ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] Getting publicity

Re: [endurance] Getting publicity

Linda Flemmer (CVLNURS@CHKD-7.evms.edu)
Thu, 29 Feb 1996 14:40:45 -0500 (EST)

Sue,

You asked how to generate more interest in long distance riding
rather than "Social Rides" that the majority of your club members prefer.
We have a riding club in Virginia, USA (Southeastern Association of
Trailriders - SEAT) w/ over 250 members. About 75% of them
are people who like "Social Rides". We found that the perceived
difficulty of >25 miles discouraged a large # of them from trying
competitive or endurance riding.

To encourage new participants, we held a 2 day clinic (w/ 3 months
of advertising on radio & in newspapers/club newsletters) with well
respected endurance riders and vets to lecture on day 1. We had a
nationally known vet come to judge a 15 mile "mock competitive" ride
held the second day. All the lecturers were from out of the immediate area.
While we have some very impressive local talent, familiarity breeds
contempt.

Our club held "P&R" clinics in the weeks preceeding the ride to
assure that the P&R teams were well versed. We had donations of
small prizes from local tack stores. (We told them that riders in a
new sport buy NEW TACK for that specialty!) Club members cooked
homemade specialties for an after-ride dinner. (We had cold rain
that day - the warm food was great, & the tent was PACKED!)

We repeated the clinic one year later. We gained over 80 members,
most of whom went on to compete in 50 mile endurance rides within the
next 2 years.

The experienced riders in the club had to put in a tremendous amount
of work, but we now have a more active club. There are more
riders interested in long distance riding who will help work upcoming
rides. Our club is looking to sponsor this area's first AERC event
either this fall or next spring (in addition to opening up 27 miles
of trails for the event on private property!)

It can be done!! Generating interest takes a lot of work and endless
enthusiasm. Good luck!
Linda Flemmer
Blue Wolf Equestrian Supplies/ Blue Wolf Ranch
Chesapeake, VA

"In case of emergency - Fur side up, steel side down!"