Image courtesy of GMHA.
GMHA steps up this year, following the cancellation of Millbrook Horse Trials, to offer an Advanced CT and A/I division in their Festival of Eventing this August. GMHA, which already hosts the only FEI Event in Area 1, will now become the only horse trials in the Area to offer divisions above the Preliminary level, in 2022.
While Millbrook’s cancellation comes as a serious blow, the Area 1 community is rallying to support Millbrook and their board, as well as ensure the spirit and tradition of the sport remains strong in the northeast. Bruce Perry, GMHA’s Executive Director, expressed his continued support for Millbrook H.T. saying “We look forward to working with Millbrook in the future to ensure the presence of upper level divisions in Area 1.”
Jane Hamlin, top level FEI and Olympic judge and selector on the Area 1 YR team, believes that the presence of the upper levels in Area 1 is “integral to the education and development of young riders in the sport.” Indeed, many top riders began their careers in Area 1, through the Young Rider program. One such rider, Ariel Grald, climbed up the scoreboard at Badminton Horse Trials this month to finish as the second placing American pair following two top class jumping rounds.
When speaking about her early education as a rider, Grald expressed the influence GMHA had on her and her excitement about the addition of new divisions. “GMHA is an incredibly valuable and special venue,” she said. “It was an influential place for my early education and development as a rider/competitor. Growing up in Vermont, I attended the Youth Horsemanship camp and Young Rider clinics, in addition to competing at the horse trials and other shows.
“GMHA is a wonderful place for both riders and horses to learn. It has great arenas, good terrain on cross country and excellent courses. It’s exciting that the August Horse Trials hosts FEI divisions and is now offering an Advanced CT and A/I division this year. Many upper level riders started their careers in Area 1, as I did, and relied on GMHA to gain experience through the levels.”
GMHA’s influence, however, is not limited to the development of some of the country’s top riders, but extends to the sport as a whole. GMHA’s first horse trials, in fact, predated the creation of the USEA. Founded in 1926, this Organization has seen over 60 years of eventing history. The continued presence of upper level riders will ensure this historic venues’ ongoing impact on the sport.
Located in the idyllic town of South Woodstock Vermont, GMHA’s benefits from cooler temperatures and softer footing in the month of August. Executive Director, Bruce Perry and cross country course designer Morgan Rowsell are making footing a top priority at the event, this year, and
will be implementing both an improved galloping track and adding to the geo-textile footing in the arenas.
With a cash prize of $10,000 distributed across the upper levels, a complimentary competitors party, and top tier show jumping course design by Chris Barnard and cross country by Morgan Rowsell, this event is not one to be missed! GMHA invites everyone to join them this August 12th through 14th to keep the tradition and community of eventing strong in Area 1!
