United States Eventing Association

Green Mountain Horse Association Cross-Country Upgrade Project Update

Upgrade Project Takes Off

The GMHA Cross-Country Upgrade project was officially launched in May, but the idea to revamp the tracks and jumps actually began percolating several years ago in discussions between Janine McClain, Jane Hamlin and Laurie Hudson about re-introducing the Intermediate level to the GMHA Horse Trials. What started as a fairly straightforward idea morphed into an ambitious, multi-year plan—designed by Tremaine Cooper with the assistance of Janine McClain—to upgrade all the courses, paying particular attention to the footing, drainage and other long-standing site concerns that the facility has struggled with for ages.

As word spreads of the Upgrade Project, more and more GMHA supporters—and not just eventers—are donating to the cause. Drivers, trail riders, young camp participants and others who use the property all realize the advantage of maximizing the utility of the 65-acre property. Eventers from Beginner Novice through Preliminary will also benefit from the repair of existing jumps, the addition of new jumps, and the property-wide refurbishing of galloping tracks. The vision for the new Intermediate course is to provide an educational, up-to-level track using primarily natural-looking obstacles that will serve as a solid introduction to the level.

Fundraising Progress

The Upgrade Project has a fundraising goal of $200,000, which is necessary to complete Tremaine’s design for the property and courses. Nearly $100,000 has been raised to date. Work has already begun restoring existing jumps, and the plan is to begin initial site work this fall. If you’ve pledged to give, or are considering a donation, please send your check, made out to GMHA Upgrade Project, to Molly at GMHA, P.O. Box 8, South Woodstock, VT 05071 as soon as possible. It’s important that we have the funds now to keep the project on track.

Announcing the Barn Fundraising Competition

The Upgrade Committee is pleased to announce a competition designed to encourage riders of all ages to contribute to the Upgrade Project. The barn that raises the most amount of money will receive saddle pads (up to 15) embroidered with the Upgrade Project logo and a private, informational course walk with Tremaine, who will explain course design theory and answer questions. In addition, barns raising $500 or more will have their efforts acknowledged with a barn sign at a jump during the GMHA Horse Trials. So pool your resources, help the cause, and receive some cool recognition for your efforts. The winners of the barn competition will be announced at GMHA’s September Horse Trials.

Upgrade Committee to Host Competitor’s Party at August Horse Trials

After show jumping on Saturday, August 13, feed your horse then head over to the Youth Center for a competitor’s party hosted by the Upgrade Committee. Appetizers, soft drinks, beer and wine will be waiting for you beginning around 5:30. Rehash your dressage and stadium rides with fellow eventers, learn a bit about the Upgrade Project, watch a slide show of past and current GMHA competitors, enjoy some food, and did we mention beer and wine? Please consider bringing a check, too, if you haven’t yet donated.