The Distance Riding New Zealand (DRNZ) committee are very excited to announce that we have been approached about running events in the South Island and we are looking forward to working with interested parties to add some new events to our calendar.

Obviously in these uncertain times due to the Covid-19 situation it is hard to make firm plans around event dates at this stage but we wanted to advise of our intention and raise even more interest. The prospect of DRNZ extending it’s family to the South Island is something to really look forward to. DRNZ prides itself on its friendly, helpful culture and is considered to be one big family by those who have experienced what DRNZ has to offer.

What is Distance Riding New Zealand?

Distance Riding New Zealand has been running very successfully in the North Island now for 3 seasons. It has been created by a group of passionate and experienced riders and has seen an impressive growth with over 120 members this season, and great entries at all levels. We offer distance riding events from lead rein and grassroots to multi-day marathons. We promote a welcoming, inclusive and fun culture with simple and sensible rules, while maintaining high standards of horse welfare.

You can enter any Intro level event (up to and including 40km) as a non-member, but becoming a member is very cost effective. 

Membership costs $60 for the season for adults and $45 for youth riders. It allows you to enter longer distances and Enduro classes (with appropriate qualifications). It also makes you eligible for season awards, championship classes and lifetime distance awards. It will reduce your entry fee by $10. Horse registration is a one off $30 fee, (you do not have to re-register your horse every season) and we will even recognise horse and rider qualifications from other organisations. We have standard entry fees across all events and there is no need to join any other club or organisation to enter DRNZ events. There are also more exciting membership benefits to be announced shortly.

DRNZ prides itself on its simple structure where all the income from entry fees, registrations and memberships etc, go straight back into the running of quality events and developing our infrastructure/resources to benefit all our riders, organisers and volunteers. 

To find out more about DRNZ and what it can offer you please contact DRNZ President Mark Tylee on 0274895493 or marktylee@hotmail.com, visit our website http://www.distanceridingnewzealand.co.nz/    

find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DistanceRidingNewZealand/      

or join our community group https://www.facebook.com/groups/distanceridingnewzealand/

To find out more about what is planned for the South Island or to offer any assistance please contact Marc Swain on 0275030035 or trimforu@gmail.com 

Your DRNZ Committee

Article added: Monday 20 April 2020