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News in Our Community

A Tribute to Lance Wetmore (1938–2021)

The life of Lance Wetmore was celebrated during the Connecticut Morgan Horse Show earlier this year in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Long-time friend and horseman John Bennett escorted Martha Wetmore into the ring driving one of the Wetmores’ Morgans. Martha was sitting in the box next to John, holding one of Lance’s hats in her lap.

From the time Lance Wetmore was a young man, he was always involved with horses. Lance taught himself how to ride and, with the help of Johnny Kriz, he found his way into the horse show world. He started showing parade horses, roadster horses and ponies, and Palominos. In 1957, he met Martha Taylor, and they married in 1961.

After the Wetmores’ three daughters were born (Jennifer, Melissa, and Shauna), the family fell in love with Morgan horses. In 1975, they acquired Ledgelans Fires Chief, the first Morgan horse the family trained and showed. With the help of her father, Melissa trained Chief to ride and drive. Chief represented their farm, Bittersweet, at all the Morgan shows.

As the years came and went, more Morgans became part of the Bittersweet Farm family, and the farm was incorporated as BSF Inc in 1995. Lance was now fully involved with training and showing. The farm had a large summer riding program. Lance loved working with young students and teaching beginners how to ride. As the number of Morgans on the farm grew, BSF started their own breeding program with the Beta B prefix.

Students from the summer riding program continued with their lessons and soon became the foundation for the Bittersweet Farm show program. Parents loved the individual attention their children received and many bought a Morgan to join the show world. It was important to Lance to show everyone the versatility of the Morgan breed.

Over the years, many of these students went on to win world and national championships. One of Lance’s students won the AMHA Youth of the Year Award. Through all the shows, Lance’s daughters worked alongside him and eagerly

embraced his valuable lessons. He taught them to believe in themselves and be proud of their accomplishments. Melissa and Shauna both have their own farms today and continue to show the world what a Morgan is all about, while Jennifer has enjoyed success with her restaurant, Slainte.

Some people will remember the nights at the Falls Creek Morgan Show when Lance and fellow horseman, John Bennet, danced on the tack boxes — always a crowd pleaser. Others will remember the many times Lance led the Memorial Day Parade, riding one of his beautiful Morgans adorned in silver while carrying the American Flag.

In later years, Lance continued to

Lance Wetmore (1938–2021).

show in the Carriage Driving division, stepping out of the Morgan world to show Friesians and other breeds.

Lance promoted the Morgan horse in a quiet way by teaching, showing, and sharing the love, talent, and respect he had for the breed. He enjoyed talking with people and sharing his stories of years of riding and meeting people from all over the world. Lance donated his time serving as president of the Connecticut Morgan Horse Association and the Connecticut Horse Association.

Lance will be missed by all who knew him and his talent with horses will be carried on by his daughters, who will continue showing horses the way Lance taught them — with love, respect, kindness, and a gentle touch. n Suzy Lucine

Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal

New Canaan Mounted Troop (NCMT) hosted a live reading by Sarah Maslin Nir from her new book, Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal. The outdoor reading and book signing was held to benefit New Canaan Mounted Troop’s therapeutic and equestrian programs. What a perfect way to spend a late afternoon! An author reading, refreshments, good company, and it took place outside of NCMT’s stately main barn in the courtyard.

I’d heard about Sarah previously, not for her equestrian writings, but for her work as a staff reporter for the New York Times and particularly her work, Unvarnished, her investigation into New York City’s nail salon industry that uncovered the exploitive labor practices and health issues manicurists face. She was a 2016 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting for that work. Sarah has reported for the New York Times from around the world from West Africa and the Alaskan wilderness, to post-earthquake Haiti and wildfire-ravaged California. I was looking forward to a fabulous afternoon.

After a brief introduction by NCMT staff, Sarah talked about her book. As she read a portion, I was instantly captivated by her ability to embrace an audience. A few questions and answers followed. Sarah was approachable, friendly, and warm, the type of person who made her potential readers eager to know more about her.

I took my book home and for the next few days, I looked forward to stealing time whenever I could to read more about Sarah, her horses, adventures, exploits, and her extraordinary equestrian accomplishments. I followed her development from beginning to ride at the tender age of two to the present day. Fittingly, each chapter bears the name of a horse that became part of Sarah’s extended family and her sanctuary.

