Notes from the January newsletter –

eIt’s that time of year again for folks to come out of the woodwork and volunteer for a club position or to be a board member. All that is required of board members is two evenings per month plus participation in activities while officers are expected to spend a little more time doing club business, but the good news is – it isn’t all work. Give NBLA president Bev Marr a call at 452-1110 if you are interested.

eWith the winter weather upon us, it’s time to think about the trials and tribulations of the season – 1) When the winter nights are long and cold and no grass or hay is to be found, horses will start to pick at latches and work the fences so consider putting double latches on stall doors and gates and to check fences frequently; 2) As a good suburban horse person, keep a spare halter, bucket and jar of grain handy in case your horse finds a way out of his or her pen and is busy traipsing around a neighbor’s yard. The grain will give you something to offer your escapee; 4) If you lose a horse, call the police. They are good about connecting sleepy people on the end of lead line of a strange horse with the desperate people looking for that horse. Always remind police and firemen not to use lights and sirens unless absolutely necessary.

eThe Colonial Carriage and Driving Society will hold its Winter Classic Sleigh Rally on Sunday, January 16, starting at 11 am, at Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It will be the second attempt to run the Sleigh Rally, but recent snows should make it a go. The horses and sleighs will be in 13 classes of competition, with some classes are judged on the drivers ability to handle their horses and others judged on the horses manners and performance. There will be separate classes for singles and pairs of small ponies, horses and draft horses. Children from the Berkshire Country Day School and others will sing “Winter Sleigh Songs” around a bon fire between 12:30 and 1 PM. Sleigh rides will be available with the majestic Belgian draft horses between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm. Hot food and drinks will also be available. General admission is $5 per person, and $3 for 12 years and younger with those under 5 free. For a class list and up-to-date information, call 1-413-441-4682.

eNBLA dues are due next month!

eConsider joining the Connecticut Horse Council. The organization speaks for all horse people in Connecticut and can be more effective that local groups. Individual membership is $20, student membership is $15, and business or professional membership is $50. Regular monthly meetings of the CHC are held first Tuesday of the month, October through June, at 7:30 pm at the Northeast Utility Building on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington.