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Preserve
and Protect the Trail Network
Trail Preservation is the most critical issue facing GMHA.
The beauty of open space in
Vermont
must be preserved and protected. As
a major landowner in
South Woodstock
, GMHA has approximately 65 acres of land for equestrian use.
We recognize our responsibility and accountability as well as our need
for leadership in protecting our fragile environment from further development.
At the time of its founding in 1926, GMHA was part of a
trail network that stretched for thousands of
miles from Canada through Vermont. These trails have diminished over time and
GMHA is at the forefront of working to keep open miles of connecting trails in a
network through public and private land use.
To meet this challenge, we will establish the following:
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Trails Endowment Fund.
This fund will provide donors with the security of knowing that their
financial gift will help preserve, protect and maintain the trails for
generations to come. |
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Trails Coordinator position.
The Trails Coordinator will focus on trail related issues, work with
local groups, communicate with landowners and oversee the protection and
preservation of trails and open space. Additional,
The Trails Coordinator will represent GMHA members on the local, regional, and
state level as necessary. |
Renovate
and Expand the Roger and Ana Ela Youth and
Education
Center
The Roger and Ana Ela Youth and
Education
Center
is the physical hub and heart of what GMHA is all about.
It is here that knowledge, friendships and horsemanship are shared and
where the sense of community develops. It is here
that members can share their experiences and love of equestrian sports after a
day or riding, where they participate in celebrations such as the Season’s End
Barbecue and Campaign Kick-off. It is here where the board and members hold the
Annual Meeting to discuss matters of importance at GMHA.
Knowledge gained at GMHA reaches beyond participating in
clinics, workshops and competitions. Discussing thoughts and ideas from a
rocking chair on the porch of the
Ela
Center
builds strong conviction born of shared individual experience.
For children, building friendships, confidence and sharing a laugh with
friends helps them to learn and grow.
The Youth and
Education
Center
is named for Roger and Ana Ela, two of GMHA’s treasured members.
The Elas have long been associated with GMHA and horses.
The Renovation and Expansion of the Roger and Ana Ela Youth
and
Education
Center
will include the following:
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Enable the Center to operate year round as a multi-purpose
facility. Upgrades made to lighting,
heating, computer and telephone systems and restroom facilities will greatly
enhance our ability to hold educational programs while making the Center more
comfortable to relax in. |
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As a learning center and general meeting place, the Center will be
used for seminars and event functions. It
will be available for regional wildlife, riding an conservations groups, as well
as the local community to hold retreats, conferences and events—allowing us to
continue to serve members and better steward our community. |
Improve Stabling
The existing stables were built as early as the 1950s and
have become costly to maintain. Today’s
pleasure and competition horses tend to be larger than those that the stables
were originally built to house. Years
of wear and tear have taken their toll.
Improved Stabling consists of:
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Barns will undergo renovation and reconfiguration to include a
number of 9’ x12’ stalls where possible.
Necessary repairs will be made to the floors, walls and stall doors. |
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Increasing the stall size decreases the number of stalls in our
barns. An addition will be made to the B Barn and a new barn will be
constructed. |
Ensure Safe Footing and Grounds and
create a Multi-purpose grass area
The quality of footing is the most important issue for all riders and drivers.
The key to ensuring safe and appropriate footing on a consistent basis is
to have multiple options, including an all-weather surface.
Addressing our footing issues
will not only ensure a safer environment for horses and riders alike, but will
help extend our current competition season while reducing wear and tear on the
property.
In addition, parking has been an
on-going problem for all GMHA competitors, families and spectators.
To accomplish safe footing and
grounds, GMHA will:
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Construct an all weather arena, approximately 75m x 120m.
The arena will be large enough to accommodate several dressage rings, a
driving ring or a show jumping course. The
surface will meet the demands of multiple equestrian disciplines. |
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We will install an appropriate drainage system to improve the
condition of the riding, driving and warm-up grass areas. |
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We will improve the foothold of our riding and driving galloping
tracks throughout the property so our course designers will have a variety of
options when planning events. |
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The existing parking area next to the office will be re-graded and
extended across to the Upwey barn. |
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A flexible parking plan will be developed. |
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A hard, well-drained turf surface usable for a variety of
equestrian disciplines will be created. The
space will fit a driving arena or two large dressage rings when not used for
parking.
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Add Spectator Seating
Typically, three people accompany every horse that comes to GMHA.
Along with the rider/driver, there may be a groom, parent, child,
grandparent, spouse or friend. They
all want to watch and enjoy the activities.
Many members of the community and visitors to the area would come to GMHA
if we had the appropriate parking and accommodations to watch the events.
Spectator seating will be added:
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The White Ring. The hill over the White Ring will be terraced,
providing seating for many spectators. A
path will be made from the Roger and Ela Youth and
Education
Center
to this seating area. |
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The Walker Ring. Grandstand seating will be placed ringside. |
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The Jump Field. Seating
will be terraced into the hill along Route 106, overlooking the jump field and
the cross country course.
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Renovate
the Upwey Barn
The Upwey Barn is an historically significant building to
South Woodstock
and to the horse industry. It was
built in the 1930s by Owen Moon, then owner of the vast Upwey Farm for his
champion Morgan horses. Mr. Moon
gave GMHA its original parcel of land.
The Upwey Barn must be preserved by undergoing much
needed renovation. The history of
GMHA and the Morgan horse will be preserved as well:
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Stalls in the Upwey Barn will be renovated. |
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A
Vistors
Center
will be created to recognize the impact that the Upwey Farm had on the area in
general and the Morgan Horse in particular.
It will celebrate the history of GMHA, its founders and members. It
will contain a library of equine related books, a gallery exhibiting photos
from GMHA’s archives as well as important historical documentation. |
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