SOUTHBURY - The Connecticut Gymkhana Association, Inc., which meets every month at Seraphim Farm in Southbury, recently held its year-end awards banquet at the Villa Bianca Inn in Seymour.

By KIM HARMON

Published: Mar 08, 2001 12:00 am

SOUTHBURY â The Connecticut Gymkhana Association, Inc., which meets every month at Seraphim Farm in Southbury, recently held its year-end awards banquet at the Villa Bianca Inn in Seymour.

Donna Talarico was named the 2000 GCA Overall Champion with other awards being presented to Louis Olsen (Senior, Pleasure Division), Justin Griffin (Junior, Pleasure Division), Jesse DeMatteo (Pee Wee, Pleasure Division), Donna Talarico (Champion âAâ Division), Francie Easton (Champion âBâ Division), Colleen Sprague (Champion âCâ Division), CJ Gittings (Champion Pee Wee âAâ Division), and Kia Maura Foraker (Champion Pee Wee âBâ Division).

The CGA is a family-oriented riding organization with membership numbering more than 170. It is open to all ages and all equine breeds â English as well as Western riders. The CGA holds 10 horse shows a year, four of which involve pleasure classes.

Each Gymkhana show is split into four divisions â A (advanced), B (intermediate), C (beginner) and Pee Wee (ages 12 and under). The CGA promotes fun-filled competition and strives to educate its members in areas of equine care, safety in horsemanship and good sportsmanship.

The CGA also participates in local parades and conducts campouts and trail rides. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at Seraphim Farm in Southbury at 7 pm. For further information, call Marty Wing at 1-203-881-0436 or Mina Sampieri at 264-5745.

Open House

The CGA will hold an Open House on Sunday, April 22, at Seraphim Farm in Southbury. Time trials will begin at 8 am with Gymkhana events to follow at 9 am.

There will be a wide range of events for people of all ages and disciplines to lean about the sport of Gymkhana eventing. Class fees will be $5 per member and $10 per non-member per event and all times will be announced (negative Coggins and rabies certificates are required).

No ribbons or paybacks will be awarded, but Gymkhana and Jackpot Barrels are $10 to enter with 100% payback (you must enter two other events to be eligible).

CGA members will be able to accumulate points towards year-end awards.

Membership forms will be available for anyone interested in joining the CGA. For further information, contact Marty Wing at 1-203-881-0436 or Mina Sampieri at 264-5745.

Upcoming Schedule

The following is a list of 2001 events for the Connecticut Gymkhana Association: Open House â Sunday, April 22, 9 am, at Seraphim Farm in Southbury; Gymkhana Only â Sunday, May 6, 9 am, at Seraphim Farm; Pleasure/Gymkhana â Sunday, May 20, at 9 am, at Bethany Airport in Bethany; Pleasure/Gymkhana â Sunday, June 3, at 9 am, at Pleasant View Stables in Southington; Gymkhana Only â Saturday, June 23, at 3 pm, at Hillside Equestrian Meadows in Wolcott; Pleasure/Gymkhana â Sunday, July 8, at 9 am, at Bethany Airport in Bethany; Gymkhana Only â Sunday, July 22, at 9 am, at Level Acres in Plantsville; Gymkhana Only â Saturday, August 11, at 3 pm, at Hillside Equestrian Meadows in Wolcott; Pleasure/Gymkhana â Sunday, September 23, at 9 am, at Seraphim Farm; Play Day â Sunday, October 14, at Seraphim Farm (no payback or ribbons; A, B, and C Divisions only).

There will be a $5 post-registration fee is entries are not called into Mina Sampieri (264-5745) or Dottie Wing (1-203-881-0436) before the Friday prior to the show date. You must present proof of a current rabies vaccination certificate and a negative Coggins report.

Stallions will not be allowed on the show grounds.

Final Save-As-You-Throw Information Session Saturday

The Library Of Things Continues To Expand At C.H. Booth Library

The Voters Chose Newtown

The Plastic Problem

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Elizabeth Annett (July 31, 1943-April 26, 2025)

The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

Budget, Capital Projects Pass: Officials Respond

I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

Hundreds Attend ‘Rock This Democracy’ Rally

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

<< May 2025 >>
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
27	28	29	30	1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31

Log In

SOUTHBURY - The Connecticut Gymkhana Association, Inc., which meets every month at Seraphim Farm in Southbury, recently held its year-end awards banquet at the Villa Bianca Inn in Seymour.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply