GMHA : The Green Mountain Horse Association

The Beauty of Trail Easements

A unique legacy of equestrian trail riding and open space can be protected.

Since its founding in 1926, GMHA's mission has included "the development and maintenance of bridle trails and other such activities and purposes as desired by its members." Through the years, it has played an important role in shaping the area's "horse country" culture through awareness and appreciation of land that is shared for recreational enjoyment, scenic vistas and natural habitat.

Though many take for granted that the open land we enjoy now will always remain that way, GMHA provides the proactive leadership to help assure that it does. Through the use of permanent trail easements, we are taking advantage of a well-timed opportunity to secure a future of mutual reward for our community of friends and neighbors.

Easements can be customized to each landowner's specific needs and wishes—including privacy—and assures that trails will be well-maintained. And when a landowner donates an equestrian trail, they become part of an 85-year-old legacy—a most profound and rewarding experience.

A Friendly and Straightforward Process:

• Meet and discuss goals with landowner; review existing maps; walk trail(s)
• Customize GMHA's easement to meet the needs of both parties
• Define the trail location and property boundary with GPS and create GIS map
• Agree on a maintenance plan between landowner and GMHA

Help Keep Open Space Open!

Get started with our Frequently Asked Questions, which includes a link to Vermont's legislation providing landowners with greater legal protection when allowing recreational users on their land!

Read what our current trail donors have to say...

LJ's Trail
West Windsor, VT

"One day, when I was at the kitchen sink, I glanced up from what I was doing and an antique four-in-hand coach was going by. The harnesses were beautiful with lots of shiny brass hardware. It was incredible.

GMHA is one of a kind! All of us who love it should commit to protecting it and the land."

Serenity Farm Trail
South Woodstock, VT

"The extensive equestrian trail network that radiates out from South Woodstock is one of the most wonderful and sacred treasures in the area. Unfortunately, this network is threatened by new landowners who don't understand or appreciate its significance and deny access to the trails over their property.

We felt compelled to do our part to help protect this gem for future generations. Granting an easement to GMHA as a steward for the trail over our property was an easy decision for us."

Juniper Trail and Route 66 Trail
South Woodstock, VT

"Well, why not donate trails? It's a privilege to share my bit of South Woodstock with others who love horses and trail riding in beautiful, unspoiled Vermont. The easement process is friendly and thorough...I encourage other landowners to pick up the phone and donate more trails."

Interested? Make the call:

Cyndy Kozara
Trail Preservation Specialist
cyndy@gmhainc.org
(802) 457-1509 x 220

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