About Us

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION

Only a few spots left!  Click here to download the summer camp registration materials.  If you have any questions, please contact Lynne Schulthess, Executive Director, at 203-966-0634 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

UPCOMING EVENTS

2012 June Review Ceremony and Horse Show - June 3, 2012

NCMT is hosting its annual June Review Ceremony and Horse Show on June 3, 2012.  This is the culminating event of our Full Cadet Program year, whereby Cadets are recognized for their achievements in sportsmanship, courteousness and Troop spirit.  It is also the time to award perpetual trophies, the Equine Care High Point Horsemanship Awards, and announce the promotions of Cadets to higher rankings, including the announcement of the new Cadet Major. The Drill Team 2012 will perform immediately following the Ceremony, and the Horse Show will immediately follow the Drill Team Exhibition.

To download the prize list, click below, and don't forget to sign up outside of Hannah's office.  A catering truck and EMT will be onsite, and we are proud to present our Alumni classes and the NEW New Canaan Parks and Recreation Department Introductory to Riding Program Leadline class.

 

SPRING RAFFLE FUNDRAISER - DRAWING TO BE HELD JUNE 9, 2012

As part of our spring fundraising event, NCMT is holding a raffle!  This time we are raffling off 8 terrific items for more chances to WIN!  The Grand Prize is a 50cc Vespa!  Other prizes include a gorgeous Manfredi necklace, an iPad2 and two Mont Blanc pens, 2 VIP tickets to the US Open, a $500 Amex gift card, 6 VIP passes to "A Day At The Races" at the Belmont Racetrack, a $250 Beval Saddlery gift card, and an HD camera.  If you would like to buy a $20 ticket, please contact Lynne Schulthess, at (203-966-0634, or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING NCMT AND ALL OF ITS AMAZING PROGRAMS!

NCMT SPIRIT WEAR

To order your spirit wear, you can visit the Members page to see the flyer, or go click here to visit our store on iTownstore.com.

OVERVIEW OF NCMT

New Canaan Mounted Troop, Inc. (“NCMT”) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational and charitable youth organization.  Founded in 1939 by Margaret Cabell Self, NCMT is the last remaining unit of the Junior Cavalry of America. Our mission statement is to build leadership, responsibility and confidence in youth through sound horsemanship. Children ages 7 & up are enrolled in a 10-month-long program Full Cadet Program that offers a rich curriculum in equine care, hunt-seat riding, and showmanship. Summer Camp and Adult Riding Programs are also offered. 

Most horses and ponies are owned by NCMT, and all are shared amongst our riders.  What makes NCMT unique is that it relies primarily on donated horses for its instruction program.  The majority of our horses and ponies have come to us because either their owners could no longer care for them, or they are retiring from respectable show careers.  Our horses and ponies receive a second lease on life, as teachers, to our cadets.  Captain Hailey Miller recently described NCMT as “Giving Horses A Second Chance So Kids Can Have A First.”

Mission Statement

New Canaan Mounted Troop, Inc. (NCMT) is devoted to building leadership, responsibility and confidence in youth. It provides a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience that emphasizes teamwork and follows a curriculum focused on horsemanship and equine care instruction. All activities are conducted in a family atmosphere that encourages participation in community service, a feature rooted in the history of the organization.

The Facility

NCMT has a new, state-of-the-art facility featuring a 140’ x 200’ outdoor ring, a 72’ x160’ indoor ring, 30 stalls (10’ x 10’ and 10’ x 12’), several all-weather turnout paddocks for year-round turnout, grass paddocks, tack room, offices, horse laundry facilities, the Learning Center, and a locker room for our Troopers.  As part of our initiative to be as eco-friendly as possible, the facility boasts a geothermal heat pump, which uses natural heat from the earth and groundwater to heat and cool the barn.

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jenny Iverson Schwartz

President

Jenny Iverson Schwartz received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Southern California in 1989.  From 1989 to 2005, she had a career in public finance as an investment banker and financial advisor, specializing in municipal bonds and structured finance. From 2007 to 2011, Ms. Schwartz served as Chairman of the Darien Housing Authority, and in 2008 she co-founded Equestrian Neightion, LLC, a web-based virtual world and community for horse enthusiasts.  She also was a volunteer in the Darien school system, chairing the After School Program and Middle School directory. She has been a member of the NCMT family since 2002, and in March 2010, she was elected President of the Board of New Canaan Mounted Troop. Mrs. Schwartz is an accomplished equestrian, with a long list of accolades, including the 1984 Reserve Champion ASPCA Medal Finals, the 1984 National Junior Individual, Speed and Prix de States Jumper Champion, the 1986 Oaks Grand Prix Champion, the 1990 Foxfield Medal Finals Champion, and most recently, the 2010 New England Adult Equitation Champion.  She lives in Darien with her husband and three children, two of who currently ride at NCMT.

