THOMASTON — Thomaston residents Priscilla and Erin Judkins took advantage of the blustery late Sunday morning to enjoy a ride up Buttermilk Road. Priscilla was mounted on Secret and Erin on AirBorne. Erin said AirBorne had a history.

“He was a race horse and ran at Scarborough Downs,” said Erin. “He actually had a couple of wins in his years, so he is a little bit famous. I’ve had him for two years. A good friend of mine had him when he raced and wanted him to have a good home.”

Priscilla is an educational technician at Oceanside East High School. Erin manages Pepper Hill Farm in South Thomaston. Managing a barn is an all-day, seven day a week job.

“You give it everything all day,” said Erin. “It is a lot of work, but it’s also a labor of love. It’s slow at the barn right now, but come summer we’ll have 13 horses to care for.”

“This isn’t our first ride of the year,” said Priscilla. “We rode last Friday. Weekends we work less and have more time. There’s a lot less traffic, too. We’ve been riding longer than anything else we’ve done. We love it. Erin has been on a horse since she could walk. Tomorrow is her birthday.”

Erin confided she would be 22.  Happy Birthday Erin from Penobscot Bay Pilot!

Shewuza Secret, also known as Secret, is a five-year-old Quarter horse. Secret was given to Priscilla as a two-year-old from her husband as a Valentine’s gift. Secret has done some ranch sorting and many trail rides; he also cantered on Popham Beach, He is becoming more comfortable with small jumps and dressage. Priscilla and Erin will be marshaling at the Windsor Fair in August. Erin says Secret is a wonderful horse with a spontaneous and perky personality.

AirBorne Ranger, also known as AirBorne, is a 15-year-old Standardbred. He officially retired from racing last December. Erin started AirBorne under saddle shortly after meeting him in 2010.

“With slow, casual training he has formed into a very lovely riding horse," said Erin. "AirBorne has learned to collect and carry himself like a well-trained show horse. He has a very patient and sensitive attitude.”

Pepper Hill Farm is owned by Mary Jo Brink and Michael Salmon of Camden. They also own the Hartstone Inn and Hideaway in Camden.

The barn is on Route 73 in South Thomaston. Erin has been stable manager there since March. Pepper Hill Farm will hold an open house on May 18.