Summer Driving Combined Test, Combined Driving Event, CanAm Challenge, and ADS North American Preliminary/Intermediate Championship
Entries Open: July 13, 2026
Entries Close: August 7, 2026
Event Format & Levels
Competition type:
Levels offered:
Hitch/entry type:
Missed the Deadline?
Post-entries may be accepted after entries close, if space permits, with an additional post-entry fee.
Contact Linda Wilking, Driving Secretary for post entry information - Driving@gmhainc.org. Late entry fee applies if space allows.
Summer Driving Combined Test, Combined Driving Event, CanAm Challenge, and ADS North American Preliminary/Intermediate Championship — Event Details
The Driving CT (Combined Test) is offered on Thursday and consists of a driven dressage test and cones.
- The CT at this event is 2nd of three graciously sponsored by Hannah Polson, and ADS Judge & Technical Delegate, to determine a 2026 GMHA Combined Test CT Series Champion.
CDE (Combined Driving Event) is a Three-Day Event, which tests the overall condition and versatility of the horse in sport. For the riders viewing this site, A CDE is usually held over three days and equivalent to XC at a Horse Trials – carriage drivers tackle up to 7 obstacle combinations on the 8-12 kilometer marathon course throughout the beautiful GMHA property
- Day 1 – Driven Dressage
- Day 2 – Cross Country Marathon
- Day 3 – Cones Driving Competition
Penalty points are assessed in each of the above phases and the winner is the entry who accumulates the fewest points. Combined Driving Events originated in Europe with the first CDE in America held in New Brunswick, NJ, in the early to mid 1970’s. This year, GMHA offers a Combined Test (Dressage & Cones) in addition to the CDE.
The CAN-AM Challenge is a friendly competition between our competitors from the United States and our Canadian friends to the north. We have a long history of bonds across the border and are pleased to continue the time-honored traditions and the CAN-AM trophy. The friendly rivalry between the US and Canada developed around 2010 by Pierre Guillemette and Isabel Denis to foster cross-border friendships and fun spirited competition.
During the August CDE, a US team will be chosen to match the Canadian competitors as closely as possible by level (Training, Preliminary and Intermediate). The team with the lowest combined score at the completion of the 3-day event is declared the winner and has possession of the perpetual trophy until the next challenge.
Team members are encouraged to wear national colors and proudly wave their national flags as the CAN-AM Challenge is all about fun, building friendships, and maybe a bit bragging and good-natured joking.
May the best team win!
Coming to watch? Spectators are welcome!
- Spectator parking available on the grass at the Upwey Arena – enter from the Morgan Hill entrance!
- Please do NOT park in front of a parked horse trailer since competitors need to be able to hook up and leave at any time during the event.
- Cars/general parking is not permitted in the trailer parking lot (the area between the GMHA office and the white Upwey barn)
- Please note that there is no food service/food truck at this event. Please pack a picnic to bring with you.
- The South Woodstock General Store is open from 8am – 2pm to order breakfast/lunch (less than 1/2 mile from GMHA).
- PLEASE call ahead of arrival to verify they are open for the weekend at (802) 457-3050.
- Competitor times are available in the show office and subject to change!
GENERAL SCHEDULE
- Thursday – Combined Test (Driven dressage followed by cones)
- Friday – CDE Dressage (CDE driven dressage in Upwey Arena)
- Saturday – CDE Marathon Day (CDE marathon day – equivalent to XC at a Horse Trials – drivers tackle obstacle combinations on the 8-12 kilometer marathon course throughout the beautiful GMHA property)
- Sunday – CDE Cones (in the Upwey Arena)
ADS North American Championship Schedule
- Thursday – 1st Inspection at approximately 3PM after Combined Test
- Friday – Preliminary & Intermediate Dressage (Upwey Arena)
- Saturday – Preliminary & Intermediate Marathon (Section A – 3-4KM, Section B up to 8KM with up to 7 obstacles and multiple stream crossings throughout the beautiful GMHA property)
- Sunday – Preliminary & Intermediate Cones (Upwey Arena)
- Sunday – Awards and Ribbons at the conclusion of cones
- Volunteers needed – Join us for fun and get right in on all the action! No experience necessary (we’ll train you), shift meal, & appreciation gift included! Sign up through SignUp Genius or reach out to show secretary, Linda Wilking for more information. Contact details below.
Limited camping on-site is available to GMHA Members.
All horses must be stabled for events offering camping.
Not a member? Join or renew today to take advantage of this option.
Event Hub
Enter & Register
Competitor Info & Documents
Stabling & On-site Services
Volunteers Needed
Horse Health Requirements
GMHA requires a negative Coggins and proof of current rabies and influenza vaccination for each horse that comes on the property. Rabies titers are accepted within one year of event date and must accompany a note from your veterinarian explaining the reason why the vaccine could not be administered.
Please note that the State of Vermont requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 30 days or Exhibition Permit from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s Animal Health office for any horses entering the state. GMHA does not require these documents with entry, but the VT Agency of Agriculture may enforce these regulations at any time.
Event Contacts
Eric Wilking
Linda Wilking
Volunteers Needed!
Jump in and be part of the action—no experience needed! We’ll train you, feed you, and thank you with an appreciation gift. Learn about volunteering at GMHA.