 

Jeanne Smith

Vice President

Jeanne Hunt Smith received her Bachelor of Arts in English-Journalism from Miami University (Ohio) in 1981. She was Vice President, Associate Buying Director of Media Partnership Corporation, based in Norwalk, CT, from 1995-2008.  Most recently, she has moved on to ICON International, a corporate barter company headquartered in Stamford. She has been a member of the NCMT family since 1989, serving on several committees over the years including the Capital Campaign to purchase the NCMT property at 22 Carter St. and most recently the campaign to fund the new barn completed in 2009.  Jeanne was the proud owner of former NCMT school horse, "Chester", from 1999-2010.  She lives in Darien with husband Chris and son Christopher. Daughter Olivia Smith is a student at Sweet Briar College, an accomplished equestrian who went through the ranks at NCMT, riding NCMT school horses to ribbons in the CHJA Children's Medal Finals in 2005 and 2007.

 

Elizabeth Tobin

Treasurer

Elizabeth. Tobin holds an undergraduate degree in comparative literature from the University of Paris, France and an MBA in International Finance from Fordham University, New York. In 1986, she began her career in the global money management industry as an analyst and, from 1998 until 2001, was Associate Portfolio Manager of the First Eagle Funds – formerly known as the SoGen Funds. From 2002 to 2008, she managed assets for private European clients and returned to the First Eagle Funds in 2009 where she is currently employed.  Ms. Tobin also is a Director of Finel SA, a private industrial company. She became a member of New Canaan Mounted Troop in 1996 when her daughter was first introduced to riding at NCMT and quickly developed a lasting passion for the equestrian sport. Ms. Tobin has served as Treasurer of NCMT since 2000.  She lives in New Canaan with her husband.

 

Brenda Williams

Assistant Treasurer

Brenda Williams received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Ball State University in 1983 and her CPA from University of Illinois.  From 1983 to 1987 she served as an Internal Auditor for Dun & Bradstreet where she planned, coordinated and supervised both foreign and domestic financial and operational audits.  From 1987 to 1990 she served as Director of Accounting and Materials Management for Enterprise Systems, Inc. (ESI) a national provider of PC-based management software for the healthcare industry.  From 1990 to 1995 she served as the Director of Financial Reporting and Analysis for Macmillan, Inc. a global publisher of educational, professional, reference and trade books.  She is currently serving her fifth year on the board of Holmes Elementary School as Treasurer and volunteers for numerous other committees in the Darien community.  She has been a member of NCMT family since 2005 and was elected Assistant Treasurer in 2006.  Ms. Williams lives in Darien with her husband and three children, two of who currently ride at NCMT.

 

Meghan Allen

Secretary

Meghan Flattery Allen received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Columbia University.  She worked at Ernst & Young for eight years as a CPA, specializing in commodities trading and broadcasting.  After leaving Ernst & Young, Mrs. Allen was the controller for the U.S. operations of Euromin Trading Corporation, a metals trading company.  Subsequently, Mrs. Allen worked for Bank of America as director of accounting/controller for the commercial finance subsidiary until leaving after five years to spend more time with her family.  Mrs. Allen volunteers her time in the New Canaan schools and is a member of National Charity League.  Mrs. Allen passed along her longtime love of horses to her daughter who began riding at New Canaan Mounted Troop in 2006.   She joined the Board in 2008 and began serving as Secretary in 2009.  Mrs. Allen lives with her husband, Jim and daughter in New Canaan.

 

Ann E. Brown

Board Member

Ann Brown has been a member of the NCMT family for over 10 years, when her daughter Hailey began riding.  Ann brings a vast marketing and media background to Troop which has resulted in the development of the Adopt A Horse website and other branding and marketing strategies for the organization.  Ann is currently a Senior Vice President at The Weather Channel, leading a team of marketing, creative and content professionals to build consumer engagement across all media platforms.  From 2003 to 2010, she was a Senior Vice President in Creative Strategy for Time Warner Global Marketing, where again she developed programs and platforms that leverage media assets across Time Warner. She has worked for US Concepts, The College Television Network, and Saatchi & Saatchi, as account managers in marketing and media.  In 2008, Ann co-founded Equestrian Neightion, LLC, a web-based virtual world and community for horse enthusiasts.  Ann is an avid rider and horse show mom, and continues to bring creative marketing ideas to promote NCMT.

 

Heather Fava Budnick

Board Member

Heather Fava Budnick received her Bachelors of Science in Business Communication from Bentley University in 1993 and a Masters of Science from Tufts University Medical School in Health Communications in 1997. She began her career at the New England Journal of Medicine where she worked for five years in Product Management, Marketing and Sales roles. After relocating to New York City she worked in pharmaceutical advertising for Medicus Life Brands. Ms. Budnick has served on the grant distribution panel for the New Canaan Community Foundation for Community Nursery School Board as Chair for the recent and prior to the renovation the chair for the spring fair and volunteers her time in the New Canaan public school system. Ms. Budnick began riding as a child and enjoys sharing her love of horses with her daughter who has been riding at NCMT since 2008. Ms. Budnick lives in New Canaan with her husband and 2 children.

