Although the AERC convention may have the same components each year -- awards ceremonies, a trade show, seminars, and a Friday night dance -- each year has its own innovations which make every convention special. This year's features include:

Hands-on labs. Northwest Region veterinarian Olin Balch, DVM, will be leading three interactive labs which will give participants an up-close look at the anatomy and physiology of the equine hoof, forelimb and hindlimb. These innovative labs are filling fast.

Cowboy concert. Nationally acclaimed cowboy entertainer Dave Stamey will be singing on Friday night. He's been awarded Male Performer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year by the Western Music Association. And since it is Friday night at the AERC convention, it wouldn't be too surprising if some dancing broke out!

Hot Topics workshops. John Parke's popular Friday and Saturday morning sessions (8:00-9:00 a.m. both days) will focus on proposed changes to the AERC drug rule. Read up on Rule 13 and come prepared to learn, discuss, and become fully informed.

AERC raffle. Always a popular spot at the convention trade show, the raffle booth staff will be happy to take your raffle tickets (just a dollar each) and give you a chance to win some great prizes. The first prize donation received at the AERC office is a certificate for a breeding to one of the fine horses at Running Thunder Ranch in Nevada. Feel lucky? Buy raffle tickets!

HCC Elessar raffle. Ted Jeary of Hyannis Cattle Company has generously donated HCC Elessar, a 2-year-old colt sired by MMF Faramir+// with impeccable endurance bloodlines. Raffle tickets are $1 each.

BLM raffle. This raffle's winner will receive a $125 voucher to purchase a horse at any BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program auction. Win an American Legend! Tickets are seven for $5.

See the December EN insert for full details. Visit www.aerc.org or call 866-271-2372 or use the registration form on page 52 of this issue to sign up for the AERC convention. For John Ascuaga's Nugget reservations, call 800-648-1177.