOW, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org. 7 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

MHC NEHC HORSE SHOWS May 15 & August 18 50 CANDLEWOOD RD., IPSWICH, MA

BACKBAYFARM.COM

7 WNEPHA SHOW, Southampton. wnepha.com. 10 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com. 10 BRIGGS STABLE MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com. 11 MHC SHOW, Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com. 11 – 14 NORTHAMPTON HUNTER/JUMPER SHOW, Northampton. northampton.showgroundslive.com.

978-356-0730

Open Shows . Horse Trials . Jumper Shows Open Show Series

Horse Trials & Dressage

May 15 . June 26 . July 17 . Aug. 27

June 19 . July 10 . Aug. 6 . Sept. 24

Champion & Reserve in all Divisions!

Pre-Elementary through Novice!

Jumper Shows July 8 . July 15 . July 22 . July 29 . Aug. 12 . Aug. 19 . Aug. 26

Azrael Acres, 144 Williams St., Uxbridge, MA (508) 234-2678 Visit azraelacres.com for class lists, registrations, and more. 118

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

11 – 14 CCDS DRIVING SHOW, Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org. 12 JUMPER NIGHT, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 13 SPHSS OPEN SHOW, South Hadley. (413) 695-8343.

Developing the Foundation, Setting the Standard

13 NEECA MICROCHIP CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org. 13 CAPE COD HUNTER IV, Medway. capecodhunter.com. 13 – 14 LYNNE KIMBALL-DAVIS CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com. 14 MERRIMACK VALLEY DRESSAGE SHOW, Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. (978) 374-0008.

Coaching . Training . Sales Boarding . Show Prep

14 WNEPHA SHOW, White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com. 14 SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW, Lakeville. belandstables.com. 14 WRC TRAIL RIDE, Blandford. westfieldridingclub.org. 14 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Athol. heronscreststables.com. 14 NEXT VENTURE SHOW VI, Medway. nv-farm.com. 15 – 19 NORFOLK HUNT PONY CLUB CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com. 17 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com. 17 BRIGGS STABLE MINI SHOW, Hanover. briggsstable.com.

Promoting health, attitude, and athletic ability, our training program builds up long-term performance horses and educated riders. We strive to make a connected team between horse and rider of any discipline.

Jill Haas 55 Shelburne Center Rd., Shelburne Falls, MA (413) 695-9525 voice/text northeasternperformancehorses.com

Hampshire County Riding Club Events! MAY 22 - Chesterfield Gorge Ride MAY 28 - Jay Quinlan Intro to Ranch Riding Clinic JUNE 5 - Schooling Dressage Clinic/Show English and western JUNE 12 - Fun Day at Club Grounds - Games for horse & rider/handler; kids & adults. JUNE 19 - Melissa Ellis Liberty Clinic JUNE 26 - Peter Whitmore Versatility Clinic and Competition JULY 24 - Goshen DAR State Forest Ride JULY 31 - Equestrian Camping in Warwick

AUGUST 7 - Schooling Dressage Clinic/Show English and western SEPTEMBER 25 - Hawley State Forest Ride OCTOBER 9 - Hilltown Misfits 4-H Club NTS Open Fun Day E VE U B L OST OCTOBER 16 - Northfield Mountain Fall Foliage Ride

C M UR IN AT O UNDS O ! R G HEN S O G

OCTOBER 23 - Hunter Pace at Corinthian Farm in Chester Some rides are members only. Learn more about all our events and meetings and join us today at hampshirecountyridingclub.org!

HampshireCountyRidingClub.org Hampshire County, Mass. Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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17 SOUTH COAST JUMPER SHOW, Valinor Farm, Plymouth. southcoastseries.com. 17 – 20 MASSACHUSETTS MORGAN SHOW, West Springfield. massmorgan.com. 17 – 21 SUMMER SHOWCASE I, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com. 18 MHC NEHC SHOW, Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

x Training x Drill Team

Lessons Clinics

Horse Shows

18 – 21 NEHC SHOW, Westport. nehc.info. 19 JUMPER NIGHT, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 20 – 21 LUKE REINBOLD CLINIC, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 20 – 21 NEPHC SUMMA’ IN THE HAMPTONS SHOW, Northampton. nephc.com.

