When she was AERC vice president back in 2004, Susan Kasemeyer referred to the endurance community as "all under the same big tent." At no time has that become more evident than this year with the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky next month.

This Olympics-type extravaganza for horses has been far abroad for most of the participation by this sport. Those who will participate as riders, crew, volunteers, veterinarians and those who choose to go as spectators will be treated to a level of endurance rarely seen in this country. The other sports -- driving, reining, show jumping, vaulting, dressage and eventing -- will feature spectacular athletes and thrilling performances.

We are fortunate to have such an event in our country. Kentucky's central location, the Kentucky Horse Park and the state's beautiful horsey scenery makes it even more appealing.

The big tent theory comes into play with the thought that at local endurance rides, first-time LD riders can share the trail with what essentially are Olympic champions. Those chosen for the WEG will be regular endurance riders that we know, have shared the trail with, and have been witness to the work it has taken to bring their horses along for this one big event.

The big tent of AERC endurance also allows us to have our own goals, whether they are to be a decade team, a high-mileage team, to win local rides, to amass best condition awards, or just to share the trail with a good friend as often as possible.

Riders of all disciplines come to endurance with varied talents and even more varied equipment. Riders with disabilities and limitations are welcome and can compete on their own level within the framework of safety and fairness. The big tent is really BIG!

Having ridden a 16.2-hand warmblood through the hottest, most humid and most challenging 55 miles in the country (this year's Old Dominion ride) and a 13-hand Icelandic pony through several hundred miles of Western terrain, I know firsthand that the big tent includes many different breeds and types of horses. Ridden within their abilities, all are welcome.

The big tent includes the family and friends of riders who come along to crew, volunteer or offer moral support. Youngsters are usually welcome (and, at some rides, the well-mannered family dog). Endurance folks camp in tents, in the back of trucks, in homemade trailers and in palatial living quarter trailers. The big tent covers us all.

The WEG will be a wonderful experience for those inclined to accept it, just like the famous Tevis Cup is magical and special, but the tent covers the local and regional rides too.

Ride, really ride, and enjoy the big tent of AERC endurance no matter what that means to you. Happy, happy trails, Laura