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MnDRA

Minnesota Distance Riding Association

A smile with every mile...

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?

Partnership. Trust. Dedication

Camping

Companionship

Competition

Announcements

2024 Clinic & Mock Ride Cancelled

Hey MnDRA – unfortunately we will be postponing the clinic scheduled for April 27th. The weather forecast is for high winds and potential thunderstorms. Neither make for a very good learning environment. I will be looking for alternative dates and locations later in spring / early summer. Thank you!Peggy Pasillas

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Southeast Minnesota

Saturday, June 15 & Sunday, June 16, 2024 Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, 21071 County Road 118, Preston, MN 55965 Sanctioned by UMECRA, MnDRA & AERC Location:  Forestville State Park, 6 miles SW of Preston or 6 miles SE of Spring Valley, MN.  Take MN Hwy 16 and turn South on

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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!

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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.

Schedule updates for 2024

  • Maah Daah Hey dates shifted from June to July.
  • Bearfoot Boogie is back!!

Would you like a PDF of the schedule?  CLICK HERE

MnDra offers year end awards to members.
Points and Awards

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

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. 

 

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!