SAVE THE DATE! 2024 MnDRA Banquet
The annual MnDRA Banquet and Member Meeting will be held March 9, 2024 at the Blue Heron in Cold Spring, MN. More details to come as we get closer to the date!
Deb Moe
November 22, 2023
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.
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."
“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."
“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.”
"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."
"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!"
Partnership. Trust. Dedication
Camping
Companionship
Competition
Announcements
MnDRA approves the ride schedule during the annual meeting in March. The schedule below is still tentative. MnDRA members can earn points towards year-end recognition and awards. Four 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.
New in 2024
Maah Daah Hey dates shifted from June to July.
Would you like a PDF of the schedule? CLICK HERE
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.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.
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.
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.Helpful Links
The AERC – American Endurance Ride Conference is the national organization of endurance riding. They have several educational videos available on YouTube.
- Arriving at Camp
- Horse Camping Part 1
- Horse Camping Part 2
- Control Check Exam
- How to Stay on Trail
- Crew Bag
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.