Mast Hill Farm in Boxford MA and other barns in the area?

[lilly76]

I am going to be moving to Massachusetts for a new job in a few months and so far I have my heart set on moving to Boxford, MA. I am looking for a barn that is focused on eventing to bring my horse to… I got really excited to see that Mast Hill Farm is in Boxford but can’t find anything about the farm… literally not a single review. If anyone boards there or has boarded there please let me know (PM me if you would like to). I am also curious about other barns in the area. I have found a few and they all have reviews online but would love to hear more… I don’t know the area at all (I’ve lived in NY my whole life) so if there are any barns or trainers to stay away from I would also love to know! I read that super long thread about the farm in Texas with the BNT and I am terrified to move my horse to a new farm especially in an area that I am not familiar with. I need all of the help and info I can get including things like vet recommendations.

For more info on me - my horse and I have been doing BN for a awhile and would like to move up soon. I am looking for a good trainer who is encouraging, knowledgeable, and goes out to more than just schooling shows.

[amb]

The “Eventing near Boston” thread has some pointers to other places in the area. I can’t speak directly about Mast Hill, but George Murphy always seemed like a good sort. He passed early this year, alas, though Mast Hill is a family operation and I’d expect it to continue.

[Nelliebelle]

So I don’t know much about Mast Hill (and I’ve been in the area a long time), but I would suggest checking out Babette Lenna at Gathering Farm or Ferial Johnson at Ledyard, both in Hamilton. Both are reputable trainers who go to lots of recognized events and have quality facilities to work out of. Scarlet Hill Farm is in Groton, probably 20-30 minutes from Boxford(depending on where you live) and is fantastic also.

[Hilary]

Beth Murphy runs Mast Hill - and yes, her father George passed away at the beginning of the year. I believe Beth winters in Florida but she is an active upper level eventer in Area 1 in the summers. I think they have a website but it’s a small community so not really the type of place to have lots of reviews. She has a lovely barn with attached indoor, and an outdoor arena as well. I don’t know if she has boarders who are not lesson/training clients, or even how many stalls she has - maybe 20? I’ve been there for clinics a few times. I would just call her and talk to her - she’s very nice!
Found the site
http://www.masthillfarm.net/

Boxford is an adorable town with a fabulous school system.

[lilly76]

@amb I didn’t even see that thread! The last person who posted recommended Mast Hill Farm so I will be messaging them to find out more. Hopefully it turns out to be a good match.

@Nelliebelle I have a quite few from the Hamilton area that I will be checking out so I will add those to my list. I already have Scarlet Hill Farm as a possibility too. We have just started looking at homes online so it will depend where we end up in Boxford but a 30 minutes is a reasonable commute to a good barn.

@Hilary Thanks so much! The website answered most of my care type questions but I will definitely get in touch with her soon with the rest of my questions. I’ve fallen in love with Boxford. It is such a cute little town and the fact that it has a great school system is what sold me!