Start Ready, Finish Proud
The mission of the Equine Distance Riding Association is to promote, at all levels and to all members, safe, competitive equine distance riding events and experiences.
EDRA boundaries include the continental US and Canada. Lifetime miles of equine and rider will be compiled for EDRA sanctioned events within these boundaries. Central to EDRA’s mission is a robust mentoring program that supports the development of equines, riders and ride managers to their maximum capabilities while protecting horse and rider. Fun, friendly, and fair competition in a learning environment is our goal.
News and Updates
Endurance Horse Podcast – Guest Sandy Cheek
Listen to Endurance Horse Podcast For a decade EDRA has been building their version for the future of distance riding from the foundation up — welcoming riders at every distance, investing in youth, encouraging mentorship, and creating a ride culture where riders at every distance feel welcome and prepared to Start Ready, Finish Proud. On this episode of the Endurance Horse Podcast, host Christina Hyke welcomes Sandra “Sandy” Cheek, a founding member of the Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA). Sandy shares what EDRA is doing to create a welcoming ride culture on the west coast, opportunities for ride managers outside EDRA’s traditional western base; membership and mileage programs; and EDRA’s investment in the next generation through its youth programs and scholarships. And, as sometimes happens
EDRA In Motion – September 2026
Current Standings September EDRA in Motion standings have been updated!!! With two EDRA rides canceled because of fire danger, September’s mileage entries reflected members finding safer, less smoky places to ride and breathe. Highlights included pack trips and hiking trips in Montana by Bonnie Girod, Brianna Girod, AJ Haddenham, and Holly Haddenham; parade rides by Marlene Poe and Katherine Poe; and horse camping in the Teanaway and Loup Loup by Jenna Sullivan-Richter, Kendal Ingraham, Sue McLain, Sandy Cheek, Guy Cheek, Julie James, and Terry James. Several of you went to Battle of the Flatlands and/or Bare Bones – kudos to Hannah Armstrong and Beth Meenaghan for completing their first 50’s (no miles were entered, just little notes in their submittals) and to Teresa Dixon and
EDRA In Motion – July & August 2026
Current Standings First, a quick apology for the delay in posting the July standings and commentary. I didn’t realize that Sophia had an exceptionally busy August. Going forward, I will continue to send both the standings file and the corresponding commentary to Sophia, but I will also post the file and commentary onto the EDRA Facebook page. July featured a wide variety of water-based activities in the EDRA in Motion Challenge. Katherine Poe, Marlene Poe, and Teresa Dixon enjoyed kayaking, while others reported time spent fishing. A particularly memorable update came from Kendal Ingraham, whose GPS had difficulty tracking her walking distance aboard a cruise ship to Alaska. She ultimately determined that eight laps around the upper deck equaled one mile – loved it!
Education & More
Arena Work for Endurance Riding
With the winter weather acting up, I haven’t been able to hit the trails for a while. One particular challenge for me is that while I might be having a great, sunny day at approx. 300ft elevation, my trailheads at 1800ft elevation have vastly different weather and the 3 miles in between can be treacherous so… no trails. Luckily, we’ve been able to maintain regular riding thanks to access to a local indoor arena, especially since I rely on giving horse lessons to make ends meet. Generally speaking, we hit up the arena 2-3 times per week. Most of my younger students ride Vinnie with close supervision, while my older students have grown to love Zorro and ride fairly independently. Both horses have pretty light walk/trot work
Forward Progress During Winter
As I sit by the fireplace watching snow fall, I can’t help but think, “how in the world am I going to be ready for the first endurance ride of the season?”. If you know me, you know I really really love planning. My plans change every other week, but I think I have my early season stuff pretty solidified. Winter presents unique challenges for us endurance riders. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and adverse weather conditions can make training difficult. However, maintaining forward progress during the winter is crucial to ensuring that both you and your horse are prepared for the upcoming ride season if you’d like to begin your season early (April or May, as opposed to July/August). The key to success is finding the right balance between rest
Setting Realistic Goals
Submitted by EDRA member Emilee Randal Setting Realistic Goals for Your Endurance Season When I first started endurance riding, my dreams were big— why wouldn’t they be? I’d spent hours scrolling through photos of riders crossing iconic finish lines and imagined myself achieving the same milestones. But as any endurance rider will tell you, this sport has a way of humbling you. That first, second, and third (especially the third, aka 2024) season taught me a valuable lesson: success in endurance isn’t just about determination; it’s about setting realistic goals that honor both your abilities and your horse’s well-being. Now, as the new season approaches, I want to share what I’ve learned about goal-setting, especially for ambitious novice riders eager to dive into this challenging