The sun finally shone of the Friends of Connetquot annual fun ride. After several years of less than perfect weather we had a great day May 2nd. Gil Bergen and his dedicated, but sparse staff at Connetquot River Preserve cleaned the barn, set up our tables and had all the trails cleared despite last month’s Nor’easter. 300 trees fell in the preserve but you’d never know it to ride the miles of trails. The jewel of Long Island’s trail riding was as bright as ever. We had over 50 people pre-registered and about 50 more showed up on a marvelous day. All the money raised stays in Connetquot. True friends of Connetquot volunteered Bob and Edith Wilson, The Kinane’s, Ken and Annette Leitch, Tom and Nina Conroy, Bob Labuski, The Wilvert’s, Aimee and Randy Schmitt and JeRita Trapani.

It truly takes a village to raise this child called FOC. Many sponsors donated funds to help underwrite our tasks. The Smithtown Hunt, Tom Mele and Cavalier and Associates, Barbara Clarke, Chris Pratt, Embrace Yoga, East Islip Lumber, Islip Horsemens Assn., Dawn Electric, Paumanok Driving Club, Carol Garretson, Acme Radiator, Bohemia Medical, Greenrose Farm, John Fasulo, Ted Hubbard, Farm Family Insurance Islip Terrace, New York Natural Equestrians, Vito and Concetta from Dream Come True Farm and LI Equine Medical Center.

Everyone loves to eat and our food donors were The Snapper Inn’s bisque, Stanley’s Bakery, Audrey’s Bakery, Dunkin’ Donuts of Bohema and East Islip both locations Rita’s Cakes, Bagels on the Terrace, East Islip Bagels, C and L Terrace Cafe, Terrace Garden Deli, Handy Pantry of Bohemia, Locust Avenue Deli, East Islip Bagels, Quizno’s of East Islip, A-S Fine Foods East Islip, and Rita’s chili.

Everyone also loves to win and thanks to all our raffle donors there was truly something for everyone’s taste. Labyrinth Farm, Tony Simonetti, Chris Simonetti, Diana Davies, Saddle Rock Ranch, Farrier’s Formula, Linda Paice, Ken and Annette Leitch, Stiches and Screens, Good Shepard Farm, Debbie Erland, Happy Tails Dog Grooming, Mars Auto Parts, East End Livestock Association, Go West, Diamante Jewelers, R.D. McIntosh DVM, Janine and Joe Ewald, Bob and Edith Wilson, Jerry and Rita Trapani, Country Farms, W.E.S. Trailer Sales, Janet Plymton, Outlaw Acres, Wendy Burling, Lakewood Stables, Shirley Feed, Mida Supplements, Papa’s Farm and Greenhouse, Mineri’s Parkview Riding Center, Maren Milton, The Riding Shop, Sonny Garguilo, Total Pet Care, Wendy Hodor, Laura Kobus, Maryanne Flanagan, Janet Ferrato, Cindy Hillary, Carrie Anderson, Cross Country Trailers, Pete and Lissa Colombo, Great River Supply, Sue Boglia, CM Performance Center Oakdale, Dream Come True Farm, Sicilia D’Oro Restaurante, Huntington Dog Grooming, Andrew Goetz and Sons, Rider’s Choice Saddlery, Islandia Farm, The Hayloft, Martha Clara Vineyards, Neptune Feed and Saddlery, and Agway of Port Jefferson.

We want to thank  our friends getting the word out. www.liequine.com, Horse Directory, Islip Horsemens Assn. East End Liveststock and Horsemans Assn.,  Equestrians, www.talkinhorses.com. Muttontown Horsemans Association, and Sonny Garguilo.

We hope to see you all at our gala October 3rd. The Friends also have a free lecture series in the preserve and sponsor a  "Birding and Breakfast" series check the website for details.