Register Today for the 2015 American Endurance Ride Conference Convention

Journalists are invited to attend the AERC Conference Seminars free of charge. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Register Today for the 2015 American Endurance Ride Conference Convention
Join us March 6-7, 2015 at the Grand Sierra Resort, Reno Nevada

AUBURN, California – February 18, 2015 – Endurance competitors and enthusiasts from all over the United States will gather on March 6 & 7, 2015 at the Grand Sierra Resort, in Reno, Nevada for the annual American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Convention.  The agenda features a wide array of informative seminars and discussions on topics of top interest to participants in the sport of endurance. For more info, and to register and receive the best pricing on conference seminars, please visit http://www.aerc.org/2015Convention.pdf and register before February 20.

Conference attendees always enjoy the popular annual Tack Swap that allows riders to pick up tack and related items at bargain prices, with 10% of proceeds benefitting the AERC.  Attendees can also attend the free trade show which runs Friday 9-6 and Saturday 9-5 and features a wide variety of vendors that offer a great opportunity to purchase the type of gear distance horses generally use.

A perfect venue for those interested in learning more about the sport of endurance riding, the Conference features informative Speaker Seminars by industry leading experts sharing their knowledge in equine health care, endurance riding and endurance-related fields. For example, Jan Hancock, author of Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds and equestrian representative on the American Trails National Advisory Board, will kick off the conference with a presentation on Protecting Trail Access and Planning for Future Access. Additional seminar topics include Body Condition Scoring & Other Current Topics with Susan Garlinghouse, MS, DVM; Dr. Kenneth Marcella DVM will be taking an in-depth look at the structure and function of the equine back in Back Issues in the Endurance Horse; Karen Chaton will offer a top rider’s perspective in Longevity: Keep Your Horse Going for Years; and in The Ins and Outs of Garnering a Best Condition, World Champion and Tevis Cup winner Becky Grand Hart will share her tips for how you can increase your equine’s chances of earning best condition at your upcoming rides. (For a complete listing of Conference seminars, please visit www.aerc.org)

John Parke will host two free early-morning ‘Hot Topic’ workshops where endurance riders can participate in thought-provoking discussions. This year’s topics include “Cooking Up an AERC Ride: Should We Change the Recipe?” and “Fishing for Members: Casting the Net Without Tossing ’em Back” led by Patti Stedman.

In addition to the informative sessions, the AERC has a full weekend of events planned for all attendees including:

·       National Awards Banquet. AERC’s top riders and equines for the 2014 season will be honored at Saturday’s banquet. Also recognized will be the Hall of Fame and Pard’ners Award recipients and equines who have reached 5,000+ endurance miles. Don’t miss this special evening.

·       Regional Awards. Winners of regional mileage, points, and best condition awards for endurance and limited distance will be celebrated and acknowledged at a ceremony/reception on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

·       Friday Night Dance. Come mingle and dance at this always-fun evening of music, dancing and celebration.

·       Raffle. The popular AERC raffle drawings take place during trade show hours (tickets: $1 each). Most vendors make donations to the raffle, and numerous ride managers from all regions will be donating ride entries. If you have items you’d like to donate to the raffle, bring them by the raffle booth at the start of the convention. Raffle benefits AERC.

·       General Session. This open forum meeting, held Saturday at 11:00 a.m., offers members an opportunity to speak directly with AERC board members. Come and express your views on the direction of the organization and the sport of endurance riding. Election of officers by the AERC board of directors will also take place during this session.

·       Committee Meetings. Most AERC committees meet during convention. Meeting times will be posted at the convention.
About the AERC
The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) was founded in 1972 as a national governing body for long distance riding. Over the years it has developed a set of rules and guidelines designed to provide a standardized format and strict veterinary controls. The AERC sanctions more than 700 rides each year throughout North America and in 1993 Endurance became the fifth discipline under the United States Equestrian Team.

In addition to promoting the sport of endurance riding, the AERC encourages the use, protection, and development of equestrian trails, especially those with historic significance. Many special events of four to six consecutive days take place over historic trails, such as the Pony Express Trail, the Outlaw Trail, the Chief Joseph Trail, and the Lewis and Clark Trail. The founding ride of endurance riding, the Western States Trail Ride or "Tevis," covers 100 miles of the famous Western States and Immigrant Trails over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These rides promote awareness of the importance of trail preservation for future generations and foster an appreciation of our American heritage. For more information please visit us at www.aerc.org.

For more information please contact:

Candace FitzGerald

Dobbin Group

candace@dobbin-group.com

603-738-2788