Commercial Architecture June 2017 - 38

interiors

PROJECT

Eastern White Pine adds a natural, warm
look to the horse-mounting area of the
indoor riding arena at Full Circle Farm in
New Hampshire.

Wood Gallops Full Circle In Riding Facility
Eastern White Pine adds authenticity to an outdoor-activity structure.

I

n the Connecticut River Valley of New Hampshire,

fun. It was this core belief that led them to the expansion

Accredited Center. To accomplish the growth of the ther-

close to the Vermont border, Full Circle Farm is firm-

of services and infrastructure. They had a larger vision-

apeutic riding program, the indoor riding arena was cho-

ly established as a successful horse-riding facility. The

expand existing services to include a therapeutic riding

sen for expansion. Originally constructed in 2001, the

program for a range of ability levels.

metal building measured 180 x 80 ft.

160-acre property offers anything and everything riders
of all levels could want-varieties of riding trails criss-

"The vision was to build-in lifts, waiting areas, and

cross the property and are regularly groomed. Dotting

THERAPEUTIC RIDING

additional elements to allow us to expand the therapeutic

the landscape are 15 large paddocks, three barns, a tack

Launched in April 2014, Full Circle Farm's year-round

riding program," explained Tony Dattola, a 15-yr. em-

room, wash stalls, a water complex, a cross-country field,

therapeutic riding program is designed for children and

ployee of and current property manager for Full Circle

galloping track, outdoor rings, and an indoor riding are-

adults and offers mounted and unmounted activities.

Farm. "We needed basic provisions like a space for our

na. Services offered at the farm include riding lessons for

Within the program, the therapeutic benefits of riding

guests to tack their horse in the same barn in which they

all skill levels, full-service horse boarding, and special-

depend on the individual goals and expectations of

would ride, while protecting them from the elements."

ized clinics for riders and others.

the rider, but generally fall into three categories: physi-

Helping bring the vision to life were local partners

The three barns hold as many as 20 stalls combined,

cal (improved balance, coordination, muscle tone, and

LaValley Building Supply and Jim Martin of James Mar-

some with drop-down grills to allow the horses to social-

flexibility), social (increased confidence, patience, and

tin Builders, both of Newport, NH. Together, the team

ize with visitors in the aisles. A heated tack room takes

self-esteem), and cognitive (enhanced focus and listening

conceived, designed, and constructed an addition to the

the edge off winter riding, while large lockers, kitchen-

skills). Unmounted activities, for those guests for whom

indoor arena, with special focus on engineering the steep

ettes, and accessible bathrooms are present throughout

riding would not be beneficial or might be unsafe, focus

roof to protect against snow load.

the property.

on grooming, leading, and natural horsemanship.

Completed in Spring 2015, the new spaces are useful

Owners Steven and Deborah Cossingham believe

As the program-which has received numerous glow-

and beautiful. A much-needed kitchenette and accessible

that riding is beneficial for all ages and abilities, and op-

ing reviews from past participants- strengthens, the facil-

bathroom were added to the first floor, along with three

erate their business with a strong focus on ensuring rider

ity is working to become a PATH (Professional Associa-

stalls for riders to ready their horses indoors. Skylights

safety, along with learning horsemanship and having

tion of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International

and mirrors enhance the riding experience. Large mirrors

38

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

JUNE 2017

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