Community Horse Spring/Summer 2024

Jess Windhurst Photography

Howard Schatzberg

© Rita Kochmarjova

vol. 4, no. 1 Spring/Summer 2024 ISSN 2766-5011 PRINT; 2766-502X ONLINE

99 Bissell Road, Williamsburg, MA 01096 • phone: (413) 268-3302 • 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.

© 2023 Community Horse

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this magazine or portions thereof in any form without prior written permission.

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editor

Kathaleen Emerson

public liaison

Sally L. Feuerberg . (203) 339-0357, sally@communityhorse.org

feature writers

Diana Bezdedeanu, Nicole Birkholzer, Chrissy Marie Capacchione Alessandra Corbett, Sally L. Feuerberg, Geena Monahan, Stacey Stearns

contributors

Hannah Allen, Chelsea Lothrop Photography, Howard Schatzberg Jess Windhurst Photography, Rita Kochmarjova

the fine print

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

From the Publisher

community /kə'myoonədē/ noun

1. A group of people living in the same place.

2. A feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common interests.

Community Horse is just that, a group of equestrians in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island with shared interests and goals. Our goal is to build our equestrian community. We do this by focusing the features, articles, and calendar in every issue on local farms, equestrians, trails, and events and by giving the members of more than 60 organizations free online subscriptions and promoting those groups in our pages.

In this issue, read about bringing your horses home. It’s a dream come true

for many horse owners and knowing how to plan out an equestrian property or purchase a property for horses can help make that dream into a reality.

I’ve had my horses at home on my 12-acre farm for more than 31 years and still enjoy the daily chores and routines. Building my farm from the ground up has been a humbling and rewarding experience. Through the years I’ve made many changes to the barn and pastures based on what was healthiest for my horses and to also streamline chores so I had more time to enjoy the ponies.

Visit as many backyard farms and barns as you can prior to planning out your dream. It will make the reality a beautiful one!

Your Letters

To the Editor:

Thank you for covering our region. It’s so handy to have such a local equestrian resource at hand.

Anne Ryan, Bristol, Rhode Island

To the Editor:

I just moved to Massachusetts and found Community Horse at my local feed store. I enjoyed it thoroughly, including the ads. Keep up the good work!

Deborah Obramowitz, Marshfield, Massachusetts

Let us know your thoughts!

We’ll enter you to win a $75 Cheshire Horse gift card!

All letters received by August 5 will be entered in the drawing. Send your letters to: letters@communityhorse.org or CommunityHorse, 99 Bissell Rd., Williamsburg, MA 01096.

Bringing the Horses Home

Build a Barn or Buy the Farm?

by Alessandra Corbett

My sister and I spent our childhood as you probably did — dutifully caring for our Breyer horse stable. Caring for the miniature, two-stall pine barn that housed about 20 model horses of all colors and breeds was a responsibility we took very seriously: stalls had to be mucked, hay distributed, water buckets filled, and carrots doled out. The sleek Thoroughbreds had to be raced, the mighty jumpers jumped, and the Quarter Horses saddled up to hit the trail. Our utopian stable and diverse herd lived peacefully thanks to our attentive barn management.

Many years later, we happily shoulder similar responsibilities, but now with real horses.

When you’re ready to fulfill a lifelong dream of having horses in your backyard, you’ll have a number of decisions to make. If your existing property is suitable, you may be able to build a barn; if not, you may need to consider buying an existing equestrian property.

Build the Dream

Our family built a barn on our property several years ago to bring home our two Quarter Horses, and it proved to be quite a learning experience. There are many factors to consider: determining the best location on the property, designing a barn

layout, constructing the facility, and providing care for the horses that will live there. Bringing our horses to our own property has required hard work, lots of time, and financial resources, but the reward is a Breyer horse stable come to life — a reality I wish for every horse owner.

To help make sure the dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare, there are several important things to think about before you bring your horses home.

Red tape: Know your town’s zoning bylaws and obtain proper permits. Meeting zoning requirements, filling out lots of paperwork, and obtaining the necessary permits are not the fun part of building a barn, but they’re an essential component. First, determine whether your town allows you to build a barn and keep animals on your property. If the answer is no, you’ll have to obtain a variance to do so. You must also know the maximum number of horses per acre. This varies from town to town; our barn is in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, which requires three acres for the first horse, of which one and a half acres must be suitable pastureland, and two acres for every additional horse, of which one acre must be pasture.

There are many other variables that come along with zoning, and there can be some hairy restrictions if your area is resi-

© Rita Kochmarjova

dential. There may be development limitations, minimum setback requirements from neighbors or roads, building height restrictions, and environmental concerns. Chances are that several of these will affect your project, and it’s always best to understand and comply with any restrictions. For example, our town has a wetlands bylaw that prohibited us from building within 100 feet of designated wetlands. We had to be scrupulous about following those rules, which we were happy to abide by for the health of our horses and the protection of local wildlife.

It’s a good idea to become friendly with your zoning officer and the building inspector. The zoning officer will help you navigate the bylaws, and the building inspector is going to keep an eye on the work you’re doing, making sure the project meets construction and safety standards. View these people as resources — if you meet the requirements, you’ll have a safe and durable structure.

Design smart, with functionality in mind. Designing a layout is one of the fun parts! Do the research: There are a number of books that will give you ideas on barn layouts. Healthy Stables by Design, by John Blackburn, is an elegant book filled with stunning examples of equine architecture that put the health and safety of the horses in the forefront. Be prepared to drool over the pictures of breathtaking barns. They’ll give you ideas to play with, and inspiration. There are different ways to create a design, depending on how you’ll be putting up the structure. A kit barn is a popular option that’s sharp-looking and simple to construct. Typically, you select a style and then customize here and there, the materials are shipped to you, and a builder puts it up. The old-fashioned method of blueprints, architects, and contractors is another way to go, and gives you full control over the layout. Select a builder with experience in equine properties; he or she will know the technicalities and procedures that you may not, and will provide guidance.

Whichever method you choose, make

sure the plan allows for the daily flow of movement around the farm. A central aisle flanked by stalls is a tried-and-true plan. We went this route, and put run-out paddocks leading out of each stall so the horses can come and go as they please. In New England, this is an ideal set-up for unpredictable weather. If you will be storing hay in the barn, be sure to estimate the amount of hay you’ll need to store and how much storage space that will require.

Horses need to breathe: Make ventilation a priority. Getting fresh air to the horses, and keeping it circulating throughout the barn year-round, is a consideration that must go into your design. Even during the cold days of winter, it’s important to resist the urge to seal up the building; instead, make sure fresh air can reach your horses. In the summer, circulation is crucial for keeping them comfortable and healthy. Without proper ventilation, moisture, dust, ammonia, and bad smells build up, and these put your horses at risk for respiratory illness.

Ventilation is all about the doors and the ceilings. Warm, moist air rises, so you must provide a way for it to exit at the highest point. (This is the original purpose of the vented cupola, which is still an effective and attractive feature for a roof.) As that stale air exits, fresh air must have a way of entering, from a low point in the barn: through large barn doors and perhaps windows. This is a natural process of convection, and when incorporated into the barn design it should keep your horses breathing easily.

Use sunlight to your advantage. Natural light is a valuable (and free) resource for visibility and warmth, especially during our long New England winters. Not only does sunlight keep the inside of a barn pleasant, light, and airy, it’s also healthy for the horses and kills airborne germs.

Planning the barn so that it faces south, with several windows, will give you the best opportunity to let light stream in, and naturally warm the interior on those frigid winter days. Installing skylights is

another way to fill the place with natural light.

Using sunlight to your advantage as much as possible is good, but electrical lighting is also necessary. The safest and most effective positioning of light fixtures is directly overhead and out of reach. One light per stall is usually a minimum requirement, and the aisle as well as key work areas should be properly lit. Always keep safety in mind: Position outlets conveniently but where curious noses can’t reach them, make sure horses can’t see/access the wires, and keep bulbs within wire cages or protective shields.

Runoff happens: Install a proper drainage system. Drainage is critical, and how best to provide it is a matter to plan before the construction stage to avoid a big, soggy problem. The bottom line is that fresh water must be able to flow in and dirty, excess water must be able to flow out. The complexities surrounding this requirement will depend on the property you build on. For us, drainage was of the utmost importance because our barn is at the base of a steep hill (remember the wetlands?). We planned drainage systems below surface, piled up the dirt, and chose porous footing options, and as a result we’ve never had a problem with flooding.

First, make sure the barn is being built high enough; 8 to 12 inches above ground level is the recommendation. Second, have proper manure management and storage plan in place when you begin; you don’t want that kind of runoff. Will you consistently remove manure piles to keep things under control? How will you do this? On some properties, subsurface drainage is essential; on others, it’s still a good idea. Layers of clay soil and gravel below the flooring go a long way if you have a wet property. Stone dust makes excellent footing for wet properties; it drains well, but you may have to groom it often for it to be of use. French drains, which redirect excess water, are another way to control wetness.

You’re going to need a lot of water. It’s well known that horses drink lots of water, but when planning a barn, that’s not even the

half of it. Some tasks that require water are bathing your horses, cleaning buckets and tack, doing laundry, hosing off injuries, flushing toilets, scrubbing messes, soaking feed, and wetting down a dusty arena. No matter what needs crop up, barns inevitably go through a lot of water, so it’s important to make sure you have access to a clean, fresh supply. This means drawing from an existing water line or digging a well. Either way, be sure you have a plentiful supply, and that it’s free of contamination.

Automatic waterers or buckets — that is the question, and the answer comes down to preference. If you can find durable automatic waterers that work consistently, they’re a godsend, saving time and much lugging of buckets back and forth. In the winter, your horses will have access to unfrozen water at all times, a big benefit. It’s difficult, however, to figure out how much the horses are drinking, and this is where the trusty bucket prevails. The peace of mind that comes when your horses are drinking from indestructible plastic pails may be worth the strength it takes to manually fill and refill them throughout the day.

Find several reliable resources for hay. Another thing you’ll need a lot of is hay. Forage should make up the majority of any horse’s diet. Have more than one place where you can get good hay, to ensure that you’ll be able to feed your hungry horses come blizzard or drought. Talking with local horsey folks comes in handy; they all have favorite hay suppliers to recommend.

Before buying, try to go and inspect the hay yourself; it would be a huge disappointment to have 300 bales of questionable hay littered with sticks, leaves, and the occasional crushed beer can delivered to your farm. If you take the time to make sure it’s quality forage, free of any funky colors, excessive dust, and weird smells, you’ll be feeding your horses worry-free for months.

Buying hay in bulk is common practice, and it’s crucial to have a dry, temperate place to keep it. If you can store hay bales in a shed or garage outside of the barn, this is safest for the horses. Hay bales inevitably

create excess dust that horses don’t need to be inhaling, and lots of hay in one place can be a serious fire hazard. Wherever you decide to store the hay, make sure the storage area is well-ventilated.

Hay bales must be free of moisture to avoid mold, so air circulation is key. Stack them on wooden pallets; keeping them off the ground, in this way, allows air to circulate around and underneath the stacks. Scattering some rock salt between rows is an old farmer’s practice, and a good measure to take — salt will absorb any excess moisture and further deter mold.

Store grain in a cool, dry place, ideally, where horses cannot gain access to it. A plastic or aluminum trash barrel with a secure lid works well. Immediately transfer the grain from bag to barrel when you bring it to the barn, as grain will turn rancid if stored in the bag for too long during our hot, humid summers. And, grain bags are not a deterrent to mice.

Keep the beasts contained. There’s no greater pleasure than watching your horses

graze and play out in the pasture. There’s no greater panic than helplessly running after them as they bust through a weak point in the fence. Don’t put yourself in this situation: Invest in a sturdy fence. There are several options specific to equine needs; following are two.

A traditional white fence made of PVC or vinyl looks gorgeous, never needs to be painted, and is heavy duty enough to withstand any vigorous butt-rubbing or gymnastic grass-grabbing. A more economical option is electric fencing. This is extremely effective for keeping horses in, as they quickly learn to respect the boundaries. With this choice, of utmost importance for a fully functioning system is to ground the electric charger. In addition, you must always have your electric fence on, so horses won’t “test” the fence and become tangled in it.

Find a trustworthy horse-sitter. Bringing the horses home means you’re the primary caretaker, responsible for all the feeding, mucking, barn maintenance, grooming,

and other tasks. When you can’t be there, whether it be because of a vacation or an emergency, you must have someone you can trust to care for the horses in your absence. A reliable horse-sitter who will take care of your animals as well as you do is worth their weight in gold. When you find that person, make sure to walk them through the daily chores, write down specific directions, and make your expectations clear. Leave emergency contact numbers, such as for the veterinarian, the farrier, and where they can reach you.

Having horsey neighbors may be of great benefit: You can care for each other’s farms as well as split loads of hay and share tractors, other expensive equipment, and riding rings.

Buy the Dream

If you live in a neighborhood where horses are not allowed, or your property doesn’t lend itself to accommodating your dream barn or your horses’ needs, you may want to consider buying an existing equestrian property. A farm purchase is exciting, but

that dream can turn into a nightmare if you don’t proceed with caution. Do your homework, and use good sense. The following guidelines will help you as you begin your search.

Farms are considered specialty properties, and, similar to adding a barn to a residential property, there are numerous details to consider. Local regulations, livestock restrictions, and conservation and wetland issues are just a few of the topics you need to know about when searching for an equestrian property.

Then there’s the location, barn and fence configuration, turnout area, stall sizes, and the all-important neighborhood to consider before you even look at the home. Fortunately, most pitfalls can be avoided by conducting thorough research and working with a reputable Realtor.

Find a Realtor who specializes in equestrian properties. When everyone is running on a busy schedule and time is valuable, an agent who knows horses is a tremendous asset. A real-estate agent well

versed in horses won’t bat an eye when a prospective buyer rushes out to size up the barn and pasture without so much as glancing at the home. An agent who understands the distinctive needs of horse owners can save you valuable time and money during the search process by eliminating unsuitable properties early on.

First, make a wish list. Before you contact a Realtor create a wish list for your dream property. Where would you like to relocate? How many stalls do you think will you need? Are stalls with individual turnouts a must? Are you interested in having a few boarders? Is an outdoor arena also a must? Indoor arena? Are there riding trails on your dream property?

Then, refine your wish list by visiting equestrian properties in the area. If possible, meet with the owners and ask them what they like best about their farm. What changes would they like to make?

Finally, determine your budget. What can you realistically and comfortably afford? And what additional expenses, such as equipment to maintain the pastures, manage manure, snow removal, and move hay, will you need to plan for?

Buying a horse property is much more complex than selling a residential property, so it’s important to work with people who speak the language. By asking the right questions, your Realtor can narrow down the list of available properties to meet both your budget and your specific needs.

Once you’ve found a property that ticks off most, if not all, of the items on your wish list, then the work begins.

Check town regulations. Find out if there are any restrictions on the number of horses you can have per acre. Check for deed restrictions. Are there wetlands? Any wetlands on the property can cause diminished use of a portion of the land. You need to know that up front. Ask if the land is part of any type of conservation program in your state. Also, if the farm has never been surveyed, one might be in order if the boundaries are not clear. Finally,

because most horse people are concerned with the property’s proximity to roads and the surroundings, take a close look at the general area as well as the neighborhood. Is the surrounding land zoned for agriculture, or are there a lot of new houses and developments going up nearby?

Check the water source. If it’s well water, check the flow rate. If it’s municipal water, request copies of the last two years’ bills and compare them with the number of horses the seller has housed and the number you would house. How many hydrants are installed and how long must the hose be to reach all the water buckets? If the barn has bathing and washing facilities, find out if the facility has a full and approved septic system.

Check the electrical system. Make sure the wires are safely inside a metal conduit. Have an electrician inspect the wiring. The circuit-breaker box should be large enough to accommodate existing and some future electrical needs.

Inspect the barn and outbuildings. Hire a professional to conduct a structural inspection of the barns and outbuildings. They will check all the buildings for rotted carrying beams and sills, as well as check the condition of roofs, siding, and windows. In each stall, investigate the footing under the mats and check for signs of rodents.

Walk the pastures. Are the fences and gates all safe and in good condition? Are the pastures big enough to accommodate the number of horses you plan on housing? Be sure to inspect the pastures for weeds and plants/bushes that might be poisonous. Are there invasive species in the pastures, or anywhere else on the property? If so, they can be difficult to contain and costly to eradicate.

Where will you ride? If there is an outdoor riding arena, check the footing as well as the fencing. Is it conveniently located near the barn? Are there any trails on the property, or does the property abut a trail

network? How accessible are the trails? Before you buy, check out the condition of the trails. Are they rocky or wet? Ask about mosquitoes, greenheads, deerflies, and midges. No one expects a bug-free environment, but some marshy areas can be horrible to ride through.

Working with an agent that is knowledgeable and fully understands equestrian properties can provide invaluable insight and be of tremendous assistance during the purchasing process. Use their expertise to guide you and negotiate the details, even down to specifics like whether the stall mats, fencing, and gates are included in the sale.

It’s time to make an offer. How will you finance this property? Financing a horse property, including the appraisal process, can be more difficult than financing a standard single-family home. Not all lenders will finance horse properties. The unique characteristics and amenities of a horse property can make finding similar properties to use as comparisons during the appraisal process a challenge. Also, most lenders’ strict appraisal guidelines and standard adjustments require minimal values to be placed on outbuildings and improvements such as barns, heated tack rooms, fenced grazing pastures, and riding arenas.

Other considerations. Be sure to get an estimate for property and liability insurance. Are there fire hydrants in close proximity to the property? If not, is there a fire pond on the property? Will you be required to obtain special permits from the town for any equine-related events you may wish to hold?

HAVING YOUR HORSES at home

is incredibly rewarding. Getting them there can be a challenge, but once you realize that you can step out your back door and see your horses blissfully grazing in pastures, or sunning themselves in their paddock all the money, time, and energy you’ve spent will be worth it. Daily barn chores become vital, restorative rituals,

and you’ll wonder how you ever lived otherwise. You’ll quietly check on your horses by moonlight before you go to bed, calmed by the sleepy sound of horses munching hay in cozy stalls. You’ll pause for moments in between sweeping the aisle, mucking stalls, and filling water buckets to stare in awe at your own Breyer horse dream turned into reality.

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.

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KFarm

Keystone Sporthorses

eystone Sporthorses is located on a cozy 10 acres in Danielson, Connecticut. Keystone offers quality youngsters bred and foaled on site, in addition to Irish Draught and Irish Draught Sporthorses for sale directly from Ireland. Further services include consignment sales and assisting clients in sourcing their next mount. Currently the property is home to 15 horses including

six broodmares and one Connemara stallion imported from Ireland.

Owner Amanda Tourtellot has been involved with horses since she was nine years old, when she began competing in the hunter and jumper rings. Amanda attended Lake Erie College in Painesville Ohio, where she majored in equine management with a concentration in equine reproduction. While at Lake Erie College, Amanda was a starting rider for the college’s Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team. After college, she managed a Holsteiner breeding farm before starting Keystone Sporthorses in 2018. Amanda is currently on the board of the Irish Draught Society of North America.

CH: How did you go about establishing Keystone Sporthorses?

Amanda: I always knew I wanted to breed horses. When I purchased the property, it allowed me to begin my own breeding and sales program. I created a website and used social media platforms for marketing. Sometimes people will recognize me at shows. So, word of mouth has also played a large part in getting the Keystone Sporthorses name out there.

CH: Can you tell us more about the services Keystone Sporthorses offers?

Amanda: Absolutely! We offer training board for foals and young horses, prepping for the show ring, professional handling at horse shows and inspections, mare and foal board, foaling out services, and retirement board.

CH: How did you come to have an interest in pursuing equine reproduction and breeding your own horses?

Amanda: At Lake Erie I took a few breeding classes and really loved them. I had always wanted to get into breeding horses. After college, I got a job managing a Holsteiner breeding farm. The farm stood two stallions. Normally we had

Danielson

Jess Windhurst Photography

Amanda Tourtellot showing Irish Draught Sporthorse mare Pure Clover at Westbrook Hunt Club.

