I always love to watch the satisfaction of riders when they overcome a new challenge, have that ‘aha’ moment or a ‘first’ experience. Watching from the sidelines as a parent, must be a bit overwhelming if you didn’t grow up on a horse. I know it can be alarming, even if you did. However, I find an amazing sense of calm when watching my sister teach her students, including my own children.

Recently, while doing night chores, I was lucky enough to see a young student canter for the first time. Her smile said it all. That night, her confidence grew as much as her love of horses. I could not help but watch as Lisa’s voice extended the confidence to the rider as she explained the mechanics. Lisa matched the right school horse with the rider to ensure success and continued learning.

I should assume that after 30 years of teaching, she has a tried and true method but I still remain in awe of my sister, Lisa. She supports riders in putting all the pieces together so they have the skills to recreate, to practice, and to take things to the next level. She teaches equitation and horsemanship and in expecting students to give it their best, instills a lifetime of skills that can be applied to all aspects of life.

For the rider that night, it is only the beginning. She has the bug and natural talent. She is already spending more time at the barn to help with chores. I have no doubt she will soon be very comfortable at the canter and look forward to watching another lesson.

– CDW

Whiskey, the big draft that joined us at BLF in October, has settled in very well.  He has been eating hay and grain and has been gaining weight at a good pace. He loves being around other horses and seems to be very happy. At this point, he shares turnout with the NY State rescue, that is still with us.

Thank you to the many people that have contacted us to see how they can help Whiskey.  An extra BIG THANK YOU to those of you that have brought grain and hay for Whiskey. We greatly appreciate your support to get him back to health and happiness. Whiskey’s case is interesting. Before letting his horse get even worse, the owner decided the best thing to do was to hand him over legally and have him placed with us.  His care is significant and we are very appreciative of the help we have received. Drafts are big eaters! Next up for Whiskey – he will need his feet done and be wormed.

Picking up Whiskey was a very emotional and hard time. His owner obviously loved the horse and realized that he no longer had the ability to care for him as he needed. This is a very hard decision to make and yet critical for the survival of the animal. He loaded on the trailer with little trouble and traveled well. When we got him back to BLF and he got off the trailer, he was instantly animated at the sight and smells of other horses. Although he had immediate access to food, he was more interested in making friends with those in neighboring paddocks. We should have taken video to share. It was beautiful. People tend to forget that horses are herd animals. They want to be with other horses. It was very clear that Whiskey was happy to make friends.

Throughout our many years of boarding and lessons, we have rescued a number of horses and other animals. Rescued animals come to us for a number of reasons. Most come prior to being neglected, because their owners know they will have a happy life at our farm spending time in our paddocks, not a life in a stall.

At Bonnie Lea Farm, our horses are home raised and trained by Lisa. They are known for their kind and gentle manners, talent,  healthy lifestyles and happy demeanor.  At Bonnie Lea Farm, we welcome riders of all levels and ages. Our BLF Family is made up of a mix of wonderful adults and youth. Come be a part of our family! For more information on our programs, please visit the links above.

NY State Police Press Release

Time Warner Cable News Video Link

Channel 6 News Video

We have added a new Adult Beginner Lesson starting Tuesday, September 23.

Have you always wanted to learn to ride? Do you just want to try a few lessons? Do you want to fulfill a childhood dream? Do you want to find the peace that comes with working with a horse? Whatever the reason, come join your peers on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm. Please contact  via this site or bonnieleafarm @ gmail  to reserve a spot and learn more about our lesson program.

We have many other opportunities throughout the week for lessons, no matter your level of experience. Weather permitting instructed trail riding is also available.

OPEN HOUSE AT BONNIE LEA FARM

Saturday, September 13, 2014
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

FREE  GUIDED FARM TOURS!
Meet our horses, cows, goats, chickens, & ducks.

• Sign up for fall lessons.
• Get details on our lessons, instructed trail rides, leasing, boarding and pony rides.
• Join the BLF Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Team.
• Learn about Williams and MCLA riding opportunities including the College IHSA program.
• Find out about our Adult lesson schedule.
• Take advantage of our FALL Lesson Package Special. (10 group lessons for $400)
• Meet our horses, cows, goats, chickens, ducks. Come see this year’s foals.
• Discover how you can buy grass fed beef.
• See our fall calendar.
• Don’t forget to wear your boots!

For more details about our farm, visit
BonnieLea.Com

 511 North Street, Williamstown, MA 01267
Located at Route 7 bridge, 1 mile from rotary

We have had a very busy summer!!! Summer Horse and Farm Program participants had tons of fun and we enjoyed meeting so many new kids and their families. It is always great to see our regulars, too.

We have been so busy that we are going to give the horses a vacation.  Starting August 24, the horses will be taking a break from lessons, pony and trail rides through Labor Day. Our regular lessons will start again on Tuesday, September 2.

It is important for the mental and physical health of our horses to give them a break and let them relax. You know how you feel after returning from a few days away from the norm? That is what they need. At BLF, we strongly believe that horses need time to out of the ring to just be horses.

The fall is shaping up to be full of fun as well. Keep posted for our upcoming Open House in mid September. We will be providing information and scheduling our fall lessons. Of course we will  also be introducing new comers to the farm. The Open House will also be a great time to stop in and see this year’s babies and how much they have grown.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend! See you soon.

We have  barn family members selling trailers. One is a standard 2-horse with front centered people door,  while the other is a lovely 2-horse goose-neck with tackroom/sleeping area. We can put you in touch with them if you are interested.