BELFAST — SeaHorse Stables drew a steady crowd with their open farm fundraiser, which took place Sunday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their Belmont Ave. facility.

Although there were far more children than horses at the open farm day, a constant loop of pony rides meant that none had to wait too long for their chance to climb atop the powerful animals.

The event was held to help support SeaHorse Stables’ Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) program, which features riders from grades six through 12. Riders come from six area schools, including Belfast, Camden, Rockport, Mount View, New Castle, and Hampden.

Riders from the program performed a number of jumps in a course set up in the large indoor ring, where spectators watched girls of varying ages demonstrate the skills they’ve learned, including guiding their horses over jumps of varying heights and difficulty. The program marks its third anniversary this year and is one of four IEA teams in the State of Maine.

In addition to the IEA team’s afternoon performance, there were a number of activities for the many kids in attendance to busy themselves with.

While the neverending pony rides, which were $5 to $10 per loop around the property, may have been the most popular activity of the day, there were also cake walks, face painting, and temporary tattoos on hand. Darlings Ice Cream for a Cause provided cold treats to visitors, while a bake sale, barbecue, and other refreshments were also available.

The picturesque autumn day even had its own soundtrack, with the band Sugarbush providing a steady stream of music throughout the day.

When it came to a choice of entertainment for the event, SeaHorse Stables owner Amy Miller decided to go with a familiar option. Miller’s husband Dan Miller is a member of the popular area band.

The event was manned by volunteers, including Kristine Lerner, whose 15-year-old horse Derek resides on the property.

“[Horses] all have a distinct personality. They are so different, just like your dog would be,” Lerner said.

Though alike in that way, Lerner said there is something different about bonds with horses.

“It’s just something unique about being on the back of a thousand pound animal that is unique, that you can’t get with a dog… it’s pretty incredible,” she said.

SeaHorse Stables was built in 2014 and is owned by Amy Miller, who is also a therapeutic riding instructor.

The hunter/jumper facility sits on 30 grass acres and features a large indoor ring to allow for activity during inclement or colder weather months.

In addition to IEA and horse shows, SeaHorse Stables also offers lessons, training, and therapeutic riding, year round.

There is no requirement for those interested to own a horse, as there are many at the facility available for riding.

“There is the ability to lease horses here,” Lerner explained. “That’s kind of a great option if you don’t really want to own a horse, which can be labor and capital intensive. Also, if you’re a young rider and you’re going to advance it doesn’t make sense to own a horse,” she said.

To lease a horse, you must foot a portion of the horse’s board and in exchange get to “come out and the horse is basically yours,” Lerner explained.

“You can come out and ride three times a week, take lessons, feed the horse,” she said, “it’s pretty amazing.”

For more information about SeaHorse Stables, visit their website.

Additional photos

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com