Youth Scholarships
A big part of the GMHA mission is to help educate future generations of riders. One way in which this made possible is through the generosity of donors who provide funds to GMHA specifically ear-marked to help young riders in their quest for excellence. In 2013 there is nearly $12,000 available to keen young eventers through 2 separate programs.
Junior Horsemanship Clinic Scholarships
Now in its 57th year, GMHA's Junior Horsemanship Clinic is the premier eventing camp for young riders ages 9-17. Riders bring their own horses or ponies to camp, and receive quality mounted and unmounted instruction.Riders will school all three phases of eventing: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Please view our brochure for more details!
Our facility includes four all-weather riding rings, a newly upgraded cross-country course, six permanent barns, an extensive trail system, a Youth Center facility, and snack bar. GMHA has a rich history in eventing, having hosted Horse Trials for over 50 years, and educated many top riders, including Olympians Denny Emerson and Lana Wright, well-known competitors Ashley MacVaugh and Marcia Kulak, and rising star Kylie Lyman to name just a few
Words from our campers and parents:
• James Day, age 14, of Duxbury, MA has attended the clinic for the past three years with his pony ‘Tucket.”It’s a lot of fun, and I definitely get a lot out of the experience in terms of horsemanship and my riding skills,” says James, a Beginner Novice rider. “I stay in touch with many of the kids I met at the clinic.”
• Two summers ago, fifteen-year-old Christiana Sollars, of Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii, heard about the JHC from her mother who lived near GMHA as a girl. To their delight, Christiana received a scholarship award that enabled her attend the JHC and make what would become for her “an unforgettable summer.”
• Nine-year-old Daisy Foregger’s first sleepover was also her first time attending the JHC last summer. She and her sister, Lily (age 11) stayed at nearby Hyacinth House and rode their bikes to GMHA each morning. “They had an amazing time, and the instruction was incredible,” says mom Liz Hinckley, of Waterbury, VT. “The camp emphasizes the highest standards of horsemanship. The girls didn’t want to leave.” As Daisy summed it up, “It was the best camp ever! It was so fun, and I got to do my first event!”
• Melissa Bauman, 11, of South Reading, VT, recieved a scholarship that helped defray the cost of the camp. One of five children, she hadn’t considered the JHC due to the cost. When news came that Mellissa was being awarded a scholarship based on financial need, she was “absolutely thrilled,” according to her mom Cindy. “I had attended other riding camps, but they were nothing like GMHA’s JHC,” says Melissa. During the camp, Melissa rode cross-country for the first time and was awarded the “Barn Managers Award” for her hard work and outstanding care of her horse and tack.
Please see our FAQ's for details on how to register for camp!
Eileene Wilmot Scholarship
Birch Hill Farm, South Woodstock, VT. keep the name and memory of Eileene Wilmot alive. Eileene and her husband Peyton purchased Birch Hill Farm in 1950 and lived there for nearly 40 years. Eileene‘s lifelong mission, to further the sport of eventing by helping young people, is perpetuated by this generous scholarship.
Juniors and Young Riders competing in the GMHA Festival of Eventing August Horse Trials Preliminary Division stand the chance of winning one of three scholarships, with the first placed rider being awarded $900, the second $600 and the third $500. Riders may use this award to support their development in any way related to the sport of eventing. Previous winners have furthered their careers by investing in additional lessons, participating in clinics, and attending higher level events.