Kensington Farm Center Welcomes New Shire Draft Horse

The draft horse team at Kensington Farm Center just got bigger with the Friday, Aug. 10 arrival of a shire draft horse mare named Mary. Standing at a stately 18 hands, she is a big beauty weighing in at around 1,800 pounds. Only a mere 6 years old, making her a baby by horse standards, she is already fitting in great at the farm, where she is being groomed to pull the wagons.

Mary, who was donated to the farm by Howard Chanter of Northport, former Huron-Clinton Metroparks police chief, has significant experience working both independently and with a team, despite her young age. Personable and great with the public, she is already enchanting visitors with her beautiful, nearly white coat, strikingly dark eyes and friendly demeanor.

“She will be a wonderful addition to our draft horse program,” said Debbie Cavallaro, Kensington Metropark farm supervising interpreter, of Mary’s arrival. “We truly appreciate this generous gift.”

For those looking to visit Mary, the Kensington Metropark Farm Center, located near Milford/Brighton, is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Take a trip on over to the horse barn today and say hello to the park’s newest addition! For further information, please call the Farm Center at 248-684-8632.

Located along the Huron and Clinton rivers, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks provide a natural oasis from urban and suburban life as well as year-round recreational activities and events. A regional park system, the Metroparks consist of 13 beautiful parks covering 25,000 acres, ten spectacular public golf courses and two marinas on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, respectively. The parks also offer scenic nature trails, breathtaking beaches, educational activities and exciting water sports.