Our Promise to You as a Landowner
Permission
GMHA does not use trails without documented permission to do so. For clarity and mutual protection, we prefer a signed written permission that stays in effect as long as you own the property but is revocable by you at any time. This form specifies the trail(s) to be used and is customizable to your wishes. For a copy of our permission form, please contact Mickey Perry at mperry@gmhainc.org.
Easements
Through a straightforward and flexible process, you can donate a trail or trails to GMHA, giving us a legal easement that runs with the land in perpetuity. This option ensures equestrian use of the trail for the future. Learn more about easements here.
Insurance
GMHA holds liability insurance that covers members, employees, event participants and volunteers when they are on the trails. We will also obtain a certificate naming a landowner as additionally insured upon request. All event participants sign a waiver of liability which names landowners.
Trail Use
Each spring, all landowners with permissions in place receive written notification of the dates and specific trails requested for use by GMHA during that year. Ample time is given for response and any adjustments desired by the landowner.
Maintenance
GMHA is happy to help maintain and even improve your trails with your permission. We will not perform any maintenance without your permission. We rely upon the generosity of donors to our trail fund for the resources to improve trails throughout the network.
Trail Sharing
GMHA supports multiple uses and trail user cooperation according to landowner wishes. We work together with all of the local trail using organizations and continually strive to improve communication for the betterment of all. We are landowners ourselves, holding a multi-use trail easement on our own property.
Safety
GMHA makes every effort to identify any safety concerns on the trails and bring them to your attention. We will close a trail and re-route as needed, always keeping you informed.
Trail Closures
You as the landowner always have the right to close a trail if conditions become unsafe or detrimental to the trail. We appreciate notification as early as possible so we can plan accordingly.
Trail Season
In general, we do not use trails before Memorial Day weekend and after November 1. Some maintenance and marking may take place in those times if conditions are stable.
Trail Marking
With your permission, we can install GMHA trail signs with trail names at our expense. This is optional. We also provide “No Horses” signs to mark trails that you do not wish horses to use. If you give permission for a Member’s Trail, there will be permanent white arrows with the trail number stapled to trees to mark the trail. Our event-specific markers are colored plastic cards with arrows and the GMHA logo accompanied by matching color streamers. These are affixed to trees and other fixtures by staples and removed when the event is over. We make every effort to remove event markers within the week after the event.
Mapping
We use GPS to mark and document trail routes. It is enormously helpful in determining even mileage and course planning. We do not share the data without your permission. If you have concerns about use of GPS on your property, please let us know.
Communication
All GMHA landowners who are not GMHA members are given the option to become GMHA subscribers. This gives you access to our calendar of events, magazines, e-newsletters and other announcements so that you can stay informed.
Land Ambassadors
All GMHA landowners are assigned a Land Ambassador, who is either a volunteer in your neighborhood or a member of GMHA staff. That person is your contact for all questions, concerns, and general correspondence.