Maine Equine Sports at Crystal Lake Farm

Maine Equine Sports at Crystal Lake Farm Positive reinforcmenent based lessons for begginers & those looking to advance in the hunter/jumper sport. www.maineequinesports.com

We ride with clickers & treat bags filled with hay pellet. Students learn behavioral science & HOW to train horses!

The Student Trainer Club is a monthly learning opportunity designed for enrolled MES students who are eager to deepen th...
04/16/2025

The Student Trainer Club is a monthly learning opportunity designed for enrolled MES students who are eager to deepen their horsemanship, expand their training skills, and build meaningful connections—both with horses and fellow student trainers.

This isn’t just extra barn time—it’s a dedicated space to grow your understanding of R+ training, collaborative learning, and ethical horsemanship in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Comment “Learn” below & we’ll send you a DM with the link to learn more about all that MES has to offer!
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📣 Now Accepting Applications for the MES Lesson Program! 📣⁣⁣Ready to dive deep into ethical, science-based horse trainin...
04/16/2025

📣 Now Accepting Applications for the MES Lesson Program! 📣⁣
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Ready to dive deep into ethical, science-based horse training?⁣
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Our 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 for new students interested in learning the art of Positive Reinforcement (R+) horse training. Whether you’re passionate about groundwork, cooperative care, or exploring equestrian sport from a horse-centered perspective, this is your invitation to learn with intention, consistency, and kindness.⁣
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✨ 𝘞𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨-𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮, 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵-𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨.⁣
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✨ 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺 (linked on our website: https://www.maineequinesports.com/lessons-and-training)⁣
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✨ We review applications thoughtfully and reach out within 14 days if it feels like it could be a good fit. ⁣
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✨ 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝗽! Our website is currently about 80% up-to-date. We’re adding some new info & reformatting a few pages soon to reflect exciting updates to our 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳, and 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. Thank you for your patience!⁣
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📍Located in Gray, Maine⁣
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🐴 For dedicated students ages 12+ who are ready to learn and grow alongside horses in a kind, supportive environment.⁣
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✨ NEW OFFERING ✨Introducing Equine Interactions: a one-time, science-based groundwork experience for thoughtful horse lo...
04/09/2025

✨ NEW OFFERING ✨

Introducing Equine Interactions: a one-time, science-based groundwork experience for thoughtful horse lovers, curious travelers, and anyone looking to connect with horses in a totally different way.

No riding. No pressure. Just connection, curiosity, and real training tools grounded in Positive Reinforcement.

🐴 1.5-hour private session
🐴 Tour the farm & meet the herd
🐴 Ages 12+
🐴 Gray, Maine
🐴 By appointment only

Our schedule is limited, booking now!
Learn More & Inquire: www.maineequinesports.com/equine-interactions

Join us for a transformational two-day clinic with Shawna Karrasch Equine, where science-based training meets compassion...
04/08/2025

Join us for a transformational two-day clinic with Shawna Karrasch Equine, where science-based training meets compassion, clarity, and lasting change. Learn to apply positive reinforcement with precision and confidence, whether you’re working on husbandry behaviors, groundwork, or advanced performance goals.

Shawna and Jessie bring decades of experience from the marine mammal world, show circuits, and behavior-based training to help you and your horse develop confidence, trust, and resilience.

•No prior R+ experience is required—just curiosity and a commitment to learning.
•Lunch included both days for participants & auditors.
•Want to participate but no horse to bring? Limited MES horses available!

Location: Maine Equine Sports, Gray, Maine
Cost: $575 Participants | $215 Auditors
Space is limited. Registration required.
Payment plans available.

Learn More: www.maineequinesports.com/events-and-clinics

We had a great Horsemanship Group today! Participants focused on solidifying their knowledge of bridle parts, worked on ...
02/08/2025

We had a great Horsemanship Group today! Participants focused on solidifying their knowledge of bridle parts, worked on bridle assembly, and practiced bridle sizing under the instruction and coaching of Kate and Nik!

