Endurance competitors and enthusiasts from all over the United States and Canada will gather for the annual American Endurance Ride Conference convention March 6-7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Florida.
The two-day extravaganza at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront will include vendor booths, free and paid seminars, awards programs, and a chance for those interested in the sport to find out more about endurance riding from those who are more than happy to share their knowledge and welcome new riders to their ranks.
“This is AERC’s first national convention in Florida,” said AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel. “There are so many equestrian opportunities in the area, and we’re excited to welcome riders from other disciplines who want to see what endurance is all about.”
AERC, whose motto is “to finish is to win,” is headquartered in Auburn, California, which bills itself as the “endurance capital of the world.” Founded in 1972, AERC sanctions more than 700 rides from 25 to 100 miles in distance.
The no-cost vendor area, open to all from 8-6 on Friday, March 6, and 8-5 on Saturday, March 7, puts riders directly in touch with tack, equestrian clothing and gear, and saddle vendors and an assortment of other knowledgeable sellers of both needed (feed) and fun (jewelry) goods. A tack swap held during vendor hours is super for finding pre-owned items at bargain rates.
Shopping aside, education is a main component of AERC’s convention, with seven seminars on Friday and Saturday that will provide cutting-edge knowledge for current and prospective endurance riders. Seminar tickets, sold by the day, can be purchased at AERC.org/Convention or at the venue.
Seminars at the 2020 AERC convention:
- Extending the Longevity of Your Horse’s Career with Melissa Ribley, DVM
- Gaining, Training and Retaining Younger Riders, with Jay Randle of the Australian Endurance Riders Association
- Recognizing Cardiac/Respiratory Problems with Mariano Mora-Pereira, LV, MS, DACVIM
- Joint and Tendon Therapies: What’s New? with Jennifer Taintor, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVSMR
- The Evolution of AERC’s Drug Rule, with Jeanette Mero, DVM
- Equine Chiropractic, with Troy (Ike) Nelson, DVM
- Lameness Evaluation (See What the Veterinarians See) with Robert Marshall, DVM
But the convention isn’t all serious education. It’s also a celebration of accomplishments, with both regional and national award ceremonies, and a Friday night dance with The Snacks Blues Band.
In addition, 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.
Local organizations, including The Old Dominion Equestrian Endurance Organization, Inc., East Coast Ride & Tie, Southeast Endurance Riders Association (SERA) and South Eastern Distance Riders Association (SEDRA) will be present to talk about local riding and competition opportunities.
The Green Bean Organization, designed for “green” or new endurance riders, will have a booth at the convention, and will provide friendly information to those new to the sport.
For more information, and to register and receive the best pricing on conference seminars, please visit https://aerc.org/convention.
About 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.
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. 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.
Contact: Troy Smith, AERC Publications, 866-271-2372, endurancenews@aerc.org
