Mark your calendars, get your reservations and start making plans to attend the 2010 AERC convention, coming up on February 19 and 20. This year the convention will be held at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada. You will not be disappointed.

"Preserve Our Trails" is the theme of this year's convention. We will have some excellent speakers from the National Park Service who will be able to give some light on the state of our trails.

There will also be other educational sessions on topics as diverse as equine nutrition, colic and tying-up, plus an update from this summer's Research Summit. John Parke will host the popular free Hot Topics workshops, on trail funding and the 30-minute proposal (see "Current Business Before the Board" on page 5) on both mornings.

We are all looking forward to soaking up all the information that we possibly can absorb. (Of course we will spend a lot of time visiting with old friends and making some new ones along the way.)

We will have a fantastic trade show which will serve all the endurance riders' needs. You will not want to miss cruising through the vendor exhibits to check out saddle styles, bridles, equine art and trailers, or just about anything that you could possibly want. Each time you go through, you will see another item that you have wanted to check out but have never seen it in person.

The Grand Sierra is a wonderful place for our convention, with everything under one roof. You will be able to shop, eat, attend a seminar and never have to put a coat on!

I think everyone will be amazed at what this hotel has to offer. Be sure to bring the kids -- they will love this place. There is a 50-lane bowling alley, cinema (only $3 for a movie), giant video room, and laser tag arcade. The Junior Committee will also have some activities that no one will want to miss.

For the riders who feel like they deserve some pampering (or riders who want to give their pit crew a well-deserved reward), the hotel offers massages, wraps, skin treatments and a spa and exercise room.

There are so many places to eat at this hotel -- anything from fancy steak houses to pizza, sub sandwiches, Italian, seafood, an international buffet, and even a '50s-style diner. For the nightlife there are seven different bars located throughout the hotel.

You may want to come early and make a real vacation out of the convention. The location is a great playground with Lake Tahoe just a short drive away. Rental cars are available at the hotel. Take the time to learn to snow ski -- Mount Rose ski resort is a short 45-minute drive away.

Another great destination is Virginia City. Keep your eyes open and you will be sure to see some wild horses while driving there! If you only want to see the wild horses, you can make plans for a trip over to the BLM holding facility in Palomino Valley.

For everyone flying into Reno, the hotel offers a free shuttle. There is an RV park on the property for folks that live close enough to drive over with their trailers.

So call today and make your reservations -- you will not want to miss out on all the fun. Be sure to let the hotel know that you are with the AERC convention and you will receive a very special rate of just $69 (plus tax) a night. Call today: 800-648-5080.

New members: join online by clicking here or phone the office toll-free, 866-271-2372.

Renewing? Click here, or give the office staff a call at 866-271-2372.

How far will you ride this year? Join AERC and we'll help you count the miles!