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Start Ready, Finish Proud

A message from Marty Graham President of EDRA,

Dear EDRA Members,

As we approach the end of another incredible year of riding, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the achievements and experiences we have shared together. It has been a remarkable season filled with growth, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.

Throughout the year, our dedicated members have showcased their passion for equine riding, demonstrating exceptional skills and sportsmanship in various events. We have witnessed remarkable performances and the unwavering spirit of our riders.

Here are some of the highlights from this year’s equine riding season:

  1. Successful Ride Season: The EDRA conference in Ellensburg, coordinated by Guy Cheek, was an exciting event. It’s impressive that EDRA ride managers have organized and ran a total of 7 rides this year, starting with “Don’t Fence Me In” and concluding “Ride the Loup.”
  2. Training and Development: EDRA prioritizes the growth and development of our riders by online education, mentoring program, EDRA in Motion and our Youth program. These opportunities have allowed our members to enhance their skills, learn new techniques, and improve their overall performance.
  3. Equine Care and Welfare: EDRA placed great emphasis on the well-being and care of our equine partners. Our dedicated team of veterinarians, ride stewards and rider have worked tirelessly to ensure the health, happiness, and safety of our horses, enabling them to perform at their best.

As we conclude this ride season, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to each and every member of our organization. Your commitment, passion, and unwavering support have been the driving force behind our success. I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together and the positive impact we have made in the equine riding community.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the upcoming year and the opportunities it holds. We have already begun planning for the next ride season, which promises to be filled with new challenges, thrilling competitions, and continued growth. We are committed to providing our members with an enriching and rewarding experience, both on and off the saddle.  The 2024 Ride calendar has been up posted at https://equinedistanceriding.com. If you have any specific questions or need more information about the EDRA conference, feel free to ask Arielle Blume our current VP!

I encourage all members to renew their membership for the upcoming year, as your continued support is vital to the success and sustainability of our organization. By renewing your membership, you will continue to enjoy the benefits, resources, and opportunities that come with being a valued member of our equine riding community.  To renew your membership, please visit our website https://equinedistanceriding.com or contact our membership chair Sue Summers. We are delighted to inform you that we have maintained our 2023 pricing for membership. We understand the importance of providing value to our members, and we want to ensure that our equine riding community remains accessible and inclusive to all. By keeping the pricing unchanged, we aim to make membership renewal a straightforward and affordable experience for everyone.

In closing, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to equine riding. Together, we have created a vibrant and supportive community that celebrates the beauty and joy of riding. We look forward to another incredible year ahead, filled with shared experiences, personal growth, and the continued pursuit of excellence.

Thank you for being a part of our equine riding family.

Start Ready, Finish Proud

Marty Graham

EDRA President

A message from Marty Graham President of EDRA,

Hello and Welcome to the Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA).  My name is Marty (Martha) Graham, and I am excited to be able to serve you as the  newly elected president of EDRA for the 2023 ride season.  I am proud to represent EDRA and be a member of this organization which is so inclusive and welcoming.  EDRA Leadership remains focused on our mission of promoting safe, competitive equine distance riding events and experiences. 

At the end of the 2022 ride season, I was reflecting on what started me on this journey with endurance riding.  My first endurance ride was Renegade in 2012 with Gail Williams as the Ride Manager.  Let me just put it out there – I was out of shape, new to riding (barely knew how to ride at a trot), and completely out of my element.   My mentor & friend Margaret Birdsey stayed with me and ensured my survival throughout the ride.   The Ride manager, the volunteers and my mentor made it an amazing experience and guaranteed that I wanted to be a part of endurance in the future.   I highly recommend if you don’t have a mentor, take a look at the Mentor link in our website and get one.  https://www.equinedistanceriding.com/mentors-2-2/

I encourage all members to join the EDRA in Motion Challenge:  to get ready and maintain your fitness throughout the ride year.  This program assists in preparing you for your best ride season and encourages movement through a friendly competition.    https://www.equinedistanceriding.com/edra-in-motion-2022-2/

This organization is run by volunteers and everyone’s participation is appreciated.  There are many Volunteer opportunities throughout the year – conference, trail markings, be a mentor/find a mentor, assist a Ride Stewart, and many more that I have listed below. 

  • Help mark/maintain trail
  • Help unmark trail
  • Work at finish line (e.g., timer, ride secretary)
  • Work in pulse box (taking pulse)
  • Scribe for vet
  • Help with mapping trail before ride
  • Assist Ride Manager

 Come find me, Arielle Bloom Bonney, one of the Board Members or your friendly Ride Stewart and we can get you quickly integrated!

Welcome to EDRA.

Sincerely,

Marty Graham

 

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2024 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

DATE 2024 RIDE SCHEDULE
March 29th-31st Conference – Kittitas Fairgrounds
April 20th Rail Trail – Sprague WA
May 11th  Don’t Fence Me In – Odessa WA
June 8th Trout Lake – Trout Lake WA
June 29th Diamond In The Rough – Teanaway WA
July 20th Ride The Loup – Okanogan, WA
August 10th Big Sky Memorial – Libby MT
August 31st Selkirk Summer DD – Mt Spokane
   

*Due to unforeseen weather/events this calendar may be adjusted during the course of the year. Rides may be canceled, moved or added to the schedule. Notice to riders will take place as soon as possible in the event of a schedule change.

Most rides will include a clinic on Friday prior to the ride day. Topics and teachers will be announced as they are developed.

Ride Details

EDRA Sponsors

Robin Ryner – Compassequine