Montauk Pioneer - May 22, 2009 -

Well somebody had a stroke of genius lately and that somebody is Rita Foster of Rita's Stables. The entrepreneur who has been struggling with the economic downturn with her horse stable business is going to offer Montauk's only private farm stand using the farmland at her stable. It's opening this weekend officially and will offer fresh eggs, flowers and vegetables that she literally grows and picks to sell.

Foster, who has been entertaining Montauk families for years with a petting zoo, pony rides, horse rides and smiles came up with the idea after she realized there was a big need to supplement her stable business. Foster explained to me, "The economy was a disaster last year and we got to the point where we were going to have to sell our horses and close down our trail riding side of the business."

But with a true entrepreneurial spirit, Rita dug down deep and found a need for a fresh Montauk farm stand that will offer an amazing food experience that only farm stands can offer. Rita giggled on the phone with excitement about the venture and even went into detail about how her deer fencing was set up. The answer to keeping deer and rabbits out of her garden? The Amish. "The Amish are coming from Lancaster, PA to set up the deer fencing. They are amazing at it, without the fencing the rabbits and the deer will get the fresh vegetables."

By the time you read this, Foster will be in full force. She explained that her chicken and duck eggs, fresh of course from her happy chickens and ducks that she keeps on her farm, have been delivering fresh eggs daily. "The farm stand is going great, we already have the chickens and ducks and we are already having fresh eggs every day."

Another aspect to this story is the fact that Rita never gave up on her horses even though it didn't make financial sense to keep them during these hard times. She tried to sell them but couldn't find any buyers, "What's happening with horses everywhere is so sad because of the economy. Nobody wants them because nobody can afford to feed them so people are literally giving them away."

Foster explained that this is happening all over the country and the money she makes from her farm stand will be used to supplement her horses to keep her wonderful business and property going.

Foster plans on having her farm stand be completely fresh. She is growing an herb garden as well and will be hand picking all of her vegetable items, and then selling them on her property. Think about how wonderful it is to get your fish directly off the boats from Gosman's dock, but apply that thinking to fresh eggs and vegetables. Foster tells us that, "We are also going to have flowers and sell those as well."

Rita's idea was sparked out of necessity to keep her business going, but also because she remembers when Montauk had a farm stand years ago that was quite successful. Long time Montaukers remember Jackie Craft, who used to have a farm stand on Essex Street with nearly 12 acres, but is no longer in business after closing up shop from a tough divorce from his wife.

Foster remembers those days and remembers how great it was to have fresh food right off of a Montauk farm. Foster eventually hopes to offer cheeses and also promises that her prices will be reasonable.

Rita's Stables will still very much be Rita's Stables this year, "We are still going to have the petting farm, the pony rides and we still have the trail rides as well."

This is all great news for Montauk. If you wish to go to the farm stand to get some fresh eggs or vegetables, or if you wish to go for a trail ride you can see Rita at 3 West Lake Drive. For more information call Rita at 631-668-5453.