REVISED: November 2007 Note: the yellow highlights show the rewording and changes that have been revised from 2006

COGGINS TEST

      MOTDRA Requires an annual negative Coggins’ test for all animals entered in a MOTDRA Sanctioned ride,

 MEMBERSHIP

1.     There will be a membership fee of $20.00 single (adult or junior) or $30.00 per family per year. Paid up members in good standing will be eligible for the various awards offered by MOTDRA. The membership year runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31 of each year.

2.     Non-members will be required to pay a $10.00 fee beyond ride fees at MOTDRA CTR Rides.  This fee will be collected by the ride managers and be turned over to the club.

 ENDURANCE TRAIL RIDES

      1. All endurance rides sponsored or sanctioned by MOTDRA shall also be sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), and be subject to the rules and requirements of that organization.

      2. For MOTDRA approval, any additional requirements as deemed necessary for the protection of competing animals, riders, ride management, workers, local land owners, etc. may be added.

      3. The primary concern of MOTDRA, as with AERC, is that the horse be “fit to continue” without undue pain or danger to his/her health.

      4. Whenever possible, endurance ride managers shall award appropriate prizes for each AERC weight and or age division, plus best conditioned horse, plus first to finish. Completion awards shall also be presented to all competitors who meet the time and condition requirements.

      5. A MOTDRA approved endurance ride may also sponsor or stage a championship endurance ride for a specific breed, either in conjunction with a regular season ride, or as a separate event.

      6. For MOTDRA sanctioning, the endurance ride manager will be charged $20.00 per event  to be paid to MOTDRA.  This fee must be paid before the date of the event

       7. Junior riders must wear protective headgear while mounted.

      Suggested change: Approved

      8. MOTDRA recommends having trail maps available for all riders.

 COMPETITIVE TRAIL RIDES

      Competitive Trail Ride Purpose: Whereas an endurance ride rewards the horse who covers the miles in the fastest time while still remaining in “fit-to-continue” veterinary condition, a competitive trail ride has a different goal. A competitive trail horse must complete a specific distance within a specific minimum and maximum time. A MOTDRA competitive trail horse is, above all, well conditioned and fit, physically sound and metabolically healthy. Other qualities can and do affect a horse during a ride, but are not specifically judged, as they will be reflected in the horse’s condition at the end of the ride. Such desirable attributes include a cooperative and responsive nature, the ability to safely negotiate various types of natural terrain and obstacles, and a willingness to be rated at different speeds for optimal use of available energy.

MOTDRA scoring compares the start to the finish condition of each horse.

 Penalties are given for the assessed declined value 

  1. QUALIFICATION AND ENTRY

      1.1 All MOTDRA-approved competitive trail rides are open to any breed of equine or mule. In addition, a Championship competitive trail ride for a specific breed may be held, either in conjunction with a regular season ride or as a separate event.

      1.2 A competing animal must be at least 3 years of age (36 months by registration) to enter the Limited             Distance (no more than 15 miles), 4 years of age (48 months by registration) to enter a ride up to 30 miles and 5 years of age ( 60 months by registration) for a longer distance ride. In the cases of non registered animals, the ride veterinarian’s opinion shall prevail.

      1.3 Junior riders are those riders under 18 years of age.  A junior rider must have a liability from signed by his/her parent or legal guardian, along with the signature of the sponsor taking responsibility for the junior.  Protective headgear is required when mounted.

      1.4 Junior riders must be able to manage and control their own animals. Limited Distance juniors may be ponied for completion only and must start at the back of the group.

      1.5 Children under 14 years of age shall not be left in camp without supervision. Although families and   children are welcome on MOTDRA rides, ride management and / or personnel shall not be responsible for unattended children.

      1.6 A Junior rider who has reached 16 years of age and has ridden a total of 300 miles in the MOTDRA Mileage Program may declare himself a senior rider.  A Declared Senior Rider may ride without a sponsor and will continue to compete in the senior divisions. Once a senior, always a senior. A ride Manager may disregard this ruling if there are safety concerns for that particular ride and ask the Declared Senior Rider to ride with a sponsor.

