EasyCare Inc. and AERC, the American Endurance Ride Conference, have launched a one-of-a-kind sponsorship program that will add vital new revenue to offset the current erosion in membership and ride start fees.
Riders registered in this new collaborative program can actively support AERC in this time of great need. Their participation will help generate a dedicated revenue source to fund AERC’s regular operating expenses. The Treasurer’s report in the March 2010 issue of Endurance News showed a net operating loss of $139,533 for the 2009 fiscal year. The need is significant and the need is now.
The concept is simple but effective: EasyCare will pay AERC 25 cents for every AERC mile ridden in EasyCare Hoof Boots. Any and all AERC sanctioned distances count towards total rider mileage.
For example, if a registered rider completes an AERC sanctioned 50-mile event in Easyboots, EasyCare will write AERC a check for $12.50. A 100-mile event completed in Easyboots will raise $25.00 for AERC and so on.
In order for AERC members to help by giving back, riders must be registered in EasyCare’s 2010 Hoof Boot contest. Once registered, riders simply follow the rules as defined in the contest information form. There is no fee to riders or to AERC to enter the contest and all regular cash awards will continue to be made to qualifying registered riders. That means both AERC and member riders stand to gain from participation in the contest. It is a win-win situation for AERC, riders and for the sport we love.
Any members who are currently registered in the contest have already started helping AERC: every mile they have collected in the 2010 ride season counts towards the program.
EasyCare’s 2009 Hoof Boot Contest accumulated 21,301 miles and would have generated $5,325.25 for AERC. EasyCare’s goal is to increase the 2010 rider mileage total to more than 30,000 miles and generate at least $7,500 in new funds for AERC.
Although $7,500 is EasyCare’s 2010 goal, there will be no limit to the number of miles collected by riders in the contest, or to the amount of funds payable by EasyCare to AERC for the duration of the 2010 ride year. The higher the number of riders in the contest, the more AERC receives from EasyCare in financial support. Riders can compete in any of the EasyCare boot products, which means the competing horses can ride barefoot in Easyboots or shod in Easyboots.
The role of Easyboot with AERC goes back a long way. In 1972, Dr. Glass decided to conduct his own test of Easyboots in endurance riding. Other riders were beginning to use Easyboots to replace lost shoes in such rides. He decided to use them throughout the entire race.
Over the next several years he and his wife, Lucille, each rode more than 5,000 miles in AERC sanctioned rides. All of the miles completed by Dr. Glass and Lucille were with Easyboots.
The Easyboot of today is much simpler in design and just as effective. The Easyboot Glove, for instance, is a form-fitting, seamless boot that hugs the hoof and responds like a natural foot. Flexible and tough, this boot adds traction to the hoof while allowing a free stride and breakover. The material stretches over the hoof and clings to the wall so that debris stays out of the boot even through sandy and muddy conditions. No external hardware means that there is no need to worry about replacing cables. Studs are available for winter riding.
Riders can help AERC today and begin their participation in the EasyCare Gives Back to AERC Campaign:
1. Go to the EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest page under the Cool Things tab.
3. Click on Entry Form.
4. Fill out the form and mail or fax it to the EasyCare office.
5. Attend rides and follow the contest rules!
