Category Archives: horses

April 6, 2018

Budweiser Clydesdales (Mystic, CT)

Date Of Event: March 24, 2018

Location: Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT (about 1 hour southeast of Hartford, CT and 1 and a half hours southwest of Boston, MA)

Hours: Presently open daily, 9:00 – 5:00 (hours may vary depending on the season)

2018 Hours of Operation

January 4 – March 23: Open Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.***
February 19: (Presidents Day) Open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
March 24 – October 26: Open Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
October 27 – November 25: Open Daily, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
November 22: Closed (Thanksgiving Day)
November 26 – December 23: Open Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
December 24-25: Closed.
December 26-December 31: Open Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost:

Adult – $28.95
Senior (ages 65+) – $26.95
Youth (ages 4-14) – $18.95
Children (3 and younger) – Free

Parking: there is a free parking lot across the street from the Seaport Museum. There is also additional parking across the street from the parking lot for overflow

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, but not all of the buildings are accessible to the handicapped. Approximately one-third of our buildings have wheelchair-accessible entrances; interior access varies. The village’s unpaved roads are generally firm and stable suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. All roads are basically level with a few slight inclines located near the Children’s Museum, Treworgy Planetarium and Membership Building. (see link below for more info)

Mystic Seaport Accessibility Guide

Dog Friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are allowed. But they are not allowed in the buildings

Website: Mystic Seaport

Highlights: living museum with character actors, boats, replicas of historic homes, figureheads, lighthouse replica, play area for children

Tips:

For an after museum viewing treat, Mystik Village, an open area shopping mall is a mere.9 miles away on Coogan Blvd
the museum’s main parking lot can fill up quickly if you don’t get there early. Additional parking can be found in the lots off Rossie St on the other side of the main parking lot

Websites: Mystic Seaport

Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch Schedule

Fun Fact: The Budweiser Clydesdales were first introduced to the public on April 7, 1933, to celebrate the end of Prohibition

Mystic Seaport – Part I

Mystic Seaport – Part II

Mystic Seaport – Part III

The neighs had it in Mystic, CT, last month.

The main attraction of the Mystic Irish Parade which was held on Sunday, March 25, the Busch-Anheuser Clydesdales were on display for visitors to view and photograph before they lead the parade, after paying the paltry entrance fee to the Seaport Museum.

The only downside to the viewing of the horses was they were kept behind bars in their stables for both the safety of the horses as well as the safety of the visitors. However, if you were lucky and patient, you could get a glimpse of the handlers washing their horses.

Each Clydesdale had their own stall and were kept in a tented area. The unit of measurement used to determine a horses’ height is called HH or “hands.” One hand equals about 10 centimeters or 4 inches.

Some of the Clydesdales were either camera shy or more interested in their food. Merlin was one of these horses.

Merlin is going to be 7 in May. He weighs 1,950 pounds and his height is 19 HH or 6 feet, 4 inches.

Rico just turned 9 years old. Happy birthday, Rico! He is 18.2 HH (6 feet, 2 inches tall) and he clocked in at 1,972 lbs.

Phoenix is 8 years old and weighs 1,975 pounds. Phoenix is 18.1 HH (6 feet, 1 inch tall)

Lucky is going to be 9 in May. Lucky weighs in at 1,930 pounds and is listed as being 18.2 HH (6 ft 2 inches).

Larussa is a 1,940 7 year old Clydesdale. Larussa is 18.1 HH (just over 6 feet)

Royal is a very hungry 1,800 pound, 7 year old horse. Royal is 18 HH (6 feet tall).

Yet another May baby, Jack will be 11 next month. He is 18.1 HH (just over 6 feet tall).

Master, a 1,825 pound and 18HH (6 feet tall) horse, turned 7 on New Year’s Day.

Ivan, a 1,775 pound and 17.2 HH (5.8 feet tall) horse, turned 9 on New Year’s Day.

The Budweiser truck that transported the beautiful Clydesdales was parked right outside the tent.

There was also a Budweiser dog named Barley. While I was unable to photograph Barley, I did photograph a puppy in Barley’s stall.

Speaking of dogs, since Mystic Seaport is a dog friendly attraction and the weather was, uncharacteristically for New England this time of the year, mild there were numerous dogs attending the event.

Shantie (“peace” in Sanskrit) is a 7 month old Golden Retriever. Eventually, Shantie is going to be trained to be a therapy dog.

Sara, a foster dog, is a 3 year old Border Collie. What a beautiful coat and ears!