Games Nights

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

Summer Camps

21 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Xenophon Farm, Montague. mente.dressage@gmail.com. 21 BSTRA GALLOPING GOURMET RIDE, Royalston. bstra.org.

CrimsonAcres.org Orange, MA

21 DRESSAGE SCHOOLING SHOW, Independence Stable, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com 21 NEECA GYMKHANA, Athol. neeca.org.

Keith Angstadt

Dressage Training & Instruction Keith Angstadt

Kaylee Angstadt

USEF Dressage Judge USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist ADS Combined Driving & Dressage Judge

USDF Bronze Medalist PATH-certified instructor FEI 3-Star Combined Driver & ADS Intermediate Pairs

Lynda Angstadt USDF L Graduate USDF Bronze Medalist • Full Care Facility • Individualized Programs • Excellent Footing • Indoor & Outdoor Arenas

• Ample Turnout • Reasonable Rates • Truck-ins Welcome • Competitions & Clinics

Merrimack Valley Dressage Shows

at Bradford Equestrian Center April 10 & 24 - Ride Review Ride May 22 . June 25 . Aug. 14 . Sept. 11 Intro to 4th and Above . High Score Awards . Pony Club Discount Offering USEA event tests and western dressage tests! A USDF Regional Schooling Show Awards Program Competition

Excellent Location – minutes from Routes 495, 95, and 93

109 S. Cross Rd. & 318 Boxford Rd., Haverhill, MA • (978) 374-0008 kdangst@comcast.net or leangst@comcast.net 120

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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

3 HDA DRESSAGE VIRTUAL SHOW. heritage-dressage.org.

21 MHC NEHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

3 USEF USEA HORSE TRIALS, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

21 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIAL, Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

3 MYOPIA HUNT SHOW, South Hamilton. myopiahunt.com.

23 – 27 SUMMER SHOWCASE II, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

3 – 4 BLANDFORD FAIR HORSE SHOW, Blandford. (413) 695-8343.

24 NEECA TRY IT OUT DAY/GUIDED TRAIL RIDE, Athol. neeca.org.

4 SCHOOLING JUMPER SHOW, Athol. heronscreststables.com.

24 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com.

4 WNEPHA SHOW, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

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

4 HRC OPEN SHOW, Hanover. hansonridingclub.com.

26 JUMPER NIGHT, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

4 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS, Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

26 – 28 NEFHC SUMMER CLASSIC, West Springfield. nefhc.com.

4 SOUTH COAST HUNTER SHOW, Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

27 OPEN SHOW, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com. 28 CMHSS SHOW, Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org 28 MHJ FINALS, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

4 CAPE COD HUNTER V, Medway. capecodhunter.com. 7 – 11 NORTHEAST CLASSIC, Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

28 MHC NEHC SHOW, Haverhill. ridecornerstone.com.

10 LUKE REINBOLD CONFIDENCE THROUGH HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC, Lanesboro. stonebridgegypsies.com.

31 JUMPER SHOW SERIES, Millis. appleknoll.com.

10 LENOX TUB PARADE, Lenox. colonialcarriage.org.

September

10 NEECA MICROCHIPPING CLINIC, Athol. neeca.org.

2 JUMPER NIGHT, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

10 – 11 LYNNE KIMBALL-DAVIS CLINIC, Millis. appleknoll.com.

Independence Stable

Dressage Schooling Shows Traditional & Western Dressage Tests

June 12 . July 10 August 21 . September 18 Personalized Boarding & Training Riding & Carriage Driving Instruction

404 S. Washington St. Belchertown, Mass. (413) 284-0371

independencestablellc.com

Presents the 27th

Equine Expo & Tack Sale Saturday, April 30, 2022 . 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

Contact Kay at: 978-768-6275 or kljoreo@aol.com Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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events RHODE ISLAND

April

10 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. nehc.info. 10 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB HUNT, Greene. tanheathhunt.com. 16 HRC TRAIL RIDE, Warwick. hansonridingclub.org. 16 RIHA, NEHC, SEHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com.

