ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN endurance and limited distance events are recognized at the annual convention put on by the Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides, Inc. The convention is set this year for Jan. 30-31.
ENDURANCE RIDING is a unique equine event in which horse and rider teams compete over distances of 50 to 100 miles in one day. Limited distance events are 20 to 35 mile rides completed in one day.
Area horse enthusiasts who enjoy trail riding, enjoy riding in new areas, like camping with their horse and feel like hanging out with like-minded people and talking about horses will likely be interested in the upcoming Endurance Rides Convention.
This year, the annual convention, put on by Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides, will be held Fri.-Sat., Jan. 30-31, at the Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel, 8235 NE Airport Way, Portland. The public is welcome to attend all events.
Started back in the early 1970s, the convention will offer:
• A class to allow participants to learn how to use their Garmin GPS for tracking while riding on the trails.
• A Yoga for Riders class.
• Roundtable discussions about how to pack a vet bag, trailering to rides, etc.
• A class on the balanced rider, and more.
There will also be a panel of experienced endurance riders who can answer questions.
During the event, there will also be a free trade show and used tack sale and a saddle sale. Education is an important component of the weekend with speakers on a variety of sport horse-related subjects.
There is a small fee to attend the speakers, which includes both days. Shopping is available at the free trade show, open to the public Fri., Jan. 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat., Jan. 31, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The used tack sale will be open concurrently with the trade show and the used saddle sale will be Saturday only.
Attendees will have plenty of opportunities to visit and swap horse stories. Friday and Saturday evenings will feature the annual year end awards celebrating the accomplishments of Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides’ members. The weekend culminates on Saturday with a banquet and dance. Those attending the convention who wish to stay at the Sheraton Hotel over the weekend can also get a discounted price on rooms, $99 per night.
Endurance riding is a unique equine event in which horse and rider teams compete over distances of 50 to 100 miles in one day. Limited distance events are 20 to 35 mile rides completed in one day. Accomplishments in endurance and limited distance events are recognized at the annual convention.
For more information on the annual convention and to see a schedule of events/speakers, visit www.pner.net or www.nwrides.org. For additional information, call (360) 903-9231.
