Pet Services in Watertown

While still learning how to walk on their own, Legacy Stables owners Michael Murphy and Elizabeth Vaughan Murphy began learning how to ride horses. The two both grew up around horses, and they apply their lifelong knowledge of horseback riding with students during training and lessons in saddle-seat, hunter-seat, Western, and driving styles. During lessons, students are introduced to the stable's fleet of morgan horses, which are known to be one of the oldest and most versatile breeds in North America. The compassionate instructors lead lessons for both beginner and advanced riders, as well as small children who learn basic steering and methods of riding a horse without training wheels.

After nearly getting his teeth kicked in by an errant hoof, Stephen Briggs decided that it was probably a good time to walk away from his rodeo career. Bidding his favorite rodeo clowns goodbye, Stephen joined the family business started by his father, Frederick Alvin Briggs—called "Allie" by his customers—more than 30 years ago.

Continuing in his father's footsteps, Stephen now oversees Allie's Store, where his team supplies horse tack, Western and work apparel, and supplies for creatures that range from farm animals to pets. Under Stephen's leadership, Allie's Store now also stocks all-natural animal foods, due to increased customer requests for healthier food for their pets. The shelves display bagged edibles from lines such as Earthborn Holistic and Blue Buffalo. This is the same food the Briggs family feeds its own pets—two dogs, two cats, and four horses named Jessie, Oso, Buddy, and Hoss who exchange local gossip with customers at the adjacent barn.

The Barking Lot's doggy-sitters understand that canine parents like to check in on their pups throughout the day. Six days a week, they post Facebook photos of day-care dogs romping around the 8,000-square-foot, climate-controlled playground. Three days a week, they post YouTube videos of especially exciting moments, such as a game of chase in the large dog play area or a round of Red Rover in the small pooch zone. Dogs who spend the night snuggle into a comfortable kennel outfitted in fleecy bedding. Calming music plays as pooches snooze, and optional play times, cuddling, and even bedtime stories can keep pups from feeling homesick.

In addition to providing a fun place to play and spend the night, pet- care techs ensure pets are safe: rubber floors cushion joints, and workers are certified in pet first aid and CPR. Select staffers also use their canine knowledge to teach training classes or groom pups and cats from nose to tail.

Nestled on 55 acres brimming with evergreen trees and verdant fields, Integrity Equestrian Center's facilities cater to equestrians' every need, hosting activities ranging from lessons and camps to dressage competitions. Inside the main barn, the team of school horses whinnies in anticipation of rides across the wood-chipped trails or romps in the indoor arenas or outdoor ring, equipped with gates and fences for the age-old English sport of horse limbo. Whether helping advanced riders further their hunter-jumper skills or introducing beginners to the basics of horsemanship, the ranch's instructors—all experienced riders themselves—create a fun and positive learning environment during private or group lessons.

Fifteen minutes outside of Providence, the bustle of city streets evaporates, leaving a silent, verdant landscape ideal for leisurely horseback rides. There stands Edinger Farm, which is open for riding until 9:30 p.m. throughout the year, providing riders with access to friendly farm-owned horses. Once situated upon steeds, beginners can explore the 80'x180' indoor ring while more seasoned riders leap obstacles. Or, visitors can take to the massive 180'x200' outdoor sand ring to trot gallantly and recharge their horse’s solar panels.