Sandy Point Stables is one of the last remaining parts of the original Vanderbilt Estate, a 280 acre complex that stretched from East Main Rd. (Rte. 138) to the water. Constructed almost 100 years ago by Reggie Vanderbilt, the imposing structure contained 24 stalls, an indoor arena, groom’s quarters and a lounge for Reggie and his guests.
Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt was a member of the prominent United States Vanderbilt family. He was the youngest son of American railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his wife Alice Claypoole Gwynne.
A horse enthusiast, he lived at Sandy Point Farm. In 1917, Reggie founded and was the first President of what is today’s United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Reggie was very involved in showing horses and was also a Board of Director’s member of the AHSA.
Reggie brought in the best materials and workers of the time for the construction. Main beams of 2×12 cypress support the 15,000 square foot riding arena. The roof peak complete with cupolas for ventilation is 60’ above the floor of the arena. The arena, which is 150’ long, was built with curved corners to accommodate carriages. The structure has 3 distinct roofs. The arena walls rise 20’ above the stable roofing allowing windows along the entire length and both ends. He built the stable complex for his show horses and there have been show horses in the stable continuously since the stables completion in 1902.
After leasing for many years, Jay Sargent bought the stable in 1994. Since then she has set about refurbishing the entire complex. The original groom’s quarters which were at some point turned into apartments, have been redone. Some overlook the Sakonnet River, which was one of the original boundaries of the estate and all have had the original wood floors brought back to life. Reggie’s former lounge is now a well-known recording studio. The immense roofs have been replaced as have the sills and wood shingle siding. The building is a marvelous example of Newport’s “Golden Age” construction and is recognized as an important historical building.
Jay Sargent
Jay has been riding since she was a child and has been a professional for over 30 years. In addition to attending shows throughout the region, Jay manages 11 shows a year at Sandy Point Stables. The Sandy Point Show Series has become a popular and well attended series in the region.
Jay is the former Head Coach of the Salve Regina University Equestrian Team and the U.R.I Equestrian Team. She is a large “R” USAE judge and is very active in many organizations in New England and the country. Jay is a member of the Board of Directors and past president of the Rhode Island Horseman’s Association, Co-Chairperson of the Rhode Island Equitation Committee, member of the New England Equitation Committee, member of the USAE Zone 1 Committee, and a member of the USAE Continuing Education Committee.
Jay’s students have been very successful including wins at the Connecticut Junior Equitation Medal Finals, N.E. Equitation Finals, top ribbons at the USAE Pony Finals and more.
Quinn Traendly
Quinn had a successful year last year showing her Children’s Hunter “Semi-Formal”. She’s looking forward to focusing on equitation this year. She got her feet wet in the equitation last year competing in the Rhode Island Equitation Finals (she won the RI Horsemanship class in ’05) as well as qualifying for the NE Finals and getting a top ribbon there in the Open Equitation class. She is currently leasing the famous “Carlos” and will be moving on to Jhoncorde in May.
Lauren Withers
This year, Lauren will be showing her very nice pony, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” a pony we found in Canada. She ended last year by winning the SPS Pony Medal Final. Lauren was Champion of the Children’s Hunter Pony division last weekend and is looking forward to a good season with “Jake”. Lauren is one to always take the opportunity to hack an extra horse. This extra time in the saddle is paying off!
Michelle Gallipeau
Michelle had a great year last year with her pony “Berylyn Tamarac”. Her many wins included champion of the Zone 1 children’s Equitation Challenge and Reserve Champion Zone 1 Children’s Hunter Pony Challenge. Michelle is currently leasing “Right On Red” and has already qualified for the Finals at MHC, MHJ, Rhode Island and SEHA. She’ll be showing this year primarily in the Open Equitation 12-14, children’s Equitation and Children’s Hunters.
Want to have your barn featured at HJN. Send a brief write up with Photos to Max with Barn of the Month as the Subject. Each month a barn will be featured from a different part of the country.
The barn of the month is such a great idea - I hope a lot of other barns ‘try out’ this feature. Great to see New England represented!
Lauren - March 26th, 2006 at 9:18 amWow, that place looks amazing!!! And the Vanderbilts?! La-dee-da!! Fancy!!!
Jumping Frog - March 29th, 2006 at 1:44 pmYou must be logged in to post a comment.