Getting Started in Endurance Riding

2006 AERC Championship
photo by C. Mike Tomlinson, DVM

Welcome! The education pages are intended to help new AERC members get started in the sport of endurance riding and to provide in-depth information for experienced riders.

We hope to provide you with everything from the tried-and-true basics to trying your first 100-mile ride all the way to the latest research from around the world. Whether you are a newbie or a national champion, we hope you will find some answers, something that will get you thinking . . . and probably even more questions. (It's those mysteries that keep the old-timers competing year after year!)

The AERC Mentor Program is available to new riders. Take a look to find a mentor in your area to smooth your introduction in a one-on-one" way. You can tell how they are available to assist you by the "experience" codes the Mentor page.

If you don't find a mentor close by, need expert opinion on a particular concern or want to attend a clinic (or put on a clinic), the regional mentor liaisons can help you. Mentor liaisons are well-versed in all distances, as well as international riding. They have all competed many thousands of miles, so take advantage of their vast knowledge!

Local clubs and associations in the U.S. and Canada can be a great way to meet riders in your area and to get involved in local trail efforts.

You can look up members by city, state, and zip code from the members directory at your member page. To login to your member page, click on the "Activate your AERC online members page" at http://www.doublejoy.com/aerc/mbr/. Use your email as the Login ID and choose a password. Once you have logged in click on Services, then Member Directory. Don't hesitate to call or email a mentor or member in your area.

An excellent place to start is with the Endurance Rider's Handbook. The handbook contains advice on everything from selecting a horse to conditioning to veterinary consideration. You should have received a paper copy with your membership information; if not, you can request a copy by contacting the office at 866-271-2372.

Volunteering is an easy way to learn
photo by C. Mike Tomlinson, DVM

It is highly recommended that you volunteer at a ride or two before you compete. It's a great way to see a ride and help out! To find a ride in your area, see online ride calendar information below (or check out the ride calendar in Endurance News).

Once you're ready for an AERC ride, check out the online ride calendar, which includes locations and contact information for rides. You can specify rides in your state or region, or put in a past date to find rides you may want to attend next year. You can download ride entries from the calendar. You can also check a horse's or rider's endurance history through links from this page.

Ride cancellations and date changes are noted on the AERC cancellations/changes page.

For detailed information about planning for your first AERC rides, check out the information on the At Your First Ride pages.

For your first AERC ride, plan to ride with an experienced rider. Either go with one from your area or explain to the ride manager that it's your first ride and ask to be introduced to an experienced rider to ride with (and learn from).

Crewing is a great hands-on way to learn the sport
photo by C. Mike Tomlinson, DVM

If you have any questions about endurance or limited distance riding, feel free to call 866-271-2372 or send an email to the AERC office.

If you have a question that you would like to ask the AERC Education Committee, click here.

Another good resource for help is your regional AERC directors.

If you have suggestions for adding material to this page please contact the AERC office.

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