The Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) 2024 Event Calendar is being finalized. It will be a dynamic and busy schedule. On Friday, January 26, riders will head to Sherwood Island State Park for a ramble on the beach. If you are new to beach riding, this is a good opportunity to ride with more experienced horses.

On Sunday, March 3, all members are invited to the Fairfield County Hunt Club to attend a presentation on the ancient sport of polo. This event is being planned in conjunction with the Fairfield Bridle Trails Association.

The NBLA All Member Meeting will take place on the evening of Tuesday, March 19. Don’t miss this annual event where you can meet and socialize with other members, enjoy a catered dinner and hear about our activities and plans for the year. The venue will be announced soon.

Have you struggled with figuring out how to fit your horse with a saddle or bridle? The organization is planning a seminar on just that topic on Tuesday, April 16.

Just a few days later on Saturday, April 20, is the very popular “Slow and Go” ride through Huntington Park. A walk-only group is offered if you or your mount are new to trail riding, or if you just want to chill out and enjoy springtime in the park. There will also be a faster group.

Later in the year will be additional educational seminars such as animal communicating, first aid for the horse, and an overview of equine nutrition. You can also look forward to more group trail rides, and even a country dance.

The NBLA is a not for profit organization established 45 years ago with the mission of preserving equestrian and passive recreation trails in Newtown. The NBLA also hosts group trail rides, educational seminars, and social events. Last year the group led trail rides through Huntington Park, the Fosdick Preserve, Cherry Grove Preserve, and other locations. The NBLA also presented seminars on such topics as trailering your horse, estate planning for horse owners, the features of glue on horse shoes, and camping with your horse. Every year on the last Sunday of October is the well-loved Frost on the Pumpkin Hunter Pace.

The events described here are for NBLA members only. Despite inflation, membership fees have not been increased and are still $45 per year for an individual, $75 for a family, and $125 for a barn membership including up to five riders. The NBLA is a great community of horse lovers with all levels of expertise welcome. We are a non-competitive and supportive group. You can join by visiting our website nblact.com or e-mail us at newtownhorses@gmail.com for more information. See you on the trails this year!

Tracy Van Buskirk is a 38-year resident of Newtown and president of the Newtown Bridle Lands Association, at 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.