I thought I might share with you my thoughts on Sandy Point Stables. The following is based upon a slide presentation that I did as a school project, but it will give you a better feel for Sandy Point and its history.
This is what the Barn looks like today. But in the early 1900’s it belonged to Reggie Vanderbilt and looked quite differently than it does today.
Reggie’s barn was used as his entertainment center
Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt was born in 1880. Known as Reggie as a child, he did not seem to take an interest at school, but seemed to have an interest in animals. He loved to watch Carriage Racing and judging of horses. Reggie attended Yale University, but did not receive a degree.
Sandy Point Stables was once part of the Vanderbilt estate in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The estate was once 280 acres with two houses and two barns on the waterside. The barn was created in 1902, with another barn six miles away created in 1906.
You can view all of the old photos of the Stables in my photo Gallery.
Jay Sargent is the current owner of Sandy Point Stables. She has been riding her whole life, turning a professional rider at age 18. Jay is currently my trainer, and a wonderful one at that.
As part of the project I interviewed Mrs. Sargent:
Q. When did you discover SPS? How?
A. “I was working at Glen Farm, (down the road about a mile away), as a trainer. The current owner at the time and I had different ideas of how to treat and care for horses. So, we went our separate ways, and I ended up taking Ron with me. Ron told me about a great barn down the road, and here I am.”
Q. How did you get into the horse business? How long?
A. “I always wanted to ride as a kid. I asked my parents if I could start, and sure enough they built me a barn in my own backyard. They first bought me a pony, and a donkey for fun. It was then that I decided I wanted to be serious about riding.”
Q. When you bought SPS, did you make any changes to the architecture?
A. “I didn’t make any major changes. I did re-do the roof shingles, painted the whole entire barn, cleaned the huge beams and pillars, made gutters, and created apartments and the studio. But, through all the small changes the barn has been through, the beautiful and original barn still stands.”
Q. What materials were used to build SPS? Is there a certain style to the architecture?
A. “The huge beams in the ring are made of cypress and the main barn is made of wood. There isn’t a certain style, per say, but the barn very much portrays the “Golden Age” in Newport.”
Q. How many stalls are there?
A. “There are 28 in total. But, the office and tack room used to be a foaling stall.”
Q. What were the studio and apartments originally?
A. “When I bought the barn they were a huge mess. But, originally, they were both Reggie Vanderbilt’s lounges for guests.”
Q. Do you have any knowledge about Reggie Vanderbilt?
A. “I have some. Reggie created this barn to entertain his friends and to start the AHSA, (the American Horsemanship Association). This barn used to be a stud farm also.”
Q. Were horses always your passion in life?
A. “Yes, that and dolphins. I am a fanatic about both. I turned a professional rider at 18, and started this stables’ business in 1994.”
Transitioning from a Stud Fram
Over time, Sandy Point Stables has made the transition from stud farm and Reggie Vanderbilt’s own personal club, to the beginning of every new age riders’ dream. With a balcony overlooking the indoor arena, I can only imagine how elegantly dressed socialites would come to enjoy conversation and extravagant horses.
If you are in the area, come join us for one of our shows. You can find the schedule at www.sandypointstables.com
Good start on the history of Sandy Point Stables. There are many chapters that can be written, but ask Jay why she ended up there in the first place. Remember Jay used to run her business from Glen Farm in the days of the Jumping Derby. MP
mason753 - March 28th, 2006 at 8:40 pmHey I live in there whats your name i’m Meagan Mycroft!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and i love love love love that stable it’s so gourgeous
Italianbarnbum - July 22nd, 2006 at 8:06 amYou must be logged in to post a comment.