Trails Events
Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) and Endurance are both long distance riding sports that differ in several ways.
CTR offers shorter distances where the rider travels the same moderate pace within a set window of time to complete. Endurance offers the rider an opportunity to race a well prepared horse, however, the majority of riders prefer to finish within a time suitable for their horse’s level of fitness and well within the time allotted. Both sports are strictly governed by veterinarian judging criteria to ensure that the horse’s welfare is kept paramount. Any serviceably sound, well- conditioned horse, who is ridden properly, may partake in either sport.
Pleasure Riding is offered throughout the GMHA season. Rides can range from semi-structured weekend events, to unstructured Member Day opportunities. Organized events offer a lunch or hospitality stop along a pre-set trail course, while unstructured rides offer permission access to a range of trail courses to be ridden independently of a group event. In both cases, riders choose to ride out at their own horses’ pace and pleasure.
Interested in learning more about Competitive Trail Riding? Why not volunteer to help at a ride?
Trail Omnibus
The Omnibus has everything you need to know about GMHA's Trail Events! Download your copy for all the info on our Competitive Trail, Endurance, Pleasure Rides, and Members' Days. Read the Trail Omnibus first, then download an entry form for the type of event you'd like to enter.
Biosecurity Fact Sheet: Help Keep Our Horses Healthy!
Policy Updates from GMHA
Please note that for the 2013 season GMHA will be requiring a Certificate of Rabies Vaccination within 12 months for all horses entering the grounds. This is in addition to our existing policy requiring proof of negative Coggins test within 12 months for all horses. Both documents should accompany all entries to GMHA events and should travel with the horse to GMHA.
Know the Law, Be Prepared
Vermont Agency of Agriculture GMHA recommends that all riders and drivers review important information from the VAA regarding Vermont State Law on Horse Importation and all should consider obtaining an Exhibition Permit. GMHA has received word that the Vermont Agency of Agriculture will be increasing their enforcement efforts in 2013.
Fall Foliage Ride I
(September 21-23, 2012)
Enjoy Vermont's finest foliage on horseback! Open to Members' Only.
See event details »Open to GMHA Members only!
We invite riders of all disciplines, ages, and abilities to join us for these opportunities to enjoy GMHA’s legendary trails at your own pace with your favorite friends, both human and equine. Ride some of Vermont's most scenic trails at the height of foliage season!
Ride one, two, or all three days- the choice is yours.
Our pleasure rides offer the chance for horses and riders to gather at GMHA, spending time with new friends and old, while enjoying our spectacular trails at their own pace. All of our pleasure rides take place on unique trails, many of which are open only during these events! After the morning briefing, our riders embark on marked trail loops which often offer a short or long distance option. Depending on weather conditions, lunch may be offered at a scenic spot on the trail, or back at GMHA.
In addition to quality time in the saddle, the Pleasure Rides hold many great opportunities for socializing. In addition to the daily morning briefing and lunch gatherings, a dinner with be held at GMHA on Friday night. Joining us for dinner is a great way to enjoy a tasty meal while connecting with fellow riders and recount the day’s adventures on the trail.
Fall Foliage Ride II
(October 5-7, 2012)
GMHA's scenic trails. Fabulous foliage. You, your horse, and your friends. What could be better?
See event details »Open to members and non-members!
We invite riders of all disciplines, ages, and abilities to join us for these opportunities to enjoy GMHA’s legendary trails at your own pace with your favorite friends, both human and equine. Ride some of Vermont's most scenic trails at the height of foliage season!
Ride one, two, or all three days- the choice is yours.
Our pleasure rides offer the chance for horses and riders to gather at GMHA, spending time with new friends and old, while enjoying our spectacular trails at their own pace. All of our pleasure rides take place on unique trails, many of which are open only during these events! After the morning briefing, our riders embark on marked trail loops which often offer a short or long distance option. Depending on weather conditions, lunch may be offered at a scenic spot on the trail, or back at GMHA.
In addition to quality time in the saddle, the Pleasure Rides hold many great opportunities for socializing. In addition to the daily morning briefing and lunch gatherings, a dinner with be held at GMHA on Friday night. Joining us for dinner is a great way to enjoy a tasty meal while connecting with fellow riders and recount the day’s adventures on the trail.
Ride for the Cure
(October 8, 2012)
Support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
See event details »3rd Annual Komen Vermont Ride for the Cure
A 10-Mile Pleasure Ride from the GMHA Grounds.
For ride details, or to register today, please visit www.komenvtnh.org!
50-Mile and Limited Distance Endurance Ride
(October 13, 2012)
AERC and ECTRA Sanctioned- Choose your distance!
See event details »The 50-Mile and Limited Distance Endurance Ride will cap off the GMHA season, taking place on October 13, 2012. The trail course design will continue with the format of varying loops, all returning to camp each time for the mandatory hold and vet check. This ride draws both Competitive Trail riders and Endurance riders, as many folks enjoy competing in both types of distance riding.