3 RIHA, NEHC, SEHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com. 9 GHC ARCADIA RIDE, Arcadia. granbyhorsecouncilct.com. 10 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com. 16 BSTRA GODDARD BRUNCH RIDE, Greenwich. bstra.org. 16 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. nehc.info.

22 – 24 CATHY DRUMM CLINIC, Fairwinds Farm, North Kingstown. cathydrumm.com.

17 NEHC RIHA SHOW, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.com.

23 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. nehc.info.

26 SARA ODEN MEMORIAL SHOW, East Greenwich. nehc.info.

25 RIFRC BLESSING OF THE HORSES, Escoheag. rifederation.wixsite.com.

31 RIHA, NEHC, SEHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com.

May 7 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. nehc.info. 8 THC MOTHER’S DAY BEACH RIDE, Glen Farm, Portsmouth. tanheathhunt.com. 13 – 16 CATHY DRUMM CLINIC, Fairwinds Farm, North Kingstown. cathydrumm.com. 15 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com. 28 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB HUNT, Greene. tanheathhunt.com. 29 RIHA, NEHC, SEHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com.

June 4 RIHA, NEHC, SEHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com. 12 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. nehc.info. 12 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com. 18 RIHA BENEFIT Show, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. nehc.info. 24 – 27 CATHY DRUMM CLINIC, Fairwinds Farm, North Kingstown. cathydrumm.com. 28 TANHEATH HUNT CLUB HUNT, Greene. tanheathhunt.com.

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July

Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

August 6 NEHC RIHA SHOW, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.com. 10 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. nehc.info. 17 RIHA, NEHC, SEHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com. 20 NEHC RIHA SHOW, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.com.

September 3 RI EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIPS, TBD. rihorsemen.com. 11 NEHC RIHA SHOW, Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. nehc.info. 11 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com. 25 RIHA, NEHC, SEHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com.

October 1 GHC BEACH RIDE, Charlestown. granbyhorsecouncilct.com. 1 NEHC RIHA SHOW, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.com. 9 OPEN SCHOOLING SHOW, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com. 16 NEHC RIHA SHOW, East Greenwich. dapperdanfarm.com. 30 RIHA, NEHC, SEHA SHOW, Portsmouth. sandypointstables.com.

Directory Connecticut 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.

DRESSAGE

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 104.

EDUCATION, RIDING PROGRAMS

The Ethel Walker School Simsbury, CT (860) 408-4200; ethelwalker.org Aline Rossiter, Director of Enrollment Management 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 47.

EQUESTRIAN ATTORNEY

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 39.

EQUINE DENTISTRY

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES

Vogel & Associates (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 and award-winning service. We understand it’s not just a home, it’s a lifestyle. Ad on page 131.

EQUINE MASSAGE

Equine Massage by Kathleen Curran Redding, CT (203) 297-3008; kathy.curran@snet.net How about a nice massage? For your horse! Certified by Equissage. Call or email for your introductory oﬀer! Ad on page 94.

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 We rescue, rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome at-risk horses. Adoptions, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities. Programs with weekly fun and education. We give horses a second chance. 501(c)(3). Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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FEED & FARM SUPPLIES Benedict’s Home & Garden 480 Purdy Hill Road, 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 supplies and poultry/poultry supplies. Lock, Stock & Barrel Bethany, CT (203) 393-0002; lsbfarmsupply.com Blue Seal, Purina, Standlee, Triple Crown, Cavalor, Nutrena, and more. Shavings, hay, tack, supplements, barn supplies, fencing, tractors, power equipment, and equipment service. Ad on page 132. 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 16 and 17.

FINANCING & LOANS

Farm Credit East 240 South Road, 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 28 and 29.

HORSEMANSHIP

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. Competitions. Ad on page 99.

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Rebecca Hathaway Horsemanship Manager, Sandy Hook Equestrian Center Newtown, CT (203) 313-6389 (voice/text); rebecca-hathaway.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.

INSURANCE

American National Lisbon: (860) 376-2393 or (860) 808-6608 Middlefield: (860) 349-7064

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, Westchester and Putnam Counties in NY. Ad on page 44.

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; leave detailed message.

