Thirty-seven years ago, Suzanne Hourihan, a professional hunter, jumper, and race horse rider
who studied under the instruction of Irish Olympic rider, Nole McGee, bought a small horse farm
in Middletown, walking distance to the beach. Now a multi-generational business, Suzanne, her
daughter Kamie, and her granddaughter, Isabella, share their love of horses with Aquideck
Island residents and visitors.

Suzanne Hourihan (left) with her daughter, Kamie Duffy, and granddaughter, Isabella Shelales

Roughly forty students take classes at Newport Equestrian each week. Lessons can start as
young as five and are offered through adulthood. “I have had one of my horses for twenty-four
years so he is very reliable. I trust him with the smallest, youngest riders and also with our older
riders who need a horse who is very, very reliable,” Kamie said.
In addition to riding, lessons cover general horsemanship, including how to groom, clean the
stalls, and provide basic veterinary care such as how to treat and wrap injuries. It is “your
general, overall knowledge of how to take care of a horse if you ever wanted to imagine you
owned one,” Kamie explained.

Newport Equestrian’s more serious riders compete in local, regional, and national competitions.
Although a small equestrian schools, Newport Equestrian had a 2022 champion child rider and
this past year they were crowned 2023 high school regional champions!

Catherine Bowley and horse Ginger at the Hunter Ridge Schooling Show on February 18, 2024

For those that don’t want the full-time commitment of weekly lessons, Newport Equestrian offers
summer camp. It runs almost every day from 8:30 – 2:00. This year they will keep the classes
small to provide as much one-on-one attention as possible.
Lessons and titles aside, Newport Equestrian is also known for their scenic beach rides.
Tourists, as well as locals, celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and even proposals along the
trails. Kamie recalls a time when student and friend, Barnaby, proposed to his then girlfriend
Belinda on a beach ride. “It was a beautiful day. The waves were crashing. The horses were
gorgeous. It was a ten-out-of-ten top romantic moment that I got to witness,” she said.
Scenic beach rides travel along Third Beach Road, pass Norman Bird Sanctuary, Second and
Third Beach, and the wildlife preserve at Sachuest Point. Riders see a panoramic view of the
beach with St. Gorge’s School Chapel on a hill in front of them. Mostly all riders are beginner
level and the horses walk steady. Says Kamie, “We have used a lot of the same horses for 14
years. They are very good at what they do.”

A group rides along Second Beach with St. George’s Chapel behind them

Suzanne and Kamie just bought a Polish warmblood whom they hope will bring them into the
winner’s circle this year. “His name is Sensational and he is,” they said.

Isabella Shelales riding Sensational

For more information on Newport Equestrian or to make a reservation, visit their website,
newportequestrian.com, or call Suzanne at (401) 837-4188.