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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
 The 3rd Annual Triple B - Boots, Band, and BBQ at the Riding To The Top therapeutic riding facility in Windham, Maine raised big money last month, reports executive director, Sarah Bronson.
It was a fantastic party with a purpose.
Last year, RTT raised over $61,000.
This year, RTT raised nearly $80,000!
"It was a great evening and thanks to many generous individuals and the help of our major sponsors, Norway Savings Bank and Whole Foods Market, Portland we far exceeded our goals for the night," said Bronson.
"Twenty-three thousand was raised specifically for Rider Scholarships and twenty-seven thousand was raised for our horse fund... A great night of fun and Fundraising!"
RTT does great work and has immensely talented instructors, including Nancy Hohmann, who last year won the NARHA National Instructor of the Year award.
Consider supporting the non-profit organization. Click here.
  
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Here in the East, it's not everyday folks get topnotch roping and cow handling expertise.
But that's what they got at Riverview Farm in Lisbon Falls with the 4-day Martin Black clinic.
Black made it as far east as Gelinas Farm in New Hampshire last May (click here for article).
This month, he visited Maine. Aside from the aforementioned ranch work, the horse and rider pairs got to work on advanced horsemanship moves and just about anything they needed help with.
"We learned a lot at the clinic and worked on everything from changing leads at the walk, trot, lope and gallop, to coiling and swinging a rope, to actually roping cattle and tying off," said Kim Stone. "Everyone had a fantastic time and wants to know when the next one is."
Participants traveled to Riverview from as far as Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Canada.
Photos below are (top to bottom) of Lydia Boutot and Martin Black, Gary Foss, and Terry McClare of Footloose Farm.
Lookin' good, guys!
Word has it Black may be back in the spring.
Stay tuned.
 
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Wednesday, October 06, 2010
It's October and that means the Maine beaches have opened up for horse riders. Hooray!
Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg floats my boat. Folks there seem to be less uptight than in Scarborough (at Pine Point).
This year, the folks in Scarborough and at Old Orchard are requiring all riders to wear ID tags. Click here to read more. It's an effort to track down  folks who don't clean up their horses' poop, I guess.
Can we all just get along?
I suppose tension between riders and other beach goers is inevitable. But in my experience, if you're nice and considerate and an ambassador for equestrians, then folks are welcoming.
As for the actually riding, ain't it a bit like skiing on an open slope? When we beach ride, I can look ahead for a mile and not constantly watch the ground for divots and the trees for eye-poking branches. It's a brilliant wide expanse. A lovely winter treat for us Easterners.
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