Sea Horse Stables at 50 Poverty Hollow Road hosted a 20th anniversary open house Sunday, August 8. The event offered tours of the facility, a raffle, an opportunity meet the horses up close, and a chance for visitors to speak with trainers and staff about their programs.

Kristen Abbatiello, owner and head trainer at Sea Horse Stables, told The Newtown Bee how she grew up riding and showing horses on Long Island, which later inspired the stable’s nautical name.

In 2001, she was working as an independent trainer, riding and teaching at multiple locations. Upon building a loyal group of local clients, she opened Sea Horse Stables.

“We started with a small group at Zoar Ridge Stables in Sandy Hook, and we continuously grew over the years. Then [we] settled permanently at Red Gate Farm on Poverty Hollow about 12 years ago,” Abbatiello said.

She added, “We have an experienced team of insured professionals that are dedicated to managing all aspects of our operation: client services, equine management, horse care and health, stable maintenance, and training.”

Abbatiello describes the 67-acre facility as blending “the best of Old World traditional charm and state-of-the-art amenities.”

Sea Horse Stables has oversized indoor and outdoor riding arenas with modern synthetic footing. The horses are also provided with both all-weather and grass turnout, according to Abbatiello.

The business offers boarding and training options to all levels of horses and riders.

Abbatiello explained, “We provide horses with individualized care and training programs specifically designed to achieve goals. We prepare riders for local level showing through national level competition. Other services include horsemanship instruction, clipping, grooming, and leasing.”

Many of the stable’s riders will even be competing in the CHJA medal finals at the Fairfield County Hunt Club at the end of the month.

Ultimately, Abbatiello said, Sea Horse Stables cultivates a community where riders become a team and get to grow their passion for riding.

“While we are focused on a clientele that is serious about and dedicated to our sport, it is very important to us that our culture feels inclusive and fosters a real camaraderie... We believe that creating individualized programs to develop young horses and riders is the key to successful training,” she said.

To learn more about Sea Horse Stables, visit seahorsestablesllc.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook at @seahorsestablesllc. Those with questions can call or text Kristen Abbatiello at 203-722-0743 or stable manager Sarah Booth at 203-984-7421.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.