Sarah is a passionate storyteller of a subject I never tire of — the world of horses. I discovered things I’d never known about different breeds from all over the world including the elegant Marwaris from India. She shared many of her equestrian escapades throughout the book, from flying with horses in the cargo hold of a 747 to exploring the origins of foxhunting traditions. I loved and envied the stories of her becoming an auxiliary mounted patrol officer in New York City’s Central Park, and was entertained by her observations at BreyerFest as well as her surprising insights on the Chincoteague Pony Festival.

Sarah interviewed legends like Monty Roberts and wrote about the NYC Riding Academy, hidden in Manhattan and run by Ann and George Blair, a very influential couple in her life who taught her about the erased history of the African American cowboy.

My only disappointment was that I didn’t read the book before her talk at NCMT. There would have been so much I would have asked her, but I would have monopolized the entire evening. Sarah’s life has been filled with experiences involving the astonishing creatures we all are a little “horse crazy” over, and I look forward to her next book!

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Ten Years Rescuing Horses

The Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR) has reached a major milestone — we’re celebrating our 10-year anniversary! Since our inception in 2011 by

CDHR’s founder, executive director, and equine veterinarian, Dr. Stacey Golub, we’ve rescued more than 100 horses and adopted the majority into loving new homes. We vet, quarantine, rehabilitate, train, and rehome horses with a strict contract for their life-long protection.

Since the start, farm manager Stacey Randall has been a key player in our great success, support, dedication, and expansion. I’ve always loved how she talks to each horse that’s rescued, tells them her name, welcomes them to CDHR, and makes them comfortable. Stacey is admired for her strength, love, and compassion. When asked for her perspective of her experiences, she says, “Every single horse that has come to CDHR has made me a better person, a stronger person, a gentler person. I’ve carried a piece of every single one of them with me all 10 years. I had no idea just how much I could love.”

“It’s no secret that animal rescue is difficult,” Stacey says. “It’s all well worth it, but it’s hard and not for the faint of heart. Picture a fully functioning and fully operating draft horse rescue on a leased piece of property, losing their lease, and needing to find a new home for their horses and farm [as happened to CDHR in 2017]. It’s unimaginable and would be next to impossible to succeed . . . that is except for CDHR! I’m not sure I’ve ever been so proud of our volunteers as I was during that move, work, and build! We did it! We all kept our promise to the horses!”

Through our successful capital campaigns started in 2017, we were able to clear new land, build paddocks, purchase run-in sheds, install electricity, water, purchase a hay storage building, put a down payment on the land, and move the horses to their new home, Autumn Ridge, located in East Hampton. Our next capital campaign will be to build a barn.

I would like to give our supporters a huge thank you for their generosity, and the same for the best volunteers in the world who give everything — heart and soul, love, financial support, dedication, and expertise — that truly makes CDHR great. Our adopters have also provided incredible support. As an all-volunteer organization, everything we do, we do for the horses.

CDHR is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of draft horses bound for slaughter, in addition to the victims of starvation, neglect, or abuse. CDHR also provides a home for horses whose owners

Sarah Grote

Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue’s Autumn the Clydesdale and farm manager Stacey Randall.

are unable to provide for their needs. We educate people about the proper care, training, and responsible ownership of horses. We also promote and support equine efforts and animal rescue in times of natural disaster. To learn more, visit ctdraftrescue.org. n Sarah Grote Vevette Greenberg Honored

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection and the Connecticut Greenways Council held their 22nd Annual Connecticut Greenway Awards and National Trails Day Celebration at the Brookfield Town Hall Bandshell in Brookfield, Connecticut, on Friday, June 4. Vevette Greenberg was among seven recipients acknowledged for their contributions to the promotion, development, and enhancement of the state’s greenways.

In March, Vevette was appointed to the Connecticut Equine Advisory Council as the Connecticut Horse Council’s Equestrian Representative for Connecticut’s Fourth Congressional District. She’s also been a member of the Connecticut Horse Council Volunteer Horse Patrol (CHC-VHP) for 14 years. The VHP monitors and maintains trails in this district and throughout the state.

“Vevette’s an outstanding person for this appointment and for recognition by the Connecticut Greenways Council,” says Diane Ciano, first vice-president of the CHC. Diane, Meg Sauter (CHC board member), Christine Mard, Diane Morton, and Lynn Gogolya, friends and fellow members of the CHC-VHP and the Connecticut Trail Rides Association (CTRA), were present at the event to applaud, support, and honor Vevette’s achievements.

Vevette, who grew up being involved in the various aspects of horses, lives at her farm in Oxford with her husband and two sons, and cares for her four horses, her goats, chickens, and cats. She is employed as a hospice nurse.

