Fork takes new direction

By Matt Irvin, Staff Writer

Sunday, January 14, 2007 January 15, 2007 08:45 am

— Changes at The Fork Farm near Norwood will emphasize training as a successful breeding program is slowing down.
The farm is taking a new direction as the Irish Draught horse breeding program is winding up as foals are being raised. The farm is evolving into an equine teaching-training and competition center.
Rebecca Howard, 27, a Canadian native, has been brought on as the equestrian director. She started her duties Dec. 1.
“The scope of the farm is evolving to more of a riding and training center instead of breeding,” she said.
Howard will be in charge of training horses for the farm and outside clients. In addition, she will be giving lessons and building up a student base for the stable.
“It is going to be a good place to build a good base of clients,” Howard said. “And I’ll also will be doing some training myself.
“We’ll be becoming more active day-to-day on the equestrian side. There will be a whole new intensity.”
The farm has not had a trainer on staff before and Howard will be in charge of building up clientele. With the new lodge on the farm, Howard said she hopes to have more clinics and camps at The Fork.
Howard is originally from Salmon Arm, B.C., Canada. More recently she has lived in Virginia and Florida, working and training with Olympic equestrian medal winners Karen and David Connor.
With The Fork Stable horse trials coming up, Howard will be competing in the World Cup.
“I am not sure what my role at the trials will be,” she said. “I will be helping in an unofficial status and doing some coaching.”
Along with her duties at the farm, Howard will still be participating on a team level in the Olympics, Pan American and World Cup competitions.
Matt Irvin can be contacted at snaponline26@ yahoo.com

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