AERC DAL Candidacy

[Roger Rittenhouse-vmaxept <roger@vmaxept.com>]

AERC - RIDERS

I would like to take this time to announce my candidacy for your AERC
DIRECTOR AT LARGE position on the Board of Directors.

I have though about running for AERC Director for about a year. 

I have addressed the possibility with the SE REGION current Directors as
well as a few riders from the SE and other regions.

I will provide a detailed biography later.
 A short summary - I have a combined AERC ECTRA NATRC and IAHA -
Endurance and CTR of over 7000 miles. I compete 2 to 3 horses, OMNI 350
end plus a few ctr rides, My old mare Fasha  about 5000 miles -about
half ctr and endurance, still going at 22.  Fame 19 with around 2500
combined miles. I only finished one  100 miler (OD). I like to ride the
50 milers but hope to move up this year or next to 100 milers.

Carol (wife) has about 2500 miles or so, had finished the OD100 (the old
one from 78). She competes at LD, and 50 milers.

I have made this decision after much thought and discussion with my wife
and other riders. This decision was made BEFORE I went to the AERC
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP and WEC.

I believe I can offer considerable knowledge and guidance to AERC. I am
taking this offer to serve very seriously. My whole life for the past 20
plus
years has been this sport. I am very dedicated to AERC.

I believe I joined AERC in the late 70s or early 80s.  I will call AERC
to obtain the exact year.

I have been involved in the 'distance riding' sport since 1972.
I have been a member of ECTRA since the mid 70s. I was on the ECTRA BOD
and assorted committees for at least 5 years.

I made a statement when I left the ECTRA BOD, that I would never get
involved in the politics of my sport again. WELL - after much thought, I
want to try politics again. I think it is time.

As your DAL, I have to approach all issues from a GLOBAL perspective,
not just what the SE region riders tell me. However, therein is the
issue, the members must contact the DAL to let them know how they 
should vote on issues or resolve problems.

I do not come into this position without personal agendas. Of course, I
have opinions on many issues. As your director and representative, I
will do my best to promote your collective position on the issues.

Over the next few weeks I will present my personal opinions on a few
major issues. If you agree with my positions, platform, then I ask for
your support and vote.

After my experiences in the AERC National Championship and the WEC, I
believe I can best serve the sport by directing my efforts to the AERC
issues we all face both on the local grass roots rides and the AERC
National Championship.

I hope to help develop the best National Championship event that AERC
can provide. There is no reason why this concept cannot be better then
the ROC.  I will devote  much of my resources, both physical and
financially to the support the AERC NC Event.

There is my first plank of my platform, AERC should support and develop
a National Championship event of major significance for those that
desire that form of competition, and insure the support of the
foundation grass roots events continues. 

My priorities are 
AERC - management - member support and service
Our Horses - vetting issues - care - rider education
AERC National Championship 
Trails - a difficult task
AERC International

Please feel free to contact me - phone or email. Offer comments - pro or
con, public or private.
I hope more then 4 members run for these positions. A default
uncontested 'win' may not be the members choice. If you have ideas about
how to help run AERC  - put your name on the ballot - let your voice be
heard. The membership should have options about who represents them.

Respectfully submitted
Roger Rittenhouse, AERC #8263

423-253 2339  or 3882