Every year, I e-mail reminders to members from the previous year who have not renewed by February 1. Some of the responses I receive that indicate a member may not be renewing include, among others:

-- "I am training another horse but it will not be 5 until next year."

-- "I don't not have a horse to ride next year."

-- "I'm recovering from an injury and will not be able to ride this year."

-- "I'm getting to the age where I can't ride."

It's worth considering that there is more to AERC than just riding. Among the reasons I send back to the member are: 1. You continue to get Endurance NewsÑit's a very good publication with many useful articles on training, conditioning, and preparation that apply to you and your new horse even if you are not competing. You also get the yearbook and all of AERC's records for the year.

2. You can start the horse you are training in limited distance rides at 4. There are many useful things you can do in LD to prepare your horse for endurance after it reaches 5 the next year. Being a member means you don't pay a non-member fee to ride in a limited distance ride and records are kept on you and your equine.

3. AERC has mentors who will help you in all phases of endurance and in the care of your equines. In addition, if you have questions about conditioning, riding, or care of your equine, the Education Committee is prepared to answer them online.

4. You continue to support an organization that is dedicated to and working on keeping trails open in the future for all of us.

5. You support an organization that is dedicated to horse welfare and to providing better education to its members in how to safely care for and compete with our equine partners.

6. Camaraderie -- staying in touch with friends throughout AERC's regions.

So even if you are not riding this coming year, there are many reasons for continuing to be a member and to support an organization that is dedicated to endurance riding and the safety of your equine.

You can renew online from the links under membership at the AERC home page, www.aerc.org, from the paper form in this issue of Endurance News (see page 39) or by just calling the office toll-free at 866-271-AERC.