GMHA : Green Mountain Horse Association

Competitions

About These Disciplines

Dressage

Rarely in the world of sport are athletes called upon to muster the combination of strength and artistry demanded by dressage. Requiring the power and precision of gymnastics, and the grace and subtlety of ballet, dressage challenges mental preparation as well as physical prowess. The word "dressage" is derived from a French term meaning training. The basic tenets of classical horsemanship were first recorded in a book by Greek general Xenophon around 400 B.C. and further developed at the royal courts of Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. While once an activity of royalty, today dressage has evolved into a discipline and competitive sport accessible to all horses and riders. [Go to Dressage competition schedule.]

Driving

Combined Driving began as an official sport thirty years ago when a group of driving enthusiasts, including Britain's Prince Phillip, asked the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) to put together a set of rules to standardize driving competitions from Austria to New Zealand.

Since driving encompasses so many disciplines, it was decided that a versatility test would be the best way to judge a driving horse's ability. The competition, similar in format to the ridden Three-Day Event, has three parts: Dressage, Marathon, and Obstacles, each looking at a different aspect of the horse's training and the driver's ability. The cornerstone of this competition is teamwork between horse and driver.

Pleasure Driving competitions are also an active part of the GMHA schedule. While Dressage and Obstacle classes may be offered at these events, you will also see classes such as Reinsmanship, Working Classes, and Concours D'Elegance. [Go to Driving competition schedule.]

Eventing

Eventing is one of the fastest growing equestrian pursuits in the world, and one in which riders of all ages and abilities can compete. Developed from cavalry competitions during the early 1900s, Eventing is the ultimate challenge for horse and rider, testing their partnership and athletic prowess in three diverse and demanding disciplines:

• The grace of dressage
• The rigors and thrills of cross-country jumping
• The power and pageantry of show jumping

A Horse Trial takes place over one, two or three days, and involves three distinct phases or tests, with varying degrees of difficulty, depending on the competitive level. Taken as a whole, these phases portray the ability, versatility and preparedness of the horse and rider. [Go to Eventing competition schedule.]

Hunter/Jumpers

Hunter/Jumper shows are exciting events that test the horse and rider's ability to navigate a set course at different heights that can range from 12" to over 4'.

Hunter classes are judged on the horse's jumping ability and style, manners, and way of going. Winners of Jumper classes are chosen based on who jumped the course with the least amount of faults and in the quickest time. [Go to Hunter/Jumper competition schedule.]

Trails: Competitive and Pleasure Trail Riding and Driving

Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) and Endurance Riding (ER) are the equestrian equivalent to Marathon running. They are both long distance riding but they do differ in several ways.

CTR distances are usually shorter and are run to a time set on the day by the organizers. ER distances are longer and have a maximum time, and a minimum time also for training rides. Both, however, have stringent veterinary procedures the horses have to pass before actually qualifying. The criteria are always "fit to continue," and the horse's welfare is paramount.

Pleasure Riding is enjoyed throughout each GMHA season in both scheduled rides that go over specifically marked routes and by individual or small groups who ride at their convenience on the GMHA general use trails. [Go to Trails competition schedule.]

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