Berkshire Horseworks Voted Best Equestrian Facility in W. Mass

Print Story | Email Story
RICHMOND, Mass. — Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc. has been recognized as the Best of 2025 Western Massachusetts Award Winner in the equestrian category. 
 
This accolade is honor-based on verified data from Google Reviews as analyzed by BusinessRate, stated a press release.
 
The recognition is part of the BusinessRate BEST of 2025 Awards which identify local leaders in customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and service excellence using publicly available Google review data.
 
"This came as such a surprise, as there are so many wonderful organizations in the Berkshires who are dedicated to helping people through interactions with horses. Because this award is not achieved through an application or nomination, but instead based on authentic feedback from our clients, it is even more impactful. Our trusted rescued therapy horses facilitate change every day. We love what we do,” said Hayley Sumner, Founder and Executive Director of Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc.
 
Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit, which has offered Eagala Model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Assisted Team building, and other therapeutic and recreational activities with horses for 11 years, has expanded into the educational space, with the introduction of Horse Powered Reading. 
 
All experiential programming for children, families, and those at risk with mental health, literacy, and behavioral challenges is funded through grants, donations, and direct pay from corporate team building and recreational activities including trail rides. 
 
To date, BHW has seen over 4,200 at-risk youth, active duty, veterans, families, and other vulnerable populations in the Berkshires and throughout New England and New York.
 
Call 413-698-3700 or email info@berkshirehorseworks.com to learn more.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshire Health Systems Dedicates Fairview Hospital Laboratory to Gene Dellea

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems has dedicated the renovated Fairview Hospital Laboratory to Eugene Dellea, the longtime former president of Fairview and the former Hillcrest Hospital, and a senior leader at BHS for decades. 
 
The Gene Dellea Laboratory at Fairview Hospital is designed to honor Dellea's extraordinary legacy of service to healthcare in Berkshire County,
 
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Monday, June 29, at Fairview, bringing together nearly 50 guests, including Dellea's family and friends, local elected officials including state Rep. Leigh Davis, BHS trustees and staff, and Fairview employees. 
 
Welcomed by BHS President & CEO Darlene Rodowicz, a series of speakers reflected on his decades of dedication to healthcare in the Berkshires, his leadership at Hillcrest and Fairview, and his lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the community. Speakers included Dr. Alec Belman, Fairview chief of staff; Tony Scibelli, BHS vice president and Fairview chief operating officer; and Select Board Chair Stephen Bannon, also a Fairview pharmacist.
 
Bannon presented Dellea with a special citation recognizing his lifelong commitment to the health and wellness of Berkshire County residents. Dellea himself shared heartfelt stories from his early years managing the lab at Hillcrest Hospital and his many years serving Fairview.
 
The celebration also recognized the generous anonymous donors whose $1 million gift made it possible for Fairview Hospital to renovate and move the clinical laboratory. The upgraded space supports improved infrastructure, new diagnostic technology and equipment, and a more convenient location for patients and staff. 
 
"This meaningful investment honors Gene's remarkable legacy while strengthening the care Fairview provides to the nearly 30,000 people who rely on its laboratory services each year," said Rodowicz.
 
View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories