What is Equiculture?
Equiculture is a sanctuary/farm that puts Earth first.
We sell soil restoration products, teach horse driving skills, share beautiful Anam Cara Farm for photo shoots and events, and ensure sanctuary for retired, disabled, and homeless work horses.
Mission
Equiculture's mission is to restore the ancient connection between horses, humans, and Mother Earth.
A Letter from Pamela​, Our Founder
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Many years ago, I was a carriage driving tour guide in Philadelphia. I worked with a horse as a partner, giving time-traveling tours through the National Park. I was never happier in my life. I eventually had to leave, but I could never leave behind the incredible love and appreciation I had grown to have for them all.
I will always feel indebted to the fine horse people at 76 Carriage Co, a leading urban stable in Philadelphia, for giving me the opportunity that completely changed my life in such a positive and important way.
Later, with a few other carriage drivers and friends, we started what we hoped could be a real sanctuary for working horses called Blue Star Equiculture. A space that allowed the public to participate in caring for and learning about them, especially their historical contributions and the future potential partnerships into the future.
For 11 years, we made an incredible difference in so many horses and humans lives that it would be impossible to recount it all. Last winter, before COVID 19, I decided to close Blue Star Equiculture and carry on with the mission privately.
Now simply called Equiculture, this is that continuing work; a service that continues to unfold and take care of the retired, disabled and homeless horses we have grown to love. This time, I am determined to make sure that the fullness of this mission is realized. An integrated management and design system that includes all of life!
I continue to tell the stories of the horses. They are the most interesting and surprising teachers and friends to all. Each and every one is unique with different experiences, challenges, and personalities.
It is our hope to share the horses found on these pages, so that you too can begin to include them in your lives in meaningful ways that matter most to you.
We hope you join us with your love and appreciation for these noble friends and together we draft a better future for all.
Visit or Call! We are always here for you!
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Pamela Rickenbach
Founder of Equiculture
More About Cliff​
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Cliff Atwood’s background includes a wide variety of experiences, including time as a Naval Academy Midshipman, volunteer fireman, Sea Scout leader, private pilot, and computer software engineer.
He came to Equiculture back when it was still "Blue Star Equiculture" in Palmer, MA just to “see some draft horses." He saw a broken fence rail and offered to fix it. That led to weekends learning to muck stalls, halter, groom, harness, and drive horses.
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He retired a few years ago in order to live and work with the herd full time, and can be found at the farm nearly every day doing whatever chores need to be done - water, hay, cleaning, mending fences, building shelters, moving horses (and cows), and helping to pass those skills along to others.
More About Hannah
Hannah left Oakland, CA to help build Equiculture in the Berkshires. Watch the video below to hear her story.