Contributed by Megan Piermarini
As some of you have probably noticed, there are a few unfamiliar faces in the Windrush herd. Although they are very different from each other, they have one thing in common: they have bumped up the average height of the Windrush Farm herd. Standing at a staggering 16 and 16.1 hands tall, these gentle giants certainly stand out amongst our crowd of ponies.
Larka, also known as Laura LaCroix, is an 11-year-old Selle Francais/Thoroughbred cross who has been recognized around the farm due to her tall stature. She is one of the tallest horses at Windrush standing 16.1 hands tall! Her mom was a stakes-winning thoroughbred mare on the race track and her dad was a well-known show jumper. With all this fancy breeding, how did she end up here, you say? Our executive director, Mandy Hogan, purchased Larka as a yearling from her cousin in New Jersey. Since 2002 she has been training with Kim France and is schooled up to third level dressage! Coming back to Windrush after 10 years, Mandy hopes Larka will be a useful tool in our program with her sturdy body, great training, and smooth gaits. Larka can be seen around the farm hanging out with her friends Wanda, Emma, and Nafana.
Wynthrop is the second new addition. He is a 7-year-old, 16-hand, Hanoverian/Thoroughbred cross. Wynthrop was born on Groton House weekend and is owned by Anne Eldrige. He comes to us as a lease to Coleen Shaughnessy, the previous owner of Killian Red. Wynthrop has evented through the Preliminary level and will continue to do so this summer with Coleen. Their goal is to make the young riders team, which is no easy task!
Some of Wynthrop’s favorite treats are carrots, bananas, and gummy turtles. Who knew horses liked gummy turtles!? This fits right in with Wynthrop’s silly, playful personality! Wynthrop can be seen around the farm playing mouth games with his friend Nick or sporting his ever-so fashionable turtlenecked blankets in a variety of colors!
As we say hello to new herd members, we say sadly goodbye to an older member. Our very own Hannah Montana, Killian Red, has left Windrush Farm for his new home in New York. He was sold to a family with three daughters, who have a mother who also loves to ride! A 12-year-old girl named Anya will be his primary owner, but her mother has also been doing some riding. Anya hopes to eventually be able to compete at the Beginner Novice level with Killian, but for n
ow, she will spend some time getting to know him, trail riding, and taking LOTS of pictures! Having seen some of the pictures myself, it looks like Killian is as happy as he can be! Believe it or not, there was already green grass at his new home (which he wasted no time eating of course!). It is sad to see him go, but it makes us all happy knowing he has a family
that loves him. I know that Killian will teach his new family just as much as he has the riders at Windrush! (I’m sure if there is an internet connection in his new barn, Killian will create a Facebook page in no time to keep in touch…yes, he’s that smart!)
Good luck Anya and Killian!
I had a wonderful time riding Killian during my earlier riding lessons with Pam. He was a beautiful, responsive horse that helped me overcome some old fears. I know that he is happy in NY now, but it’s also a little sad to know he has left the Windrush herd. Happy days Anya and Killian !