We are delighted to announce the naming of GMHA’s 35-acre land acquisition. The field will be known as Bee’s Fields, in honor of one of the founders of the Manton Foundation, Lady Florence Manton, known to her family as Bee.

Established in 1991, the Manton Foundation is a family-led private foundation that honors the legacy of its founders and that supports projects across a range of interests, including land conservation. The Foundation focuses its work in New England and has contributed to leading conservation efforts over the past 20 years.

Bee’s Fields is more than land; it is a symbol of partnership, resilience, and vision.

This acquisition marks a milestone in our mission to mitigate flooding, continue our equestrian competitions that have used this land for decades, and ensure GMHA’s future. The project was made possible through the tremendous support of the Manton Foundation, whose generosity has been instrumental in securing the future of our facility and programs.

A long-time champion of GMHA, in 2024, as part of a $1 million grant to GMHA, the Manton Foundation pledged to match all donations to GMHA’s Land Acquisition campaign up to $500,000. This challenge grant incentivized our GMHA community and doubled the impact of every contribution. Thanks to the generous donations that followed, we were able to move forward and purchase the land. 

Bee’s Fields is a commitment to preserving GMHA and strengthening our resilience against environmental challenges. The disastrous flooding during storms, highlighted by the floods of 2023, caused by the overflowing Kedron Brook, have devastated the grounds over the years. The 35 acres provide GMHA the opportunity to permit and implement a flood mitigation plan to safeguard the grounds. While Bee’s Fields provides the groundwork for this project, the work isn’t yet finished. We need to raise $750,000 for flood mitigation in order to safeguard this land and strengthen GMHA for the next century. 

Your support today ensures we can meet these goals. 

There are many ways to give. And every gift is appreciated. For more information, please contact Bruce Perry at 802.457.1509 or the GMHA Board President, Sarah Carlan.

Founded in 1926, the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating horse organizations. For one hundred years, GMHA’s magic has enriched the lives of thousands of horse lovers. As GMHA prepares to enter its second century, we turn our focus to sustainability and resilience, and to deepening our commitment to GMHA’s core missions of youth education, land protection, and promoting good horsemanship. 

GMHA hosts competitive, educational, and recreational equestrian events in five disciplines at our 100-acre facility in South Woodstock. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, GMHA is dedicated to holding equestrian events, educating equestrians of all ages, and preserving trails and open space. With over 800 members, and thousands of competitors, GMHA is a vital community of equestrian enthusiasts.

To advance our mission, GMHA actively supports local land conservation, as well as the development and maintenance of trail networks. GMHA embraces its role in the larger community; providing a welcoming venue suited to diverse program needs, hosting equestrian activities, competitions, and educational opportunities in multiple disciplines for all ages and abilities; and emphasizing overall youth development in the cultivation of the next generation of equestrians.

Donate today and help ensure the magic for future generations. Donate and have your tax-deductible donation matched today! 

For more information, please contact Bruce Perry or call 802.457.1509.