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                         July 19, 2002

Horsing around at Morgan Farms

Story and photos by Kathy Eastwood
Staff Writer

Peter and Sherry Cashman of Morgan Farms in Highland Falls met at the Roosevelt racetrack in Long Island when both were involved in harness racing in 1979. They traveled from one racetrack to another on the east coast, from as far away as the state of Florida to near-by Monticello and Goshen to race.

	Happy Trails (Upper Left) Sherry Cashman, who owns 14 horses and is the coach of the Army Equestrian Team, feeds her favorite mare. (Above) Deirdra Clark checks to see who is riding behind her as she enjoys her ride at Morgan Farms. (Left) Emily Gillich braces herself as she starts to ride on Tequila.

"We never stayed anywhere for longer than six months," said Sherry Cashman, coach for the Army Equestrian Team. "Once the kids came, it was decided that we should settle down."

They have been settled at Morgan Farms for the last sixteen years. Although they’re no longer involved in the exciting world of harness racing, horses are still in their blood.

Sherry and her husband, farm manager Peter Cashman, offer horseback riding camps for five weeks in July and August.

"Every little girl dreams of having a horse one day. We not only teach them how to ride, but also the responsibilities that go with owning a horse like cleaning out the stall, grooming, bathing and feeding," Peter said. "It also can be quite expensive, but most of the time kids have no clue as to what is involved when you own a horse."

"The horseback riding camps break down to beginner, intermediate and advanced," Sherry said. "We offer both Western style and English. Riders are taught the correct way to mount a horse, which is always on the left side and to dismount on the horse’s left side, which is known as the near side."

Peter also offers these safety tips to riders when they are around horses.

"Always make your presence known to the horse when walking behind or anywhere the horse can’t see you," he said. "Call out its name to prevent startling the horse. Don’t hand feed the horse. That is a good way to get bitten because the horse will always expect something and will aggressively look for it."

Daughter Shelby Cashman, who grew up around horses gets involved too.

"I talk to the kids about saddles, tack and other equipment used on horses," Shelby said.

"It’s great, I don’t need to worry about Shelby getting into trouble with drugs or other problems as some kids can because she loves working around the farm or riding," Sherry added.

"Along with my daughter, some of the more experienced kids help us out with the camp," Sherry said. "Rosa Kemp and Kylie Henshaw are two "helpers" who guide the campers with mounting, saddling up and cleaning the stall."

Sherry also trains academy cadets in the art of mule riding.

"There are not a lot of differences between riding a mule or a horse, but a mule needs to be handled a little differently because of their legendary stubbornness," she said.

The Cashmans’ board horses for the Army team, as well as for private customers.

"We board 28 horses now and have 14 that we own," Sherry explained. "We offer private and group riding lessons, boarding, trail rides and we have a Kennel for dogs, cats and the occasional rabbit."

For more information on the services and fun offered at Morgan Farms, call Peter or Sherry Cashman at (845) 938-3926.