New to endurance?

So you're thinking about trying out this sport called distance riding? We hope you do! Whether your goal is to become a top contender or simply get out and ride your horse on the beautiful and well marked trails, we can help you get started.

Why do many of us ride? For the sheer fun of it! Click play and be ready to smile!

Where to begin?

There are many ways to get started in distance riding. Here are few ways!

NEWBIE HANDBOOK

Download 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.

Click the button below to dowload a copy. If you're having any issues with the download, contact us and we'll email you a copy.

Thank you to Angie Mikkelson for creating this guide!

Download

MENTORS

There are many experienced people that want to see you succeed.

Contact one today!

Many mentors are available online through the use of various Facebook groups. Be sure to check out the links for more resources.

Find a mentor

VOLUNTEER

Want an up-close and personal view of this sport? Volunteer at an upcoming ride.

Check out the Ride Schedule to find a ride near you.

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.

Learn more

But wait! There's more....

MnDRA often hosts an Intro to Distance Riding Clinic each spring which 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.

The AERC - American Endurance Ride Conference is the national organization of endurance riding. They have several educational videos availabe 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.

There are also many books on endurance riding.

Questions? Send us a message.

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