Here we are at the beginning of 2006. Looking back on our gains and losses in 2005, we have accomplished the following: The AERC provided funding for the training of AERC Trail Masters. Upon graduation of our Trail Master course a student can design, construct and maintain a trail.

Universally speaking, our trails need major work. Re-route of trails is what we are all about. In the future the AERC will play a major role in trail re-route. Our trained trail professionals will be taking the lead in working with our land managers in restoring our trails.

For the 2006 ride season the AERC will provide five Trail Master training classes across the U.S. Two classes will be held in California, one in Oregon/Washington, one in Utah and one in West Virginia. Locations and dates will be published in the February Endurance News and on the AERC members forum (http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/AERCMembersForum) as dates become available. Terry Silver is handling all of the arrangements for the classes. If you have a desire to attend, please contact Terry Silver at 901-268-1127 or turquoisehorses@aol.com.

There are three parts to trail preservation, or preserving our rights to our trails. First, as a rider you should be involved with a club in your state that is active in trail maintenance. If you don't have one, start one. Second, you should become trained as an AERC Trail Master so you can teach others the right way in working on our trails. And finally you need to be politically involved. You need to let your state congressman know that you are a horse person and that you want access. At the same time knowing your federal congressman is important. When these folks run for office, work for them. They won't forget you when you have a need.

The post on page 14 of Endurance News by Chris Eickleberry in Indiana gives you an idea as to what an AERC state trails advocate does.

It also gives you an idea as to how distance rides work in Indiana. The Indiana Trail Riders Association (ITRA) was formed in 1980. It took about 10 years for them to become politically effective in Indiana. It takes time to build relationships. Elections change the make-up of each state house. Without being politically involved you will never succeed at your trail efforts. At some point in the future you will need political help to keep a trailhead open or to keep a trail open. It's just a matter of time. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but some day it will happen.

We just lost a ride in Georgia. There has never been a political tie between endurance riders in Georgia and the statehouse. When the Oconee Ride site was closed the management and riders had no one to help them out. Too many hours on the horse and few off the horse taking care of business. Hard words, but reality.

If you want to experience failure then the Georgia model is what you need to follow. If you want to be as successful as the riders in Indiana, then follow their lead. We have the right way and the wrong way to do things.

Our objective is not to lose trail. Where possible we need to build an inventory of trails. The demands placed on today's resources are heavy. In 25 to 50 years they will be mind-boggling. It took ITRA over 10 years to build its political base. Where do you stand today in your state? Are you ready for the demands that are growing for access to your trails? Does your distance club partner with other trail riding clubs to form a strong coalition for success? Or are you just out there riding, trying to kid yourself that your trails will be there forever?

AERC can provide the training. We can point the way, but ultimately the responsibility for keeping yourself on a trail rests solely with you. If you are not organized, get organized. If you need help, let me know. Myself and our dedicated trail advocates are here to help you. Make a commitment for this year to become involved with the AERC trails efforts. Without your trails, you have no ride. Being active in trail preservation is part and parcel of being an endurance rider.

Remember: All you need is a horse and a trail.