About Us
Kathy Lang, Founder/Treasurer, Canterbury NH
“Since the day my memories began, horses have been my heart. I rode whenever I could, saving my babysitting money to go trail riding with rented horses from Barbara Gunn’s stable in East Concord. Life, college, marriage interfered with my “horse life”. But with Becky, I finally got back to it! We took lessons together from Deedee Ludlam at Bear Brook Stable, I was in my 40’s. Becky got the SHOW bug and when she was 11, we bought our first horse. A 2-year-old! LOL! It was a learning experience. We sent him to a wonderful home in Vermont. (heated barn, loving owner)..
Gradell’s Delight (Daisy) was our next purchase (after many visits to try others) a Little Bay UVM Morgan mare. And what a truly wonderful horse she was! Becky and Daisy showed all over New England, winning many, many blue ribbons. I was a “Show Mom”.
I leased a wonderful old Morgan, Mick, who I rode as much as I possibly could on Bear Brook trails. I bought a black Morgan gelding, Buddy (Bradvue’s Nasty Boy). I rode many trails with friends or alone. He was a great trail horse.
We bought a farm in Canterbury and brought Buddy and Daisy home. My parent’s illnesses and my caring for them led to selling Buddy to a fine young lady who still has him. In 2005, February, I lost my Dad to pneumonia. In April, we had to put Daisy down and she is buried here with us. I cried every day for months, she was such a beloved member of our family.
Becky had graduated from UNH with Honors and a degree in Anthropology. In May, went to Bolivia to a Mayan dig site beside Lake Titicaca. She was awarded a full scholarship for her Doctorate at the University of California (Riverside), a very well-regarded school for Mayan study. It was en route to California to begin her studies, that her accident occurred.
Losing Becky was, and will always be, the hardest journey of my life. My mother died four days later. I was numb and lived just drifting through daily routines in a black fog, unable to feel, think or care. Horses saved me. I had months before, bought as a companion to Daisy, a Morgan/Percheron named Dixie. It was caring for her that got me up everyday and very slowly healing started.
In 2009, friends gathered together to help establish “something” that would honor Becky’s love of all animals, but especially horses. Thus, Becky’s Gift was founded, through which hundreds of NH horses and their owners have been helped. Becky’s spirit has been with us from the beginning. and so the story continues.
Today, my husband and I live on the farm in Canterbury, the home Becky always loved to come back to during college breaks, home to our four English setters and two barn cats, Hoss and Little Joe.
Just a year ago, I bought my “heart” horse, Pirate, a black Morgan gelding who looks at me with big loving eyes and follows me wherever I go. He runs to me when he sees me coming and he just fills my heart with so much love.”
Linda Barnes, President, Salisbury NH
“Horses have been a lifelong passion. And more. From youth to adulthood, they have served as faithful friends throughout life’s ups and downs.
“Giving back” to these noble partners has rightfully become a part of who I am. A number of years were spent providing fundraising and fostering for NH Equine Humane Association.
More recent efforts include providing space for non-profit horse rescues to sell donations. The opportunity to join the remarkable team of volunteers that is Becky’s Gift fills me with a level of pride that goes beyond words.
The mission of Becky’s Gift, and the services we provide is, for me, the ultimate in “giving back”.
Susie Campbell, Secretary, Bow NH
Susie grew up in New Jersey and showed on the Hunter/Jumper circuit as a junior rider. During her college years, she competed in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association events winning 4 National Championships. She was named to the Colby Sawyer College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009 as a result of her accomplishments.
Following college, Susie was a PATH certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor for almost 20 years. She’s also taught middle school students for over 35 years!
Per Susie, “I think that I am a little bit responsible for Becky’s love and involvement with horses. When she was very young, I gave her a few lessons on a horse named Chief and a pony named Bugs Bunny and that was all it took- she was hooked!”
Larry Barnes, Information Technology Consultant, Salisbury NH
Larry is retired after a long career in computers and consulting. Larry assists Becky’s Gift in all things technology.
Sarai Kramer, Rochester, NH
“I was that horse crazy kid who begged for pony rides at every county fair I ever attended. My family was not well off enough to allow me to pursue my passion but at 13 we found a wonderful lady who was willing to share her equines in return for my mom and I doing some of their care.
Since that time, I’ve worked as a wrangler for two summer camps (over 4 camp seasons), been the barn manager’s assistant for a large Eventing barn, owned my own equines since 2002, been the barn manager for a large Hunter/EQ barn and have now had the joy of having my girls at home for just over a year.
I still dabble in the occasional show, both western and english, but mostly I’m a trail rider. I sew, knit, bake, craft, maintain my vehicles, and work on my little 6.5 acre piece of heaven while my husband serves our country in the Air National Guard”.
