The North American Trail Ride Conference, the group that sanctioned and tracked Elmer Bandit’s lifetime record 20,780 official Competitive Trail miles, will honor the horse at its annual banquet, which begins Friday.

Elmer was euthanized Sunday at the age of 38. When word of his passing reached executive director Laurie DeNatale, she immediately began arranging for a special presentation during the convention banquet.

Elmer’s significance in the NATRC community is enormous. He was the first horse inducted into the NATRC Hall of Fame and was awarded the designation of National Champion numerous times during his 34-year career.

As word of his death spread, Competitive Trail chat groups were filled with remembrances of Elmer and heartfelt condolences to his lifelong owner Mary Anna Wood, from both personal friends of Elmer and others who only followed his career from afar. (Leave a message for Wood