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 Unveils 9/11 Memorial Featuring World Trade Center Steel

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A piece of history will now stand in front of the Great Barrington Fire Department, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of those who rushed in, stepped forward, and answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.
 
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Fire Department for the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial featuring a steel I-beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
 
The monument marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and its effect reached far and wide beyond New York, said Deputy Fire Chief James Mead.
 
"There are moments in our lives that become markers of time. Moments when we remember not only what happened, but where we were, who was beside us, and how the world somehow felt different afterwards," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said. 
 
"For those of us who experienced September 11, 2001 — it is one of those moments for us to share."
 
The acquisition of the beam was a multi-year effort initiated by the late Andy Moro, former commander of American Legion Post 298 in Housatonic, and was carried on by the Legion's second vice commander, John Morris. 
 
Morris said he was able to obtain the warped steel I-beam through connections he made during his time as a New York City firefighter.
 
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