Hands(& Hooves)-On Learning at Victory Lane Farm

One of the benefits of classes at Canterbury is the opportunity for experiential learning… and sometimes that requires venturing off campus. That’s why Derek Richardson’s Animal Anatomy class recently made a trip to Millbrook, New York, to visit Victory Lane Farm. This bucolic setting is home to 17 horses and is owned and managed by Dawn Hew P ’26, mother of Cody Hew ’26.

“It’s a great experience,” says Mr. Richardson. “Some of the students have never even been close to a horse before. It’s a really valuable hands-on experience to actually see and interact with the animals.”

Mrs. Hew founded Victory Lane Farm in 2005. She previously worked as a horse breeder, specifically for thoroughbreds. In recent years, she’s shifted her focus to a unique animal population: former race and show horses that are no longer used for breeding.

“The horses here are special retirees,” Mrs. Hew explains. “Ones that need a little more pampering in life.”

In addition to studying horse skulls and hooves on site, the class had the opportunity to interact with the farm’s equine residents, who enjoyed being brushed, petted, and fed treats. This visit occurred on the same day a team of farriers—experts who maintain the horses' hooves—was on hand to clean, trim, and shape the hooves before applying shoes, allowing students to get special insight into this vital aspect of equine care and anatomy.

The experience offered students an invaluable opportunity to apply their knowledge and deepen their understanding of agriculture.

“It was immediately evident that so much care and thought go into running Victory Lane Farm,” says Olivia Pinney ’28. “The trip helped me understand better the anatomy and the build of the horse, and how small adjustments from the farriers can help change and heal them, depending on their needs.”

Mrs. Hew says that hosting Mr. Richardson’s classes is her way of giving back to the Canterbury community, and has reassured the School that even though Cody may be graduating, Saints are still welcome to visit in the coming years.

“I love having the kids come,” she says. “I’m happy to give them an opportunity to visit a real working farm. We’re so lucky that Canterbury offers so many unique classes, and I hope other parents realize that they can also offer their expertise and experience as well.”

Thank you, Mrs. Hew, for your hospitality and generosity. We can’t wait for Canterbury’s next visit.