First on the agenda was an introduction of all present members and non-members. This was a very informal discussion on who was who and the horse interests in the area. It was a great way to welcome everyone in and it was surprising to learn what a diverse group NCRC consists of.

North Country Riding Club is pleased to announce that we now have our own website. You may find out information regarding upcoming events, shows, results, classifieds, registration forms, members and much more by visiting www.DexterRidingClub.com. Special thanks to Judy Craig Consulting for helping us re-design the site and make it very user friendly. We are in hopes that this will help everyone keep up to date on our current activities and be helpful in answering questions and help promote NCRC.

Several members volunteered to help NCRC participate in this year's Winter Festival activities. NCRC will be sponsoring horse drawn sleigh rides on February 15, 2003 at Hamilton Stables in Dexter, directly across the street from the entrance to Little Lake Wassokeag. NCRC contacted J & S Horses and Livestock, of West Enfield, ME. J&S Horses and Livestock provided sleigh rides last year and will be returning again this year. We will welcome two 2,000# White Percheron Geldings who will surely offer great entertainment during the WinterFest. The rides will begin at 9:30a.m. and continue throughout the afternoon, weather permitting. Rides will be $3 for Adults, $2 for children and under 5 rides for free. Also, we are participating in the snow sculpture competition. As always we will try and create a horse-related sculpture and hope for a prize! This is a great way for families to participate and enjoy the winter activities.

NCRC has voted to offer a small scholarship to a graduating senior from Maine, who plans to pursue a career in animal/agricultural field. Students are not required to be a NCRC member in order to submit an application. A scholarship committee will be formed with a minimum of 5 members who will be responsible for selecting the student. This year the scholarship will be $150.00. Applications are due by April 30th, and can be obtained by visiting DRHS Guidance Office or downloading the form online at www.DexterRidingClub.com.

A request for a horse video exchange was discussed. Patti Dowse of Cambridge will organize the video exchange. There is a driving video available at this time. If you have a video that you would be willing to share, please let Patti know at 277-5115. This is a great opportunity to learn and also save some money at the same time. NCRC members will be required to sign the video out for a period of time and return to another club member or the owner. We will be discussing more details at our February meeting.

A plan to bring electric and water closer to the ring site at Bud Ellm's Field was proposed. An estimate will be presented to the club prior to construction in the spring. We are in hopes to provide a better service for exhibitors and the show committee.

NCRC 2003 Event dates have been voted on and approved. Members have voted to hold 2 Equitation Shows, 2 Games Shows and 2 organized Trail Rides. Our first Equitation-Ribbon Show will be held on Sunday, June 8th with Jane Gray as judge. The second, an Equitation -Trophy Show will be held on Sunday, August 3rd with judge Sherri Thornton. The Game Shows will be held on Sunday, July 6th and Sunday, September 14th. The organized Trail Ride dates will be discussed further at our February meeting. Tentatively a spring and fall ride. We are in hopes to welcome vendors and food service to each event we hold. As always, there is no admission fee and spectators are always welcome.

It was voted and passed that NCRC will require a negative coggins test within 6 months for out of state horses and 3 years for in-state horses and a rabies certificates for each horse at Horse Shows. We must see originals at the first show. Members are welcome to bring copies to keep on file for future shows. Be sure to bring one for each horse you plan to show this year. We cannot afford to risk the health of spectators, exhibitors and horses. This will be a new policy that will be strictly enforced. We hope you all will understand the importance of this new rule and bring your vaccination records & coggins tests with you.

NCRC members voted to incorporate a new trail riding and carriage driving competition. The trail/pleasure riding competition will be designed to record members' hours on horse back and driving. NCRC will be offering a year-end award for the most hours ridden and driven per horse/rider combination. This will be on the honor system. A log sheet will be designed to keep hours & report to the club. All riders/drivers must be NCRC members before starting the log. These hours can be accumulated in the ring or on the trail. Trail rides from T.R.O.T. are included as well.

Members will begin collecting ads for the Program Book for 2003. New ads are welcomed! Please return ad material by March 26. This was a huge success last year and NCRC was able to offer our first Year-End Awards banquet. If you would like to sponsor a class at our Trophy show or would like to place an ad in our 2003 Program please email DexterRidingClub.com or call 207.924.7185.

Our next meeting is scheduled for February 26 at 6:30p.m. at the Wassokeag Snowmobile Club house on Number 10 road in Dexter.