AERC v. FEI
The character of endurance riding varies depending on a number of factors. Even two rides in the same area can be drastically different based on who the manager is. However, it is important to make one important distinction between two different types of rides: AERC and FEI. AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) is the sanctioning and governing body for rides in America and Canada with its own rules, regulations, awards and recognitions, organizational structure, etc. AERC endurance is most common in America and is the type of endurance this website is designed for. FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale or the International Federation for Equestrian sports) is the international governing body over Olympic equestrian sports, including endurance. It is much more competitive in terms of placing. While FEI may be an ultimate goal for Green Beans, they should not be planning to race until much later in their endurance career. However, because AERC and FEI are related in the regard that they both govern endurance racing and Green Beans will inevitably come across FEI-related discussions and experiences, here is a brief explanation of what AERC and FEI endurance riding typically entail. (Thank you to Gwen Hall for your input!)
AERC
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FEI
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