Trails Rides
Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) and Endurance are both long distance riding sports that differ in several ways.
CTR offers shorter distances where the rider travels the same moderate pace within a set window of time to complete. Endurance offers the rider an opportunity to race a well prepared horse, however, the majority of riders prefer to finish within a time suitable for their horse’s level of fitness and well within the time allotted. Both sports are strictly governed by veterinarian judging criteria to ensure that the horse’s welfare is kept paramount. Any serviceably sound, well- conditioned horse, who is ridden properly, may partake in either sport.
Pleasure Riding is offered throughout the GMHA season. Rides can range from semi-structured weekend events, to unstructured Member Day opportunities. Organized events offer a lunch or hospitality stop along a pre-set trail course, while unstructured rides offer permission access to a range of trail courses to be ridden independently of a group event. In both cases, riders choose to ride out at their own horses’ pace and pleasure.
Interested in learning more about Competitive Trail Riding? Why not volunteer to help at a ride?
Trail Omnibus
The Omnibus has everything you need to know about GMHA's Trail Events! Download your copy for all the info on our Competitive Trail, Endurance, Pleasure Rides, and Members' Days. Read the Trail Omnibus first, then download an entry form for the type of event you'd like to enter.
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.
Members' Days
(Summer and Fall)
These trail riding dates are open only to GMHA Members. Become a Member!
See event details »These trail riding dates are open only to GMHA Members and offer stabling opportunities. Become a Member!
Members' Days are FREE. Several loops of trail in a variety of distances are marked for use on Members' Days. Be sure to check in at the office to pick up a map, and to see which loops are open.
Remember, Members' Days are weather dependent!
- June 10
- July 9
- August 12-13
- August 26
- September 9
- September 16-17
- September 21
- September 23
- September 30
- October 15-18
- October 20
You MUST register to attend Members' Days!
RSVP form and details coming soon.
25-Mile Ride & Drive & Conditioning Distance Ride
(June 9, 2013)
ECTRA-sanctioned.
See event details »ECTRA Sanctioned.
See the Trail Omnibus for details.
25-/25-/50-Mile & Conditioning Distance Ride
(August 3-4, 2013)
Four distances, two days! Something for everyone.
See event details »All distances are ECTRA Sanctioned.
Options galore! Your choice of:
Saturday: 25-Mile Ride or Drive
Sunday: 25-Mile Ride or Drive, or 12.5-Mile Conditioning Distance Ride
50-Mile Ride or Drive: Ride 25 miles on both Saturday & Sunday
Join us for a great weekend of trail riding at GMHA. This year, the traditional 25/25/50-Mile Ride & Drive is joined by the 12.5-Mile Conditioning Distance Ride, ensuring that there is something for distance riders of all abilities!
See the Trail Omnibus for details.
77th Annual 100-Mile Competitive Trail Ride
(August 31-September 2, 2013)
Join us for the 77th Anniversary of GMHA's most historic event!
See event details »100-Mile Ride: August 31-September 2
40 miles Saturday & Sunday, 20 miles Monday
60-Mile Ride: September 1-2
40 miles Sunday, 20 miles Monday
40-Mile Ride: September 1
Sunday only
Conditioning Distance Ride: September 1
Sunday only
10/15-Mile Judged Trail Ride: September 2
Monday only
See the Trail Omnibus for details.
Fall Foliage Ride I
(September 27-29, 2013)
Enjoy Vermont's finest foliage on horseback!
See event details »We invite riders of all disciplines, ages, and abilities to join us for these opportunities to enjoy GMHA’s legendary trails at your own pace with your favorite friends, both human and equine. Ride some of Vermont's most scenic trails at the height of foliage season!
Each day begins with a light breakfast fare and ride briefing. Trail is then open for riders to head out at their own pace on either a short loop or long loop option; depending on weather conditions, lunch may be served at a scenic spot along the way, or back at GMHA.
The Pleasure Rides offer many opportunities for socializing. New this year, a small BYOB, Welcome Gathering is held for Friday arrivals in the Members’ Room. A lovely dinner buffet is held Saturday in the Youth Center, at GMHA, with fun activities planned.
