Horses & Life

CGA Fun Day Show in Bethany hosted By Connecticut Gymkhana Association, Sunday, May 5, 2024,Bethany Airport, 695 Amity Rd. Registration and open arena, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Pre-registration will be available and is strongly encouraged. Proper western attire is required (collared shirts, long pants, and boots with one-inch heel) in order to qualify for year-end points. Depending on the number of riders registered for each event, a short intermission may take place. Riders will be required to sign waivers of liability prior to mounting their horse. An up-to-date Coggins test and rabies vaccine record must be provided prior to or at registration. Annual membership must be paid prior to or at the first show to be eligible for year end points and awards. Note: Lock, Stock & Barrel feed and farm store is close by if any gear is needed.

At a previous year's event.


Eastern States Exposition, Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show, June 5 to June 8; free admission. For details, visit www.ctmorgans.org.

Ride. Fly. Live.


A thread of history, Morgans, people.

Figure, foundation sire for the Morgan horse breed put his stamp on all his get. Image is linked to Morgan Horse site.

Morgan mare. Image is connected to UConn horses for sale page, more information.

Riders, all levels.

Brooke Brouillard, Meadow Lake, a Thoroughbred mare, 18 or 19 years at Connecticut Gymkhana Association fun event, Lock Stock & Barrel arena, Bethany, Connecticut.

Although this beauty has sold, image is linked to UConn equine site for program and other horses for sale as they become available.


Links to state parks and horse trails (keep safe distance from others) in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, are listed on the Connecticut Horse Council Web site. The information is comprehensive and includes national areas to consider – find the information about half way down the page; linked here. Also of interest is a multi-use trail study, linked here.

“There are only two emotions that belong in the saddle; one is a sense of humor and the other is patience.” – John Lyons

Should long-distance rides your joy, the Vermont Equine Endurance Riding and Driving Association (VERDA) members host competitive trail rides and drives, endurance rides, and clinics to “better the performance and health of the trail horse and rider” – if you’re not ready to ride or drive yet, consider volunteering as they welcome people who want to help and learn. Contact is Jenny Kimberly, (802) 674-5384.

The site features an Endurance Rider’s Handbook, which includes a checklist in the proper care of the horse before, during and after long-distance riding.

Draft Animal Power Network site www.draftanimalpower.org/community-events/.

Send information to editorccb@gmail.com; include a contact name and e-mail or phone number. Imaging queries should be sent to the attention of the publisher.

Remember, equines are good for human beings. Riding, driving, or simply working with an animal from ponies to mules, donkeys or horses – each can provide balance to life’s problems and dilemmas. Bring patience and kindness with you to share. No matter if you are learning how to pick a hoof with confidence, practicing basic skills or training to advance to the next level in any discipline – all you learn is beneficial for body, mind and soul.

Choose to share your knowledge to give back and that work will return to you tenfold.

Meantime, here are more than a few places, people and groups listed to help you connect to a horse or place that may take you places, help you learn more. (And there is always more to learn.)

A carriage horse in motion. Moo Dog Press Magazine image. Carriage horse in action.

The Connecticut Valley Driving Club (CVDC) members promote the enjoyment of “all aspects of carriage and sleigh driving by providing historical context, offering educational and sporting opportunities, and encouraging safety” – and they welcome horse people and all equine breeds and sizes. “You do not have to know how to drive to belong, nor even own a horse. Our club is friendly and is a fun place to learn and meet others with the same interests. Drivers are the friendliest of horse people, always looking out for each other or lending a hand.” – from the CVDC site.

Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA), 65-acre facility in South Woodstock, Vermont, is home to this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1926.

Bridle Path Conservancy is a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation, enhancement and acquisition of multi-purpose, passive-use, recreational trails in Connecticut. For more information, contactus@BPConservancy.org.


The New England Horsemen’s Council is the six New England states joined together in a cooperative interest to encourage and promote all horse-related activities. For information and updates call (603) 887-6342 or visit nehc.info.