There is also UMECRA (Upper Midwest Endurance & Competitive Rides
Association) and MnDRA (Minnesota Distance Riders Association). I know
both organizations have started giving versatility awards since our rides
combine Endurance, LD, and CTR, plus several rides in Wisconsin have started
Distance Driving also. We also have awards for the oldest horses
competing. I have considered sponsoring a Turtle Award, with the rider who
comes in last at the most rides in Minnesota getting something...and it would be
something really nice, since I would probably win it! I was also thinking
of starting the "Cheers" Award (named after my own horse, because his other
name..."Devil's Spawn" might not work), which would be the opposite of the
Pardners Award. The person who puts up with the worst, most difficult,
pain-in-the-butt horse gets a prize. People will have to submit
testimonials from vets and fellow riders, and the rider must have dealt with the
horse for at least 5 years :-P.