Caherlistrane Bawn Jewel, Connemara stallion, is standing stud to a few select mares for 2024.

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about 10 mares that foaled per year. Once I had my own place, I was able to start my own breeding program. We’ve been averaging five foals per year. This season, so far, we are expecting two.

CH: What type of handling do the foals and young horses receive?

Amanda: They learn everything, from wearing a halter and leading to standing for the farrier to being bathed and clipped. Yearlings are introduced to crosstying and trailering. Then we will usually start taking them off property for adventures. We take foals to breed inspections while they are still with their dams. As yearlings to three-year-olds they go to United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) hunter breeding shows and United States Dressage Federation (USDF) sporthorse breed shows. This past year I also brought one of my weanlings to Equine Affaire.

CH: How do you choose stallions and decide which mares to pair them

with? Do you do live cover or artificial insemination?

Amanda: There is so much that goes into it! For me, the mare’s personality is a big factor. My goal is to produce amateur- and junior-friendly mounts. This my niche. Obviously, conformation, rideability, and show records play a part in the decision process as well. I’m constantly researching stallions and what they are likely to produce if bred to a specific mare. I ask myself, What do I want to improve in my mare? Are there confirmational faults I could improve? Does she need a bigger stride? I can then take these weaknesses and see which stallions are most likely to help improve those areas and will hopefully pass those improved traits onto the foal. We do artificial insemination using cooled semen, although in the past I have also used frozen semen. I don’t do live cover. There is too much risk to the safety of the horses and people, and it’s not necessary for registration. Artificial insemination is so much safer.

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CH: Is there a specific mare and stallion combination you are especially excited about for this year?

Amanda: Yes! Masquerade, my Welsh pony mare, is in foal to a Welsh pony stud, Orchard Hills Finer By Far. I’d tried unsuccessfully to get Masquerade in foal for the past few years. This year she’s expecting!

CH: Irish Draught and Irish Draught Sporthorses appear to be your main focus. What made you so passionate about them?

Amanda: We do have some warmblood and Thoroughbred crosses as well as my Welsh pony mare. However, my heart lies in the Irish horses. After acquiring my first broodmare I started researching stallions to compliment her and stumbled across this Irish Draught stallion named Gemstone Clover. I really liked how he was put together and how he moved. I fell in love with him. He’s what made me fall in love with the breed. Gemstone Clover stands at Cloverstone Breeding and Sales in Boulder, Colorado. I like how level-headed his foals are and how highly trainable they are. We’ve had seven foals by him.

CH: Can you explain how you assembled your overseas team for importing horses?

In 2020, a client was interested in purchasing an Irish Draught and asked for my assistance. I made a post on Facebook and reached out to a few friends, and then a gentleman from Ireland, Paul Larkin of Larkin Bros International, contacted me and said he could assist. Paul was able to source a horse the client purchased and imported. From there everything kind of snowballed. Paul sent me listings and I kept selling them. We’re now business partners and have sold more than 20 horses together. They’re wonderful business partners. It’s a family business, and his daughters assist in riding and training the horses along with putting together sale videos for clients.

CH: What is the process typically like to import a horse?

Amanda: Importing can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. But really, it’s not a difficult process at all. Usually, a client comes to me with the criteria of what they are looking for. Then I contact Paul, and he compiled photographs and videos of horses that fit the criteria. Most of the horses are pre-vetted so that information is also available for the client.

Once the client makes the purchase, we begin facilitating the import. Equine International Shipping and The Dutta Corporation are the companies we use to handle the flights and quarantine. The horses are flown to the airport nearest to the client, normally New York’s JFK, Chicago’s O’Hare, or Los Angeles’ LAX.

Upon arrival, depending on the sex and age of the horse, there are different quarantine requirements. A gelding or any sex young stock under two years must quarantine for three days. Stallions more than two years old need to quarantine for about a month, while mares are a few weeks.

After the period of quarantine is completed, the client may either pick up the horse themselves or we can organize shipping arrangements. Our team makes the process very easy for our clients.

CH: In addition to the breed shows and inspections, do you compete any of your horses under saddle?

Amanda: Yes. Last year I was able to compete my four-year-old mare, the first horse I bred, Pure Clover, at a few schooling shows. She is by Gemstone Clover and out of a Holsteiner mare, Via Icewater. Our goal is to compete in the Young Horse Under Saddle classes at the Devon Horse Show this year. Hopefully we will be able to do some local rated competitions as well.

CH: What’s coming up that you are particularly excited about?

Amanda: This spring two of my horses, Pure Clover (aka Claire) and Quiet Riot (aka Logan) will be in a movie called The Letter Home produced by Tree House Productions. We just finished filming this

past fall. It was a great experience and so much fun to do. I’m very excited for it to come out!

CH: What are your goals for the future?

Amanda: Goals for the future are to start standing at stud our resident Connemara stallion, Caherlistrane Bawn Jewel. We also have quite a few outstanding young horses that are coming of riding age as well that we’re super excited to get started. I have partnered with Nina Shaffer of Grand Slam Equestrian in Pennsylvania. I’ll be sending some of our young horses to her to help get started and jump-start their show careers. As always, I’m excited to produce more quality foals and showing our babies in hand and under saddle.

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Huntington

by Stephanie Sanders

IFarm

Amy Hollowell

Performance Horses

n Huntington, Massachusetts, Amy Hollowell is the fourth generation to make a living on Norwich Lake Farm. The family farm is more than 200 years old and was originally a dairy farm.

In 2020, Amy returned to her roots in Massachusetts and now runs Amy Hollowell Performance Horses where she grew up and where she and her husband, Camron, are raising their three children, Vera, 15, Fiona, 10, and Myles, 7.

farm for generations, and my family has always had horses, so I grew up riding. When I was seven years old, my parents began taking me to formal lessons at King Oak Farm in Southampton. I loved jumping and riding, especially any of the more challenging school horses that were at the farm.

CH: What was your path to becoming an equestrian?

In addition to training horses and teaching riding lessons, Amy and her husband, Camron, are actively farming their land. Together, with the help and guidance of Amy’s father, Wayne McKinney, they put up 3,000 bales of hay last year and many gallons of maple syrup that are available for purchase. There are 13 horses on the farm; 8 belong to Amy and her family. They also have 10 heifers and working steer, laying hens, and they raise heritage-breed Meishan pigs.

Amy recently spent some time with Community Horse on a sunny, spring-like winter day.

CH: Where did you grow up?

Amy: I grew up here in Huntington on Norwich Lake Farm. This farm was a dairy

Amy: I rode eventing and dressage until I turned 16, when I began interning with a local reining trainer. I was hooked immediately! It was such a rush stopping and spinning — and I truly admired the level of communication between the rider and horse that reining requires, all while making it appear absolutely effortless from the rider.

When I was 20, I started my training career under René Gagnon, learning the basics of colt starting, reining, and getting into the reining pen as much as possible. I rode with René for five years and then moved on to ride with Francois Gauthier at Sunny Pines Farm in Lucama, North Carolina.

Amy Hollowell and Show Tattoo Skip, a.k.a. Rambo.

Amy Hollowell riding Jackie Kennedy’s mare Promise.

CH: Who were the biggest influences in your equestrian education and what lessons did you learn from them?

Amy: I love riding with other trainers and always try to take something away from our time together. Early in my teen years, Gaylyn Bullock-Ackley truly taught me what collection is and how to rise above and settle a horse that is acting up or hot. René Gagnon gave me the foundation for my entire training program, from start to finish. Francois Gauthier taught me what a “broke” horse really is. And my husband, Cam, who is also a trainer, encourages me daily and has taught me how to figure out the quirky horses.

CH: What horse has had the most impact on you and why?

Amy: I’ve been able to ride and train some amazing horses, but Show Tattoo Skip, or Rambo, probably had the most impact on my career. He’s truly the horse that ignited my passion for reining. I won my first buckle on him and first National

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Home of Kingmaker Jupiter. Newly imported, licensed Dales Pony stallion. Stallion service available to Dales Pony mares and other breeds.

Reining Horse Association (NRHA) earnings with him. He was the kindest, most giving horse.

CH: When and where did you start

Amy Hollowell Performance Horses?

Amy: I started Amy Hollowell Performance Horses in 2008 and have continued through moves around the country, finally returning to Massachusetts. I currently ride out of Norwich Lake Farm and Carrier’s Farm in Southampton.

CH: What does Amy Hollowell Performance Horses offer?

Amy: My focus is on training horses from start to finish. I offer colt starting, show pen preparation, and rehabilitation. I specialize in the reining, working cow, and ranch horse disciplines with a background in dressage and event horses. I also offer lessons and training, and I’m putting together a youth lesson program this year.

I have a few broodmares and have

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Exhibiting a calm and intelligent nature with exceptional conformation.

The Dales Pony can truly do it all . . . dressage to driving and jumping!

just started my breeding program. A lifelong dream of mine is to breed, raise, train, and show horses — from the womb to the show pen.

I’ve also worked with all kinds of problem horses from kickers and biters to those that buck and rear.

CH: What do you offer at Carrier’s Farm?

Amy: I’m at Carrier’s Farm almost every day where I do training rides and teach riding lessons. I have one lesson horse at Carrier’s, and most of the training and teaching is dressage and hunt seat.

COMMUNITY HORSE SPOKE with Jackie Kennedy of Whately who takes riding lessons with Amy at Carrier’s Farm. Amy also does training rides on Jackie’s horse, Promise, a 17-year-old Lippitt Morgan mare.

“Amy has given me lessons on Promise, helping me to soften her,” says Jackie. “Promise has lots of energy and is a very versatile horse who needs a job. Amy rides her twice a week, giving

Promise lots of interesting and challenging work. For example, Amy has taken her over jumps and through trail obstacle courses. Amy and Promise took first place in Promise’s first ever six-mile obstacle trail class last year!”

“Amy is patient, clear in her suggestions, and never gets rattled,” Jackie says. “She’s conscious of both the horse’s and the rider’s abilities. Amy never pushes either of us beyond our limits. She has a great way of working with any anxiety the rider may have or that the horse may experience. Sometimes I’m away for a month and I leave Promise in her care. I’m so grateful that I have Amy to rely on.”

Southampton resident Jeanie Kay rides at Carrier’s with Amy. “I’m taking lessons on a green four-year-old draft horse,” says Jeanie. “Riding a green horse and a draft horse is completely new to me. I appreciate how Amy has been educating me. She listens to my concerns and questions and gives thoughtful responses. She instructs me on a certain skill and then explains how that aid will help the horse.”

“I ride for pleasure, no particular discipline,” says Jeanie. “I just want to increase my overall horsemanship. Amy has been instrumental in building my confidence and knowledge base.”

CH: What are the facility amenities at Amy Hollowell Performance Horses?

We currently have a ten-stall barn and a large outdoor arena. We’ve begun site work for an indoor arena and additional stalls. We hope to complete that work this year before the onset of winter.

CH: What is the community at Amy Hollowell Performance Horses like?

Amy: Our show family is amazing. I feel truly blessed with the amazing people we show with. Everyone is super supportive and kind.

CH: What brings you the most joy in your work?

Amy: Breeding, raising, and training quality horses is my passion. Currently, I have some wonderful horses available including a five-year-old American Paint Horse Association mare that’s easy to ride and ready to be finished as a ranch riding, reining, or working cow horse. Plus, Maverick, a beautiful American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) palomino twoyear-old stallion with the mind and athleticism to be a futurity horse. And Poppy, an AQHA dark chestnut filly that’s the whole package.

What are your future goals for Amy Hollowell Performance Horses?

Amy: My immediate goal is to get a solid training program going with between six and eight horses in training, and a youth lesson program for western riders as there are not many options for kids interested in riding western in the area.

Since 2021, we’ve finished the barn and added two run-in sheds on the farm using lumber milled on the farm. We’ve cleared a lot of pasture, expanded the outside ring, and added footing. Once the indoor arena and stalls are ready, we can expand our services and train year-round.

MASSACHUSETTS

Amherst Farmer’s Supply

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Bridgewater Farm Supply

1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357

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Essex County Co-op

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Greenfield Farmers Co-op Exchange

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Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange

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Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain

111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926

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CONNECTICUT

Benedict’s Home & Garden

480 Purdy Hill Rd., Monroe (203) 268-2537 . benedictsgarden.com

G. M. Thompson & Sons

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Litchfield Blue Seal Store

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Meriden Feed & Supply

846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden (203) 237-4414

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RHODE ISLAND

Leeway True Value

790 Great Rd., North Smithfield (401) 765-2222

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Tiverton

by Stephanie Sanders

CFarm Claddagh Farm

laddagh Farm is an equestrian show facility offering excellent horse care and extensive horse and rider training in hunter, jumper, and equitation. Located in Tiverton, Rhode Island, the farm boasts 15 stalls, a large indoor arena, an outdoor ring, and a derby grass field. Just a stone’s throw from the coast, Claddagh Farm’s grass turnouts are surrounded by white post-and-rail fences and beautiful views.

The Claddagh Farm show team competes at many local and A-rated shows throughout the year under the guidance of farm owner and trainer Mary CharetteCawley. The farm hosts a Rhode Island Horseman’s Association (RIHA)/ New England Horsemen’s Association (NEHA)rated and United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) outreach-affiliated show series on site.

Community Horse recently caught up with Mary and learned some exciting news about the future of Claddagh Farm and the expansion of the farm’s show series.

CH: You have a long history with horses — from competing in equitation as a junior to training,

coaching, managing, and now owning your own facility. How did horses first come into your life?

Mary: My mother rode when she was a kid through her teenage years and must have really missed them in her life because there were always beautifully framed horse pictures around the house when I was growing up. She also gave me her old horse figurines and toy barns to play with.

When I was eight, one of my closest friends, Ashley, had been taking riding lessons. I went with her one day, and the rest is history.

CH: Which horses have made the most impact on your life so far?

Mary: I’ve been blessed with so many patient and intuitive equine partners. I can narrow it down to two horses. The first was our very first horse, an Appendix Quarter Horse named Muddy Rivers, who came from a sales auction in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This horse never said, “No,” even though he should have! He was a green, goofy bay gelding who touched your soul when you looked into his eyes. He was my Mini-Medal horse, Children’s Jumper, and sometimes barrel racer. He was also

Mary Charette-Cawley with Chris Lebo and Clintos after winning the Modified Adult Equitation at the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council Finals.

Claddagh’s Piano Man and Kyanna Brooks at one of the Claddagh Farm’s RIHA-rated, NEHA-rated, and USHJA outreach-affiliated shows.

my mother’s search-and-rescue horse, Western Pleasure mount, and trail riding buddy. I’ve never met a horse since Muddy Rivers that is as versatile as he was!

The second was my Dutch Warmblood equitation horse, Jhoncorde (Lucas), who taught me the ropes in the Big Eq ring and really helped finesse my riding. He was much longer and bigger than Muddy was, so it took me a bit to manage his length; he was so gentle and patient through it all. I remember my first time standing in the chute at Harrisburg and my heart was nearly pounding out of my chest. Lucas turned his head and nuzzled my foot just before we walked in. He always did things like that, as if to say, “Hey, come on. I’ve got you.”

CH: Besides owning and operating Claddagh Farm, are you involved in the horse community in other ways?

Mary: Yes, I am! I’m a licensed New England Horsemen’s Council judge, rated 1, and I’m a senior board member and past president of the Rhode Island Horseman’s Association. I was also on the Rhode Island Equitation Committee for about 10 years. I’ve been working on getting my United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) coursedesigning license and would also like to become a USEF judge when time permits.

CH: Who have been the most impact- ful trainers or mentors in your life? Tell us about the most important lessons you learned from them.

Mary: I was fortunate to grow up in New England in the 1990s, surrounded by many great trainers and horsemen. From trainers to barn managers and grooms, I always wanted to learn something different every day. I was in a supportive environment where, after I’d lessoned for the day or was done showing and had taken care of my horse, I would be encouraged to go sit by the ring and watch more lessons, or go to the show warm-up rings and listen to others teach and watch how they were prepping their riders and horses.

Debbie Hoyt Banfield really cleaned up my act when I started getting serious about showing. She had the patience of a saint and taught me the ropes of the show world. She really broke my riding down so I understood the mechanics of equitation — the actual form and function and how it relates to your horse. Paul Valliere took me under his wing and added on the discipline and structure of horse care and stable management at the top level. They are both still mentors and friends to this day. Paul gave me away at my wedding in 2022.

I also had the privilege of working for Jay Sargent when I first turned professional. She was a great influence on my teaching and how to start a rider correctly. She was also a pro at managing the paperwork end of the business. I use a lot of what she taught me to this day.

CH: How did Claddagh Farm come to be?

Mary: I was working for different people after I turned professional and was on the road a lot, but I was missing out on family events and milestones. As much as I enjoyed (and still enjoy) the show lifestyle, I wanted to be able to have more of a say in my schedule, and the only way to do that was to start my own farm. I have Irish heritage and have always loved the meaning of the Claddagh symbol (love, loyalty, and friendship) and wanted those attributes in the farm name.

CH: What are the amenities at Claddagh Farm?

Mary: I’ve been renting at our Tiverton location for 14 years,. We have 15 stalls,

Mary Charette-Cawley and husband, Benjamin Cawley, at the RIHA banquet.

individual lockers for boarders, a hot/cold wash stall, a large indoor arena where I run my rated winter shows, a large outdoor ring, a derby grass field, grass turnouts, cooldown paths, and access to trails as well.

CH: What is your focus at Claddagh?

Mary: Ideally, most riders and horses are showing on the hunter/jumper circuit. I have a small riding school where new riders can safely learn the basics on Claddagh school horses, but once they reach a certain point they’re encouraged to lease or purchase a horse of their own. This helps to ensure the soundness and longevity of my great school horses. All riders are taught basic horse care, longeing, safety on the ground, and more. I’ve had students who have gone from Claddagh Farm to work for some big names and have done well. That makes me proud.

I also focus on buying/selling horses, whether my own or for others. I really enjoy putting a good match together!

CH: What makes the community at Claddagh Farm unique?

Mary: Everyone at Claddagh Farm genuinely cares and wants what’s best for their horse, at all times. There’s a teamwork element at the farm; everyone is always cheering one another on and helping each other where they can. This is a hard and humbling sport so it’s nice to feel supported back at the barn.

CH: What competitions and events are held at Claddagh Farm?

Mary: I have added six more show dates this year to the RIHA/NEHA-rated and USHJA outreach show series schedule, so we will run all the way through November for local one-day shows hosted at the farm. I haven’t run a consistent summer camp program in years because we’ve been on the road to horse shows so much, but I’ve been asked to run one this year. Once I finalize the summer schedule, I may put some summer camp dates back on the calendar.

CH: What brings you the most joy at Claddagh Farm?

Mary: I really enjoy the comradery between everyone, from staff to boarders to clients. I enjoy watching horses and riders progress in their education and confidence.

CH: What does the future hold for Claddagh Farm?

Mary: My husband, Ben, and I just bought 15.5 acres in Little Compton! We will be starting construction this spring for our stable and riding rings. The layout of the land at the new facility is similar to the Tiverton location, plus I’m going add some smaller medical paddocks and a hot walker. I’m also working on bringing in a larger string of sale horses, especially when my husband and I can move the business home. I’m hoping to upgrade our shows to USEF affiliations as well. I can’t wait for our new state-of-the-art facility to be built and in our backyard. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid. Finally, some sweat equity is paying off!

46 acres

$447,000 zoned for horses

Build your equestrian dream property on 46 acres at 0 East Hodges Street in Norton, Massachusetts! Beautiful, old fieldstone walls marking previous fields and farm land. Approved by right for a barn, out buildings, and home. Possible owner financing.

Newtown

by Sally L. Feuerberg

Montana Calloway Bychurch

I’ve always looked forward to my travels and encounters with fellow horse enthusiasts throughout our equestrian community. During these adventures, I’ve had the privilege to speak to numerous women who have impressively mastered the art of juggling motherhood, family, and equestrian careers. Many have shared

their struggles and triumphs. In spite of the challenges, there is one sentiment these women all seem to agree on: It’s worth every precious moment.

