About Us

New Canaan Mounted Troop Virtual Adoption

What is a virtual adoption?

The virtual adoption program is dedicated to providing the resources needed to nurture and care for the donated horses and ponies of New Canaan Mounted Troop. When you virtually adopt one of our horses or ponies, your donation will go towards the care of that animal. Care is defined as housing, medical, feed, nutritional supplements, shoes and other equipment.

NCMT has long maintained a tradition of helping children attend its horsemanship and equine care programs. Your donation will also help fund scholarships for eligible students and make a difference in a child’s life.

Blue gets examined at Fairfield Equine Associates veterinarian facility

How much does it cost to care for a horse or pony?

Basic care per horse/pony

Basic veterinary care $3,500.
Feed, daily care, bedding, nutritional supplements $10,000.
Equipment $1,200.
Shoes $2,250.

NCMT also maintains a medical fund for any unforeseen emergencies.

Who takes care of the horses and ponies of NCMT?

Lynne Schulthess, Executive Director

Lynne brings a wealth of riding and management experience to NCMT. After showing successfully with legendary trainers Ronnie Mutch, Tim Kees and Leslie Burr Howard, in the junior hunter division at shows including Madison Square Garden, Lynne went onto corporate life as a retail analyst for Tommy Hilfiger. She brings expertise in business management as well as a vast network of "A" show circuit riding professionals. As Executive Director, Lynne is responsible for the administrative and managerial tasks of all of NCMT’s programs, and works hands on with the children and adult riders, as well as the fellow staff members. Lynne is a graduate of Fairfield University.

Hannah Wirfel, Head Riding Instructor

Prior to turning professional, Hannah had an illustrious junior riding career, having trained with Walter "Tim" Kees in the equitation divisions, and with Leslie Burr Howard in the amateur owner jumper divisions. She competed in the Maclay Finals at Madison Square Garden, and has numerous ribbons and accomplishments at Devon, WEF, Lake Placid, Southampton, and Harrisburg. She has taught riders of all ages, including beginners, summer camp, adult riders, and junior equitation riders seeking to get qualified for the Medal and Maclay Finals. Hannah has also served as a "walker" for the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Program, as well as trained the Trinity College Equestrian Team for the IHSA show circuit. She was also the assistant coach and the Equestrian Director for the Miss Porter’s Equestrian Team. Hannah is a graduate from Trinity College in Hartford with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

Jessica D’Urso, Riding Instructor

In December 2009, Jessica D’Urso joined the NCMT family after years of experience managing and teaching at several barns in Fairfield County. A Norwalk native, she rode as a junior with Vince Jones and as a professional at Rhiannon Farm in North Salem. In addition to teaching many of the cadet program riding lessons, Jess works with Hannah to organize, update and implement the Equine Care and Horsemanship curriculum. Jess has run summer camp for NCMT, and she is an integral part in the oversight of the barn days, Trooper events, and Review Ceremonies. Troop’s mission statement resonates strongly with Jess, and she is pleased and excited to be part of the staff at NCMT.

Anne Dylewski, Barn Manager

Since joining NCMT in 2005, Anne brings over 20 years of riding and equine management experience. She works to ensure that the horses and ponies of Troop are happy, healthy and ready to teach the Troopers on a daily basis. Anne takes pride in developing individualized feeding and care programs for NCMT’s diverse herd of horses. In addition, Ann works with the cadets to teach them barn management skills as well as equine care skills, involving the cadets at all levels for an enriched equine experience. Anne holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut.

Each of the many children who participate in the riding and equine care program help to care for our horses and ponies.

AboutNew Canaan Mounted Troop

New Canaan Mounted Troop (NCMT) is a non-profit, charitable organization devoted to building leadership, responsibility and confidence through sound horsemanship. Founded in 1939 by noted horsewoman, author and educator, Margaret Cabell Self, NCMT remains the last unit of the Junior Cavalry of America.

The cadet program at NCMT offers extensive instruction for every rider’s ability — beginners to advanced, young rider through adults — we also believe that instruction and practice in stable management and safety combined with the complete care of horse and tack are the foundations of sound horsemanship. Educational lectures and demonstrations are an integral part of the program and our extensive hands-on curriculum is not offered by any other equestrian program in the area.