For over 20 years, Dressage4Kids has been inspiring young equestrians to develop their horsemanship skills and encouraging them to expand their skills in the saddle. Since 1999 and the inaugural Youth Dressage Festival, Dressage4Kids has expanded tremendously to offer educational and competitive opportunities for youth riders and the adults who support them.
Through hard work and tenacity, Jillian Haas of North Eastern Performance Horses in Shelburne Falls, MA, has already made a name for herself at the age of 27. Always on the go, “Jill” shows a deep level of commitment for both her clients and the horses under her care, in fact, she was cooling out a horse while we caught up with her to learn more about her and her new facility.
Chris Cassenti is a familiar face on the New England show circuit, as the manager and lead trainer at Chrislar Farm, Rowley, MA; a licensed United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Morgan and Saddleseat Equitation judge; and an accessible New England Horse Council (NEHC) judge (holding cards for both English and Western).
If you are looking for a barn in the area, we encourage you to refer to this listing of popular equestrian facilities, many of which we are proud to call customers as well as friends.
No one could show a horse like Joe Parker. As a self-assured Black man with a commanding presence in the ring and the modest personality of a true professional showman, he demanded attention from the judge and audience every time he trotted into the ring with a talented horse, whether it be under saddle, driving, or in-hand. He revolutionized the Morgan Park Horse in the 1960s and ‘70s, showcasing horses that trotted off their hocks and sat higher in the bridle and taking the show ring by storm, directly in the face of racial inequalities. Moreover, he taught his sons to be the same consummate horsemen that he was.
At True Hope, horses and humans come together to provide lessons to participants who are living with one or more of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, or behavioral challenges.
“My life with horses has been wonderful,” Miki says. “I am so lucky to have the experiences that I have had and met some of the most incredible people.”
With her infectious laughter and enthusiasm, Shaq Blake’s love for horses is evident. As she continues on her horseback riding career, we are grateful for her work as an advocate for diversity in the horse world.
Learn more horse show judge Jennifer Sullivan, of Pembroke, MA.
Catching up with Beth Phippard can be a challenge, she’s often in the barn and heading off with one of her horses on an extended trail ride. An active member of the Monadnock equestrian community, she is also a frequent customer at The Cheshire Horse.