I’ve seen Montana Calloway Bychurch, a riding instructor and coach, at several area horse shows. I especially remember her warm smile whenever we’ve exchanged greetings. I’ve always been impressed with her rapport with her students. There’s a maternal quality about it, especially in her ability to nurture and encourage her youngest students. But there’s also a knowledgeable element and supportive sensitivity that is greatly appreciated by her older, more seasoned clients. I recently had the opportunity to get to know Montana a little when Suzanne Testani, a friend and student of Montana’s, reached out to me. Suzanne’s first correspondence to me referred to Montana as an “equine phenom!”

“Many years ago, I developed a deep anxiety about jumping due to harsh

teaching styles from various instructors,” Suzanne says. “During the last seven years, Montana has systematically unraveled that learned behavior lesson by lesson. She taught me not to fear fences and to trust my horse by deconstructing each carefully planned task. Today, my lovely off-the-track Thoroughbred,

Octavian (a.k.a. Vanny), and I can safely enjoy our riding experiences together completely free from the psychological binds of that anxiety. I’m eternally grateful for Montana.”

Montana works out of King’s Bridge Farm in Newtown, Connecticut. King’s Bridge Farm is a private boarding facility with a lesson program. The farm was founded and is owned by Kat King.

“I take pride that the farm can offer an intimate, friendly, noncompetitive environment where boarders and students can learn the basics safely if they are just starting out or strengthen the skills they already have,” Kat says. “Montana has been particularly great at helping riders to slowly build back their confidence after being scared due to previous horseback riding incidents. We go slow and steady based on a rider’s individual skill level. We like to teach people true horsemanship.”

I visited Montana at King’s Bridge Farm and immediately felt comfortable in her presence. The relaxed, cordial atmosphere of the farm seemed to suit her well. Montana, Kat, and Montana’s friend and student, Suzanne, welcomed me, and I could sense the friendship, support, and harmony among the three women. I was eager to learn more about how Montana joined the farm and how she has managed to blend family, motherhood, and her passion for teaching so many to ride.

CH: How long have you worked at King’s Bridge Farm?

Montana: I moved my horse, Myles, into King’s Bridge Farm (KBF) in 2009. I’d help Kat with farm chores, and we quickly grew close. In 2010, we decided to start a lesson program together.

CH: Can you tell our readers how you started your career with horses?

Montana: I discovered my mom’s Breyer model horses when I started crawling. From then on, I was hooked on all things horses. My third birthday party was at a farm with pony rides. My mom would bring me back to the farm for pony rides until I turned five years old, when I began taking weekly riding lessons at a smaller backyard farm.

As I got older, I was given opportunities to work and ride. Whether it was mucking, feeding, turning in/out, grooming, or helping with tack-ups, I was all over the opportunity to spend more time at the farm and get more time in the saddle. I was often put on the young, green horses. I loved the challenge and reward of the process.

As a teenager, I was asked to assist with beginner lessons in summer camp. I then realized how much I enjoyed teaching. When I was 15, I began a working student position at a bigger hunter/ jumper show barn. I was there for three years, then moved on to various teaching and exercise riding positions.

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to make horses my career, so I jumped on any opportunity I could to make that happen.

CH: How long have you been a riding instructor and trainer?

Montana: I began assisting with beginner lessons when I was about 15. I started teaching consistently when I was 16 years old. I’m now 34, so roughly, 18 years.

CH: What are the ages of your students?

Montana: If you count my daughter, she started lead line lessons at 18 months and is now three years old. She’s definitely the youngest child I’ve ever taught. However, I generally start my students at five years of age and have students all the way up to 76 years old. I want to be like my 76-yearold student when I grow up!

CH: You and your husband have three beautiful little ones. What challenges do you face with balancing the demands of family and your eques- trian career?

Montana: Thank you! It’s most definitely a constant juggling act. I generally teach five, sometimes six days a week. This year, we began our homeschooling journey with our oldest child. I’m the default parent because my husband works full-time and often travels for work. Don’t get me wrong, I love being the default parent, but it can get overwhelming at times being the one responsible for all the cooking, feeding, bathing, teaching, scheduling, and keeping a clean home. Then throw in managing and scheduling a lesson program with five horses and 25 to 30 students at any given time. It’s a lot. My mom is absolutely our biggest asset. The peace of mind we have knowing our kids are safe and happy with their “Omi” is invaluable. Not to mention that the cost of childcare — whether it’s a babysitter or daycare — is insane. If it weren’t for my mom, I don’t know how we would manage any of it. She babysits the kids while I’m at the farm. And she often sleeps over a few times a week so that she can help me with not only the kids, two dogs, and a cat but with house chores too. Of course, my mom sometimes gets sick or has appointments. When that happens, I can almost always count on two of my longest-standing clients, a mother/daughter duo, to watch my kids at the farm. If they’re unable to help, one of our amazing boarders is always willing to pitch in. You know the

expression, “It takes a village.” Well, our village is my mom and our farm family. Since becoming a mom six years ago, being present with my kids and spending lots of quality time with them has been my number-one priority. It’s also important to me (and my sanity) that I still have something outside of being a mom that brings me joy. Being at the farm and around the horses, whether teaching, riding, or even cleaning a stall, has always brought me peace and joy. I’m very fortunate that my job is my passion and that I’m able to be my own boss and make my own schedule, which allows me the freedom to be there for my kids.

CH: Any advice or encouragement for others who are raising families and actively involved in an equestrian career?

Montana: At times it feels impossible to juggle it all, but if you have good people willing to help, you can make it work. I always remind myself that if I must be away from my family, I may as well be doing something I enjoy.

KAT KING HAS developed a strong bond with Montana and the two have become like family. “I love and appreciate that Montana has character and a great love for the horse, so I always trust that she’s going to put the best interests of the horses above business and money,” Kat says. “Montana has infinite patience, and it comes across in how she gently pushes her students just enough. At the same time, she’s adept with helping to build confidence by not pushing students too quickly or overmounting them. She’s helped a lot of students, both children and adults, to overcome fears from negative past experiences in the saddle. I trust her in our joint business venture implicitly. Montana is basically the little sister I never had, and I’m grateful for her in my life.”

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.

Jefferson

by Diana Bezdedeanu

JHorseperson

Jenny Cournoyer

enny Cournoyer, of Jefferson, Massachusetts, is the owner of Grey Mare MagnaWave, serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, as well as Wellington and Ocala, Florida in the winter months. She recently spoke with Community Horse about the rising popularity of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in the equestrian com-

munity and how she got started as a certified MagnaWave practitioner.

CH: For those who may not be familiar with MagnaWave, can you please give a brief overview on what it is and how it differs from other modalities?

Jenny: MagnaWave is a brand name for a high-output, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy device. PEMF works on a cellular level to improve cellular metabolism, increase circulation, decrease inflammation, and reduce muscle strain. The spark chamber machines that I use draw as much energy as a 120-watt bulb, amplify it, and emit pure bioavailable energy, readily absorbable by cells.

When used on horses, PEMF improves overall general wellness. There tends to be

PEMF Therapist

faster healing and fewer injuries in horses who receive routine PEMF sessions because their body doesn’t get as depleted, similar to other modalities like massage and chiropractic. If everything is working the way it should be, your horse’s injury potential is going to be significantly less.

During the winter, I tend to work on many older horses because the colder weather increases inflammation in joints,

resulting in stiffness. MagnaWave is helpful for arthritis because it not only reduces the inflammation that is causing the pain (by putting pressure on the nerve endings), but it also encourages the synovial membranes of the joint to release more synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint. I was called upon frequently for hoof abscesses in 2023. PEMF tends to bring infections to a head by speeding up the metabolism of the bacterial cells. When used on an abscess, MagnaWave promotes faster relief.

Age, stress, or pre-existing conditions are all factors that go into how often a horse needs to have a MagnaWave session. It’s important to make sure that you have a qualified practitioner because you can actually cause more pain and discom-

fort by making the cells work too hard. It’s always best to err on the side of caution — just because you don’t see radical muscle movement, doesn’t mean it isn’t working. I’m a firm believer that all PEMF is good. Other modalities, such as BEMER blankets, can also provide great results when used as recommended by the manufacturer.

CH: How did you get started as a MagnaWave practitioner?

Jenny: I’ve been doing this for almost six years. My first experience with MagnaWave PEMF happened when I was showing draft horses at the Ohio State Fair. We had a horse down in the stall who had been fine at night check and was not fine in the morning. He couldn’t get up. While we waited for the show veterinarian to arrive, we engaged one of our friends who was an equine chiropractor as well as a MagnaWave practitioner. After 15 minutes of working on our horse, he was able to get up — though he was still obviously

off. Then our practitioner friend was able to isolate reactivity in the horse’s deltoid muscle, focused on that targeted area, and he was sound. We were able to show him that night. And I thought, “Wow, that’s pretty amazing!”

My background is in animal science, and I’ve always worked closely with my horse veterinarian. I prefer modalities supported by plenty of peer-reviewed journal articles confirming efficacy. I was delighted to find that PEMFs have been documented as effective for maintaining the wellness of astronauts in space, can stimulate seed germination, and is FDAapproved for healing nonunion fractures (failure of a fractured bone to heal and mend after an extended time). It’s fascinating! I saved my pennies to buy my own MagnaWave machine and started my business. I’ve been incredibly lucky because I’ve truly wonderful clients who are happy to support me and recommend me to their friends. Typically, I write session reports for my clients detailing their

horse’s areas of sensitivity. I can’t diagnose anything because I’m not a veterinarian; however, I can point out increased tension, sensitivity, or stiffness.

CH: It sounds like this technology isn’t limited to horses. Is that correct?

Jenny: Yes, that’s correct. It’s used in hospitals to treat burn victims and it’s used on patients in physical therapy offices. It promotes wellness to such a degree that humans, animals, and plants — anything with cells — can use it and benefit from it. Personally, I’m certified to work on horses, humans, small animals, and livestock. I mostly work on horses and dogs.

CH: How did you choose your business name?

Jenny: At the time I began my business, I had four gray Shire mares. We’ve had Shires since I was 12 years old, and we’re well known for having exceptional gray mares. But the reason I chose the spelling

G - R - E - Y is because that’s the British spelling, and Shires are a British breed.

CH: Why has PEMF has become increasingly popular?

Jenny: It’s in part because it’s quantifiable — you get gratifying results. For example, one horse I worked on had a horrible injury to the front of his hock. The horse’s owner couldn’t get the wound to heal; they tried everything. The front of a hock is a spot that’s not easy to stitch, so that was out. They tried a skin graft and that failed. As a last-ditch effort to save his life, they called me out twice a week. It took a long time, probably six weeks. But the wound finally healed. The vet couldn’t believe it. They’d been working on this horse for nearly six months.

CH: For someone interested in adding this service to their horse’s care routine, how do you suggest they start?

Jenny: It’s like choosing the best farrier, vet, or trainer for your horse. Do your

research and make sure it’s someone who’s trained and certified in whatever service(s) they’re offering. Maybe try to get a few referrals from people or barns that you know, or even other service providers. Recently, I’ve had several recommendations from farriers for abscess relief.

Accessibility also plays a factor. People may think, “Oh I can just buy the tool and do this myself.” However, MagnaWave (and other forms of PEMF) require some experience and training to be most effective. It would be like going out and buying a pair of nippers and a hammer and saying, “I can shoe my horse myself.”

CH: What is your vision for Grey Mare MagnaWave moving forward?

Jenny: I can’t believe that it’s been six years since I started. I want to continue to offer my clients the best services I possibly can and be as accessible as possible. I have a delightful employee, Emma Milford, who I would like to keep on. She’s wonderful, really a big help.

CH: What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Jenny: As a small business owner, I’m pretty much always working. Free time? What’s that? But if I do have some time, I’m either in my barn with the draft horses or doing something silly with my Jack Russell Terriers. I haven’t shown my horses in a couple of years; I haven’t really had time. And a lot of my show horses are getting older. I’ve got a couple of nice younger ones that I’d like to show and we’re hoping to breed two of the mares for Spring 2025 foals. We haven’t had a foal in seven years. That will be exciting!

CH: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jenny: Yes, I would like to add there are some contraindications to consider before signing up for a PEMF session. Open bleeding wounds are a consideration as I don’t want to increase circulation to something that is fresh and actively bleed-

ing. Also, I like to wait three days after vaccinations and joint injections just in case the horse has a reaction. Finally, I don’t work on any animal that is pregnant. There hasn’t been enough testing done to make sure that it’s a hundred percent safe, although there are practitioners who work while they are pregnant or work on their own pregnant mares.

Massachusetts native Diana Bezdedeanu has two beautiful off-the-track Thoroughbred mares, Coffee and London, both of whom are part of her unmounted equine-assisted learning program, Horses Offering People Education.

Trimming

by Geena Monahan

IHorseperson

Anne Benson

t’s a chilly January morning on the coast of Rhode Island; in Portsmouth, I take a right turn onto a gravel driveway that leads me to a quintessential New England barn, home of Anne Benson Stables. Weathered gray shingles frame rows of Dutch doors, and a high-stepping bay trots alongside my car as I drive past its pad-

dock. I open the barn doors to find photo collages adorning the walls, displaying smiling teenagers riding bareback on a summer day and show horses with championship ribbons around their necks. As I enter the attached indoor arena, Anne Benson greets me as she finishes up a training session with a young Morgan named Batman.

Anne first fell in love with this breed when she was 11 years old, starting with summers spent working at her greatuncle’s Morgan farm in Maine. Over the years, she has done just about everything you can do with a Morgan — from endurance trail riding to western pleasure and hunt seat classes, winning numerous grand championships along the way. Anne has been operating this facility since 2010, creating a tight-knit community that celebrates comradery and the versatility of the Morgan horse.

CH: When did you start riding?

How did you get introduced to the Morgan horse?

Anne: I started riding a little bit later compared to some kids, when I was eleven-ish. My parents kept wishing I would outgrow riding, but they finally gave in and got me some lessons. As a pre-teen I started

spending my summers at my great-uncle’s farm. I also worked at Hobby Knoll Stables in Duxbury, Massachusetts, with Jim and Ann Anderson for 10 years, and that’s where I learned to train a show horse, put a harness on correctly, and how to prepare show horses for the ring. Those years that I spent there were invaluable. I grew up riding Morgans. I was introduced to them by my great-uncle. He didn’t really do saddle seat, but he let me take home one of his horses, and it lent itself toward saddle seat.

CH: When did you start to see horses as a full-time career?

Anne: Because it was an expensive sport my parents couldn’t really afford a show horse in training for me. So, when I got my first horse, I worked for the woman who was my instructor to work off my

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horse’s board. It kind of became a career before it was a career. I’ve been working at this since I was 14 years old.

CH: What is your favorite part about working with the Morgan horse? What makes them unique?

Anne: Oh, they’re all individuals. They have big personalities. They’re thinking horses, so you have to be a pretty smart trainer and a pretty smart rider. They’re talented, athletic, and willing. I just enjoy them. They’re well made, most of them.

CH: Any tips or tricks for keeping your horses in the ribbons and in tip-top shape?

Anne: I tend to cross-train my horses, so most of my horses, even the ones that are only shown under saddle are also driven. Every program is based on the individual horse, but sure, I have my way of doing it. For example, to keep the horses from getting bored, I try to entertain each horse in their work and challenge them with new things. I’ll ride one day, drive one day, longline, or go outside; we have a nice outdoor ring when the weather is good.

CH: What advice would you give to an up-and-coming person in the horse world?

Anne: It’s a tough business, especially in New England during the winter months. Make sure you really love it. It’s a lot of hours; there are ups and downs and you must be committed to get through those. You have to be absolutely sure this is what you want to do, and that you really like to work. Last summer, we worked ten-totwelve-hour days, six days a week, all summer long; and horse-show weeks you don’t get a day off. Again, be sure that you like to work.

CH: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the horse industry over the years?

Anne: When I was younger, it was more casual; it’s definitely more of a business now and that’s changed largely because of liability laws. Staffing decisions and all

aspects of managing a stable have become more business-like.

The other thing is, owning show horses is an expensive sport and it’s becoming more so. It’s difficult for a middle-class family to be involved in this sport— to own a horse and have it in training with someone. Back in the 1980s, you’d see a lot more people who had a couple of horses in their backyard, and they would still do the shows, but you see less and less of those kinds of people at the shows now. Over the years, the numbers at our shows have declined, but it now seems like they’re coming back up. COVID actually helped the horse community in general. It was a sport that people could keep doing when other sports had to shut down.

CH: Can you tell us about the horses you currently have at your barn? Do you have a business partner or someone who assists you?

Anne: At the moment I have 20 horses here; I try to stay between 20 to 25. The majority of the horses here are in training with me, but I do have three retired show horses who are here on board. Most of my time is spent training and riding my clients’ horses. I also have three lesson horses and one personal horse that I ride and show.

I know a lot of people in my industry who do this with a partner or as a husband-and-wife team, but I’m it. Lupe DeLoya, my assistant trainer, has worked with me for a long time and I rely on him for the day-to-day operations. He’s the one who will get on colts for the first time, help me hook young horses to the buggy, things like that. Meghan Sherman is another assistant and instructor I have on staff; she helps with training and teaching. Sometimes she will help with the finish work of a saddle horse, but her primary focus is coaching clients and teaching lessons with me. But as far as the business, I’ve been on my own for a long time.

CH: Tell us about a day in your life as a horse trainer. What are some of your favorite parts about what you do?

Anne: Right now, most of my business is amateur horses and that’s been a shift in the industry too. These days, the people I work with want to own horses for themselves, while in the past I’ve worked for breeders who had a lot of young horses that they were looking to get trained and sold.

Most of what I do is teach. I like the kids, and I love teaching adults too. It’s fun to start the kids and bring them along. I have all different ages here and I have one girl that’s now becoming what I consider a senior rider: she’s in the 14 – 17-year-old age group. She started with me when she was six years old, so I’ve taught her everything. I brought her through, and she won a world championship as a 13 and under rider. She just got a new horse, and she’s now at the stage where I can start putting her on greener horses. It’s nice to see it all come full circle.

CH: How are you able to carve out time for yourself to ride and enjoy the sport you fell in love with as a young girl?

Anne: In the beginning I worked in the community because I couldn’t afford to be an owner. You look at it from a different perspective. Now, as a trainer and riding instructor I get paid to do what people are paying others to do.

I ride every day. That’s a big part of what I do. People pay me to train their horses and they come to ride about twice a week. But the other days of the week I’m the one exercising the horse. So, four days a week, I’m either riding or driving their horse to prepare it for their owners to ride or drive.

CH: What would you say to encourage a new rider to choose saddle seat as their discipline of choice?

Anne: There’s a social aspect to showing horses saddle seat and we have a great barn family. They go to shows that are four or five days long, and they hang out together at the shows. We all do potluck dinners together or go out to dinner, so it’s a very social sport and that’s a big part of why they do it.

The people at my barn really enjoy

the whole package, not just their own horse; they also enjoy rooting for the other competitors. A rider just got a new horse this week and we had 12 people here who came for the big reveal; all of them drove over here just to see her get her new horse. I’m very fortunate; I have very good people and they really enjoy each other’s company.

We have a small lesson program; I would love to have people call and give saddle seat a try.

Geena Monahan is a life-long equestrian currently residing in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, with her family and a menagerie of animals. She enjoys trail riding her semi-retired Quarter Horse mare and the magic of watching her seven-year-old daughter learn to ride.

Horse Logic

Equines Want to Be Seen and Heard

by Nicole Birkholzer

Equines have desires and emotions but they cannot communicate with us in the same way we communicate with each other. However, it’s important to remember that they still want to be seen and heard. By observing our equines’ behavior and taking the time to understand their needs, we can better care for them and ensure that they live happy and healthy lives.

