Most members are aware of the financial crunch that AERC has been going through lately, mostly due to the current downturn in the economic situation. AERC's board of directors has been struggling with making tough decisions to reduce expenses and raise income.

Even though AERC had a financially dismal year in 2009, we are very fortunate over the past 10 years that AERC has prospered and grown, saving funds for times like these. AERC has close to $700,000 in reserves but even with this, we cannot afford too many years like the one we just had. We are not at a critical stage yet and as long as we are diligent in our spending and savings we will continue to be a financially stable organization.

The AERC board has been working on ways to assure that we have a balanced budget this year and is also working on ideas so that we that we can continue to prosper in the future.

In August the board will meet in Denver, Colorado, and will be discussing the AERC's future financial plans in great detail. The board members really need to know what the membership of AERC wants from this organization.

This year we have reduced our spending greatly. Many of the perks that some of us have grown to love, the board and the AERC office have made the hard decision to forego or greatly reduce so that we can remain financially solvent.

All funds that are donated or collected for a specific cause like trails, research, international, drug testing and education will continue to be spent for the specific cause. This article is not discussing these funds, only the general funds for operating expenses.

During our financial boom, AERC became a forerunner in many trail and research issues. Many of you may not be aware of how much support -- not only through volunteer services, but also in funding -- we have provided in these areas. These funds have been of assistance to endurance riders in one form or another.

Just a few of the larger items that AERC has funded over the past eight years from our general funds:

-- more than $15,000 in research

-- $55,000 for an invasive weed study

-- more than $15,000 for education

-- $85,000+ for Trail Master classes

-- more than $40,000 in American Horse Council dues (assures AERC a seat on their trails committee and provides lobbying in Washington, DC).

AERC has also provided insurance coverage for not only AERC but also the individual rides at a cost of $290,000.

Also over the past eight years we have spent more than $143,000 on production and postage of the yearbook. Even though the 2009 yearbook was missed, Troy Smith, AERC's editor, did an excellent job in making the "yearbook issue" of the Endurance News a premier keepsake this year.

All these items have fulfilled AERC's non­profit agenda and we should be pleased in what we receive in return for funding them. The board and the AERC office have made some significant cuts on all of these items this past year but will need to decide if we are willing to raise fees and/or dues in order to keep these programs alive and vibrant.

Or, do we decide to keep the fees/dues down and let these programs go on the back burner until the economy picks up and funds start coming in again?

What are your expectations from AERC?

We don't want to price our sport out of reach for the average person but we want to provide services that keep our sport healthy. It is quite a balancing act with many tough decisions to be made.

All the directors are interested in your views. Please let them be known. Your directors are available by e-mail or telephone and would love to hear from each of you before August. You'll find the directors' contact information on page 2 of EN.