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Minnesota Distance Riding Association

A smile with every mile...
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Our Events

MnDRA was formed to promote distance riding in the Upper Midwest, giving recognition to horse and rider teams.  Events sponsored in Minnesota are Competitive, Limited Distance, and Endurance. 

Hover over or tap on over each photo for more information.

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Endurance

A ride between 50 to 100 miles in a day, with the first horse to cross the finish line while also meeting completion requirements, wins.

Limited Distance

A 25, 30, or 35 mile event where the first horse to cross the finish line and meet pulse criteria, while also meeting completion requirements, wins.

Competitive Trail

While riding or driving, competitive rides are completed within an ideal finish time. Horse fitness is evaluated and the best conditioned horse wins.

Why Distance Ride?

“To me, distance riding is the best equine endeavor...I enjoy the feeling of oneness with my horse, who is in his best condition, with proper nutrition and plenty of ambition, in fun competition, on a beautiful trail, and sharing this enjoyment with a great bunch of other distance riders."
Diane M.
Diane M.
“I really got tired of sitting in camp and crewing for my wife. On a horse I got to ride with her, could see the park and didn't have to worry about what I was forgetting."
Ken M.
Ken M.
“I love the partnership I get with my horse in this sport. Distance riding has made me a better rider, taught me about nutrition and horse health, and given me goals to work towards. I love camping with my horse and exploring new trails while at the same time making new friends and memories.”
Janet S.
Janet S.
"Distance riding is the most exhilarating sport I've found to do with my horse. The relationship I've built with my mare is so strong after so many hours in the saddle. She went from being afraid of nearly everything to eating up the trail. This sport makes you want to do right by your partner, to provide the best for them. I've learned so much about fitness, nutrition, attitude, conditioning, the list goes on and on. Not to mention the relationships I've made with my fellow riders, they are truly an exceptional group of people."
Kasie T.
Kasie T.
"Distance riding is magic! You learn so much about yourself and your horses! You develop a relationship with your horse that will amaze you! On top of what you learn about your horse - you meet so many wonderful people!"
Peggy P.
Peggy P.

Partnership. Trust. Dedication

Camping

Companionship

Competition

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Announcements

Save the Date! 2025 Mndra Banquet

The annual MnDRA Banquet, Awards, and Member Meeting will be on March 22, 2025 at the Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, MN. For more information and to register, please visit the Mndra Banquet page. See you soon!Sarah Maas, Banquet Host

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Deb Moe January 10, 2025

Save the Date! 2025 Distance Clinic

Hey MnDRA – know anyone who is looking for information on distance riding? We will be hosting a clinicagain in 2025 geared towards people who want to learn more about the sport. March 1st will be the date and it will be held at Maria Enge’s HH Stables in Princeton.

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Deb Moe January 10, 2025
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2025 Ride Schedule

MnDRA approves the ride schedule during the annual meeting in March.  MnDRA members can earn points towards year-end recognition and awards. Five of these rides (highlighted in yellow) are financially sponsored by MnDRA and are the primary fundraiser for year-end awards. Each ride has a separate page on this website which contains detailed information, ride flyers, and more.  To access that, simply click on the ride name in the schedule below or from the top menu of this page.

Schedule updates  for 2025

  • Trade River Run has been cancelled (as of 4/18)
  • Maplewood has new ride managers.
  • Maah Daah Hey has been discontinued until further notice.
  • Dakota Dash will not be held and hopes to return at a new location in 2025.
  • Bearfoot Boogie is a Mndra club ride.


Would you like a PDF of the schedule? 

MnDra offers year end awards to members.
Points and Awards
Current Standings

Are you new to Distance riding?

Mndra loves to help new riders!  Hover over each photo for a few ways to help get you started.  Click on the photo to open a document or follow a link.

New Rider Handbook

This is an excellent introduction into distance riding and covers many subjects including what to expect at a ride, conditioning and feeding your horse, and much more.

Click the button below to download a copy.
New Rider Handbook

Volunteer

Want an up-close and personal view of this sport? Volunteer at an upcoming ride. Help is often needed and you'll gain first hand experience of many aspects of being a distance rider. No experience is necessary! Click the button below to learn more about what to do (or not to do) when volunteering.
Volunteering Tips

Read the New Rider Handbook

This is an excellent introduction into distance riding and covers many subjects including what to expect at a ride, conditioning and feeding your horse, and much more.  

Find a mentor!

You can find mentors many ways, either connection on social media, checking out the mentor lists on UMECRA and AERC, or coming to ride and introducing yourself!  There are many people who want to see you succeed!

Volunteer

Want an up-close and personal view of this sport? Volunteer at an upcoming ride.

Help is often needed and you’ll gain first hand experience of many aspects of being a distance rider.

No experience is necessary! Read more in the attached Dos & Don’ts article.

Attend the Mndra Distance Riding Clinic

MnDRA often hosts an Intro to Distance Riding Clinic each spring which often includes a short ‘mock’ ride that follows the competitive trail riding rules. Throughout the year, most rides have a novice event, which is a ride between 10-15 miles long. An experienced leader will be assigned to your group. It’s a perfect way for someone to see if this sport is for you.

Clinic Date:  March 1, 2025. Click here for more information!

Find a mentor

There are many experienced people that want to see you succeed.

Many mentors are available online through the use of various Facebook groups. Be sure to check out the links for more resources.

UMECRA Mentor List

Attend a Clinic

MnDRA often hosts an Intro to Distance Riding Clinic each spring which may includes a short 'mock' ride that follows the competitive trail riding rules.

Throughout the year, most rides have a novice event, which is a ride between 10-15 miles long. An experienced leader will be assigned to your group. It's a perfect way for someone to see if this sport is for you.
Clinic Information

Helpful Links

The AERC – American Endurance Ride Conference is the national organization of endurance riding. They have several educational videos available on YouTube. 

There are also many groups on Facebook that help out new riders. The term “Green Beans” has been coined to describe a new rider to endurance. Consider joining in on the discussion.

Need more help? Contact us!