Category: Updates

  • 45 day quarantine for Blue Rider Herd

    45 day quarantine for Blue Rider Herd

    On Saturday, October 11th, we had an incident with a skunk coming onto Blue Rider property during business hours. One horse was bitten, but no humans.

    We called the police and vet immediately. We were able to get the skunk sent off for testing on Tuesday, and received word on Thursday that the skunk was positive for rabies. All of our equines have received yearly rabies vaccinations since they arrived here, and all have received a booster since Saturday. The horse who was bitten is and has been in quarantine.

    We have been reassured by the state, the town health department, our vets, and the local ER, that unless you yourself were bitten by the skunk, you are not in danger. 

    As of Friday, October 17th, we are under a state-mandated 45 day quarantine, with no lessons and no contact with our horses from the public. All of our horses and donkeys are vaccinated as the state mandates, and we had eyes on the horses at all times once the skunk showed up. Our first priority is the safety of the riders and staff and the health of the animals. We are expecting the best possible outcome and appreciate your understanding and support.

    GoFundMe Campaign to Support Blue Rider Stables Through a Time of Crisis

  • Workshop Series – Consent & Boundaries

    Workshop Series – Consent & Boundaries

    Join us for our series of workshops on Consent and Boundaries

    How do we find consent with our horses- how can we get our horses to answer yes?

    This workshop looks at communicating with horses through body language and intent, and how the same body language and intent can carry into your daily life. 

    We will discuss the idea and definition of consent, mainly in the context of horses, but applicable to all walks of life. Gain a better understanding of how to set boundaries, and why clear boundaries are beneficial to everyone involved.

    $250 per person

    10:00 to 2:00, light lunch provided.

    There may be the opportunity to ride, but riding experience is not necessary.

    Email info@bluerider.org for more information, or to sign up.

    Workshop dates:

    May 4
    June 29

    July 13
    August 10
    September 14

  • Thanks for a Magical Benefit

    Thanks for a Magical Benefit

    June 14th was a day that was filled with many significant things – and our Blue Rider Benefit was one of them. Cloudy and cool weather threatened our plans again, but gave way to a magical afternoon and evening. The atmosphere was beyond what we could have hoped for. Being able to include the horses in the festivities was the way it should be – they are the true stars.The bugs didn’t dare come and change the mood. Seeing so many faces here all for the same cause – to help uplift our work – makes our hearts overflow with gratitude. Our clients are often our heroes and we are so grateful to be able to continue our mission through the support we get.

    Special thanks to our underwriters: Bilmar Veterinary Services, DeadRiver Company, John Field TreeService Inc., and Guido’s Fresh Marketplace. Also many thanks to our donors: Taft Farms, Wards Nursery, Domaneys Liquors and FineWines, Extra Special Teas, Egremont Fire Department, Red Rock Volunteer Fire Company, and David James Catering.

    Many people gave hours of volunteer time to make this happen. Our MC Tom Gage and our musicians, The Wanda Houston Band, rounded out our fabulous evening, along with a great line-dancing interlude. Every person that was there brought their own special energy to make this event magic. Thanks!!

  • Scavenger Hunt – April 19th

    Scavenger Hunt – April 19th

    Saturday, April 19th
    1:00pm – 4:00pm