Bright Futures at Bright Side Farms

Nestled amid 40 acres of sprawling green paddocks, Annette and Matt Lauer’s Bright Side Farm feels like a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Hamptons. The construction of the barn marked a realization of the Lauers’ shared dream of creating an idyllic retreat, preserving the essential elements of riding in a facility that was designed exclusively in the interest of both horse and rider.

Renowned landscape designer Miranda Brooks consulted on the design of both the recreational and training areas, including unique features like natural jumps scattered amid the waving tall grasses of the cross-country field.

The Lauers’ clientele ranges from budding equestrians to seasoned show riders to those who ride simply for the love of life on horseback. The Bright Futures program caters to children and young teens, whether they dream of ribbons in the Grand Prix ring or they just love to be around horses. Adult clients enjoy the privacy and peace of the grounds, and the opportunities for growth provided by the professional trainers.

The design of the barn includes outdoor and indoor riding rings outfitted with the highest quality footing, and other unique features such as temperature controlled tack rooms that allow the facility to be fully-operational in all seasons. In the summer, the doors are flung open to offer pristine views of the paddocks and flowering meadows from the comfort of shaded benches, but the blankets thrown over the overstuffed leather couches of the central atrium offer an equally inviting rest area in the winter months. In this sense, the Lauers have designed Bright Side Farm to function not just as a barn but as a gathering place– emphasizing quality first, and welcoming clients and horses as if they’re part of the family.

While the rustic beauty of the pine-paneled barn is striking in its own architectural right, the function of the design is what really sets Bright Side Farm apart from other boarding facilities. Oversized stalls feature individual hay drops, windows, overhead fly-mist and fans to ensure a comfortable living environment, keeping horses in top shape after well-deserved graze in the pastures. The 24,000 square foot indoor ring is a true gem in the equestrian world– temperature-controlled in winter months, and equipped with music and lighting for the rider’s enjoyment. Heated indoor wash stalls and sunny outdoor wash stalls add to the year-round allure of the barn, and prove that no feature was added without diligent research and horse-centric design.

For board and lease clients, Bright Side Farm offers instruction at all levels and expert grooming and training. For more information, visit brightsidefarm.com or call 631.726.0791 to schedule a tour of the facilities.