Matthew is a 6 year old Havanese. I love the cute smile on Matthew.

The appropriately named for this venue, Sailor is a 1 year old Lab mix. I was particularly drawn to Sailor because she bears a striking similarity to my mom’s new adopted dog, Holly, who you may see in future photo shoots.

11 Comments | tags: Budweiser Anheuser, connecticut, dogs, horses, mystic, Mystic Seaport, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in connecticut, dogs, horses, mystic, Mystic Seaport, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

November 16, 2017

Five Days Of Foliage Day #4 – Goddard Memorial State Park (Warwick, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: November 1, 2017

Location: 1095 Ives Road, Warwick, RI

Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free (but there are fees to use fields, gazebos and other facilities)

Parking: There are several parking areas

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, some areas of the park are handicapped accessible

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Goddard Memorial State Park

Highlights: 490 acre park with a 9 hole golf course, playing fields, beach, performance center and equestrian show area with bridle trails. The foliage isn’t bad either.

To borrow a term coined by my northern Vermont neighbors, “stick season” is fast approaching. Stick season is the fall and winter transition that occurs after the leaves have fallen but also before snow has settled on the trees. This season is not just common to Vermont though.

Indicative of “stick season, I noticed many of the trees at Goddard Memorial State Park had already lost most of their leaves. Yet, there were still some decent foliage opportunities along the shore of the beach and park. The densely wooded Goddard has 62 deciduous (trees that have leaves that change) and 19 evergreen species (a species of tree that does not change color throughout the year). So, there were a variety of trees to find foliage on.

Considered one of the best parks in Rhode Island, Goddard Memorial State Park’s 490 acres of land along Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay in Warwick, RI.

Goddard Memorial State Park has an equestrian show area and 18 miles of bridle paths for horse riders to enjoy. While I was there I did happen upon a few riders.

I had never been to Goddard before. I only learned about the park the day before after a quick search for the best parks in Rhode Island. And the reviewers didn’t miss their mark. The best part of the park may be the variety of activities and Goddard Park also has a 9 hole golf course, 11 playing fields, a canoe launch, a beach that allows swimming and a performance center. With its pretty waterscapes, extensive hiking trails and picnic areas, Goddard is definitely a great place to take the family.

7 Comments | tags: dog, foliage, Goddard Memorial State Park, horses, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, Rhode Island, Warwick | posted in birds, dog, foliage, Goddard Memorial State Park, horses, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized, Warwick

September 6, 2017

Hermann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions (Woodstock, CT)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: August 19, 2017

Location Roseland Cottage, 556 Route 169, Woodstock, CT

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Website: Hermanns Royal Lipizzan Stallions

Highlights: stallions performing tricks and ridden by their trainers

Tips:

bring your own chair or a towel as they do not provide them at the venue.
visitors are allowed to enter one hour before the scheduled event
be sure to take in a tour of Roseland Cottage if you have the time

There was a lot of horsing around going on at the Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, Connecticut last month.

The Lipizzan Stallions galloped into the Roseland Cottage for a day of professional horse riding and horse tricks.

The Lipizzan Stallions traveled all the way from Myaka, Florida to entertain the one hundred or so visitors at Roseland Cottage.

Not all of the horses and animals kept at the Lipizzan Stallions shelter are Royal Lipizzan Stallions. For instance, Willie The Rescue Pony, seen here getting ready for the show, is one of the horses they have taken in. He even performs at the show. They also take in dogs, cats and any other animal that finds its way to their shelter.

The highlight of the show were the Royal Lipizzan Stallions. The horses performed tricks and trotted in formations.

The horses are such beautiful animals. The way they moved and the way the horse trainers and riders controlled their every movement was a joy to watch.

The Lipizzan breed is considered the rarest and most aristocratic breed of horses in the world. They were first established by Archduke Charles at Lipizza which is now part of Yugoslavia.

Since only a few hundred Lipizzan Stallions have ever existed at any one time, their future lineage is somewhat in question. But, they may have General Patton to credit for their continued bloodline.

During World War II General George Patton authorized a secret plan to save the Lipizzans. The stallions, who would surely have been killed if the Russians arrived before their rescuers, were saved during this secret mission. Two of the people involved who played a key role in their rescue were Colonel Herrmann and his father, Colonel Ottomar Herrmann, A movie by Disney titled, Miracle Of The White Stallions depicts their rescue.

