Join/Volunteer/Donate
Who We Are
Are you passionate about open space, enjoy nature and the outdoors and want to learn about horses? Then you have come to the right place!
Members of the West Newbury Riding and Driving club are the stewards of one of the last public equestrian cross-country courses in Massachusetts that includes 36 diverse and well-maintained jumps over rolling hills at the Pipestave Hill Equestrian Area. Included are two large riding rings, miles of trails and a pond for wading horses.
Your membership and donation dollars are tax deductible and help us to maintain and preserve this idyllic gem. You do not have to own a horse or live in West Newbury to share in our mission to continue to maintain in perpetuity, this venue that provides access to equestrians, dog walkers, joggers, bird watchers and many others.
As an individual, family, junior or business member, you become a steward of the Pipestave Hill Equestrian Area.
Why Join
The WNRDC is a community based, volunteer 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that generates public support, promotes educational opportunities and encourages the preservation of open space for the purpose of passive recreation and the benefit of the environment. Since 1919 we have been able to sustain the Pipestave Hill Equestrian Area through tax deductible member dues and generous donors like you as our only means of support.
What We Provide in Partnership with You
- Regular meetings, often with a speaker or activity.
- Maintenance and improvement of the Pipestave Hill Equestrian area.
- West Newbury trail network maintenance, improvement and observation.
- Opportunities to volunteer and learn about horses.
- Organizing and running the Pipestave Hill Horse Trials Series.
- Adventure Trail discounted to members and volunteers.
- Jumper Schooling Shows.
- Local Equine Activities Calendar listing all local equestrian activities, all disciplines included.
- Annual winter pot luck dinner and summer BBQ, and other social gatherings.
- Mounted and/or unmounted clinics.
- Donations to W. Newbury service organizations (Police, Fire, Library, Emergency Management, Open Space Committee, etc.) and other local equine organizations.
Membership Form
The West Newbury Riding and Driving Club will not accept members who have any history of animal abuse or neglect documented by the local Animal Inspector/Control Officer and/or the MSPCA.
To contact the Membership Secretary email [email protected]
We cannot exist without you!
As a volunteer, you are a vital part of our organization.
We rely on generous individuals who embrace our mission of maintaining the Pipestave Hill Equestrian Area and its scenic network of trails and providing fun events for local equestrians.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life including:
- Equestrians, non-equestrians
- Friends and family members of riders
- Pony Club Members
- Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Eagle Scouts
- High School students seeking volunteer hours
- Garden Club and Rotary Club members
- People curious about horses or eager to see them in action.
- Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the countryside
- Riders looking to give back before participating in a WNRDC event.
Why volunteer?
It is a wonderful way to contribute to the community while enjoying time with family and friends. Our volunteers form a strong, efficient team that keeps our events running smoothly. No experience is necessary – and volunteers often enjoy the best views while discovering trails!
Volunteer Perks
- $10 Entry Fees discount to one WNRDC event (valid for 13 months after service and may be used within a household).
- Eligibility for the Volunteer of the Year Award
- The joy of being part of a supportive and passionate community and supporting the Pipestave Hill Equestrian Area
Interested in Volunteering?
- Contact the Volunteer secretary [email protected] for more information or to sign up.
Volunteer Opportunities
It takes a village to carry out our events and maintain the venue– and every helping hand makes a difference. Below are some of the volunteer opportunities you can be a part of. No experience? No problem. We’ll provide all the guidance you need!
Pipestave Hill XC Course Spring Clean-up Day
Volunteers are needed for essential work to prepare for the season including:
- Weeding and trimming around jumps
- Clearing trails
- Performing jump repairs and maintenance
- General cleanup tasks around the venue
- Also consider adopting your own jump!
Lunch is provided!
See the calendar for the clean up date.
Pipestave Hill Horse Trials
- Set-Up and Clean-Up Crew
- Parking Attendants -Direct traffic & keep things moving smoothly
- Jump Crew – Assist with setting up or adjusting jumps during events
- In-Gate Stewards – Keep riders on schedule and organized at the entry gate
- Fence Judges (XC) – Watch and record jump efforts along the course
- And many more...
Adventure Trail
- Parking attendants – Direct traffic and keep things moving smoothly
- Crossing guards – Assist road or trail crossings during the event
- Set-Up and Clean-up Crew
- Hospitality – Greet and check in riders, distribute pinnies, provide directions, and answer general questions
- And many more…
Jumper Series
- Set-up and Clean-up Crew
- Jump Crew – Assist with setting up and adjusting jumps during the event
- In-Gate Steward – Keep riders on schedule and organized at the entry gate
- Hospitality – Greet and check in riders, distribute pinnies, provide directions, answer general questions, manage class additions
- Scorer – Determine placements based on times provided by judge
Cross Country Jump Adoption
Adopt a XC Jump – a creative, hands-on way to support the course!
- Perform light maintenance (weeding, planting, painting). Use your garden extras to enhance the jump! WNRDC provides repair materials.
- Decorate for the July & October horse trials
- Contact [email protected] for more information.
Hopeful Hunter Derby
- Set-Up and Clean-Up Crew
- Parking Attendants – Direct traffic & keep things moving smoothly
- Jump Crew – Assist with setting up or adjusting jumps during events
- In-Gate Steward – Keep riders on schedule and organized
- Hospitality – Greet and check in riders, distribute pinnies, provide directions, answer general questions
Your Support Makes a Difference
The support we receive from our members, donors, sponsors, and event participants is critical to our mission. Our ability to maintain the Pipestave Hill Equestrian Area and improve trail quality and access depends on the resources we have.
By partnering with us, you help preserve a vital community asset. Together, we maintain the Pipestave Hill Equestrian Area and its surrounding trail network – providing safe, welcoming access for equestrians, joggers, hikers, dog walkers, birdwatchers, bicyclists, Scouts and families.
Your involvement keeps this shared space vibrant, inclusive, and open to all.
The WNRDC is a U.S. nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Horses inspire us with their strength, teach confidence and teamwork, offer loyal companionship, and provide life-changing benefits – especially for individuals with disabilities.
Your generous support enables us to:
- Provide educational opportunities to the general public
- Maintain a unique equestrian center that hosts inclusive, horse-related programs for all ages and abilities
- Preserve and care for miles of multi-use trails in open space areas enjoyed by hundreds of people each year
- Support local non-profits and organizations vital to the equestrian community
With your help, we can ensure these opportunities remain accessible to our entire community.
Where Your Donation Dollars Go
Maintenance
- Mowing Equipment
- Show Jumps
- Ring Fencing & Footing
- XC Jumps & Footing
- Storage Trailers
- Event Structures & Equipment
- Trails
Fundraising Events
- Pipestave Hill Horse Trials
- Adventure Trail
- Jumper Series
- Hopeful Hunter Derby
Educational Events
- Mounted & unmounted clinics
- Workshops
- Speakers
- Programs
Annual Donations
- WN Fire Company
- WN Police
- GAR Library
- Essex County Trail Association
- Essex County Greenbelt
- Maudslay State Park
- Local horse rescues, service organizations and other charities