The Green Mountain Horse Association recently received a great show of support for the Footing System Upgrade Project from two key partner organizations. The New England Dressage Association (NEDA) and Central Vermont Dressage Association (CVDA) have each pledged $5,000 to match donations from their members. GMHA is one of the leading equestrian competition facilities in New England, hosting 65 events per year, including three USEF/USDF recognized dressage shows. The Footing System Upgrade Project involves a major installation and improvement to the riding surfaces in GMHA’s competition rings, which is crucial to securing GMHA’s position as a top competition site.

GMHA’s shows have been a highlight of the New England dressage calendar for over 40 years, drawing competitors from across the region and beyond. “GMHA is a precious resource in a world where gems of open equestrian space like this are rapidly giving way to development,” says Kathy McHugh, President of NEDA, “Our board voted to support GMHA’s project to help ensure that the facility remains suitable for dressage, thus continuing a long tradition of friendly shows in a beautiful setting.” NEDA is the largest single chapter American dressage organization, and is known across the country for providing top quality educational and competitive opportunities to dressage enthusiasts.

In addition to GMHA’s own dressage competitions, the facility is home to many events hosted by CVDA, a Vermont based group is dedicated to promoting the sport of dressage. Each year CVDA’s members converge on GMHA for a number of schooling shows and clinics. “From schooling shows to camp, there’s no doubt our members love being at GMHA! The board of CVDA wants to do all we can to help this cause,” says Lindsey Quinn, CVDA President, “If we all keep working together, we can ensure that CVDA members and the dressage community will be able to enjoy GMHA for years to come.”

“These matching pledges are really terrific show of support for GMHA, it really means a lot to us to have NEDA and CVDA in our corner,” says Karey Waters, GMHA Event Manager. “We know this project is crucial for our competitors and their horses. We want to provide the best footing possible, but we need everyone’s support to make this project a success!”

To date, $60,000 has been raised towards the fundraising goal of $255,000. GMHA is committed to completing the first phase of the project, which will include washed, angular sand installed on all rings, for the 2013 season. As fundraising and GMHA’s calendar allow, a fiber filament additive will be mixed with the sand. This addition will put GMHA’s footing on par with the top equestrian competition sites in the country. Consultant Brian McNeil of E-MC Equestrian Arenas will working closely with GMHA to manage the footing selection and installation process.

For more information on this project or any of GMHA’s events, please visit www.gmhainc.org or contact Karey Waters at karey@gmhainc.org or (802) 457 1509, ext. 203.