Date	Distance	Breed	Sex	Age	Horse Mi.	Rider Mi.	Speed	Stopped	Died	Apparent Cause
May	50	Arabian	G	11	100/285	100/285	7.75 mph	finish	next day	unkn. colic
June	50	Arabian	M	unkn.	260/155	875/325	n/a	DNS	night before	trauma
June	50	Arabian	M	11	555/0	7400+	7.1 mph	finish	next day	enterolith
July	100	Arabian	G	11	150/60	2600+	n/a	72 mi.	same	aneurysm
July	50	Arabian	G	16	875/0	3500+	n/a	5 mi.	same	trauma
Sept.	100	Arabian	G	12	575/310	2075/260	5.12 mph	51 miles	next day	unkn. colic

The American Endurance Ride Conference's Welfare of the Horse Committee was formed in response to member concern over the lack of data pertaining to the death of horses during and after AERC events.

In 2003, the first year of its existence, the committee reported on 11 fatalities that occurred at or following endurance events throughout the country. Accidents, pre-existing conditions, and acts of nature were recorded and investigated along with any fatality that could possibly be seen as "exercise induced."

For the 2004 ride season, the committee reported on six deaths from almost 22,000 starts in endurance competition. Two deaths were attributed to trauma -- a fall from a cliff and entanglement in a fence while loose. One death was caused by an aneurysm -- something that would have been impossible to predict or avoid. A 20-pound enterolith (gastrointestinal stone) caused the death of one very experienced and well cared for horse; again, something impossible to predict.

Unknown colic/abdominal pain, the most common killer of all horses, no matter their use and age, was the cause of death of two horses at or after endurance rides in 2004.

Most of the horses that died in conjunction with an AERC ride were subject to post-mortem examinations to accurately determine the cause of death. Post-mortem examination, though a difficult decision at a stressful time, can provide information important to AERC and critical to the owner. Funds are available through the Veterinary Committee to defray the cost to the owners.

The Welfare of the Horse Committee is hopeful that the decline in horse fatalities observed in 2004 will continue, and may be related to a flood of safety information and increased awareness of the welfare of the horse.

Another important role of the seven-member committee is to field informal concerns from members regarding other competitors who may be seen as "pushing the envelope" or those who may be in need of education regarding the safe competition of their equine partner. This is done in a kind and gentle way through a letter, a packet of information, and/or a phone call.

This informal mentoring has been well received and the committee members have seen significant changes for the better in those they have contacted, and remain open to dialogue should those riders need help in the future.

Welfare of the Horse Committee members are: Laura Hayes (chair); Wes Elford, DVM; Beverly Gray; Mike Jaffe; Jim F. Mitchell; John Parke, and Bruce Weary.

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