Landowners, our riders have something to say…

We’ve pulled together a selection of thank-you notes written by our Fall Foliage 2019 riders with photos taken during the 2019 Season. This is an extended letter of appreciation to the landowners who make GMHA trail rides such a great experience. Enjoy! Land Owner Thank You

Appreciation

A Selection of Landowner Thank You Notes

It has become a tradition during the Fall Foliage Pleasure Rides to ask riders to write personal notes to landowners thanking them for the privilege of riding their beautiful trails. This year, 85 notes were written, so many of our landowners received more than one. They are uplifting to read and a great reminder of why GMHA was founded 90 years ago.

“This is my first time to GMHA. I am blown away by the beauty. I am so glad people have preserved and developed such an amazing place for people to enjoy their equine friends. Thank you so much for allowing horses on your property. It is so much appreciated.” –Karen Hancock, Worcester, Mass.

“I’d like to express my appreciation and thanks for the opportunity to ride the trails on your property. The views are truly incredible! I cannot thank you enough. As a landowner myself, I can certainly appreciate what it takes to open your property to horses and riders. Thank you again.” — Sharon Tanner

“Thank you so much for allowing horseback riders to cross your property! I’ve been coming to GMHA for many years, and the trail system just keeps getting better every year. This is entirely due to the generous nature of people like you! Please accept our endless thanks!” –Anon.

“Thank you so much for the gorgeous riding on Saturday. It was my first solo GMHA ride on my Thoroughbred. ‘River’ and me both especially enjoyed the “Top of the World” – me for the views and her for the grass.” –Jackie and ‘River’

“Thank you! I am a Connecticut resident who came to GMHA 25 years ago and the experience has been life altering. What vistas! What trails! What friendships! Your generosity in sharing your land with us makes every visit unique and so special.”– Nancy Thorne

“Thank you for sharing your fantastic trails and views with us!” — Lisa DeMayo and gang – members for over 30 years

“Thank you so much for generously allowing us to ride on your property. The GMHA Fall Foliage Ride is one of the highlights of the year. It’s so wonderful to have this very special opportunity to ride through this beautiful countryside with good friends and good horses. Thank you so much for being a part of GMHA. It’s such a special organization and this area, likewise, is a treasure.” –With sincere thanks, Tracey Van Kempen, New York, NY

Trail Use Policy

Our Promise to You as a Landowner

Permission

GMHA does not use trails without documented permission to do so. For clarity and mutual protection, we prefer a signed written permission that stays in effect as long as you own the property but is revocable by you at any time. This form specifies the trail(s) to be used and is customizable to your wishes. For a copy of our permission form, please contact Chelle Grald.

Easements

Through a straightforward and flexible process, you can donate a trail or trails to GMHA, giving us a legal easement that runs with the land in perpetuity. This option ensures equestrian use of the trail for the future. Learn more about easements here.

Insurance

GMHA holds liability insurance that covers members, employees, event participants and volunteers when they are on the trails. We will also obtain a certificate naming a landowner as additionally insured upon request. All event participants sign a waiver of liability which names landowners.

Trail Use

Each spring, all landowners with permissions in place receive written notification of the dates and specific trails requested for use by GMHA during that year. Ample time is given for response and any adjustments desired by the landowner.

Maintenance

GMHA is happy to help maintain and even improve your trails with your permission. We will not perform any maintenance without your permission. We rely upon the generosity of donors to our trail fund for the resources to improve trails throughout the network.

Trail Sharing

GMHA supports multiple uses and trail user cooperation according to landowner wishes. We work together with all of the local trail using organizations and continually strive to improve communication for the betterment of all. We are landowners ourselves, holding a multi-use trail easement on our own property.

Safety

GMHA makes every effort to identify any safety concerns on the trails and bring them to your attention. We will close a trail and re-route as needed, always keeping you informed.

Trail Closures

You as the landowner always have the right to close a trail if conditions become unsafe or detrimental to the trail. We appreciate notification as early as possible so we can plan accordingly.

Trail Season

In general, we do not use trails before Memorial Day weekend and after November 1. Some maintenance and marking may take place in those times if conditions are stable.

Trail Marking

With your permission, we can install GMHA trail signs with trail names at our expense. This is optional. We also provide “No Horses” signs to mark trails that you do not wish horses to use. If you give permission for a Member’s Trail, there will be permanent white arrows with the trail number stapled to trees to mark the trail. Our event-specific markers are colored plastic cards with arrows and the GMHA logo accompanied by matching color streamers. These are affixed to trees and other fixtures by staples and removed when the event is over. We make every effort to remove event markers within the week after the event.

Mapping

We use GPS to mark and document trail routes. It is enormously helpful in determining even mileage and course planning. We do not share the data without your permission. If you have concerns about use of GPS on your property, please let us know.

Communication

All GMHA landowners who are not GMHA members are given the option to become GMHA subscribers. This gives you access to our calendar of events, magazines, e-newsletters and other announcements so that you can stay informed.

Land Ambassadors

All GMHA landowners are assigned a Land Ambassador, who is either a volunteer in your neighborhood or a member of GMHA staff. That person is your contact for all questions, concerns, and general correspondence.