April 8, 2009 

Fellow Members, 

I would like to take a moment and fill everyone in on some changes for our 2009 season.  First, we just finished our Annual Spring Business Meeting this past weekend.  We have new updated rules with just slight alterations that are ready to go to the printer.  Second, I informed everyone at the meeting about the decision to move our Round-up this year to Essex Junction, Vermont.  I, or any of our eighteen Directors would be glad to go over the details with you.  We want everyone to understand the reasoning and truth behind the decision. 

On our website, Easterndrafthorse.com, are pictures of this beautiful Essex facility.  We will have for our use a $1.5 million dollar heated building with large indoor restrooms.  For the horses we will have 90 plus box stalls for horse housing.  For camping needs we will have level, 30 amp electric campsites with water complete with a dumping station on the grounds.  The Exposition is just off of Interstate 89 with over 20 plus hotels and 40 plus restaurants.  There are two large malls with beautiful views of Lake Champlain and all this just 4 to 7 minutes from the grounds! 

I am in the process of finalizing the contract for this year.  Six states are already committed to enjoy this new venue to showcase the best pulling horses in the East.  I just had a sit down meeting with the Cheshire Fair Manager so we continue to have a good working relationship in the event we return to Cheshire in the future. 

I truly believe “Some of the best ideas are new ideas”!  Historically the Round-up has been from Durham, Connecticut to West Springfield, Greenfield, Westfield and Northampton, Massachusetts, Hopkinton and Swanzey, New Hampshire, and now our first appearance in Vermont.  It is difficult to find a facility today that:

·        That can host an event our size

·        That is affordable

·        That is available

·        That meets all of our specific needs 

The Champlain Valley Exposition fits that bill!  Please join us this fall for our 51^st Annual Round-up, where New England Horse Pulling crowns its champions!

Thank you and have a safe and great summer!!!! 

Sincerely, 

Gary F. Gilmond Jr, E.D.H.A. President