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
Limited Distance
Competitive Trail
Why Distance Ride?






Partnership. Trust. Dedication

Camping

Companionship

Competition
Announcements
Charity Cup 2023 Info:
Camping is non-reservable. Just show up and we will find you a place! There is no potluck BUT we will have a food truck available from 5-7 p.m. on Friday from Sugar Shack BBQ😋. Online preregistration closes Tuesday, September 5th at 10 pm. We also accept registrations in camp if
Dakota Dash – Saturday Intro Ride
To avoid the hottest part of the day, the Saturday 10 mile Intro ride has been moved up to start at 10:00am. Hope to see you all in August!
MnDRA sanctions the following rides for the 2023 season and 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 2023
Huntersville Hundred is proud to be the venue for the 2023 Distance National Championships.
Dakota Dash is a new ride located in eastern North Dakota.
Bearfoot Boogie is cancelled for 2023 but will return in 2024.
Trade River Run has new ride managers.
Would you like a PDF of the schedule? CLICK HERE
Number | Ride Name | Link | Dates | Location | City State | Events Offered | Day2* | Ride Manager |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | MnDRA1 | Link to Ride | 5/6 & 5/7/23 | St. Croix State Park | Hinckley, MN | SAT: 50E/25LD/25C/12D/12N SUN: 25LD/25C/12D/12N | Michelle Fedewa | |
3 | Mock Ride | Link to Clinic | 5/13/23 | Crow-Hassan Park Reserve | Rogers, MN | SA: 7N/7Intro | n/a | Peggy Pasillas |
4 | Trade River Run | Link to Ride | 5/20 & 5/21/23 | Gov Knowles SP - Trade River | Cushing, WI | SAT: 50E/25LD/25C/11Intro SUN: 25LD/25C/11N | Lindsay Nichols | |
5 | Maplewood West | Link to Ride | 6/3 & 6/4/23 | Maplewood State Park | Pelican Rapids, MN | SAT: 50E/25LD/25C SUN: 25LD/25C/12N | Sarah Louise | |
6 | Southeast MN | Link to Ride | 6/17 & 6/18/23 | Forestville State Park | Preston, MN | SAT: 50E/25LD/25C SUN: 25LD/25C/15N | Theresa Meyer | |
7 | Maah Daah Hey | Link to Ride | 6/24 & 6/25/23 | Sully Creek State Park | Medora, ND | SAT: 50E/30LD/12N/12Intro SUN: 50E/30LD/12N/12Intro | Angie Mikkelson | |
8 | Mosquito Run | Link to Ride | 7/8 & 7/9/23 | Crow-Hassan Park Reserve | Rogers, MN | SAT: 50E/25LD/25C/15D/10N SUN: 25LD/25C/10D/10N | Peggy Pasillas | |
9 | Dakota Dash | Link to Ride | 8/5 & 8/6/23 | Sheyenne National Grassland | Leonard, ND | SAT: 50E/25LD/10Intro SUN: 25LD/10Intro | Amy Ellingson | |
10 | Bearfoot Boogie | Link to Ride | cancelled | St. Croix State Park | Hinckley, MN | Katie Vogl | ||
11 | Charity Cup | Link to Ride | 9/9 & 9/10/23 | Pillager State Forest | Pillager, MN | SAT: 50E/25LD/25C/10Intro SUN: 25LD/25C | Dr. Karin Lupo |
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.
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: April 22, 2023. Click here for more information!
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
Find a mentor
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.