Recognizing Missouri Fox Trotting Horses Competing in AERC Competition

MFTHBA.com

May 7 2018

From its beginnings in the American West, the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) has spread roots both nationally and internationally. The AERC sanctions more than 700 rides each year throughout North America. In 1978 the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) recognized endurance riding as an international sport, and since that date the U.S. and Canada have regularly swept the team and individual medals. In 1993 Endurance became the fifth discipline under the United States Equestrian Team, now known as the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

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 Cup,” 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.

The number of Missouri Fox Trotting Horses competing in AERC competition continues to grow. To support the efforts of the AERC and recognize the registered Missouri Fox Trotting Horses competing in AERC events, the MFTHBA has developed a recognition program.

To be eligible for yearend Missouri Fox Trotting Horse awards, horses must be registered with the MFTHBA; and the horse’s owner(s) must be members in good standing of the MFTHBA and AERC during the competition year the miles are earned. Awards are based on mileage of the horse. Horses may accumulate mileage in multiple categories. AERC endurance and Limited Distance (LD) miles count toward the award. The MFTHBA will recognize a Top 5 in the following categories:

* High Mileage, Limited Distance, by a registered Missouri Fox Trotting Horse, Top 5 recognized

* High Mileage, Endurance Distance, by a registered Missouri Fox Trotting Horse, Top 5 recognized

Ties will be broken using completion percentage for the year. Prize will be custom jacket with MFTHBA and AERC logo. Award will go to the owner of the horse.

The AERC’s competition year began December 1 and will run through November. Winners are recognized the December following the close of the competition year.

To learn more about AERC and their upcoming events, visit https://aerc.org/