 

A.J. Conley

Board Member

A.J. Conley graduated from Dartmouth College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.  For over 20 years he has held various senior positions in international energy publishing and consulting, first with Energy Intelligence Group and presently with PIRA Energy Group. As PIRA’s Chief Operating Officer since 1999, he oversees a staff of 70 and has primary responsibility over client contract negotiations, sales and marketing, and HR management. Since 2010, he has served on the board of directors of Pret A Manger USA. A.J. lives in New Canaan with his wife and three children, one of which is an NCMT alumna.

Carol Dubrowski

Board Member

Carol became active at NCMT 18 years ago, when her oldest daughter, Liz, started riding at Troop.  She established the Parent Committee at Troop, which organizes many of the events for the children and assists with Troop fundraising activities.  Within her committee work, she helped to expand Troop’s social events.  Carol served as Secretary of the board for about 12 years. Both of Carol’s daughters went through the complete Troop program and each served as Cadet Major.  Her daughter Liz went on to ride in college and was an IHSA National Champion and Reserve Champion, and worked at Troop for three years.  Carol has a background in nursing, but went back to college for a degree in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching preschool in Wilton for 15 years. Although her daughters are no longer at Troop, Carol loves Troop and remains an active board member.

Elizabeth Smith Klein “Leelee”

Board Member

Elizabeth Smith Klein aka “Leelee” received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Communications from Denison University 1985, and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College in 1995. She worked at The Citibank Private Banking Group from 1985 to 1993 as a credit analyst and later as an Assistant Vice President in the Trusts and Estates Department handling accounts over $10 million in assets.  After receiving her degree in education, Leelee taught at Greenwich Country Day School and St. Luke’s Parish School until 1996. In addition, Leelee developed and chaired the annual fundraiser for The Methodist Family Preschool in Darien from 1998-2000, served as Chair of the American Cancer Society Flower Ball Car Raffle in 1997, and served on the PTO of Ox Ridge School in Darien from 2004 to 2006.  Mrs. Klein is a founding board member and developer of The Tiny Miracles Foundation.  She is the past treasurer and current President, and oversees all of their programs and fundraising efforts.  Leelee joined the board of New Canaan Mounted Troop in 2010.  She lives with her husband Michael and their three daughters in Darien, CT.  All three of her daughters have been riding at NCMT since 2005.

 

Dr. Bob Neff, DVM

Board Member

Dr. Neff is a 1995 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and was honored with awards in Equine Medicine, Surgery and patient care.  Dr. Neff joined Fairfield Equine Associates, PC in August, 1996. He is currently one of five partners in the practice. He has diverse interests in lameness, cardiology, ophthalmology, neurology and diagnostic imaging. Affectionately known as “Dr. B ob”, he has worked with the Youth Leadership program at New Canaan Mounted Troop in New Canaan, Connecticut, where he gives instruction to the over 100 cadets on veterinary and equine care.

 

Beth Reilly

Board Member

Beth Reilly is a native of Northern Virginia.  She earned a bachelor’s degree from the George Mason University School of Management in 1988.  She began her career in sales and marketing with high tech company Sprint International in Reston, VA where she worked as global account manager.  In 1995, she worked at Denver-based First Data Corporation as a sales executive and ultimately vice president of business development in the healthcare space helping large health insurers streamline their claims payment processes and employers provide more efficient benefits.  Beth got her residential real estate license in 2006 and left the corporate world to spend more time with her husband and three children in New Canaan.  She is currently an agent with a Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate in New Canaan.  Beth has always had a great love of horses and had quarter horses as a teen in Virginia.  She trained and showed in the local AQHA circuit mostly in western pleasure and reigning.  She was introduced to western riding while spending summers as a girl with her favorite aunt in Texas though her very first horse show event as a four-year-old was lead-line equitation!  She has a daughter currently riding at NCMT.

 

Kelly Sapio

Board Member

Kelly Foley Sapio graduated in 1988 from Mount Saint Mary University in Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Finance and a minor in Fine Art. Kelly continued her studies at NYU’s Gallatin School focusing on Global Business.  From 1988 to 1998, she worked for Avatar Associates Investment Counsel where she served as the Director of Managed Accounts. Kelly was also very active with marketing the non-profit New York Cares and worked with the board there to develop mailing and marketing materials for the programs.  From 1998 to 2001, she served on the executive board and various committees for the Junior League of Summit, NJ.  From 2007 to 2008, she served on the executive board for the Ox Ridge Elementary School PTO.  She is currently a board member of the Darien YWCA Parent Awareness Committee and the Darien Firefighters Foundation, and is a volunteer with both the Darien Lacrosse Foundation and Darien Soccer Association. She enrolled both her daughters Emma and Bella in the NCMT program in 2004 and her daughter Emma is still in the program. Kelly has served on the Board since 2007. Kelly lives in Darien with her husband Tom and three daughters Emma Bella and Anna.