A huge congratulations goes out to Annie George and “Chance G7,” who earned their AERC Decade Team status at the May 5th Tall Pines ride.
Decade Teams are now an official award recognition within AERC, and are defined as “This award recognizes an achievement that represents the foundation on which AERC was formed by acknowledging a rider who, over a long period of time, has kept an equine sound and actively competing. The Decade Team recognizes those equine and rider teams who completed at least one endurance ride (50 miles or more) each year for 10 years. This would not have to be consecutive years, and the rider must be an AERC member each of the 10 years. This award was established by AERC member Karen Chaton and became an official AERC award at the board meeting held on March 8, 2012.”
Annie writes:
“I can not believe how much better my Chance is doing in ‘Renies’ than he ever did in shoes. On 5/5/12, Chance completed his Decade ride. We only came out of shoes Dec 18, 2011; I did so out of just frustration and desperation. His improvement has been sudden and wonderfully surprising. I won’t go into all the issues that have completely disappeared with going from shoes to Renegades, but it’s a long list. At 18 YO, his foot issues are doing better than he ever has. Tripping in front and stumbling over badly behind are GONE! I find I am trusting him a lot more on very technical trails. His stride has increased, and his fast downhill shuffle is back to what it was when he was young. Some funny little glitches in his way of going are gone. Gina and Kirt are always right there to help me. Even though I live out past the back road to nowhere, I have prompt help anytime. What did we ever do before the internet?”
Thanks again, Annie!