AFTER THE STORM!

On August 28, 2011 Tropical Storm Irene destroyed much of what makes the Green Mountain Horse Association in South Woodstock, Vermont a premier multi-discipline equestrian center. According to the GMHA News, "…the grounds were mostly underwater during the storm. Our gentle babbling brook grew to resemble a raging river, washing away our bridges, rings, porta-potties, cross-country jumps and the floors of C and D Barn. The brook re-routed itself through much of the cross-country course and grounds, leaving a carpet of silt, rocks, and debris in its wake."

As is often the case when disaster strikes, people pulled together and GMHA received terrific support from their members, competitors and friends. Volunteer workdays drew people armed with shovels and rakes, while contractors got to work removing silt and debris, restoring bridges and barns and repairing the rings.

So, here we are 9 months later and wondering how things are going at GMHA. I visited GMHA back in January and was amazed at not only the destruction, but more importantly at all they had been able to accomplish in 6 short months. The mild fall helped them maximize work being done on their Cross-Country Upgrade project. This coupled with the ongoing cleanup from Hurricane Irene had the facility undergoing quite a transformation.

The Irene related repairs to the facility totaled nearly $200,000. In addition, a similar investment in upgrading the cross country course was made, so the folks at the Green Mountain Horse Association are happy to report they are in great shape for the 2012 season. Improvements included new footing in their rings, new drainage, driveways and slightly expanded parking.

As a sponsor of the Green Mountain Horse Association, Triple Crown Nutrition is looking forward to the Inaugural Festival of Eventing, which will take place August 6-12, 2012. Triple Crown will have a booth on the grounds Friday, August 10th and will be hosting "The Party" on Saturday night along with Alltech. I personally, can't wait to get a look at the Cross Country Course! If you'd like to donate to the Course Upgrade Project call Molly at 802.457.1509.

GMHA Committee member Jamie Fields shows off three of the five new stone wall jumps. There is now a stone wall jump for each level

To learn more about GMHA please visit their website: www.gmhainc.org

The Green Mountain Horse Association is a 65-acre equestrian facility in South Woodstock, Vermont. GMHA, is a non-profit 501 (3)(c) organization committed to such equine activities as Trail Riding, Dressage, three day eventing, driving etc. The state of the art facility includes 6 barns, 4 all weather riding rings, grass riding areas, a pavillion, spectator seating, Complete cross-country course and much more. GMHA offers many competitions and pleasure rides, as well as clinics and other educational activities. You can even participate in competitive trail rides or member only events. Over 2000 members as well as business sponsorship and volunteers help to keep this wonderful equine community going.