| The NEECA News JANUARY, 2008 |
| The NEECA News JULY, 2008 |
| CLICK HERE FOR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS |
| NEECA Has It's First Arena! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of over 20 volunteers, our recent work day to install fencing around the new arena was a resounding success. We now have a beautiful 100 X 240 foot arena up at the park which we will be able to use next year. The grandstands have been seeded down and covered with hay so that we should have grass up there next spring. A special thanks to ALL of the following people, in no particular order, for coming up to help at this very important work day. We couldn't have done it without you! Bob Thurber, Jean McCurdy, Glen, Rosemary and Brandon Lyman, Henry and Kathy D'Orto, Ben and Susie Feldman, Bryan and Caroline Mansfield, Marcheterre Fluet, Phil Strange, Lynne Goodnow, BIll Kessler, Elwin Bacon, Pat France, Mike Seitz, Marty Arsenault, Emil and Barbara Pauli, Pat Haviland, and Althea Bramhall for feeding the hungry work crew at lunch time. We can now realistically start planning some events up there for next year! Below is a shot of the arena as it was nearly completed on the most recent work day, 11/4/07. Click here for more pix of the work day. |
| HAPPY TRAILS!! The weather Gods smiled on us Saturday, May 17th. Although showers were in the forecast, the nearly 40 riders who attended NEECA's spring trail ride up at Lake Dennison found nothing but sunny skies and a lovely breeze to greet them and their horses. Everyone agreed that the day couldn't have been more perfect. Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this ride such a success. Our trail ride committee, consisting of Barbara Pauli, Jean McCurdy, Rosemary Lyman, and Monte Roberts, spent many hours planning out every detail of the ride, and it showed. NEECA members Helen Hills and Barbara Hanno volunteered to man our water station, offering drinks and snacks to horse and human alike along the trail. Mike Seitz took on the daunting task of organizing the trailer parking, and Althea Bramhall was there to make sure everything went smoothly. Thanks also to farrier Elwin Bacon, who was there for the better part of the day in case any shoeing problems arose, no foot-no horse-no beautiful trail ride. Click here to see some of the pictures taken by NEECA member Alan Rochette the day of the ride. Also, we had a professional photographer there, Renee Goodwin, who took pictures of riders out on the trail. Click on the link below to view those pictures, and if you see any you like, you can purchase them from her directly off that site. There are some really nice shots, be sure to check it out. http://www.freewebs.com/mane-impressions/apps/photos/ |
| Centered Riding Clinic, presented by Lucile Bump at the new NEECA riding ring on Saturday, July 12th. Click here for more information Only 2 spots left in clinic. Call Caroline at 978-249-2813 asap if you're interested in participating! |
We would also like to thank Miracles in Motion Therapeutic Riding
Program from New Hampshire, for providing a lovely lunch for all of the
riders and volunteers who took part in this event. This ride was also a
fundraiser for that very worthy organization.
Program from New Hampshire, for providing a lovely lunch for all of the
riders and volunteers who took part in this event. This ride was also a
fundraiser for that very worthy organization.
29 EXHIBITORS ON-HAND TO
CELEBRATE NEECA'S FUN DAY!
The heat and humidity did not deter people from attending
NEECA’s inaugural event held at the new arena on
Saturday, June 14th. In fact, it turned out to be a “Fun Day”
for everyone thanks to event coordinator Caroline Mansfield
and twenty-five NEECA members that volunteered their time.
RoseMary Lyman and Monte Roberts managed the
NEECA Booth where they signed on new members, sold
NEECA Wear clothing, and held a raffle of donated items.
Bryan Mansfield and Kathy D’Orto made sure everyone had
plenty to eat and drink at the Lions Food Wagon. Pogo
Pony Gifts & Supplies was on hand with equestrian
supplies for the horse and rider. The registration table,
managed by Susie Feldman and Helen Hills, reported
twenty-nine registrations for the day, and Jennifer Arsenault,
Athol Animal Control Officer reported that she collected over
two hundred dollars in “registration fees” along with
donated items for the shelter. Althea Bramhall, announcer
for the day, made sure everyone knew what was happening
next.
