Spring 2026 Hunter Pace

Put your "THINK SPRING" mindset into action and start getting you and your horse in condition for the 2026 season!

It was a long, difficult winter for horses and riders. Severely cold temperatures, record-level amounts of snowfall, and constant melting and re-freezing have made conditions difficult, if not impossible, for any outdoor activities. So everyone looked forward to a much needed spring season that is bringing sunshine and warmer temperatures.

This year, Tanheath's Spring 2026 Hunter Pace was once again held on the grounds of the beautiful Douglas State Forest, DCR. Many riders and guests joined us for a great event that took horse and rider through beautiful scenery and well groomed trails. After they enjoyed a great ride, riders relaxed and enjoyed lunch with friends and other riders in this scenic venue as the results were calculated and awards were announced.

Is there a better way to kick off spring?

Who won the ribbons?

Below are the first place winners for each division. The link below the blue ribbon winners will bring you to the spreadsheet of all of the results, including all placements, times, team and rider names.

Ribbons are awarded to 6th Place in each division. There is a limit of three ribbons awarded per team. Winners who are not present to receive their ribbons will receive them through the mail.

Photos of the day are displayed in the gallery below.

Blue Ribbon Winners

Hunter: 1st Place Team - OTTB Ladies: Siobhan Prescott and Paige Glowka

Junior Hunter: 1st Place Team - Satterfields: Geoffrey Satterfield, Madison Satterfield, and Jessica Satterfield

Hilltopper: 1st Place Team - LeDoux: Megan LeDoux

Junior Hilltopper: 1st Place Team - Eclipse Elite: Tatum Vrabel and Kylie Flagg

Trailblazer: 1st Place Team - Cucumber Salad: Emily DiDonato and Haylee Boudreau

Junior Trailblazer: No entries

Link to full spreadsheet of Hunter Pace results. >

RESULTS

Each spring Tanheath hosts a Hunter Pace. The event is a favorite with many equestrians in the southern New England area and is well attended by riders of all disciplines and skill levels.

Registration opens about a month prior to the event.

The Hunter Pace competition is separated into several divisions: jumpers, hilltoppers, trailblazers, juniors in each category, and pleasure riders who do not compete. Teams of two or three riders with their mounts ride the marked trail in an effort to come the closest to the "pace" time predetermined by the pace setters who have previously ridden the course at the fastest safe pace. Jumpers jump all the fences and travel at a safe hunting pace; Hilltoppers pick and choose fences and travel at a moderate pace; Trailblazers pick and choose fences and travel at a relaxed pace; Junior riders are teams that have at least one rider under the age of 18. Teams and riders are timed.

At the conclusion of the Hunter Pace, times are recorded and top finishers are awarded ribbons for up to sixth place in each division. There is a limit of three ribbons awarded per team.