What are the best ways for a "newbie" to learn? I am focusing on this question now that I am mentoring a couple of very experienced equestrians who are new to endurance riding, as well as starting a new 3-year-old horse for myself.

One of the exciting aspects of endurance riding is the chance we all have to be newbies over and over again. Personally I have never done an AERC pioneer ride due to my work commitments. So even though I am closing in on my 50th one-day 100-mile completion, I will be a newbie when I go to my first pioneer ride. And I will be seeking the advice of the experienced pioneer riders. When I start a new horse I am a newbie because every horse is different and will teach me new lessons. And when I do a ride on a course I have never done before I am a newbie on that course and will learn new lessons.

So what do newbies do to learn? Ask questions, read, listen, observe, and do! AERC provides resources to help you in all areas and our Education Committee, led by Dinah Rojek and Susan Kasemeyer, is working hard to provide more resources in the future.

For those new to endurance riding please read the recent articles by members of the Education Committee: Karen Chaton's article on page 25 of the December EN on getting started. Also see the article entitled "25 Tips for Having Fun on Your First Ride" by Judy Etheridge in the October magazine. The AERC education web page has lots more good information including the ride managers' handbook, educational articles, links to other web sites and great interviews. All new AERC members receive a "care package" of info from the AERC office.

Whenever you undertake a new challenge whether it's your first LD ride, your first pioneer ride, or your first ride on a new course, find "mentors" -- that is, people who can provide advice and counsel. Most endurance riders are eager to share information -- so ask! The AERC has a list of mentors that can be found by going to www.aerc.org and clicking in "Education" and then "Mentors." The Education Committee is working on significantly expanding the mentor program. By clicking on "Endurance Questions" one can access a new feature which enables members to ask and get questions answered from the Education Committee.

Newbies should take advantage of clinics and briefings. These are frequently held in conjunction with rides. For example, the Old Dominion has a entire educational program for riders. See "Old Dominion: Focus on Education" on page 40 of the September EN.

At most rides in the Southeast Region, Tamra and Joe Schoech give a new rider briefing designed primarily to help newbies. The briefing focuses on key factors to help riders have a great, fun first experience. I was going to print an outline of the clinic but a written description cannot capture the spirit of helpfulness and effectiveness of this clinic as Tamra and Joe talk about the relationship between the "big brains" (the riders) and the "small brains" (the horses). Joe and Tamra and other experienced riders then answer questions for the new riders.

Many rides in other regions also have new rider briefings. One of my goals is for every AERC ride to have such a briefing.

Another great place to ask questions and get answers is the AERC convention in San Antonio. There will be great educational speakers and panel discussions designed for Q&A. And of course you will have the chance to hear tales and "tall tales" from your fellow AERC members. Hope to see you there!

Finally newbies learn by doing. So go to the ride schedule, pick out a ride that gives you a new challenge and "just do it." Then ask yourself what worked and what did not work. And then try again. To finish is to win.