Rider and horse perform together as a mutually bonded team. Rider and horse engender a spirit of friendship, enthusiasm and championship that makes those around them glad to have attended the ride. However competitive they may be, good sportsmanship remains their first priority. Horse and rider take care of each other. Together horse and rider personify the prevailing and abiding goal of AERC: “To finish is to win.” This award was established in honor of the late Mae Schlegel. The recipient receives a keepsake plaque and the names of the “pard’ners” are engraved onto a perpetual trophy.