The Lipizzan horse show was held at the Roseland Cottage. We didn’t have time for a tour. But, the grounds are very pretty.

While dogs are not allowed at the show, I did see Yog,i, a 3 and a half year old Cavanese (part Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and part Havanes), and his dad watching from the sidewalk. Yogi also barked out his approval from time to time.

Below are some videos of the Royal Lipizzan Stallions event

9 Comments | tags: connecticut, dog, flowers, horses, Lipizzan Stallions, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Roseland Cottage, stallions | posted in connecticut, dog, horses, Lipizzan Stallions, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Roseland Cottage, stallions, Uncategorized

May 22, 2017

Hudson Valley Arabian Horse Show (West Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: May 13, 2017

Location: Eastern States Exposition Center, 1305 Memorial Avenue
West Springfield, MA, Coliseum Building (Gate 2) (about 2 hours west of Boston, and 10 minutes west of Springfield, MA)

Cost: Free

Parking: Ample free parking was available at the Exposition Center

Website: Hudson Valley Arabian Horse Association

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: Arabian horses, horse judging contests

If it’s spring time it must be horse showing time at the “Big E.” There are several horse shows scheduled there this spring and summer. Since the weather in New England has been less than “spring-like”, I felt a nice indoor event watching beautiful horses would be the perfect event for a washed out weekend.

Hawk is an Arabian/Pinto horse.

It’s always nice seeing the horses with their riders and trainers. You can see the care they take with each horse and just how much they love their horses.

The Arabian horse show took place over the weekend of May 12-May 14. I attended the morning show on May 13. During my visit, the horses and the riders were being judged. The horses were judged on appearance in the first event.

Then, the horses and riders were judged on their riding skills.

People of all ages rode. The youngest group of riders was the 10 and under group. I am always amazed at how someone so young can control a horse and not show an ounce of fear.

Dogs also like to watch horses apparently.

The person who was dog sitting this dog didn’t know the dog’s name.

This cute little is called Gingo.

If you missed the Hudson Valley Arabian Horse Show, fear not. There are many more horse shows (specifically shows sponsored by the Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut) scheduled in the upcoming weeks and throughout the summer at the “Big E.” See below for a schedule of events at the Exposition Center.

Eastern Exposition Calendar of Events

Please connect with me on Facebook

7 Comments | tags: dogs, Eastern States Exposition Center, horses, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, West Springfield | posted in dogs, Eastern States Exposition Center, horses, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, West Springfield

March 1, 2017

Beach Polo (Newport, RI)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: February 25 & 26, 2017 (photos taken Feb. 25)

Location: Easton’s Beach (First Beach), 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI

Hours: 1:00 -2:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

Parking: Free (parking was free for this event but usually the beach charges to park at the beach)

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: people on horses playing beach polo

It’s not everyday you get to see polo. It’s even less often when you get to see it on a beach.

As part of their “Winter Carnival”, Newport Rhode Island held a polo match sponsored by the Newport International Polo Series.

Even if you don’t know the rules of the game (I don’t), it is still fun to watch the horses and players. There was also an announcer who did the play by play and explained some of the rules during the game.

While there are some rules of the game I don’t know, the basic goal (no pun intended) is pretty basic. Put the ball between the two orange cones. The team in gold won 10-9 by the way.

The horses looked especially pretty with the wavy water along the beach. Onee thing I noticed about the horses is how they will sometimes use their legs to kick the ball and help the player. Or, they are sick of the player getting all the glory and they may want to score a goal or two.

The players all seemed to really have a lot of fun but they also play hard. And the game is not without risks. One player had to be carted away with a leg injury after she fell off her horse.

Dogs like polo, too. I was surprised and impressed how well the leashed dogs and horses coexisted.

The players and fans have a close connection. At the end of the match, the players trot by on their horses and greet the fans.

12 Comments | tags: beach, beach polo, dogs, horses, New England, Newport, photographs, Photography, photos, polo, Rhode Island | posted in beach, beach polo, dogs, horses, New England, Newport, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized

August 8, 2016

New England Morgan Horse Show (Northampton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: July 26-30, 2016

Location: Three County Fairgrounds, 54 Fair St, Northampton, MA

Hours: The day I went there was an all day event, climaxing in a celebratory event in the evening at he fairgrounds. The events began at 10.

