The Future of our sport

[Trailrite@aol.com]

    I agree that we don't see very many jr. riders.  Either those that have 
tried it or have parents that are in the sport.  What we should think about 
is how can we make this sport more interesting in bringing in Jrs and/or new 
riders of any age?
    Out of my three children that have done endurance riding only one is very 
into the sport, Charlene Lewis.  The other two do rides once in a while.  But 
none of them at this time are jrs anymore.  The funny thing is my daughter 
Charlene has a son (my grandson) Jordan Finley is currently having fun in 
endurance.
    So what I hear is, we need to figure out how to enhance the new riders 
in. Trail-Rite supports the Jrs in donating awards for them at the rides we 
attend.  But that is only one way.  I think the sport of endurance has no 
public access to let equestrians know about how fun and sane endurance riding 
can be.  I've put on clinics (out of my own pocket) at some of the PetsMarts 
and other places informing the public about endurance riding with pictures, 
seminars, and stuff.  The responses were incredible and encouraging.  I've 
also asked AERC to help support this campaigning but have not had good luck 
with that area.
    Some ideas would be useful.
Tammy Robinson
Trail-Rite Ranch & Products
661/513-9269