When people look at endurance riders they are actually looking at the face of AERC. Is your reflection the one you would want to be seen for the organization? Would you be happy if all endurance riders had your same traits? All of us represent AERC in many different areas . . .

As trail riders . . .

We can almost instantly identify endurance riders just by what they are wearing, their tack or just by how they are riding their horse. We all leave an impression when we are passing other trail users -- they know you are an endurance rider too. What kind of image do you leave behind? We represent endurance riding and riders every time we are seen on the trail by others. We can leave a lasting impression, either good or bad. We can slow down as we pass and make a little conversation or we can be so busy conditioning our horse and having no time for others that we blow right past them, exciting their horses and making them sorry they have to ever have to share the trails with the likes of endurance riders.

If you take time to stop and get acquainted, you may find yourself meeting some really nice horse people. Other trail users will also notice that you treat your horse with the respect and care he deserves.

As ride managers . . .

Ride managers probably have the greatest opportunity to make the biggest impression to more people than most endurance riders will ever have. Ride managers can make it a pleasure for a forest ranger to work with endurance riders. Let your forest rangers know you will be there for them when they need help with the trails. Always take your trail markers down in a timely fashion and be sure ride camp is totally clean when you leave.

Ride managers are often one of the first endurance personalities that a potential first-time endurance rider will meet. This can leave an impression that can make the new rider want to become more involved with our sport -- or never want to go to another ride again.

It doesnŐt take much effort, just being friendly and as helpful as possible. When another new rider has called you, interrupting dinner for the tenth time this month, you must remember how excited he is to be coming to your ride. Have patience with them and answer all his questions even though you have just answered the same questions for another new rider only an hour before. This is a new adventure for new members and they are eager to learn all they can. As a ride manager, you may be their only source in the beginning.

Ride managers can make a ride a pleasure for all involved, including the veterinarians and other ride help. Be sure to leave a positive impression on them so that they will want to help at another endurance ride in the future.

As endurance ride entrants . . .

Endurance riders should always be trying to make a good impression while riding the trails. This is even more true when you are actually participating in an endurance ride. AERC members have a responsibility to be on their best behavior at a ride in order to make a good impression of endurance events to all involved in making the event happen. The ride manager may have had to jump through many hoops in order to get the ride approved for a particular campground, trail or forest. He will need your help in order to prove the ride is worthy of approval in the following year.

Not only will each entrant be leaving an impression on every trail user they see but also on all the new competitors attending the event. Be sure to offer help to anyone who seems to needing it. Help make their ride an experience they will love.

You will also be leaving an impression on the ride help and veterinarians. Make the day as pleasant as possible for them. Be courteous with the ride manager, the timers, the ride secretary and all the other competitors. Leave an impression that will make the ride manager happy when he hears you will be returning to his next ride.

Granted, there will from time to time be disputes. These need to be handled by the rider and ride manager in a civil discussion, as nothing gets solved when tempers flare.

As trail advocates . . .

Do you show up to help your local forest service or other trail clubs on forestry work days or are you always too busy conditioning and using all the trails that all the other trail users spend their weekends working on? Your forest rangers should be able to rely on you and look towards you when they need work done. They should know you or your trail group by name. Endurance riders should be known as the trail users who will always show up when they are needed since we probably use more miles of trails than the average rider.

Conclusion

Our members should always be aware that they are representing endurance riding and AERC at all times. We can make our sport have a great image or a poor image. It is your choice. Remember, one bad impression goes a long way. We all leave an impression of some kind -- what impression do you leave? AERC is you!