“As an avid trail rider, I greatly appreciate the land that’s available for outdoor recreation in Connecticut,” Vevette says. “I’ve realized the importance of educating the public about equines. This education includes protecting, preserving, and maintaining trails and open spaces while promoting equestrian use on our Connecticut trail systems so that future generations will be able to enjoy the wonderful opportunities that this state has to offer.”

Vevette is a member of the Middlebury Bridle Lands Association (MBLA), Cross State Trail Ride, Inc., and a lifetime member of the CTRA as well as an Area Vice President for the CTRA, which involves scheduling approximately ten rides annually throughout the state, in state parks and local forests, parks, foundation lands, as well as on private lands with permission.

The MBLA, CHC, and the CTRA congratulate Vevette on the award!

n Sally L. Feuerberg

Farmington Polo Club

Located in the heart of Farmington Valley, Farmington Polo Club (FPC) is an historic equine facility offering hunter/jumper and polo disciplines. The equestrian programs at Farmington Polo Club are designed to accommodate riders of all abilities, from beginners through more seasoned competitors, and provide the opportunity to learn each sport and the basics of equine care from the ground up.

The grounds at Farmington Polo Club host numerous public events

Bozzuto's Media

Farmington Polo Club team member Heather Souto on Morrocha.

throughout the year including the Dream Ride Experience, the signature fundraising event of the Hometown Foundation, honoring Special Olympics athletes and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

From June to September, the weekends at Farmington Polo Club are filled with events to support and entertain the local community. Friday night Cinema Under the Stars events, benefitting the Hometown Foundation, feature showings of family-friendly movies on the jumbotron. Polo matches are held every Saturday and offer a wide range of preand post-match entertainment including live music, fresh food and drink, local pet adoptions, equestrian demonstrations, and more. On Sundays, the grounds are filled with exotic cars as the public gathers for Cars and Coffee events benefiting the Hometown Foundation with viewings of Formula 1 races on the jumbotron and a look into the Farmington Polo Club Beginner League polo practice.

Farmington Polo Club offers indoor and outdoor event spaces that can be booked for private events year-round. Whether you’re planning your dream wedding day, gathering clients and colleagues for a day of fun, or bringing together your extended family and friends for a long-awaited reunion, Farmington Polo Club can assist you in selecting the right venue space. Food and beverage services provided by the Farmington Club include on-site catering, food trucks, and mobile bars. The Farmington Club culinary team is standing by to craft the perfect menu for any event. n Heather Souto

Equine Affaire Is Back!

This fall, Equine Affaire returns to West Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 11–14 for North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering. From educational clinics to exciting competitions to the largest equine-related trade show on the East Coast, there’s something for everyone at Equine Affaire!

Elevating the equestrian experience since 1994, Equine Affaire has a full schedule of educational clinics, seminars, and demonstrations with some of the world’s best horsemen and horsewomen. Featured general horsemanship clinicians include respected horseman Ken McNabb, renowned reining and liberty practitioner Dan James, all-around trainer and world-class showwoman Lynn Palm and natural horseman J.R. Robles. Discipline-specific clinicians include Lendon Gray (dressage), Jim Wofford (eventing), Laura Kelland-May (hunter/jumper), Bryan Penquite (reining and ranch horse), Stephen Hayes (dressage), Bob Giles (driving), Lynn Palm (western dressage), Shaina Humphrey (hunter under saddle), Ed Dabney (trail and general horsemanship), Anita Howe (easy gaited horses), Karen Rohlf (biomechanics), Luke Reinbold (trail obstacles), Stephane Lockhart-Hayes (working equitation), Wendy Murdoch (Surefoot, Murdoch Method), Steven Stevens (general horsemanship), Sharon Wilsie (Horse Speak®), Fred Win (para reining), and the Diamond D Cowgirls (drill teams). More presenters will be announced in the coming months, so visit equineaffaire.com or follow EquineAffaire on Facebook for more details.

From the recreational trail rider to the top eventer, there’s always something new to learn for every equestrian. This year’s Equine Affaire is the perfect time to seize your chance to Ride with a Pro! To apply, visit equineaffaire.com or contact Lori Helsel at lhelsel@equineaffaire.com or (740) 845-0085, ext. 107. Fees for clinics range from $75–$350. All clinic fees include participation in the clinic, admission to Equine Affaire on the day of the clinic, and 24 hours of stabling for your horse. All applications are due by September 10, 2021.

