The AERC Board of Directors met for the midyear meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, in late August in part to be able to tell you about the 2009 annual convention site. For those attending the 2008 National Championship, it's just a few miles north of Louisville (pronounced Lu-i-vil). From our visit, it looks like it will be a great convention site. The convention will be February 21 and 22, 2009.

The theme for next year's convention is "Best Condition." This refers not only to equines, but also to people being in their best condition when they enter rides, the trails being in good condition, and more.

Jon Linderman, PhD, an AERC member who is an assistant professor at the University of Dayton's Department of Health and Sport Science and editor of the Journal of Exercise Physiology, will be speaking about the human aspects of best condition. A panel of veterinarians who will speak and answer questions on how to present your horse for best condition is planned.

Rallie McAllister, MD, is planning to return with her "Riding for Life: A Guide to Lifetime Health and Fitness," which is based on her book (which she will be selling and autographing at the convention as well).

There are more talks and seminars still in the planning stages that all relate to Best Condition.

The December 2008 issue of Endurance News will have all convention information and registration forms.

Convention hotel

The logistics are great for the Galt House (Louisville's only waterfront hotel). The exhibition/vendor area is very near the seminar rooms so it's easy to go between them quickly without missing anything. There is a west tower and an east tower with a total of 1200 rooms. The towers are connected by a "skywalk" so it's easy to go from our rooms in the west tower to the events in the east tower.

The hotel is on the Ohio River with a great view of the waterfront. There are paths to walk from the hotel along the waterfront for exercise and sightseeing. The hotel has free Wi-Fi in all areas of the hotel and exhibition areas. Six restaurants and lounges offer a taste for everyone and there is a rooftop fitness center.

In the early 1800s, the original Galt House was a residence owned by Dr. W.C. Galt. In 1835, a 60-room hotel was opened as the Galt House. In 1864, generals Grant and Sherman planned their military strategies at the Galt House, which led to the capture of Atlanta. The present hotel is the fourth rebuilding of the original Galt House and is one of the premier hotels in the area.

Louisville attractions

Nearby attractions that are equine-based start with Churchill Downs -- the home of the Kentucky Derby. Tours are available and include the museum and the stables.

In nearby Lexington, just 75 minutes away, there is the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park where the 2010 World Equestrian Games will be held. The Horse Park has the Museum of the Horse, the Hall of Champions, Stars of the Park, Parade of the Breeds, horse-drawn tours, the American Saddlebred Museum, and more.

One Kentucky Horse Park description contains the words: "Most places can only tell you stories about legends. At the Kentucky Horse Park, one might trot right by you."

The whole region has about 450 private equine farms for racing, breeding, and sales. You can either sign up for a tour or contact local farms about visiting them.

For other types of activities, there are:

-- The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory (official bats of Major League Baseball) where you can get a bat made with your name on it

-- Louisville Stoneware, where dinnerware, bakeware, serving pieces and collectibles can be seen and purchased

-- The Muhammad Ali Center

-- The Louisville Science Center

-- Valhalla Golf Club, the golf facility where the 2008 Ryder Cup is being hosted

-- A huge Bass Pro Shop just across the river in Indiana

-- Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom is also in Louisville but unfortunately not open during the convention.

It will be a convention with a great theme with lots to do in the area for you and family members. Start looking early for good airfares. Southwest is one of the less expensive carriers into Louisville. I'll see you in Louisville at the convention.