About Anne Benson

Anne Benson & Mistletoe

A native New Englander, Anne Benson has been professional training Morgan horses since 1981. After completing a year of study at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and four years of working for Jean DeGutis at Janbark in Plainville, MA, Anne decided to focus her interests on the Morgan show horse industry.

She went on to work for Brad and Kari Beaton at Hillock Farm in Sutton, MA, handling such great breeding stallions as Tedwin Topic, The Buckeye, Applevale Boy King, and Waseekas Showtime. During this time, she handled up to nine stallions and learned about equine reproduction technology. Even though the three years were a valuable experience, she realized her heart and passion still rested with the show horses.

In 1987, Anne moved home to Brockton, MA, and began working for Jim and Ann Anderson of Hobby Knoll Stables in nearby Duxbury. The seven years working for one of the top show stables was very rewarding for Anne. During her time at Hobby Knoll, Anne also had the privilege to work with and learn from some of the best veterinarians, farriers, and caretakers in the breed. She also had the opportunity to work with some great amateur owners, as well as handle, ride and drive some outstanding show horses, including Plantation Showbiz, Tedwin Touch of Class, Tedwin In Tempo, and Shakers Pedro.

In 1994, Anne felt the time had come to test her knowledge and skill, so she took the position of head trainer and manager of Kornhugel Farm in Marshfield, MA. Nine show seasons produced numerous world and regional champions, including FCF Cuer De Lion, SMS Imagine That, Spice o Life Satin Doll, LTS Morning Glory, KHF Bleeding Heart, L'Cimas Exclusive, Kris Kroft Hot N Spicy, Hollybrook Romeo, and Equinox Giovanni.

The closing of Kornhugel Farm brought Anne to a crossroads in her career. She sought refuge and guidance in a partnership with Rick Stevens at Stonegate Farm in Portsmouth, RI. Here she continued to produce many champions, coach amateur riders, break young stock, and handle breeding stallions. She won the World English Pleasure Championship with Stonecroft Byzantine and the Reserve World Ladies Park Saddle Championship with KD Hot to Trot.

After a few years operating Anne Benson Stables in Dighton, MA; Anne has moved back to StoneGate Farm a full-scale Morgan training facility where she also offer riding lessons to the public.

About Rachael Sprague

A graduate of Norfolk County Agricultural High School, Rachael has always known her passion was for horses. Rachael grew up riding on the local and Morgan show circuits, but in 1998 Rachael moved to Fulton Mo. to study Equine Science at William Woods University. Here she fine-tuned her training techniques and teaching skills by taking classes such as rider psychology and anatomy/physiology of the working horse. She also had the opportunity to work directly under Gayle Lampe and participated in clinics working with top trainers. Rachael’s summers were spent working at Biggins Stable as an assistant trainer and instructor in Simpsonville, KY. Here she polished her teaching style as a camp councilor working with small and large groups of students.

In 2000 Rachael moved back to Massachusetts and worked at Kornhugel Farm, working with top Morgan show horses. She participated in the daily care and management of horses and farm, teaching her the ins and outs of running a successful training operation. Rachael’s thirst for knowledge brought a move back to Kentucky in 2002, where she worked for the renowned road horse trainer Bob Jenkins, breaking colts and starting the riding academy program. Wanting to be a well-rounded horse woman Rachael made use of her weekends by working at Hunter Hill Farm learning about the hunter/ jumper discipline.

A family medical crisis brought Rachael back home to Massachusetts in 2004, opening Sprague Stables and working with a variety of horses and disciplines. Local ties and interest inspired Rachael to seek the position of Vice President of South Shore Horseman’s Council, allowing her to work hand and hand with some of the great equine professionals in New England.

Rachael comes to Anne Benson Stables with a lifetime of passion and experience in the horse industry. She takes great pride in her work and her ability to put a solid foundation on her horses and students. She shares her knowledge and enthusiasm freely and is a welcomed addition to the farm.