In between clinics, there’s no end to the horse-themed fun available on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition during Equine Affaire. With more than 450 vendors spread across five buildings, the

Equine Affaire trade show is the perfect place to find the tack, gear, and show clothing you need. If you’re in the market for a new horse, tour the For Sale Stalls and the Adoption Affaire to find your new best friend. While you’re visiting the barns, make time to network with other horse owners and equine professionals at the Horse & Farm Exhibits and in the Breed Pavilion, where you can learn all about different breeds of horses, find trainers, breeding stallions, boarding stables near you, and much more.

Fantasia will return this fall for three magical performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Every performance is unique and will feature a variety of acts, including liberty, freestyle reining, garrocha, driving, specialty performances, and many more.

It wouldn’t be Equine Affaire without the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition! This year’s competition will take place in the coliseum on Friday, November 12. Up to 25 horse-and-rider pairs will have the opportunity to traverse a timed obstacle course. Riders will compete for $5,500 in prize money, and you never know who might win.

Make plans to check out these special event features, brand-new for 2021! First, do you have tack, riding apparel, or other horse equipment that you’d like to sell? Consider consigning them at the Equine Affaire Marketplace Consignment Shop! Drop off your items in the morning and our friendly marketplace staff will sell your items for you while you’re off enjoying all the sights. Then come by in the evening or at the end of Equine Affaire to collect your earnings. Also new this year, Equine Affaire is delighted to host the International Liberty Horse Association (ILHA) Freestyle Invitational Competition. Founded by Dan and Elizabeth James, ILHA is dedicated to promoting the discipline of liberty training. In this special competition, select competitors will perform freestyle liberty routines with their equine partners. Compulsories will take place on Saturday, November 13, and the finals will take place on Sunday, November

14. Equine Affaire has also partnered with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) to offer the IEA Intensive Clinic for young riders. This clinic will take place on Sunday, November 14, and offers an overview of English, western, ranch, and dressage disciplines in the IEA show format.

To learn more, visit equineaffaire.com or call (740) 845-0085.

Cheshire Horse Fall Sale

The Cheshire Horse in Swanzey, New Hampshire, will hold its storewide Fall Sale Friday, October 8, through Monday, October 11. Celebrate fall and save storewide on apparel, tack, horse clothing, pet supplies, and more! Select vendor reps will be available to answer

your product questions. Not able to make it to the sale weekend? Join the Cheshire Horse rewards program at cheshirehorse.com to receive a coupon to save when you shop at your convenience later in October.

L’Cima Exclusive GCH Inducted into CMHS Hall of Fame

On Friday evening during the Connecticut Morgan Horse Show, horse show announcer Dennis Rumsey opened the induction ceremony as follows: “Good evening Connecticut Morgan Horse Show exhibitors and friends. Thank you for joining Terri Page and Sean Travers for this special occasion honoring the career of multi-titled World Champion L’Cima Exclusive GCH, better known to his friends as ‘Stretch.’”

L’Cima Exclusive was foaled on April 7, 1996, and was sired by L'Cima’s Spence Jr and out of Salem Kristine. A diverse pedigree proved to be the key to a successful career spanning 20 years in In-Hand, Pleasure Driving, Classic Pleasure Driving, and Classic Pleasure Saddle.

Larry Bolen shares his lasting impression of this Hall of Famer, “As you know, Stretch is one of my favorite horses of all time. I loved working with him and was fortunate, in the only time that I showed him, to garner a reserve world championship. Stretch always gave more of himself than you asked. I truly think he loved showing as much as we loved showing him.” “Few things make for a happier horse trainer than having a talented horse and an amateur that is his equal,” says Sarah Gove. “Terri and Stretch made the kind of team that gave each what the other needed. And it made for winning performances and exciting showmanship. It’s one thing to have a ‘horse of a lifetime.’ It’s another thing to know it. And Terri has known it every step of the way.”

After winning back-to-back 2009 and 2010 World Classic Pleasure Driving Championships, Stretch has spent the last nine years with Terri. Terri continued to work and show him at all the New England circuit shows. It was also a goal to show at all the shows he had never been to and win. And they did it several times as an amateur-owned and -trained pair.

Stretch’s kind and affectionate personality has left a lasting impression on all his trainers and caretakers. His career has exceeded all expectations. Terri says she thinks Stretch was “destined to be one of the greatest geldings of our time. We are so fortunate to have him in our lives. In Sean’s heart, ‘Stretch is the G.O.A.T.’ ” (Greatest of All Time) n Suzy Lucine