Walnut Grove Farm

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United States
Alden, NY
Walnut Grove Farm

We are a boarding and training facility located outside of Buffalo, NY, specializing in eventing, dressage, and hunter/jumpers.
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We're home to the East Aurora Pony Club and have an IEA team.

08/11/2024

Next up, we had State College, where and had a fabulous time at one of our favorite venues. Both students individually commented on their progress from one year ago, and Beth, well, Beth made good friends with the vet.

Thanks to our new Barn Mom and honorary Walnut Grovers, and and the crew at for the wonderful time, and thanks to Kate Walkowicz for being wonderful groom extraordinaire.

08/11/2024

I'm working through some belated posts instead of cleaning on my 'day off.' Walnut Grovers and friends enjoyed a wee XC School at GVH one sunny, June day. Not many pictures to be had, but we did have a lot of fun. Thanks to volunteers for all the groundskeeping, fence maintaining, and good will that help keep us spoiled with opportunities.

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08/04/2024

The WGF IEA Team is seeking new members! Our 5th through 12th graders compete in Hunt Seat Equitation in Zone 2 Region 1 of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. Our Teams often perform really well, but, more importantly, we have a lot of fun competing as a close knit team on the lovable school horses, and privately owned/generously loaned horses, from our area.

Shoot us a PM here or email the coach at [email protected] if you'd like to join us!

07/02/2024

We were so happy to have Hasty Hills add a show on June 15th. As always, it was a great event; my favorite part is seeing my olders, who used to be youngers, helping the new 9-11 year old set. Congrats to Rory and Karen on their Champ and Reserve Champ pinnings in some competitive groups, and to Olivia for having one of her best rounds to date in the highly competitive Derby. The littles had one of those days where they learned a lot, and gained a lot of information on what to work on this summer before their next outing. Several people tried to buy/steal Rubin and Boston, and the siblings spent record amounts of money at the snack stand. Fun was had by all!

📸 cred: moms.

07/01/2024

As I like to say every time I post over the summer, I'm falling woefully behind in my braggy show posts! As per usual, I can't remember anyone's placings, but the ribbons don't matter as much as what I do remember:

June at Lehman Farms remains one of our favorites to attend. We had six WGFers play in the jumper ring Friday night, and all made me proud conquering their individual 'demons' ranging from memorization to perfectionism, having fallen in warm up to planning to be huntery in the jumper ring. We had several 'move-ups' to 2'6" in the hunter ring, and even those new to the height held their own beautifully. Congrats to Christine, Maddie, Lucy, Olivia, Shayla, Karen, and Nikki for a really great show!

06/12/2024

It's that time of year, again! We're looking for help with hay season (at our farm in Alden, NY). It will start up any time now and we do about 3500 bales. We like to have a few fairly sturdy, regular members of the crew, and a text group with others who can pitch in when they're available. Pay is commensurate with usefulness. Please contact me asap with interest, and start recruiting your strong, tough friends!

05/21/2024

East Aurora Pony Club teamed up with Alley Cat Pony Club on Saturday to share our strengths: Alley Cat taught East Aurora games techniques to be used at future PC Games Rallies, and East Aurora taught Alley Cat the rules and regulations of Tetrathlon Rally Show Jumping. Both teams also practiced the shooting and running portions of Tetrathlon. It truly felt like a day chock full of the type of learning and camaraderie that is all about!

We didn't quite get a pic of the whole group, but photo credits to the parents who captured these.

05/20/2024

Lucy and Edgar, and Christine and Romeo had a great first show of the year at the GVRDC Combined Test at Fox Run Farm. The weather was gorgeous, and Lucy and Edgar put in a very thoughtful, controlled test. Christine piloted Romeo through his first dressage tactfully. After clean Show Jumping rounds, both women ended on their dressage scores, Lucy in 1st and Christine in 3rd in their respective classes.

Thanks to David Chugg and Courtney LaBarbera for holding the event despite their recent rainfall. It's painfully hard to see your land taking a beating, knowing the time you put into maintaining the grounds before and after these events. We truly appreciate having a beautiful, well laid out place to go regardless of what Mother Nature tossed at you. Thanks also to the volunteers who make these events happen and tolerate nerves and griping. Hopefully you hear more "thank yous" than "yeah, buts." We see and appreciate you.

