The Barre Riding & Driving Club (BRDC) is one of the oldest clubs in existence, established the same year as the hurricane of September 1938. It started as part of the Old Home Day Entertainment, holding it's first horse frolics only a few days prior to the damaging hurricane. The competition consisted of six events for horses and ponies, all owned by local citizens. The proceeds from the event were donated to the American Red Cross in order to help out following the storm. From 1942 through 1945 mounted patrols were organized under the leadership of Herbert Rice, Jennie Blaisdell, and Captain E. B. Stone. The patrol cut and maintained trails in addition to assisting police and fire patrols in search and rescue efforts.
Over the sixty plus years the club has been in existence, it has been involved in a multitude of activities. Examples of such activities are as follows:
The Galloping Hooves 4-H Horse Club, started in 1955, formed by Jennie Blaisdell. Another such activity that the club has been a part of, was the competitive 35 mile trail ride, which began ten years later, in 1965. Today, we are involved in offering a Horse Show Series. In addition, we also offer Spring and Fall Trail Rides, and recently a Gymkhana Series. All of the proceeds from the BR&D Scholarship Show are used to award Scholarships, and are available to members or for anyone living in the Quabbin Regional School District that are continuing their education.
Central New England Equine Rescue, Inc. (CNEER) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, all-volunteer rescue organization for abandoned, neglected, and abused horses. We are located in beautiful Central Massachusetts and have a wonderful group of volunteers, all holding the same goal in mind:
To rescue and rehabilitate horses in need.
Everyone involved at CNEER makes sure that every horse we rescue is treated with the best possible care. We are committed to their rehabilitation to make them healthy and restore their spirit. While we cannot do everything for all horses, we have learned we can do something to make a difference! One horse at a time, we fight the good fight to restore faith to these magnificent creatures who have often been put through great suffering in their lifetimes, tending sore muscles and injuries, re-establishing trust, and feeding those who have been starved for food and most of all for love and kindness.
Learn more about each organization by following the links below to their website!