This past September I had the opportunity to attend the Colorado Horse Park Challenge at Parker, Colorado. Just before the riders' meeting I was asked to make a few comments about our trails and new trail initiatives.

During the discussion with the riders I was surprised to find that more than 50% of the riders present had worked on a trail project in the past year. We have a virtual hotbed of trail preservationists in that area. In some regions we have as few as 5% of our riders off their horses and on the ground and there in the Mountain Region over 50% are involved. What makes the difference? I don't know. Wish I did.

The Trail Grants Committee is committed to providing funding for trail seminars in each region of the U.S. To that end, we expect to have our first Trail Masters Seminar this spring. It will be located in Parker, Colorado, at the Colorado Horse Park. Mr. Mike Riter will be the instructor and the class will be held for four days. There will be classroom instruction and hands-on instruction out in the hills around Parker. Mr. Tom Greer will be the host.

Once a student finishes the four-day seminar, he or she will become a Certified AERC Trail Master. Participants will have the knowledge of not only how to repair an existing trail, but will know how to build a new trail that will remain environmentally sustainable.

Each seminar will be limited to 15 students. If you want to participate, just send me a note and we will hold a seat in the seminar for you. This is a demanding class to attend. From the initial response of the riders in Colorado this class should fill fast, so donŐt delay--put your name on the class list right away.

Some of our trail grant projects for 2004 are now being completed. As they are finished we will attempt to have an article in the EN about each project along with photos.

These are exciting times for those of us involved in trail preservation. We are looking for a new ride site to establish in the Far West as a demonstration project with the Forest Service. Please let me know if you have a site in mind that would make a terrific ride site.

Remember, all you need is a horse and a trail.