05/12/2024

Dear Barn Moms,

I see you figuring out rides to the barn and navigating 5:00am-8:00pm horse show days.

I see you working extra shifts so that your kid can horse more.

I see you organizing concessions and raffles and entries.

I see you not throttling your kid for losing their fourth left show glove.

I see you feeding, sun blocking, dressing, and wiping down your kid who likely got ketchup on their $70-$190 show breeches while you graze an 1100lb animal you may or may not know what to do with.

I see you juggling all of this while helping other peoples' kids (cough including mine) and doing all the same things for your other kids in other activities.

I see some of you doing all that while wishing you were the one competing or while competing yourself.

I see you behind the camera at every show, leaving me with just a few, mainly unflattering, pictures of you at your show mom job. (I almost didn't make this post because I'm missing pics of most of you!)

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, because without you all, this job of mine, and this sport of ours, couldn't exist.

I will keep making your kids drop their stirrups when they're rude to you, and remind them to thank you and tell you they love you.

Happy Mother's Day,
Beth

PS Barn Dads and Barn Grandparents-I see you, too, but, it isn't your day.

05/06/2024

Walnut Grove Farm in Alden, NY is looking for some weekday morning chore help! Duties for both include: mucking, sweeping, feeding, dumping and refilling water buckets, pasture and blanket switches, handling of horses, and ability to carry 50 lbs. Morning chores run from 7:30 'til they are finished (usually no later than 10:30). Please email [email protected] to apply.

04/27/2024

What happens when you're the only entry that gets in to the Houghton/WNYDA Spring Schooling Show from WGF? You get your own post!

Congrats to Nikki and Monet for surviving a crisp, wet day at their first outing of the year! Monet proved herself more grown up than last year, but still contributed to some anecdotes by halting at x for Nikki to salute the judge then turning on the forehand (independently of Nikki's aids) to face Beth as caller. Thanks to Kate A for the photos, Larry and Lily for the moral support, Alley Cat Pony Club for the walking tacos, and Houghton and WNYDA for a great show!

04/11/2024

North Carolina 2024 is a wrap! I don't know that I can do justice to what a fun, remarkably educational, and relaxing trip Walnut Grovers had this year. Every year we've gone, I leave with notes full of and nuggets of wisdom. Their insights are so quickly doled out, well-conveyed, thoughtful, and applicable to a myriad of other situations. They're truly worth their weight in gold. Thanks also to "other Beth" , where we've stayed all four times we've made the trip. Beth's farm is a well-oiled machine, adjacent to Will's beautiful Gavilan Farm, Cloud 11, and the Sandhills Gamelands.

I'm already looking forward to our trip down next year, and I'm excited to use what I've learned these past ten days in my own competition season, and share 'the nuggets' with my students.

Special thanks to the friends and workers who covered chores at home, and to Jeff, who did all the parenting plus taxes plus random 850 pound metal cabinet from Facebook pick up and install, and only said when I thanked him, "Well thank YOU for doing all that when I do MY continuing education." 'Continuing Education' is a generous way to explain the trip, rather than "play with ponies."

📸 around the barn:

📸 dressage in the indoor: .aphotography

Other shots: Josephine, and screenshots from Vicki videos

03/23/2024

Who's going to IEA Nationals?! Camryn is!

Thanks to a wonderful good luck video from her teammates, a couple delightfully ridiculous rituals, lots of hard work in the saddle, mental toughness, a supportive family, great draws, a lot of volunteerism supporting the great draws, etc, Camryn placed third at Zones and is moving on to IEA Nationals in Tryon, NC.

Thanks to all of you who make these things possible!

