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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 perform 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
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
Joyce Purington at Woodslawn Therapy Miniature Horses.
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
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 children 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
Redyn Gutierrez training Peanut at Tractor Supply.
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
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 happiness with my little horses, and I’ll feel very lucky to keep doing this for a long time.”
Brynlee Purington and Indy. 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
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
Brody Scalzo on Taz, with instructor Samantha Tutolo, volunteer leader Sierra Wilson, and Brody’s dad at Little Britches Therapeutic Riding in Roxbury, Connecticut.
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, donations, 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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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.
Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? We have several horses available for sponsorship, a program that
includes four visits a month during which you can groom, spend time with, and hand-walk the horse for only $50. In addi-
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.
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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 volunteers 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
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.
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 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.
The Fairfield County Hunt Club’s June Benefit Show will be held June 21 to 25. Two Massachusetts City to Saddle Sites Selected
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,
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
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.
A City to Saddle participant enjoys a ride on Jacqui.
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 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.
