A collection of photos celebrating beauty and spirit of the Blue Star Equiculture Draft Horse Sanctuary in Palmer, MA from photographer Cheryle St. Onge.
Photographer Cheryle St. Onge relished the opportunity to capture the beauty and spirit of Blue Star Equiculture for our story in the September/October 2016 issue of Yankee Magazine. The important work at the farm as a sanctuary for Draft Horses is unparalleled. Volunteers and staff devote much time and effort to the care and love of these gentle hardworking giants. Please enjoy this bonus collection of photos that we were unable to fit into the print edition.
See the full feature, “The Promised Land,” in the September/October 2016 issue.
Rosie, one of many retired New York carriage horses, has found her final home at the farm. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. OngePiper, Merlin & Ben, three of the working horses who are such integral ambassadors to highlighting the work of the farm to the larger community. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. OngeA collection of halters hang in the barn. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. OngeRemix, one of several working Percherons on the farm. He arrived at the farm with his two brothers Mario & Alfie & sister Piper. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. OngeRosie, a Standardbred mare, is one of the oldest residents at Blue Star estimated to be in her mid to late 20s. She spent much of her life in Salisbury, Vermont and worked briefly as a racehorse, an Amish buggy horse and later a New York carriage horse before retiring to the farm in 2010. Sonny with his mother Feather, Penelope & Noodle. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. OngeFeather, a Percheron Mare, at rest. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. OngeSarah with her constant companion Romeo, a former champion racehorse, and later New York carriage horse before his retirement to the farm. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. OngeFoxy a 5 year old Shire is being rehabilitated on the farm and arrived with his 3 brothers Merlin, Tommy & Ben. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. OngePiper is a large dapple grey Percheron working on the farm with her 3 smaller brothers. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. OngePercheron Alfie & Shire Merlin soak up the warmth of the sun. Photo Credit : Cheryle St. Onge
Heather Marcus
Heather Marcus is the photo editor for Yankee Magazine. As photo editor, she works closely with the art director and a large group of contributing photographers to add color and style to the magazine's pages. Living in New England, she is inspired by the people, the landscape, and the wonderful visual opportunities the region affords.
