The Vermont Horse
development and ownership changes. In cooperation with other trail users such as snowmobilers, hikers, and mountain bikers, the system has over 150 miles of connecting trails.“ The most common question we get at Vermont Horse Council( VHC),” explains Jeanette Cole,“ is where can people come to ride their horses on trails.” It is not uncommon to read real estate ads that cite“ located on the trail system.”
“ The horse has significantly contributed to real estate value,” shares Mickey Perry, GMHA event coordinator.“ While our events attract out-of-state horse owners, it is the trails that attract property buyers.” Being able to ride out the door onto miles of trails which take riders to outstanding vistas and through wooded brooks is a value hard to find. While GMHA hosts most of the trails in Windsor County, there are many more horseback riding opportunities throughout Vermont. Thanks to Vermont legislation, landowners are protected from liability when allowing horses to cross their land.
The most visitor friendly site is Groton State Forest in Marshfield. Horse camping is at New Discovery State Park, which is within Groton State Forest. Eight campsites are available for reservations, each having a corral for two horses( thanks to the VHC), a picnic table, and fire pit. Over thirty-five miles of trails can be accessed from camp offering an old trail bed for a long canter or a climb up Peacham Bog loop. Victory State Forest, Essex County, offers day trail riding using snowmobile and hiking trails.
Photos of Denny Emerson:( Left) Dropping into a water jump at a three day event on a former Thoroughbred race horse in 1994;( Top Right) Standing on a Tunbridge hillside on a Morgan mare;( Bottom Right) Sleighing in a storm on Christmas morning in South Reading with a Morgan
60 VERMONT MAGAZINE