CORNERSTONE RANCH JANUARY NEWSLETTER

MASSACHUSETTS #1 HORSE RIDING RANCH

“Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh…” 🐴 James Lord Pierpoint

Enjoying the beauty of winter at Cornerstone Ranch! Our horses are loving the crisp air and snowy landscape. There’s something magical about watching them play in the winter wonderland.

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Winter has settled in at Cornerstone Ranch, and with it comes the gift of time—time to continue to work deeply with our horses, especially the young and newly arrived ones who are building their foundation here. Some horses open up quickly; others take years of patient, consistent work before they truly trust us and respond to our gentlest cues. We never rush this process. Our philosophy has always been to create willing partners, not obedient servants—horses who choose to work with us because they’ve been treated with respect, consistency, and kindness. It’s the longer journey, yes, but the most harmonious for everyone involved.

Of course, winter also brings its share of challenges. Watering thirty horses in freezing temperatures is an exercise in persistence—every day after chores, I pull up and drain all the hoses to prevent freezing. When they freeze anyway (and they do), they come inside to thaw by the fire. During our recent cold snap, the outdoor faucets froze and burst. My solution? A hose snaked through the kitchen window. What normally takes an hour stretched into ten. It didn’t take too many days before hiring a plumber to replace the water faucets. This summer, I’m determined to upgrade our water system so next winter is a little less adventurous.

The highlight of my winter has been the horse-drawn rides with Frack and Frank, gentle Percheron giants and Boone and Falcon, our spirited half-draft pair. Hercules and Dusty, our trusted Haflinger pair and Captain, our Belgian/Haflinger/Welsh cross will be taking out guests as well this winter. Every ride brings joy as you reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new friends. Last week, I had the pleasure of a family on their seventh annual visit—and somehow, they still laugh at my jokes!

If you haven’t experienced a winter ride yet, you’re missing something special. Picture this: bundled up under blankets, the rhythmic sound of hooves on frozen ground, then returning to the warmth of our campfire as twilight settles in. The lights strung around the fire pit create an atmosphere that’s nothing short of magical. Stay for hot cocoa and toast marshmallows exactly how you like them. We offer later trail rides and horse-drawn rides Friday through Sunday, and I especially love scheduling the last ride of the day to return just as dusk falls. Come see for yourself!

Our three experienced instructors—Julia, Nikki, and I—are here to help you achieve your equestrian goals via riding lessons. From complete beginners to advanced riders refining their skills, we tailor each lesson to your level and ensure a safe, rewarding experience. Book directly through our online system and select the instructor who’s the perfect fit for you.

Warmly,

Susan Connell and all your Ranch Friends, Horses, and Humans!

STUDENT’S CORNER

Meet Nancie, Featured Riding Student at Cornerstone Ranch

Nancie riding Lenny at Cornerstone Ranch.
Learn about Nancie’s shopping experience
at Triple Crown Tack Shop, story below!

“Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole and once it has done so, he will have to accept that his life will be radically changed.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

* THE INTERVIEW *

What drew you to horseback riding, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Since I was a little girl, I always had a love for these beautiful horses God created. It started with my aunt, who owned a large ranch with Standardbreds. When visiting my aunt’s ranch, I was always drawn to these magnificent horses and mesmerized by their majesty. There was a horse named, “Tris Love”. She was over 17-hands, was as beautiful as the most perfect sunset in the sky. She reminded me of how a dog follows their master…she would follow me on the ranch! I loved her…gentle giant and sweet. Life changed at age 19, I was hit by a drunk driver in my car. This left me incapacitated for many years and no longer able to walk or ride. It took me many years to get well after surgeries. Now I am doing great and in my late 60’s, I’m ready to re-learn how to ride again with the help and guidance of Cornerstone Ranch, and their trainers.

Who is your favorite horse at Cornerstone Ranch, and why do you feel a connection with this particular horse?
There are a few favorite horses I love….

CONTINUE WITH INTERVIEW >>>

Step through the doors of Triple Crown Tack Shop at 67 West Boylston Street, and you’re welcomed into a vibrant world devoted to the equestrian life. Sunbeams catch on rows of gleaming bridles, the aroma of supple leather stirs memories of the stable, and the gentle hum of voices reflects the shared excitement of new journeys on horseback. Here, colorful riding jackets are more than apparel—they’re invitations to adventure, beckoning riders toward trails both familiar and new.

Triple Crown is more than a store; it’s a gathering place where horse lovers swap stories, seek advice, and celebrate victories big and small. The staff’s genuine passion and deep knowledge transform every visit into a tailored experience, ensuring riders of all backgrounds feel at home and empowered for whatever the next ride may bring.

For Nancie, a devoted student at Cornerstone Ranch, Triple Crown Tack Shop is both outfitter and inspiration…

THE FUN PLAYS OUT ALL YEAR!

While at the Ranch, stop by the charming Sleigh Scene and capture a magical moment! Hop in one of our authentic red sleighs with Jupiter, our beautiful horse statue, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves a festive photo op!

Healthy, Organic and Natural Horse-Adventures!

Enjoy Horse-Drawn Rides, complete with hot cocoa and s’mores by the campfire, creating a warm, memorable experience for adults and families with children🔥
Book beginner through intermediate adult all-day Riding Workshops, as well as two-day intermediate-advanced Riding Clinics, designed for riders looking to enhance their skills.
Reserve spaces in our weeklong summer Riding Camps for children ages 8-14.
PrivateTrail Rides are available for you and friends or family, offering a personalized adventure together.
Schedule Ground Lessons for quality, non-riding time with the horse.
Make new friends (horse & human) while enjoying the healthy, fresh air on either a One-Hour or Two-Hour group trail-ride.
We invite you to take advantage of our Riding Lesson 10-Pack or a Trail Ride 6-Pack savings as a frequent rider.