Here Comes 2023!!!!!
We can't wait! While we were happy enough to have had a little break from all the stuff going on in a VERY busy 2022, the NEECA Board is already hard at work planning events and projects at NEECA for 2023. Many of our 2023 events are posted on our website now, go to https://www.neeca.org/calendar to check them out, and be sure to save the date for anything you might be interested in. Sign up will be announced as the date of each event draws closer. Please keep in mind that additional events may continue to be added to the calendar so keep checking back.
The two BIG goals that the Board of Directors identified at the start of 2022 were the addition of a Food Booth at NEECA, and the installation of a well, hoping to have both accomplished within 1-5 years. As many of you are already aware, the new Food Booth was up and running in 2022, and it has proven to be a wonderful asset to the park. We are also happy to report that thanks to a very busy schedule of well attended events, and a wildly successful Fall Social Auction, it looks like NEECA will have the funds to get the well installed in 2023! We are beyond thrilled to be achieving these two very important milestones in such a short period of time.
In addition to the installation of the well, focus will be placed on expanding NEECA's existing trail system this coming year, as well as attempting to connect to some other trail systems from the park. Our Board members are continuously looking for new opportunities to provide fun/learning events for our members, in addition to improving and adding to the infrastructure of the park itself.
We have already had over 120 members join or renew for 2023. If you would like to renew your membership, just go to https://www.neeca.org/membership
As always, thank you for your continued support of efforts to develop NEECA into the wonderful and unique facility it has become.
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE WINTER ZOOM EDUCATIONAL SERIES?
FREE FOR NEECA MEMBERS!
Great learning opportunity from the comfort of your own home. What better way to spend a chilly winter night? Starts at 7, and there will be a question & answer period at the end of each lecture.
Register to receive a ZOOM link at https://www.neeca.org/winter-lecture-series
Dr. Anna Crane, Wed., 1/18/23
Dr. Crane will discuss general chiropractic principles, in addition to speaking about the benefits of chiropractic work for your horse's general well being and performance.
Kayla Coburn, Wed., 1/25/23
Kayla will be discussing the importance of maintaining your horse's teeth properly, and how issues with the teeth can affect the horse's well-being and comfort.
Dr. Caitlin Eaton, Wed., 2/8/23
Talk will cover proper routine maintenance issues: feeding guidelines, vaccinations, deworming schedules, importance of baseline vital signs, what every horse owner should have in their barn for first aid, when to call the vet....
More detailed information on these presenters and their topics is available on NEECA's FaceBook page:
NEECA 2023 Calendars Available Now! Only $10.00
Contains beautiful pictures taken at NEECA, and NEECA events. Also has many 2023 event dates listed, in addition to NEECA Trail Map, helpful information, and NEECA History and Trivia.
Contact [email protected] to order yours today. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT NEECA'S DEVELOPMENT!
At NEECA's last Board meeting of the year the 2023 Board officers were elected. Caroline Mansfield will remain on as president for 2023, Pam DeGregorio is Vice President, Stephanie Tessier will continue in the Secretary's role, and Sue Ellen Mowcomber is the new Board Treasurer. Other returning Board members for 2023 include: Althea Bramhall, Linda LeBlanc, Terry Lupien, Margo Petracone, and Peter Whitmore.

If you'd like to get to know a little bit more about our Board members, please go to https://www.neeca.org/about-us and click on each Board members' individual name.
GYMKHANA SERIES UPDATE
FOR 2023
There will be some changes regarding NEECA's popular Gymkhana Series for 2023. This year we will be offering a 4 event series on the following dates: May 21, June 11, Aug 20, & Sept 10. Oct. 1st will be reserved for a make-up date, and/or possibly a Cash Gymkhana.

Due to the fact that Frank Whitney needed to resign from the Board and his duties at NEECA due to personal reasons, the series will be organized this year by Tina Dixson. Tina has been involved with, and coordinated gymkhana events for, the NBHA for a number of years. We are excited to have her join us!
SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT NEECA WHENEVER YOU CAN!
Interested in listing your business? Sign up and payment can conveniently be done online at neeca.org, follow link from home page.
What to know about riding at NEECA.....
  • The NEECA gates are usually closed in order to deter mischief, but they are NEVER LOCKED
  • Park is open from Dawn to Dusk every day
  • Members are welcome to ride at the park anytime
  • If you would like to use the Main Arena, cost is $5 per 90 minute session, and you need to contact [email protected] to schedule a time
  • We ask that you sign a waiver before riding at the park. You can do so online: https://www.neeca.org/liability-release-form
  • Please close the gate when you leave, as long as there is no official event taking place that day
  • Clean up around your trailer before leaving. There is a dumpster on site for trash, and please pick up all manure left in parking areas
A NEECA membership is only $25/year, and comes with all the great benefits listed below. But, more importantly, it is your introduction into a community of caring, dedicated horse owners who are committed to creating something very special and unique. Your membership fee goes towards the continued development of NEECA.
Want to join NEECA, or renew your membership?
Here's How!
Go to
About NEECA Membership Benefits.......

The following businesses and professionals support NEECA by offering special discounts to our members (current NEECA membership card most be shown to receive discounts):

Community Horse Magazine (spring/summer and fall/winter issue mailed to you)
Hardwick Farmers Co-op (3% Off All Purchases, add'l 7% off on special Members Sale Days)
 
Horseback & Body Massage ($10 off, 413-320-7690 )
 
Family Pet Vet Service ($15 off annual exam, 978-249-4626)
Déjà vu Women's Consignments (10 % off, Main Street, Athol)
Orange Tractor Supply (10% off all HORSE supplies)
Mending Fences Animal Wellness (Discount off Massage + MagnaWave Treatment for your horse. $180 value, only $155 for NEECA members, 508-864-9840 )
Premium Home Inspection LI LLC ($25 off inspection, 413-378-8202)

White Pickets Studio (10% off, Petersham, MA)

Plus NEECA members receive special rates on certain NEECA sponsored events throughout the year.
Support NEECA When You Shop!
AmazonSmile is a program that donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases on Amazon to a charity of your choice. All you need to do is start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. and choose New England Equestrian Center of Athol as your charity.
"The mission of NEECA is to preserve and protect land for equine interests while promoting good horsemanship and educating equestrians for the betterment of the horse now, and for the generations to follow."