What participants should expect on Saturday, April 25

8:00 – 9:30 AM- Arrive at the Crow Hassan Riverbend Group Camp – get your horses unloaded and settle them in with hay and water 

9:30 – 10:00 AM- Take the opportunity to acclimate your horse to seeing a horse pull a cart as a driver or two circle the campground

10:00 AM- Learn about distance riding and what to expect before, during, and after a ride. Learn what the vets are looking for during vet checks. See live demonstrations of trot-outs and the vetting process. Have your questions answered by people experienced in the sport. 

11:00 AM- Participants vet check their horses

12:00 PM- Participants of the Mock Ride are sent out with ride leaders  in small groups at 10 minute intervals on the 8-mile trail 

1:00 PM (time estimate)- Participants of the Mock Drive are sent out in six-minute intervals on a 5-mile trail about 15 minutes after the last riding group heads out

2:30 PM (time estimate)- Announcements, placings, and wrap up before heading home

Cost- The cost to participate is $40 per rider or driver per event.  Camping costs $20 per night per rig. Three Rivers Park daily trail passes can be purchased at the event or online ahead of time for $9. Annual horseback passes cost $47 + tax and must be purchased online. While registration is permitted at the event, pre-registration is strongly encouraged to help ride managers plan for volunteers and supplies. 

Camping- The Riverbend Group camp is available Friday, April 24th, after 3 PM and Saturday, April 25 for $20 per rig per night.  Camping is primitive with pit toilets and hose water, weather permitting. There are no electrical hookups. Limited high ties and stalls in the barn are available on a first come/first served basis. Pens are allowed in camp or horses can be tied to trailers. 

Requirements- 

• Proof of a current negative Coggins is required for all horses brought to camp 
• Horses must be at least 4 years old to participate in the event
• Dogs must be leashed at all times and are not allowed in the vetting areas. No dogs are allowed on the trail during the ride or drive
• Helmets are required for Junior riders (17 and under) and highly recommended for all riders and drivers
• Three Rivers trail passes are required for everyone 12 years and up, and can be purchased online or at check-in
• Food and drinks won’t be provided at the event, so riders should bring their own refreshments
• Plan to clean up after your animals and bring an adequate supply of feed and drinking water for your horse (in the event the park hasn’t turned on water for the season). Watch for announcements about water availability on the Facebook MnDRA and MDDA group pages 

Additional Information- 

A Distance Riding clinic will be hosted at the Riverside Campground from 6:00-8:00 PM the evening before the Mock Ride, Friday, April 24. Look for a separate flyer from clinic host Peggy Pasillas.

Crow Hassen is barefoot-friendly, and trails are mostly sand, dirt, and grass, with a few patches of gravel.  If you have questions, email jillfarrell413@gmail.com, or call or text Jill at 763-234-5857. This event is sponsored by MnDRA.

Directions- Click the location link at the top of this page or enter “Dog Off-leash Crow Hassen” on your phone’s maps app.  The Riverbend campground is located directly across Territorial Road from the entrance to the dog park.