History of the Grafton Trail Riders

	History
	In 1948, a collection of horse enthusiasts and trail riding friends began talking about forming a riding club. Their goals were to promote horsemanship, organize shows and gymkhanas, and to enjoy trail rides with friends. By 1950, the group was chartered and well recognized throughout the horse community. Within a few years, acreage was acquired for club use, an arena was constructed and a meeting house was built. Among the many activities that the club undertook, the Over The Mountain Ride became the best known. Every year in the beginning of the spring and fall, a hardy group rode out from Grafton, New York across two mountain ranges to a campsite in Williamstown, Massachusetts. After a night of cowboy stew, stories and dreams under the stars, the group rode back to Grafton. The spirit of the ride continues every year! The Over The Mountain Ride has evolved into a spectacular three-day weekend. As the club enters the 21st Century, its members continue to reflect on their rich and colorful history while planning new memories. The Club is located on 100 acres across the way from the picturesque Grafton Lakes State Park which has over 23 miles of well marked equestrian trails. The riding arena The Grafton Trail Riders strive to: Develop & promote good fellowship & horsemanship among horse enthusiasts; Promote equestrian games, sports, trail riding and trail development, protection and preservation; Generate interest & educate the public in the recreational possibilities & benefits of the use and ownership of horses. Benefits gained by club membership: Have club members to ride with so you don't have to ride alone 90 acres of land Easy access to Grafton State Park for more trails Free camping on club grounds for you and your horse 200' outdoor riding arena 48' x 30' covered pavilion The facilities include: parking spaces, pavilion, open air barn to keep your horse before, after, and during events, The club house, the arena, and a small field for warm up.

History

In 1948, a collection of horse enthusiasts and trail riding friends began talking about forming a riding club. Their goals were to promote horsemanship, organize shows and gymkhanas, and to enjoy trail rides with friends. By 1950, the group was chartered and well recognized throughout the horse community.

Within a few years, acreage was acquired for club use, an arena was constructed and a meeting house was built. Among the many activities that the club undertook, the Over The Mountain Ride became the best known. Every year in the beginning of the spring and fall, a hardy group rode out from Grafton, New York across two mountain ranges to a campsite in Williamstown, Massachusetts. After a night of cowboy stew, stories and dreams under the stars, the group rode back to Grafton. The spirit of the ride continues every year!

The Over The Mountain Ride has evolved into a spectacular three-day weekend. As the club enters the 21st Century, its members continue to reflect on their rich and colorful history while planning new memories. The Club is located on 100 acres across the way from the picturesque Grafton Lakes State Park which has over 23 miles of well marked equestrian trails.

The riding arena

The Grafton Trail Riders strive to:

Develop & promote good fellowship & horsemanship among horse enthusiasts;
Promote equestrian games, sports, trail riding and trail development, protection and preservation;
Generate interest & educate the public in the recreational possibilities & benefits of the use and ownership of horses.

Benefits gained by club membership:

Have club members to ride with so you don't have to ride alone
90 acres of land
Easy access to Grafton State Park for more trails
Free camping on club grounds for you and your horse
200' outdoor riding arena
48' x 30' covered pavilion

The facilities include: parking spaces, pavilion, open air barn to keep your horse before, after, and during events, The club house, the arena, and a small field for warm up.