About 80 AHAM members, family and friends enjoyed the annual banquet and award ceremony at the Radisson Hotel in Milford on Jan.25. Our president, Gordon DeWolf presided over an open board meeting, at which, amongst other business conducted, Nancy Russell was elected as a new member of the board. We welcome her and are very pleased to have her. Dinner was delicious, and was followed by the award ceremony. Clearly a busy and successful year of riding, both on the trail and in the show ring had been enjoyed by all. Congratulations to everyone!

2004 should be just as much fun with events planned for each month from May to Oct. Here is the calendar:

May 23. Pleasure ride at Otter River, Baldwinsville. Contact: Gordon DeWolf

June 6. Fun Show at Camp Marshall, Spencer. Contact: Sandy Crowe

June 13. Pleasure ride at Camp Marshall, Spencer. Contact: Sally Hill

July 31-Aug.1. Pleasure rides at Barre. Contact: Gordon DeWolf

Sept.12. Pleasure ride at Willowbrook Farm, Groton. Contact: Gordon DeWolf

Sept.12. Fun Show at Camp Marshall, Spencer. Contact: Sandy Crowe

Oct.9. Pleasure ride at Mt Toby Stables, Leverett. Contact: Gordon DeWolf

Oct.17. Pleasure ride at Douglas State Forest. Contact: Nancy Russell

All the pleasure rides have a short loop and a long loop of approximately 10 and 20 miles.

AHAM now has its own website (thanks to Nancy and Steve Russell) which is www.massarab.org and we encourage you to check it regularly for news, updated activities, changes in times, etc. and for down-loading entry forms for each event. It would be very helpful if you would send your email address to aham@massarab.org  then we would be able to contact you that way, keep you updated and save on mailing costs.

AHAM always welcomes new members. You will find a membership form in the Equine Journal and also on the web site. Membership is open to all riders and any breed of horse, and everyone can compete for points and awards in a lot of different categories. Points and awards can also be earned by volunteering your help at the rides and shows. Assistance is always needed and a sign up sheet will be available at each event. Please call the contact person if you can help in any way.

Our first trail ride will be on Sunday May 23 at Otter River. The trails are marked and the ride is run by Gordon. It's an easy place to get to, has plenty of room to park, and is a wonderful place to ride. Hope to see you there.

Submitted by Anne Quill