Distance Riders Association of Wisconsin
Nicole Herrmann
The sky decided to part between savage storms, and allowed us a beautiful, bright sunny day to hold our distance riding clinic at “The Ranch” in Oakfield, WI on February 16th.
This year’s attendees kept us on our toes with never-ending enthusiasm and questions! They were truly a refreshing group that seemed to have a passion for their horses, and the “yearn to learn” about the sport. Many new friendships were made throughout the day!
All topics one needed to know to get started in distance riding, were discussed. Definitions of ride options, conditioning, feeding, farrier options, tack, clothing suggestions, and crewing were shared, which lasted right up to lunch, where sloppy joe’s, assorted sides, and numerous desserts were enjoyed. . .and enjoyed again.
After lunch vet expectations, and what a rider can expect at the first ride were discussed. The clinic finished up with Dr. Wes Elford, DVM, talking participants through a mock trot out, and vet check. Stethoscopes were brought out to check for pulse and respirations, which are a key part of conditioning, and distance riding overall. With such excited “newbies”, we decided to try and get together for a conditioning ride before the season starts. I can’t wait!!
Our awards luncheon was held on February 24th at Chissy’s Pub and Grill in Waldo, WI. Award choices for 2007 were either an embroidered rump rug, which is important to keep those big, equine rump muscles warm during cool weather, or a locket where one could keep a lock of their favorite horse’s hair, or maybe even a picture.
In addition to our awards, we took the time to discuss some ideas that came up since our last annual meeting. One idea we decided to implement for the 2008 season, is to add a novice division to our yearend awards! Although, we have always promoted the novice rides, we now will offer a novice division for new riders to compete in.
The novice division, which is a ride 10-15 miles long, is a great place to start a new horse for veteran riders, or simply a comfortable place for aspiring distance riders to “test the waters” of the sport. This division will allow members to compete for yearend awards by completing at least four WI novice rides. Novice rides are guided by an experienced distance rider so new riders are able to ride, compete, learn about pacing and ask questions. What a great “hands-on” learning opportunity, all while you are earning points towards yearend awards! All four DRAW rides will have at least one novice ride available.
With eleven WI rides on our Midwest schedule this year, and numerous novice rides available, now is the perfect time to try something different, and get into distance riding!
DRAW promotes camaraderie, good sportsmanship, and the overall health and good fitness of our equine friends. All ages of riders, and a variety of horse breeds are successfully completing miles and miles of trails around the state.
The first WI ride is fast approaching, and conditioning should be underway. If you’re looking to try something new, and are interested in getting more information, are in need of support from a great group of people, or want to join us for our newbie conditioning ride, contact Nicole at 920.918.9669
Do something different! Do distance riding!!