First let me begin by saying that it is truly an honor to have been elected as the President for the San Mateo County Horsemen’s Association by your Board of Directors.  Over the last year, I have held the position of 1^st Vice President for this Association and I have worked closely with my husband, Al, during his Presidencies in 2005 and 2006; so overall I think I’m ready to step up to this challenge! 

Al and I were asked to join SMCHA’s Board of Directors in the Fall of 2002.  We had only been members of the Association for about a year and a half, but during that short period of time, we really became a part of the SMCHA family.  We looked forward to receiving the flyers in the mail so we could take part in the many of the SMCHA events that were offered.  We would read every edition of “The San Mateo Horseman” magazine from cover to cover; reliving every moment that we enjoyed  through the stories printed and the pictures shared.  We had truly found a group of people with whom we felt comfortable, welcomed and shared in our interests; we had found true friendship within SMCHA!

 Over these last four years while serving on the Board of Directors, I have never had so much fun, been so busy or met so many wonderful people in all my life!  I have also never thrown myself so fully into any organization, as I have with being a part of SMCHA.   I am looking forward to working with the 2007 Board of Directors, the Equestrian Community, and most importantly “you” – the membership.  As your President, I want to be accessible to the members and I want to listen to your cares and concerns.  I am excited to hear your thoughts and feed-back regarding the events we offer and I am open to hearing and discussing any suggestions you may have.

 It is my goal to continue to promote and preserve the equestrian heritage and legacy that is so deeply rooted within San Mateo County .  Currently we have the right to ride some of the most beautiful trail systems throughout the United States, but we are slowly beginning to lose “safe” access to some of those well beaten paths. If we don’t do our part and work together to preserve our right to open trail riding, we will eventually be reduced to arena riding or trailering our horses to greener pastures.  In addition, we are losing equestrian facilities at an alarming rate and many homesteads throughout the County that were once densely populated with barns and horses, are now being replaced with tennis courts and vineyards.  Now more than ever, we need to come together as a group and continue to work at protecting, promoting and preserving our trails and equestrian facilities throughout our County.  A single voice is difficult to hear or take serious, but the organized voice of many can truly make a difference and leave a lasting impression; remember the outcome of the Huddart/Wunderlich Master Plan Draft.  I look forward to joining hands with other equestrian organizations throughout the year in making sure that our voice is continued to be heard and that our concerns are answered. 

I look forward to working closely with SMCHA’s Junior Program Committee.  Over the last few years, the members of the Junior Committee have really worked hard at bringing back exciting events and opportunities for our junior members.  One of the key features of the Junior Program is making sure that the juniors remain active in planning their upcoming events.  All juniors are encouraged to have a say in what is planned for their Program throughout the year.  It is important to remember that the youth is our future and they are vital to the survival of the equestrian heritage.

 I'm looking forward to working closely with this year's Board of Directors: Cheryl Basin (1^st Vice President/General Meeting Chair), Adeline Forrest (2^nd Vice President/Ride Chair), Gretchen King (Secretary), Maria Fonseca (Assistant Secretary), Dan Johndrow (Treasurer), Stan Ramirez (Sergeant of Arms), Kathie Goddard (Historian, Senior Color Guard Captain/Horse Shows Chair), Bill Aston, Gene Ericksen, Ann Farris (Registrar/Membership Chair), my husband, Al Filice, Brooke Fox, Michelle Goodspeed , Nancy Kouchekey, Libby Kurtz (Advertising Chair), Amnon Levy, Cindy Machado (Jr. Color Guard Chair), Noel Moody (Horse Shows Co-chair), Rick Payne, Larry Pelzner, Janice Olson (Junior Program Chair), Terri Pacheco,  Tanya Rebarchik (Magazine Chair), Karen Shawback (Western Riding Clinic Chair), Sue Sheehan, Barbara Stogner and Elizabeth Sullivan. 

I would also like to welcome our newest Board members; Sarah Esquivel, Jim Keeton, Art Lesser , Rosemarie Menager and BJ MacLellan. 

I also wish to extend my sincerest appreciation to the outgoing Board of Directors on a job well done in 2006;  Sharon Gloskowski, Sandy Lees and Melanie Likins.

 Lastly, I can’t help but admire and appreciate all the hard work and dedication that my husband, Al, has given to SMCHA over the last two years during his Presidency.  He is my inspiration and my strength as I move into his role.  I can only hope to continue to move SMCHA into the forward progress he strived so hard to create. 

I look forward to seeing you all at the numerous events that SMCHA will offer throughout the year.  Please take advantage of all the opportunities your SMCHA membership affords you; we remain successful because of your support and participation.

Happy Trails,
Sarah Filice
President SMCHA