14th Annual Friends of Connetquot Fun Trail Ride - 2011

(Note: Click any of the images below to view larger versions.)

What a wonderful day to ride and visit friends that we may have not seen all winter. Over 100 riders and guests came to Connetquot on a beautiful Sunday May Day. The parking area was full of trailers and many rode from their homes near the preserve. Thanks to you all we raised around $4,800 to support the park preserve.

Thanks to all the great folks who make our ride a success. Our sponsors give generously to support our needs. The Smithtown Hunt, Nassau-Suffolk Horsemens Association, East Islip Lumber, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Deans, Islip Horsemens Association, East End Horse and Livestock Association, Country Farms Equestrian Events Arena, Dawn Electric, David Harned, Aimee and Randy Schmitt, Doug and Jean Kruger, Bob and Edith Wilson, William McGlenn, Paumanok Driving Club, John Fasulo, Christopher Pratt Landscaping, Aliano Realty, Chris and Gigi Simonetti - Prudential - Douglas Elliman Realty, Bohemia Medical Center – Connetquot Chiropractic, Acme Auto Radiator and Repair, Greenrose Farm, Mike and Alana Verderosa, and Farm Family Insurance - Vincent Daly Agency.

The great food comes from some equally great friends and businesses: The famous bisque from The Snapper Inn, Terrace Garden Deli, Terrace Bagels and Bakery, Dunkin' Donuts - East Islip & Oakdale, Quizno's - East Islip, East Islip Bagels, A & S Pork Store - East Islip, C & L Café - Islip Terrace, Locust Ave. Deli - Bohemia, Handy Pantry - Bohemia, Stanley's Bakery - East Islip, Audrey's Bakery and Rita's Marvelous Magical Oven.

Super clubs and websites help us spread the word: Horse Directory, L.I. Equine.com, Long Island Horse Properties, Nassau-Suffolk Horsemens Association, East End Horse and Livestock Association, New York Natural Equestrians, Islip Horsemens Association, Talkin' Horses, Randy and Aimee Schmitt, Rita and Jerry Trapani and Friends of Connetquot.org.

Raffles galore: Every year our supporters seem to get more creative, and Rita makes it all come together in beautiful baskets. Thanks to Dream Come True Farm, Stiches and Screens, Good Shepherd Farm, Mars Auto Supply, Tony and Alison Simonetti, Go West Apparel, Stony Hill Riding Center, W E S Trailer Sales, Saddle Rock Ranch, Hidden Pond Stables, Gina D'Amaro, Diamante Jewelers, Life Data Labs, Dawn Electric, Mida Supplements, Mary Bernstein Angela Chewning, Color Horse, Janine Ewald, Lynn Penna Equine Massage, Studio 69 Tattoos, Sue Pistolese Comforter, Huntington Dog Grooming, Happy Horse Supply Depot, Bob and Edith Wilson, Country Farms Equestrian Arena, The Tack Shoppe, Minieri's Parkview Riding Center, Sweet Hills Stables, Triple F Ranch, Total Pet Care, Great River Supply, Andrew Goetz and Sons, Dr. John Andressen DVM, Betsy Grahber, Neptune Feed and Saddlery, Applebees E. Islip, The Hay Loft, Agway Port Jefferson, Rider's Choice Saddlery, Islandia Farm, Martha Clara Vineyards, Ellen and Frank Bianco, Smithtown Hunt, Cindy Benedetto, Fred Grossman masters, Bob and Jacki Davis, Jerry and Rita Trapani, Ron Chuvalas, Barbara Blossey-Chuvalas, Sonny Garguilo, Stacy Zacharidis, Red Ground Farm, Linda Paice, Stonyhill Equestrian Center, The Tack Shoppe, Laurie and Vinnie Chionchio, Carrie Anderson, Cindy Hilary, Barry's Saddlery, Michael Botti, Great River Supply,Tony Simonetti and Family, The Kiesel Family, Dawn Aquaviva Roth, and Elaine Cardingley. Many friends give of their time to help the day run smoothly.

Thanks to Aimee and Randy Schmitt, Ken and Annette Leitch, Nina and Tom Conroy, JeRita Trapani, Bob and Edith Wilson, Keith Snedecor, Ginny Fields, Liz Bloom,Gil Bergen and the dedicated staff of Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Charles Arceillo, Perri Cesarelli, Doug and Jean Kruger, Jenifer Wivert and Family. Good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise we'll see ya'll next year on the first Sunday in May. Our next event is Music and Polo at Country Farms June 17th, 2011 at 6:00 PM, check our great web site periodically for happenings and sign up for our free email list.