February AERC Board Meeting

The AERC Board of Directors met February 13.

The Board of Directors approved funding for the Research Committee to complete data analysis for the Cooley Ranch project. The board also approved special sanctioning for 3 rides -- 2 in the Northwest and one in the Mountain region.

The board heard a review of the 2017 budget provided by Treasurer Mollie Krumlaw-Smith.

Jan Stevens, AERC liaison with USEF, reported on the USEF Annual Meeting and on a conference call with USEF CEO Bill Maroney. The upshot of that call is that both USEF and AERC desire better communications with one another and will plan a joint press release approved by both boards to express our mutual dismay at the abusive treatment and management of horses in Dubai as well as appreciation for the more positive actions in the Boudhieb initiative. AERC and USEF will be negotiating a new agreement between the two organizations in the next year.

The AERC board also heard a report by Vice President Lisa Schneider on the Rules Committee's work. Finally, the board discussed the need for support of Ride Managers in various situations. The board was unanimous in its support of Ride Managers.

The next board meeting will be March 9 at the convention in Dallas/Grapevine. We hope to see you all there.