Barbara Lincoln, Hillsborough, NH
I’ve had a lifelong love of horses. Growing up there were limited family resources but my Dad always found a way to make sure that I had a horse. My friends and I would often pack a lunch and take off for the day to ride over the back roads and fields of our town. There were no formal lessons so I learned about riding and taking care of my horse by participating in 4-H and absorbing the wisdom of more experienced horse people.
College, a family, and my nursing career took me away from horses for more than 40 years but the love and interest was always there. After semi-retiring at age 62 I decided to try going back to riding, started taking lessons, and soon rediscovered the joy that horses bring to your life. Within the year I purchased my guy, Rory, who’s an OTTB gelding with a big personality and some definite opinions. We’ve been on our journey together for the past 7 years, always working to improve our partnership with the help of some wonderful trainers and instructors. My current goal is celebrate our “Century Ride” four years from now!
I live in Hillsborough with my husband, Pete, and our 3 cats Punkin, Tippi, and Yogi. When I learned about Becky’s Gift and met Kathy Lang I was immediately interested and hoped to become part of this wonderful group. From my own early life experience I understand what it’s like to scramble to feed and care for your horses! I am so delighted to now be a member of Becky’s Gift!
Sandy Messer, New London NH
“At this point in my life, I do low key trail riding on my quarter horse mare with friends. We call them “walk & talks” – great therapy sessions! I enjoy chatting with & listening to people about anything horse.” I am honored to help out with any Becky’s Gift events or situations to support fellow horse lovers in the care of their equine friends.”
Dorinda Sullivan Ouellette, Somersworth, NH
I’ve been in awe of horses my whole life. My first encounter with horses was with my grandfather’s horse, Daisy. She was his work horse that he eventually replaced with a tractor. That was a sad day for me. As a kid I rode every chance I could from one-hour trail rides at a local stable to riding my friend’s backyard pony. Throughout my whole life I sought out opportunities to ride. It wasn’t until I was in my 50’s that I really decided it was now or never. I began taking lessons at local barns, I half leased a couple farm horses and finally free leased a gentle paint gelding, True Blue. My greatest dream was to have my very own horse one day. That day came on 11-11-11 when I rented a two-horse trailer, drove to Kentucky in search of the perfect 10 to 12-year-old gelding, spent three days trying out many horses and came home with a 5-year-old Rocky Mountain mare, Raindrop.
It has been a learning experience for both of us. We have tried a little of everything. We’ve participated in versatility clinics, a cowgirl camp, gaited horse clinics, centered riding, riding on the beach, clicker training, we’re planning on trying out Western Dressage, but mostly we spend our time trail riding the 400 acres on Bellamy Wildlife Management Area that abuts her barn. I enjoy the time we spend together learning new things and building confidence, both hers and mine.
Heather Tower, Farmington NH
“I started riding at age 3 and since then I have horses running through my veins and was always doing something with horses mainly lessons. As a tween/teen I was a member of Pony Club and competed in 3 Phase. When not competing, you would find me deep in the woods on my horse.
Nowadays, competing is far from anywhere I wish to be but that love of being off the beaten path exploring our beautiful country with my horse is where I am happiest. I get out on the trails as much as I can with my trail riding friends.
I live on a small hobby farm with my husband Troy and my horses, Romeo and Andso, and my three minis: Windy, Brewin, Lorcan. Also, my pack of rescue dogs whom I always have at least one with me and an assortment of other pet and farm yard critters.
In my love of horses (and all animals too) I have really enjoyed helping in the realm of Rescue; helping horses and owners (lots of other animals too, don’t ask me about my rescues whom call me mom unless you have a few hours LOL). I hope to continue to help local horses (and other critters) in the future whenever there is need.
I feel very strongly about the “Pay it forward” and that’s what I try and do every day”.
Cheryl Walsh, Dover, NH
I was the typical horse crazy kid growing up. I owned a horse for a brief year as a teen. I was green and she was only halter broke but somehow it worked out. I was crushed the day we sold her. Then life got busy and I didn’t get back to horses until I was almost 50. I started taking lessons and then in 2011 my friend and I took a trip to Kentucky to find some Rocky Mountain Horses. I came back with a 7 year old mare – Bella. She has taught me so much and I have found that this journey is one of continual education. We enjoy trail riding and versatility and have done many different clinics ranging from Centered Riding to Cow Girl Camp.
Over the years I have made so many friends within the horse community and am always so impressed with their generosity. Becky’s Gift is a perfect example of that and I wanted to be part of this great organization and to give back.
I currently work for a company that makes fundraising software for non profits. Prior to that I worked for many years at NH Public Broadcasting as the Membership Director. I live with my husband, 2 dogs and several chickens.