So much has happened this year already! If you are an equestrian and have not joined Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) yet, you are missing out on many interesting outings and events. An annual membership has affordable rates for families and barns. After a hiatus of several years, we have re-introduced barn memberships. The per person cost is very low and your barn friends can now go out together to explore our trails and attend events. Our website has the details.

We started out the year with a group ride on the beach at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. Ten horses and riders trailered down and had a blast riding on the beach and on the nearby trails. Going as a group allowed less-experienced riders and horses to team up with others who knew the ropes and could lend a helping hand if needed.

We like to balance group rides with informative talks and demonstrations. In late March, barefoot trimmer Donna Collins gave a very knowledgeable talk about the anatomy of the hoof, hoof health, and how trimming affects it. A large group listened with great interest to this presentation given at the Community Center.

Huntington Park, which abuts southwest Newtown was the venue for a great Show and Go ride in April. A Show and Go is a ride hosted by NBLA to introduce members to trails in Newtown. To appeal to all levels of experience, there was a walk-only group as well as a faster group. Everyone loved the varied terrain in the park and especially appreciated the luncheon hosted by one of our members.

One of our missions is to actively collaborate with like-minded groups in town. In mid-May, we teamed up with Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard for a trail ride and challenge course. The trail ride, which attracted over 40 riders from across Connecticut, wound its way through woods and fields, including the Catherine Violet Hubbard (CVH) Animal Sanctuary. At the completion of the ride, participants had the option of trying out a challenge course of obstacles that required a high level of trust and control between rider and horse. Over 30 riders gave it a go and many were amazed at what they could convince their horse to do, such as walking across a tarp or pulling a noisy red wagon.

On Saturday, June 11, NBLA hosted a Show and Go event at Cherry Grove Preserve. Because trailer parking is tight, the group was limited to six riders. The weather that day was perfect and riders were excited to learn about this lovely preserve off of Palestine Road.

Have you ever tried a Poker Ride? It combines riding and a game of chance. Each rider is given a map showing where playing cards have been placed along the route. After collecting five cards, the riders return to find out if they have the winning hand! This unique event will take place on Saturday, July 2, at Happy Trails Farm in Danbury.

There will be a very special collaborative event on Saturday, July 16. The CVH Animal Sanctuary is hosting a For the Love of Horses party on its property that will be open to the public. The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard will present a horseback Color Guard Ceremony, and NBLA and the Guard will host a trail ride. Rising Star Animal Rescue will be there with at least one of its horses and there will be many other equestrian-related groups with lots of information and demonstrations. It should be lots of fun! Little Bear, the unofficial mascot of NBLA, plans to come and will be ready to greet visitors.

There are many more events happening between now and the end of the year. Annual favorite, the Frost on the Pumpkin Hunter Pace, is scheduled for Sunday, October 23. This pace has taken place since 1978 and is still going strong with over 100 riders showing up each year. We are also bringing back the Jingle Bell Ride on Sunday, December 11. NBLA members and the Horse Guard will march throughout the Fairfield Hills Campus decked out in holiday garb, with jingle bells ringing!

Membership is only $45 per person. We hope to see you and your horse at our activities!

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.