03/22/2024

Quick! Post about Regionals before Zones begins in two hours! We had an unprecedented three rookies qualify for Regionals, this year. In Cece's W/T/C class, nine riders battled for first, and Cece landed in a respectable fourth place. Lucy and Natalija placed fourth and third in their W/T class against a strong field. Lastly, Camryn piloted her draw elegantly around the HS W/T/C class, taking top honors and qualifying for Zones (where she will compete this afternoon ) We were fortunate to have Mila there as my right hand, because the girls all rode back to back. There were a few times that I panicked, wondering if someone had grabbed Lucy a crop or helped Cece with mounting, and I'd see Mila or a teammate already there. We were also grateful to have on scene to assist with last minute wardrobe upgrades and supplying prizes, and we're always grateful for parental support! Thanks to Morrisville for the truly phenomenal horses and hard work. (Interestingly, all four of these girls and Mila are also Pony Clubbers.)

03/05/2024

The IEA Show at Alfred University a couple months ago (😝) went well! Rory and Ava had Opposite Day, taking thirds on the flat and over fences, respectively. Olivia joined them in their yellows with a third over fences. Any Walnut Grover named Lucy won their class: Impressively, it was high school Lucy's third ride in four months because she was just given the go-ahead to begin riding after knee surgery the week prior to the show. With her blue, Lucy G had enough points to qualify for Regionals. Cece earned a second place, which qualified her for Regionals. Natalija had qualified at our second to last show but I mathed wrong and made her compete under the pressure of thinking she needed points, still. (I think it made her stronger long term...cough...) And Camryn placed third, clinching our team's personal title for highest ratio of yellow ribbons at a single show!

Belated Regionals and Banquet Posts to come!

02/25/2024

Hi All! I have a couple creatures who are dreaming of retirement, and I need to find our next great lesson horses. Does anyone know of a safe, sane, cheerful equine who wants nothing more than to be doted on by kids and/or adult amateurs? I have three wonderful ottb's at various stages of appropriateness for my more advanced riders, but we need a couple w/t/c 2' types for my advanced beginners. Budget is laughable or pitiable...take your pick.

02/07/2024

Thanks to Ajia Clancy, Fitness & Wellness Coach for supporting me and coaching me as I travel on this fitness journey, and thanks for making Walnut Grove Farm the small business of the month! See post for more details.

01/06/2024

Is anyone in the Buffalo, NY area interested in earning cash while they're home for college break, or just interested in a few weeks of morning chores? I'm down a couple chore workers 'til at least one gets back from college break. Come start your day with a good chore-y workout, and be with cute horses like this guy!

12/21/2023

I didn't get a picture of all the loot Walnut Grovers gathered and sent for our CFS Adopt-a-Family, so please accept this pic as our THANK YOU for helping make December a bit brighter for our community.

Thanks also to barn manager, Ally, and her mom for decorating the barn. Ho Ho Ho!

12/03/2023

We brought half the team to compete at Hunter's Ridge, today. It was one of those days that was just plain okay on the competition front. Some people, like Eva and Allie, had stellar rides with a hiccup. Some drew their trickiest 'type' and learned a little more about how to ride it while equitating, like Bella and Lucy. And some had a really great ride or two in which all the pieces came together, like Kaitlyn and Natalija.

Thanks to the parents for their cheerful patience and handholding, the high schoolers for helping with the 'future schoolers,' and the future schoolers and high schoolers for helping with the two horses we brought today. Thanks to the horses for tolerating this crazy, wonderful sport, and Hunter's Ridge for hosting! Thanks to Jayne and Tory for having two wee Walkowiczes overnight so they wouldn't have to come to the show at the crack of dawn, and thanks to etch-a-sketch and the Jakkal Hill 'Confession Stand' for entertaining Arlo. Thanks to Camryn for babysitting when Jeff and I remembered that Jeff was on night shift. Thanks to Olivia and Rory for enabling me to eat breakfast, schooling the horses, and taking care of the horses and trailer when we got home.

11/29/2023

Give the gift of riding this holiday season! Gift cards available for beginners or seasoned riders, including private lessons, group lessons, a month of leasing, or any of our camps (including long weekend Adult Camps).

11/27/2023

'Tis the season for Walnut Grovers to Adopt a Family! After a three year lazy hiatus, we have rekindled our spirit of giving and hope you join us!

I've created an Amazon Wish List, but please feel free to buy "off list" and tell me or mark it off on the Amazon list as 'purchased elsewhere.'

Items due to the barn by December 4th, unwrapped please.