Guest judge, Wendy Warner, started the morning classes
at 9:00am with In-Hand Exhibition, Egg & Spoon, English
Exhibition, Water Pistol “Shoot ‘em Up, Western Exhibition,
and a Breed Exhibition Class. Wendy had her hands full
watching out for Maria Bull, who entertained everyone in the
classes demonstrating what “not to do” at a real show.
Every participant in the class was awarded carrots and
sweet treats upon leaving the ring. During the lunch-break,
Christina Chubb demonstrated a reining pattern with her
quarter horse stallion “Shapin’Dat Starlight.”
At 1:00pm everyone was invited into the new arena for a
ribbon cutting ceremony. Before a large crowd of well
wishers that included members and guests, Steve
Raymond from the Athol Chamber of Commerce assisted
by Colleen Melanson’s horse “Dutch,” cut the ribbon held by
Deni Ellis and Lynn Price. Margo Petracone, presented the
American Flag riding her horse “Woody”. Also attending
the ceremony was State Senator Stephen M. Brewer, who
presented an Official Congratulatory Citation to NEECA, and
State Representative Christopher Donelan who presented
a Congratulatory Citation to NEECA from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of
Representatives. Additional guests included Athol Town
Manager David Ames, Orange Town Manager Rick
Kwiatkowski, Athol Select board members Dr. Wayne Miller
and Phil King.
Afternoon classes held after the ceremony included a
Costume Class, Gaited Horse Exhibition, Pairs Class,
Water/Barrel Race, and the popular Versatility Challenge.
Many thanks to local businesses that contributed to the
success of the day: Shepardson’s Garden donated flower
arrangements for the day, Pogo Pony donated use of a PA
system, Hannaford Supermarket donated a gift card,
Padula Brothers donated the use of a tractor and ring
grooming equipment for the day, the Lions Club for the use
of their food wagon, and the Athol Rental Center for the use
of tables.
All in all, we couldn't have hoped for a nicer way to
celebrate this very important milestone in NEECA's
development. And this is just the beginning!
Marty Arsenault
CELEBRATE NEECA'S FUN DAY!
The heat and humidity did not deter people from attending
NEECA’s inaugural event held at the new arena on
Saturday, June 14th. In fact, it turned out to be a “Fun Day”
for everyone thanks to event coordinator Caroline Mansfield
and twenty-five NEECA members that volunteered their time.
RoseMary Lyman and Monte Roberts managed the
NEECA Booth where they signed on new members, sold
NEECA Wear clothing, and held a raffle of donated items.
Bryan Mansfield and Kathy D’Orto made sure everyone had
plenty to eat and drink at the Lions Food Wagon. Pogo
Pony Gifts & Supplies was on hand with equestrian
supplies for the horse and rider. The registration table,
managed by Susie Feldman and Helen Hills, reported
twenty-nine registrations for the day, and Jennifer Arsenault,
Athol Animal Control Officer reported that she collected over
two hundred dollars in “registration fees” along with
donated items for the shelter. Althea Bramhall, announcer
for the day, made sure everyone knew what was happening
next.
Guest judge, Wendy Warner, started the morning classes
at 9:00am with In-Hand Exhibition, Egg & Spoon, English
Exhibition, Water Pistol “Shoot ‘em Up, Western Exhibition,
and a Breed Exhibition Class. Wendy had her hands full
watching out for Maria Bull, who entertained everyone in the
classes demonstrating what “not to do” at a real show.
Every participant in the class was awarded carrots and
sweet treats upon leaving the ring. During the lunch-break,
Christina Chubb demonstrated a reining pattern with her
quarter horse stallion “Shapin’Dat Starlight.”
