The Canadian Long Distance Riding Association (CaLDRA) is an affiliated member of Equine Canada, and is the governing and coordinating body for the distance riding sports of Competitive Trail and Ride & Tie in Canada.

The sport of Distance Riding was introduced into Canada in the mid 1960’s and as a direct result, CaLDRA was formed in 1983 to oversee the development of guidelines designed to provide a standardized format with veterinary controls.

On May 27, 1985 CaLDRA became incorporated as a federal company, and registered with Revenue Canada as an Amateur Athletic Association.

Aims & Objectives

• To promote amateur athletics in the form of long distance riding, on a National Basis
• To educate horse owners, clubs, judges, etc., on the selection, care, training and conditioning of horses, horsemanship, sportsmanship, and judging.
• To establish a minimum standard for competitions and ensure that they are run humanely to avoid cruelty and suffering to horses.
• To compile a list of qualified Canadian veterinarians, lay judges, heart rate technicians and technical advisors who are familiar with long distance competitions.
• To aid in the development, preparation and selection of qualified Canadian representatives for National competition.

Competitive Trail Riding

Competitive Trail Riding tests the conditioning and fitness of a horse competing over a specific distance within a set time and averaging a set speed; the winner being the horse incurring the least penalties.

At veterinary checks before the ride, at intervals during and at the end of each event, the horses are evaluated for Metabolic and Mechanical fitness and assessed penalties for any reduction below established normal criteria.

 The trail is specifically marked over natural terrain. The set average speed is calculated between 6 and 8 mph depending upon the terrain and the weather. Each rider is started at intervals and given a minimum and maximum time to complete the course without incurring time penalties. 

Competitions offered by Provincial organizations frequently provide relatively short Training Rides to introduce new riders to the sport or for those starting new horses. These are also frequently enjoyed by older riders and horses.

Novice and Open rides can range from 20 to 50 miles, these latter have weight divisions. Distances are completed in one day or may be part of a two or three day competition. 

Championship events at the National level are a minimum of 40 miles in one day, or 80-90 miles over 2 days. Usually held in conjunction with the Championships are other Novice, Intermediate or Open Competitive Trail competitions. 

Ride & Tie Events

Ride & Tie Events have been in existence for almost 30 years, but until fairly recently were relatively unknown. Attracting teams of all ages, these events are becoming more popular all the time. Combining trail running, endurance riding, and most of all strategy, a team consists of two humans and one horse.

Veterinary checks are mandatory for horses both before, at intervals during, and at the end of each competition to evaluate ability to continue and insure humane treatment. 

Teams follow a specific marked course over natural terrain in a leapfrog manner; the objective being, to get all three team members over the course by alternating riding and running.

At the start, one team member will be running and the other riding the horse. The riding partner goes down the trail to a point they think their partner can successfully reach. Dismounting they tie the horse to a tree or equally safe alternative and continue down the trail on foot. When the team member who started on foot reaches the horse, he/she unties it, mounts, and rides to catch their partner up ahead. Upon reaching their running team mate they can either, stop and exchange, or ride further up the trail, tie the horse, and continue running. When, where and how a team exchanges is up to them and this is where the strategy lies. The only stipulation being that whoever rides into a veterinary check point leaves on foot and vice versa.

 There is no minimum time limit and placing is awarded according to the order of finishing; calculated when all three members of each team have crossed the finish line.

Introductory Ride & Tie events can be as short as 6 miles with Intermediate distances of 10 miles or more. Currently at the National level the Championship distance is 20 miles and at the International level distances can be much longer.