GMHA : The Green Mountain Horse Association

About GMHA

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The Green Mountain Horse Association has been a significant force in the development of equestrian sports in the United States since its founding in 1926.

GMHA has also been instrumental over the years in developing and maintaining a network of miles of open trails, access to which is provided through the generosity of private owners.

GMHA's Place in History

GMHA celebrated its 82th anniversary in October 2008. Over these 80 years, tens of thousands of people have learned, practiced, competed, shared experiences and have enjoyed the sense of community of horse lovers on GMHA grounds.

GMHA is proud of its membership of passionate people of all ages who are dedicated to good horsemanship and respectful stewardship of our surrounding land. They help support GMHA by giving over 3,000 volunteer hours each year.

GMHA's Place in the Future

The increased importance of GMHA’s land stewardship is underscored by its symbiotic relationship with the local community of South Woodstock, which recognizes our efforts to preserve and protect open space and our fragile environment. Read the GMHA fact sheet to see how both GMHA members and the local community benefit from the Green Mountain Horse Association.

Please Help Support GMHA

Visit our Annual Fund page to learn about the various opportunities to support GMHA.

Our History

GMHA was founded in 1926 when a small group of riders wanted to promote the use of horses, provide facilities for horse shows and activities, and develop and maintain bridle trails in Vermont. From 1926-1936, GMHA's focus was directed toward its annual horse show, and on marking a growing network of trails. In 1927, a two-day, 60-mile competitive trail ride was included, and the list of GMHA's activities has continued to grow as time has passed.

GMHA has held a significant place in the development of horse sports in the United States. The following are just a few of our notable milestones:

• 1926: GMHA founded (GMHA is now the nation's oldest continuously operating horse association)
• 1935: The first multi-day (80-mile) trail ride. It has evolved from this beginning into our current 100-Mile Ride. In 2005, we celebrated its 70th anniversary.
• 1950: The current GMHA facility in South Woodstock, VT, is purchased.
• 1957: The GMHA Horse Trials were one of the first to be held in the US since the US Cavalry Team competed in the 1948 Olympics.
• 1957: The first year of the annual Horsemanship Clinic. The Junior Horsemanship Clinic celebrated its 50th year in 2006!
• 1963: Vermont's first All-Quarter Horse Show is held at GMHA.
• 1970: GMHA Dressage Competition begins as a preliminary to the August Horse Trials.

These are just a few of the GMHA history highlights. Roger Maher's wonderful book, "Green Mountain Horse Association: 1926-1990s," is an excellent resource for a more complete history of GMHA and its role in the development of all horse sports.

Our Mission

"The Green Mountain Horse Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the purpose of promoting and encouraging the raising, breeding, care and use of horses; providing facilities where its members may organize and carry out educational clinics and events for the training of horses and riders for trail, equestrian team trials and driving events, and developing and maintaining bridle trails in the State of Vermont and other such activities and purposes as may be desired by the members." (The Founding Members, October 1926)

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