The Round Hill backcountry has a long heritage of horsemanship and riding that dates back to 1914 and continues today through The Greenwich Riding and Trails Association (GRTA). GRTA is a nonprofit organization with the stated mission to preserve, protect, and promote open space, historical trails, and the tradition of horseback riding for our community and future generations.
The GRTA is responsible for the upkeep and preservation of a riding trail system that passes through a combination of private properties, town roads and parks, and green spaces with support from volunteers, donations, and fundraising events.
In addition, the GRTA owns and maintains the Nichols Nature Preserve in northwest Greenwich near the border with Armonk, NY, off Bedford Road on West Lane. This 94-acre property is made up of open meadows, forests, ponds, and swamps, and is available to nature enthusiasts for walking, horseback riding, bird watching, photography, jogging, and cross-country skiing, but no bikes are permitted on the trails. Dogs are permitted, but must be leashed. At the Nichols Preserve, volunteers maintain four bee hives to improve the sustainability of honey bees with pesticide-free flowers and flowering trees. They also provide natural habitats for ground nesting and meadow-dwelling birds.
Throughout the year, the GRTA hosts several events open to interested residents which promote and support its purpose. In the next few months, there are three on the calendar. Check the GRTA website for more event details.
1) The spring Trail-Clean Up and Picnic hostedby volunteers at the Nichols Preserve on Saturday, 4/20. Wear boots and bring gloves.
2) The 2024 Barn Tour on Sunday, 4/28, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM This is a popular opportunity to step inside six unique horse barns in the Round Hill area. Space is limited and online registration is required so don’t hesitate. Transportation is provided along with some snacks and beverages.
3) The 102nd Annual Greenwich Horse Show and Tented Luncheon will be on Sunday, 6/9, at 39 Pierson Drive, Greenwich, CT 06831. Five levels of sponsor packages or patron tickets are available for this showcase event, which runs from 8:30 AM. Online registration is required.
Contact the GRTA at (203) 661-3062 or visit https://thegrta.org/ for more information.
