About Different Drummer Farm
Different Drummer Farm was purchased in 1979 with the intent of starting a resident camp and top shelf training facility for serious hunt seat riders in an atmosphere that was also lovely for raising children and young horses.
The picturesque New England farm is situated on 15 acres with a 15 stall barn, 2 outdoor riding rings and numerous paddocks and pastures.
45 years later, this small farm is still thriving, though the emphasis is changing. While we still offer quality riding lessons to horse owners, we are now shifting the focus to children's events and program offerings. It is important to have a space for children to be outside, learning, exploring and interacting with animals and nature. I strongly believe in children, being children, and enjoying the fantasy of a unicorn ride, a chance to express themselves through art and the opportunity to learn about the responsibilities of animal care. In this world of screen time and indoor activities, it's fulfilling to provide a quiet place for family activities. Our mission is "to put the child back in children"
Everything about DDF is creative, from our summer pony camps and parties, to our events and programs. Several small farm animals in addition to the horses and ponies, make for some great animal visits.
High caliber riding lessons and clinics are still available for the horse owner. Over 45 years of teaching and training experience aid in strengthening your riding ability, or will help to bring along a horse in need of some fine tuning.
Jodi Fortier is the owner and director of DDF. Jodi began riding at age 12 and had a very diverse background in everything from western reining, riding and driving saddlebreds and morgan park horses, dressage, polo, eventing, fox hunting, along with being a serious pony clubber and top 4-H finalist in quiz bowl and judging. A graduate of Meredith Manor School of Horsemanship in Waverly, West Virginia, Jodi went on to be a live-in working student at Saddle River with Hank and Marion Hulick,. Several trainers and years of competition on the "A" circuit with young hunters, along with degrees in Horsemanship, Riding Master, and Camp Management, gave Jodi the background to be successful at her own farm specializing in hunters and hunter seat equitation. Five years as a veterinarian's assistant also gave a practical background for animal management. Different Drummer Farm students are not only top hunt seat equitation riders throughout New England, but great horsemen as well.
Jodi has written and published several Hunter/Jumper related features for the Northeast Equine Journal, as well as a manual for teaching children to ski.
Wintertime finds Jodi on the slopes teaching and coaching racers, along with being an avid skier herself. Now nearing retirement age, it is wonderful to devote more time on the farm to her real passion, children!
Jodi purchased the farm at age 21 with husband, Phil and raised three wonderful and successful children on the farm. Now the grandchildren are enjoying the farm, events and animals.