September 2024 | Page 100

They ’ ve also partnered with institutions like Johnson & Wales University , the University of Rhode Island and the New England Institute of Technology to provide farm and animal access for various labs and classes .

But at the end of the day , it all comes down to love of the animals in addition to the sport .

“ We try to make sure this is a very safe place for everybody — anyone who loves horses is welcome here ,” Stoukides says . 2150 Tower Hill Rd ., Saunderstown , 267-2963 , ocean crestfarm . wixsite . com / home

McSoley Equestrian Saunderstown

For about three years , McSoley Equestrian has been the heart of Cara McSoley ’ s equestrian world . Operating out of the historic Morning Star Horse Farm owned by Nancy Pottish , McSoley has turned her lifelong passion into an inclusive business and community that caters to equestrians of all walks of life .

Morning Star , dating back to the 1850s , provides the perfect backdrop for McSoley Equestrian . Spanning almost sixty acres of picturesque landscapes , the farm ’ s rich history matches its vibrant present .

“ I ’ ve been managing farms around Rhode Island for the last ten years and moving to Morning Star was my first opportunity to do my own thing ,” says McSoley , who is originally from Vermont and rode on the equestrian team at Roger Williams University . “ I got into the horse world here and couldn ’ t get enough — I still can ’ t .”

McSoley Equestrian hosts summer programs like horsemanship camps , pony camps and birthday parties . McSoley hopes to offer corporate retreats in the future , to help employees work on leadership and team building .

“ The horses make great teachers ,” she says .

She also welcomes children aspiring to perfect their equestrian skills as well as adults who finally have the time to practice horseback riding .

“ If you ’ re interested in riding a horse or even how to control them on the ground , the first start to your horse journey is the love of the animal ,” says McSoley . “ I think

that ’ s what Morning Star and McSoley Equestrian are really good at — catering a horse journey to whatever you want , and that ’ s the basis of everything , just loving the horse .”

“ It ’ s a great community ; the people around here are really nice ,” says Pottish . “ They don ’ t have to be expert riders . [ McSoley ] is a really nice person and knows how to make you feel at home .”

Growing up , McSoley ’ s family vacationed in Saunderstown some summers . One summer before participating in a horse show , she practiced at Morning Star ( previously called Tower Hill Farm ) with her two horses . One of them , Goose , pulled a shoe during practice , and farrier Corey St . Peter came out to repair it . St . Peter is now the farm ’ s farrier .

Talk about full circle : From bringing her two horses to the area at sixteen years old for a show , to now running McSoley Equestrian on the same grounds , McSoley has a deep connection to the land and its purpose , which is to start or expand guests ’ horse journey . Goose has been in her horse family for decades and remains a special symbol of the journey , inspiring the horseshoe logo that

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