The forecast for the October 29 Newtown Bridle Lands Association’s (NBLA) Frost on the Pumpkin Hunter Pace was promising light showers with no more than a quarter inch of rain. That would have been perfect for the horses: cool and moist, but not too wet. Given the huge logistics of food, trail clearing, crossing guards, and other volunteers, the organizers decided to stick with the scheduled date. Unfortunately, the morning broke with rain that was not fooling around, and it did not improve. Steady precipitation pummeled the riders and volunteers all day.

The amazing part was the 70 horses and riders that showed up, many in costumes, and took to the course. Even more amazing were the smiles and enjoyment of the riders as they experienced more of a challenging adventure than they might have anticipated. As the morning wore on, however, concerns grew about safety and it was decided by the officers of the NBLA to shorten the course and encourage walking only. Because of the change in the total mileage, timing was dispensed with and there could be no division results. This was a disappointment for the more competitive riders but safety had to take a priority.

A few special awards were garnered: The Youngest Achiever award went to 9-year-old Magali Grasinger, who had the time of her life according to her dad. The Young at Heart award went to the horse-rider team with the oldest combined age. The winner was Loraine Marshall and her beautiful chestnut mare Sally. This event always brings out the creative side of equestrians as they design costumes for themselves and their mounts. The Best Costume award went to “Astronauts in Space,” Dawn Tagliavia-Deri and Andrea Sayegh.

Thanks must be given to the many volunteers who showed up in the rain to do their part. The NBLA especially appreciates the new owners of the start field, Curt and Heidi Verdi, who are enthusiastic about continuing the tradition of this annual hunter pace, and Jay Hull who used his quad to help push and pull many trailers that were caught in the mud.

Tracy Van Buskirk is a 39 year resident of Newtown and president of Newtown Bridle Lands Association, 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.