Maximize your options to include sightseeing nearby spots of interest, shop downtown, or just hang with your horse under the stable’s eaves, after a good day’s ride. The weekend concludes with a Sunday brunch buffet. Please see pricing details in the Omnibus
See the Trail Omnibus for details.
Fall Foliage Ride II
(October 11-13, 2013)
GMHA's scenic trails. Fabulous foliage. You, your horse, and your friends. What could be better?
See event details »We invite riders of all disciplines, ages, and abilities to join us for these opportunities to enjoy GMHA’s legendary trails at your own pace with your favorite friends, both human and equine. Ride some of Vermont's most scenic trails at the height of foliage season!
Ride one, two, or all three days- the choice is yours.
Each day begins with a light breakfast fare and ride briefing. Trail is then open for riders to head out at their own pace on either a short loop or long loop option; depending on weather conditions, lunch may be served at a scenic spot along the way, or back at GMHA.
The Pleasure Rides offer many opportunities for socializing. New this year, a small BYOB, Welcome Gathering is held for Friday arrivals in the Members’ Room. A lovely dinner buffet is held Saturday in the Youth Center, at GMHA, with fun activities planned.
Maximize your options to include sightseeing nearby spots of interest, shop downtown, or just hang with your horse under the stable’s eaves, after a good day’s ride. The weekend concludes with a Sunday brunch buffet. Please see pricing details in the Omnibus
See the Trail Omnibus for details.
Ride for the Cure
(October 14, 2013)
Support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
See event details »4th Annual Komen Vermont Ride for the Cure
A 10-Mile Pleasure Ride from the GMHA Grounds.
For ride details, or to register today, please visit www.komenvtnh.org!
50-Mile & 30-Mile Endurance Ride
(October 19, 2013)
AERC & ECTRA-sanctioned. Choose your distance!
See event details »The 50-Mile and Limited Distance Endurance Ride will cap off the GMHA season, taking place on October 19, 2013. The trail course design will continue with the format of varying loops, all returning to camp each time for the mandatory hold and vet check. This ride draws both Competitive Trail riders and Endurance riders, as many folks enjoy competing in both types of distance riding.
GMHA’s trails offer terrific views of Vermont’s best scenery at the height of foliage season- a sight that is not to be missed!
See the Trail Omnibus for details.
15-Mile Mud Weekend
(April 27-28, 2013)
15-Mile Mud Ride & Drive (4/27), and 15-Mile Conditioning Distance Ride & Drive OR Pleasure Ride (4/28)
See event details »The Mud Ride is now full!
*** Please note: Due to unforseen circumstances, we are unable to offer camping at this ride. We apologize for any inconvenience!
Saturday: 15-Mile Ride and Drive
This event is run under ECTRA rules but is not sanctioned. It is intended to be an educational, introductory event for those new to distance riding and driving, but is also a great warm-up for our seasoned competitors!
Sunday: 15-Mile Conditioning Distance Ride & Drive OR Pleasure Ride
The CDR portion of this event is sanctioned by ECTRA. Your choice- ride for mileage credit, or just for fun!
See the Trail Omnibus for details!
Memorial Day Pleasure Rides
(May 24-26, 2013)
Enjoy GMHA's most beautiful trails at your leisure.
See event details »Join us for this year's Memorial Day Pleasure Rides!
We invite riders of all disciplines, ages, and abilities to join us for these opportunities to enjoy GMHA’s legendary trails at your own pace with your favorite friends, both human and equine.
Each day begins with a light breakfast fare and ride briefing. Trail is then open for riders to head out at their own pace on either a short loop or long loop option; depending on weather conditions, lunch may be served at a scenic spot along the way, or back at GMHA.
The Pleasure Rides offer many opportunities for socializing. New this year, a small BYOB, Welcome Gathering is held for Friday arrivals in the Members’ Room. A lovely dinner buffet is held Saturday in the Youth Center, at GMHA, with fun activities planned.
Maximize your options to include sightseeing nearby spots of interest, shop downtown, or just hang with your horse under the stable’s eaves, after a good day’s ride. The weekend concludes with a Sunday brunch buffet. Please see pricing details in the Omnibus
See the Trail Omnibus for details!