VERDA Brown Bag / Bare Bones Weekend

The Vermont Equine Riding and Driving Association kicked off the 2026 season with a fantastic weekend of riding at the VERDA Brown Bag CTR and VERDA Bare Bones Endurance on May 16–17. This year marked an exciting change of scenery as the rides were hosted for the first time at the beautiful Grogan Farm in Reading, Vermont. Riders and crews were treated to stunning countryside views, challenging terrain, and a true test of horsemanship and endurance.

The weekend drew an impressive turnout, with 24 rider and driver entries competing in Saturday’s Brown Bag Competitive Trail Ride and 23 entries taking on Sunday’s Bare Bones Endurance Ride. Participants faced demanding trails featuring more than 3,300 feet of elevation gain, along with unseasonably warm temperatures that climbed into the 80s. The combination of steep climbs, technical footing, and early-season heat made for a tough but rewarding weekend for both horses and riders.

Despite the challenging conditions, spirits remained high throughout the event. Riders, volunteers, crews, veterinarians, timers, and countless helpers all worked together to make the weekend run smoothly. VERDA is incredibly grateful for the many people who pitched in before, during, and after the rides. From trail marking and camp setup to water stops, food preparation, and cleanup, it truly took a team effort to make this inaugural event at Grogan Farm such a success.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported the rides. We are excited about the future of this new venue and look forward to seeing everyone again down the trail!

Chek out the ride photos here: VERDA 2026