The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the national governing body for endurance riding in the United States, will hold its 2007 annual convention in Sparks, NV. The two-day program of seminars, informational meetings and a free trade show is set for February 23-24 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.

Leading experts in equine health care and endurance-related fields will be featured at several seminar sessions. Other highlights of the AERC's convention will include a trade show featuring vendors from across the country. Regional awards will be presented at an evening reception on February 23, and the convention will culminate with AERC's national awards the evening of February 24.

"We are kicking off the celebration for AERC’s 35th anniversary year at our convention in Sparks," says AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel. "From roots in old-time distance rides around the country, our sport has grown into a respected equine discipline. Our convention is always a great venue for recognizing those who have contributed to endurance riding, as well as welcoming newcomers to the sport.”

Friday's seminar speakers include: AERC Hall of Fame member Julie Suhr (Trail Etiquette and Safety for the Endurance Rider); AERC member and humorist Angie McGhee (The Realist’s Guide to Endurance Riding); Hal Schott, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM (Why Horses Do Not Finish Endurance Rides); Victoria R. Maxwell, DVM (Joint Health for the Performance Horse); Tom Sayvetz, MD, breeder of one of 2006’s top endurance equines, Heraldic (Can Pedigrees Talk? Legacy from the Desert); and veterinarian/farrier Olin Balch, DVM, PhD (Farriery Preferences of Endurance Riders).

Saturday’s sessions include: national endurance team trainers Becky Grand Hart, an AERC Hall of Fame inductee, and Robin Groves (Mind, Body, Spirit: Training to Ride a More Competitive 100), an Ask the Experts panel with top riders John Crandell III, Steve Rojek and Ruth Waltenspiel, another Hall of Fame honoree; Trisha Dowling, DVM, MSc (The Pride Project: Establishing Normal Metabolic Changes in Endurance Horses); another presentation by Angie McGhee (Why Do I Do This and Why Does Everyone Else Seem to Do It So Much Better?), and two-time winner of the prestigious Western States Endurance Ride–Tevis Cup, Erin Klentos (The Three-Year Development Plan for the Endurance Horse).

The trade show will be located in the Nugget Pavilion from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Vendors at the free trade show will display a variety of products for long-distance riders—everything from saddles to jewelry to horse trailers.

Also open to the public is the convention’s annual Friday night concert featuring award-winning cowboy singer Dave Stamey, which begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the convention for $10 per person.

Veterinarians can take part in the seven-credit continuing education program on Thursday, February 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the convention.

Convention registration can be made by phone to the AERC office at (866) 271-2372. A complete convention overview and reservation forms are available online at www.aerc.org. The reservation line for John Ascuaga's Nugget is (800) 648-1177.

For information about AERC's upcoming convention or membership in AERC, visit www.aerc.org or phone toll-free to (866) 271-2372.

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