North Country Riding Club's 2001 season proved to be exciting as well as successful.

NCRC held it's first “All Trophy Horse Show” at the new Show Ring at Bud Ellms Field during Dexter's Bi-Centennial Event in August 2001 and welcomed over 30 exhibitors (riders) from all over Central and Northern Maine. The show demonstrated the benefit of having a local horse club displaying good sportsmanship in a family oriented atmosphere.

In October 2001, NCRC provided the Town of Dexter with the first NCRC Haunted Hay Ride at the McKusick residence. Over 250 people attended the tractor drawn hay wagon rides despite rainy weather. Groups and individuals enjoyed the festive rides.

NCRC also participated in the 2002 Dexter Winterfest. NCRC members participated in the 2nd Annual Snow Sculpture competition at the Dexter Beach and brought home a 1st place trophy in the “Organization” division in addition to “Best of Show”. Later in the day, adults and children from the club joined together at DRHS and brought sleigh rides to the Town of Dexter for the first time in years. The sleigh rides were given around the snow covered track field at Dexter Regional High School. Thanks to DRHS, the Wassookeag Snowmobile Club and the Town of Dexter for all their support during new this event.

In the spring of 2002 NCRC held a “Hands-On Beginner Equine Clinic”. Several volunteers within the riding club met at the Bud Ellms Field for a full day of demonstrations and riding activities. Several NCRC members brought horses as well as non-horse owners joined in the fun. Participants learned basic equine care, feed and stabling of horses, clipping, bathing, banding and simple show preparation tactics in addition to discussions on proper tack and attire for different seats. Those owner/riders who brought horses to the clinic were able to ride and receive pointers from those experts giving the instruction.

North Country Riding Club members, with the support of local businesses, were able to offer a new NCRC Program for 2002. The program was designed to highlight advertising businesses and individuals who support NCRC throughout the year. It also contained all the 2002 rules, regulations, show schedules, tips & trivia and more. Several hundred programs were circulated throughout our area.

After such an exciting start, NCRC offered three horse shows during summer 2002.

The first a “Ribbon Show” in June with over 33 exhibitors (riders) attending. The second, a “Ribbon Show” in July with over 43 exhibitors (riders). The third, an “All Trophy Show” with stakes classes in August, which welcomed over 60 exhibitors (riders). Not only did the exhibitors ride in the shows, but they also brought many family members and horse lovers, which included many vacationers visiting the Dexter Area.

Our second season has incorporated many new members and supporters from all over Central Maine and we hope to continue to bring both riders and spectators to Dexter in the upcoming seasons. Such a successful year demonstrates what a great family place Dexter is!

Special thanks go out to all of you who have made it possible for North Country Riding Club to grow so quickly in such a short time.

Sincerely,

Amie Smith
NCRC President