About Reddington Rock Riding Club
Who we are
Reddington Rock Riding Club is a private organization that was founded in 1962. Part of what makes our club unique is that in 1972 we purchased 18 acres which is our Camp Glazier. Our grounds boast a pavilion, cookshack, restrooms, an arena, a small barn, and many camp sites. We also are super fortunate to border the Shenipsit State Forest in Stafford Springs, CT.
The purpose of the club is to encourage and promote the sport of equine trail riding. This is done by sponsoring equine related functions such as trail rides, fun days, educational events, as well as assisting in the maintenance of bridle trails in the area. (See the link at the bottom of this page to join us!)
Shenipsit State Forest
Club members have direct access from club property to this amazing forest that encompasses over 7,000 acres. It stretches from Stafford, through Somers and into Ellington, CT.
The woods themselves consist largely of oak, especially red oak, which provide valuable food and shelter for deer, turkeys and other wildlife.
The forest is a popular with horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers.
Maps can be found on All Trails, or here
Camping
Have you ever wanted to try horse camping? It is amazing! A unique aspect of RRRC is that club members who own or lease a horse can rent a "lot" in order to corral and camp with their horse(s). There is often a waiting list so, don't delay in letting us know you wish to be placed on the list. When a lot becomes available it is offered by seniority to those who are waiting . The sooner you get on the list the better chances you have of getting a highly coveted lot/campsite.
Guests of a member may camp in the field.
Please see our Rules an Regulations for details.
A Brief History of Reddington Rock Riding Club
Adapted from an article by Doris Schaeffer on the club's twentieth anniversary in 1982.
In the early 1960s the only trail rides in the Vernon, Rockville, Ellington area were 4-H rides. Several horse people suggested a family pleasure trail riding club be formed. Aileen Pfau McNeal took the horse by the reins, called local horse people, and held meetings at her home. Word got about to friends in other towns and in 1962, a charter was adopted, and formal meetings were held at various members’ homes and cottages, the “bawl room” at Leo Cohen’s Bowling Alley, AmEnde’s Arabian Barn in Vernon, the Ellington American Legion Hall, etc. The group then needed a name.
After discussion many names were suggested for the newly formed riding club. In October of 1962 charter members voted on the name of the Reddington Rock Riders which was the suggestion of the late Robert W. Aborn. In those early years, Bob Aborn permitted the riding group to use several acres of his Hopkins Road property complete with a running brook. This property was adjacent to Shenipsit State Forest. When riders entered the forest they rode in the shadow of a huge rock with a protective overhanging formation, known as Reddington Rock. According to legend, a frontiersman by the name of Reddington was attacked by an Indian, possibly a Nipmuck tribe member. During the encounter, Reddington was able to free himself and headed for the protection under the rock in a cave-type shelter. The Indian, in pursuit, ran to the top of the huge rock and plunged over to his death.
This is an old legend handed down for generations, and because of the early time and lack of complete records, it cannot be verified in the library or town records.
The name of the club was later changed from Reddington Rock Riders to Reddington Rock Riding Club.
In 1972, members raised the funds to purchase the 18-acre property located on Handel Road in Stafford Springs. Camp Glazier directly abuts the Shenipsit State Forest with its extensive horse-friendly trail system. The camp has approximately 30 camping lots with corrals, which can be rented for the season by club members. The camp also has running water, a pavilion, bathroom, and easy parking for horse trailers.