That leads me to the story of Slick, a beautiful rust-colored Mule. I’ve known Slick, a sassy, in-your-face and space kind of guy, for several years. Slick’s home is with Hannah Allen, the director of Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue, a donkey and mule rescue in New Hampshire.

For years, Slick has helped other mules and donkeys rehabilitate, integrate, and heal from neglect, abuse, and mishandling. Slick is empathic and has excellent leadership skills. But, like many of us empaths, he sometimes exhausts himself doing the work he does best. Whenever he seems tired from his job as herd manager, Hannah takes Slick out of the rescue herd and provides him some rest and relaxation. Usually, Slick spends time in a large pasture with healthy companions to restore his energy. Once rested, and sometimes bored, Slick returns to the rescue herd to work his magic.

check in with the herd and prepare everyone for her absence while she was on maternity leave. When my mentee, Emilie, and I arrived at Save Your Ass, Slick was in a paddock with two smaller mules, Rudy and Bucky. When we stepped into the paddock, Slick gave us a cursory look, walked up to us, sniffed our hands for a second, and then moved to the back of the paddock to eat hay.

I was surprised by Slick’s behavior. He wasn’t sticking his nose into our bubble (our space) or managing the two other mules in the paddock. In fact, Rudy seemed to be managing Slick, moving him off the hay, his companion Bucky in tow.

One particular visit to the rescue was a special occasion: Hannah was pregnant and soon to give birth. She wanted me to

I asked Slick, “What’s going on with you?” The moment I posed the question, Slick walked over to the fence that faced the large pasture he often grazed in. Ah, he needed respite from Rudy and Bucky. When I checked Slick’s chakras (the main energy points in the body, which can be checked by using a pendulum), they were blocked from his tail to the top of his head. I sensed he needed restoration, so we offered a flower essence that helps with changes and transition for Slick to smell and/or taste. (Chakra flower essences have a direct therapeutic effect upon a body’s chakras by balancing and unblocking the chakras so that energy can flow freely.)

Slick paused for a moment to fully absorb the essence, then walked around

Hannah Allen

Emilie and Slick.

in the paddock aimlessly. I dowsed for another oil and picked one that acts as a cleanser and clarifier. (Dowsing is a way of tuning into one’s innate knowing. A pendulum is held in one hand, while placing a finger from the other hand on the top of the bottles of single-flower essences, labels not visible, and waiting for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.)

When I approached Slick to offer him the oil, he walked away. The usually curious mule was not acting like himself. Again, I asked him, “What’s going on?” Suddenly, the gates opened, and Slick shared a list of needs with me. He needed grass time. He needed human time. He

The energy had changed; all three mules stood peacefully in the barn together.

needed space. And he needed his friend, a horse named Gus. Due to a recent injury, Gus now lived in a separate paddock to heal.

I shared Slick’s list of wishes with Hannah and discussed how she could help him. The large pasture Slick was craving was under construction, but a smaller field was available, so Hannah would ensure Slick had access to that. Offering him more time with his human was tricky. Hannah was two weeks short of her due date and wouldn’t be able to see Slick as much as he was used to. Then, we needed to address the issue of his friend Gus. With Gus removed from the herd to heal his injury, the herd had lost their leader. Rudy had taken charge, but his pushy leadership style frustrated Slick. It’s no surprise that Slick was off his game and wanted to go into a separate pasture to reorganize himself.

While Hannah and I fleshed out the details, Slick wandered around on the opposite side of the paddock. It seemed

appropriate to shift gears and focus on Rudy. I checked his chakras, and several were out of balance. Rudy, too, had gone through a significant shift when Gus left; he’d had to take charge of the herd. While Bucky happily followed along with the change in leadership, Slick did not, which was causing friction for all. I dowsed for an oil, and Emilie took it over to Rudy and offered the open bottle to him. Rudy took one sniff, quieted briefly and returned to his hay.

Slick, who had observed the interaction, perked up. Without hesitation, Slick walked over to our little group and touched Emilie’s hand with his muzzle — a total change in attitude.

Encouraged by that shift, I checked Rudy’s chakras; lo and behold, they were balanced.

I looked at Emilie and said, “That nuzzle was Slick’s way of thanking you for helping Rudy come into balance,” and as I said it, Slick gently touched Emilie’s face with his lips, sniffing her up and down.

Then Slick turned to me and touched my hand. I assured him, “Yes, I know this is a lot, and I’m so glad you told us so we can make some changes to help you feel better again.” Hannah took that cue and explained to Slick that he’d get grazing time. She also promised him that once the baby was born, she was going to come and visit. Slick walked over to Hannah as she spoke, touched her hand, then sniffed her face. Hannah reached up to massage Slick’s jaw below the ears, where the mule held much of his stress.

As Slick leaned into Hannah’s hands, Emilie and I also placed our hands on him. Emilie rested her hand on Slick’s barrel while I, on his other side, laid my hand on his hind end. We stood there for a while, Slick taking in the attention while we explained why things were the way they were and what steps Hannah would take to resolve some of the issues.

Slick sighed and licked and chewed as we spoke with him, showing signs of relaxation. Eventually, with one more deep breath, Slick turned around and walked into the barn. Rudy and Bucky followed him.

The energy had changed; all three mules stood peacefully in the barn together.

Amazing, right? Asking Slick that one question, “What’s going on with you?” brought about a significant shift in this herd. It’s a reminder to us that when our equines display an unexpected behavior, such as the usually curious mule being standoffish, we must put our investigator cap on and ask questions.

What had changed? In Slick’s case, a lot. His person wasn’t as available as usual, his environment was reduced to a smaller paddock, and the herd had changed because of Gus moving next door. Those were three considerable changes in this mule’s life.

You don’t need to be intuitive to realize that changes like these can affect the attitude and well-being of an animal, especially one that’s empathic like Slick.

Another equine might not have worried about those changes. But Slick took it all to heart and all too hard.

After we attended to the rest of the herd and Gus in the neighboring paddock, we stood by the fence to say goodbye to Hannah. At that point, Slick left the barn, met us at the gate, and reached over the top rail to smooch Emilie again, his eyes soft and his body relaxed.

Giving Slick a chance to be heard and seen means we treated him with respect and compassion. If you want to support Slick and his ever-changing rescue herd, visit saveyourassrescue.com.

Nicole Birkholzer loves sharing stories from her work as an animal communicator in her weekly podcast. Want to learn to communicate with your animals on a deeper level to discover their guidance and wisdom. Learn about Nicole’s mentorship program, Your Animal, Your Mentor, at mindful-connections.com.

by Stacey Stearns

WTrail Guide

Weber Woods

eber Woods is a section of Cockaponset State Forest in Westbrook and Deep River with 11 miles of multi-use trails through the forest that equestrians, bikers, dog walkers, and hikers can enjoy. This is the southernmost section of Cockaponset State Forest. The forest is named for an Indigenous American chief, while Weber Woods is

named for Dr. Weber, a naturalist and sportsman who lived in the area and enjoyed fly fishing and game bird hunting.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) manages Cockaponset State Forest, an area spanning over 17,000 acres across its multiple sections, making it the second largest Connecticut state forest. Weber Woods is also adjacent to Messerschmidt Pond Wildlife Management Area, creating an even larger area of protected space. DEEP also manages this area and the Messerschmidt Pond Boat Launch.

Erica Korper of Killingworth is a regular trail rider in Weber Woods. “It’s a lovely trail system with options to jump if you want,” she says. “There are pretty brooks with a bridge option. The trails are very well maintained with some singletrack trails as well as wider options.”

We were riding Weber Woods on a Sunday in early October at the Lower

Connecticut River Valley Horsemen’s Club (LCRVHC) hunter pace. Proceeds from this event help support the Bridle Path Conservancy (BPC); a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining equestrian access to trails in southern New England.

“The Quinimay Trail was conceived by members of the LCRHVC and the BPC, on

horseback, and the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) with former DEEP Cockaponset area supervisor, Alex Sokolow, on his bike,” explained Melissa Evarts, a longtime LCRHVC member and equestrian from Clinton.

“These groups, along with the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, work to maintain and improve the trails. We have built bridges, armored stream crossings and trails, rerouted trails flooded by beaver dams or eroded beyond usability, repaired trails damaged by “mudders” as well as ATV and dirt bike traffic and educated other groups about how to share and maintain multi-use trails,” she says.

LCRVHC actively helps DEEP maintain the trails in Weber Woods, a practice they’ve kept up for more than 20 years. The trail maintenance work includes the 13-mile Quinimay Trail, which runs from Westbrook to Higganum through Cockaponset. They have also helped

Westbrook

Stacey Stearns

install the bridges, so trail users have yearround access without going through the water in colder months.

A Leg Up

Parking for our ride was at a private farm, but other equestrians can use the DEEP parking area to enjoy the trails. There are two DEEP parking lots, one off Route 145 in Westbrook, near Horse Pond, and another on Tower Hill Road in Clinton. The parking lot on Route 145 has more space and easier access to more trails, including the Quinimay; this is the lot recommended by the Connecticut Horse Council. Tower Hill Road in Clinton is not currently suitable for horse trailers.

Trail surfaces include dirt, gravel, and crushed stone. I recommend hoof protection because there’s also plenty of rocks and roots in this section of the forest. Fly spray is a necessity during the warmer months. Although it’s a pleasant ride, the trails go up and down and your horse will be working harder than you may realize; be cognizant of your horse’s energy levels.

This is a big forest and it’s easy to get lost, so you should ride with a map. Download a trail map or print one at home from portal.ct.gov/-/media/ DEEP/stateparks/maps/Cockaponset Weberpdf.pdf. Hunting is allowed in Cockaponset State Forest, and blaze orange is required during hunting season. You’ll also encounter wildlife, dogs, and other trail users. Remember to be courteous to everyone and clean up around your trailer at the end of your ride.

Out Riding It

Starting from the parking lot near Horse Pond, you’ll want to pick up the Quinimay Trail. There are about two miles of this trail available if you follow it from the parking lot to Tower Hill Road in Deep River. It’s worth exploring, especially to see all the work our fellow equestrians from LCRVHC have done in partnership with NEMBA members.

A 2023 LCRVHC Trails Day project marked the gray trails (previously with no markers) using purple blazes, but it still

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appears gray on the map (labeled “None” in the map key). Look for the Quinimay Trail’s yellow diamond markers above the regular trail blazes.

Ride out of the parking lot and go right at the first trail fork, following the green and yellow blazes of the Quinimay instead of the blue trail. Follow the trail north, and cross from Westbrook into Deep River. You’ll pass by the intersections of the yellow trail, white trail, followed by the gray/ purple trail but keep following the Quinimay Trail.

The trail winds through the forest and is gorgeous in every season. During our fall ride, there were leaves blanketing the trail and sunlight streaming through the trees. In the spring and summer, these same trees provide welcome shade and cooler temperatures. Winter rides here offer a peaceful escape and starker landscape. The trails were narrow and tight in many sections of Pattaconk Pond with branches snagging at us, but in Weber Woods, we were primarily on wider trails.

Instead of taking the sharp left to stay on Quinimay Trail, continue south on the gray/purple trail to where it merges with the green trail. Go right to continue south and stay on the main trail (still green), unless you’re feeling more adventurous and want to explore every side trail too. This section leads to a four-way trail intersection where you’ll want to bear left, heading northeast, picking up the yellow trail. This heads north again, before connecting with the white trail. Taking a right onto the white trail leads you south again, back toward the ponds. It connects to the blue trail, and from here you can ride another loop in the Horse Pond and Messerschmidt Pond areas, follow the green trail west toward the other parking area in Clinton, or explore both options.

The significant amount of rain in 2023 did make trails muddy in spots, but we found workarounds in most sections. We crossed streams and could water our horses at them, with the babbling water announcing itself as we rode closer.

The Quinimay Trail follows the gray/purple trail due northwest in the Deep River section, before heading west (taking a left) where the gray/purple trail and Quinimay split. Soon after the trail fork there is a sharp right and Quinimay heads north again along the Killingworth border and toward Tower Hill Road. Turn around once you reach the road and retrace the Quinimay Trail south.

It’s easy to ride eight or ten miles in Weber Woods without duplicating too much trail, making a large loop around the forest from the Horse Pond area and back again. Following the Quinimay beyond the Weber Woods border is another way to add more mileage.

Every new trail I explore offers something wonderful, and I loved the shaded trails guarded by big, beautiful trees — and in one area, a very large rock — in Weber Woods. The streams and leafstrewn trails reminded me yet again why I love trail riding, and how much Connecticut has to offer.

Happy trails!

y

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

by Stacey Stearns

STrail Guide

Salisbury Beach

alisbury Beach is situated at the mouth of the Merrimack River, where it joins the Atlantic Ocean on the New Hampshire border. Equestrians are allowed on many Bay State beaches during the fall, winter, and early spring, including Salisbury Beach. This is a great choice for a beach ride because there are

four miles available as well as trails along the Merrimack River, allowing for a longer ride than some other beach locations.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages Salisbury Beach State Reservation. The state purchased the property in 1933 to ensure the public always has access to the area. The 120-mile Merrimack River starts in New Hampshire and ends at Salisbury Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Salisbury Beach State Reservation and Plum Island frame the mouth of the river.

“We love riding at Salisbury Beach for several reasons,” says Kristen Whittle, an equestrian from Sunderland. “The parking is awesome and easy, and we like that there is the option of riding along the inner waterway if we have young or ‘silly’ horses with us. There are no big waves on that side. Then, later we can transition them to the main beach and the bigger waves.”

A Leg Up

Salisbury Beach State Reservation is on Route 1A; the 521-acre park provides equestrians with easy access to the four miles of beach, making it a popular destination for Bay State trail riders in the off-season. No horses are allowed on the beach from April 1 through September

15, so plan to ride between September 16 and March 31. Use State Reservation Road, Salisbury, MA in your GPS; there is no parking fee after October 30. Visit mass.gov/locations/salisbury-beach-statereservation and salisbury-beach.org for more information.

Google “Salisbury Beach tide schedule” before you head out and plan to ride during low tide, as that allows more space and firmer sand to ride on. Salisbury Beach State Reservation is the largest section of public beach between Boston and Maine, and is in the southern section. The private beaches and properties are in the northern section; be sure to stay on the state reservation’s beach.

Ample parking is available in the lot closest to the Merrimack River (P3); we drove up and used the traffic circle before the campgrounds to turn around and then pulled into P3 as we headed back

Salisbury

Stacey Stearns

down Reservation Road. Two other horse trailers were in the lot when we arrived. Unlike the other parking lots, you don’t need to use the boardwalk to access the beach from this parking lot. Horse trailers should only use P3.

Equestrians may also catch a glimpse of harbor seals in and around the mouth of the Merrimack River in the fall and winter. The western edge of the park is home to tidal flats and a salt marsh that are part of a productive marine ecosystem. It’s a fun area to explore in addition to the four miles of beach, and the idea of seeing harbor seals on your ride is extremely enticing.

Out Riding It

On the day of our visit, my friend Debbie Simmons and I were grinning for our entire ride. We took two of her Morgan horses, both new to beach riding, and although it was too cold to go in the water, we meandered over to the edge and let the horses watch the waves.

“I love riding with friends and sharing my horses,” Debbie says. “Riding at Salisbury Beach is icing on the cake.”

Debbie and I rode onto the beach from the corner of the parking lot, along the Merrimack River. We headed left down the beach, toward the New Hampshire border. The waves were big and expansive during our ride, and it was fun to watch the swells form and come into shore.

We rode down toward the end of the beach, passing the other horses, and then turned around close to the end of the State Reservation, at the buildings near the town center that extend right up to the water area, and rode back toward the rock jetty at Merrimack River where we entered the beach from the P3 parking lot. One house we passed had several buoys hanging on the fence that the horses enjoyed looking at. We exited the beach again at the jetty, rode up through the parking lot, along the sidewalk by the pavilion, and into the Merrimack River shoreline trail.

I’d heard about Butler Toothpick before our ride and wanted to see it for myself. The “Toothpick” is a pyramidshaped structure for boat navigation and

is at the mouth of the Merrimack River. The tides affect the river here too, and the mouth of the river has sand bars that could ground a boat coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. Butler’s Toothpick, a wooden pyramid structure with a neon orange caution triangle on a granite base, sits on the end of a sandbar. It’s about 0.7 miles up to Butler’s Toothpick along the Merrimack River.

The story behind Butler’s Toothpick is even more interesting. Ben Butler was a General during the Civil War who later became Governor of Massachusetts. He was also a yachtsman, and the America’s Cup is named after his boat. Butler knew from first-hand experience that the sandbars and ledges here were tricky, so he had the Toothpick built in 1880, during his time as Governor. The one we saw on our ride is not the original; a high tide washed that one away in 1947, but it was cool to see just the same.

After reaching the Toothpick, we meandered back to the P3 parking lot through the campground area, which easily fills to capacity during the summer.

There’s something really special about riding a horse along the beach — it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Maybe it’s because so many of us grew up watching The Black Stallion movie, with Alec and the Black galloping down the beach. Or it could simply be the vastness of the ocean and the steady rhythm of the waves, things that have entranced humans for thousands of years and continue working their magic.

We had a wonderful ride at Salisbury Beach, enjoying the surf and ocean views, and covered about eight miles in the couple hours we spent. There were lots of people walking, many with their dogs. Everyone enjoyed seeing the horses, and we greeted all because we want to maintain equestrian access to the beaches. I know that I’ll be back to ride this area again soon. Maybe we will see the harbor seals on our next trip.

Happy trails!

y

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

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Coventry

Trail Guide

Nicholas Farm Management Area

by Stacey Stearns

The Nicholas Farm Management Area in Coventry, Rhode Island, spans 1,429 acres along the Connecticut border and is under the care of The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). The Nicholas Farm Management Area is also home to Carbuncle Pond, a 39-acre circular pond that is a popular fishing destination, while the surrounding land offers plenty of recreational opportunities for

outdoor enthusiasts, including equestrians. In the summer, Carbuncle Pond is a great place to swim with your horse.

The name Carbuncle is said to come from a Native American myth about a large snake with a round ruby gemstone on its head that lived north of Carbuncle Pond. Eventually, the gemstone was taken off the snake, and legend states that it was thrown into the pond to avoid having it stolen by the settlers.

Nicole Crossman lives in Greene, Rhode Island, and enjoys riding the area surrounding Carbuncle Pond with friends and family year-round. “I live close by so it’s very convenient for me,” she says. “It has beautiful scenery and nearby rivers. There’s a great trail that leads to the Nicholas [Farm] Management Area; it’s right along the river and in the spring there’s Mountain

Laurel blooming on either side of the trail. The footing is really nice.”

A Leg Up

Use 2085 Plainfield Pike in Greene for your GPS. Look for the brown Carbuncle Pond Fishing Area sign on Route 14 (Plainfield Pike). The road in is rough gravel with potholes; drive slowly.

It’s a large parking lot but Nicolas Management Area is a popular destination

so plan to arrive early as the lot fills up quickly during the warmer weather. A second parking lot with the boat ramp is a bit smaller and further in. On the day of my visit I parked in the first parking lot, where the ADA accessible dock is, since no one else was there when I arrived. Be sure to clean up after your horse, and carry out any manure, hay, and garbage.

ATVs and dirt bikes are not allowed on the trails but use the area anyway, so be aware.

There are no public facilities. Hunting is allowed, and during hunting season wear daylight fluorescent orange clothing. You need insect repellent for horses and humans in the warmer months. There are some rocks and roots on the trails; I always err on the side of caution and have hoof protection.

Stacey Stearns

I had a hard time finding maps online and I recommend using Ride With GPS, Trail Forks, All Trails, or a similar app to help guide you as there are a lot of side trails, and getting lost is easy. One that should help you understand the route is at trailforks.com/trails/north-south-trailnicholas-farm/.

Out Riding It

I saw lots of other trail users on my ride; everyone was friendly. The Trestle Trail, the North-South Trail and many other smaller trails are all open to Equestrians. I started my ride from the first parking lot, heading through the lot with the boat ramp and along the edge of the pond. Then I ducked into a meandering trail through the woods that led me up a short incline to the Trestle Trail. The woodland trails are eroded in places, but I could easily get around those spots.