GMHA’s trails offer terrific views of Vermont’s best scenery at the height of foliage season- a sight that is not to be missed!
Competitive Trail & Endurance Entry Form
Members' Days
(Summer and Fall)
These trail riding dates are open only to GMHA Members. Become a Member!
See event details »These trail riding dates are open only to GMHA Members. Become a Member!
Members' Days are FREE. Several loops of trail in a variety of distances are marked for use on Members' Days. Be sure to check in at the office to pick up a map, and to see which loops are open.
Remember, Members' Days are weather dependent!
- June 11
- July 9-10
- August 13-14
- August 27
- September 10
- September 17
- September 24
- October 1
- October 15-21
You MUST register to attend Members' Days!
15-Mile Mud Weekend
(April 28-29, 2012)
15-Mile Mud Ride & Drive (5/28), and 15-Mile Conditioning Distance Ride & Drive OR Pleasure Ride (5/29)
See event details »Kick off the season with your choice of several riding and driving options!
Saturday: 15-Mile Ride and Drive
This event is run under ECTRA rules but is not sanctioned. It is intended to be an educational, introductory event for those new to distance riding and driving, but is also a great warm-up for our seasoned competitors!
Sunday: 15-Mile Conditioning Distance Ride & Drive OR Pleasure Ride
The CDR portion of this event is sanctioned by ECTRA. Your choice- ride for mileage credit, or just for fun!
Competitive Trail & Endurance Entry Form
Memorial Day Pleasure Rides
(May 25-27, 2012)
Enjoy GMHA's most beautiful trails at your leisure.
See event details »Join us for this year's Memorial Day Pleasure Rides!
We invite riders of all disciplines, ages, and abilities to join us for these opportunities to enjoy GMHA’s legendary trails at your own pace with your favorite friends, both human and equine.
Our pleasure rides offer the chance for horses and riders to gather at GMHA, spending time with new friends and old, while enjoying our spectacular trails at their own pace. All of our pleasure rides take place on unique trails, many of which are open only during these events! After the morning briefing, our riders embark on marked trail loops which often offer a short or long distance option. Depending on weather conditions, lunch may be offered at a scenic spot on the trail, or back at GMHA.
In addition to quality time in the saddle, the Pleasure Rides hold many great opportunities for socializing. In addition to the daily morning briefing and lunch gatherings, a Friday night dinner will be held at GMHA. The dinners are a great way to enjoy a tasty meal while connecting with fellow riders and recount the day’s adventures on the trail. GMHA has a special surprise planned our Memorial Day dinner, which is sure to get the energy hopping.
Acceptance List- Click on your horse's name to confirm the days you have entered. Make sure your event is selected in the drop down list.
25-/25-/50-Mile
(July 7-8, 2012)
Three distances, two days! Something for everyone.
See event details »All distances are ECTRA Sanctioned.
Options galore! Your choice of:
Saturday: 25-Mile Ride or Drive
Sunday: 25-Mile Ride or Drive, or 12.5-Mile Conditioning Distance Ride
50-Mile Ride or Drive: Ride 25 miles on both Saturday & Sunday
Join us for a great weekend of trail riding at GMHA. This year, the traditional 25/25/50-Mile Ride & Drive is joined by the 12.5-Mile Conditioning Distance Ride, ensuring that there is something for distance riders of all abilities!
25-Mile Ride and Drive and Conditioning Distance Ride
(June 10, 2012)
See event details »
76th Annual 100-Mile Competitive Trail Ride
(August 31-September 2, 2012)
Join us for the 76th Anniversary of GMHA's most historic event!
See event details »100-Mile Ride: August 31-September 2
40 miles Friday & Saturday, 20 miles Sunday
60-Mile Ride: September 1-2
40 miles Saturday, 20 miles Sunday
40-Mile Ride: September 1
Saturday only
On August 31- September 2, GMHA will make a second attempt at holding the 76th Annual 100-Mile Ride. Last year, Tropical Storm Irene’s destruction forced the cancellation of this event for the first time in GMHA’s history. Once again, we will offer a 60-Mile Ride (40 miles Saturday, 20 on Sunday), and a 40-Mile Ride (Saturday only) to round out the offerings. This year, the closing of the Taftsville Bridge (an important trail crossing) for reconstruction, will result in the creation of a new 40 mile “Red Day” loop of trail. The new trail, which will run through West Windsor and Hartland, will be day two for the 100-Milers, and day one for the 60 and 40-Mile Riders. In response to requests from our riders, the “White Day” will be the first day of the ride this year, meaning that only the 100-Milers will tackle this challenging trail through the town of Reading. Both riders and horses will be fresh in negotiating the trail on Friday, their first day. The new 40 mile “Red Day” course will have its debut on Saturday morning, as all three distances of competitors embark on the loop.
We are hoping for a weekend of terrific weather, trail conditions, and social events to make this a special ride. Riders at all distances are invited to join in the fun of the many social events and traditions surrounding the ride, such as the Banquet, BYO Meat BBQ, supper at the Vermont Horse Country Store, and more.