State Representative, Denise Garlick, Visits Cutler Farm to Gain Insight on the Equestrian Industry in Massachusetts
Medfield, MA (June 20, 2013) – Donna Cameron, owner of Cutler Farm Dressage in Medfield, Massachusetts understands first hand the strong, positive impact that the equestrian industry has on her home state. For years, Cameron has focused on developing Cutler Farm Dressage into a center for equestrian excellence, and in doing so, she has realized the contribution it has made to the equestrian community in and around the Boston area. She has seen the excitement, enthusiasm and camaraderie that is prevalent throughout many of the barns and show circuits in Massachusetts, not to mention the positive economic impact the industry provides. This is why State
Representative, Denise Garlick, put Cutler Farm number one on her list of 5 barns to tour in her district in order to gain valuable insight into the horse world. Cameron was excited to welcome Garlick for a tour, and was especially proud to introduce her to resident head trainer and Pan American gold medalist and Olympic team reserve, Heather Blitz.
While planning her tour, Garlick was told by many people that Cutler Farm was by far one of the best farms in the area to visit and get a taste of what the equestrian industry is all about. “She came to Cutler because she wanted to learn more about the equine industry in her district,” Cameron explained. “And she asked what she could do to help from an advocacy perspective. I talked with her about the difficulties of operating such a labor intensive business in Massachusetts with such high payroll taxes and workers’ compensation premiums. I also spoke about the high costs of providing health care insurance to my employees,” she continued. “Finally, we discussed the necessity of preserving open space in our community and preventing further development in this beautiful rural area so close to Boston.” Cameron, who is a practicing attorney and registered healthcare lobbyist, said the visit was very productive for all participants. During the farm tour, Cameron and Heather Blitz offered to assist Representative Garlick in formulating policy for the equine industry and Garlick readily agreed to their participation in the legislative process.
After the tour and discussions, Garlick said she had gained a great deal of insight and information that she can use to best serve her constituency. She was looking for answers to how the local state government is currently helping, or hurting, the equestrian industry, and now, she is planning to continue her support of horse business and barn owners in her district. Garlick visited 4 other barns including Winters Run Farm at The Norfolk Hunt Stables, Long Grove Farm, Shining Valley Farm, and Sage Farm Riding School. She was extremely impressed with all of them, but especially with Cutler Farm, and the opportunity to meet and speak with Heather Blitz. “Heather talked about the sport of dressage and why it is an Olympic sport, what is involved in training both horse and rider, and what a huge commitment of time and energy it is,” continued Cameron. “Representative Garlick was fascinated and even asked for an autograph from Heather!” Cameron also pointed out that even though Cutler Farm boasts a trainer at the highest pinnacle of the sport, the farm is fully accessible to all serious riders, regardless of their level of expertise. Representative Garlick, who is a nurse by training, was particularly impressed to learn that Heather Blitz trains para-equestrians as well and that the farm houses two para horses right alongside the famous Paragon and Ripline.
Blitz recently made the move to Massachusetts when she accepted the position as resident head trainer at Cutler Farm. Almost immediately, she was taken in by this welcoming community and environment. She stated that she is completely dedicated to serving her new clients and building her business here. Cutler Farm Dressage is a world class dressage training facility that offers exceptional care for horses and a professional, kind atmosphere. Cameron is dedicated to providing clients a traditional yet holistic path through the dressage arts. “As a former student of ballet and a fervent Pilates devotee, I was keenly aware of the importance of developing a strong core and of understanding the physics of body movement to achieve a higher degree of harmony between horse and rider,” Cameron explains, “I wanted very much to offer this form of rider education at Cutler Farm because I believed it melds together a scientific concept with an aesthetic grace – a combination of strength and beauty – which, to my mind, is what dressage is all about.”
Cutler Farm is dedicated to providing the very highest quality facility with top notch training and instruction, with an eye to including everyone in this educational space. Cutler Farm emphasizes the mind-body connection through yoga, pilates, Feldenkreis Movement and Alexander Technique, and has now expanded to include biomechanics for horse and rider under Heather Blitz’s instruction.
Photo: From left to right, Massachusetts State Representative Denise Garlick, assistant trainer Katie Robincheaux, Donna Cameron, and Heather Blitz at Cutler Farm. (Photo courtesy of Cutler Farm)
Cutler Farm Dressage Donna Cameron 508-359-2191 info@CutlerFarmDressage.com
