Important note: The NJ Hunting Schedule has been posted at: http://www.bridlepath.org/lawsafety.htm. Please do not ride in hunting areas during hunting season. You may ride on Sundays with the landowners permission. Thank you!

"Let's go riding!"

It's a commonly heard "buzz" between AEA members. In fact, one of the true pleasures of membership is time in the saddle with other AEA folks riding in this beautiful place called Alexandria.

There is a nucleus of contiguous farms and properties where much of that riding goes on. Rather than going into detail here about where we ride, call AEA members - Pete Tucker, 735-9453, or Phil Rochelle, 238-1888 - to further discuss. It is suggested that you first ride any AEA trails with a member who is familiar with the terrain and knows the nuances attached to specific properties. Hunting season and field crops are very important considerations generally.

Do our trails need to be expanded? Yes they do. Trails don't just happen! Most often there creation comes about via relationships between neighbors. AEA has available a landowners packet that will aid members seeking to advance a trail in their "neck of the woods."

Plans are underway to map a trail along the perimeter of the Schick Preserve, a gorgeous, 271-acre property right here in Alexandria Township. It's an exciting project for our association and would certainly be a big addition to the trail system. From the preserve, you could about "throw a stone" to Alexandria Township Park, making the possibilities even more exciting! Planning will take some time as there are wetlands, streams and crop fields to consider, but much of the property is quite rideable now, as is! The crops are off right now. The land is hunted so Sunday rides are best during hunting season.

The Schick Preserve can be accessed from Hickory Corner Road, Schick Road or County Road 519/631. In the meantime, if you're unfamiliar but wish to ride here, please contact an AEA member who knows the property. (Judy Tucker or Pete Tucker, 908-735-9453)

This bears out a point just noted. The Schick Preserve trail is happening because AEA members took the initiative. Trail blazing is fun stuff but it takes persistence. Lewis and Clark didn't make it to Oregon because someone laid a map in their lap and said "Ride amigos!"

250 Little York Mount Pleasant Road
Milford, NJ 08848-2158

Just how lucky could we be? With intention to create a municipal park, Alexandria Township purchased several years ago a 73-acre former horse farm. Many ball fields and walking trails have been created, but Alexandria Township Park is still a work in progress. The horse barn with dozens of stalls and a 75 x 200 indoor arena still needs lots of work but much has already been done.

AEA, in conjunction with the township's park committee, oversees usage of the barn and the arena. That usage has continued to expand:

• AEA members, especially during winter or inclement weather, use the indoor frequently.

• A winter season of team penning contests has become a popular AEA sponsored event.

• A local polo club conducts winter practice in the indoor.

• AEA sponsors a variety of horsemanship clinics throughout the year in the indoor.

To our knowledge, we are the only municipality in New Jersey that owns such a facility and we sure are enjoying it!