From the Publisher

Happy spring! Sunshine, light breezes, shedding ponies — it feels so good.

After last year’s three straight weeks of rain in July, many of us noticed how much it affected the local hay we purchase for our horses. Feature writer Sally Feuerberg asked area hay growers about how weather and other factors impact the

yield and quality of hay. Read the article starting on page 8.

I enjoy visiting other barns — backyard and larger equestrian facilities. It’s so interesting how each stable is kept, what the social environment is like, and how each horseperson makes their land and buildings work for the needs of the horses in their care. Read about three farms — Frazier Farm, North Eastern Performance Horses, and Hollow Hill Equestrian Center — starting on page 24.

What interesting equestrians live in our neighborhoods? In this issue you’ll meet Andrea Wilson Steele, Katie Walsh, and Alex Caparco — interesting women doing great things — starting on page 42. All interesting women doing great things.

Horse Logic columnist Nicole Birkholzer writes about her experiences with her herd of three escaping their pasture to visit the neighbor’s lush grass on page 56. What does she do to bring them home when it’s dark out, no one is wearing a halter, and busy Route 9 is just a 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.

Mark Baus, DVM, founder of Grand Prix Equine, writes about the Equine Neck and Back in his Grand Prix Guidance column on page 76.

You’ll find news in our community starting on page 79 and news from equestrian clubs on page 87.

Be sure to check out our Community Horse Youth Award winners on pages 74 and 75. These riders represent the future of our horse community and that future looks bright! (Want a free Youth Award for your upcoming equestrian event? Visit communityhorse.org/youth-awards.)

Looking for something to do with your horse? Check out the Events Calendars for each state starting on page 99.

Happy Spring!

Feral barn cat Belfie keeps Little Rasta Man and Peanut company on a spring morning at Pocketful of Ponies Farm in Goshen, Massachusetts.