Driving
Combined Driving began as an official sport thirty years ago when a group of driving enthusiasts, including Britain's Prince Phillip, asked the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) to put together a set of rules to standardize driving competitions from Austria to New Zealand.
Since driving encompasses so many disciplines, it was decided that a versatility test would be the best way to judge a driving horse's ability. The competition, similar in format to the ridden Three-Day Event, has three parts: Dressage, Marathon, and Obstacles, each looking at a different aspect of the horse's training and the driver's ability. The cornerstone of this competition is teamwork between horse and driver.
Pleasure Driving competitions are also an active part of the GMHA schedule. While Dressage and Obstacle classes may be offered at these events, you will also see classes such as Reinsmanship, Working Classes, and Concours D'Elegance.
Would you like to learn more about carriage driving? Why not volunteer to help at a competition?
Biosecurity Fact Sheet: Help Keep Our Horses Healthy!
Policy Updates from GMHA
Please note that for the 2013 season GMHA will be requiring a Certificate of Rabies Vaccination within 12 months for all horses entering the grounds. This is in addition to our existing policy requiring proof of negative Coggins test within 12 months for all horses. Both documents should accompany all entries to GMHA events and should travel with the horse to GMHA.
Know the Law, Be Prepared
Vermont Agency of Agriculture GMHA recommends that all riders and drivers review important information from the VAA regarding Vermont State Law on Horse Importation and all should consider obtaining an Exhibition Permit. GMHA has received word that the Vermont Agency of Agriculture will be increasing their enforcement efforts in 2013.
Wheel Runners
(Monthly, 2013)
With international competitor Robin Groves. Attend series or as many single day sessions as you'd like.
See event details »Wheel & Ridge Runners is a monthly group lesson series with Robin Groves. Wheel Runners sessions are for drivers, Ridge Runners sessions are for riders.
Wheel & Ridge Runners will be sharing dates again this year. How will this work?
- Ridge Runners lessons will be offered at 1pm and 4pm.
- Wheel Runners lessons will be offered at 10am and 2pm OR 11am and 3pm.
- Entries must be received by the Friday before each date- four entries in each session are required to hold each lesson.
- Wheel Runners sessions may be combined if entries are low, Ridge Runners may be cancelled.
If you have not driven with Robin before, please contact her before entering: (802) 484-5016.
Combined Driving Event
(August 24-25, 2013)
The only Combined Driving Event in New England. New two-day format for 2013.
See event details »
The CDE lives!
We will be converting to a two-day format for 2013, offering:
- Training
- Preliminary
- Intermediate
- ADS Advanced
Saturday, August 24: Dressage and Cones
Sunday, August 25: Marathon
Omnibus listing and entry form coming soon!
Fall Driving Classic
(September 7-8, 2013)
Pleasure classes and Combined Test on Saturday, Continuous Event on Sunday.
See event details »Opening Day: Aug 9 • Closing Day: August 30
Saturday: Offering Combined Tests for Training, Preliminary, and Intermediate, and a variety of pleasure driving classes.
Sunday: Continuous Driving Event for Training, Preliminary, and Intermediate- to include a dressage test, two pace sections, and cones.
Omnibus Listing & Entry Form coming in March.
Sleigh Driving (January 26-27, 2013)
Sleighing Combined Test and Sleigh Rally.
See event details »*** Thanks to all who participated and volunteered at the January 13th Sleighing Combined Test!
Revised Schedule:
January 13: January 26: Sleigh Rally
Working, Reinsmanship, Cones, Pace, Currier & Ives
**** Additional date: January 27: Sleighing Combined Test
Training, Preliminary, and Intermediate tests offered- twice around encouraged!
Stabling is available- please pre-register.
Remember, sleighing events are VERY dependent on weather and conditions- please check our website or call the office to confirm status!
Driving 2-Phase & Arena Driving Trial
(May 11-12, 2013)
Combined Tests and Cones Only, and Arena Driving Trial for Training, Preliminary, and Intermediate.
See event details »Opening Day: April 2 • Closing Day: May 4
Saturday: Offering Combined Tests for Training, Preliminary, Intermediate and ADVANCED!
Sunday: Offering an Arena Driving Trial for Training, Preliminary, and Intermediate.