Now is the time to submit nominations for the 2006 Hall of Fame, PardÕners and the new Volunteer Service awards.

Nominations will be accepted until September 24, 2006 and can be accompanied by letters, photos, and ride records as appropriate. Nominations can come from any member, including self-nominations, for any of the awards.

The selection committee is composed of the vice president, the past yearÕs vice president, and the non-sanctioning members of the board from every region. These awards will be presented at the national awards banquet at the 2007 AERC convention, set for February 24 at John AscuagaÕs Nugget in Sparks, Nevada.

PardÕners award. Rider and horse perform together as a mutually bonded team. Rider and horse engender a spirit of friendship, enthusiasm and championship that makes those around them glad to have attended the ride. However competitive they may be, good sportsmanship remains their first priority. Horse and rider take care of each other. Together horse and rider personify the prevailing and abiding goal of AERC: Òto finish is to win.Ó This award was established in honor of the late Mae Schlegel. The recipient receives a keepsake plaque and the pardÕnersÕ names are engraved onto perpetual trophy.

Hall of Fame. Two categoriesÑequine and memberÑhonor lifetime achievements by recognizing outstanding performances or outstanding contributions to the sport or to AERC.

Volunteer Service award. Recently approved by the AERC board of directors, this award has been established to honor an AERC member who has devoted an extraordinary amount of volunteer effort, time and service on behalf of the AERC. This award may not be given every year. The recipient shall receive a keepsake plaque.

Nominations and supporting material should be submitted by e-mail to AERC Vice President Mike Maul. You can either send information via e-mail to: mike@michaelmaul.com or by paper mail to Mike Maul, 913 CR 423, Alvin, TX 77511.