WESTPORT — Spring was peeking around the corner when ten horses and riders arrived at Sherwood Island State Park last Friday, March 11. The Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) invited members to meet at low tide for a ride on the long beaches of that state park. While anyone with a horse and trailer can go to the beach on their own, by going as a group, those with horses who have never been to the ocean before could buddy up with more experienced horses and riders. The calming effect of a nonchalant horse can ease the anxieties of horses and riders new to this experience. Plus, it’s always more fun, and safer, to ride with others.

It was a sunny and calm day with temperatures in the 40s. The members parked their trailers near each other, and soon enough everyone was mounted up and ready to go. Riding on the beach was a bucket list item for Diana Dorta of Newtown. She said her first foray to the beach could not have gone better: Her mount was relaxed and Diana had a huge smile on her face the entire time. There were canters across the sandbars and ambling along the trails that wound through some open space. Nancy Newkirk was a little concerned that her thoroughbred mare, Rhonda, might mistake the beach for a race track and try to take off, but Rhonda was a sweetie who was happy to deliver a controlled canter. Katie Young of Sandy Hook showed up with her petite German Riding Pony, whose confirmation and beautiful coat garnered many admiring glances. My own fuzzy quarter horse, Little Bear, decided to lie down in a few feet of water to fully enjoy his beach experience. We both drip dried.

After riding, the horses were untacked and led back to the beach for a satisfying roll in the sand. They rolled enthusiastically, then shook themselves off and went happily back to their trailers for hay and water. The riders got out their lunch bags and sat together at a picnic table to socialize for a while before heading home.

Sherwood Island State Park is open to horseback riding from October 1 to April 15. If you go, be absolutely sure to pick up any manure above the high tide line, clean up any debris around the trailers, be respectful of walkers, and don’t ride too close to the main pavilion. And don’t forget to have an awesome time.

The NBLA has more fun events lined up for this year. Next up is a talk by barefoot trimmer, Donna Collins, on Tuesday, March 22, at 7 pm. Donna will discuss how a balanced trim can help your horse. Members are invited to send photos of their horse’s hooves prior to the meeting for discussion. The full details are available on our Facebook page.

The NBLA website, nblact.com, has posted our 2022 calendar. Check it out and join today to participate in all our events.

Tracy Van Buskirk is a 37 year resident of Newtown and President of the Newtown Bridle Lands Association, at www.nblact.com, a nonprofit volunteer organization formed in 1978 to foster an interest in horseback riding as well as preserving, protecting and maintaining riding and hiking trails in the community. Horses have always been a part of her life. She owns a small bay quarter horse named Little Bear.