We would like to sign vendors early this year for our Fall Festival-October 12 2024.
We would like to sign vendors early this year for our Fall Festival-October 12 2024.
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. Bear with me, as this page will be a work-in-progress until the end of the summer!
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!
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.
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.
Thank you to the CNEER volunteers that manned the ribbon booth! Your efforts didn't go unnoticed; between sorting the placings and running the ribbons back and forth between rings, we appreciate your hard work!
A big thanks to the CNEER volunteers that ran the food booth! You all worked very hard to deliver good food and cold drinks to the riders, trainers, and spectators at the show. Your positive attitudes helped to combat the oppressive heat. We appreciate your diligence!
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 two were sent to a foster home until a stall opened up at the rescue, in which Aladida was welcomed with open arms. 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. She adopted a calmer demeanor and was less reliant on the presence of her former rescue friend, Fortana.
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. On behalf of Aladida and the rescue staff, we thank you!
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.
After several weeks of treatment and recuperation, she joined the CNEER family at the rescue. In no time at all, her quirky personality began to show. Gracie was quick to make the volunteers laugh with her shenanigans. She would dive into fresh shavings for a nice roll, much like kids jump into a pile of leaves in the Fall. During stall cleaning, she would position herself between the handles of a wheelbarrow and take a seat! Although she came from a horrible situation, Gracie wasn’t afraid of people and proved to be a quick learner. As she spent more time at the rescue, she earned the name “Amazing Grace” in tribute to her marvelous recovery.
Gracie was adopted in April of 2020 by a lovely lady named Sarah, and has since resided at her home. They recently moved to a new property in Sturbridge, with a beautiful barn and spacious, grassy paddocks. Sarah is training Gracie to drive, or pull a carriage, in which she’s shown great potential. What she lacks in size, Gracie makes up for it with her big attitude! During the check-in, she pawed on the cross ties, demanding attention and treats. Even after four years, this spunky mare’s personality hasn’t dulled.
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, along with a black pony named Ebony. The two quarantined at Helen George’s home, where they received much needed shots, dental work, and loving TLC. Helen recounts that Olivia was the “sweetest girl,” always following Ebony around.
She was adopted, but eventually returned to the rescue due to complications. During Olivia’s stay at her adoption home, her temperament seemed to worsen. When she arrived back at the rescue in 2020, Olivia would voluntarily double barrel kick at anyone who came close. She lacked ground manners, couldn’t be caught in the field, and had a nasty temperament. Olivia knew she could get away with anything, as long as she was in charge.
When Olivia returned to the rescue, Sari Pomponio also began volunteering at CNEER in January of 2020. Since Olivia came back, Sari started spending time with the feisty pony. The two worked diligently, forming a strong bond that broke Olivia of her bad habits and established obedience. Although her demeanor has changed tremendously, Olivia still possesses the strong-willed and opinionated characteristics that makes her especially unique. We owe Olivia’s transformation to Sari!
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. During a recent check-in, it seems that Olivia is settling in well with her new family. Most days she grazes the fenceline of her paddock alongside Nugget, while others she is groomed by adoring children or lunged in the ring.
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. We knew Buckley from the year before, as he was being leased by Stoney Hill Farm to see if he would fit into their riding program. It did not work out, and he was returned to his owner.
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. When Wayne rode, Buckley took care of him and never pulled any funny business. Wayne was also volunteering at the rescue at the time we received the call from Buckley's owner. Remembering his bond with Buckley, Wayne said he would help us in any way he could if CNEER were to take Buckley.
The rescue wanted him to have any chance he could at a good life, so we took him in and the rest is history! 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. Buckley is brushed often, fed well, and given lots of treats and love. Every so often, Wayne will take him on a trail ride, and Buckley still takes care of him just as he had several years before.
~ Co-Written by Vicky Berry and Anna Berd ~
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