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
EDRA In Motion – May 2026
Current Standings Squeak, squeak, squeak. Some of you slid your mileage in just before the deadline tackled you to the ground—you know who you are . I’d planned to download the data Tuesday morning, but life tossed in a plot twist when a close high school friend needed a helping hand. So instead of downloading the data on the 16th, I got it on the 17th—which means you can all send Betty a thank-you card for the extra day of mercy! A few of you still missed the deadline, but I do understand that life gets crowded—leadership duties, work demands, other priorities… or perhaps an unexpected herd of reindeer at the gate? (Sorry Sophia McKee, I simply could not resist.) We’re so
Legacy of Smiles Virtual Silent Auction – Donations Requested
The Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA) Board of Directors is proud to announce the Legacy of Smiles Virtual Silent Auction benefiting the Mary & Anna Memorial Youth Fund. Established in memory of Mary Nunn and Anna Sampson, the Mary & Anna Memorial Youth Fund helps kids participate in distance riding events by covering 50% of eligible ride entry fees. Since its creation, the fund has contributed toward more than 1,000 ride entries for minors at endurance events throughout the Pacific Northwest. To help support this important work, EDRA will host an online silent auction in August. Bidding will be open to both EDRA members and the broader endurance and equestrian communities. The final schedule is still under development, but we anticipate the audit
EDRA In Motion – April 2026
Quarter 1 Standings Feisty. Dedicated. That’s how participants in the 2026 EDRA in Motion Challenge kicked off the first quarter. The group is smaller than in past years, but it’s full of energy and enthusiasm. From January through March, participants logged mileage at a pace above our historical average. Over the past six years, we’ve averaged about 88 miles per participant per month. This year’s group is already averaging more than 100 miles per participant per month—and most participants have already met the Completion Award requirement by reaching 100+ miles for the year. The 2026 standings are now posted on the EDRA website. And if you want a copy of the actual Excel file, with all of the data, let me know. Here
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