GMHA : The Green Mountain Horse Association

About GMHA

Horse lovers of all ages have learned and competed at GMHA.

Jump to: GMHA Fact Sheet
Jump to: GMHA History
Jump to: GMHA Mission Statement

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 Capital Campaign page to learn about the various opportunities to support GMHA.

GMHA FACT SHEET

GMHA is one of the leading equine competition and equestrian education sites in the US.

  • Property: Approximately 65 acres in South Woodstock, VT
  • A 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting a variety of equine activities
  • Activities/Disciplines include:
    • Dressage
    • Eventing
    • Competitive, Endurance and Pleasure Trail Riding
    • Driving
    • Hunter/Jumpers
  • Numerous educational clinics for children and adults
  • Facilities:
    • Permanent stabling for approximately 165 horses
    • Additional temporary stalls available for select events for over 200 horses to stable on the grounds
    • 3 sand rings, numerous grass riding areas, a cross country course that runs through the Intermediate level
    • Meeting rooms, bathroom facilities and an on-site café
  • Membership: Currently close to 1,900 members (Go to: Membership page)
  • Number of Events held each year: Approximately 65 events run from 1 to 12 days (GMHA organizes and administers all but a couple of these)
  • Number of Horses that come to the grounds yearly: 3,500
  • Number of People that come to the grounds yearly (3 per horse): Approximately 10,000
  • Annual Revenue comes from:
    • Membership (11%)
    • Entry Fees (68%)
    • Donations (7%)
    • Other (14%)
  • Number of Staff Members: 4 full-time
  • Number of Volunteer Hours: Over 3,000 yearly (Go to: Volunteer page)
  • Highlights: In both 2004 and 2005, GMHA was voted "Best Horse Trial in Area 1" by the competitors
  • Funds:
    • John and Katherine Leslie Memorial Scholarship Fund allows juniors to take advantage of camps and clinics at GMHA.
    • Eileene Wilmot Scholarship Fund awards funds to juniors for training purposes in Eventing. The scholarship is sponsored by Birch Hill Farm, South Woodstock, VT.
  • Annual Awards are presented to outstanding members of GMHA:
    • Constance Knight McCollom (Lifetime Achievement) Stewardship Award
    • Junior Volunteer of the Year Award
    • Volunteer of the Year Award

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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Driving

Feb 20: Sleigh Rally Results

Feb 21: Sleighing Combined Test Results

May 14: Driving Clinic with Lisa Singer!

(Updated: 2/23/10)

Clinics

Junior Horsemanship Clinic: Now accepting applications!

Educational Series Topics and Info.

(Updated 1/25/10)

Latest News

Don't forget the Annual Fund- GMHA needs your support!  Click here to make your donation.

2010 Business Membership Packages are here.

(Updated 1/26/10)

Special Events

Educational Series Dates and Topics.

(Updated 1/25/10)

Dressage

Save the dates!  June, July, and NEW October show dates now available...

(Updated 11/10/09)

Eventing

Thanks for a great season, hope to see you all in 2010!

(Updated 11/10/09)

Hunter/Jumper

Mark your calendars!  2010 dates now available...

(Updated 11/10/09)

Trails

Trails Summit: March 13.

2010 Trail Omnibus is here!

(Updated: 1/26/10)

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