Here, I went right (west) toward Connecticut to start. The Trestle Trail is what we’ve come to expect with a rail trail, beautiful footing, wide, and flat. I rode the Trestle Trail all the way to the private Riconn Airport in Greene, and we watched two planes come in for a landing, just past the cornfield along the Trestle Trail. The Trestle Trail becomes the Moosup Valley State Park Trail when you cross into Connecticut, but improvements are being made so the trail is currently closed. Once I got to the airport, I turned around and retraced my ride, then continued past the side trail where I entered, and over to the Trestle Bridge, which crosses the Moosup River.

I turned back, then took the blue-blazed North-South Trail heading north (going right at this point), toward the Moosup River and Spencer Rock, a popular destination. Spencer Rock is in the Moosup River, along the North-South Trail, and is used as a water slide in the summer. It’s a large rock across most of the river that makes a bit of a waterfall, depending on flow. This is another area where you can water your horse, or cool them off in the summer months, in the area above and below the rock, if there aren’t other trail users.

You can ride a lollipop loop in this section, which is about 3.5 miles total from

the parking lot. To ride the loop, go right when the trail forks, and follow the trail up to the Moosup River and Spencer Rock. Once you’ve explored the area, continue toward Route 14, and then head left, riding parallel to the road, before taking another left. This leads south, back down toward the Trestle Trail.

After the Moosup River and the lollipop loop, we again retraced our path and headed back to the Trestle Trail. Headed back toward the bridge, you can follow the North-South Trail south for additional mileage too (taking a right), making a longer ride.

There are several places throughout Nicholas Farm Management Area where you cross through hayfields that are leased to local farmers by the Department of Environmental Management; be respectful and try not to tear up the fields and crops.

When it was time for us to head home, we retraced the trail through the woods, coming out at Carbuncle Pond. The pond’s circular shape provides a panoramic view of the entire pond, including the fishing dock in our parking area way off to the right. Ducks, turtles, and other wildlife are abundant.

Trails in Nicholas Farm Management Area are mostly flat with a few inclines, making this an easier ride for my horse and me. We stayed out exploring for a few hours, riding about four miles, but you can also get five or six miles in while exploring the myriad side trails off the Trestle Trail and in other areas. This stretch is also part of the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile route from Maine to Florida.

Carbuncle Pond and the surrounding woods stay cooler in the summer months, making it a welcoming destination on hotter days, especially since there are a couple of places to cool your horse. This will easily become one of my new favorite places for conditioning rides, or just a place to enjoy ourselves.

Happy trails!

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

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.

y Rylee Punsalan, 11, of Voluntown, Connecticut, won the Youth Award at the Tristate Horsemen’s Association Open Show. Congratulations, Rylee!

yJosephine Mastalerz, 10, of Franklin, Connecticut, won the Youth Award riding Doodles at the Horse Power Farm Derby. “Doodles was a very good girl at the derby!” says Josephine. “She rode in the rain with me and did great! Congratulations, Josephine!

y Ten-year-old Ryder Mills Frick of Portland, Connecticut, won the Youth Award at the Southern New England Horse Association Banquet with Color Me La Faver. Congratulations, Ryder!

y Klara Rand of Ledyard, Connecticut, and her pony, Cashmere, won the Youth Award at the Southern New England Horsemen’s Association’s (SNEHA) Awards Banquet. Eight-year-old Klara is pictured on Cashmere at a clinic hosted by the SNEHA Youth Team. Congratulations, Klara!

y Eleven-year-old Amelia Drabczynski of Easton, Connecticut, won the Youth Award at the Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut Annual Show with FR Selene, a.k.a. Lena. “Amelia and Lena have been partners for four years,” says her mother, Aga. “They both love to jump. Learning the ropes in the Short Stirrup Hunters for two years, they are moving up to Pre Children Hunters. Amelia loves her little mare more than anything. No matter good or bad day, they are always ready for the next challenge.” Congratulations, Amelia!

Congratulations, Kellyn!

y Eleven-year-old Olivia Penzone of Holden, Massachusetts, won the Youth Award at the Heron’s Crest Stables Jumper Show Series riding Penny. “At that point I had only been at the barn for three months and I felt part of the barn family,” says Olivia. Congratulations, Olivia!

y Twelve-year-old Alana Noe of Lakeville, Massachusetts, won the Youth Award at the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show. Congratulations, Alana!

To request a free Community Horse Youth Award for your upcoming equestrian competition in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island, visit communityhorse.org/youth-awards.

yKellyn Erhart of Brewster, Massachusetts, won the Youth Award at the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council Classic Horse Show and Pleasure Finals at Briggs Stable in Hanover, Massachusetts.

Special thank you to J.R. Liggett’s, jrliggett.com, for sponsoring the Youth Awards!

Special thank you to Piccoli for sponsoring the Youth Awards!

News in Our Community

A New Tack Store in Massachusetts!

One of North America’s largest equestrian retailers is opening a location in Natick, Massachusetts, this spring. Greenhawk Equestrian Sport will open its first New England store on Worcester Street where a Plymouthbased equestrian retail store was previ ously located. The space is undergoing a full renovation from top to bottom and will be stocked with the brands you know and love — and a lot of new ones too!

Family owned and operated, Greenhawk Equestrian Sport was founded in 1985 and has more than 50 locations throughout North America. As a group of passionate equestrians, Greenhawk’s team is excited to add Natick to its family of stores and can’t wait to meet you in person.

The opening is planned for later this spring and promises to be almost 10,000 square feet of equestrian shopping paradise. Serving everyone from lesson students to

Greenhawk Equestrian Sport opens soon in Natick!

top competitors, and family horses to show mounts, the store will be a one-stopshop for all equestrians.

A little birdie told us that the grand opening weekend will have unbelievable deals and a ton of giveaways! Stay tuned for the opening date and specials by following “Greenhawk Equestrian Sport USA” on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more at greenhawk.com.

Summer Riding at UConn

The University of Connecticut Department of Animal Science offers a summer horseback riding program to the public with a variety of lessons suitable for riders at all levels. Dressage, hunt seat, polo, trail, and western are open to adults and children who meet the minimum age and skill-level requirements.

Interested participants are encouraged to visit the official program website at s.uconn.edu/summer-riding for details.

For questions regarding the program, contact riding director Alena Meacham at horsepracticum@uconn.edu. y

Lameness

Dr. Fred Hess 1 Dr. Rose McWilliams

Dr. Caroline Barstow 1 Dr. Aislinn Latham

Dr. Annie Gagliardi

Hess McWilliams Veterinary Services

.

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. yConnecticut yMassachusetts yRhode Island y New England

y 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.

y 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.

y 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 multi-use 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.

y Camp Marshall 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. A horse show series is held at Camp Marshall.

y Charles River Dressage Assoc.

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 is held at Apple Knoll Farm in Millis, Massachusetts. In addition, CRDA strives to offer a friendly casual forum in which riders can compete and gain knowledge about dressage.

y 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, self-fulfillment, and joy. City to Saddle is a grassroots Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization run by a devoted group of volunteers.

y Connecticut Barrel Horse Assoc.

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 through advanced are encouraged to join.

y Connecticut Color Breed Assoc.

connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com

The Connecticut Color Breed Association (CCBA) was established in 2011 for the promotion of equines, no matter the size or breeding, to participate in a variety of competitions and programs for equestrians of every age, seat, and level. CCBA offers an Equestrians with Disabilities division at its five shows as well as an Open Walk Trot division. CCBA’s Dressage Program offers three virtual shows, as well the option to submit scoresheets of 55 percent or higher from other shows (in-person or virtual), and the CCBA Trail Miles Program encourages members to get out of the ring. Both programs have opportunities to earn great prizes at the year-end banquet.

y Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue ctdraftrescue.org

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue is an all-volunteer, 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.

yConnecticut Dressage Assoc. 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.

y Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Assoc.

cdctaonline.com

The Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association (CDCTA) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit equestrian organization dedicated to providing instruction, education, and competition opportunities for classical/western dressage and event riders of New England. Each year, CDCTA hosts a schooling show series at venues throughout Connecticut, featuring the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program and Pony Cup. Clinics, workshops, and special events are scheduled throughout the year. Equestrians of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join or come to events; membership perks include discounted fees and eligibility for year-end awards.

y Connecticut Gymkhana Assoc. facebook.com/connecticutgymkhana

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

y 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 horserelated concerns. The organization also advocates for horse owners in Connecticut and is a resource for those seeking information.

y Connecticut Horse Shows Assoc. 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.

y Connecticut Morgan Horse Assoc.

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.

y Connecticut Renegades

ctrenegades.com

Do you enjoy camaraderie and competition? If you've been thinking about trying something new with your horse, we invite you to join the Connecticut Renegades to see what cowboy mounted shooting is all about. Come meet the horses, cowboys, and cowgirls and watch the excitement as riders turn back the clock to the late 1800s. Riders

Stretch Classes for Equestrians

Be the best you can be in the saddle. Be 100% to give your horse your all.

• Loosen up back, spine, knees, and ankles.

• Strengthen quads and core.

• Gain upper body flexibility.

Judith is a retired international dancer/performer who studied in NYC with Joseph Pilates in the late 60s. She teaches Barre Stretch & Posture classes for the ALFA program, Fitchburg State University. Focus on stretches to get ready for your ride.

ZZ Productions

Judith Lindstedt

zz.judithproductions@gmail.com

in this timed event carry two .45 caliber single-action revolvers loaded with specially prepared blank ammunition as they ride through designated patterns firing at balloon targets. The Renegades offer a new horse/new shooter clinic each spring; riders of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

y Connecticut Trail Rides Assoc. cttrailridesassoc.org

The Connecticut Trail Rides Association (CTRA) is a nonprofit, volunteer organization founded in 1940. CTRA is a family-oriented group with a campground in Goshen, Connecticut, adjacent to the Mohawk State Forest. Members can enjoy camping with their horses and riding the beautiful trails there. During the riding season CTRA holds six organized camping weekends, which include meals and events. From March through November, CTRA also hosts several trail rides and events throughout Connecticut.

y Epona Safe Haven facebook.com/eponasafehaveninc

Epona Safe Haven is a 501(c)3 nonprofit equine rescue located at Journey’s End Farm in Scituate, Rhode Island. Epona Safe Haven has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed 60 horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules during the past five years. Epona Safe Haven is passionate about rescuing at-risk equines from slaughter, preventing them from going to auction, serving as an educational resource, and offering adoption services.

y 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.

y 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.

y Greenwich Riding and Trails Assoc.

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.

y Hampshire County Riding Club

hampshirecountyridingclub.org

The Hampshire County Riding Club (HCRC), established in 1939, is a nonprofit organization focused on the commitment to the care,

Brush Clearing & Forestry Mulching

breeding, and protection of horses, and promoting the knowledge of horses and horsemanship. The club’s 47-acre grounds with two large rings, woodland obstacle course and trails are in Goshen, Massachusetts. The club offers fun events for equestrians of all ages and disciplines. HCRC hosts trail rides held from the club grounds and state forest locations, gymkhana and obstacle competitions, several horsemanship clinics, and community events along with monthly meetings featuring educational presentations.

y 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.

y Hanson Riding Club

hansonridingclub.org

The Hanson Riding Club (HRC) hosts trail rides, horse shows, clinics, and a year-end 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.

y 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.

y 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 houses, horse showing events, volunteer days, and basic horse care clinics provide opportunities to meet the horses.

y 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/

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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.

y Massachusetts Morgan Horse Assoc.

massmorgan.com

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

y Massachusetts Quarter Horse Assoc.

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. Check out our Ride Program, open to all breeds, to earn special prizes for hours ridden.

y Middlebury Bridle Land Assoc.

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.

y 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.

y 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.

y 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 hands-on 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; the NEECA Nibblers food booth; and a large trailer parking area adjacent to the main ring.

y New Canaan Mounted Troop

newcanaanmountedtroop.org

The New Canaan Mounted Troop (NCMT) is a nonprofit youth development and therapeutic equestrian center located in New Canaan, Connecticut, whose mission is to build leadership, responsibility, and confidence in youth through sound horsemanship and to enrich the lives of individuals with special needs through equineassisted activities.

y Newtown Bridle Lands Assoc.

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.

y North Shore Horsemen’s Assoc.

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064651723107

The North Shore Horsemen’s Association holds pleasure shows at Bob-Lyn Stables in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and hunter shows in Hamilton. An awards banquet finishes the year.

y Northeast Icelandic Horse Club

www.neihc.com

The Northeast Icelandic Horse Club (NEIHC) was founded in 2003 and is a regional club of the United States Icelandic Horse Congress. Its goals are to promote interest in Icelandic horses and to share information about the breed. NEIHC organizes shows, clinics, trail rides, breed evaluations, competitions, and opportunities to learn more about Icelandic horseback riding and horsekeeping.

y Old North Bridge Hounds

oldnorthbridgehounds.org

The Old North Bridge Hounds (ONBH), established in 1969, is reg-

istered with the Masters of Foxhounds Association. ONBH’s hunt country, primarily in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is a combination of suburban and rural territories. Like most hunt clubs, ONBH engages in drag hunting, not live foxhunting. This ensures that the hounds will follow a scent laid on a prescribed course; it also ensures participants a nice run every time the hounds go out. Hunts are Tuesday and Saturday mornings during the hunting seasons. The ONBH also holds a hunter pace series.

y Peace For All Animals

peaceforallanimalsrescue.org

Peace For All Animals is a rescue organization whose goal is to help donkey foals, pregnant jennys, and many other animals in need. They are in East Wareham, Massachusetts and serve the South Shore and Cape Cod Area.

y Pomfret Horse and Trail Assoc.

pomfrethorseandtrail.com

Pomfret Horse & Trail Association (PHTA) is a nonprofit, volunteer organization formed in 2007 to preserve and maintain open space and the historic trail system in Pomfret, Connecticut. PHTA brings local equestrians together to find riding partners, learn trails, and organizes activities, presentations, and social events for its members. It also sponsors rides, clinics, and educational presentations, which are open to all equestrians. PHTA promotes the safe enjoyment of horseback riding, advocates for riders of all disciplines, and supports local land trusts and other nonprofit organizations. PHTA’s goals are to preserve the town’s rural heritage, expand and main-

Jenna McCarthy and Jack Rabbit Slim Barrett Yates Mack and Darius Terri Ray and Waling

tain a safe trail system for horseback riders, offer a variety of educational opportunities, and maintain a strong presence in the community.

y Reddington Rock Riding Club

reddingtonrockridingclub.org

Reddington Rock Riding Club (RRRC) is a private organization with an 18-acre horse camp adjacent to the Shenipsit State Forest in Stafford, Connecticut. RRRC hosts trail rides; fun days; horseback games; educational events; dental and vet clinics; parties and cookouts. The club participates in Stafford’s Farm Day, the Four Town Parade, and other local community events. Club members can volunteer to help maintain local trails, join the Volunteer Horse Patrol, or certify for Mounted Search and Rescue. RRRC welcomes new members.

y Rhode Island Arabian Horse Assoc.

riarabianhorseassociation.com

The Rhode Island Arabian Horse Association (RIAHA) is a small group of dedicated equestrians — owners, trainers, riders, breeders, admirers — who are enthusiasts of the Arabian and half-Arabian. RIAHA conducts several events throughout the year, including horse shows, clinics, and demonstrations, as well as regular meetings.

y Rhode Island Federation of Riding Clubs

rifederation.wixsite.com/rifrc

Since 1966, the Rhode Island Federation of Riding Clubs (RIFRC)

has organized horse clubs and individual horse people in Rhode Island and bordering states into a single body. This action works toward establishing and maintaining bridle trails and equine activities. The RIFRC has lobbied for legislation, supported 4-H, and is an active member of Rhode Island Trails Advisory Committee. RIFRC members have maintained the LeGrand Reynolds Horseman’s Area, in Exeter.

y Rhode Island Horseman’s Assoc.

rihorseman.com

The Rhode Island Horseman’s Association is a group of hunter, jumper, and equitation riders, trainers, and farms that attend affiliated horse shows at member farms throughout Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts including the annual Rhode Island Equitation Championships.

y South Shore Horsemen’s Council

sshconline.org

The South Shore Horsemen’s Council (SSHC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the interest and education of horsemanship. Since 1962, the SSHC has offered a series of horse shows with year-end awards held at Rozena’s Field in Raynham, Massachusetts.

y Southern New England Horsemen’s Assoc.

snehassociation.com

The Southern New England Horsemen’s Association holds a

horse show series of six shows at the Glastonbury Hunt Club in Glastonbury, Connecticut.

y Tanheath Hunt Club

tanheathhunt.org

In 1958, a small group of people met at Glean Maura Farm in Ashland, Massachusetts, and formed the Tanheath Hunt Club (THC). The schools would rent horses to guests for the day of the hunt. In 2014, the club re-incorporated in Connecticut, and voted to change from a live hunt to a drag hunt. A new kennel was constructed in North Franklin, close to THC fixtures. In addition to foxhunts, the club holds spring, summer, and fall hunter paces; intro to foxhunting clinics; the Blessing of the Hounds; hunter trials, and a turkey trot.

y West Newbury Riding and Driving Club

wnrdc.com

The West Newbury Riding and Driving Club (WNRDC) preserves and improves riding opportunities in West Newbury; organizes riding activities with members of the equine community and the general public; and promotes camaraderie and understanding with all users of the preserved open space areas. The WNRDC is dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of open trails in its local communities for the purpose of passive recreation and the benefit of the environment. The WNRDC holds two horse trials annually to raise funds to continue to improve the town-owned Pipestave Hill Equestrian Recreation Area, in West Newbury, Massachusetts. The

Double B Ranch

Horsemanship for All Disciplines Training . Lessons . Boarding . Certification

Training

We train horses and their owners. Natural horsemanship is all about the human nurturing a relationship with the horse so strong and close, so as to earn the horse’s complete trust. We do this using soft and quiet techniques, which are always in the best interest of the horses.

Intense Horsemanship Lessons

Ranch/Trail Obstacle Course

Cow Working/Cow Sorting (mechanical cow on premises)

Ranch Roping . Team Penning . Reining Training Performance Horses Flat Work/Jumping . Equitation/Classical Dressage

The Team:

Christine Burrelli . Bob Burrelli, Jr. Bob Burrelli, Sr.

www.doubleb-ranch.com

(508) 746-8545

70 Jordan Road, Plymouth, MA

www.bobburrelli.com

508-224-9430

Licensed and certified horse trainer and clinician with more than 40 years experience in all disciplines. Uses natural horsemanship to solve your horse’s problems. Beginning with ground work to achieve harmony and trust, you’ll then move on to riding for that balanced partnership so essential to all phases of riding.

If you want help with your horse, or to hold a clinic, please contact us. Call for a free demonstration!

70 Jordan Road, Plymouth, Mass.

bobburrelli.com . 508-224-9430

Jeannette FullerPhotography

Jeannette FullerPhotography

club also holds an annual Adventure Trail competition, with funds from that event going to benefit trail work in West Newbury.

y Western Massachusetts

Appaloosa Assoc.

westernmassapp.weebly.com

The Western Massachusetts Appaloosa Association (WMAA) has been a regional club, holding a charter from the national Appaloosa Horse Club since the 1960s, with members throughout New England. The WMAA’s primary goal is to support and promote the Appaloosa. The WMAA holds the Yankee Color Classic Appaloosa and All Breed Show annually.

y Western New England

Professional Horsemen’s Assoc. wnepha.com

The Western New England Professional Horsemen’s Association (WNEPHA) holds more than 25 hunter, jumper, and equitation shows a year at eight locations including an equitation final and hunter derby in the fall. Points accumulated throughout the year are celebrated at the awards banquet in the winter. WNEPHA is in its 48th year and is actively welcoming new members to continue its mission: To give aid and sustenance to needy horsemen; to provide educational aid to children of professional horsemen through a scholarship fund; to promote and foster interest in the horse industry; and to aid in the protection and care of horses through education.

y Westfield Riding Club

westfieldridingclub.org

The Westfield Riding Club (WRC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1939 by a group of horse enthusiasts committed to fostering healthy horses, good riders, and excellent horsemanship. The WRC plans a year full of exciting events including shows, trail rides, clinics, educational seminars, parties, contests, and raffles. The WRC owns five acres in Westfield, Massachusetts. The grounds feature a rustic meeting house with a kitchen, fireplace, and a nice porch; a riding arena complete with a judge’s booth, as well as a cookshack, a small storage barn, and plenty of room to park trailers.

yIn every issue, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island equestrian-related nonprofits can be listed here and have their events listed in the Events Calendars. Each member of the nonprofits will receive a free one-year online subscription. Club officers and board members receive a free one-year print subscription — thank you for volunteering! Would you like to see your local organization or nonprofit listed here? Email partners@communityhorse.org.

