Saturday morning’s weather was dreary as the competitors warmed up for the dressage portion of the event. However, the rain had stopped by the time the first competitors trotted down the centerline. The day steadily improved, and the sun had come out by noon. Dressage took place in three different arenas in the new Upwey field, as well as a fourth near the Walker Ring out in the Jump field. Competitors riding in the Upwey rings were impressed by the new field, it’s footing, and the dust control.
Saturday afternoon marked the Show Jumping portion of the event. Riders competed in both the White Ring and the Walker Ring.
Sunday was the cross-country portion of the weekend’s event. Riders went out galloping over the course every two minutes throughout the entire day. Once again, the pouring rain could not dampen the spirits of these competitors. There were very few that did not participate, and most seemed happy to be riding. By the end of the day, the sun came out, and the last few divisions were able to stay dry while completing their course.
Several Vermont and New Hampshire riders took home first place in their division. West Hartford, VT, native Kylie Lyman rode Trading Aces from Tom White Hill Farm, Pomfret, VT, and won the Preliminary B division with a score of 42.2.
Jessie Phillips of Barre, VT, took home first place in the Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary division, riding Hyly Prized. She had a final score of 43.7.
Hillary Maddaus of Bedford, NH, riding for Westwinds Farm, Woodstock, VT, won the Training A division riding Show of Heart with a score of 23.6.
Caitlin Romeo of South Royalton, VT, took first place in Novice B aboard Nordic Star with a score of 24.0.
Finally, winner of both the Junior Novice division and the Best Overall Score by a GMHA Member Award, Sydney Lawton riding Go With the Flow of Morrisville, VT, earned a score of 29.0.
This weekend would not have been possible without the help of the many volunteers, the judges and officials, and the grounds crew. Five different judges graced GMHA with their presence for the weekend. Mark Weissbecker, Mary Savige, and Rick Pearson judged the dressage phase of the event. Sally Ike judged both dressage and stadium jumping, while Mary Hutchins judged the other stadium jumping arena. Janine Preece-McClain designed the cross-country course. The stadium course designers were Janine Preece-McClain and Karey Manner.
The Green Mountain Horse Association, a 65-acre equestrian facility in South Woodstock, Vermont, is a non-profit 501 (3)(c) organization fully committed to equine activities including Trail Riding, Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Eventing and Driving. With approximately 2,000 members, GMHA is a vital community of equestrian enthusiasts. In addition to competitions and pleasure rides, GMHA offers horsemanship clinics and other educational activities and is active in trail stewardship and land preservation. Member support helps to ensure that GMHA will continue to exist for future generations and preserves its legacy in the equestrian community.
Contact: Molly Hutchins
Telephone: 802/457-1509, Ext. 219
Email: [email protected]
