The ride year is coming to a close soon. Reflection on the 2008-2009 season in personal terms saw ups and downs, as often happens in such an extreme sport. The AERC organization also saw highs and lows this season.
With the downturn in the world economy, members of the board of directors buckled down to make a budget that worked. Instituting a slight increase in dues -- the first in 13 years -- and lots of belt-tightening, this intrepid group gathered in Denver on a beautiful weekend in August (when we could have been riding). We spiritedly debated such important subjects as insurance, trails, rules, and the future of our sport.
The decisions we make are rarely easy. Many of us are pulled in various directions with roles as riders -- fast, middlepack and slow, international and regional, ride managers, veterinarians, committee members and business owners. We are united by one common denominator: the desire to see AERC succeed and serve its members in the best possible way. It is not a responsibility that is taken lightly.
Please take the time to read the minutes of the BoD meetings and reflect a bit on the effort it involves to allow all of us to compete in sanctioned AERC rides. If you feel you can help, the board has regional elections this year, for which nominations are now closed, and director-at-large elections next year.
A very exciting event that took place just prior to that board of directors meeting in Denver was the Research Summit organized by Olin Balch and chaired by Hal Schott and Trisha Dowling. All three of these veterinarians took time from their busy professional lives to produce a first-rate summit that saw several of the world's best endurance vets and researchers sharing information and ideas.
Educational talks were given by the foremost authorities in equine health and exercise from three countries. They covered topics such as drug detection, thermal regulation, heart rate recovery, normal blood values, water and electrolyte loss, mortality data analysis and nutrition, among many others.
The members of the board who attended came away with the unanimous feeling that this was an extremely productive gathering. It was incredibly gratifying to see and hear these professionals, with years of experience and education, who honestly cared about the welfare of the horses that you and I ride. We look forward to the ideas and research to be presented to the members in this format and others over the next year.
A very successful National Championship, with the most entrants ever, was held in northern California in September. Thank you and congratulations to those involved and those competing successfully.
Looking into the future, members should start making plans for the annual convention to be held in Reno in February. The regional and national awards ceremonies, the meetings and seminars, trade show, hot topics sessions and socializing are always a wonderful time. The office staff has been working hard to bring you the best value and the most fun! Happy trails, Laura
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