Celebrating Agriculture has been an annual event each fall in northeastern Connecticut since 2001. The State’s Quiet Corner has a rich agricultural history, and horses have been an integral part, going back to when the horse was the only means of transportation.

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Pomfret Horse & Trail Association is committed to preserving the area’s rural heritage, and they demonstrated that by participating in this year’s event, held at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds on September 20.

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“This is the first time we have been involved with a large public event,” said Margie Huoppi, a Pomfret resident and treasurer of the organization.

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Three years ago PHTA created a strategic plan to set goals for the future that would strengthen the organization and help to fulfill its mission. Among the goals were outreach to the community and educating the public about horses.

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“The idea for Celebrating Agriculture came from Jenn Reilly, our vice president, who had attended in the past and felt this was a great opportunity to do outreach and public education,” said Huoppi.

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A small group of members brainstormed how to introduce PHTA to the community, provide information about horses, and create interactive activities for children.

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“We had a large area next to the riding ring to set up the exhibits and activities,” said member Lisette Rimer. “Two of our members’ horses were there, as well as a variety of saddles, bridles, and other tack. We had educational handouts about horse anatomy, colors, and behaviors, and the difference between English and Western tack. There were saddles to sit on, “cow” roping, a horse trivia wheel, and pages of horses to color. A fluffy toy horse was raffled off, and children were given little horse figures and finger puppets.

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According to Reilly, the response was fabulous. “So many people stopped by to see Chance and Cody, the horses, and ask questions about PHTA and where they could take riding lessons,” she explained. “The kids had lots of fun trying to rope the cow head and answer the trivia questions.”

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Huoppi said people of all ages stopped by to chat. “Many of the older folks told me they had grown up with horses, and I could sense a nostalgia in their voices,” she added. “I believe that horses will continue to be an important part of the agricultural fabric that plays such an important role in our community here in the Quiet Corner.”