Community Horse

23/07/2025

11th Annual Driving for Drafts! The Duke Memorial Charity Golf Tournament benefiting the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue

Join CDHR for the 11th Annual Driving for Drafts fundraising event. This event will be held on Saturday, September 13th at the Portland Golf Course (169 Bartlett St, Portland, CT 06480). Enjoy a grilled lunch and a buffet dinner along with raffles and prizes. Sponsorships are also available, including an “In Memoriam” sponsorship to honor a loved one or a pet. Registration closes on September 6th.

To sign up as a participant or become a sponsor, forms are available at https://www.ctdraftrescue.org/2025-golf-registration-and-sponsorship or send an email to: [email protected].

This event is named after Duke, a neglected and emaciated Clydesdale that the CDHR rescued in 2015. After his rescue, it was discovered that Duke was a former Budweiser Clydesdale, and became a local celebrity making appearances at events, including the golf tournament. Sadly, Duke passed away about a year after his rescue.

The CDHR is a non-profit organization (in East Hampton, CT) dedicated to saving the lives of neglected or abused draft horses as well as draft horses headed to slaughter. For more information, volunteer opportunities, or to donate, please visit www.ctdraftrescue.org or www.facebook.com/ctdraftrescue.

21/07/2025

Have an upcoming equestrian event in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island? Request our free Youth Award! Learn more at https://www.communityhorse.org/youth-awards!

16/07/2025

Good trailer advice!

11/07/2025

University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers have discovered that a naturally occurring compound secreted by the skin of donkeys repels adult Ixodes scapularis ticks, the most frequent human-biting tick in the U.S.
This discovery could lead to a new tick repellent that is both natural, safe and effective 👌🙌👍🙏💚
https://www.umass.edu/.../umass-amherst-research...

09/07/2025

A terrible fire last night in Walpole, Massachusetts, where eight horses died and ten survived. Let's come together as a community and help out. Visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-morlinn-farm?attribution_id=sl%3A45f7b9c9-e82b-4961-9030-f5c445c902f4&lang=en_US&ts=1752085574&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2-amp15_t3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&v=amp14_t2&fbclid=IwY2xjawLbzJJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFPMFlTb2JxakdQUDZQMXV0AR5GZLchc9rDw_WN-kGl_o5ntjaG58o1xqmcur3xYQpIsCz-F9Um5OzSWe45Xw_aem_nw7w59vc_5BJRYeJC7rrFA

I am reaching out to the New England Equestrian Community (and beyond) to share w… June Gillis-Ahern needs your support for Support Mor Linn Farm, Walpole, MA

08/07/2025

Community Horse columnist Nicole Birkholzer - Mindful Connections is offering Hands-On With Purpose. Check it out!

Hands-On With Purpose
On average, a therapy horse is touched over 100 times a day—halter clips, grooming strokes, saddle adjustments, pats, repositionings. Most of it well-intended.
But much of it… unconscious.

That’s over 500 touches a week. And yet, how many of those moments actually support the horse’s nervous system? Build trust? Say, “I see you.”

In a recent workshop, someone asked,
"How can I show love without always reaching for the horse's face?"

That question hit home. Because we all want to connect—deeply, kindly, respectfully.

This Zoom call is for that.
We’ll explore ways to touch with intention ... supporting the therapy horse's wellbeing through our hands, our energy, and our awareness. You’ll leave with tools that bring clarity and connection, not confusion or overwhelm.

Let’s turn all those daily touches into moments that matter.
Join me Tuesday, July 22nd at 6 PM ET
Register here
https://www.mindful-connections.com/event-details/mindful-horse-handling-touch-with-purpose

03/07/2025

Equine Influenza
Windham County, Connecticut

Equine Influenza is a highly contagious though rarely fatal respiratory disease. The virus is distinct from influenzas viruses in other species. The most common form of transmission is airborne droplets in  from affected horses. 

03/07/2025

Fireworks tips from the AAEP:

27/06/2025

Strangles in Rhode Island . . .

The upper respiratory disease commonly referred to as strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi subsp equi. Strangles is spread from horse to horse through direct contact. Horses can also contract the disease by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. The disease is highly infectious.

25/06/2025

25/06/2025

Montana Calloway Bychurch and Mylestone Stables Have Relocated

text by Sally Feuerberg and photos courtesy of Montana Calloway Bychurch

“It’s always been a dream of mine to own and operate my own boarding, lesson, and training business,” Montana Calloway Bychurch says. “An opportunity arose to lease a beautiful property in Newtown, Connecticut, and I couldn’t pass it up! The new owners of this equestrian oasis are wonderful, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

“My clients, horses, and I moved in on June 1,” Montana says. “I will be offering quality boarding, lessons, and training services in a welcoming, down-to-earth community. I have stalls available for full board with all-day, individual turnout in large grass paddocks. Amenities will include an indoor and outdoor arena, wash stall with hot water, bathroom, large tack rooms, a trail path around the property, and a tranquil environment with beautiful views.”

Why did Montana choose the name Mylestone Stables? “I restarted my beloved Thoroughbred, Myles, off the track as a six-year-old,” Montana says. “Myles passed away on in March at the age of 24. He taught me many lessons about training, hard work, sacrifice, and most importantly, the value of a once-in-a-lifetime partnership. This new business marks a milestone in my life, just as the loss of Myles did. The spelling Mylestone is for him, and the logo silhouette of our farm is based on a cherished photo memory of the two of us.”