Virginia Lancaster Memorial Youth Fund

Virginia Lancaster Memorial Youth Fund is to enable young people to advance their interest and participation in equestrian activities, especially in GMHA’s youth-focused activities and trail programs through stipends, scholarships, and other forms of support. Funds may be expended for any activities or competitions held at GMHA, or, with specific approval of the GMHA Awards Committee (described below) in advance, to help defray the costs of participating in activities or competitions elsewhere to advance in their sport.

Geoff and Joanie Nichols Youth Fund

Geoff and Joanie Nichols Youth Fund Scholarship is for young equestrians interested in the eventing disciplines to support their participation in GMHA activities to advance their skills. Scholarships may be expended for any activities or competitions held at GMHA, or, with specific approval of the GMHA Awards Committee in advance, to help defray the costs of participating in activities or competitions elsewhere to advance in their sport.

Young Equestrian Development Scholarships

The goal of this program is to provide financial assistance to hard-working young riders under the age of 21 and allow them to compete or participate in a learning activity at GMHA. Scholarship funds may be awarded for GMHA clinics, competitions (e.g., Competitive Trail Rides, Dressage Shows, Driving shows, Horse Trials, Hunter/Jumper Shows, etc.), or other educational activities hosted by GMHA.

Sponsorship

Did you know GMHA contributes over $4.2 million per year to the local economy of the greater Woodstock area? In addition to gaining visibility for your business, you are also supporting a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

GMHA & Willy Walker Take the Reins of the Full Cheek Cafe

GMHA is taking the reins of the Full Cheek Café with the help of Willy Walker, our new Cafe Manager. Although you won’t see Willy in the café every weekend, GMHA is confident the food and service will be up to Willy’s standards. Open positions include a part-time counter person and a full-time cook. Join the team … Read more

On the Trail

2010 was the 75th Anniversary of the Green Mountain Horse Association’s 3-day, 100-mile race. GMHA is the oldest horse organization of its kind, and it is still the most prominent one in the Northeast. People move to the Woodstock area to ride the hundreds of miles of mountainous trails here. Told by the riders themselves. … Read more

Event Manager

Title:  Event Coordinator/Trail Secretary Reports to:  Executive Director Schedule:  Full-time   (32 hours/week) Will flex up to 40+ hours/week and include weekends and holidays during event season FLSA:  Non-exempt – Hourly Purpose:  In support of GMHA’s mission, provides management and support for specified competitive events. Key Responsibilities:   Event Management Manage GMHA’s schooling events and others … Read more

Love GMHA? Get Involved!

Join the Board – Volunteer – Join a Committee GMHA is always looking for help in keeping our organization growing and thriving.  Here are some of the opportunities that you may want to consider. Volunteer: Without the help of our intrepid volunteers, GMHA’s events would never happen. In 2015, we had almost 300 volunteers. With our … Read more

Annual Fund Update

Spring is now officially here!  Mother Nature was kind to us this winter, but there is still clean up to be done and repairs to be made before we officially open the 2016 Season.  The Annual Fund bridges the gap between our income and our expenses, making clean up and repairs possible. Thanks to our … Read more

We’re Hiring

GMHA has several open positions. Consider joining our team- these are fun jobs, and a great place to spend the summer: Ground Crew- Part Time or Full Time Position Available Seasonal Cleaning Staff Junior Horsemanship Clinic Instructors & Barn Managers Check out our Employment Page or contact Amber to learn more.

Welcome Shelley

GMHA welcomes our new Eventing Organizer, Shelley Spielman, to our team. Read the full press release below: The Green Mountain Horse Association is pleased to announce that Shelley Spielman will be taking the reins as our new Eventing Organizer. Shelley Spielman of Aiken, South Carolina, will lead the teams working on GMHA’s three USEF/USEA sanctioned … Read more

Latest Dirt on Trails: Fall 2015 News

2015: The Latest Dirt on the Trails

By Chelle Grald

Maintenance Roundup

A warm and dry year has been kind to the trails. The work we did last Fall to address erosion and water damage in West Windsor and Reading has held beautifully. This summer we took advantage of the conditions and repaired one very gooey but important section of trail at the end of Calendar Hill Road in Hartland. Member and volunteer Steve Grover from Hartland provided the expertise and the excavator. The result was cleaned and enhanced water bars and a system for handling water at the base of the trail that will helpfully halt the erosion in a major trail intersection. The rest of the maintenance this year has been an unprecedented amount of ‘tree-age’ – this year the conditions seem to be ideal for falling trees. Thankfully, our trail stewards and landowners have been vigilant and creative as we have worked together to keep the trails clear. As always, if you see anything that needs attention on the trail, I am all ears.

