UMass Amherst Hadley Farm

10/12/2026

We are so excited to announce we will be hosting another clinic with Shawna Corrin Karrasch and Jessie Hillegas on November 21st and 22nd. Perhaps the best news is that it is open to ship-ins and auditors! Fees and details listed below. Please reach out via email to the UMass Equitation Science Club at [email protected] to reserve your spot before November 1st.

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10/11/2026

This week’s Sunday Senior Shoutout goes to Cassy Bouchard!

What is your major?

Animal Science

• How long have you been involved with the Hadley Farm and in what capacity?

I have been employed at the farm since the summer after my freshman year. I started here with next to no horse experience. Now I am one of this year's senior supervisors, able to guide new students who started much like I did.

• What has been your favorite experience at the Hadley Farm?

Working here has given me so many amazing experiences, it feels impossible to rank them. I think the experience with the biggest impact is how I feel a sense of community here. Everyone here works hard and cares so deeply for the animals. I've made friends and gained so much useful experience. Above it all I get to be a part something bigger than myself and know that my hard work makes a difference.

• What are your plans for after graduation?

Once I graduate, I want to spend some time focusing on gaining more experience and skills in the horse world. When I am ready, I want to apply to an equine dental academy, and work towards becoming an equine dental technician.

As you can see, Cass may have a favorite horse with Miller 😆 Their love for all creatures great and small is unmatched, and we can’t wait to see all that they accomplish after their time here.

10/10/2026

The leaves and the weather are indeed changing 🍂 We have been loving this beautiful sunshine and watching the fall colors start. Our two iconic trees flanking the entrance to the track are always the last to turn. But as you can see, it is still a fantastic place to go for a hack and do some leaf peeping!

We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and are thankful for all who keep the farm going and animals cared for no matter what.

10/04/2026

This week’s Sunday Senior Spotlight goes to Hunter Williams!

What is your major?

Pre-Vet

How long have you been involved with the Hadley Farm and in what capacity?

Less than a year ago, my experiences at the Hadley Farm started during the spring semester 2026 with the Equine Husbandry Practicum and handling poultry in the Livestock Classic. From there, I never wanted to leave the farm, so I worked a lot during the winter, spring break, and over the summer. This year I will be working part-time during the school semesters.

What has been your favorite experience at the Hadley Farm?

I enjoy any opportunity to interact with the horses. My favorite moments have been with Bella Sr., Cash, Andy, and Abby. I also got to witness Ginger foaling in-person, which was incredible. I truly value everything, whether it was cleaning, feeding, turn in/out, bathing/grooming, handling/restraint, medicating, or identifying signs of lameness, abscess, injuries, etc. I learn something new every day on the farm.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am hopeful to attend veterinary school immediately after graduation or otherwise pursue a masters degree.

We are so lucky to have Hunter in the horse barn this year and we can’t wait to hear about her vet school success!

09/27/2026

This week’s Sunday Senior Spotlight goes to Sara Stolzfus!

What is your major?

Animal Science with an animal management concentration

How long have you been involved at the farm and in what capacity?

Since spring semester of 2024, 6 semesters as a livestock barn student worker

What has been your favorite experience?

Working with other ansci majors and making connections with friends.

What are your plans for after graduation?

Ag Communications; work in New England area to promote agriculture, specifically advocate for the dairy industry

We wish Sara an excellent last year and best of luck with her post graduation plans! 🐄

09/24/2026

It’s officially one of the c-ewe-test times of the year: lambing season! 🥳 The livestock barn has already welcomed 8 precious additions to their flock.

What would you name these sweet babies? Comment below ⬇️

09/08/2026

We couldn’t be more excited for the school year to start tomorrow! It is truly our favorite thing to see all of our students back at the farm, like the horse barn student employees pictured here! 🤩 We’re looking forward to another great year with you all. What are you most looking forward to this semester? Comment below ⬇️

09/04/2026

As summer comes to an end, we’d like to give a shoutout to some of the exceptional students who not only keep the farm running but ensure our animals are thriving! First up is Keira Callahan!

Keira works in both the equine and livestock barns. She is a rising junior in animal science. She has been working at the horse barn for two years, and began working at the livestock barn this summer. When asked what her favorite parts about working in the horse barn is, she said “the variety of horses we have, I love seeing all of their different personalities come out the more I get to work with them”. Her favorite part about working at livestock is getting to feel involved in the general management of the animals, with things like vaccines, pasture setup, and hoof trimmings.

When she’s not working, she can usually still be found at the farm, riding some of her favorite ponies such as Bay State Inez. But that’s not all! When she’s not at Hadley, she works under Dr. Harrison as a drug testing technician at horse shows. Her duties involve “collecting and sealing samples from show horses to be sent out to the lab to ensure the welfare of the animals”. When asked about what she’s most looking forward to this fall, Keira said “This upcoming semester, I want to gain more experience in animal management and behavior, so I am really excited to be riding at the barn, and to be a TA for Dorset sheep management! “ .

We’re so grateful to have students like Keira at the farm who love every species from the sheep and the goats to the horses and the barn cats 😉

08/20/2026

Cool foggy mornings and warm afternoons, it doesn’t get much better than the weather we’ve been having. Our animals have also been loving the perfect weather for their favorite activity: grazing the day away!

08/12/2026

We are so excited that the UMass Equestrian Team is returning to the farm this fall! 😍 We ask that you consider supporting them by assisting with the costs associated with the move and supporting their teammates! The link below will be active through September 9th.

Help UMass Amherst Foundation raise $10,000 for the project: UMass Equestrian Team 2026. Your gift will make a difference!