Having just completed my first marathon less than 24 hours ago -- and having run with many other first-timers along the way -- made me think about how people become and stay interested in a certain sport. Marathon running is fairly mainstream these days, and Pittsburgh, where I ran, had 4,000 entries and a waiting list. There is advice all over the internet regarding training, pacing and things like nutrition and gear. Of course, buying a pair of running shoes and starting out around the block every day is much easier than owning a horse and getting both your horse and yourself ready for an endurance ride. Far from mainstream, endurance riding could certainly be considered an extreme sport.

In searching the AERC website (www.aerc.org), which came up as the fifth option when I Googled "Horse Endurance," I found a tab under the "Endurance" heading titled "For The New Rider -- Getting Started." On that informational page, there is a link titled "At Your First Ride" where there are many links to educational articles. Those articles included, among others:

-- lists of things you will need to take to a ride

-- how to present your horse to the vets

-- how to manage weather conditions

-- hydration

-- crewing

-- a sample vet card.

From the "For The New Rider -- Getting Started" page were also links to the mentor page to help those new to the sport find an experienced rider in their area, or to at least allow an interested party to communicate with someone of experience. I know firsthand that many of these mentors, and almost all of us "old timers," have actually met, trained with and traveled to rides with new riders.

There is also a link to regional club websites, many of whom also have mentor lists and informational articles.

There is a link to the 12-chapter Endurance Rider's Handbook, and it is also listed by itself under the Education tab. This tome of endurance wisdom takes the reader from an explanation of endurance riding to selection of a horse, to training, feeding, camping and on to the ride, where every detail is explored: etiquette, pacing, crewing and finish criteria. The Endurance Rider's Handbook then tells you how to care for your horse after a ride and gives readers a checklist of supplies and a glossary of terms.

When they join AERC, new members are also sent a paper copy of that booklet along with a rule book and a welcome letter.

The ride calendar (found under Competitions) helps new riders find an event close to them and lists the manager's and secretary's e-mail, phone number and address.

Interested new endurance riders who phone the cheerful and helpful office staff will most likely be encouraged to volunteer at a ride, and given the name of someone in the organization who can answer their questions or concerns.

All in all, though our sport is considered extreme and not mainstream -- even among horse owners -- there seems to be a plethora of information for the aspiring new and, indeed, the old endurance rider. Bravo to the Education Committee and the office staff who put this information together. Because of their hard work, anyone who wants to ride an endurance ride can come armed and ready.

AERC members get Endurance News delivered each month!

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!