TACK SHOPS

Equestrian Outfitters Somers, CT (860) 749-4420; revct1@yahoo.com Your source for all things equine new and used. Riders helping riders since 1986! English, western saddle seat, and dressage. Supplies, blanket cleaning, horse clothing, gifts, tack, apparel. Ad on page 41.

THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Old Lyme, CT; (860) 434-1974; highhopestr.org High Hopes is seeking volunteers to support its inclusive equine-assisted services- riding, carriage driving,

unmounted horsemanship, field trips, summer camps, and specialty programs including leadership development, memory care, youth development, and veteran programs. 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. SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center 174 Morgan Road, Canton, CT (860) 841-9930; spirithorsect.org Therapeutic horseback riding and non-riding lessons for people of all ages, with and without disabilities. Early intervention program, one-hour mentorship lessons, summer programs, and equine unified vocational agricultural training program.

TRAINING, LESSONS & BOARD

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 crosscountry training. Ad on page 106.

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. 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.

Massachusetts ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

Mindful Connections® with Animals Nicole Birkholzer Phone consultations; barn calls serving MA, CT, and RI nbirkmc@gmail.com 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 and provides you with a plan to bring your horse’s world back into balance. Ad on page 59.

APPAREL

Anni Lyn Sportswear anni-lyn.com Your source for fashionable and aﬀordable riding apparel! Interesting colors and patterns, well thought out designs and all at an aﬀordable price. Free shipping, free returns, and no minimum, ever! Ad on page 27.

EQUESTRIAN ATTORNEYS

Kathleen A. Reagan Quincy, MA (617) 773-1597; kathleenreaganlaw.com Horses, farms, livestock, and pets. Sales agreements, lease agreements, veterinary disputes, administrative law hearings, representation of nonprofit associations, racing industry needs, civil litigation, and mediation services. Sowerby & Moustakis Law, PLLC Massachusetts & New Hampshire (603) 249-592; info@SMLPLLC.com MassachusettsEquineLaw.com Horse owner Peter A. Moustakis has developed a passion and appreciation with 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. Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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BRUSH CLEARING/PASTURE RECLAIMING M5 Landworks Serving MA, RI, CT (508) 510-2004; m5landworks.com Pasture restoration, field mowing, fence line clearing, under brush clearing, bridle trail creation, forestry mulching. We assist property owners looking to address or manage their overgrown land. Ad on page 82.

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES

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 3. Hometown Realtors Althea Bramhall Serving Central and Western MA (617) 678-9300; althearealtor@gmail.com Let more than 30 years of experience work for you by hiring Althea to sell your farm. Ad on page 83.

EQUINE DENTISTS

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. Twenty-five years experience. Tooth extractions, no power tools, no sedation required, no farm call fee. New customers welcome. Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Services, LLC 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. Ad on page 27.

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EQUINE LAUNDRY

Jenn’s Tack & Blanket Service, LLC Jennifer Safron Gardner, MA (978) 340-5576 (voice/text); jennstackandblanket.com State-of-the-art equine laundry and repair facility. Delivery available at many stables throughout central Mass. Visit website for pick-up/drop-oﬀ locations or drop oﬀ at the shop. Expert tack repair. Gently used blankets and tack for sale. Since 1980. Ad on page 48.

EXPOSITIONS & SALES

Equine Tack & Paraphernalia Sale Topsfield, MA Kay at (978) 768-6275; kljoreo@aol.com April 30, 2022 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 121.

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 8. American National Boxborough: Donald Ludwig (978) 467-1001 Carver: Richard Blair (508) 866-9150 Centerville: Mark Sylvia (508) 428-0440 Great Barrington: Dominic Sinopoli (413) 528-1710 Middleborough: Kevin Sullivan (508) 998-0512 North Adams: Kim Perry (413) 398-5011 Northborough: Jeﬀ Pichierri (508) 393-9327 South Deerfield: Tim Viles (413) 665-8200 Southwick: The Mason Agency (413) 569-2307 Topsfield: Scott Brockelman (978) 887-8304 Wilbraham: Sean Rooney (413) 887-8817 Williamstown: Maureen O’Mara (413) 458-5584 Worcester: Thomas Carroll (508) 752-3300 Ad on pages 68 and 69. 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 18.

