VERMONT HORSE COUNCIL Northeast Kingdom Trails Committee NEKET/Champion Lands

Spring 2005 NEKET Update

The NEKET committee met on February 1, 2005 at Kim Parson's home. There were new members at the meeting and the old committee members warmly received the additional support and ideas. There was quite a bit of discussion about trail improvements and additions to the trail network.

Planning has begun to obtain additional trails above Rt. 105 and to create a circuit from 31B down to Maidstone. There was also discussion on designating spots for picnics and resting horses on dead end trails. There were two areas that were closed last year due to wetness and those will be fixed this year.

It was agreed that the campground arrangement that was set up with the farmer in the southern area was not working as well as it should. The committee will approach him to set up an annual arrangement so he wouldn't have to worry about collecting money from individual riders.

Unfortunately, the liability insurance issue has not been resolved with the new owners of the Hancock lands. This is a high priority for the committee since a major chunk will be cut out of the trail system if this issue isn't approved.

There was discussion about making the trail map clearer with arrows and mileage markers and making the signs more prominent from the access on Rt. 105.

Memberships are starting to come in for 2005; last year we had over 50 members. Committee members will have a booth at the Equine Expo (April 23rd & 24th) and we anticipate increasing community awareness as there was quite a bit of interest in the booth at the Farm Show.

A work bee is planned for May 21 & May 22 with our horses and a Fall Committee Ride will take place in September.

As always, the NEKET committee is looking for new members to help with fundraising, trail maintenance and publicity. If you're interested, please contact Julie Gauthier at (802) 728-9016 or email sedona56@hotmail.com.

The NEKET committee has been busy all winter so that we can ride all summer!

Sponsorship letters have been sent out to over 100 businesses and the Committee is making follow-up calls this week. So far we have Simon Tanner and Farm-Way on board for 2004. If you have ideas for businesses that might be interested to be listed on our map or website, please contact Julie.

We are planning a work bee up in the Kingdom the first weekend of June with our horses. We will be replacing signs, working on the parking area and repairing some bridges. We are always looking for help, so give us a call if you can make it.

We currently have 29 passholders and 7 Club memberships which is helping us to obtain materials for the necessary repairs. Make sure to send in for your pass so you can hit the trails when they open in late May. As of right now we are mailing out old maps but hope to have the new ones with our new sponsors ready by the middle of May. All current passholders will get a new one mailed to them.

As always, the NEKET committee is looking for members to help with fundraising, trail maintenance and publicity.

Happy trails, Julie Gauthier, 496-5028

The NEKET committee met on February 18, 2004 at the home of Ted Russell.

Currently we have 18 sponsors and 32 pass holders. It was decided that we would once again offer business sponsorships at the following prices:
$100.00- Listing on VHC website, a listing on the NEKET map and VHC membership
$200.00-Listing on VHC website, 1" ad on NEKET map and VHC membership
$300.00-Listing on VHC website, 2" ad on NEKET map and VHC membership
We are currently mailing out sponsor letters and hope to have a new map ready for print by the middle of April.

NEKET received a $2,000 grant from the Tarrant Foundation, this will go towards fixing bridges, marking trails and finishing the parking area near Maidstone.

Josie presented a new poster at the meeting which was approved by everyone. We will have these made up so we can get them out to tack shops, feed stores, etc. spreading the word about the Northeast Kingdom Equestrian Trails.

The NEKET committee is currently looking for new members. If you are interested in helping out in any way, please contact Julie Gauthier-802-496-5028 or sedona56@hotmail.com.