Many of us have wondered why a particular person or horse is not in the AERC Hall of Fame. Sometimes we assume a person is already in the Hall of Fame when they are not. As an example, a few years ago Valerie Kanavy was inducted in the Hall of Fame but even people on the committee were shocked that she was not in it already. We had to look back in the records just to make sure. We came to find out everyone assumed she must already have been inductedÑbeing the two-time World Champion and allÑbut in order to be in the Hall of Fame you must get nominated to receive consideration for the award.

Even the committee members cannot put in names after the nomination period closes, so if you think someone deserves to be in the Hall of Fame please do not hesitate to send in a nomination. Don't let a deserving person slip through the cracks.

Each year the nomination process starts all over again. Previous years' nominations are not kept so new ones need to be sent. You need to be aware that each year a person or horse needs to be renominated in order for them to be considered. (Note: I would like to try to have this changed so that the nominations would be considered for three consecutive years once a nomination has been sent).

If you have already nominated someone and feel the person needs to be considered again please send the information once more. It can be the same information that you sent the first time, with any updates.

The Hall of Fame Committee will be considering four different categories of awards for 2007. It is not mandatory that any of these awards be given but each nomination will be given a thorough consideration by the committee.

Note: The committee may not look up the records of each nominated horse and rider, so please send them in with the nomination, making notations on the special achievements.

Hall of Fame, Equine: Honors lifetime achievements by recognizing outstanding performances or outstanding contributions to the sport or to AERC. This award is for the extraordinary horse. In the past some have been awarded this honor due to the extreme longevity of the horse; others due to extreme competitiveness of the horse. Some have both. Each horse that has been inducted has been special in their own way.

Hall of Fame, Person: Honoring their lifetime achievements by recognizing outstanding performances or outstanding contributions to the sport or to AERC. This can be awarded for many different reasons and accomplishments. Most of us know someone who should be nominated.

Pard'ners Award: Rider and horse perform together as a mutually bonded team. Rider and horse engender a spirit of friendship, enthusiasm and championship that makes those around them glad to have attended the ride. However competitive they may be, good sportsmanship remains their first priority. Horse and rider take care of each other. Together horse and rider personify the prevailing and abiding goal of AERC: "To finish is to win." This award was established in honor of the late Mae Schlegel.

AERC Volunteer Service Award: This award is established to honor an AERC member who has devoted an extraordinary amount of volunteer effort, time and service on behalf of the AERC for many years.

Nomination deadline: Nominations must be received by September 1, 2007 in order to be considered. It is not necessary to have more than one person send in nomination materials on each nominee unless it would add something new and unique to the information provided. Please send nomination to either the AERC office or to: Connie Caudill, HOF Committee Chair, P.O. Box 334, Henryville, IN 47126, or e-mail: enduroride@aol.com.