Lovelane Wins Top Farm Bureau Honors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 30, 2017
For Additional Information Contact:
Kelley Garufi, Mass Farm Bureau
508-481-4766
Or At Lovelane: Megan Donovan
781-259-1177 x 22

LOCAL HORSE FARM WINS TOP FARM BUREAU HONORS
The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) recently honored 32 horse farms and stables
statewide with the designation of “Massachusetts Farm Bureau 2018 Horse Farm of Distinction”, and
Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program of Lincoln, MA was one of the select group which
earned the award.

Lovelane is a therapeutic horseback riding facility serving children with special needs and is located
on 5.2 acres on 40 Baker Bridge Rd., Lincoln, MA. The stable’s horses include six ponies and seven horses
with a variety of breeds, ages and sizes to contribute to optimal therapeutic options for the students with
physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities.

In announcing the 2018 honorees, MFBF President, Edward Davidian called the 32 farms selected
“the cream of the crop” and added “These farms present to the public a safe and professional image. They
truly showcase the horse industry in Massachusetts for the public.”

With nearly 6,000 members, Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation represents farmers involved in
all facets of Agriculture. The “Horse Farm of Distinction” program began in 1990 to recognize and present to
the public those horse farms and stables which set high standards and achieve a level of excellence in overall
horse health, farm management and compliance with public safety.

Judging for new applicants was conducted at each farm or stable by teams of horse industry
professionals and representatives of Farm Bureau’s Equine Advisory Committee. Farm Family Insurance
Company and Farm Bureau affiliates served on each team. Repeat farms were judged by a single judge.
Scoring for overall horse health represented half of the points accumulated, and included appearance
of the animals together with evidence of a sound equine health program.

Farm management areas considered were numerous. The judges evaluated neatness, ventilation,
cleanliness and safety of buildings, land and equipment. Safety, first aid, and fire protection programs were
scored, as well as pest control, adequate provisions, both indoors and outdoors for the care of horses.
Farms were also judged on evidence of good farm/community relations, proper and adequate
insurance coverage, and compliance with state and local operating and instructing licenses. The extensive
schedule of judging started in August and ran through November. The Farms being honored achieved a final
scoring of at least 85 percent using the judging scorecard.
More information on this program and other Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation programs
relating to horses are available from Kelley Garufi, 508-481-4766 or visit www.mfbf.net.