About UMECRA
The Upper Midwest Endurance and Competitive Rides Association (UMECRA) is a distance riding organization which sanctions endurance and competitive rides. All our endurance rides are also sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Converence (AERC).
In a typical year UMECRA will sanction roughly 40 such events throughout the states of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Most of our endurance rides are 50 miles in length although there are a number of 100 - mile - in - one - day rides as well. There are also limited distance endurance rides of 25-35 miles.
Competitive rides are ridden within a set time period at speeds of 5 1/2 to 7 miles per hour. Most are 25-30 miles in length although there are some three-day 100 milers and others of varying lengths.
Horses are scored by veterinarians on such factors as pulse, respiration, soundness, fatigue and attitude. Horsemanship is not judged. Most of our rides are on state or county trails although some traverse private lands. Road riding is kept to a minimum.
At all rides awards are given to top six placings in heavyweight, lightweight and junior divisions. Everyone who finishes receives a completion award.
Top eight year- end awards are given in both endurance and competitive for their respective age or weight divisions. There are also awards for restricted mileage riders, rookies, high point family, top horse mileage and others.