By Karen Lato-Jensen

Cricker Brook Farm has been located in Monroe for nearly three decades and this family-run equestrian center has serviced the Newtown horse community for many years.

Cricker Brook, until recently, was located just a short distance from the Newtown townlLine on 153 Bagburn Road, Monroe. Owner Joni Weller and her daughter, Cheryl LeMoine, have provided boarding, riding lessons, horse leasing and summer programs for nearly three decades. Along with these services, the stable has sponsored numerous horse shows where thousands of horses and riders, over the many years, have enjoyed the challenges of equestrian competition.

Cricker Brook’s story begins in 1978 when Joni Weller purchased the Bagburn Road property to fulfill her undying dream of owning a horse and operating a stable. Ms. Weller pursued this dream since her childhood days, when her parents would not grant her wishes to own a horse. As an adult, when she had the means to purchase her own horse, she started out as countless others, as a boarder at another barn. Although she had boarded her horses in other stables, one particular facility and its owner greatly influenced her.

At this point, she was ready to make a career change, leave the “traditional” work community and open her own stable. Joni attributes the former Open Gate, owned and operated by Rhoda Hopkins in the 1970’s, as her greatest influence.

She said, “Open Gate was fun for families.”

When Joni recalls more of the cherished memories at Rhoda’s farm, she speaks of a time when everyone at the barn was more than a group of people boarding at the same facility. They were friends that rode, went to dinner, and enjoyed countless holidays and many other activities together.

Inspired by the fine example set by Rhoda and the undying passion in her heart, Joni took those great friends and family experiences and decided to replicate it in her own facility. It took a “long time” to find the right property, Joni recalls. After visiting countless locations, she found the perfect setting in Monroe. Naming her new venture “Cricker Brook” after a stream that was near her childhood home in Fairfield, she opened the doors to what would become a popular stable in the local community.

The original property had one barn and a house. Today, the property includes the original house, the original barn located on the lower level, a barn and indoor arena on the upper level and several paddocks.

The Wellers worked hard to create this very special equestrian center. Joni’s dad, now understanding the deep passion and commitment which drove his child, donated some start-up monies which allowed his daughter to “build her dream.”

Joni’s children were very young at the time, so most of the work fell upon her. Wearing many hats, she was responsible for all the physically demanding chores of horse care (cleaning stalls, feeding, watering, etc.) to the many daily and monthly responsibilities that are required to run any business.

Over the years, anyone and everyone in the local horse industry knew the quality stable located just over the Newtown border. Joni, and in later years, Cheryl, were and are known for providing quality horse care, first-rate instruction for those wanting to improve their riding skills, possibly taking their talents to the show arena, horses for lease and most importantly, the family atmosphere which was the original focus of Joni’s dream.

This dream was achieved beyond Joni’s original expectations as young adults who spent many days, months and even years as part of the Cricker Brook community, found a place to go during challenging times which provided peace and serenity. In Joni everyone found a friend who could keep confidences, allow the venting of problems and someone who could give practical advice to help solve a problem.

Today, Joni and Cheryl made the difficult decision to slow down a bit and focus on personal goals that have taken a backseat over the years due to the tremendous demands of running a successful equestrian establishment.

Recently, the Monroe property was sold to a private individual. The ladies will continue their year-round lesson and summer programs in Southbury. Three CHJA (Connecticut Hunter and Jumper Association) horse shows are in the planning stages for June, July and September. Cheryl will still be available as an on-site trainer at horse shows for those students who wish to have her coaching support with them at their competition while Joni wants to enjoy more time to simply ride for personal satisfaction (ironically most horse professionals continually state there is little time to ride for personal fulfillment due to professional responsibilities).

Cheryl would like to have a bit more personal time to enjoy riding for pure enjoyment and to spend more time with her children and husband, Bill, who is a professional farrier.

I had the pleasure to attend the farewell luncheon the weekend before the property was vacated. As I spoke to the borders and lesson students and their parents, the positive comments overflowed describing the joy of knowing Joni and Cheryl and the positive experiences of being part of the Cricker Brook family. Many are following the ladies to Southbury.

I asked Joni what she found to be the hardest part of leaving Monroe. She stated that the memories of not only the people she has had the pleasure to have known over the years reside on the farm but the recollections of the beloved horses she has owned over the years. The strongest belong to the ones that have passed away. She feels those horses’ spirits will reside on that land forever.

Regrets, I’ve had a few; but then again, too few to mention, I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption. I planned each charted course; each careful step along the byway, but more, much more than this, I did it my way…” – Frank Sinatra

If you live, play or work in Newtown and have a special horse that has touched your life, if you are in a business that supports the horse industry in Newtown or if you know someone who is connected with Newtown and horses or the horse community, would you please email me at karen2171@charter.net. I would love to share your or their story.