In 1978, the fledgling Newtown Bridle Lands Association (NBLA) launched its first Hunter Pace. Now, 45 years later, this fun event is still going strong. This year the pace will take place on Sunday, October 29, leaving from the starting field near 26 Mount Nebo Road, with starting times from 8:30 am to noon. The rain date is Saturday, October 28. The special feature of this hunter pace is its proximity to Halloween and many riders and horses wear fantastic costumes.

Although the organizers had to forsake serving a catered lunch during the COVID years, they are delighted to bring back not only a delicious hot lunch from Tambascio’s but also live music, several vendors, and a massive tack sale. New this year will be hats for sale, sporting the NBLA’s logo.

The pace course is well-designed and the trails have been cleared in the weeks leading up to the pace. Each year it is a challenge to create a continuous course because properties change hands and permission must be sought from all landowners. But each year it gets done and the finished course is usually between six and eight miles, taking riders through woods and fields. The course runs through two beautiful Newtown Forest Association properties: Cherry Grove Preserve and Hattertown Pond Preserve.

Ribbons are awarded in each of the four divisions: Hunter, Pleasure, Western, and Junior. Prizes are also given for the Best Costumed Team, as well as a “Young at Heart” award for the oldest horse and rider pair and an award for the youngest rider.

The Frost on the Pumpkin Pace is part of a series of paces held in Connecticut and New York and coordinated by the Associated Bridle Trails Association. Points can be earned at each pace with champions announced at the end of the pace season.

The pace is open to members and nonmembers alike. The registration link is available on the NBLA website, nblact.org, or by visiting our Facebook page. You may also email newtownhorses@gmail.com to request the link.

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