Equine Clubs, Associations & Organizations

Some of you might be new to horses or this area. The prices of horses have increased as our time of pestilence has given some people the chance to work from home with more free time to follow their passion for horses. I thought I would share some information on several riding clubs and organizations in the Vermont area. You don’t need to be a Vermont resident to join. Many of these clubs and associations have been in existence for years and are great places to meet other likeminded individuals. I know personally, that many of the organizations are always looking for people Sue Miller

that are willing to serve on the board, volunteer for events, or just be active members. Membership in several of the organizations come with perks as they are affiliated with larger organizations. For a small membership fee in a local organization through the larger organizations there are discounts on insurance, tractors, feed and even purchases from your favorite online tack store and so much more. Please look into and consider joining an organization as without active members these institutions will fold.

The Vermont Horse Council was started in 1975 as a unifying voice for equine enthusiasts in the state. The mission statement is: 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 Vermont Horse Council (VHC)has now partnered with Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation to keep open space for trails that include horseback riding & camping. So, if you enjoy trail riding and would like to be able to continue to access great places to ride you might want to consider joining and learning more. The VHC also has scholarships available to adults and youth. The VHC hosts exceptional educational events at low cost or free for members each year. When joining the VHC, you are affiliated with the larger organization The American Horse Council whose mission is: working daily to advocate for the social, economic and legislative interests of the United States equine industry.

The Vermont Riding & Driving Association was started in 1970’s for those interested in enjoying the state riding or driving distances. This organization sets up competitive trail rides for distances of 15 to 100 miles that can be enjoyed by horseback or from the seat of your favorite buggy.

Do you enjoy showing your horse? Large or small, in hand, driving, sidesaddle, western, over fences, there are shows and exhibitions you can take part of within our little state and within the region.

The Vermont Horse Shows Association (VHSA) is the oldest equine association in the state being established in 1931. The purpose of the club is as follows: To promote, encourage and assist in the holding of horse shows and exhibitions of horses within the state of Vermont and activities allied there-with. To assist in arranging the schedule of horse show dates to the end that conflicts may be avoided. To formulate rules, systems of classification and regulations applicable to all shows held by Horse Show Members of this Association. To encourage and promote the use of horses for pleasure and particularly to promote and extend riding activities within the state of Vermont and further to promote the organization and coordination of riding clubs.

Each year the VHSA tries to affiliate with shows around the state to offer horse shows for both English and western riders. There are divisions for green horses/ponies, meaning newly trained, divisions for mini horses, & adults that don’t want to go faster than a trot. If you are hosting a show & are looking for more participants, please consider affiliating your show. The VHSA points the shows and has a wonderful banquet each year for year-end prizes.

There are clubs like the Mid State Rid-

"Champ" Photo courtesy of Mary Willmuth

ing Club that was formed in 1949 The club holds clinics, horse shows, trail rides and participates in local parades. The club also meets monthly offering educational programs, a chance to voice your thoughts on club activities and plenty of time for visiting with other riders and equine enthusiasts. The club has their own property to host the shows and clinics as does the DRHC.

Dog River Horse Club that offers a variety of equine activities from trail rides, to horse shows and clinics. DRHC is a family-oriented club for horse enthusiasts of all ages to encourage, stimulate and promote riding, driving, in-hand, learning, or simply enjoying the closeness of their pasture pal(s). They welcome all abilities of the person and horse, and strongly encourage varied horse events. The DRHC events are mostly hosted in Washington, VT.

The Vermont Horsemans Association was started in 1972 in Castleton, VT promoting family-oriented horse activities. They too host open horse shows, an educational horse show, three open gymkhanas, and two trail rides each season. There is also an annual awards banquet for the riders who have worked hard throughout the year.

There are clubs that were started to promote specific disciplines of riding. Like the Vermont Hunter Jumper Association, The Central Vermont Dressage Association, and Working Equitation Vermont, there are many others. Look on social media typing in your favorite type of discipline to ride to find more information.

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The Vermont Hunter Jumper Association offers a variety of member benefits from Scholarships and Programs, participation in our Finals for the Hunter, Jumper and Equitation disciplines, to a comprehensive Year-End Awards program celebrated at their Annual Awards Banquet in February. Learn more about what benefits follow with your VHJA Membership!

The CVDA is dedicated to promoting the Art and Sport of Dressage in Central Vermont. They host shows and clinics and also offer a library of information and scholarships.

When joining the CVDA you are also joining the larger organization of the United States Dressage Association.

Growing in population is the new sport of working equitation. The Working Equitation Vermont is a group dedicated to helping promote the equestrian sport of Working Equitation. They support the national nonprofit Working Equitation United. This sport combines the beauty of dressage, the thrill of speed events, the precision of a trail class, and the skill set of a working ranch horse & can be ridden in English or Western tack.

Do you have a favorite breed of horse? Me too! I am a Morgan lover, owner and small breeder. The state has so many breed associations. Most breed associations have programs for children with or without horses. The Vermont Morgan Horse Association was started in 1966 to promote and celebrate the Vermont State Animal.

The Vermont Appaloosa Club was formed in 1971 to support the ApHC by promoting the Appaloosa breed throughout Vermont. To encourage and foster the interest, growth, and love for the Appaloosa horse by providing fellowship, events, and recognition to Appaloosa owners and those that wish they were.

The Vermont Quarter Horse Association officially became a non-profit in 1976 advocating for the benefit of the breed, its owners, and the associated industry of trainers, breeders, tack shops, farriers, boarding facilities, veterinarians, trailer and truck dealers, etc who support and make a living from the breed within the state.

The Green Mountain Draft Horse Association was formed to establish friendly communication and encourage the exchange of ideas for the purpose of assisting its members in the areas of breeding, exhibiting, buying, selling and promoting the varied uses of draft horses, mules, ponies and oxen.

If you like working in hand (leading with a lead-rope) or at liberty (off lead) there are virtual agility competitions. Agility is much like dog agility which is asking your equine companion to walk over around and through different obstacles.

These are just a small glimpse of the organizations, associations and clubs that you can join in our small state. With the disadvantage of Covid and social distancing many organizations have offered virtual competitions. Many top name trainers have begun to offer online trainings and lessons that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your favorite chair.

You don’t have to be competitive in different riding disciplines to enjoy horses. There are many people that raise horses, or enjoy the connection and bond they create with these sentient beings never caring to ride or drive. To offer best practices and be aware of changing political issues and environmental impacts, it would behoove a caring horse owner to join organizations to remain in the know about the latest trends in care, feeding and training.

I hope you consider looking into one of the organizations mentioned, visit their websites or find one from an online search that sparks an interest for you and your equine companion. These organizations can only be as strong as their memberships voice. Join to share your ideas. You can help shape how equines are enjoyed in the state in the future.