Members of two, not well-known groups will be doing what they love Saturday and Sunday in the name of fun and competitiveness.

Around 30 horse riders will be hitting the trails this weekend near Manitou for the Pembina Valley Shale Shuffle. It's the 1st endurance and competitive trail ride in Manitoba this year for the Distance Riders of Manitoba and its sister club, the Manitoba Trail Riding Club.
    
Chelsea Ashton is a member of the Distance Riders of Manitoba.  She said there are two components to the event, some riders will be out just for the enjoyment and to check out new trails for riding, while others are also competing.

A horse gets checked by a vet during the 2016 Shale ShuffleThere are various trail length options for riders to choose from, ranging from 10 miles to 50 miles.  "The trails are fairly well marked," said Ashton.  "They are usually quad or cattle trails. Depending on the different areas, it should be fairly easy to make it through."

Ashton explained the distance riders take part in the "race" component of the event.  "Whoever finishes first and their horse pulses down and passes the vet check, wins.  In competitive trail, you have a premium kind of a goal of a time.  The people that come in the closest to that time, plus the vet checks combined with the points they're awarded for their horse's behaviour, all dictate who wins in competitive trail."

Horses are checked by a vet prior to the ride as well as at checkpoints throughout the ride, and at the end to ensure they are still in condition to continue.  "Horse welfare is the number one guideline and rule.  So if there is anything wrong with your horse, you are not allowed to continue."

Long-distance rides like the Shale Shuffle take place all over the world.  Ashton said riders can use these events to advance to the world stage of competitive riding.

This event and all of their events are open to anybody who enjoys trail riding.  She said you don't have to be competitive to be a part of it, noting there are pleasure options that are done at your own pace.  "It's also super affordable, and it all includes vet checks, so you know what's going on with your horse. It's just nice to get out with friends and possibly family and see different areas you may not get to ride through on a general basis."

Ashton expects riders from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, North and South Dakota, and possibly Minnesota to make the trek this weekend.
    
Other events this summer will take place at Birds Hill Park, the Souris Bend Trail, Spruce Woods, and Belair Forest north of Winnipeg.

Riders show off their ribbons