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Until the U.S. Cavalry was disbanded after World War II, eventing was strictly a military competition designed to test mounts for the demands of the parade ground and battlefield. Promoted at first by just a few enthusiasts, eventing (combined training) gained enormous popularity as a civilian sport. Having hosted some of the earliest events in this country, Groton House has continued to play an important role in the sport's history. The first major Groton House event was held in 1957, when the Wofford Cup national three-day event championship was held on the farm. During the next ten years, Groton House hosted many more competitions, including the National Open in 1959 and 1961. After several years' hiatus, Groton House was revived in 1978, when it was run in conjunction with the Eastern New England Pony Club Rally, and has since then been held annually. Since 1983 it has run under the aegis of the New England Foundation for Equine Sports and Education, raising funds for a number of charitable organizations, including the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. The event's primary beneficiary is Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation Program, with which it has a long and committed relationship. Groton House is proud to be associated with Windrush, and is dedicated to doing everything possible to support its inspiring work with the physically and mentally handicapped. In 1997, Groton House Farm Horse Trials celebrated the twentieth anniversary of its revival. In 1978, the event was a relatively small production put on with the help of a few hands; ever since, it has grown. The ever-increasing numbers of entries led to the decision in 1983 to run on two weekends. Over the years, the event has continued to attract more and more sponsors and spectators, while continuing to develop the quality and variety of its competetive offerings. Having had a preliminary division as its highest level of competition in 1978, Groton House Farm Horse Trials now offers novice through advanced, with training and preliminary usually offered on both weekends -- the first geared to those moving up a level, and the second offering courses to challenge those with more experience. Today, Groton Hosue is a nationally renowned event, popular with competitors all over the East and beyond. In 1996 (and likely in 2000), GHF had the privilege of hosting an Olympic evaluation trial for the USET, as well as for riders from Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Bermuda and Hungary. In 1997, Groton House participated in the renewal of the Eagle-Beaver Canadian-American Challenge Series at the Open Intermediate Level and hosted a Young Rider Short List Selection division for riders hoping to represent the U.S. at the European Young Rider Championships in Italy in September 1997. This year, Groton House was part of the USET and Canadian selection process for the 1999 Pan American Games. While always seeking to provide competition of the highest standard, Groton House is known for its fun atmosphere where the competitors' and spectators' enjoyment is the primary concern. As Groton House has grown, the few hands that pulled the event together in 1978 have become the hundreds of volunteers without whom the event simply wouldn't exist, and much of the last twenty-two years' credit goes to them. Thanks to all the competitors, volunteers, sponsors and spectators who have helped make Groton House Farm Horse Trials what it is today. Cheers, and here's to twenty more! |
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(c) 2008, Groton House Farm |
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