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a free parking lot across the way from the fairgrounds which holds about 40-50 cars.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Fun For One: Not so much, unless you really love horses

Highlights: horses, competitions, skilled riders of all ages

Lowlights: lack of concession stands, seating for most spectators is not close to the riding area (you can stand at the fence to watch though)

Every year, the New England Morgan Horse Association holds a special event to display the best riders in their organization (some come as far as Idaho and even farther away). The 5 day event displays riders of every age group and skill set. While the youngest riders stick to walking and a light trot, some of the more experienced riders showed off their advanced skill sets like this harness rider.

The poise and skills of all of the riders in every age group was remarkable. Just watching children smiling and having a fun time while riding such powerful and majestic animals was impressive. I felt a surge of pride for these kids I didn’t even know!

One class of riders was as young as 11 and under. But, they were great. At their ages, I was riding the coin operated horses outside of the department stores at the mall. Something I was not aware of is the riders will often make “clicking” or “kissing”sounds to communicate with the horse.

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We could not stay for the all day event. But, the two hours we spent was jam packed with competitions, shows and riders trotting with their horses.

I didn’t see much along the lines of concession stands, except for a lemonade truck. But, since it is a free event, you could leave to get lunch at one of the many fine dining establishments in the Northampton area (try Jake’s or Sylvester’s) and re-enter at your leisure.

One of the great things about the event was the attire of the riders. From the glitzy too the more traditional, they all looked great.

And yes, they even let dogs into the event. In fact, I saw quite a few dogs at the horse show like Rylee, a 5 year old flat coated retriever.

And Annie, a Jack Russell mix. Annie’s mom saved her at a rescue shelter.

Similar Events In New England I Have Been To:

None

Similar Events In New England I Have Not Been To Yet:

Arabian Horse Association Of New England

Equine Affair

4 Comments | tags: dogs, horses, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in animals, dogs, horses, Massachusetts, New England, pets, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

April 13, 2016

Rutland State Park (Rutland, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: April 10, 2016

Location: White Hall Rd, Rutland, Massachusetts

Cost: Free since I visited during the off season. It costs $8 for MA vehicles and $10 for out of state vehicles once the main season begins (around early May)

Parking is limited. Since it was not the peak of the season, I found a spot without any trouble. But, there are only 20 or so spots in the main parking areas. There are some additional parking areas off the main trail to the lake.

Boats are not allowed in the water, although fishing is allowed. Trout and bass are the most common fish in the water.

I had been interested in visitng Rutland State ever since I heard about the remnants of the state prison camp and the views of the water.

There was a strong wind, evident by the ripples in the water.

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The gates at the entrances to some of the trails prevented some vehicles from entering the trails. This is because during this time of the year it rains a lot and bikes and other vehicles can get stuck on the trails. So, it was a pretty empty trail when I went. Which was just fine by me. Miles of near solitude in nature with a cloudless, cold blue sky on a bright New England morning….yes please!

The main trail I stayed on was easy with some moderate includes. The only thing you may find annoying is the long stretches of nothing but trees and water on each side of the trail. This was heaven for me, though. I was also pleased to see a dirt trail rather than gravel or, gasp, paved road.

As I continued on the main trail, I began to see signs of ruins of structures frozen in time. A stairwell and frame of a building, now adorned with graffiti (get used to it as it is a constant theme), stood on the outskirts of the trail.

At around the 2 mile mark of the trail there are remnants of a prison camp. The camp was constructed in 1903 for housing petty criminals. It would later be converted into a farm. The first structure, again riddled with graffiti, was used for solitary confinement.

When you consider just how small and confining the spaces in the building are you can only imagine the distress it caused some of the prisoners.

Something happened when I visited the remnants of the prison camp. What I had once considered “cool” and interesting, seemed dank and sad. In fact, it wasn’t until after I left the structure and cave that it really sunk in. It seems like a grim existence at the least. When you realize people lived in these conditions and suffered, largely for committing petty crimes (such as drunkeness), it makes you think we should be more cognizant of the history of the building and area. If it wasn’t so tragic it would be more interesting. Rather than being “cool”, it just made me depressed.

Farther along the trail is an arch that appears to be a root-like cellar. I am not sure what it was used for but my gut tells me nothing good.

There are also some interesting tunnels and holes in the ground at the old prison site. I decided to investigate.

Given the architecture of the structures and the history of the area, it is easy to see why the park is considered haunted. Disembodied voices and apparitions are said to have been witnessed by visitors. There are even claims the area was once used for satanic worship. The area was the subject of the book The Soul Collector, written by Joni Mayhan.

On a brighter note, I saw lots of four legged friends at Rutland State Park.