DRM: Distance Riders of Manitoba

What do we look at in a vet check?
We'll be exploring the different areas of a vet check in this series.
Today, let's talk about gut sounds.

When doing a vet check, the vet will hold a stethoscope to the horse's flanks in 2 different spots to listen to all 4 quadrants of the guts. This helps assess if the horse is dehydrated or if their electrolytes need adjusted. Active guts with lots of noises are a good sign!

Want to learn more about distance riding? Check out our to Distance Riding Clinic - Spruce Woods Park

What do we look at in a vet check?
We'll be exploring the different areas of a vet check in this series.
Today, let's talk about Mucus membranes and capillary refill.

These are 2 things evaluated with the horse's mouths. The vet lifts up a lip and applies gentle pressure to the horse's gums. They are both feeling for how slick the gums are and also seeing how quickly the pink color returns to the gums.

Want to learn more about distance riding? Check out our Intro to Distance Riding Clinic - Spruce Woods Park

We know we just finished a weekend of endurance riding, but it's never too soon to think about the next ride.

Join us in spectacular Spruce Woods park for a weekend of riding at the Woods Hidden Trails Endurance Ride
June 27 & 28, 2026
Register here: https://forms.gle/YbzXd7oRbQRd6rrXA

Negative coggins required.

Late fees apply to registrations received after Sunday, June 20th.
Registration closes Wednesday, June 24 at 11:59 pm.

Saturday:
10/15 Mile Intro Division
25 Mile Limited Distance
50 Mile Endurance
Sunday:
10/15 Mile Intro Division
25 Mile Limited Distance
50 Mile Endurance

Ride Manager: Chelsea Ashton
Trail Marker: Chelsea Ashton
Vet: Dr. Glenn Sinclair
Sanctioning: AERC

DRM Ride Registration form Please fill out one form per rider. To complete this form you will need: Your horse's negative Coggins within 6 months of the ride American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) numbers for you and the horse(s) you are riding if you are an AERC member Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) number or equivalent fro...

What do we look at in a vet check?

We'll be exploring the different areas of a vet check in this series.
Today, let's talk about trot outs.

This is also a huge part of the vet check. Although this is used to asses the obvious issues of lameness, it is also used to help identify and address issues like minor metabolic concerns where a change in electrolytes can allow a horse to finish strong.

Want to learn more about distance riding? Check out our Intro to Distance Riding Clinic - Spruce Woods Park

Last call for registrations for the Hill Boogie Endurance Ride ! Registrations close tonight at 11:59 pm

Negative coggins required for this ride.
Register here:

DRM Ride Registration form Birds Hill Please fill out one form per rider. To complete this form you will need: Your horse's negative Coggins within 6 months of the ride American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) numbers for you and the horse(s) you are riding if you are an AERC member Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) number or equivalent fro...

What do we look at in a vet check?

We'll be exploring the different areas of a vet check in this series.
Today, let's talk heart rate.

This is likely the most talked about component as it is relatively easy to get an accurate read with limited training. It is also a quick way to test a horse's fitness.
How long does it take your horse's heart rate to get under 60 BPM after a training ride?

At an endurance ride, the pulse criteria is usually 60 or 64 BPM depending on the distance you're riding.

Want to learn more about distance riding? Check out our Intro to Distance Riding Clinic - Spruce Woods Park

Last chance to save on late fees for the Hill Boogie Endurance Ride! Registrations received after 11:59 pm tonight are subject to late fees.

Registrations close Wednesday June 3rd at 11:59 pm

Negative coggins required for this ride.
Register here:

DRM Ride Registration form Birds Hill Please fill out one form per rider. To complete this form you will need: Your horse's negative Coggins within 6 months of the ride American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) numbers for you and the horse(s) you are riding if you are an AERC member Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) number or equivalent fro...

Join us in spectacular Spruce Woods park for a day of learning about endurance riding at our Intro to Distance Riding Clinic - Spruce Woods Park

Register here: https://forms.gle/BfDxiZyhJ6doBwRFA

The clinic is going to run from about 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
The cost is $20 per attendee, this will include lunch however, if you want to do an intro ride at our event the following Sunday, the clinic is free with purchase of that entry. However we still need you to fill out the form so that we know who is coming.
Topics covered in the morning will focus on rules and general info you need to be successful at your first ride this will include things like:
* how to present for the vet
* what the vet is looking for at that check
* camping with your horse
* how to follow our trail markings
* useful apps
* how to cool out your horse
* conditioning strategies.
Then after lunch there will be approx. 5 mile trail ride for those who bring horses or a short easy walk to follow for those without horses so you can become comfortable with the trail marking system.
This clinic is kid friendly!! We will have the kids off in another group doing age appropriate activities to help them learn the basics of endurance riding.

Sprucewoods Clinic Registration form Please fill out one form per rider. To complete this form you will need the following if you are bringing a horse: Your horse's negative Coggins within 6 months of the ride Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) number or equivalent from another province The clinic can be completed without a horse, we will ha...

The Birds Hill Boogie Endurance Ride is only 10 days away! Get your entries in today!

Negative coggins required for this ride.
Register here:

DRM Ride Registration form Birds Hill Please fill out one form per rider. To complete this form you will need: Your horse's negative Coggins within 6 months of the ride American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) numbers for you and the horse(s) you are riding if you are an AERC member Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) number or equivalent fro...