Last day to pre-enter for Charity Cup 2021 is Tuesday, September 7th, 2021! Register here under the Charity Cup page. Registrations at the ride are still welcome. Don’t forget your Coggins!
Karin Lupo
August 31, 2021
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
Bearfoot Boogie Updates
I am please to announce Bearfoot Boogie has enough entries. The ride is on! As with all Endurance Rides, we need volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about the sport and horse care, rack up some Greenbean Points, and meet new friends. We are looking for…Novice Leaders
Katie Vogl
August 4, 2021
Bearfoot Boogie is coming up!
August 14th and 15th at St Croix State Park. This ride is sanctioned by AERC, UMECRA, and MnDRA. To learn more about the ride, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/bearfootboogie OR the ride page https://mndra.com/bearfoot-boogie Please remember to get your ride entries in as soon as possible. We need a minimum of 60 pre-entries
Katie Vogl
July 3, 2021
Ride Schedule
MnDRA sanctions the following rides for the 2021 season. Attending these rides as a MnDRA member will earn points towards year end awards. The club sponsors 4 rides which are indicated by an asterisk (*) in the name below. A MnDRA sponsored ride is financially supported by the club and the primary fundraiser for year end awards.
Each ride has its own “page” – please use the main menu to access each page.
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.