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 at your facility and we provide regular service or on-call service. Choose to stockpile your manure and we’ll provide pile removal services.

Looking for ideas to make your horse’s life better? Ways to enrich their daily lives? Amanda Goble’s No Bored Horses: Essential Enrichment for Happy Equines gives horse caretakers knowledge of a horse’s natural behaviors and the stimulating, enriching experiences they crave.

In No Bored Horses, lifelong horse owner Amanda explains why unique equine behaviors matter to horses and how today’s style of equine care can make it difficult for horses to behave like horses, resulting in unwanted vices and behaviors. Enrichment is more than just fun and games for horses — it’s essential for their mental and physical health.

Filled with engaging original illustrations, diagrams, and charts, plus color photographs and instructions for more than 30 toys, puzzles, and experiences, No Bored Horses offers every horseperson the tools to improve their horse’s life. Readers will also find valuable advice for the most challenging situations, like extended stall rest and quarantine.

Something to Neigh About y

No Bored Horses is for every one of us whose aim is to give our horses their best life by our side.

APRIL

1 CHC Meeting Berlin. cthorsecouncil.org.

4 Jenny Veenstra Clinic Morris. brooksidefriesians.com.

5 Medal & NEHC Pleasure Show Middlefield. nehc.info.

6 Annual Tack Sale Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

6 CHSA CHJA NEHC Hunter/Jumper Show Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. chsaonline.com.

6 USEF Ethel Walker Show Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

7 CTRA Ride White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield. cttrailridesassoc.org.

7 CCBA Spring Shakeout Show Somers. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

7 CHSA CHJA NEHC Show Magnolia Run Equestrian Center, Willington. magnoliaruneqcenter.com.

7 CHJA Show Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

7 Falls Creek Tack Swap Moosup. fallscreekfarmct.com.

7 – 8 NEHC Show Eastfield Farm, Ashford. nehc.info.

12 NEHC Pleasure Show Middlefield. nehc.info.

13 CHSA CHJA Show End of Hunt, Suffield. chsaonline.com.

13 Schooling Hunter/Jumper/Dressage Show Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhorse.com.

14 RRRC Open House Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

14 CHSA CHJA Show Folly Farm, Simsbury. chsaonline.com.

14 Walker’s Cup Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

14 Cabin Fever Show Somers. shallowbrook.com.

14 Virginia Leary Biomechanics Lessons Autumn View Equestrian Center, Woodbridge. autumnviewct.com.

16 NBLA Arbitrage Tack Saddle/Bridle Fitting Newtown. facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

20 NBLA Slow-n-Go Spring Ride Huntington Park, Newtown. facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

20 CDHR Gelding Clinic East Hampton. Registration deadline is April 8! ctdraftrescue.org/geldingclinic2024.

20 CHJA NEHC Ox Ridge Show Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. oxridge.com.

20 Beautify Hay Burr Inn Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

20 – 21 CHSA CHJA Pines Open South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

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

20 – 21 CDA Bobbi Carleton Ride-Critique-Ride Clinic Sperry View Farm, Bethany, sperryviewfarm.com.

21 CHJA Show Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. chja.net.

25 – 28 CHSA Westbrook Spring Fling Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

Offering:

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

27 CTRA Ride Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth. cttrailridesassoc.org.

27 RRRC Rhythm Bead Necklace Making Social Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

27 Fairy Tale Scavenger Hunt Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

27 – 28 USEF USDF Dressage Show Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhorse.com.

28 Versatility Challenge DeCarli Equestrian Center, Ellington. decarliequestriancenter.com.

28 Schooling Dressage Show Lakeville. belandstables.com

28 CDA Virtual Schooling Dressage Show ctdressage.org.

28 Dressage Show Woodbury. fazierfarmct.com.

28 Spring Schooling Show Bridle Barry Farm, Durham. (860) 716-8381.

MAY

3 – 4 Cross-Country Derby Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

3 – 5 Barrel Classic Moosup. fallscreekfarm.com.

4 NCMT 85TH Anniversary Breeches & Bowties Gala with Georgina Bloomberg Darien. ncmtgala24.givesmart.com.

4 Cowboy Mounted Shooting Clinic Old Bethany Airport, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

4 RRRC New Members Trail Ride & Potluck Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

4 CDA Schooling Dressage Show Bethany, ctdressage.org.

4 CHSA CHJA NEHC Show Magnolia Run Equestrian Center, Willington. magnoliaruneqcenter.com.

4 CHJA Show Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

4 CHJA Show Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. chja.net.

4 NEHC Show Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

5 BSTRA Trail Work Day Thompson. bstra.org.

5 NBLA Spring Trail Ride & Challenge Course Newtown. facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

5 CTRA Ginger Tullai Memorial Ride Machamoodus State Park, East Haddam. cttrailridesassoc.org.

5 CHSA CHJA Show Folly Farm, Simsbury. chsaonline.com.

5 Schooling Hunter/Jumper/Dressage Show Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhorse.com.

5 SNEHA Show Series Glastonbury. snehassociation.com..

11 CHSA CHJA Pines Open South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

11 CHJA Show Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. chja.net.

11 – 12 ApHC & All Breed Northern Premier Moosup. fallscreekfarm.com.

12 CDCTA Dressage & Combined Training Schooling Show Westbrook. cdctaonline.com.

12 Schooling Dressage Show Lakeville. belandstables.com.

12 CHSA CHJA Show End of Hunt, Suffield. chsaonline.com.

12 CHJA Show Marchant Farm, Redding. chja.net.

12 – 13 NEHC Show Eastfield Farm, Ashford. nehc.info.

12 Summer Show Series Somers. shallowbrook.com.

18 Smokin’ Guns Cowboy Mounted Shooting Match Old Bethany Airport, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

18 Three Phase Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

18 CHSA CHJA Show Windcrest, Hebron. chsaonline.com.

19 H.O.R.S.E. of CT Open House Washington. (860) 868-1960.

19 BSTRA Livelark Pleasure Ride Thompson. bstra.org.

19 CCBA May Show Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

19 CHSA CHJA NEHC Hunter/Jumper Show Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. chsaonline.com.

19 Yoga with the Horses! Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

19 Frazier Farm Show Woodbury. fazierfarmct.com.

19 Abacus Events Dressage Show Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

21 NBLA Mary Brown Animal Communication Newtown. facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

24 Denim and Diamonds Western Dance Ebony Horsewomen Campus, Hartford. ebonyhorsewomen.org.

25 Black Boots Awards Ceremony Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, Hartford. ebonyhorsewomen.org.

25 CHSA CHJA Show Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

25 – 26 Dom Schramm Clinic Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

25 – 26 CDA Virginia Leary Biomechanics Clinic Sperry View Farm, Bethany, ctdressage.org.

26 Trail Ride & Barbecue Hartford. ebonyhorsewomen.org.

26 Versatility Challenge DeCarli Equestrian Center, Ellington. decarliequestriancenter.com.

26 RRRC Tack & Craft Sale Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

26 CHSA CHJA NEHC Show Avon. chsaonline.com.

27 CHSA CHJA Show Terryville. chsaonline.com.

31 USEF Ethel Walker Show Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

31 – June 2 TSHA Open Show Moosup. tristatehorsemen.com.

JUNE

1 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

1 CHSA CHJA Show Folly Farm, Simsbury. chsaonline.com.

2 CTRA Ride Natchaug State Forest, Eastford. cttrailridesassoc.org.

2 RRRC Blessing of the Mounts & National Trails Day Ride Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

2 CHSA CHJA Cynthia Jensen Memorial Show TerryAllen Farm, Terryville. chsaonline.com.

2 Combined Test Woodbury. fazierfarmct.com.

3 USEF Ethel Walker Show Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

4 CHC Meeting Berlin. cthorsecouncil.org.

5 – 8 63rd Connecticut Morgan Open Show West Springfield. ctmorgans.org.

6 – 9 5/A Baker Charity Show Somers. chsaonline.com.

7 NBHA Barrel Racing Goshen. ctnbha01.com.

8 CTRA Ride Cheshire. cttrailridesassoc.org.

8 NBLA Trail Ride and Cowboy Brunch Tarrywile Park, Danbury. facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

8 High Hopes 50th Anniversary Gala TBA. highhopestr.org.

8 CHJA Show Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. chja.net.

8 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com.

8 – 9 USEF USDF Dressage Show Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhorse.com.

9 Summer Show Series Somers. shallowbrook.com.

9 Schooling Dressage Show Lakeville. belandstables.com

9 Greenwich Horse Show Greenwich. thegrta.org.

14 – 16 RRRC 4-H Club Weekend Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

15 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com.

15 Amity Mayhem Cowboy Mounted Shooting Match Old Bethany Airport, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

15 CHSA CHJA Pines Open South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

16 CDA Virtual Schooling Dressage Show ctdressage.org.

16 CTRA Mountain Laurel Ride George Dudley Seymour State Park, Haddam. cttrailridesassoc.org.

16 CHSA CHJA NEHC Show Magnolia Run Equestrian Center, Willington. magnoliaruneqcenter.com.

16 USEF USEA Horse Trials Kent. kenthorsetrials.com.

16 – 17 NEHC Show Eastfield Farm, Ashford. nehc.info.

18 – 22 Fairfield Show Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

21 – 22 Cross-Country Derby Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

21 – 23 Barrel Classic Moosup. fallscreekfarm.com.

22 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com.

22 NBHA Barrel Racing Moosup. ctnbha01.com.

22 NBLA Liberty Training Demo & Cowboy Dinner Happy Trails, Danbury. facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

22 CHSA CHJA Show Folly Farm, Simsbury. chsaonline.com.

22 TSHA Dressage Show Salem. tristatehorsemen.com.

22 – 23 RRRC Lucky Star Horsemanship Obstacle Challenge Clinic Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

23 CDA Schooling Dressage Show Morris. ctdressage.org.

23 CHSA CHJA Show Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

23 CHJA Show New Canaan. chja.net.

23 TSHA Dressage Show Salem. tristatehorsemen.com.

23 SNEHA Show Series Glastonbury. snehassociation.com..

27 CHSA CHJA Medals Only Show Avon. chsaonline.com.

29 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com.

29 CHSA CHJA Show Windcrest, Hebron. chsaonline.com.

29 GRTA Dogwood Ride Greenwich. thegrta.org

30 Versatility Challenge DeCarli Equestrian Center, Ellington. decarliequestriancenter.com.

30 CCBA June Show Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

30 CHSA CHJA Show End of Hunt, Suffield. chsaonline.com.

30 CHJA Show Marchant Farm, Redding. chja.net.

30 SNECDA Combined Test & Arena Driving Trial Brooklyn Fairgrounds, Brooklyn. snecda.org.

JULY

5 – 7 CHSA CHJA Shoreline Classic I Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

6 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

7 Combined Test Woodbury. fazierfarmct.com.

Frazier Farm Training Center

Home of

2024 Schedule of Events:

Dressage Show April 28

Combined Tests June 2 & July 7

Horse Trials July 21 & September 29

Combined Test and Dressage Only options also offered.

Schooling Shows May 19, Aug. 11 & Oct. 13

Walk Trot to Short Stirrup & Open Hunters to Schooling Jumpers

Boarding . Training . Lessons Shows . Clinics

Beginner, Show & Eventing Summer Camps

Cross-country Course Open for Schooling

335 Middle Road Turnpike Woodbury, CT (203) 263-2627

frazierfarmct.com

7 Schooling Hunter/Jumper/Dressage Show Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhorse.com.

10 – 13 CHSA CHJA Shoreline Classic II Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

12 – 14 TSHA Open Show Moosup. tristatehorsemen.com.

13 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

13 RRRC Barbecue & Bonfire Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

14 CDCTA Dressage & Combined Training Schooling Show Newtown. cdctaonline.com.

14 NBHA Barrel Racing Bethany. ctnbha01.com.

14 CTRA Ride Steep Rock Preserve, Washington Depot. cttrailridesassoc.org.

14 Schooling Dressage Show Lakeville. belandstables.com.

14 NBLA Equine First Aid & Fairfield Equine Tour Newtown, Danbury. facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

14 CHSA CHJA Pines Open South Glastonbury. chja.net.

14 CHJA Ox Ridge Show Fairfield, Westport. chja.net.

18 NEHC Ox Ridge Show Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. oxridge.com.

19 – 21 New England Regional Cowboy Mounted Shooting Match Falls Creek Farm, Oneco. ctrenegades.com.

20 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

20 CHSA CHJA NEHC Hunter/Jumper Show

Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. chsaonline.com.

20 NEHC Show Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

20 Christmas in July Light Walk Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

21 CDA Schooling Dressage Show Salisbury, ctdressage.org.

21 Summer Show Series Somers. shallowbrook.com.

21 Ride for Open Space Woodstock. wyndhamlandtrust.org.

21 CHSA Show Morris. foxcrossingequestrian.com.

21 SNEHA Show Series Glastonbury. snehassociation.com..

21 CHJA Show Simsbury. chja.net.

21 CHJA Show New Canaan. chja.net.

21 Horse Trials Woodbury. fazierfarmct.com.

27 H.O.R.S.E. of CT Horse Parade Washington. (860) 868-1960.

27 CDA Lisa Schmidt Clinic Idlenot Farm, Clinton. ctdressage.org.

27 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com.

27 CHSA CHJA Show Windcrest, Hebron. chsaonline.com.

27 Christmas in July Light Walk Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

27 Three Phase Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

28 CHSA CHJA Show End of Hunt, Suffield. chsaonline.com.

28 Versatility Challenge DeCarli Equestrian Center, Ellington. decarliequestriancenter.com.

28 NBHA Barrel Racing Sherman. ctnbha01.com.

28 CTRA Ride Roraback Wildlife Management Area, Harwinton. cttrailridesassoc.org.

28 CHJA Ox Ridge Show Fairfield, Westport. oxridge.com.

28 TSHA Dressage Show Salem. tristatehorsemen.com.

28 Abacus Events Dressage Show Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

AUGUST

1 CDA Schooling Dressage Show Bethany, ctdressage.org.

2 – 3 Cross-Country Derby Horse Power Farm, Canterbury. horsepowerfarm.info.

2 – 4 NEMHS Show Moosup. mynemhs.wordpress.com.

3 Summer Sizzler Cowboy Mounted Shooting Match Old Bethany Airport, Bethany. ctrenegades.com.

3 NBHA Barrel Racing Woodbury. ctnbha01.com.

3 CHSA CHJA Show Simsbury. chsaonline.com.

3 – 4 CCBA Championship Show Sterling. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

3 – 4 Farmington Classic Polo Match & Horse Show Derby Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

4 RRRC Poker Ride Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

4 CHSA CHJA Show Terryville. chsaonline.com.

7 NEHC Show Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

10 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com.

10 – 11 NEPHC Summa in the Hamptons Show Moosup. nephc.com

11 Schooling Dressage Show Lakeville. belandstables.com

11 Summer Show Series Somers. shallowbrook.com.

11 CHSA CHJA Show New Milford. chsaonline.com.

11 Frazier Farm Show Woodbury. fazierfarmct.com.

11 Schooling Hunter/Jumper/Dressage Show Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhorse.com.

11 Abacus Events Dressage Show Morris. rfollyfarm.com.

11 SNEHA Show Series Glastonbury. snehassociation.com..

15 – 18 Fairfield Show Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport. huntclubonline.org.

16 – 18 TSHA Open Show Moosup. tristatehorsemen.

17 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

20 NBLA Abigail Nemec Equine Nutrition Sal e Pepe, Newtown facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

22 – 25 CHSA Finals Show Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

23 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com.

23 – 25 Barrel Classic Moosup. fallscreekfarm.com.

24 NBHA Barrel Racing Moosup. ctnbha01.com.

24 – 25 USEF USDF Dressage Show Mystic Valley Hunt Club, Gales Ferry. mysticvalleyhorse.com.

25 Versatility Challenge DeCarli Equestrian Center, Ellington. decarliequestriancenter.com.

25 USEF USEA Horse Trials Lakeville. townhillfarm.com.

26 USEF Ethel Walker Show Simsbury. ethelwalker.org.

28 CDA Schooling Dressage Show Columbia. ctdressage.org.

28 – September 1 CQHA Show Moosup. cqha.com.

Schooling Dressage Shows

April 28 Virtual Show!

Susanne Hamilton “S” & Joanne Coy “R’

May 4 Sperry View Farm, Bethany . Liana Antanovich “L”

June 16 Virtual Show! Anne Cizadlo “S” & Mary Mahler “R”

June 23 R Folly Farm, Morris . Virginia Leary “L”

July 21 Weatogue Stables, Salisbury . Judge TBA

Sept. 1 Sperry View Farm, Bethany . Steve Rugerio “L”

Sept. 28 BelleFree Farm, Columbia . Matthew Beasley “L”

Clinics

April 20 - 21 Bobbi Carleton Ride-Critique-Ride Clinic

May 25 - 26 Virginia Leary Biomechanics Clinic

July 27 Lisa Schmidt Clinic

Detailed prize list information available at: ctdressage.org

31 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

31 RRRC Charity Ride Stafford. reddingtonrockridingclub.org.

SEPTEMBER

1 Cowboy Mounted Shooting Demo Goshen Fairgrounds. ctrenegades.com.

1 CHSA CHJA Show New Milford. chsaonline.com.

1 CDA Schooling Dressage Show Bethany, ctdressage.org.

2 NBHA Barrel Racing Goshen. ctnbha01.com.

7 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com.

7 CTRA Ride Cockaponsett State Forest, Chester. cttrailridesassoc.org.

7 CHSA CHJA NEHC Show Avon. chsaonline.com.

7 – 8 NEPHC Fall Show Moosup. nephc.com

8 CCBA September Show Glastonbury. connecticut-color-breed-association.mailchimpsites.com.

8 Schooling Dressage Show Lakeville. belandstables.com

8 CHSA CHJA Pines Open South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

13 – 15 NBHA Barrel Racing Tristate Champtionship Moosup. ctnbha01.com.

14 NBLA “Fun” Raiser Country Dance Newtown. facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

14 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

14 CHSA CHJA Show End of Hunt, Suffield. chsaonline.com.

Open Show Series

14 Three Phase Salem. treasurehillfarm.com.

14 – 15 NEDA Breed Show Moosup. neda.org.

15 CTRA Ride Pistol Creek, Berlin. cttrailridesassoc.org.

15 CHSA CHJA Show Simsbury. chsaonline.com.

15 CHJA Show Stepping Stone Farm, Ridgefield. chja.net. 20 NBLA Equine Nutrition Presentation Sal e Pepe, Newtown facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

20 – 22 CHSA CHJA Westbrook Grand Fall Classic Westbrook. chsaonline.com.

21 Polo Match Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

21 NBLA Slow-n-Go Trail Ride Cherry Grove Preserve, Newtown facebook.com/groups/123717740974532/.

21 Concert on the Roof Plainfield. hayburrinn.org.

22 NBHA Barrel Racing Bethany. ctnbha01.com.

22 SNEHA Show Series Glastonbury. snehassociation.com..

22 NEHC Show Westport. huntclubonline.org.

23 NEHC Show Eastfield Farm, Ashford. nehc.info.

26 – 29 Hunter/Jumper Show Moosup. fallscreekfarm.com.

