As AERC's Trail Advocacy Committee chair, Jerry Fruth is fond of saying, "All you need is a horse and a trail." The typical endurance rider devotes a lot of time and attention to their horse. But do they devote the same amount of effort to the trail?

If all we need is indeed a horse and a trail, AERC members would be wise to make trail development and maintenance a part of their endurance lifestyle.

To support its goal of being recognized as the number one equine trail preservation organization, AERC is offering the four-day Trail Master class (TMC). The TMC is an exceptional program that provides AERC members with a well-rounded education on trail development and maintenance. Students learn how to create trails that provide users with a safe and thrilling experience, require minimal maintenance, and preserve the environment. In addition, students learn how to lead trail work days, manage projects, and develop relationships with land managers.

Perhaps of one the roles most suited to take advantage of the AERC Trail Master class is the ride manager. Ride managers are typically the primary point of contact for private landowners and city, state, and federal land managers. They are the "face" of the endurance community and oftentimes, the equine community in general.

It is critical that the organizations and people we depend on for trail access see us as a committed and educated organization that is seriously dedicated to building sustainable trails. The TMC can help RMs effectively partner with these officials by providing them with the skills to make recommendations on trail improvements, coordinate work days, and manage trail improvement projects.

Ride managers are also one of the biggest drivers of new trail creation. Many times they are forced to build new trails due to hazardous conditions or access issues. If built correctly, these new trails will blend seamlessly into their surroundings, require minimal maintenance, and will be safe for horseback riders, cyclists, and hikers.

If trails are built with a poor design, they have potential to become boggy, rutty, and unsafe. They may also require heavy maintenance every year. Building a safe, sustainable trail that doesn't need intense, repetitive maintenance will help ride management to operate an efficient and safe ride year after year.

As a point of contact for their local equine community, ride managers are frequently in a position to attract and influence new endurance riders. Many people that are interested in our sport begin their journey by contacting a ride manager to get advice and information on endurance riding.

Ride managers (and all mentors) should emphasize the importance of taking care of both the horse and the trail. Whenever interacting with new or potential members, ride managers should make it clear that the sport of endurance has two top priorities: the horse's welfare and sustainable trails. Without either one, the sport of endurance cannot exist.

As leaders in the endurance community, ride managers are in a unique position to help AERC achieve its goal of being the number one equine trail preservation organization. The TMC is a powerful tool to help ride managers accomplish this goal. In addition, the TMC will help them to strengthen their relationships with land managers and improve the quality and sustainability of their trails.

For more information on the Trail Master class, please contact Jerry Fruth at jerryfruth@US-ETC.org.