<snip> By making Sundowner Trailers the official trailer of AERC we provide
them with a valuable endorsement from the riders </snip>

This, I think, represents a misunderstanding of the relationship Sundowner has
with AERC (and AERCs sponsorship categories). Other trailer manufactures and
distributors would be hesitant to also become sponsors if what you say were
true.

Has AERC ever said that any thing is the Official "X" for the AERC? Exclusive of
any others? Saddles? Trainers? Trailers? Breeders? Trainers? Stables?
Associations? Corporations? Goverments? - (I can think of only a few (and they
have to do with accounting firms, Reporting organizations (US/CA), and USEF.

There are many other points to be made with respect to sponsorship and
endorsement beyond exclusivity.

jt.

(shameless commercial plug: check out the press release at -

http://www.enduranceworld.net/events/2004ArabianNights/

)

(p.s. what's with the "thin ice" comment in the subject line - although it is
interesting to see what the AERC Board of Directors might be deliberating (as we
have no idea generally) - what is on thin ice re: the sponsorship programs
offered by the AERC?)