THIS YEAR marks a decade of unwavering commitment to horse-centric connection and transformation at Berkshire HorseWorks , a therapeutic horse ranch in Richmond that offers respite , retreat , and rollicking fun . Founded by the passionate and multi-talented Hayley Sumner , the Richmond ranch has evolved and expanded to include programs of different modalities built around the healing power of horses .
Horse-Tale Beginnings
B y T a y l o r S t a u b a c h // P h o t o s B y L e e E v e r e t t
MORE THAN A WHIM
TEN YEARS OF PURPOSE AT BERKSHIRE HORSEWORKS
THIS YEAR marks a decade of unwavering commitment to horse-centric connection and transformation at Berkshire HorseWorks , a therapeutic horse ranch in Richmond that offers respite , retreat , and rollicking fun . Founded by the passionate and multi-talented Hayley Sumner , the Richmond ranch has evolved and expanded to include programs of different modalities built around the healing power of horses .
Horse-Tale Beginnings
Volunteers are an important part of Berkshire HorseWorks .
Hayley ’ s brushings with horses began at a young age , during summers spent at Lake Farm Camp in Orleans , Cape Cod . “ My parents sent me there from when I was six to eleven ,” recalls Hayley . “ Every week , we had to pick a new animal duty before we could swim or play a sport .”
These early experiences left a deep impression on her , sparking dreams that she would become reality later in life . By the age of 10 , she had written a business plan for a working ranch that would serve at-risk kids — a vision that stayed with her , even as her life took a different path .
60 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday Fall 20242023