2004 Year-in-Review
North Country Riding Club held their 4th show season and in this short time, NCRC has had many changes bestowed upon them. NCRC now have 4 times the number of original horse and riders deriving from communities throughout the state. None of this would have been possible if it had not been for the dedicated members who give of their time, talents and many skills.

Over the past year NCRC held 2 Equitation Shows, 2 Game Shows, Organized Trail Rides, sponsored Wild West Weekend with the Dexter Regional Development Corporation and the Town of Dexter and offered Sled Rides during Dexter's Winter Fest. The Junior NCRC members took 2nd place for their snow sculpture at Winter Fest 2004 and NCRC members helped Travis Gould and his team with the sled rides at Hamilton Farm.

NCRC is very thankful to all who help to promote and make this club a success and hope that you will continue to help make NCRC successful.

NCRC would like to thank our venders who support us at each show. A special thanks to the Dexter Football Boosters for being there early in the morning so that we may get our coffee and breakfast sandwiches. You make things go much smoother!!

May NCRC continue to have great success with shows and other activities but most importantly may we continue to promote “Uniting Family and Community”.

Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie Shorey, President

2003 Year-in-Review
NCRC participated in the 2003 Dexter Winter Festival. This year members battled freezing cold temperatures ito create our logo for this seasons snow sculpture competition. This year NCRC received a second place award. Congratulations to all those winners who participated despite the cold temperatures.
NCRC rescheduled our sleigh rides which were scheduled for the Dexter Winter Festival to March 1, 2003. It was a beautiful winter day and we welcomed over 100 people to enjoy the rides. Two large white, Percheron geldings from J&S Horses & Livestock of West Enfield provided the oppurtunity from 10-2 on Saturday.

Some new programs of interest that NCRC is offering this 2003 season is the NCRC Scholarship and the Pleasure Ride/Drive form. NCRC has established a scholarship fund for a graduating Maine senior. This scholarship is open to all Maine Seniors, members as well as non-members. We hope to increase the number of scholarships and the amount of the sholarships, yearly.

Our new pleasure ride/drive form is designed for those members who enjoy activities other than Horse Shows. This year members are able to log there hours on or driving their horses, to qualify for a year end award. We hope this program will incorporate more horse lovers throughout the Central Maine Area.

We are looking forward to spring and some decent horseback riding weather. Hope to see you all at some of our events listed here on the website!!

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.

We will continue our dedication in becoming an asset to the Town of Dexter, and hope to continue to receive the wonderful support from the community.

2002 Year-in-Review
NCRC 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.

In October, NCRC members and supporters provided a Haunted Hay Ride for the public at Bud Ellms Field in Dexter. For the second season we battled poor weather conditions. Dispite the weather we were able to offer the ride to over 75 people who enjoyed the tractor driven, spooky woods ride.

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!

2001 Year-in-Review
North Country Riding Club, a Bicentennial birth organization, has achieved remarkable accomplishments this past year. Beginning with a few members, the club now maintains over 35 members, including individuals as well as families, with a wide variety of horse disciplines.

We began our quest for a club organization in September 2000. After holding our first meeting we elected offices and established several goals. One of the main goals was to provide the Town of Dexter and the community with a riding facility.

Looking forward to the Christmas season, we organized a unique arrival of Santa & Mrs. Clause. They arrived on Rt. 7 by horse and wagon on a clear, but chilly December day. Children of all ages enjoyed pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause slong with pony/horse rides. After enjoying a Christmas break we joined together in January to plan for an exciting year of activities. First on our agenda, was to participate in the Winter Festival of 2001. Several members enjoyed working on the famous horse snow sculpture we created. The sculpture received an award and was viewed by many.

Moving into Spring, we held a clinic for the local Girl Scouts to earn their horsemanship badge. We reviewed several techniques of breeds, horse care, maintenance, grooming, and riding disciplines. After decorating the Town Council Chambers window with a display, we were asked to speak at a Kiwanis meeting, and received even more support and members for our club.

Summer found us holding a benefit yard sale, and display at a local clinic. We held several raffles, by way of donation from several community businesses.

Afrer completing several fund-raisers we earned enough money, and received enough donations to begin construction on our 100'x150' ring, at the Bud Ellms Recreation facility on Zion's Hill Road. Several members and local groups participated in the construction and finalization of the grounds, in July of 2001.

The first display of our organization came when 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. Our spectator crowd was wonderful. Several members of the community visited throughout the day. Spectators were able to enjoy the show, as well as our volunteer cooking crew, who prepared the best food around!

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.

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