Endurance Rider Survey - What do you think about AERC?

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* 1. Does the current format of American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) suit your needs and desires? Are there some changes or additions that you feel could enhance your experience or help grow the sport of Endurance Riding in the United States? This will be a Hot Topic discussion at the AERC Convention in Reno, March 6 so let us know your thoughts. All responses to this survey are anonymous.

Or if you like it the way it is, please take the time to tell us that too!

This survey is being conducted by www.Endurance.Net and responses will be shared with the AERC Board of Directors, as well as the larger community of Endurance Riders.

Thanks for taking the time to respond - shall we continue?

Yes, of course!

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* 2. What is your age?

under 20

20 - 40

40 - 60

over 60

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* 3. What is your gender?

Male

Female

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* 4. Are you a member of AERC

Yes but I no longer ride

Yes and I am still riding

No, but I plan to join this year

No, but I do attend some AERC rides

No, but I would like to try endurance riding

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* 5. What is your role in AERC? (multiple answers OK)

Rider

Ride Manager

Veterinarian

Volunteer

Other?

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* 6. Where do you live and ride? (you may select more than one option)

Central (TX, LA, OK, MO, AR)

Mountain (MT, SD, WY, CO, UT, Alberta Canada)

Midwest (ND, SD, NB, MN, IA, WI, IL, MI, IN, Saskatchewan, Manitoba Canada)

Northeast (MN, NH, MA, NY, CN, PA, RI, NJ, DE, WV, MD, VT, OH, VA, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunsick, Nova Scotia Canada)

Northwest (WA, OR, ID, MT, AK, British Columbia Canada)

Pacific South (CA, NV, HI)

Southeast (MS, TN, GA, AL, FL, NC, SC, KY)

Southwest (AZ, NM, TX)

West (CA, NV)

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* 7. If you are currently riding, at what level do you participate? (multiple answers are ok)

100 mile rides (one day)

50 - 75 mile rides

Multi-day (Pioneer) rides (3 or more consecutive days)

Limited Distance. 25-35 mile rides

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* 8. Would you like to have AERC offer more options? Select from the following, or add your idea in the comments box. (multiple answers ok)

Stand-alone rides of less than 50 miles

Rides of 40 and 45 miles

Trail Rides (less than 25 miles) as a sanctioned AERC distance

Non-competitive rides (complete the course within a specified time, fit to continue, no time based awards)

Multi-day (Pioneer) rides with lower minimum daily mileage (e.g. 25, 30, 40 miles each day)

Terrain or Difficulty based events, rather than specific mileages.

Other suggestions?

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* 9. How do you feel about the 100 mile (one day) event?

I actively participate in 100 mile rides.

I have never completed a 100 mile ride but it is a goal of mine.

I have no desire to enter a 100 mile ride.

I used to ride 100 mile rides, but no longer have a horse that can do it

I used to ride 100 mile rides, but no longer have a body that can do it

Other comments?

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* 10. How do you feel about Limited Distance (25 - 35 miles) . (multiple answers are ok)

I do LD because of my age/health

I do LD because my horse is better suited to shorter distances

I do not do LD: It is not challenging enough for me and my horse(s)

I might do more LD rides if the mileage counted towards my lifetime AERC mileage

I will quit the sport entirely if I am no longer able to ride 50 miles or greater

I really don't care what the distance is, I just want to ride the trail with my horse

Other comments?

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* 11. How do you feel about mileage and terrain?

It is most important to have specific distance events with exact mileage regardless of terrain

It is most important to have an enjoyable trail to ride, I don't care as much about exact mileage

I think AERC could offer events based on 'Difficulty Rating' rather than exact mileage.

Other comments?

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* 12. How do you feel about AERC awards and points? (multiple answers ok)

I like it just the way it is.

There is too much emphasis on winning (points).

I strive to be in the points standings and win AERC awards.

I don't care about points and awards at all.

I would like to win an award, but don't want to push my horse hard enough to do so.

It is too hard to win awards in my region, so I don't really try.

I would like if LD and Endurance points and mileage awards could be combined.

Other comments?

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* 13. If you do not currently ride AERC endurance, please tell us why: (multiple answers ok)

I am planning on it soon

I don't know how to get started

I don't have a suitable horse

I can't afford it

Racing is too scary

Racing is too hard on my horse

There aren't any rides near me

I don't have a truck and trailer

I have no interest in AERC endurance riding

Other?