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Riding

Six-year-old Jasmine on Skippy with her mother Nikole Ruddy on the Fall foliage Ride sponsored by the Pomfret Horse and Trail Association. Photos by Jim Abbott.

 

 

Riders raise money

POMFRET — On a bright October day, 113 riders from three states enjoyed local trails at the Fall Foliage Ride sponsored by the Pomfret Horse and Trail Association.  It was the largest participation in the ride’s eight-year history.  

Proceeds from the ride support local trails and open space through donations to the Wyndham Land Trust, the Abington 4 H Camp, The Last Green Valley, and the Audubon Society.  “Pomfret has become a destination riding area,” Jackson said.  “Pomfret Horse and Trail sponsors two rides every year, and Tyrone Farm offers many more, including the Pomfret Hunter Pace which drew over 200 riders this fall in the pouring rain. People love riding here because of the beautiful country.”  

The trail covered 11 miles of fields, woods, and dirt roads thanks to the generosity of many Pomfret landowners.  A short loop of 6 miles was also available.

“We are so grateful to the landowners who give us access for this ride,” said Sue Jackson, ride secretary.  “The landowners preserve the scenic nature of Pomfret, and the footing on their trails provides some of the best riding in the area.”

Horse trailers, horses, and riders of all ages filled a large green field surrounded by orange and red foliage on a large tract of land in the northeastern part of Pomfret.  It was a family-friendly day with participants ranging from 6 years old to 73.  The youngest rider, 6-year-old Jasmine, was a fourth-generation rider. Her great grandfather served in the last mounted unit of the Calvary in WWII.  She rode her pinto pony Skippy on a lead line from her mother’s horse.

Riders commented that it was a fun, stress free, well-organized event.  Patty McElligott, from Millbury, Mass., thanked the landowners “who shared their piece of paradise with us.  It could not have been any better and the obviously hard work put in by all of the organizers and sponsors is sincerely appreciated.”

Megan Ellis, from Salem, said, “Everything was wonderful.  The parking was great, even for a newbie trailer driver.”

The trails were well marked, and the length of the ride was just right, said other riders.