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Howdy! My name is Anna Berd, and for the duration of the 2022 summer, I am working as an intern under Victoria Berry. This page is a culmination of the photos I've taken and the pieces I've written during my time at the rescue. My mission is to capture the unique personalities and stories of volunteers and horses alike, and share them with you here.
There was rain, and then there was Thunder!
On Saturday, July 2nd, CNEER participated in Hardwick Co-Op's first ever Horse Week! We arrived with Thunder, our elderly miniature horse. He proved to be quite a hit at the Hardwick Co-Op, attracting folks of all ages for a pat and picture. Thunder came to life like it was his job to entertain!
Thank you to the Hardwick Co-op staff. The weather conditions for Saturday were less than ideal, but our host Steve put a tent up for us to keep the drizzle and rain away. He also provided chairs, a table, and water bottles for the CNEER volunteers.
Benefit Horse Show
On Sunday, August 7th, Central New England Equine Rescue hosted a benefit horse show at Felton Field in Barre, MA. Although there was a smaller turnout due to hot summer temps, it ended up being a great day! Lots of smiling faces and successful riders. Thank you to our sponsors.
Adoption Stories
Aladida
Aladida was rescued from Skyland Lane Farm in Woodstock, Vermont in 2014. Authorities were alerted to the situation after receiving a tip that the owner of the farm was neglecting the horses. Aladida was found, along with roughly twenty other Arabians, in a ramshackle barn without hay or water. The horses were skinny and malnourished, chewing on the wooden stalls to survive. Their manes and tails were matted, and their coats covered in dirt and manure. The Lucy McKenzie Humane Society in Brownsville, VT, sought out aid from Central New England Equine Rescue to take Aladida and another Arabian from the farm. The little bay mare was fearful, nervous, skittish, and very afraid of people. However, with patience and care, she began to trust those around her. During September of 2018, thanks to a generous donation, Aladida was sent to Peter Whitmore's for training. In January of 2019, Jean Stannard adopted Aladida as a companion for her horse at home. Since then, Aladida has further blossomed into a spunky, sweet, (and round!) little mare. She spends her days grazing in the pasture with her pal, Lark, and enjoys frequent pampering and treats from Jean. After facing severe neglect and starvation, Aladida is living her best life with Jean and Lark. None of this would have been possible without your gracious donations to CNEER.
Amazing Grace
Gracie, a Caspian/Galiceno cross, was rescued in March of 2018 from an auction barn in East Windsor, New Jersey, two days before being sent to slaughter. Money was raised to help bail out the young mare, advertised at two years old but in actuality, she was just nine months old. She was snot-nosed and wormy, her coat filthy with manure. When Gracie was brought back to Massachusetts, she quarantined at a Central New England Equine Rescue Board Member's home for 6-8 weeks, where her poor health was treated. In no time at all, her quirky personality began to show. Gracie was adopted in April of 2020 by a lovely lady named Sarah, and has since resided at her home. Sarah is training Gracie to drive, or pull a carriage, in which she's shown great potential.
Olivia
Olivia, a 10 hand Suffolk Punch/Akhal-Teke/Lusitano cross was rescued by Central New England Equine Rescue in 2011. She was facing her last days in auction before being sent to slaughter when CNEER swooped in and saved her. She was adopted, but eventually returned to the rescue due to complications. When Olivia returned to the rescue, Sari Pomponio began volunteering at CNEER in January of 2020. The two worked diligently, forming a strong bond that broke Olivia of her bad habits. We are happy to announce that Olivia was adopted in June 2022 by a wonderful woman. She resides on a small farm in Middleboro, Massachusetts with her new boyfriend, Nugget.
Buckley
Buckley came under the rescue's care in March of 2016. His owner deemed him dangerous and planned to put him down if we weren't able to give him a job. Wayne Mondelo met Buckley while he was at SHF. There was an instant connection between the two; when Wayne called out to Buckley in the paddock, he would pick up his head and walk right on over. Not only did Wayne help with his training, but he formed an unbreakable bond with Buckley that exists to this day. He gave Buckley a loving home through adoption. This gentle bay thoroughbred spends his days being pampered at Jean Prouty's home. ~ Co-Written by Vicky Berry and Anna Berd ~