Berkshire Horseworks Voted Best Equestrian Facility in W. Mass

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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.

Connecticut Man Killed in Otis Tractor-Trailer Crash

OTIS, Mass. — Thursday's collision between two tractor-trailers on Route 8 killed one of the drivers. 
 
Antonio Luis Marcucci, 32 of Waterbury, Conn., was northbound at about 9 a.m. Thursday when he apparently lost control of the truck and veered into the southbound lanes, colliding head-on with a southbound tractor trailer, according to police. 
 
According to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, police dispatched to 1322 South Main Road found the truck with Connecticut plates in the northbound lane and a truck bearing Oklahoma plates lodged in a snowback on south side. 
 
The officer began rendering aid to the northbound driver, identified as Marcucci. He was pinned inside the cab of his truck. He was extracated and transported to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield by Otis EMS, where he was pronounced dead.
 
The driver of the Oklahoma tractor trailer in the southbound lane did not receive serious injuries.
 
Early investigation, including dash camera footage captured by one of the tractor trailers, shows the Oklahoma tractor trailer was traveling in the southbound lane and the Connecticut tractor trailer was traveling in the northbound lane, according to the DA's Office. The Connecticut tractor trailer lost control veering off the other side of the road ultimately ending on the southbound lane. Shortly after the two tractor trailers collided in a head on collision.
 
The investigation remains ongoing.
 
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