Fall has been a busy season for NEECA (New England Equestrian Center of Athol). NEECA’s summer Barre Horse show, held in conjunction with the Barre Riding and Driving Club, was a great summer success. More than 90 entrants participated, and the organization made more that $2,000 to further work on its ever-improving Equestrian Park.

A casual group ride was held at the park on September 1, for which several people showed up and enjoyed a beautiful late summer day in the environs of Davenport Pond. This variable group of riders has been meeting bi-weekly through the summer there, spending some time working on techniques and dressage patterns in the arena, under the tutelage of Wendy Warner. They’ve been able to enjoy some informal riding with friends at the same time. Each rider contributes equally to the small cost of using the park for a few hours, which is minimal for the pleasure and experience gained.

September 26 saw a Picnic at the Park, at which participants could grill burgers at the fire-pit and bring their horses to use the arena or ride the developing trails. A Trail Challenge class was held for riders of all abilities. Peter Whitmore, of “It’s a Pleasure Training” in Orange presented a demonstration using his mustang as well.

The annual Fall Social, consisting of dinner, dancing, awards and an auction, was held October 17 at the Elks Club in Orange. The annual Fall Pleasure Ride, normally a September event, was postponed until October 24 at Cutthroat Brook Tree Farm in Athol, due to extensive winter damage on the trails.

Visit NEECA’s website at www.equinecenter.org for more information.

(Photo: Mike Phillips) Trainer/Instructor Wendy Warner of Seven Springs Farm, Royalston, MA, with her Connemara mare, Rissa, demonstrates a jump at the NEECA Equestrian Park in Athol.