United States Eventing Association

Frost on the Pumpkins at GMHA’s September Horse Trials

South Woodstock, VT –The Green Mountain Horse Association hosted its September Horse Trials on September 19 and 20. The Beginner Novice through Preliminary event along with the Area I Adult Team Challenge held over 2 days provided over 235 riders with early access to fall foliage on a spectacular weekend in Vermont.

Three rings of Dressage in the new Upwey field ran all day while Stadium Jumping tests were held in the White and Walker rings. A Preliminary rider remarked “It was a challenging course that was appropriate for the level. As always, the footing was perfect and things ran on time or early.”

A chilly morning Sunday cross country day with brilliant blue skies greeted competitors with sparkling frost everywhere. The competition was delayed so the sun could melt some of the ice that had formed on the ground. “It was a very different experience to jump frost covered XC fences!” commented an early morning rider.

Local trainer Sue Berrill of Greylock Farm, Brownville, VT won two divisions; Novice B on Precious Z and Beginner Novice B on Windy Hollow Modern Millie. Sue also won the GMHA Members award. Eliza Buskey on Blue Diamond of Lebanon, NH won Novice Junior B. Janet Spangler on Emma Lea of Woodstock, VT won Novice A and Jenny Lyford of White River Junction, VT on Lewis II won the Junior Training Division. Another local trainer from Piroette Farm in Norwich, VT, Jane Hamlin took home a blue ribbon with Fernhill Danforth in the Training B division.

Twelve teams competed in the Adult Team challenge sponsored by the Area 1 Adult Riders Program. Beginner Novice team winners Flatlands Navy: Michelle Levantis and Justin Time, Kim McIntyre with Banda Calypso, Amy Kenly and Rip Roarin’ Fun, Vickie Thurber and Poco Santo. Novice Level Team Winners were Bay State Defenders: Amy Goodnow and Manatuck, Anne Vinsel with Kilcorban Moonwalker, Betsy Holdsworth and Elfin Dublin Ball, Barbara Cassani and Courty Boy. Training Team Winners of Southern New Hampshire Team were Kara Riley-King on both Sea Me Smile and Manta Ray, Katherine Cooper on Arabesque and Janis Brubacher on Chancellor VI. The Preliminary Team winner of the Prelim Girls Club included Irene Given on Astrick, Samantha Dormady on Razzmataz, Katie Murphy with First Glance and Kami Wolk on Hurricane Bay.

The Green Mountain Horse Association, a 65 acre equestrian facility in South Woodstock, Vermont non-profit 501 (3)(c) organization fully committed to equine activities including: Trail Riding, Hunter/Jumper Shows, Dressage Shows, Horse Trials and Driving Events.

With approximately 2000 members, GMHA is vital community of equestrian enthusiasts. Our members’ support helps to ensure that GMHA, will continue to exist for generations to come and preserves our legacy in the equestrian community with horsemanship clinics, educational activities, trail stewardship and preservation.