A couple of months ago, I was asked to conduct the new riders meeting at a ride. I panicked and said I had no clue how to do that. Since thenÑthanks to a wonderful outline prepared by Joe and Tamra SchoechÑI was again asked and was able to say "yes" and conducted my first new riders meeting in late March.

I had a very large gathering at the meeting but they were wonderful to work with, asked good questions and seemed really interested in our sport. I started by introducing myself and the sanctioning bodies involved with this ride and encouraged the riders to join and "support the sport."

I told them that I had once started out as a "newbie" and so had everyone at the ride and we understand what it's like. I emphasized that welfare of the horse is the single most important thing about ride day. I pointed out that there are probably three groups of riders at any ride: those to whom finish time and placement matter, those who consider "to finish is to win," and those who are just praying to get through it. However, to the horses there is probably just one group: the herd.

More general things were next: the start, trail marking, etiquette on trail and at water stops, checking in with the timer, etc. Then I went into great detail about what would happen at the vet check and the finish of the ride. Also covered: the ride card, arrival and P&R and out-timers. I explained that 30 minutes after arrival, the horse must be "fit to continue." I discussed gate into a hold procedure, vet and CRI explanations, and how the finish differs for LD and endurance distances. The best condition process and a definitive explanation of completion time, which includes hold time, was also covered.

Then I explained traditional care during the holds and at the finish. We continued with how to cool your horse. I made sure riders knew how to take a heart rate, and to watch for PPED (peeing, pooping, eating, drinking), and what to do if something "ain't right." The use (or not) of electrolytes was discussed, and I emphasized that riders should continue taking care of their horse after the ride is finished.

Throughout, I encouraged riders to jump in with questions because I find that making them wait until the end often causes them to forget what they wanted to ask. I had made the mistake of giving out the handouts at the beginning of the ride so some were reading them and asking questions that others had no idea what they were talking about. Handouts are available on the AERC website, at www.aerc.org/ Education_Material.asp, and in my own Southeast Region usually include:

-- "Frequently asked questions"

-- "Conditioning for your first ride"

-- "Preventing treatment"

-- "Pacing"

-- "Preventing pre-ride dehydration"

-- "The importance of hydration in the endurance horse"

-- "Coping with heat and humidity"

-- AERC, Southeast Endurance Riders Association (SERA) membership applications.

As a wrap-up, I reminded riders that the second most important thing after the welfare of the horse was to have fun. I said I hoped they would all get hooked on the sport and I would see them over and over again at rides. I had added some jokes or funny stories throughout the talk because that's my style and I think I can get some points across better that way (for example, trying to get them to wear helmets).

I asked that if something happened during the ride that I didn't cover well, to let me know so that the next talk would be better. Lastly, I asked the ride manager to please recognize first-time riders at the awards meeting and thankfully there were a bunch of them at this ride. Note: these first-timers were at the awards meeting, unlike many of the "old-timers."

I still did not do half as good a job as Joe and Tamra do but feel with the help of their outline, it was OK. Give it a try.