Friends of Bear Creek Stables

Friends of Bear Creek Stables hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the evening of July 1, the same day the non-profit began managing the stables’ operations and programs. We commemorated the hard work, dedication, and advocacy that have kept the stable doors open even while most throughout the state have closed.

Jenny Whitman and Nancy Cole, who founded the Friends non-profit in 2013, each held an end of the burlap ribbon made with horseshoe handles. Friends’ vice president Melany Moore cut the ribbon, while president Rick Parfitt cheered on with the rest of the invitees. It was a special evening as three horses ceremoniously passed through the open ribbon to symbolize the start of public programming at the stables. Ron Gromer rode Stormy, Cristin Reichmuth rode André, and Audrey Palmer hand-walked Dually.

Many members of the ad hoc team were also in attendance: Bob Alexander, Anne Black, Marcie Colonna, Peggy Kauffman, Toni Kent, Sue Landaiche, Craig Gleason, Karen Holman, Melany Moore, Nancy Cole, Jenny Whitman, Rick Parfitt, Cristin Reichmuth, Cathy and Ron Gromer, and Zoya Girshfeld. It was a reunion of the working groups who researched the feasibility

of operating Bear Creek Stables under a non- profit model. For six months, they explored, developed, and recommended options for the stables to operate long-term as an outdoor-education facility. Their findings prompted the MidPen Regional Open Space board of directors to give this model a After the ribbon cutting, attendees toasted the occasion with sparkling cider. As the golden hour arrived and the sun began to set, guests toured various locations around the stables while others headed down to the lower arena for a delicious array of snacks prepared by Friends’ board members: Marcie Colonna and Peggy Kauffman.

For more information and to learn about our upcoming programs, visit our website: