During this season of giving, weâve compiled five easy ways to show your support for the American Endurance Ride Conference, the national governing body for endurance riding.
Supporting riders and horses at their best
During this season of giving, weâve compiled five easy ways to show your support for the American Endurance Ride Conference, the national governing body for endurance riding.
Endurance riding is for all ages and abilities from the youngest junior riders to seniors who have plenty of time to travel far and wide to compete, riders from across the U.S. and Canada have many things in common: a love for their equines, desire to ride on scenic trails, and at least a little bit of competitive spirit.
Riders compete in endurance (50 or more miles) and limited distance (25-35 miles) rides. AERC offers junior-level prizes in most categories, and all riders may compete for regional and national awards, or just to earn mileage awards with their favorite trail companion.
Challenging events
In endurance riding, the equine and rider are a team, and the challenge is to complete the course with a horse that is "fit to continue." A panel of control judges supervises the equines, each of which must pass a pre-ride examination in order to start the event.
During each ride are set hold times, which vary in duration from a simple gate-and-go to one-hour rest holds. During these holds, the equine's physical and metabolic parameters are checked. The horse must pass the exam in order to continue on the course. Each horse must also pass a post-ride exam in order to receive credit for completing the course.
Educational and fun
Member education, through AERC's mentoring program and articles in Endurance News, helps riders learn the latest tips and techniques for this exciting sport. Learning together can be fun, and friendships spring up along the trails as riders share their experiences and become part of AERC's "endurance family."
A great family sport
Whether you are a competitor at heart or are looking for a sport for your entire family, endurance riding has something for everyone. Endurance riding combines the opportunity of riding a challenging course with your equine partner and the fun and camaraderie of camping and socializing with a group of individuals who share your same interests. The competition itself is just part of the fun of this family-oriented sport.
Welcoming to beginners
The best way to get started in endurance riding is to volunteer at a local ride, get your horse in shape, and read up on AERC's educational literature. Mentors are committed to helping new members and answering their questions about endurance riding.
Once your equine and you are ready, it's time to try a limited distance event of 25 to 35 miles. These rides are great for newcomers to the sport, or those who prefer riding shorter distances. Everyone who completes an AERC ride earns a completion award. But no award can match the satisfaction of earning your first completion!
An advocate for trails
AERC is the nation's leader in encouraging the use, protection and development of equestrian trails, especially those with historical significance. Many events -- particularly multi-day rides -- take place over historic trails. Such rides promote awareness of the importance of trail preservation for future generations, and foster an Âappreciation of our American heritage.
5 Best ways to support AERC during the holidays and beyond
1. Join AERC or buy a membership for someone else. A new membership is $63.75, plus $42.50 for a second adult family member ($17 for a family member 17 and under), which includes tracking of AERC mileage for both you and your horse, a monthly issue of Endurance News magazine, and a new member packet filled with educational materials. To join, call 866-271-2372 or join online at http://www.aerc.org/mbrReg.aspx.
2. Renew your existing membership. The 2016 AERC ride season began on December 1, and rides are scheduled for every month of the ride year, which will run through November 30, 2016.
3. Donate to support a specific AERC initiative â your donations are tax deductible and will help to advance the sport through things like junior scholarships, research and trails, etc.
4. Buy AERC branded gear for yourself or the endurance enthusiast on your list. Show your support for AERC through the purchase of beautiful AERC shirts, hats, bumper stickers, travel mugs, trailer hitch covers and more! Visit AERCâs Cafe Press store (http://www.cafepress.com/aercstore) or phone the office for in-house specials.
5. Support AERC while you shop online! Amazon.com has a special program for charitable donations called AmazonSmile. Amazon will donate .5% of every eligible purchase made through Smile.Amazon.com to 501(c) (3) public charitable organizations, including AERC.
Interested in endurance riding and want to learn more? The AERC office will send you a free information packet, including their âDiscover Endurance Ridingâ booklet. Email your request to aerc@foothill.net or call 866-271-2372 or by mail to AERC, P.O. Box 6027, Auburn, CA 95604âplease include your name and mailing address.
Happy Trails!
About the AERC
In addition to promoting the sport of endurance riding, the AERC encourages the use, protection, and development of equestrian trails, especially those with historic significance. Many special events of four to six consecutive days take place over historic trails, such as the Pony Express Trail, the Outlaw Trail, the Chief Joseph Trail, and the Lewis and Clark Trail.
The founding ride of endurance riding, the Western States Trail Ride or Tevis Cup, covers 100 miles of the famous Western States and Immigrant Trails over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These rides promote awareness of the importance of trail preservation for future generations and foster an appreciation of our American heritage.
The American Endurance Ride Conference, established in 1972, is headquartered in Auburn, California, âThe Endurance Capital of the World.â For more information please visit us at www.aerc.org.