Steeple Ridge Receives Horse Farm of Distinction Award
by Stephanie Hackett,
January 12, 2012, page 21.....

Steeple Ridge Farm, owned by Mindy Hinsdale and located on Hinesburg Road, received one of the first ever Horse Farm of Distinction Awards from the Chittenden County Farm Bureau last fall. The other stable recognized was Missy Ann Stables, operated by Pamela Goldfield of Milton.
Steeple Ridge stables between 30 and 35 horses and hosts four to six horse shows every year. Mindy said that Steeple Ridge also opens its doors to local groups to hold events. Last year the Vermont Quarter Horse Association held a gymkhana at the farm, and the Vermont Hunter Jumper Association held its finals there.
The facilities include a 72' x 176' indoor arena that allows for lessons year around as well as horse shows rain or shine. Mindy said, “Last year Steeple Ridge provided services -- lessons, camps, coaching, et cetera -- to approximately 40 families.” She added, “Most riders at Steeple Ridge start out by taking lessons on school ponies and come once a week. If riders become serious about the sport they move on to leasing or owning a horse.”
The mission of the Vermont Farm Bureau (VtFB) “is to serve and advance Vermont agriculture.” This 93-year old grassroots organization has strived to save family farms and preserve Vermont’s rural character. For many years the dairy industry has been its primary focus, but, recently, VtFB formed an Equine Industry Committee “to promote, advance and support equine businesses and activities.” VtFB has lobbied to change the definition of farming in Act 250 to include equine operations and supports the inclusion of the equine industry into the Current Use program.
The Chittenden County Farm Bureau established its Horse Farm of Distinction Program “to recognize Vermont farmers who set high standards and achieve a level of excellence in all aspects of equine activity.” Mindy was encouraged to apply for a Horse Farm of Distinction Award in 2011, the first year given. For her application, she wrote an essay describing Steeple Ridge Farm and her history as an owner. The bureau inspected Steeple Ridge for safety, hay quality, fencing, rotation of pastures, equipment, health of the horses, appearance of the barn and much more. She also had to submit recommendations from three different individuals. Once the evaluation period ended, the bureau discussed the material collected and, Mindy said, they were very pleased with the appearance of Steeple Ridge and the way it is run and maintained.
One of the purposes of the award is to recognize that local horse farms have an impact on the preservation of local land for farming and recreation. A growing number of horse farms in Charlotte, for example, now complement the dairy and other types of farms that have traditionally kept land open and undeveloped. There are at least a dozen farms in Charlotte where horses are raised, including many that, like Steeple Ridge, board horses and provide outdoor and indoor riding facilities.
The day Mindy walked into the barn with the award, she noticed the riders’ and families’ sense of pride in Steeple Ridge. Mindy remembers the positive feedback from everyone involved, especially in the greater agricultural community. This award has made horse farm owners more aware of what they are doing in Vermont in terms of keeping the landscape open and preserving green pastures. Mindy encourages others to become members of the VtFB, which lobbies for the needs of all farmers and provides membership benefits like workers compensation and health insurance. Mindy said, “I have been a Farm Bureau member for a number of years. I firmly believe that every horse farm should be a member of the Farm Bureau, because they lobby for, in the Legislature, the needs of farmers. They actually got horse farming put in the category of agricultural business where for a long time it wasn’t.” She noted there are a lot of benefits horse farms can get when deemed agricultural.
Mindy was very excited to receive the award, knowing that many other wonderful horse farms had applied. She added, “It would be nice to get the word out to other horse farms and encourage them. You don’t have to be a Farm Bureau member to apply.” Her farm, and others that receive the award, will be reevaluated on a bi-annual basis and will automatically be reinstated if all judging criteria remain in compliance. Mindy intends to hang the plaque on the Steeple Ridge sign to promote the importance of supporting local farms in Vermont.
For more information about Steeple Ridge Farm, Mindy Hinsdale can be contacted at 922-3529.