28 CDA Schooling Dressage Show Columbia, ctdressage.org.

28 Polo Match Finals Farmington. farmingtonpolo.com

28 CHSA CHJA NEHC Show Avon. chsaonline.com.

29 Horse Trials Woodbury. fazierfarmct.com.

29 Versatility Challenge DeCarli Equestrian Center, Ellington. decarliequestriancenter.com.

29 CHSA CHJA Pines Open South Glastonbury. chsaonline.com.

APRIL

3 Jenny Veenstra Clinic Feeding Hills. brooksidefriesians.com.

6 NEHC MHC Show Westford. cavalloequestriancenter.com.

7 USEF NEHC MHC Show Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

7 WNEPHA Show White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

7 Tack Sale New Beginnings Stable, Middleboro. (617) 750-7239.

7 Merrimack Valley Dressage Show Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

10 Equine Career & College Fair Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Northampton. dmiller@smithtec.org.

13 Dress4Kids Open House Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton. dressage4kids.org.

13 NEECA Work Day Athol. neeca.org.

13 MHC NEHC MHJ Show Medway. nv-farm.com.

14 Dressage Schooling Show Series Independence Stable, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

14 Winter Jumper Show Essex. hirokfarm.com.

14 Hunter & Equitation Show Byfield. evenstrideltd.com.

14 MHC NEHC Show Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

17 – 20 Spring Premiere West Springfield. nemha.com.

20 ECTA Equine Expo & Tack Sale Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield. (978) 768-6275 or info@ectaonline.org.

20 CRDA Scribing Workshop Sherborn. crdressage.org.

20 – 21 Jerry Schurink Clinic Millis. appleknoll.com.

20 – 21 Ride a Reiner Clark Performance Horses, Winchendon. clark-performancehorses.com.

21 Schooling Two-Phase and Dressage Show Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

21 Heron’s Crest Schooling Jumper Show Series NEECA, Athol. neeca.org.

21 Schooling Horse Trials Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

21 MHC NEHC Show Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

21 Tobey Tyler Ranch Riding Clinic Briggs Stable, Hanover. ecrrassociation.com.

22 NEECA Carriage Driving Day Athol. neeca.org.

Apple Knoll Farm Events

Northbridge Equine Challenge Series Jumper Shows

June 5 . June 12 . June 19 . June 26 . July 10

July 17 . July 24 . July 31 . Aug. 7 . Aug. 14

Aug. 21 . Aug. 28 . Sept. 4 . Sept. 11

Jerry Schurink Clinic

April 20 - 21

Spring Schooling Horse Trials

May 11

New England Dressage Association

Lynne Kimball Davis Clinics

May 4 & 5 . June 29 & 30 . July 20 & 21

Aug. 24 & 25 . Sept. 21 & 22 . Oct. 19 & 20

Charles River Dressage Association

Adult Camp: April 27 & 28

Shows: May 19, June 23, Aug. 4, Sept. 15

Lauren Sprieser Clinic: Nov. 23 &24 crdressage.org

Summer Show: July 14

Fall Kickoff Show: September 1 neda.org

Area I Schooling Horse Trials Championships

September 8

USEA-Recognized Horse Trials

June 9 & October 5

Norfolk Hunt Pony Club Camp

August 12 - 16

24 South Coast Series Jumper Show Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

27 CCDS Spring Clinic Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

27 NEECA Poker Ride Athol. neeca.org.

27 Sunrise Pleasure Show Series South Hadley. (413) 695-8384 or kwainsco@mtholyoke.edu.

27 – 28 CRDA Adult Camp Millis. crdressage.org.

28 USEF NEHC MHC Show Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

28 NSHA Pleasure Show Amesbury. nshorsemens.org.

28 Peter Whitmore Versatility Clinic Fuller Family Equestrian, Westhampton. Text (413) 455-4772.

28 Merrimack Valley Dressage Show Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

MAY

2 – 5 MQHA Annual Show West Springfield. massqh.com.

3 – 5 NHHJA Show Northampton. nhhja.com.

USDF “L” Graduate; Available for Lessons, Clinics, Training, and Judging.

54 Plain Rd. Hatfield, MA 413.427.2026

rerponies@gmail.com

RERponies.com

Helen

3 – 5 New England Region Carriage Association of America Annual Meeting TBD. newenglandregioncaa.org.

4 NEECA Ride-Review-Ride Athol. neeca.org.

4 BSTRA Trail Work Day Hodges Village Dam, Oxford. bstra.org.

4 MHC NEHC MHJ Show Medway. nv-farm.com.

4 SNECDA Fred Merriam Marathon Obstacles Clinic Blackbridge Farm, Southbridge. snecda.org.

4 – 5 LandSafe Rider Fall Safety Clinic Scarlet Hill Farm, Groton. scarlethillfarm.com.

4 – 5 Lynne Kimball Davis Clinic Millis. appleknoll.com.

4 – 5 Karen O’Connor Clinic Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

5 South Coast Series Hunter Show Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

5 HDA Schooling Show Hanover. heritage-dressage.org.

5 NEECA Sue Rogers Driving Tune-up Clinic Athol. neeca.org.

5 WNEPHA Show White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

5 MHC Show Westford. mahorsecouncil.com.

5 Rowley Riding & Driving Club Show Rowley. facebook.com.

8 – 12 Spring Festival I Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

8 South Coast Series Jumper Show Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

10 – 12 NEPtHA Show Northampton. neptha.info.

11 NEECA Versatility Clinic Athol. neeca.org.

11 BRDC Spring Trail Ride Felton Field, Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com

11 BSTRA Nancy Maenzo Memorial Ride Douglas. bstra.org.

11 Spring Schooling Horse Trials Millis. appleknoll.com.

12 MHC NEHC Show Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

12 Heron’s Crest Schooling Jumper Show Series NEECA, Athol. neeca.org.

12 WNEPHA Show SJH Equestrian, Richmond. wnepha.com.

12 Schooling Trials Groton. grotonponyclub.org.

JOIN US!

HUNTER/JUMPER/EQUITATION SHOWS

April 7 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

May 5 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

May 12 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

May 18 . JW Equestrian, Southampton

May 19 . Riverbank Farm, Dalton

May 26 . Harmony Hill Farm, G. Barrington

June 2 . Bellwether Stables, Richmond

June 9 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

June 16 . Grindstone Mountain, Southampton

June 23 . Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown

July 7 . JW Equestrian, Southampton

July 13 . Harmony Hill Farm, G. Barrington

July 14 . Muddy Brook Farm, Amherst

July 21 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

July 28 . Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown

Aug. 4 . Grindstone Mountain, Southampton

Aug. 11 . Bellwether Stables, Richmond

Aug. 18 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

Aug. 25 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

Sept. 1 . Harmony Hill Farm, G. Barrington

Sept. 8 . Bellwether Stables, Richmond

Sept. 15 . White Horse Hill, Richmond

Sept. 22 . SJH Equestrian, Richmond

Oct. 6 . Harmony Hill Farm, G. Barrington

Oct. 13 . FINALS

15 – 19 Spring Festival II Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

18 WNEPHA Show JW Equestrian, Southampton. wnepha.com.

18 Pajama Party Trail ride Carver. (508) 287-4077.

18 – 19 NEECA Luke Reinbold Clinic Athol. neeca.org.

19 WNEPHA Show Riverbank Farm, Dalton. wnepha.com.

19 CMHSS Show Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org.

19 Hilltown Misfits 4-H Club Fun Day Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

19 Schooling Horse Trials Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

19 WRC Versatility Show Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

19 CRDA Dressage Show Millis. crdressage.org.

19 Dressage Schooling Show Series Independence Stable, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

19 Merrimack Valley Dressage Show Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

19 Schooling Two-Phase and Dressage Show Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

19 MHC Show Haverhill. ridecornerstonefarm.com.

19 Hunter Show Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

19 NEHC Hunter Show Newbury. autumnskyfarm.com.

19 HRC Show Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

20 NEECA Carriage Driving Day Athol. neeca.org.

21 MHC NEHC Show Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

22 South Coast Series Jumper Show Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

25 HCRC Ride Chesterfield Gorge, Chesterfield. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

25 – 26 Norfolk Hunt Show Dedham. norfolkhunt.com.

25 – 27 BSTRA Memorial Day Campout Carver. bstra.org.

26 WNEPHA Show Harmony Hill Farm, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

26 NEECA Gymkhana Series Athol. neeca.org.

26 Schooling Dressage Show Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

26 HRC Trail Ride Carver. hansonridingclub.org.

26 Warm-up Three Phase Orchard Hill Equestrian Center, Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

27 – 28 Norfolk Hunt Show Medfield. norfolkhunt.com.

31 NEDA Spring Dressage Competition I Halifax. neda.org.

JUNE

1 MHC NEHC Show Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

1 – 2 NEDA Spring Dressage Competition II Halifax. neda.org.

2 NEECA Soccer on Horseback Athol. neeca.org.

2 WRC 4-H and Open Show Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

2 Horse Trials Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

2 USEF NEHC MHC Show Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

2 WNEPHA Show Bellwether Stables, Richmond. wnepha.com.

MHC Pleasure Classic Finals

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council Double Point MHC Show

Affiliated with NEHC, SSHC Open and Breed Classes

Sunday, September 8, at Briggs Stable, 623 Hanover Street, Hanover, Mass.

Show Begins Promptly at 8 a.m.

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. Pleasure

2 SSHC Show Raynham. sshconline.org.

2 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

2 Buckles & Boots Ranch Series Briggs Stable, Hanover. ecrrassociation.com.

2 NEHC Hunter Show Newbury. autumnskyfarm.com.

5 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

5 South Coast Series Jumper Show Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

6 – 9 CQHA Classic Show Northampton. cqha.com.

8 NEECA Toxic Plant Walk Athol. neeca.org.

8 HCRC Horse & Pony Party Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

8 MHC NEHC MHJ Show Medway. nv-farm.com.

8 HHRC June Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

9 Heron’s Crest Schooling Jumper Show Series NEECA, Athol. neeca.org.

9 WNEPHA Show White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

9 Hunter Show Series Holliston. augustfarm.com.

9 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

9 USEA Horse Trials Millis. appleknoll.com.

9 USEF NEHC MHC Show Buzzards Bay. grazingfields.com.

9 HRC Trail Ride Carver. hansonridingclub.org.

9 MHC Show Haverhill. ridecornerstonefarm.com.

12 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

12 – 16 Plymouth Rock I Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

12 Schooling Dressage Show Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

14 – 16 MQHA Novice/Open All Breed Show Northampton. massqh.com.

15 CCDS Picnic Drive Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

15 Sunrise Pleasure Show Series South Hadley. (413) 695-8384 or kwainsco@mtholyoke.edu.

15 – 16 Luke Reinbold Next Step Clinic Lenox. stonebridgegypsies.com

16 NEECA Gymkhana Series Athol. neeca.org.

16 NSHA Hunter Show South Hamilton. nshorsemens.org.

16 WNEPHA MHC Show Southampton. wnepha.com.

16 NSHA Pleasure Show Amesbury. nshorsemens.org.

16 Schooling Two-Phase and Dressage Show Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

16 CMHSS Show Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org.

16 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

19 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

19 – 23 Plymouth Rock II Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

20 HCRC Gymkhana Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

21 – 23 State 4-H Show Northampton. mass4H.org.

22 NEECA Triathlon Athol. neeca.org.

22 Hunter Show Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

22 Sunrise Ranch Show Series South Hadley. (413) 695-8384 or kwainsco@mtholyoke.edu.

Hampshire County Riding Club Events!

MAY 19 - Hilltown Misfits 4-H Club Open Fun Day

MAY 25 - Chesterfield Gorge Ride

JUNE 8 - Horse & Pony Party

JUNE 20 - Gymkhana Games Night

JUNE 27 - Gymkhana Games Night

JUNE 29 - Peter Whitmore Obstacle Clinic and Competition

Games Night JULY 28 - Goshen DAR State Forest Ride

AUGUST 8 - Gymkhana Games Night

AUGUST 25 - Windsor State Forest Ride

SEPTEMBER 15 - Hawley State Forest Ride

OCTOBER 20 - Northfield Mountain Fall Foliage Ride OCTOBER 27 - Hilltown Misfits

New

England Equestrian Center of Athol’s

Upcoming Events

Held at 802 New Sherborn Road, Athol, Mass.

Spring Work Day

April 13

Poker Ride

April 27

Ride Review Ride May 4

Sue Rogers Driving Clinic May 5

Pete Whitmore Versatility Clinics May 11 . July 20

Luke Reinbold Confidence Through Horsemanship Clinic May 18 & 19

NEECA Drivers

April 22 . May 20 . June 24 . July 8 August 12 . September 9

Gymkhana Series

May 26 . June 16 . Aug.18 . Sept. 8 . Sept. 22 Cash Gymkhana/Series Make-Up Date:

October 13

Soccer On Horseback

June 2

Linda LeBlanc Toxic Plant Walk

June 8

Triathlon

June 22

Coney Baloney!

July 21

Donkey/Mule Show

August 25

Hunter Pace

September 14

Driver Appreciation Day

September 28

Open Driving Trial

October 6

Fall Social

October 26 - Ellinwood Country Club

Heron’s Crest Stables Schooling Jumper Shows

April 21 . May 12 . June 9

July 14 . Aug. 11 . Sept. 15

Dates are subject to change! Check neeca.org or Facebook prior to attending!

Dawn Laughlin

Dawn Laughlin

22 – 23 Sharon White Clinic Rehoboth. palmerriver.com.

23 South Coast Series Hunter Show Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

23 CRDA Dressage Show Millis. crdressage.org.

23 Eastern States Ranch Horse Challenge Clover Creek Farm, Rochester. facebook.com/DrassClinics.

23 Schooling Dressage Show White Spruce Farm, New Braintree. whitesprucefarms.com.

23 BRDC Show Series Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com

23 BSTRA Luau Ride Upton. bstra.org.

23 USEA Horse Trials Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

23 WNEPHA Show Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown. wnepha.com.

23 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

23 Summer Event I Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

24 NEECA Carriage Driving Day Athol. neeca.org.

26 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

26 HHRC Mini Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

26 – 27 USEF USDF Dressage Show Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center, South Hadley. mhcriding.com

27 HCRC Evening Gymkhana Games Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

28 – 30 FSP June Weekend Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

29 HCRC Peter Whitmore Obstacle Clinic & Competition Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

29 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

29 – 30 Lynne Kimball Davis Clinic Millis. appleknoll.com.

30 Merrimack Valley Dressage Show Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

30 BSTRA Ride Red Rail Farm, Lincoln. bstra.org.

30 HDA Schooling Show Hanover. heritage-dressage.org.

30 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

JULY

2 – 7 NHHJA Summer & USHJA Outreach Festival Halifax. nhhja.com.

4 – 7 BSTRA 4th of July Campout Douglas. bstra.org.

7 WNEPHA Show JW Equestrian, Southampton. wnepha.com.

7 Marion Open Show Marion. marionhorseshow.com

7 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

7 HRC Show Briggs Stable, Hanover. hansonridingclub.org.

8 NEECA Carriage Driving Day Athol. neeca.org.

10 South Coast Series Jumper Show Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

10 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

10 HHRC Mini Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

11 HCRC Evening Gymkhana Games Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

12 – 13 NEPtHA Show Northampton. neptha.info.

13 WNEPHA SHOW Harmony Hill Farm, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

13 MHC NEHC MHJ Show Medway. nv-farm.com.

14 NEDA Summer Dressage Show Millis. neda.org.

14 WNEPHA Show Muddy Brook, Amherst. wnepha.com.

14 South Coast Series Hunter Show Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

14 BRDC Show Series Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com

14 Heron’s Crest Schooling Jumper Show Series NEECA, Athol. neeca.org.

14 Hunter Show Series Holliston. augustfarm.com.

14 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

14 MHC Show Haverhill. ridecornerstonefarm.com.

14 Summer Event II Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

14 Horse Trials Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

17 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

17 HHRC Mini Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

17 Schooling Dressage Show Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

20 NEECA Versatility Clinic Athol. neeca.org.

20 USEF USEA Horse Trials Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

20 – 21 Lynne Kimball Davis Clinic Millis. appleknoll.com.

21 Schooling Horse Trials Sherborn. coursebrookfarm.com.

21 WNEPHA Show SJH Equestrian, Richmond. wnepha.com.

21 NSHA Hunter Show South Hamilton. nshorsemens.org.

21 Schooling Two-Phase and Dressage Show Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

21 NEECA Coney Baloney! Athol. neeca.org.

21 SSHC Show Raynham. sshconline.org.

21 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

21 Hunter Show Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

22 – 27 NEMHA Morgan Show Northampton. nemha.com.

24 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

24 HHRC Mini Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

24 South Coast Series Jumper Show Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

24 – 28 Head of the Bay Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

25 HCRC Evening Gymkhana Games Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

28 WNEPHA Show Bonnie Lea Farm, Williamstown. wnepha.com.

28 HCRC Ride DAR State Forest, Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

28 BSTRA Poker Run Oxford. bstra.org.

28 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

28 Buckles & Boots Ranch Series Briggs Stable, Hanover. ecrrassociation.com.

31 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

31 HHRC Mini Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

Traditional & Western Dressage Tests

Dressage Sport Horse Prospect In Hand

April 14 . May 19 Aug. 18 . Sept. 15

AUGUST

4 BRDC Show Series Barre. barreridingdrivingclub.com.

4 CRDA Dressage Show Millis. crdressage.org.

4 WNEPHA MHC Show Grindstone Mountain, Southampton. wnepha.com.

4 South Coast Series Hunter Show Grazing Fields Farm, Buzzards Bay. southcoastseries.com.

4 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

4 Summer Event III Berlin. orchardhillequestriancenter.com.

7 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

7 HHRC Mini Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

7 South Coast Series Jumper Show Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

8 HCRC Evening Gymkhana Games Goshen. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

8 MHC NEHC Show Pembroke. riverwindfarm.com.

8 – 11 CCDS Driving Show Stockbridge. colonialcarriage.org.

10 MHC NEHC MHJ Show Medway. nv-farm.com.

11 Hunter Show Series Holliston. augustfarm.com.

11 WNEPHA Show Bellwether Stables, Richmond. wnepha.com.

11 Heron’s Crest Schooling Jumper Show Series NEECA, Athol. neeca.org.

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

independencestablellc.com

11 WRC Games Day Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

11 Merrimack Valley Dressage Show Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

11 SSHC Show Raynham. sshconline.org.

11 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

12 NEECA Carriage Driving Day Athol. neeca.org.

12 – 16 Norfolk Hunt Pony Club Camp Millis. appleknoll.com.

14 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

14 HHRC Mini Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

14 – 17 Massachusetts Morgan Show West Springfield. massmorgan.com.

14 – 18 Summer Showcase I Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

15 MHC NEHC Show Ipswich. backbayfarm.com.

17 Horse Trials Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

18 Schooling Two-Phase and Dressage Show Dracut. cutterfarm.com.

18 NEECA Gymkhana Series Athol. neeca.org.

18 Dressage Schooling Show Series Independence Stable, Belchertown. independencestablellc.com.

18 WNEPHA Show White Horse Hill, Richmond. wnepha.com.

18 MHC Show Haverhill. ridecornerstonefarm.com.

18 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

18 Buckles & Boots Ranch Series Briggs Stable, Hanover. ecrrassociation.com.

20 – 24 Summer Showcase II Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

21 South Coast Series Jumper Show Plymouth. southcoastseries.com.

21 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

21 HHRC Mini Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

24 Open Schooling Day Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

24 Sunrise Ranch Show Series South Hadley. (413) 695-8384 or kwainsco@mtholyoke.edu.

24 Hunter Show Azrael Acres, Uxbridge. azraelacres.com.

24 – 25 Lynne Kimball Davis Clinic Millis. appleknoll.com.

25 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

25 NEECA Mule & Donkey Show Athol. neeca.org.

25 CMHSS Show Camp Marshall, Spencer. cmhss.org.

25 WNEPHA Show SJH Equestrian, Richmond. wnepha.com.

25 Schooling Horse Trials Plymouth. valinorfarm.com.

25 HCRC Ride Windsor State Forest, Windsor. hampshirecountyridingclub.org.

25 BSTRA Galloping Gourmet Ride Royalston. bstra.org.

25 MHJ Finals Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

25 Mane-I-Acs 4-H & Open Show Westfield. westfieldridingclub.org.

28 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

28 HHRC Mini Show Hanover. briggsstable.com.

31 Myopia Hunt Show South Hamilton. myopiahunt.com.

31 – September 1 Blandford Fair Show Blandford. (413) 695-8343.

