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HOLY SMOKES, WE'RE BUSY!!!!
Sheesh, we've been so busy the past month or so that we didn't even have time to get our June newsletter out on time! But hey, that's a GOOD problem to have. As usual, we hit the ground running this year and have already hosted, or been part of, a number of wonderful events at NEECA. And what a variety of events they have been, including: two gymkhanas, a poker ride, a couple of driving events, a working equitation clinic, a dressage schooling show, and a two day clinic with Luke Reinbold. (Special shoutout to Robin Hinton from Windswept Farm in Petersham for allowing us to use her indoor arena for the second day of Luke's clinic because of a VERY rainy day. Robin has been a huge supporter of NEECA right from the early days, and we appreciate her generosity very much!)
| | As if that wasn't enough, there were plenty of OTHER things going on at NEECA as well. Heron's Crest held the first of their schooling jumping show series at NEECA, the local Athol YMCA used our trail system for one of their trail races, and Lori Wentworth organized this year's Randi's Tournament of Champions, in memory of her beautiful daughter, up at NEECA. We are very happy to see NEECA being enjoyed by so many people. | | HOLD ON THOUGH.....WE'RE NOT NEARLY DONE YET!!! | | |
The FIRST show of this three event series happening at NEECA will be taking place this Sunday, June 21st. Should be a FUN event and spectators are welcome!!
Ranch riding is a Western equestrian discipline that evaluates a horse's versatility, attitude, and movement as if it were performing everyday tasks on a working ranch. The class emphasizes forward-moving, free-flowing gaits and practicality, requiring the horse to be responsive, smooth, and natural.
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The Franklin County 4-H Show will be coming to NEECA on Saturday, June 27th. This is the first time this event will be held at NEECA and we are so pleased to be chosen for their venue.
Even if you can't participate in this show, it's a lot of fun to watch and we encourage spectators to come up and enjoy the show.
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The third gymkhana of our Buckle Series will be taking place on Sunday, June 28th. But we've got very exciting news!
We have added a Cash Gymkhana, organized by Melissa Hippler, that will be happening on Sunday, July 19th. We should have a page up on our website within the next day or two with more details concerning the Cash Gymkhana.
We hope you can make both!!
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Home Schoolers Investigate NEECA’s Vernal Pond
It was an enthusiastic group of home schoolers who studied NEECA’s vernal pond this past May and explored the forest along the Native Plant Trail.
The field trip was led by aquatic biologist Cathy Czal and educator Bonnie Benjamin. They discovered an amazing number of vernal pond organisms, from fairy shrimp to masses of frog and salamander eggs to the nymphs of dragonflies and caddisflies to turtles, tadpoles and newts.
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Rock Tossin'
We know it's hard for a horse person NOT to pick up a rock and throw it out of the ring when they see one, and we sure appreciate the help. But....if you do have the urge to move some rocks at NEECA, could you make sure you throw them into the woods and not on the grass next to the rings, or the grandstand. It makes it a lot harder to mow those areas when we have to keep getting off the tractor to move rocks that were thrown there. Don't stop tossin', just toss a little further! ;)
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Who Doesn't Love A Parade???
Would you like to join NEECA and be part of this year's Fourth of July Parade in Petersham? If you do, please contact Margo at westwindfm@aol.com for more information. You are welcome to ride or walk as part of our group.
Please note that your horse must be comfortable with a lot of activity and noise in order to be suitable to participate in this event.
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NEECA's Calendar of Events for 2026 Is Available Now!
We've already added some more events to our 2026 Calendar over the past month, plus there's been a few date changes. Be sure to check out the updated calendar at: https://www.neeca.org/calendar
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As riding season has kicked into full swing this year we are thrilled to see so many riders enjoying NEECA on a daily basis. However, we wanted to remind everyone that, while all are welcome to enjoy our beautiful trail system, you must be a CURRENT* 2026 NEECA member to use any of the amenities up there, including: the warm up arena, main arena, round pen, driving arena, and Confidence Course.
If you haven't renewed your membership yet for 2026, just follow this link: https://www.neeca.org/membership
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New to NEECA? Follow link below for answers to some commonly asked questions about your NEECA membership, and use of the park.
https://www.neeca.org/faqs
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HOW CAN YOU HELP NEECA GROW?
In 2025 NEECA has been the grateful recipient of nearly $6000 in donations from supporters. All of this money is used to help NEECA grow and improve. These recent donations made the purchase of the jumps mentioned above possible this year.
If you would like to show your support of NEECA, we have added a donation button to the home page of our website, www.neeca.org, where you can make a one-time or recurring donation to NEECA in the amount of your choosing. As always, we are so very appreciative of all the support shown to NEECA from our very generous supporters!
NEECA is a 501(c)3 so your donations may be tax deductible.
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About NEECA Membership Benefits.......
The following businesses and professionals support NEECA by offering special discounts to our members (current NEECA membership card most be shown to receive discounts):
C & J's Custom Creations (10% off first order, and/or waive $35 set-up fee for sweatshirts)
Community Horse Magazine (FREE spring/summer and fall/winter online issues)
Hardwick Farmers Co-op (3% Off All Purchases)
Horseback & Body Massage ($10 off, 413-320-7690 )
Family Pet Vet Service ($15 off annual exam, 978-249-4626)
Mending Fences Animal Wellness (Discount off Massage + MagnaWave Treatment for your horse. $180 value, only $155 for NEECA members, 508-864-9840 )
White Pickets Studio (10% off, Petersham, MA)
Plus NEECA members receive special rates on certain NEECA sponsored events.
| | "The mission of NEECA is to preserve and protect land for equine interests while promoting good horsemanship and educating equestrians for the betterment of the horse now, and for the generations to follow." | | | | | |