At 1:00pm everyone was invited into the new arena for a
ribbon cutting ceremony. Before a large crowd of well
wishers that included members and guests, Steve
Raymond from the Athol Chamber of Commerce assisted
by Colleen Melanson’s horse “Dutch,” cut the ribbon held by
Deni Ellis and Lynn Price. Margo Petracone, presented the
American Flag riding her horse “Woody”. Also attending
the ceremony was State Senator Stephen M. Brewer, who
presented an Official Congratulatory Citation to NEECA, and
State Representative Christopher Donelan who presented
a Congratulatory Citation to NEECA from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of
Representatives. Additional guests included Athol Town
Manager David Ames, Orange Town Manager Rick
Kwiatkowski, Athol Select board members Dr. Wayne Miller
and Phil King.
Afternoon classes held after the ceremony included a
Costume Class, Gaited Horse Exhibition, Pairs Class,
Water/Barrel Race, and the popular Versatility Challenge.
Many thanks to local businesses that contributed to the
success of the day: Shepardson’s Garden donated flower
arrangements for the day, Pogo Pony donated use of a PA
system, Hannaford Supermarket donated a gift card,
Padula Brothers donated the use of a tractor and ring
grooming equipment for the day, the Lions Club for the use
of their food wagon, and the Athol Rental Center for the use
of tables.
All in all, we couldn't have hoped for a nicer way to
celebrate this very important milestone in NEECA's
development. And this is just the beginning!
Marty Arsenault
NEECA Fall Trail Ride Plans Already Underway!
Plans are already underway for the annual Fall Pleasure Ride at Cutthroat
Brook Tree Farm/Harvard Forest. This year it’ll be held on September 27th, or
the 28th if rain prevails.
For those of you who keep looking for new trails, the Outer Limit has been
completed (whew!), and with good luck and hard work, Susie will have a
couple more paths to introduce. Beth Erviti is creatively pondering the theme
of the day, and we’re sure she’ll come up with something fun.
We’ll be needing volunteers for this event, too. If you’re interested in marking
trails on Harvard’s land (the tree farm’s permanently marked now!) or taking
down markers afterwards, let us know. Also if you’d like to be food
coordinator or crew, parking management, registration, public relations, or
raffle director, please call either Susie Feldman (978)249-3096, or Beth Erviti
(978)544-3250.
The participation fee will be $15 for members, $20 for non-members, which
will include lunch. Meanwhile, have a glorious summer, and happy trails to
all!
Plans are already underway for the annual Fall Pleasure Ride at Cutthroat
Brook Tree Farm/Harvard Forest. This year it’ll be held on September 27th, or
the 28th if rain prevails.
For those of you who keep looking for new trails, the Outer Limit has been
completed (whew!), and with good luck and hard work, Susie will have a
couple more paths to introduce. Beth Erviti is creatively pondering the theme
of the day, and we’re sure she’ll come up with something fun.
We’ll be needing volunteers for this event, too. If you’re interested in marking
trails on Harvard’s land (the tree farm’s permanently marked now!) or taking
down markers afterwards, let us know. Also if you’d like to be food
coordinator or crew, parking management, registration, public relations, or
raffle director, please call either Susie Feldman (978)249-3096, or Beth Erviti
(978)544-3250.
The participation fee will be $15 for members, $20 for non-members, which
will include lunch. Meanwhile, have a glorious summer, and happy trails to
all!
| Leslie Miller, along with her horse Ginger and a number of NEECA members, gathered on Friday evening, June 20th, to watch her natural horsemanship demonstration at the new NEECA Arena. Many thanks to NEECA members Helen Hills and Rosemary Lyman for arranging this wonderful presentation for our monthly general meeting. It was yet another opportunity for NEECA members to learn from a professional horseperson. As always, we are grateful to these professionals for donating their time & talents to NEECA. Leslie worked closely w/ Joe Delano for a number of years, and then continued to fine tune and improve her approach to working with horses by traveling out west and working with a variety of cowboys and clinicians. She uses a “passive leader” approach towards communicating with horses, and based on the rapport she demonstrated with her horse Ginger, it sure seems to work! Leslie and Ginger were obviously very at ease, and in tune, with each other both on the ground and when Leslie was riding. It was lovely to watch. Leslie is currently based in Belchertown and is available for training and clinics. For more information, you can either call 413-885-3156, or email her at leslie@sbarhorsemanship.com |
