The

NEECA News

FEBRUARY, 2025

NEECA GENERAL MEETING

Wednesday, March 19th at 7 p.m.

Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main Street, Athol, MA


We hope you will be able to join us for NEECA's traditional "kick off" event of the season. At this meeting we will preview the events that we've got lined up for the upcoming season, along with updating members on recent, and upcoming, improvements and projects at NEECA. It's also a nice opportunity to meet other NEECA members and friends.


Evening starts at 7 p.m. Be sure to pick up a ticket when you sign in so you're in the running for our Door Prize! We'll move through a Power Point presentation where each event coordinator gives a brief overview of the event(s) they're organizing, and answer any questions concerning that event. We provide drinks and light snacks and encourage everyone to stay and socialize a bit at the end of the evening. Always a fun night!

NOT TO LATE TO SIGN UP!

Join us from the comfort of your own home for a ZOOM presentation from Linda & Erik Wilking covering the topic of Walking the Cones Course for Drivers. "How do I remember where to go......and THOSE RULES!" To register to receive a link to attend this meeting, please contact Pam at pamdeg2002@yahoo.com. This is the first of a 3 part online lecture series Pam is coordinating that will cover a variety of driving topics. It's FREE for NEECA members and only $5 per presentation for non-members. Sign up today!

WALKING THE CONES COURSE

FOR DRIVERS - ZOOM Presentation

Wed., Feb. 5th at 6 pm

Linda & Erik Wilking

GYMKHANA UPDATE

WE ARE REVISING THE WAY DVISIONS/PLACING ARE DETERMINED FOR GYMKHANAS BASED ON PARTICIPATION FEEDBACK.


PLEASE READ. WE WILL BE UPDATING ONLINE HANDBOOK TO REFLECT THESE CHANGES SOON. LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER GREAT SEASON!

We have listened to your input and are making a few slight changes to the divisions/placing for this season. Competitors seemed happier with staying in one division for the whole show/season versus the ability to change in each class. We will be using the Texas Barrels as a qualifying class again this season. The process should remain streamlined to keep the show moving at a good pace.


We are also planning to add a fun class (sit-a-buck, egg & spoon, etc) at the end of the day while the booth is double checking points. We look forward to the warmer weather and seeing you in April. Don't worry if that seems too early. The April show is not pointed. It will be a fun practice day to help everyone get ready for the season. We will end with one ribbon class and also plan to have a tack sale too. Stay tuned for more details next month.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT NEECA THIS YEAR?


Well, we're GLAD you asked!! And the answer is.....A LOT!!


It seems like every year NEECA's calendar of events grows in number and variety, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated Board of Directors and members. This year we will once again be offering a multi-event driving series, our gymkhana series has expanded to 7 events, and Heron's Crest will be returning to host their 6 event jumping schooling show series. A couple of very popular events from last year will be returning as well: Poker Ride, Triathlon, Luke Reinbold Clinic, Hunter Pace and Soccer on Horseback.


However, we're always looking to expand our offerings at NEECA so there are a number of new events happening as well this year. Be sure to check out our event calendar for more information on the following fun new events happening at NEECA this year: ZOOM Winter Lecture Series on Driving, Drive/Review/Drive, Jerry Schurink Clinic, Trailer Maintenance/Safety Clinic, TWO Dressage Schooling Shows, Three Phase, and a Fall Trail Ride!!


What makes NEECA so unique is that we don't focus on one riding interest or discipline, we work hard to offer "something for everyone" every year. Some of our events are just plain fun, and others are focused on providing opportunities for horse lovers to improve their horsemanship in general.

For more details on events listed above, please go to: https://www.neeca.org/calendar


FREE Online Subscription to Community Horse Magazine w/ NEECA Membership!

We hope you will renew your membership soon so that you can take advantage of a very special perk provided by your NEECA membership. All current NEECA members receive a FREE annual online subscription to Community Horse Magazine, your source for everything equestrian in CT, MA, and RI.


Published each spring & autumn, every issue features farms, horse people, trail riding locations, and a comprehensive event calendar prepared exclusively for each state. In the directory, you'll find a range of horse products, horse related services, and local equestrian businesses.


The deadline to send our members' email addresses to Community Horse is Feb. 20th, memberships received after that date will not be able to receive the magazine. Renew today at: https://www.neeca.org/membership

Trailer Safety/Maintenance Clinic

Saturday, April 12th

Ryan Rudy from Whitehorse Trailers will be returning this year to do another Trailer Safety/Maintenance Clinic.This is quite possibly the most important clinic you may ever attend if you trailer your horse anywhere, for any reason.

Topics covered will include the importance of proper maintenance (tire pressure, brakes, tire wear, etc.), pre-trip inspections, changing a tire, emergency supplies to have on hand. Information that's SO important to know for the welfare of your horse. Registration for this clinic is open now, please go to: https://www.neeca.org/trailer-safety-clinic-info-reg

NEECA Is For More Than Horse Lovers!


Our Native Plants Trail on the Join-Up Trail was established last summer with the support of a grant from the Athol Cultural Council. 20 signs identifying native plants/trees/bushes (see photo) were placed along the trail - courtesy of original artwork by local artist Krissy Dorn. A second grant recently received this year from the Athol Cultural Council will enable us to create a Trailhead Sign this year for this very special trail/addition to NEECA.

Sign Your 2025 Waiver Today

Online waivers need to be signed every year so if you haven't signed a waiver yet for 2025, please follow link below to do so. Waivers need to be signed for anyone who plans to ride at NEECA or participate in any events held at NEECA.

ONLINE WAIVER

SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT NEECA WHENEVER YOU CAN!

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES WHO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT NEECA BY LISTING THEIR BUSINESS/SERVICE IN NEECA'S 2025 ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

https://www.neeca.org/online-business-directory-listings or click on direct links below!

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B & D Mansfield - Field and Pasture Mowing


The Farm at Millstone Oaks - Lessons


Family Pet Veterinary Services - Small Animal


Mallet Roll Off Dumpster Service


Saddlefit And Solutions - Saddle Fitting NEW!


Interested in listing your business? Sign up and payment can conveniently be done online at neeca.org, follow link from home page.

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):


Community Horse Magazine (spring/summer and fall/winter online issues)

Hardwick Farmers Co-op (3% Off All Purchases, add'l 7% off on special Members Sale Days)

 

Horseback & Body Massage ($10 off, 413-320-7690 )

 

Family Pet Vet Service ($15 off annual exam, 978-249-4626)

Déjà vu Women's Consignments (10 % off, Main Street, Athol)


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 throughout the year.

"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."

WWW.NEECA.ORG