Partners

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

Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut

ahcofct.org

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

Barre Riding and Driving Club

barreridingdrivingclub.com

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

Bay State Trail Riders Association

bstra.org

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

Camp Marshall

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

Charles River Dressage Association

crdressage.org

The Charles River Dressage Association (CRDA) provides an affordable, quality dressage schooling show series, clinics, educational lectures, and sponsorships to its members and the local community. The schooling show series are held at Briggs Stable in Hanover, Massachusetts. In addition, CRDA strives to offer a friendly casual forum in which riders can compete and gain knowledge about dressage.

City to Saddle

citytosaddle.org

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

Connecticut Barrel Horse Association ctnbha01.com

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

Connecticut Color Breed Association connecticut-color-breed-association. mailchimpsites.com

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

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue ctdraftrescue.org

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

Connecticut Dressage Association ctdressage.org

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

Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Association cdctaonline.com

The Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA) is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization committed to providing instruction, education, and competition opportunities for dressage and event riders in Connecticut, as well as promoting horse care and safety for its members. CDCTA participates in the United States Dressage Federation Regional Schooling Show Awards Program for its schooling shows and the Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program. CDCTA also offers clinics and seminars.

Connecticut Gymkhana Association

facebook.com/connecticutgymkhana

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

Connecticut Horse Council

cthorsecouncil.org

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

Connecticut Horse Shows Association

chsaonline.com

The Connecticut Horse Shows Association (CHSA) welcomes all riders who seek good sportsmanship and enjoy competition. CHSA was established in 1928 to encourage and promote the interest of Connecticut horse shows. CHSA has approximately 100 affiliated shows each year enabling riders and horses to compete for more than 100 year-end awards. CHSA also has a scholarship program for members pursuing higher education and has given more than $50,000 in scholarships.

Connecticut Morgan Horse Association

ctmorgans.org

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

Connecticut Renegades

ctrenegades.com

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

Connecticut Trail Rides Association

cttrailridesassoc.org

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

Granby Horse Council

granbyhorsecouncilct.com

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

Granby Regional Horse Council

granbyregionalhorse.org

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

Greenwich Riding and Trails Association

thegrta.org

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

Hampshire County Riding Club hampshirecountyridingclub.org

The Hampshire County Riding club is a nonprofit organization that offers fun and educational presentations and events for equestrians of all ages and disciplines, including organized trail rides, competitions, clinics, and seminars at the club’s 47-acre grounds in Goshen, Massachusetts.

Hanover Hunt and Riding Club

briggsstable.com

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

Hanson Riding Club

hansonridingclub.org

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

Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue & Sanctuary

hayburrinn.org

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

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

horseofct.org

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

Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council

mahorsecouncil.com

The Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council (MHC) is comprised of equestrians of all breeds and disciplines with a focus on hunter/jumper, equitation, and pleasure styles of riding. The Council offers support and guidance for those interested in the Massachusetts show circuit, the MHC Finals, higher education scholarships, marketing and communication internships, or the year-end banquet.

Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association

massmorgan.com

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

Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association

massqha.com

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

Middlebury Bridle Land Association

middleburybridle.org

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

Myopia Hunt Club

myopiahunt.org

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

Nashoba Valley Hunt

nashobavalleyhunt.org

Located in Royalston, Massachusetts, Nashoba Valley Hunt is dedicated to the enjoyment of foxhunting. Members enjoy their time out with the hounds while riding horses, bicycles, walking, or following along in their vehicle. It’s a time to enjoy the countryside as well as work the hounds. Each meet ends with a traditional hunt breakfast where members can enjoy each other’s company and share the follies of the hunt. Hunting season typically runs from opening meet in September to late December, or whenever the snow and ice make the footing too treacherous.

New England Equestrian Center of Athol

neeca.org

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

Newtown Bridle Lands Association

nblact.org

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