Informal Horse Show at Volo Farms

Riders of all ages and sizes were on hand at Volo Farms in Westford to compete in an informal horse show. 

"This is an informal schooling show for people that are new to horse shows or rather attend a horse show that is more low key than a national show," said Andy Levy, operations manager at Volo Farms.

According to Levy, each competitor is placed into classes and judged on three divisions.

The informal show is meant to teach new riders, whether kids or adults, about what should be done at a real show, said Levy.

At 14 years old, Shannon Day has been riding for half of her life. She said she enjoys being around the horses because it's fun. 

Day said she decided to compete for the experience because one day she would like to be a professional rider. 

Day's horse, Gunner, is one of the smaller ones in the competition. He measures 14.2 hands as Day said, or 58 inches. Gunner patiently nibbles on the grass while Day talks.  

"He's nice and likes to cuddle," Day said.

Another competitor, Margy Avery, 39, first rode 24 years ago. At 37, she decided to take it up again. Her horse Tucker is not as patient as Gunner. 

Avery shares Tucker with rider Wendy Jefferson. Tucker is about 15 years old and is blind in his right eye, he also has cotton stuck in his long, pointy ears because loud noises scare him easily. 

"But, he's got a great mind," Jefferson insists.

Not only are there a large amount of competitors at Volo Farms, but also spectators. 

Avery's mother Jody Avery is very happy her daughter decided to take up riding again. 

Avery's wife Amy Disciuloo is supportive, but admits she knows almost nothing about the sport. 

"Earlier, Jody gasped and Margy said 'they just changed the lead,' and I didn't notice anything different," Discuiloo said, laughing afterward. 

No matter their placement in the competitions most participants agreed that the most important aspect of riding is the bond a person has with the animal. 

"There's a lot of trust involved, it's mostly good communication," Avery said. 

The next official United States Equestrian Federation show is later this summer on August 7th, according to Levy.