A 12 hour difference brings a beautiful fresh layer of snow to the farm ❄️
01/20/2025

A 12 hour difference brings a beautiful fresh layer of snow to the farm ❄️

Congratulations team Maine Equine Sports for a wonderful 2024 season! Also a huge congratulations to all MeHJA competito...
01/12/2025

Congratulations team Maine Equine Sports for a wonderful 2024 season! Also a huge congratulations to all MeHJA competitors 🎉 ⁣
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Last night was a wonderful evening at the 2024 MeHJA Year End Awards Banquet celebrating both our students’ accomplishments and those of fellow MeHJA competitors! ⁣
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Here’s Maine Equine Sports’ results: ⁣
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🏆 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 in Hunter Breeding Ponies - 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 shown by Maddie Lancaster⁣
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🏆 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 in Hunter Breeding Ponies- 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 shown by Liliana Dudar⁣
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🏆 𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 in Hunter Breeding Ponies - 𝗣𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗼 shown by Grace Lindner⁣
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🏆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 in Leadline Equitation - 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗻 with Spicy Pickle, Moon Affair & Pistachio ⁣
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🏆 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 in Leadline Pleasure - 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 ridden by Gabby Gagnon⁣
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🏆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 in Walk Trot 11 & Up Equitation - 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝗿 with Spicy Pickle & Moon Affair⁣
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🏆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 in Walk Trot 11 & Up Pleasure - 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 with Grace Lindner⁣
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🏆 𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 in MeHJA Vet Fund Pleasure - 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 with Maddie Lancaster⁣
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🏆 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 in Puddle Jumpers - 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 with Kate Bennett⁣
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🏆 𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 in Puddle Jumpers - 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 with Maddie Lancaster ⁣
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🏆 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹 in Walk Trot Poles Medal - 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝗿 with Spicy Pickle & Moon Affair⁣
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💛💙𝗠𝗲𝗛𝗝𝗔 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 - 𝗡𝗶𝗸 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝘀💙💛⁣
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💛💙𝗠𝗲𝗛𝗝𝗔 𝗝𝗥 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 - 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿💙💛⁣
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The 2024 season brought many ups & downs, it was a season of growth & many personal accomplishments. This crew deserves the recognition for all their hard work, time dedicated, and the love they have for these animals! ⁣
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We’re so proud of our students & horses at MES! Thank you all for choosing MES not only for competition opportunities but to learn all about equine behavior & why we do what we do with horses. ⁣
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Looking forward to an exciting 2025 ahead continuing to integrate R+ training with sport!⁣
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Kate & Nik

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Maine Equine Sports! The herd enjoyed a special holiday breakfast t...
12/25/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Maine Equine Sports! The herd enjoyed a special holiday breakfast today topped with some of their favorite snacks ❤️

A Merry Christmas Eve from the herd, Nash, Kate & Nik to you! ❄️🐴💕
12/25/2024

A Merry Christmas Eve from the herd, Nash, Kate & Nik to you! ❄️🐴💕

This happened to us this summer with strangers coming by and feeding the herd. We manage our horses’ feed meticulously a...
12/19/2024

This happened to us this summer with strangers coming by and feeding the herd. We manage our horses’ feed meticulously and after large carrots were fed to our senior guy without permission at night he choked resulting in an after hours emergency vet call. Thank goodness he’s okay. One of many reasons we do not allow our herd to be fed without permission and we’re a private barn. It’s not okay to feed other people’s animals.

The UNH Jumper Show today was an absolutely perfect way to wrap up the 2024 season!⁣⁣It was an incredible successful day...
12/07/2024

