BETHLEHEM — Many hooves were heard thundering over the finish line recently at the Bethlehem Land Trust’s Hunter Pace.

March Farms was the starting point as early cloudy skies blew through for perfect pace weather. Several local barns again took home grand prizes of Crystal trophies, custom belt buckles and enormous champion ribbons.

Spectator attendance tripled this year, including residents as well as many traveling from out of state. A custom jump course was added this year along with an Apple Basket hidden in Land Trust property. 

All four divisions were represented with the Western Division as the biggest ever. Frazier Farm of Woodbury (Corrine Gagnon, trainer) and Christine Breitkwitz cleaned up in first place with custom belt buckles and grand championship ribbons. Rolling M Ranch was in quick pursuit of fourth place, including Joseph McAllister along with State Representative Jason Bausbum and Renae Horn of Southbury.

Junior division first place winners were Team #41 Eliza Dayton and Meghan Evans. Bailey Destantis Team (Evans Performance Horses) grabbed second place along with teammate Jill Brandon all of Bethlehem. Junior winners were given custom belt buckles also with crystal bowls and champion ribbons. Missy Santos and Heather Crabtree Teams of Woodbury galloped in winning well-earned ribbons along with their gold helmets.

Hunt Division again was large and competitive with Beatrice Gifford and Madison Melino grabbing the first-place ribbon grand champion Neal J. Miller custom ribbons and Irish Waterford Crystal bowls.

Pleasure Division was won by Phylicia and Stephanie Tripodi receiving the Grands and Crystal vases.

Another Farm of Woodbury was also up in numbers with Robin Keikel and her elegant mare Bell winning the coveted Oldest Rider Award. A custom ribbon with a crystal vase is her remembrance of the 2025 pace.

Celeste Hockman winning the Tiffany Glass Apple Most Prolific Rider Award for her courage and patience. Her mount was Cosmo, a well-loved pony at Another Farm of Woodbury (Sue Peterson, trainer).

Chestnut Grove Equestrian Center Team won the Ben March Red Apple Award donated by Thomaston Saving Bank of Bethlehem,  along with Weather-Tite of Bethlehem donating custom ribbons and pewter dishes.

The Bethlehem Land Trust Hunter Pace is part of the sanctioned ABT Trail series and the largest to-date. The pace is held in memory of Neal J. Miller, a farrier that passed of cancer, and Ben March who passed in an accident, both raised in Bethlehem.

Nonnewaug Vocational Agriculture students volunteered tirelessly as well as the Bethlehem Land Trust Board and representatives of the Litchfield Hills Church.

Next years Pace is slated for November 8, 2026. Check the Bethlehem Land Trust FB Page for updates. For more information, email eileenflynn789@gmail.com.