A group of us
just finished the AERC Trail Master Course. WOW, what a great experience. Mike
Riter of Trail Design Specialists was our instructor. He explained how to
design, build, and maintain trails. The course included a half day of intense
classroom instruction and half day of practice in the field each day. The
instruction included three paper and pencil tests and a fourth day practicum.
Mike is not kidding when he assures students that they will learn “a
better way”. We did learn. We gained knowledge and experience that will
enable any of us to design and build fun and sustainable shared use trails. The
operative word is sustainable. We have all ridden trails that have eroded or
compacted down to a rough or even dangerous experience for us and our horses. Using
the principals we gained in this four day course, we would certainly be able to
avoid building that kind of trail. Believe me, if AERC offers the course again
in an area close to you, it is well worth your time and expense to attend. You
will never look at trails the same way again. I’d like to thank Mike for
the wonderful education and Steve Hallmark for organizing this opportunity. The
four days were fun and valuable. Thanks again. Carey and Reyno
