In preparation for the AERC board meeting at convention, I reread AERC's articles of incorporation (see below). Our founders clearly saw AERC's mission as far more than just ride sanctioning and recognition, as I have discussed in past columns. In the past few years we have taken important steps towards realizing the broader goals of our charter beyond record keeping, ride sanctioning, and rider and horse recognition where I believe we do well.

From AERC's articles of incorporation . . .

The specific and primary purposes of this corporation are:

a. To promote the sport and pastime of endurance riding, to act as an information center and clearinghouse of information concerning endurance riding, and to encourage better care and prevention of cruelty to animals and to receive (either in trust or otherwise) and maintain a fund or funds, and administer, apply and expand the income therefrom and the principal thereof, for the purposes above stated, with the United States of America.

b. To gather and disseminate information pertaining to the riding of horses over long distances, presently known in the Western United States of America as "endurance riding," and encourage the riding of historical trails and to preserve such trails for future generations.

c. To encourage and sponsor the collection and publication of scientific data with detailed methodical examination and test of horses, for beneficial use by the veterinary and medical professions.

d. To present awards for outstanding performance in endurance riding.

e. To exercise all the power of a non-profit corporation set forth in Section 9501 of the Corporations Code; provided, however that this corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance, of the primary purposes of this corporation.

I am particularly pleased with progress on our educational objectives that underpin the realization of our purpose. This year our trails committees have greatly expanded the Trail Masters class which provides breakthrough education in how to build and maintain trails. This approach enables us to leverage the knowledge and energy of our members and to develop very strong relationships with government land managers and private land owners.

Education through Endurance News and online through the AERC website continues to get better and better. In addition to timely articles our very active Education Committee now has an online Q&A ser"vice available. The Education Committee has developed and is implementing a mentorship program that will make mentoring available to new and inexperienced riders.

And now the Ride Managers Committee is looking at a ride manager mentorship program. My dream is that within five years every new AERC member, new ride manager, and new veterinarian will receive the best mentoring AERC can provide.

Our Veterinary Committee, led by Dr. Melissa Ribley, is leading two important new initiatives that support the better care of endurance horses. The Vet Committee, working together with the Legal and By-Laws, Welfare of the Horse, and Drug Testing committees, is revisiting the AERC drug rule in light of the most recent scientific knowledge. (See articles on pages 33-37 by Trisha Dowling, DVM, and Dr. Ribley).

Our Veterinary Committee has also dev­eloped a preliminary proposal for qualifications for head veterinarians and is working with the Ride Managers Committee to analyze issues and concerns. (See articles on pages 10-11). Provide your board members with input and join in the discussion on the AERC members forum (you can sign up at http://sports.groups.yahoo. com/group/AERCMembersForum). And even better, come to the convention where I am sure both of these issues will be the topic of lively discussion and debate.

In my opinion, the one area where AERC should not receive high marks in fulfilling its purpose is "to maintain a fund or funds, and administer, apply and expand the income therefrom and the principal thereof for the purposes above stated…" I believe AERC needs to develop planned giving and sponsorship programs that can build a base of funds that will enable us to expand our work in trails, research, and education. We need your help to do this. If you are interested in planned giving please come to the Saturday morning "Hot Topics" workshop that John Parke will present at the AERC convention. We need many AERC members to help us develop these programs. If you are willing to devote your time and expertise in this area to help AERC, please contact myself or John Parke directly.

As you can see the convention will be the site for lively discussions on key issues that will shape AERC. Moreover there will be a great education program (see pages 12-13), a great trade show, and lots of fun. Come to San Antonio and join in. Have fun and shape AERC's future.