SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The 11th Annual Horsemen’s Social was all about the NEW; new venue, new speakers, and a new partnership with the Saratoga Horse Development Committee. At the helm of this great endeavor, was first time event planner Brieanna Hughes, the CCE Equine Program Coordinator. Hired just before last year’s Social, Brieanna was able to see just how much potential the event could have and was quick to take it in a different direction. With the help of new hire, Nicolina Foti, Assistant Program Educator and Farm to School Grant Coordinator, the new vision increased attendance by 87%!
“Over the last year in my role as program coordinator of CCE Equine I have been grateful for a community that has welcomed me, supported me and helped me stay motivated to improve and grow this program. I hope to see the success of the Horsemen’s Social reflected in future events” –Brieanna Hughes
The redesigned event was held Friday February 21st at the Saratoga Winery, officially hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Equine and the Saratoga Horse Development Committee. The venue provided the perfect place for mingling, socializing, and networking for guests of the Equine community. More than 150 equine enthusiasts gathered in the new room at the winery to enjoy a BBQ dinner, silent auction, and educational presentations from three sparkling speakers. Kim Trombly (Field Advisor for the NY Farm Bureau), Sarah Collier (New York State Horse Council Recording Secretary), and Jennifer Stevens (National Director of Development & Communications at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation) represented their organizations by explaining their missions and community outreach efforts.
Thanks in part to prizes like a Gift Basket from Triple Crown Nutrition and a Gastroscopy & Sedation package from Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, the silent auction raised over $1600 to benefit the Saratoga County 4-H Training Center on Middleline Road in Ballston Spa; the training center boasts an indoor and outdoor arena that has proved to be an asset to the local equine community.
The Saratoga Horse Development Committee is made up of professional influencers of the equestrian community in the Capital Region. The Horse Development Committee has three core objectives: 1. Identify the needs of the Saratoga County equine community; 2. Assist in developing educational opportunities for the local equine community partnered with CCE Equine, and 3. Act as advisors/resources for local equine youth organizations, such as 4-H , pony clubs and youth rodeos. The committee distributed surveys as guests arrived. Survey questions included “what are 2 struggles you face as an Equine Community member”, “what are two resources you wish you had access to”, and “if CCE Equine offered classes or programs what topics would you be interested in?” The responses have been insightful and will allow the committee a great vantage point to provide the community with the resources they’ve been looking for.
This event wouldn’t be possible without its sponsors: Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Saratoga Impressions, and Cross Timbers Ranch. With a special thanks to the major sponsor Triple Crown Nutrition, whose feeds can be found locally at the Agway in Ballston Spa and at Finish Line Feed.
“The horsemen’s social was a smashing success, I am excited to see the Saratoga Equine Community getting engaged as CCE Equine looks to grow and give more opportunities for this passionate community” – Anonymous
The next event CCE Equine is hosting is the Annual Horse Symposium, on Saturday May 16 at the Saratoga County 4-H Training Center. Speakers, trainers and demonstrators join us to provide a variety of educational experiences. Vendors should contact Brieanna Hughes, bh548@cornell.edu.
If you have any questions about the Saratoga Horse Development Committee or how to get involved with CCE Equine, please contact Brieanna Hughes: bh548@cornell.edu or (518) 885-8995. Follow our website and social media for regular event updates: www.facebook.com/cceequine/ at www.cceequine.com
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County
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