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

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 34.

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 51.

TACK SHOP

Briggs Tack Shop & Trailer Sales Hanover, MA (781) 826-3191; briggstackshop.com A full-service tack shop with everything for the horse and rider. Authorized dealer of Kingston Trailers for more than 50 years! Ad on page 53.

THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM

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.

THERAPIES

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 21.

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 and always changing inventory. We have what you want! Ad on page 55.

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! A full-service tack shop with everything for the horse and rider plus we’re a Stübben Custom Authorized Dealer and Fitter. Ad on page 53. 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, prepurchase inspections, gooseneck and hitch sales and installation, truck modifications, brake controllers and repairs, and wheel/tire replacement. Ad on page 49.

TRAINING, LESSONS & BOARD

Apple Knoll Farm Millis, MA (508) 376-2564; appleknoll.com 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. Facility rentals. USEA horse trials, jumper show series, clinics, and more. Ad on page 109. Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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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 116. 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. Learn from the best to become your best. 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 23. 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, and truck-ins welcome. Ad on page 120. Carrier’s Farm Nancy Carrier; Southampton, MA (413) 527-0333; facebook.com/CarriersFarm 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.” Crimson Acres Whitmore Family; Orange, MA (978) 575-0341; crimsonacres.org Lessons, training, clinics, drill team, horse shows, games nights, boarding, and summer camps. We provide a safe educational environment. Dare to Dream Educational Farm Program. Ad on page 116. 128

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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 working/cow sorting, ranch roping, team penning, reining, training performance horses, flat work/jumping, and equitation/classical dressage. Ad on page 23. Fuller Family Equestrian Lori Brogle & Emily Coggins; Westhampton, MA (413) 539-1242; fullershorsefacility.com Intimate boarding environment and quality care. Matted stalls, indoor arena, jumping field, outdoor arena, private and neighborhood trails, all-day turnout, indoor wash stall. Lessons with Chrysanthi Gavagan or bring in your licensed insured trainer. Horses With A Heart Shana Holland; Chester, MA; (413) 354-7744 Infants through advanced. 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 highly personalized attention for each horse and rider. Ad on page 121. 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 67. 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 with all-day turnout, stalls with run-outs, individual turnouts, and pasture board. Two-phase and dressage shows. Eventing barn, open to all riding styles. Ad on page 108.

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 121. 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 62.

TRANSPORTATION

J.R. Hudson Horse Transportation West Bridgewater, MA (508) 427-9333; jrhudsonhorsetrans.com Dedicated to excellence in horse transportation. Serving the horse community for more than 35 years. Our goal is to provide our clients with the safest, most dependable service. Serving the lower 48 states and Canada.

VETERINARIANS

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 15. 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 33.

South Deerfield Veterinary Clinic Samantha C. Clay, DVM & Andraya Cole, DVM South Deerfield, MA (413) 665-3626; sdvconline.com Under new ownership. We provide preventive care and medical care for large and small animals. We’re accepting new clients! Ad on page 34.

Rhode Island ARTIST

Betsey MacDonald Rhode Island; bmacdonald.net Animal portraits and paintings by Betsey MacDonald. Betsey will work with you to create a special portrait from your photos in the medium of your choice.

BARN CATS

Paws Watch Warwick, RI; cats@pawswatch.org, pawswatch.org Barn cats need homes! Healthy, fixed, vaccinated barn cats provide rodent control. Delivered to your farm! All volunteer, nonprofit dedicated to helping Rhode Islanders provide spay/neuter and vaccinations for neighborhood feral cats.

EQUESTRIAN ATTORNEY

David Craven, Esq. Providence, RI (401) 490-0109; dcravenlaw.com Expansive trusts to include your equines, estate plans, contracts for horse purchasing, breeding, boarding, or training. Creating and/or advising on contracts between you and third party. Advising on regulations governing equine medical practices.

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. Twenty-five years experience. Tooth extractions, no power tools, no sedation required, no farm call fee. New customers welcome.

INSURANCE

American National West Greenwich: Ashley Johnson (401) 397-1050 Ad on pages 68 and 69. Community Horse Spring/Summer 2022

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