Hobby Horse Farm will host the

Annual Rehoboth Breed Expo

Sunday, August 21, 2011

   Last year’s event drew roughly 700 people who came to see the 27 different horse breeds, ride the hay wagon and carriages, or just visit the various gift shops, craft tables and booths. It is expected that several exotic breeds will be featured including the American Cream Draft, Norwegian Fjord, and Gypsy.

  The event will be opened by Donna Spellman and Rebecca Schaeffer. Parelli professional Avery Gauthier and her talented students will be on hand, as well as Kimberly Wallace’s troupe of gaited Paso Finos.

   The expo will also feature the world-class fine artist, T. A. Charron, Lynn Sevigny who designs greeting cards, metal artisan George Martell, creator of many of the ornate lighting fixtures at Foxwoods, and Ernie Gobin, a mold-maker.

   An island will be set up for the kids including face painting, pony rides, a coloring contest, ceramic making, and making stick horses.  Kids will also have the chance to enter a pedal-driven tractor pull.

   DJ Nate Adams of Attleboro will add to the country atmosphere with his blue grass and country music.

   There will be a local farm stand, food concessions, hayrides, carriage rides, crafts, raffles, Munroe Feed & Grain, Bay State Pet & Garden, the Canine Joint, and tack tables.

   Rehoboth Emergency Management will be operating an emergency command center.  Boston Equine Veterinary Clinic and a farrier will be on site for any animal emergency.  Rehoboth Breed Expo is a non-profit organization supported by many local businesses as sponsors.

    For safety issues, no dogs will be allowed on the premises, but there will be a large contingent of canine-oriented booths with products available for purchase.

     This social group of equestrians and horse friendly individuals set a mission to aid in organizing equestrian-related or other fundraising events for worthy causes as well as providing knowledge about equine and equestrian activities. After expenses are paid and start-up expenses for next year are set aside, Rehoboth Breed Expo will donate the proceeds equally to the Rehoboth Food Pantry and Winslow Farm Animal Awareness Corp.

Rehoboth Breed Expo Makes Donations to Worthy Charities

Rehoboth Helping Hands manager Steve Martin (L) accepts a check from Donna Spellman and Ray Viau of the Rehoboth Breed Expo.

November 21, 2011 -  The local non-profit, Rehoboth Breed Expo (RBE), presented checks to two charities yesterday, Rehoboth Helping Hands and Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary in nearby Norton.

    Consisting of individuals using their love of horses to raise funds for worthy causes, the organization’s first breed expo was held in 2010.  With proceeds from that event, they were able to donate $3000 to the Rehoboth Parks Commission toward the development of Nike Park.

     This year, after event expenses, regulatory fees and seed money, they were able to donate $340 to both Helping Hands and Winslow Farm. 

     RBE’s mission is to help educate people about the various breeds of horses, the gentle and beautiful creatures that make up the equine kingdom.  To non-equestrians, the different breeds of horses and ponies may closely resemble each other, but there is an incredible range of breeds throughout the world.

    The expo held last August at Hobby Horse Farm off Bay State Road featured more than two dozen breeds, including several exotic breeds.

Debra White, founder and director of Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary in Norton (L) was the recipient of a check from the Rehoboth Breed Expo’s Donna Spellman and Ray Viau.

REHOBOTH BREED EXPO

    Officially recognized as a 501(c)3 non-profit, the RBE rovides education on the different horse breeds and the history behind their development.  The group offers activities for the whole family and allowed children free admission.  Next year’s breed expo will be held on July 29, 2012.

REHOBOTH HELPING HANDS FOOD PANTRY

    The Helping Hands Food Pantry, located on Route 44, is operated by retired Rehoboth police officer and past selectman Steve Martin. Currently the food pantry serves a steady 75 families or individuals in need on a weekly basis, although that number can go up quickly depending on the needs of local residents. If you wish to make any type of donation, please contact Steve Martin at 508-252-3263.

WINSLOW FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY

    Established in 1996, the sanctuary was founded by Debra White as a haven for rescued animals. With an annual operating budget of over $200,000, the facility is open to the public six days a week for an admission donation.  A variety of family-friendly events are held throughout the year at the sanctuary including one of New England’s most popular Renaissance festivals. The beautiful facility, located on Eddy Street in Norton, provides a peaceful atmosphere for animals and humans alike.   

Rehoboth Breed Expo Sets Date for 2012

     The Rehoboth Breed Expo has set Sunday, July 29, 2012 for this year’s Breed Expo. In 2010, a group of equestrians that joined together to raise some funds toward a local playground effort.  In the end, it did more than just raise funds. It brought the horse community together and gave the town a very enjoyable family-oriented day.

    Last year, Rehoboth Breed Expo, Inc. or RBE as it is known, became an official 501(c)(3) organization.  It will be held once again at Hobby Horse Farm, 23 Bay State Road.
    This group of equestrians and horse-friendly individuals set a  goal to aid in organizing equestrian-related or other fundraising events for worthy causes as well as providing knowledge about equine activities. Last year, after operational and regulatory expenses, they were able to donate the proceeds to the Rehoboth Food Pantry and Winslow Farm Animal Awareness Corp.

Check Out the Rehoboth Breed Expo Website