Link:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3REVJD18F6ATR?ref_=wl_share

11/03/2023

I'm so proud of these Walnut Grovers and their accomplishments at the Trick or Trot Horse Show (Eeerie Edition). Stephanie and Graeme attacked the 2'6" division with enthusiasm and bravery, finishing Reserve Champion in a couple tough divisions. Maddie and Vator's State College courses in July showed some gaps in our efforts. They put in some diligent, goal-oriented, hard work all summer and it paid off in dividends. Olivia and Rubin had some XC stops this summer that made her question what discipline he excels in, but then started the show with similar stops. As her insistence and courage and his enthusiasm grew, so did their trust in one another and they ended the weekend with some wonderful ribbons in huge divisions. I can't say enough about Camryn and Tank. That little dude is just not sure about maintaining a civilized canter around a course in a busy indoor, and, as became their rhythm this summer, Camryn cajoled him into being brave and cheerful by show's end. Monet and Nikki and Carlie put in such great rides that Monet suddenly fancies herself a hunter and we actually expect things of them all next year. We went from the goal being 'survive' to actually enjoying the ride. Kate and Joee competed for their second time over fences in the 2' Pony Division. She remained composed despite some refusals, and blew me away with her tactfulness and pride. Cowboy and the Ereizes were a dream to watch. Mila and Natalija took a first and second, respectively, in huge classes. Boston had some things up his sleeve to teach Carolyn, and they'll come out next year stronger than ever. Sammie and Joee were a strong match despite her not having much time in his saddle. All of the 'youngers' wowed me with their empathy and understanding of their horse, their pre-planning of their steering in busy flat classes, their support of each other, and their cheerfulness despite the color of their ribbons. WGF is truly spoiled with great kids and parents. The adult ammies on board this weekend were beyond helpful in prepping, feeding, stroking, and cheering for all. What. A. Show. Thanks to Kathy Zimmer, the awesome ring crew, and the many hands that made the show a hit. 📷 Dean Media Group

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween from Walnut Grove Farm(ers) and East Aurora Pony Club(bers)!

10/15/2023

The WGF IEA Team worked together beautifully, today. I saw lots of high schoolers helping all the 'future' schoolers, helping impromptu horse handle, and cheering each other on. I saw the youngers get comfortable enough with this whacky IEA show concept that I could say, "Allie, run this towel back to the indoor!" or, "Lucy G! Liv is going home so you need to take that pony back to the other ring!" and they did it with very little concern or discussion. Cece rode both the biggest and smallest horse at the show, which is complicated and fun, and that difficulty is not necessarily reflected in her ribbons. Kaitlyn and Ava overcame different, difficult hurdles to end the day in the ribbons. Olivia and Rory each took home a first and a third in highly competitive groups. Lucy OG came to cheer the team on despite cold temps and a hurt knee. Rascon acted like a grown up pup, albeit not a leash-trained one, at his first show. Natalija and Mila shared their birthday with the team, and Natalija's draws and ribbons were birthday-worthy. Lucy G took my cowching with good humor, changed her tactics, and improved her placing in her second round. Allie's ribbons didn't reflect her successes for the day, and she handled it with grace beyond her years. I'm just super proud of this team. Every individual on it is coachable, fun to be with, willing to help, able to take both a bad joke or a little criticism with grace, and quick to put the well-being of their horses and each other, first and foremost. Thanks to Hunter's Ridge, Fuller, and Jakkal for the horses, and all the many volunteers who make these shows happen. Thanks to the parents for supporting the team in their endeavors and raising these excellent kids. Truly.

10/08/2023

Walnut Grove Farm in Alden, NY is still looking for morning chore help Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. Chores take about three hours and can begin anytime between 7:00-8:00. Chores include, but aren't limited to, mucking, sweeping, haying, graining, dumping and refilling water, and bringing in and turning out horses. You must be able to carry 50 pounds. Please email [email protected] to apply.

09/26/2023

I went into this season of IEA knowing it would be a rebuilding year. Last year's Middle School Team had unprecedented success, taking Grand Champ of the Region in points and at Regionals. This year's team is young, enthusiastic, and green in all the most fun ways. I figured the distractions of co-hosting the first and second IEA Shows of the season, bringing six WGF horses, and having so many newbies would be too much to overcome to make us competitive this past weekend, but thanks in large part to parental support, great draws, and, the discovery of Ukraine's National Anthem, we were able to overcome those obstacles.

