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.

Great Barrington Fire, Police Respond to Chimney Fire

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Fire Chief Scott Turner called for mutual aid as soon as he saw flames. 
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Firefighters made quick work of a chimney fire on Tuesday afternoon and two police officers aided the occupant in escaping the building. 
 
Fire Chief Scott Turner said the blaze at 205 North St. was reported about 12:38 p.m.
 
"When I arrived on scene, we had a small amount of flames coming out of the eaves of the roof over by the chimney for the wood stove, and then we had light smoke conditions on the second floor," he said. 
 
Police Officers Andres Huertas and Elias Casey were first on the scene and immediately entered the single-family home to find the occupant was on the second floor. 
 
They helped her out of the building, Turner said, "they did a great job."
 
The chimney is a metal chimney and burn marks could been seen where it meets the eaves on the side of the building. 
 
North Street is a narrow residential way and firetrucks from Alford, Egremont, Monterey, Richmond, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge were parked along nearby streets. 
 
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