SEPTEMBER

1 NEDA Fall Kickoff Dressage Show Millis. neda.org.

1 WNEPHA Show Harmony Hill Farm, Great Barrington. wnepha.com.

1 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

1 NEHC Hunter Show Newbury. autumnskyfarm.com.

4 Jumper Challenge Show Millis. appleknoll.com.

4 – 8 Northeast Classic Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com

6 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

7 – 8 Regional 4-H Show Northampton. mass4H.org.

8 NEECA Gymkhana Series Athol. neeca.org.

8 WNEPHA Show Bellwether Stables, Richmond. wnepha.com.

8 Area 1 Schooling Horse Trials Championships Millis. appleknoll.com.

8 North East Finals Halifax. fieldstoneshowpark.com.

8 Merrimack Valley Dressage Show Bradford Equestrian Center, Haverhill. bradfordequestriancenter.wordpress.com.

8 MHC Show Haverhill. ridecornerstonefarm.com.

8 MHC Pleasure Classic Finals Hanover. mahorsecouncil.com.

8 Polo Match South Hamilton. myopiapolo.org.

9 Rowley Riding & Driving Club Show Rowley. facebook.com.

Presents the 29th annual

Equine Expo & Tack Sale

Saturday, April 20, 2024 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Large vendor marketplace selling new and used items! Plus services for the horse, rider, and driver.

Demonstrations All Day

$5 Admission . children under 10 free Vendor Spaces Available . Free Parking

Held Indoors . Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds

For more info and/or to reserve a space: 978-768-6275 or kljoreo@aol.com

MHC NEHC HORSE SHOWS

May 12 & August 15

events

APRIL

6 Cutting Flag Clinic Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

6 NEHC RIHA Show Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

13 NEHC Show Glen Farm Stables, Portsmouth. glen.farm.

14 NEHC RIHA USHJA Outreach Show Claddagh Farm, Tiverton. claddaghfarminc.com.

20 NEHC RIHA Show Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

27 Equine Wellness Clinic Epona Safe Haven, Scituate. facebook.com/eponasafehaveninc.

MAY

5 Open Schooling Show Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

5 NEHC RIHA Show Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

18 Gymkhana Fun Show Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

18 NEHC RIHA USHJA Outreach Show Claddagh Farm, Tiverton. claddaghfarminc.com.

19 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

JUNE

1 NEHC RIHA USHJA Outreach Show Claddagh Farm, Tiverton. claddaghfarminc.com.

9 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

9 Open Schooling Show Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

9 NEHC RIHA Show Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

15 Cutting Flag Clinic Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

16 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

29 Gymkhana Fun Show Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

JULY

13 NEHC RIHA Show Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

14 NEHC RIHA USHJA Outreach Show Claddagh Farm, Tiverton. claddaghfarminc.com.

14 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

20 BSTRA Goddard Brunch Ride East Greenwich. bstra.org.

21 Open Schooling Show Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

27 Gymkhana Fun Show Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

AUGUST

18 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

25 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

SEPTEMBER

8 NEHC RIHA Show Hunter Ridge, Ashaway. hunterridge.squarespace.com.

8 Open Schooling Show Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

8 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

15 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

21 Gymkhana Fun Show Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

OCTOBER

13 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

19 Cutting Flag Clinic Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

20 HRC Beach Ride Goddard Park, Warwick. hansonridingclub.org.

26 Open Schooling Show Cornerstone Farm, Foster. cornerstonefarmri.com.

27 NEHC RIHA USHJA Outreach Show Claddagh Farm, Tiverton. claddaghfarminc.com.

27 NEHC Show Glen Farm Stables, Portsmouth. glen.farm.

27 Open Schooling Show Downeast Performance Horses, Westerly. facebook.com/downeastperformancehorses/.

RHODE ISLAND

Directory Listings

l Connecticut l Massachusetts

l Rhode Island l Region

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

Mindful Connections® with Animals

Nicole Birkholzer; nbirkmc@gmail.com

Phone consultations; barn calls serving MA, CT, and RI

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. Ad on page 50.

Soul Level Animal Communication® and Pangu Energy Work

Karen Dendy Smith; karendendysmith.com; (339) 205-3010

U.S. and Canada (online Zoom sessions)

Insight allows for a deeper partnership. Whether alive or in spirit, you can ask your horse questions, learn more about your relationship at the soul level, gain insight into behaviors, and understand how your horse is feeling from their perspective (physically and emotionally).

APPAREL

Double J Western Store

West Springfield, MA; (413) 732-8800; doublejwestern.com

Carrying an excellent selection of western boots, hats, and apparel from top brands including Justin, Dan Post, Wrangler, and Scully. One of a kind Navajo and Zuni jewelry. And now carrying TuffRider English riding apparel. Special orders always welcome. Ad on page 14.

ART AND GIFTS

Lisa’s Art & Horses

Lisa Guarino; (401) 475-2749; lisa@lisasart.com; lisasart.com

Looking for a special gift? Lisa’s Art & Horses offers a variety of artistic gift items. Equine paintings, T-shirts, portraits. Find that perfect gift!

BARNS AND INDOOR ARENAS

WeCover Structures

(866) 403-3811; wecoverequine.com

Ride in bright, natural light year-round. WeCover designs and builds dream riding arenas using durable fabric roof panels and steel framing. Tailored to fit beautifully on your property.

BEACH HORSEBACK RIDING

Newport Equestrian Academy

Middletown, RI; (401) 837-4188; newportequestrian.com

Trail rides by beautiful beaches! Our popular two-hour horseback riding tour will take you by two beautiful beaches and out to a wildlife preservation. You’ll be delighted by panoramic views of miles of beach.

BEDDING

R & R Pallet Corp.

120 Schoolhouse Road, Cheshire, CT; (203)272-2784

jrizzo.javanet@rcn.com; rrpalletcorp.com

Uniform, clean, semi-dry hardwood and softwood bedding; mixed

sawdust and shavings in bulk. Large quantities available as low as $10 per cubic yard. Decorative mulch as low as $10 per cubic yard. Firewood blocks $100 per cord. Pick up (we’ll load your truck)/local delivery available. Call for more information and pricing.

BRUSH CLEARING/PASTURE RECLAIMING

M5 Landworks

Serving MA, RI, CT; (508) 510-2004; m5landworks.com

Pasture restoration, field mowing, fence line clearing, underbrush clearing, bridle trail creation, forestry mulching. We’ll manage your overgrown land. Ad on page 68.

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.

DALES PONIES

Blackshadow Dales Pony Stud

Upstate New York blackshadowdales.com; blackshadowponies@gmail.com

Devoted to the preservation and promotion of the critically endangered Dales Pony since 2013. Exceptional young stock available annually; reserve a foal in utero. Good conformation with a calm and intelligent nature. Home of Kingmaker Jupiter. Ad on page 25.

EDUCATION, RIDING PROGRAMS

The Ethel Walker School Simsbury, CT; (860) 408-4200; ethelwalker.org

Pamela J. Safford, Assistant Head for Admission and Enrollment, 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 55.

EQUESTRIAN ATTORNEYS

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 51.

Sowerby & Moustakis Law, PLLC

Massachusetts & New Hampshire (603) 249-5925; info@SMLPLLC.com; MassachusettsEquineLaw.com

Horse owner Peter A. Moustakis has developed a passion and appreciation for 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.

EQUESTRIAN FITNESS

ZZ Productions

Judith Lindstedt; zz.judithproductions@gmail.com

Stretch classes for equestrians. Be the best you can be in the saddle. Loosen up back, spine, knees, and ankles. Strengthen quads and core. Focus on stretches to get ready for your ride. Ad on page 67.

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES

Amanda DeFazio Equestrian Specialist (774) 392-4831; amanda.defazio@raveis.com amandadefazio.raveis.com

Find your dream equestrian property or sell your farm. Amanda is passionate about helping her clients realize their dreams as an equestrian specialist with William Raveis. Ad on page 23.

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 13.

Vogel Team at William Raveis Real Estate

(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, award-winning service. We understand it’s not just a home, it’s a lifestyle. Ad on page 71.

EQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICES

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.

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

Old Lyme, CT; (860) 434-1974; highhopestr.org

High Hopes serves more than 170 children, adults, and veterans weekly through therapeutic riding and carriage driving; unmounted horsemanship; summer camps and specialty programs. Providing professional training and education for instructors. Always seeking interns and volunteer support.

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.

New Horizons Center Equine Assisted Therapy

Foster, RI; (401) 397-9242; cornerstonefarmri.com

Located at Cornerstone Farm. Offers riding and driving instruction to individuals with a wide range of disabilities utilizing the healing power of horses.

SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center

174 Morgan Road, Canton, CT; (860) 841-9930; spirithorsect.org

Therapeutic horseback riding and nonriding lessons for people of all ages, with and without disabilities. Early intervention program, one-hour mentorship lessons, summer programs, and equineunified vocational agricultural training program.

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. Twentyfive years experience. Tooth extractions, no power tools, no sedation required, no farm call fee. New customers welcome. Ad on page 32.

Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Service

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 17.

EQUINE LAUNDRY

Naughty Pony Blanket Laundering & Boutique

Serving MA,CT, and RI; (401)255-0395; naughtypony@aol.com

We have the largest facility capabilities in the tri-state area and specialize in organizing complimentary, large, group pick-ups. We offer wash, re-waterproof, repairs, air drying, individual packaging, and sealing using NIKWAX. Enjoy 10-year anniversary promos! Trusted by SmartPak and Greenhawk Equestrian Sport. Ad on page 23.

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

Rescue, rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome at-risk horses. Adoptions, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities. Lessons, summer programs, fun, and education. Free programs for veterans. We give horses a second chance at life.

EQUINE RETIREMENT FACILITY

Oak View Farm

Washington Depot, CT; joegitterman@me.com

Staff and owners live on this small farm with their own horses. Large paddocks and fields with water on demand. 24/7/365 turnout. Daily hands-on checks, grooming, supplements. Same love and attention we give our own steeds. References available.

EXPOSITIONS & SALES

Equine Affaire

West Springfield, MA; equineaffaire.com

Equine Affaire, the nation’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering in November 2024. Learn from and mingle with many of the foremost experts in the horse industry and experience a wealth of equine and equestrian products.

Equine Tack & Paraphernalia Sale

Topsfield, MA; Kay at (978) 768-6275; kljoreo@aol.com

April 20, 2024 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 99.

FEED & FARM SUPPLIES

Benedict’s Home & Garden

480 Purdy Hill Rd., 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 and poultry supplies.

Blue Seal

Find a dealer near you at blueseal.com. Ad on pages 28 and 29. Amherst Farmer’s Supply, amherstfarmerssupply.com

A.W. Brown Pet & Garden Center, awbrown.com

Benedict’s Home & Garden, benedictsgarden.com

Bridgewater Farm Supply, bridgewaterfarm.com

Essex County Co-op, essexcountycoop.com

G.M. Thompson & Sons, gmthompson.net

Greenfield Farmers Co-op Exchange, greenfieldfarmerscoop.com

Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange, hardwickfarmers.net

Leeway True Value, leewayace.com

Litchfield Blue Seal Store, blueseal.com

Lock, Stock & Barrel, lsbfarmsupply.com

Meriden Feed & Supply, facebook.com/MeredenFeed

Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain, sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com

Lucerne Farms

lucernefarms.com; (800) 723-4923

Lucerne Farms is a proud producer of superior, all-natural horse forage feed. Whether you’re looking for a grain complement, fiber supplement, or hay replacement, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about the benefits of adding Lucerne Farms forage blends to your feed program at lucernefarms.com. Ad on page 107.

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 page 19.

Custom Equine Nutrition

customequinenutrition.com; (802) 644-5585

Vermont Blend and Vermont Blend Pro. One supplement with multiple benefits including coat, hooves, topline, and digestive system. No soy, iron, or inactive ingredients. Ad on page 3.

Poulin Grain

Find a dealer near you at poulingrain.com.

Premium feeds and personalized service since 1932. Formulated to meet the unique demands of the Northeast. Latest cutting-edge technology and industry-leading research in every bite — so you can always be sure they’re getting the best. Ad on page 64.

FINANCING & LOANS

Farm Credit East

240 South Rd., 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 page 21.

HOOF AND LEG CARE

Hawthorne Products

(800) 548-5658; hawthorne-products.com

Hawthorne manufactures award-winning hoof, leg, and breathing care products. We develop, manufacture, and sell the finest products at the best value by offering quality services, education, and solutions to all horse lovers.

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 35.

American National

Boxborough, MA: Donald Ludwig (978) 467-1001

Carver, MA: Richard Blair (508) 866-9150

Centerville, MA: Mark Sylvia (508) 428-0440

Great Barrington, MA: Dominic Sinopoli (413) 528-1710

Lisbon, CT: (860) 376-2393 or (860) 808-6608

Middleborough, MA: Kevin Sullivan (508) 998-0512

Middlefield, CT: (860) 349-7064

North Adams, MA: Kim Perry (413) 398-5011

Northborough, MA: Jeff Pichierri (508) 393-9327

South Deerfield, MA: Tim Viles (413) 665-8200

Southwick, MA: The Mason Agency (413) 569-2307

Topsfield, MA: Scott Brockelman (978) 887-8304

West Greenwich, RI: Ashley Johnson (401) 397-1050

Wilbraham, MA: Sean Rooney (413) 887-8817

Williamstown, MA: Marcia Hawkins (413) 458-5584

Worcester, MA: Thomas Carroll (508) 752-3300

Ad on pages 58 and 59.

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 72.

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

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. Ad on page 69.

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 76.

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 74.

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.

TACK & EQUIPMENT

Briggs Tack Shop & Trailer Sales

Hanover, MA; (781) 826-3191; briggstackshop.com

Full-service tack shop with everything for the horse and rider. Authorized dealer of Kingston Trailers. Ad on page 45.

Cheshire Horse

Swanzey, NH; (877) 358-3001; cheshirehorse.com.

English and western tack, apparel and footwear, horse clothing, pet food and supplies, feed and supplements, stable supplies and fencing, horse/utility trailers, chicken coops, and gifts. Ad on pages 2 and 7.

Triple Crown Tack Shop

West Boylston, MA; (508) 835-2773

triplecrowntack.com; info@triplecrowntack.com

In the community for decades and our owners and staff are riders, here to serve all riders of all levels. We carry hunter/jumper casual and show apparel, as well as items for eventing, dressage, trail riding and foxhunting including boots, helmets, tack, cleaning supplies, supplements, blankets, horse treats, collectibles, and gifts.

THERAPIES

EB Equine Massage

Erin Barbato; Serving MA and NH (508) 579-4348; ebequinemassage.com

Board certified equine massage practitioner, also certified in equine kinesiology taping. Formally trained in biomechanics, gait analysis, and multimodality massage techniques. All disciplines and levels welcome.

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 39.

TRAINING, LESSONS & BOARD

Apple Knoll Farm

Millis, MA; (508) 376-2564; appleknoll.com

Our mission is to provide a safe and well-equipped facility for 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 89.

Babcock Hill Horses Naturally

Dawn Bonin Horsemanship

Coventry, CT; (860) 985-7611; dawnbonin.com

Lessons, versatility clinics and competitions, versatility course, sales/leases, two outdoor rings, indoor arena, miles of trails.

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 99.

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. 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 75.

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. Ad on page 97.

Carrier’s Farm

Nancy Carrier; Southampton, MA; (413) 527-0333

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 Kindful Training

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. Ad on page 26.

Cornerstone Farm

Beth Stone; Foster, RI (401) 397-9242; cornerstonefarmri.com

Instruction in all disciplines, quality boarding. Schooling show series: May 19, June 9, July 14, August 18, September 8, October 26, and November 10. “Ride for the fun of it!”

Crimson Acres

Whitmore Family; Orange, MA; (978) 575-0341; crimsonacres.org

Lessons, training, clinics, drill team, horse shows, game nights, boarding, and summer camps. We provide a safe educational environment. Dare to Dream Educational Farm Program. Ad on page 98.

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 work, ranch roping, team penning, reining, flat work/jumping, and equitation/classical dressage. Ad on page 75.

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 80.

Fuller Family Equestrian

Westhampton, MA; (413) 539-1242; fullershorsefacility.com

Intimate boarding environment and quality care. Matted stalls, recently renovated indoor arena, jumping field, outdoor arena, trails, group or individual turnout, indoor wash stall. Lessons with our trainer or yours. Because it’s not just your horse, it’s your family.

Gold Rush Farm, LLC

5 Silver Hill Rd., Easton, CT (203) 268-9994; goldrushfarmsct.com

Trail rides, lessons, summer camps, boarding, pony rides, pony parties, bonfire nights, and corporate events. We focus on building a strong relationship between horse and rider.

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 cross-country training. Ad on page 87.

Horses With A Heart

Shana Holland; Chester, MA; (413) 354-7744

Infants through advanced riders. 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 personalized attention for each horse and rider. Ad on page 98.

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 83.

JDS Equine Services

Jasmine Sasser; Dudley, MA; (508)-468-9092; jasmine.jdsequine@gmail.com; facebook.com/jdsequine

Specialize in green and “problem” horses, starting, tune-ups, desensitization, trail riding, showing, and more. Customized training programs. Experience with difficult cases.

Rebecca Hathaway Horsemanship

Manager, Sandy Hook Equestrian Center; Newtown, CT (203) 313-6389 (voice/text); sandyhookequestriancenter.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.

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. Two-phase and dressage shows. Eventing barn, open to all riding styles. Ad on page 40.

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 90.

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 77.

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. We have what you want! Ad on page 42.

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! Fullservice tack shop with everything for the horse and rider, plus we’re a Stübben Custom Authorized Dealer and Fitter. Ad on page 45.

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, pre-purchase inspections, gooseneck and hitch sales and installation, truck modifications, brake controllers and repairs, and wheel/tire replacement. Ad on page 71.

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.

Connecticut Equine Clinic

Servicing large portions of eastern CT; (860)742-1580

connecticutequineclinic@gmail.com; connecticutequineclinic.com

Multi-doctor ambulatory equine-exclusive practice, offering preventive care, dentistry, pre-purchase exams, lameness evaluations, sports medicine and regenerative treatments, and chiropractic care.

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 41.

Ocean State Equine Associates

Hollie Stillwell, DVM; Enda Currid, DVM; Anne Marie Skiffington, DVM

Kate Frazier, DVM; Alex Catalano, DVM; Megan Calitri, DVM Scituate, RI; (413) 766-6578; oceanstateequine.com

Serving Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. Ambulatory and hospital-based services, lameness and performance evaluations, equine pre-purchase exams, preventative healthcare, dentistry, internal medicine, and emergencies.

South Deerfield Veterinary Clinic

Samantha C. Clay, DVM & Andraya Cole, DVM

South Deerfield, MA; (413) 665-3626; sdvconline.com

We provide preventive care and medical care for large and small animals. We’re accepting new clients! Ad on page 65.

SRH Veterinary Services

Helen Noble, VMD; Robert Orcutt, DVM; Elizabeth Lordan, DVM

Evice Bolton, DVM; Nicole Syngajewski, DVM; Delaney Patterson, DVM Ipswich, MA; (978) 356-1119; srhveterinary.com

Large and small animal medicine and surgery. Serving the North Shore since 1951. A Heritage Veterinary Practice. Ad on page 90.

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.

Twin Pines Equine Veterinary Services

(860) 376-4373; twinpinesequine.com

Serving eastern Connecticut as well as areas of Tolland, Hartford, and New Haven Counties; and Rhode Island. Full-service equine ambulatory practice offering quality, compassionate care for your horse. Ad on page 47.

Community Horse

99 Bissell Rd

Williamsburg MA 01096

communityhorse.org