YORK – A wide open horse pasture was the site of the second grass fire in the Town of York this week. According to first reponders on scene, the fire started at about 5 p.m. in a low spot in the field on Genesee Street. Firefighters quickly put out the fire on the ground as high winds whipped up heavy smoke. The horses in the pasture calmly grazed about 300 yards from the fire. No people or horses were hurt in the fire. The fire was … [Read more...]
Valley Horses: Spring Trash Patrol – Annual Informal Survey of the Slovenly
I have a long-established tradition instilled in me by my horse mother in the early 60s of going along the roadside in the early spring, before things start to grow, to collect any trash or litter that might be hazardous to horses when they become obscured by weeds or grasses. This means not only on the shoulder of the road, but farther in where they might be tossed or jettisoned from a passing vehicle, truck, or whatever. Over the years, I … [Read more...]
Riders Up for the 122nd Annual Genesee Valley Hunt Races
GENESEO — The 122nd Genesee Valley Hunt Races will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The deeply historical day of festivities features pony racing, stock horse sprinting, pace racing, flat racing, and the harrowing 3.5 mile race over timber jumps for the Genesee Valley Hunt Cup. It's not just the horse races that draw thousands from across Western New York, it's the stick horse races, dog events, tailgate … [Read more...]
Giddy-up! Mounted Patrol Hosts Training for WNY Law Enforcement
CALEDONIA – Mounted Patrol Units from six Western New York police departments congregated at the Caledonia Fairgrounds Wednesday morning for their annual Spring Tune-Up, a free chance for horses and riders to build on one another's abilities as well as a chance to enjoy day in the riding arena with dear friends. The Livingston County Sheriff's Office, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Rochester Police Department, Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, … [Read more...]
Bean Hill Farm Plows Forward with Horsepower
GROVELAND — A pair of lovely Percheron horses are teaming up with farmers at Bean Hill Farm. The three farmers at Bean Hill have a lot of ideas when it comes to making their operation more efficient, more cost effective, and more ecologically sustainable. Bean Hill Farm, which according to the farmers was originally called Squash Blossom Farm, is locally renowned for vegetables that they grow for a number of different restaurants and farmers … [Read more...]