The middle school team had six kids competing (one new friend/teammate for a day), only one of whom had done IEA last year, and the older members of the team, calmed, entertained, bossed when necessary, cajoled as needed, and supported the wee troop beautifully, as did our trusty sidekicks Kate and Mila.

I was so very impressed with the organization of the parents. From my perspective, this was the least stressful double header co-hosting gig, and I know I owe that to the parents who ran concessions, showed up for grooming, packing, loading the trailer, unpacking on the other side, running concessions, horse handling, etc.

The ribbons don't matter, but it was a kick to see our High School Team take Grand Champion after all their hard work at the show itself. These teens had all evented or cross country schooled within the last month. I'm always tickled to see them be able to switch it up and enter hunt seat mode. Good riding is good riding, and we lucked into wonderful draws.

Congrats to Bella DiMino for tying for Grand Champ HS Rider the second day!

The middle school ribbons were a pleasant surprise, too, and spoke to the girls' ability to navigate a crowded ring under stress.

Thanks to the horses from Fuller and Dunham, thanks to Lucy for sharing Edgar and to our own schoolies for being their sweet selves. Thanks to our warm up riders, the patience and dedication of the parents, and the friendliness of the other coaches.

08/19/2023

An impromptu xc schooling at GVH this week led to many smiles...👀 some vids on instagram.

08/19/2023

Thanks to all who came out and supported the...10th(?) Walnut Grove Farm Event Cup! Our Senior Division was 9 deep and the Juniors had 8 people in contention for the highly coveted Event Cup. The events consist of Dressage, Optimum Time around the track, Show Jumping, and a Written Exam. This years' dressage and optimum time scores were of a higher caliber all around, and the adults actually held their own quite nicely on the written exam, proving that if they weren't 'smarter than a D2 Pony Clubber' they were, at least, as smart as one. Rory and Boston took home the Grand Champion Title in the Adult Division, finishing one point below their dressage score thanks to their correct answers on the bonus section of the exam. Kate Huppé and Rumi took Reserve Champion finishing on their dressage score.

In the Junior Division (I'm going to take this particular moment to say that the tabulation of scores and the grading of the written exam were done by our loyal volunteers, Christine Brown and Amanda Beecher), Kate Walkowicz landed the title of Grand Champion, on Joee, and Eva Covert was our Reserve Champion aboard Cowboy!

I really can't thank everyone enough for their support during this show. Just when I thought "AAAACH! WHY DIDNT I ASK FOR HELP?!" I looked out to see Olivia, Kate Huppé, and Rebecca setting the course on Friday. Lori Gmerek, Nikki Covert, and Anne scored the dressage tests that Kim Blazsak judged and Melanie scribed. Amanda and Christine appeared by my side and fully took over the end of the day scoring, Kate A took the best of the photos you see here because her mount had an abscess...and I'm positive a dozen more of you helped in ways I was too frazzled to notice but deeply appreciate. All day, I saw humans helping humans and humans loving horses and horses loving humans...(or saying no thank you)...and it just made my soul glow to see so much goodness in our backyard. a and 😂

Address

11564 Genesee Street
Alden, NY
14004

Telephone

+16073683490

Website

http://www.walnutgrovefarmny.com/

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Videos

Walnut Grovers*-Mark your calendars and RSVP for the 10th (ish?) Walnut Grove Farm Event Cup! Compete in all four phases for the chance to get your name on the coveted cup, or compete in Dressage Only, judged by Kim Blaszak (treated like a ride-a-test clinic with two shots at one test). Leadline available! To spread the school horse usage, the show will be held over two days, so you may opt for Saturday 8/12 or Sunday 8/13. Awards will be doled out at shows' end Sunday. Sign Up on the barn bulletin board, but it's only 'official' when you've paid your entry fee. (Three riders per school horse for the weekend, so rsvp early to get your favorite creature.) As always, the awards will be given to an equal-numbered junior and senior division. Riders may have a buddy for optimum time, but it will mean forfeiting your ability to be 'on the cup.'The Written Exam will (again) be titled "Are You Smarter than a D2 Pony Clubber?" (Google USPC D2 Testsheet)*Walnut Grovers constitute anyone in at least semi-regular lessons at WGF over the 2023 year.Volunteers needed Friday before and both days of...#dressage #optimumtime #showjumping #eventing #writtenexam #walnutgrovefarmeventteam #walnutgrovefarmdressageteam #haveyouhuggedaschoolhorsetoday #thoroughbreds #pmubabies #morgans #draftycreatures #quarterhorses #paints #tatertot #leadline