New Adventures Await

Thanks to the expanding generosity of landowners, we have been able to utilize more trails than ever. New sections of trail have become available in all 4 of our area towns. This year, we put together a section of trail in Woodstock that made it possible for carriage drivers to enjoy many more miles of off-road terrain on their competitive drives. We are working with another enthusiastic landowner to restore a vast section of carriage trails right in our backyard.

Members’ Loop Expansion & Mapping Project

Chelle shows off the Rush Meadow Ring kiosk and the new improved Members’ Loop maps, with the two new loops marked from the ring.
Chelle shows off the Rush Meadow Ring kiosk and the new improved Members’ Loop maps, with the two new loops marked from the ring.

The acquisition of the Rush Meadow Ring and its use as a trailhead is a great step forward for our trails program. Now, riders can park and ride from the Ring anytime our main grounds are otherwise occupied with an event. There are 2 new Member’s Loops from that location that are even carriage-friendly. Along with the new loops, we have improved our mapping of all Members’ Loops, so we can now offer accurate, easy-to-follow maps of all loops to our members.

Easement Updates

The trail preservation work continues as we actively maintain our existing 26 trail easements and work within the community to identify more prospective trails. Together with the Easement Advisory Committee, we are creating a strategic map with short- and long-range goals. I have met with the Upper Valley Board of Realtors and the West Windsor Conservation Commission this summer to discuss ways that we can collaborate and spread the message about the value of conserved trails. We actively participate in joint care of the trails with the North Country Hounds, Upper Valley Land Trust, and VAST. This year we have also worked to strengthen communication with the local mountain bike groups who are becoming much more active with events and trails management.

Landowner Relations

This year we have made great strides in increasing dialogue with neighbors, landowners, trail use organizations, and riders. One of the most encouraging things to see has been how eager the riders are to express their appreciation to landowners either in person when they meet on the land, or by sending hand-written expressions of what this area and these trails mean to them. Finally, we are gearing up to exhibit at Equine Affaire this year to bring our message and mission to a wider New England audience, which is sure to raise awareness of the advantages of GMHA membership for trail riders. There truly is no place like our area for sheer beauty, abundance, and miles of good trail. We end this season with great promise for 2016.

Easement FAQ’s

Why would I want to allow the public on my land? This region has a long tradition of public access. The earliest European settlers wanted the Vermont countryside to be available to everyone. Many people still share access to their lands, which offers a rich quality of life to our community. It’s about neighborliness. It’s ... Read more

Conserved Trails

East Hill Conservation Project East Hill, finalized in 2011, was an ambitious community conservation project with local landowners, Tom Debevoise and Laurie Livingston and Upper Valley Land Trust. GMHA took the lead with a $100,000 pledge toward a $490,000 community fundraising goal to conserve an undeveloped 71-acre parcel of land providing the scenic backdrop for ... Read more

Enjoy the Ride Walkway

Visitors to GMHA often notice the lovely stone walkway which leads to the spectator seating behind the White Ring.This stone path was created to allow our members and friends to honor loved ones (both human and animal) in a permanent way on the GMHA grounds.

Planned Giving

A planned gift, sometimes referred to as deferred gift or a legacy gift, is a present decision to make a future gift, evidenced in writing, allowing you to leave a legacy and get more from your assets without affecting your cash flow or lifestyle.

Business Membership

Our visitors stay an average of 3.35 days at GMHA, and spend an average of $210 per day on food, lodging and more within 30 miles of South Woodstock.
50% of visitors to GMHA say they plan to return to the greater Woodstock area for a reason other than attending GMHA

Membership

Why Become a GMHA Member? Membership has many great benefits and helps to support GMHA. GMHA is fully committed to the equine activities that are important to you:  Horsemanship, Education, and Trail Preservation. With approximately 1,500 members, GMHA is a vital community of equestrian enthusiasts. What Does Membership Support? GMHA programs and activities such as our youth programs, trails ... Read more