Matt and Annette share a laugh alongside Lupo, a 15-year-old Hanoverian.
Bright Side Farm’s head trainer, Juan Estrella, takes to the jumps in one of two outdoor rings on the property, located on the grounds of a former nursery in Water Mill.
The western entrance to Bright Side Farm, which hews closely to a modern barn–style vernacular. The stunning details and meticulous design are the work of Dave Zublin, who owns Old Town Barns in Dutchess County, New York.
Loredo, a bay horse, peers out from his stall in the horse barn.
In the soaring pine atrium, guests and clients can relax on a trio of roomy, tufted Chesterfield sofas on floors lined with concrete pavers; the walls feature prints of horses by East Hampton– and New York–based photographer Bob Tabor.
Saddles at the ready in one of Bright Side Farm’s tack rooms.
Annette Lauer’s tack room is lined with assorted bridles, crops, and riding gear.
Bright Side Farm’s central courtyard, flanked by double rows of 36 stalls and overlooking 40 acres of paddocks, riding rings, and pasture.
Daughter Romy Lauer rides Bonaparte in the 24,000-square-foot indoor riding ring, which features a sand-based surface that cushions horses’ hooves.
Lauer says he’s more comfortable on a different kind of saddle, working on the farm.
Horses stretch their legs in the all-weather octagonal walker.
Groom Ramon Uribe gives Zigurant a bath.
Jumps on the cross-country field.
Lauer with head trainer Juan Estrella.
Grooms Jose de Jesus Llamas Gonzalez and Ramon Uribe at the entry to the atrium.
Son Thijs Lauer with Finn, a miniature pony.
The horse barn features rubberized walkways, hoses for cleaning each stall, and hatches for dropping hay.
Assistant manager and trainer Merry Harding with Bright Side Farm client Ella Crocitto and her horse, Mouse.
Romy rides past an allée of oak trees that frame a pathway to the main building’s formal entrance.
A jump fashioned of stacked rough-hewn logs lies along the cross-country field