Meet Your Neighbors: George & Sandy Nelson

By Cornelia Cesari

At the top of the ridge, I look down at the new log home which clings to the hillside overlooking the Route 110 valley. A barn perches on another terraced lot further down the steep slope. The eastern view is spectacular, the landscaping immaculate. I am greeted enthusiastically by Shadow, a large black rottie-lab-akita-looking mutt, and Biscuit, a maybe Chihuahua-terrier.

In the barn, a pair of matched black Morgan geldings wait on cross ties while George and Sandy Nelson move efficiently around them, preparing for our carriage ride. Sandy introduces me to the horses, Sir Isaac and Lord Josh. Stevie, a 16-year-old bay Morgan, watches ruefully from his stall.

Sandy is outgoing and energetic, while George is quiet and unassuming. It’s apparent that the horses are not the only team at work on this farm; George and Sandy have clearly undertaken many projects more complex than harnessing and hitching up. When they move around each other, the horses, and the dogs, it is like a dance, with few words. The effectiveness of their partnership is obvious to anyone who travels Bobbin Shop Road. Since purchasing the eastern portion of Rich and John Button’s farm, they have transformed it, with the help of several local contractors. Two old buildings have disappeared, thickets have been mowed and fields seeded.

As we drive down the Nelsons’ driveway, past the split rail fencing, extensive stonework and tidy gardens, they point out their accomplishments and share plans. Josh and Isaac step along neatly. They are unflappable, never spooking despite snarling dogs, passing cars, and downed tree branches. George credits their Iowa Amish training, but I consider the maxim he shared, "quiet driver, quiet horse." The reins drape across his hands and he carries a whip, but he seems to control the team through silent mental telepathy and occasional voice commands.

I sit up front with George; Sandy stands behind him, keeping an eye on Shadow and Biscuit, who sit in their usual places on the back of the carriage. "When we drive on trails, the dogs run along with the carriage, but they can’t on the road," she explains. It is these dirt roads which drew the Nelsons to Chelsea when they were looking for a place in Vermont. During the winter, they live in North Carolina, where they are active in the carriage driving community. The Nelsons host an annual show at their farm there; and while they call it a hobby, choosing not to compete with their horses, George participates in competitions as a navigator for other teams.

The Nelsons are also avid dog lovers, who work for change with the Humane Society. Sandy organizes and hosts a "dog ability day" fundraising event. Biscuit and Shadow are rescued "highway dogs" and Sandy plans to foster other homeless dogs until they can be adopted, because the shelters are too full. She also does therapy work with Biscuit.

George ran a steel bridge construction business in Massachusetts. Then, with his sons, he bought a ranch in Wyoming, and 3,500 head of beef cattle. While their main business was the cow-calf operation, they also hosted the first-ever cattle drives open to the public.

"The movie ‘City Slickers’ was written on our ranch," George chuckles. "I had my picture taken with Billy Crystal, and the publicity really kept us busy with those drives." His sons ran the ranch, since he was still running his construction business, but he spent time in Wyoming, as a registered hunting guide. Sandy served as camp cook on hunting trips.

I am struck by the way George and Sandy complement each other—his calm assuredness balances her chatty cheerful energy. Demonstrating different styles of carriage drivers, she chides, "Come on, George; talk to the team. They’re doing well—compliment them."

"You’re looking handsome today, Lord Josh," he coos, a twinkle in his eye, "and your mane looks nice and shiny, Sir Isaac."

Sandy rolls her eyes and laughs with fondness. Not only do the Nelsons get a lot done in a day; they seem to remember to enjoy each one.

____________