I could just write, "At the final regular season show in Alfred last weekend, our Middle School Team won Grand Champion for their third time out of five shows. Clare won double blues and brought home Middle School Reserve Champ Rider, Rory and Alexis put all the pieces of their season together and won their classes, Alejandra had personal best rides, Addison, Olivia, and Kaleb took home seconds, Lucy and Bella took fourths in large classes, and everyone who could qualify for Regionals (even if it was a long shot), qualified! What a day! We couldn't have done it without our perfect draws. Thanks to Alfred U and High Times for hosting." But then I wouldn't be me, would I? December saw one of our toughest moments as a team. I didn't think that those it affected would have the mental toughness to have recent troubles on their minds, ride well, and support one another, but they really did. They did all that, and they did it with determination, visible nerves, grace, maturity beyond their years, humor, and the beginnings of forgiveness. They did it because they love horses and riding; and because they want to do right by each other. They're probably not going to grow up and be axe murderers, after all. #butlockyourdoorsjustincase #notabouttheribbons #rideiea #zone2region1 #canwecallfutureschoolmiddleschool #haveyouhuggedaschoolhorsetoday #winnerwinnerchickendinner #mentaltoughness #ponyclubproud #charlesowen #ariat #tipperary #samshield #lookoutregionalsherewecome #walnutgrovefarm #walnutgrovefarmieateam

What do the pics in this video have in common? 1) They're pics of people I'm missing terribly, 2) Many are some of my favorite memories from the 2019 season, and 3) None of them were taken before May. The best of our year is yet to come, Walnut Grovers (not that 2020 has set the bar particularly high, yet). Stay fit, stay sane, stay happy. Relish your downtime because the best and busiest is yet to come. #wgfhunterteam #wgfieateam #wgfeventteam #wgfdressageteam #bestboarders #bestclients #bestmemories

Happy Easter from the ponies of Walnut Grove Farm (except 'Vator, who was hosting spin class in his stall, anticipating breakfast). Have a wonderful day with your loved ones, knowing you'll probably never do more than sleep at home once the quarantine is lifted. #barntimebarntimebarntime #breakfastatWGF #seeyousoon

For four Pony Clubbers who all had sleepovers last night, on four imperfectly perfect steeds who don't necessarily condone sharing small spaces, this is pretty good for forty minutes of practice and preparation. Tanya S Gallagher Lori Gmerek Abigail Mullen #EastAuroraPonyClub #IThoughtThereWasaRuleAboutSleepovers #haveyouhuggedaschoolhorsetoday #hanginthereTweeds #uspc #notieapracticebutalsohappento #rideIEA #proudtrainer

Jumping into winter break like... ... ... Have a wonderful vacation, UBET! Cheers to a great semester. Three of you are qualified for Regionals, a bunch of you are nearly qualified, and all of you have improved tremendously. We’ll miss you around the farm! Send me your schedules, and we’ll see you the last week in January. #ubequestrian #ubet #rideihsa #tandemjumping #synchronizedjumping #oreohorses #barontweedmouth #majorleague @maddieebroad @lizzieehughess @serenanichols @jamiegadd97 @katiemahar7 @epic_watermelon @nmarandola @h.eid.e @katiee_kelly Nina and Sam

I could have been cleaning my house. I could’ve done some laundry or gotten a couple horses ridden, but instead, I present to you...Burghley. Toddler Edition. #burghleyhorsetrials #eventingnation #toddlerBurghley #futureeventers #horsenation #walnutgrovefarmfutureeventteam