4-H Spring Benefit Horse Show

BETHEL – The annual 4-H Spring Benefit Horse Show will be held Sunday, May 15, at the Cooperative Extension System grounds on Stony Hill Road in Bethel.

The popular Open School show will feature divisions in English Equitation, Hunt Seat, Western and Trail. Most classes will be pinned through sixth place, with the first-place winner also receiving a trophy. Divisions will be awarded champion and reserve ribbons.

Interstate + Lakeland Lumber, Fairfield Equine, and Benedict Home and Garden will sponsor the 2005 show.

“The support of these companies greatly expands our fundraising efforts,” said show manager Jamie Wallace.

The high-point horse and rider combination from both the Spring Benefit and Fall Nutmeg shows will receive year-end awards in the following divisions: Open Beginner Hunter and Walk/Trot (Sunny Brook Farm of Newtown); Low Hunters (Clearview Farm of Sandy Hook); The Kentucky Hunter Classic (All The King’s Horses of Ridgefield); and Western Adult Walk/Job (Happy Trails Farm of Danbury).

Proof of a current rabies vaccination (within one year) will be checked at the gate for each animal.

Refreshments will be available on the grounds. 4-Hers will be offering “horse-side” service for food and drink and Bit O’ Tack will be offering horse products for sale. For a prize list, stop by the CES building on Stony Hill Road or call 1-203-207-8440.

Dominique Barbier Clinic

WINCHESTER – Meenahga Ridges Farm in Winchester will sponsor Dominique Barbier clinics July 22-24 and October 29-31.

Dominique Barbier is considered a master of French classical training and is an advocate of lightness, balance and rider awareness. Dominique will do in hand work with every horse in the morning and then ride them. The afternoon sessions are for participants to do the own in hand work and ride under his direction.

The clinic is open to as many as 10 riders and space fills up fast. Preference is given to those who elect for all three days.

Cost is $275 for one day, $525 for two days and $775 for all three days. To audit the clinic, cost is $30 for one day, $50 for two days and $65 for three days.

Board is $30 per day, but Meenahga Ridges staff will do the stalls daily. Participants will need to bring their own hay and grain, although hay will be available for purchase at the farm.

Box lunches will be arranged for and menu selection will be available for riders and pre registered auditors. A recent negative Coggins and Rabies certificate is required for board during the clinic.