A Tuscan Adventure

May 23, 2011 – 2:29 pm
Mary Alice Brown, winner of the GMHA’s annual event raffle, took off for Tuscany over the weekend. As one of the longest competing eventers in the USA, Mary Alice has been riding since the age of 18. Despite a painful knee surgery in 2008, she is still competing in jumping competitions and training with Traveler, her four year old Oldenburg. A traveler herself, Mary has been horseback riding in Ireland, England, Africa, and Scotland. She has covered a lot of territory over the past 54 years, and this week, joins good friend Sarah Stableford on Equitours Feast of the Conquerors Ride.

A horse enthusiast through and through, sixty three year old Sarah Stableford views this equestrian vacation as an opportunity to explore. When Mary Alice called with the winning ticket in hand, Sarah says she was “stunned speechless” at the prospect of horseback riding in Italy. Having never been outside of the country, she looks forward to the physical and emotional experience of discovering a different culture. The following is an excerpt from our ride information packet:

“Tuscany, the Cradle of the Renaissance, is a region rich in art, history, architecture, fine cuisine, and natural beauty. It is located on the northwest side of Italy, between Milan and Rome. The hill towns of Tuscany are prized for their essential grandeur while other towns have medieval roots stemming from the time of the Etruscan settlers. Hilltop towns, ancient olive groves and vineyards create the scenery for this ride. In this land of legendary pilgrimage and simple peasant life, the ‘Dolce Vita’ comes alive as you ride through the picturesque Tuscan countryside.”

While I am familiar with the ride, and with our clients’ reviews, I am always curious about each rider’s journey, especially dedicated riders and eventers like Sarah and Mary Alice. These two have been friends for “a decade or two,” and share a similar love for horses and enthusiasm for life’s adventures. I can’t wait to hear the stories upon their return home. Until then, Bon Voyage!

Mary Alice competing on Celeste

Sarah on Princess Erin Fall 2008

Feast of the Conquerors
By Traci McClintic | Posted in Ireland, Italy, Riding Tours | Comments (1)

GMHA Raffles Equitours Feast of the Conquerors Ride in Italy

April 28, 2011 – 2:49 pm
The Green Mountain Horse Association has been an integral force in preserving and maintaining instructional programs and horseback riding in Vermont since 1926. As a nonprofit organization with over 1200 members and numerous conservation projects, the GMHA seems truly invested in its Mission:”The Green Mountain Horse Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the purpose of promoting and encouraging the raising, breeding, care and use of horses; providing facilities where its members may organize and carry out educational clinics and events for the training of horses and riders for trail, equestrian team trials and driving events, and developing and maintaining bridle trails in the State of Vermont and other such activities and purposes as may be desired by the members.” (The Founding Members, October 1926)

In 2010 GMHA raffled Equitours Feast of the Conquerors riding vacation during their annual fundraising ball. The raffle winner, 72 year old Mary Allis Brown of Maryland, decided to share her trip with her good friend of more than a decade, Sarah Stableford. The two depart for their riding adventure on May 22 of this year.

As it turns out, Mary Allis is one of the oldest eventers in the US, with over 54 years of experience competing. I have had the pleasure of speaking with both Sarah and Mary Allis over the past few months and look forward to sharing their adventures with you.

In parting, I must pass along these words from Sarah Stableford: “You have to do what your soul tells you to do, and as it turns out, riding is my soul’s fulfillment.”

Look for future blogs on Mary Allis and Sarah Stableford and Equitours Feast of Conquerors ride in Italy, only weeks away.
Jumper

Eventing at GMHA is going strong after more than 50 years of competition and clinics. Picture by Hoofpix.

GMHA's 65 acre facility provides an ideal location for competition in the five equestrian disciplines of eventing-Picture by Flatlands Photo.

Two riders enjoy a scenic spring ride on GMHA's spectacular trails-Picture by Spectrum Photography
By Traci McClintic | Posted in Riding Tours | Comments (2)

A Man Again

April 5, 2011 – 3:12 pm

Bayard Fox began selling riding tours out of a renovated chicken coop at the Bitterroot Ranch in Wyoming in the early 1970′s.  After so many years in the business, he has managed to build Equitours into the largest company in the United States specializing in world wide horseback riding vacations.

For anyone interested in learning a little bit more about Bayard Fox, the Bitterroot Ranch, and how Equitours began, check out this video “A Man Again” by Jelynne Jardiniano.  If you would like to vote for this film, visit Wyoming Short Film Contest.

By Traci McClintic | Posted in Riding Tours | Comments (0)