To Our Members, Landowners and Friends: Riding is more than a sport; it is a lifestyle and family affair. I am fortunate to have been involved with horses since the age of 5. I cannot remember a time when horses were not a significant part of my life. I began riding at a "backyard barn" on Long Island's gold coast with my twin sister. In college and law school, I would find a pickup ride when time allowed. When I returned to the New York area and met my husband, Ken, I knew I wanted horses to be a part of our lives. So, my sister and I took him riding in Central Park out of Claremont Stables to make sure he passed the test, and when he did, I married him. He is now a joint master of the Golden's Bridge Hounds in North Salem.

We then kept horses at Quogue Pony farm in Westhampton until we moved to Bedford approximately 12 years ago. We have now immersed ourselves in the various horse communities that surround this beautiful area, and work to preserve the open land necessary to enjoy our horse activities (which include pleasure riding, fox hunting, eventing, hunter pacing, and polo). Although we are active members in several equestrian related and land preservation organizations, I remain primarily committed to the BRLA's mission of preserving this unique horse community for our enjoyment and that of future generations.

I had originally been asked to join the Board of the BRLA ten years ago by Mackin Pulsifer, whom I had met hunting in North Salem. A few years ago Bob Torre asked me to assume the office of Secretary. I have met many of you over the years at various BRLA events. You can usually find me at the registration table for the Spring Brunch, the spring trail clean up, or helping out under the tent at the hunter paces, and most of you know my husband, Ken as the ticket taker at the paces.

It was a natural fit to succeed Bob as President now that he assumes the lofty role of filling Mickey Newman's shoes as CEO. Bob continues to be an invaluable resource, as I assume this new position. The enthusiasm of Bob and Marian, and their tireless campaign for BRLA causes provide much inspiration to me and the entire BRLAboard. I take the reins at a time when our membership is at an all time high and the organization is self-supporting through dues, fundraising and sponsorship. I am so excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to help the BRLAmeet the challenges the future brings.

To keep and develop new trails and riding fields requires the awareness, the ideas and initiative of every individual in the community. The leadership of Paul Galley and the Westchester Land Trust has been invaluable to the survival of equestrian ventures in the face of land development. Of course, I remain mindful that we would have no riding lanes and no organization without the continued generosity of our landowners, whose support we covet. I enthusiastically and optimistically look forward to maintaining the past achievements and meeting the challenges ahead. I welcome your support.

Sincerely, Barbara Matarazzo - Silverman