Horseback riding in Pomfret is a long established tradition.
Pomfret was settled and worked when the horse was the only means of transportation. Pomfret Horse & Trail Association wants to preserve those means.
Pomfret's unique rural character and agricultural heritage are the reason that most equestrians choose to live here. In order to preserve and maintain the historic system of trails, we feel a responsibility to help protect the ever precious open space in town. In addition to encouraging good horseback riding practices, PHTA strives to inform, educate and expand public awareness of the opportunities available for equine enthusiasts.
Who We Are
Our members are hard-working and passionate equestrians who are committed to providing opportunities for horseback riders to have access to hundreds of miles of trails in Pomfret and surrounding towns. We help to maintain current trails and develop new ones. We sponsor several annual rides, including the Cross Town Ride, Fall Foliage Ride, and Chandler Farm Hunter Pace. We also hold a number of clinics covering different topics and invite speakers to do presentations at our monthly meetings.
Preserving Open Space
Open land is the jewel of our town and we, as riders, have come to treasure it because we have seen it as few others have. We have the rare opportunity of saving the character of Pomfret before it's too late.
Pomfret Horse & Trail Association's goals are threefold: to establish a presence in the community and work with the various town boards in helping to preserve, promote, and acquire open space; to create a sense of community among equestrians and townspeople; and to work toward the preservation and enhancement of our farming heritage.
Responsibility
The Connecticut Horse Council recommends that horses "leave no trace." That is our goal as well. Pomfret has been very horse-friendly and we as horse people want to be good neighbors. By being responsible riders, we hope that landowners will continue their generosity in allowing access to their land.
Since Pomfret Horse & Trail Association was founded in 2007, our fundraising efforts have allowed us to donate almost $23,000 to other non-profit organizations.
Giving Back
Pomfret Horse & Trail Association believes in giving back to the community, particularly the organizations that allow us to ride on their land and share our mission of protecting open space. We are proud to have supported the following organizations in 2021:
Connecticut Horse Council
New England Forestry Foundation
New England Horse & Trail Association
Pomfret Recreation Department
Pomfret Volunteer Fire Department
The Last Green Valley
Windham Tolland 4H Camp
Wyndham Land Trust