The UNH Jumper Show today was an absolutely perfect way to wrap up the 2024 season!⁣
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It was an incredible successful day both goal and ribbon wise. There were 6, 1sts among this group in classes filled way past the placings. Their rides were so deserving of such! ⁣
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One thing sitting with me this evening is the incredible sportsmanship & horsemanship these riders demonstrated all day under ALL circumstances. ⁣
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I texted Crystal a couple weeks back to see if she’d entertain the idea of hauling two of my ponies students to show today as we had many variables preventing us from hauling ourselves there. She met my ask with so much enthusiasm & also wanting to join in on the show fun! She brought Spumoni & Wild (of the lovely .equestrian ) along with their kids to jump around too. ⁣(Gabby not pictured due to nap 💤)
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So fun & what a cool dynamic! These kids & ponies have met in passing most of the season & have been competitors at some point or another but instead I believe new friendships were made. I was reminded of the strong power of horses to bring us together. I’ve seen so much divide in the industry lately with so much discussion around equine welfare, ethics, sports, and opinions..it’s reassuring to see that it is possible to have a fun, supportive community in horse sport! ⁣
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We all helped each other out & came together to be a team for the day. It was so much FUN 🤩 cheering each other on, watching each kid & horse reach milestones & just absolutely enjoy the journey together! ⁣
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These kids bent over backwards to take care of the horses today. Every horse in this group was pampered and cared for beyond words without any prompting…the best interest of the horse always went without question. ⁣
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What an absolutely perfect show day to end the 2024 season with! Thank you all for making is such a fun day! ⁣
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Thank you so much Crystal for the haul today and helping us out when Pickle wasn’t feeling fabulous at the end of the day. Thankfully he’s back to himself but hasn’t been a fan of this cold.⁣
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Thank you to UNH Equine (UNH Equine Program University of New Hampshire IHSA Team)for running such a well run & fun show! We appreciate all the hard work you put into it and can’t wait to return!⁣
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~Kate

What a fun Saturday of Groups! The theme was confidence building with cone sending in a small group! Each small group de...
11/04/2024

What a fun Saturday of Groups!

The theme was confidence building with cone sending in a small group!

Each small group delegated tasks requiring clear, consistent communication among people.

This was a fun challenge for students!

What an incredibly good day 🤩These kids have worked SO FREAKING HARD for today! After our recent shows focusing on lots ...
11/03/2024

What an incredibly good day 🤩

These kids have worked SO FREAKING HARD for today! After our recent shows focusing on lots of schooling and working through challenges, it was so rewarding to see it all come together today and the hard work pay off. They absolutely crushed their goals, have improved tremendously in riding proactively & with the horse, their cues & effective riding have come so far. I watched them make so many smart choices for both themselves & the horses and bounce back from mistakes on their own. I love seeing them put their skills to use & be able to ride in and large open space independently.

In a large division of 11 (I think..maybe more?) they scored in both their Hunter & Handy rounds and placed!!!

💛Maddie & Spicy Pickle 3rd in the Ground Hunter Division💛

💚Lili & Moon Affair 6th in the Ground Hunter Division💚

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t emotional after this one. To see my Pickle pony rise through the ranks with his lease kid who absolutely adores him after his first season showing was absolutely incredible. Just back in April a flat class was too overstimulating, now he’s placing 3rd out of 11 in a hunter derby 🥹 And just ONE year ago I was slowly restarting him tackles, just walking for the months of Nov & Dec 2023. My eyes have welled up with happy tears many times today.

Pharaoh crushed it of course and enjoyed strutting his stuff in a bigger space! Lili & Pharaoh have worked through so much this season. Pharaoh’s been the PERFECT teacher for helping Lili develop a stable lower leg & balance energy. Today was a HUGE accomplishment for them as a team!! 🎉

Wonderful work today ladies! I’m so proud of y’all & the ponies! 💚💛

~Kate

👻 Happy Halloween! 🎃 At the show this past Sunday, 3 of our students entered the costume class! They designed costumes b...
10/31/2024

👻 Happy Halloween! 🎃

At the show this past Sunday, 3 of our students entered the costume class! They designed costumes based on the horses names.

👑 Lili & Pharaoh were Pharaoh 👸

🥒 Maddie, Gabby & Pickle were Spicy Pickle 🌶️

So much fun!! 🤩

Address

306 Shaker Road
Gray, ME
04039

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 8pm
Tuesday 7am - 8pm
Wednesday 7am - 8pm
Thursday 7am - 8pm
Friday 7am - 8pm
Saturday 7am - 8pm
Sunday 7am - 8pm

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