Riders Up! Vermont Is The Ideal Place For Horse Lovers
No matter what your experience or discipline, you’ll find your place in Vermont.
Whether you participate in dressage or explore trails through the woods, Vermont is the ideal place for horse lovers. Whether you’re a new horse owner or an experienced rider, you’ll find plenty of like-minded people here, where you can select from local horse clubs and various events across the state.
A Good Place to Start
A good source to turn to is The Vermont Horse Council, which is made up of dedicated volunteers who help spread the word about horsemanship. The organization was established in 1975, and, as their mission statement says, their goals are
To promote and protect the interest of all Vermont horsemen and horsewomen.
To provide information on the Vermont horse industry, laws and regulations affecting it, and on other related subjects.
To be a means of communication between all horsemen and to provide information to the general public.
To map, mark, and develop interconnecting riding trails throughout the state of Vermont.
To encourage horsemen to respect public and private property rights.
To take such action as the general membership directs.
The website is a treasure trove of information, including trail maps of Groton State Forest, information and maps for Northeast Kingdom Equestrian Trails (NEKET) and the Willoughby Trail, and information from the VT Dept of Forests, Parks, Recreation. You’ll also find informative articles on Trail Etiquette, Safety Tips for Trailering, and Sharing Trails with Bikes as well as public service and road safety videos.
“We represent all disciplines as we work in outreach and education,” says Heidi Krantz at Vermont Horse Council. “We also offer scholarships and matching grants for trail development.” Heidi continues, “And we respond to emergencies. When Hurricane Irene devastated areas of Vermont, we delivered hay to horses who had lost their feed.”
The Council’s website also includes events throughout the state, including the Komen Vermont Ride for the Cure on Monday, October 8. This is the 9th year of this 6- or 9-mile pleasure trail ride at Green Mountain Horse Association in Woodstock for the benefit of Susan G. Komen New England. For information go to www.komennewengland.org, call (802) 362-2733, or email [email protected].
Promising to be a fun-filled event is the 7th Annual Trick or Treat Trio on October 27, offered by Hartland Riding Club.
If you love dressage, the Green Mountain Horse Association in Woodstock has scheduled an event for October 6 and 7.
Vermont Horse Council
Green Mountain Horse Association
Central Vermont Dressage Association
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