The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) has unveiled a sleek new website at www.AERC.org. The updated site features an intuitive and modern design with streamlined navigation to improve usability and showcase frequently accessed content areas. Users will enjoy the refreshed look and feel and an optimized content delivery platform that allows for access from computers, tablets and mobile devices.
The not-for-profit relied on a member committee who joined together in researching, planning, designing and testing the new site, which is also linked to an extensive member database of Horse Histories, Rider Histories and Ride Results. Site usage patterns were researched to determine which areas of the site were accessed most frequently, such as Ride Calendar, and those areas were targeted for overhaul first. They improved navigation and flow, moving frequently accessed areas such as Ride Calendar to the forefront and highlighting areas such as Education, so that new and prospective members could find information more easily.
“The AERC is responsible for managing and disseminating a huge amount of information and data,” said Lisa Schneider, AERC vice president and chairman of the website committee. “In this age of online self service, our Web site serves a central role for our members and potential members. It was critical with this redesign that we got it right from a user perspective and I think we achieved that goal.”
In addition to promoting the sport of endurance riding, the AERC encourages the use, protection, and development of equestrian trails, especially those with historic significance. Many special events of four to six consecutive days take place over historic trails, such as the Pony Express Trail, the Outlaw Trail, the Chief Joseph Trail, and the Lewis and Clark Trail. The founding ride of endurance riding, the Western States Trail Ride or Tevis Cup, covers 100 miles of the famous Western States and Immigrant Trails over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These rides promote awareness of the importance of trail preservation for future generations and foster an appreciation of our American heritage.
The American Endurance Ride Conference, established in 1972, is headquartered in Auburn, California, “The Endurance Capital of the World.” For more information please visit us at www.aerc.org.
