Cecelia Myers ’27
EE Staff Writer
An autumn breeze hits Connecticut, and suddenly the phone at Gold Rush is ringing off the hook. With a trail system of gold and the autumnal rush of customers, this Easton horse farm surely lives up to its name.
Deep in the heart of Easton, Connecticut lies a 100+ acre farm, Gold Rush Farm LLC. Just a few miles down the road from Silverman’s, this equine business has a trail system for the books. In addition, the sense of community is what earns this business its place in the spotlight.
When Silverman’s is crowded and the unseasonable heat is becoming too much to handle, Gold Rush is the place to be. Especially during the fall foliage, it’s a smooth transition from goats and apple picking. Although, the farm is home to three goats as well: Thelma, Louise, and Sparkles. Alongside them is a group of tried and true trail horses (that happen to look great in Instagram posts).
The farm hosts a 45 minute trail ride, at a walking pace, through their 120 acres of leased land. However, the hack horses are really what tie the experience together. A 22 year old wild-caught Mustang, “Hank The Tank”, is a seasoned and reliable trail horse. His slow and steady pace is what inspired his nickname, rather than his wild Nebraska nativity. Hank is trained specifically for these trails, so much so that if you get lost, all you have to do is drop the reins and he’ll take you home.
Often alongside Hank is Raine, a 24 year old American Paint mare. While she’s a little bit quicker than her partner, she’s perfect for the beginner rider. Her eager demeanor and black & white coat is what customers love most about her, as well as her feisty personality.
These horses are the initial attraction of the farm, but the community is what makes people stay. “I have met so many wonderful people at the farm that have really helped me grow as a person,” said longtime volunteer Zoe Jurgielewicz, who was inspired by the farm’s staff and other volunteers to apply to Trumbull Agriscience this fall for the 2026-27 school year.
Jurgielewicz, 13, has been volunteering at Gold Rush every weekend since she was allowed to at 10. She claims her initial interest in volunteering was because of the animals, describing the horses as “sweet and very loving.”
“I think my final favorite thing about GRF is the community,” Jurgielewicz said.
An experienced instructor and trail guide, Natalie Newmark, has similar feelings about the farm. “I have no idea where I would be without the farm today,” Newmark said. Having attended riding lessons since she was nine, Newmark has honed her craft for eight years now, always at Gold Rush Farm.
In order to book a trail ride, customers contact the farm at 203-268-9994. They may also visit their website at goldrushfarmsct.com. Trail rides run for $65 per person for 45 minutes. Consider going on a ride through roughly 120 acres of forest with an experienced trail guide this fall!
Feature Photo: Gold Rush Farm, Easton, CT, photographed by Cecelia Myers.