KENT — Local and first-time competitors are expected at the Kent Horse Trials Sunday, May 15, at the Kent School riding facility at the top of Skiff Mountain.The trials offer competitions for beginner novice, novice and training riders in three disciplines: dressage, show jumping and cross-country jumping. The Kent Horse Trials features the lowest three levels in eventing.This year’s schedule at Kent is a departure from tradition. The combined test, which has been held in April, was removed from the schedule. The horse trials normally held in August have been moved to May. Kent will still hold its fall horse trials in October. A combination of iffy weather and low entries contributed to the demise of the combined test. “People are really watching where they spend their money and they want to get the most bang for the buck, so they’re going to a full event over a combined test,” said Erin Keehan, show secretary. Though 114 teams have already entered Sunday’s event, entries are still being accepted.Interested competitors may contact Keehan at 518-428-4386. Riga combined testRiga Meadow Equestrian Center will hold a combined test at its facility at 339 Undermountain Road in Salisbury on Saturday, May 21. A combined test is often considered a warm-up to a horse trials as it has two of the three components. Horse and rider teams will compete in dressage and show-jumping. At Riga, riders can chose from four levels of competition: beginner novice, novice, training and prelim. As with many sporting events, the activity is geared as much toward spectators as competitors. Prelim level can be the most exciting to watch because of the expertise on display. However, the lowest levels sometimes provide unintended excitement as beginner horses and riders face obstacles in an unfamiliar setting.Riga Meadow will hold its horse trials Sunday, July 17. Both the Kent trials and Riga Meadow’s combined test are sanctioned by the United States Eventing Association and fall within Area One. For more information about other horse trials, combined tests and schooling shows in the area, go to www.area1usea.org.For more information on Riga Meadow’s upcoming events, go to www.riga meadow.com.
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Marsala is eager to go home with you.
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
The Little Guild is an animal shelter at 285 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike in West Cornwall. Founded in 1957, the organization rescues animals from local surrenders and under-resourced shelters. When a rescue animal arrives at The Little Guild, staff begins a careful intake and transition process to ensure the animal is safe, healthy and ready for adoption.
New arrivals are quarantined in-house. Vaccinations are verified as up to date, and staff assesses each animal’s medical, behavioral and placement needs. Rescues receive medical care, daily support and behavioral training to ease shelter stress. Once a dog has finished quarantine and is ready for a home, its profile is published at littleguild.org.
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Prospective adopters fill out an online application with information about their household and veterinary and personal references.
The next step is for the prospective adopter and family members to meet the dog. If there is already a dog in the household, a meet-and-greet is scheduled so the dogs can get acquainted.
The animal care staff offers guidance based on its knowledge of each animal’s personality, needs and quirks to help families find the best fit.
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Once a match is made, the adoption contract outlines aftercare. Adopters agree to return the animal to The Little Guild if the adoption doesn’t work out. The organization’s commitment continues after adoption, with six months of free training and follow-up from staff to answer questions or address concerns.
“Please don’t pass Marsala by,” Lemelin said. “He loves people and other dogs. He’s a lap dog who lives for snuggles, cuddles and face kisses. Marsala deserves a family, a soft bed and a lifetime of being chosen.”
To find out about Marsala and other rescue dogs and cats, visit littleguild.org
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