 2. JUDGING AND MANAGEMENT

      2.1 The veterinary judge must be a licensed veterinarian. Out of state vets are permitted to judge. The licensed vet judge will evaluate all competing animals at each stage of a ride, and do all examinations required for scoring. The vet judge cannot be a contestant in the ride. Pulse teams can operate under the supervision of a vet judge. Except for mileage credit only, a veterinarian may not judge his/her own animal, or the one owned by a member of his/her immediate family.

      2.2 The ride veterinarian shall be at each vet check to observe all competing animals when ever possible. His/her decision in all matters concerning a competing animal is final.

      2.3 A separate treatment veterinarian shall be on call for any emergencies.

      2.4 Starting order shall be up to the individual ride manager. It is suggested that riders start individually at 30-60 second intervals, or in small groups of not more than 10.

      2.5 Recommended pace is 5 to 7 miles per hour, with actual time allowed to be determined by ride management and veterinarian before the ride and announced at the rider briefing. A 30-minute “window” for open division and 15-minute window for limited distance is recommended for completion, with points deducted for finishing over or under that time. Rate of penalty is one point per minute for a one day ride and ½ point per minute for multi-day rides. A rider who finishes more that 45 minutes beyond the maximum time allowed will not be awarded completion credit.

     2.6 Ride management may elect to use the elevator concept for a ride, wherein the initial entry is for the first day only of a multi-day ride. At the post ride vet check on that first day the rider decides whether to stop and be eligible for mileage and awards for a one day ride or to forfeit that day’s awards and continue in competition for another day. An extra entry fee may be assessed for each additional day, payable before the start of that extra day.

             A. If the animal does not complete the additional day for what ever reason, the previous day’s mileage shall be counted as a completion for mileage credits only.

             B. For the purpose of points, etc. the number of total entries as well as the number of entries in each division shall be counted from the first day of an elevator ride, i.e., if 10 riders start the first day, but only 5 elect to compete for a second day, then 10 entries are credited for that division for both days and points are credited accordingly.

        2.7 A competitive ride manager may choose to include a limited distance for beginning riders and/or animals in conjunction with the regular ride. It shall be approximately 15 miles in distance but will not be applicable to the elevator ride concept. It will count in the MOTDRA mileage program. Because the limited distance is a good place for new riders to start, they will be allowed two exceptions to the regular rules:

             A. They can accept assistance during the ride ( i.e. vetting in, etc. )

             B. If they miss trail and are unable to return to the missed spot and finish the ride, they will not be disqualified, but instead will be eligible for completion only.             

             C. If they miss a pulse check due to missing part of the trail they will be disqualified but will be allowed a courtesy vet check back in camp to make sure the horse is OK.

      2.8 It is recommended that horses cover at least 10 miles before the first pulse check.

        All riders must complete the course as marked, in the correct direction, with loops in the correct order. In the case of a missed portion of the trail a rider may return via horseback to the point of deviation and ride the remainder of the course correctly.

     While cutting trail is subject to disqualification, a ride manager may award completion credit only for unusual and inadvertent circumstances.

 3. DIVISIONS AND AWARDS

      3.1 Recommended divisions are juniors (under 18, no weight requirement), lightweight, and heavyweight. A middleweight division may be added if enough entries warrant. Rider and tack must be weighed before the ride. Entries will be divided as evenly as possible into the various divisions.

      3.2 A completion award shall be presented to all contestants who qualified in addition to an award for the top 6 places in each division. The highest scoring horse from all open divisions shall be declared the ride champion. The second highest scoring horse shall be named ride reserve champion. A ride manager may name a separate champion and reserve for the limited distance portion or present any other award category as desired without added percentage points. 

      3.3 If a horse finishes the required distance of a Competitive Trail Ride (CTR) within the specified time limits, but then requires any type of veterinary treatment, that horse is not eligible for any awards.  ALL RIDERS ARE URGED TO CONSIDER THE WELL BEING OF THEIR ANIMALS BEFORE THE VALUE OF ANY AWARD.

 4. COMPETITION RULES: Competition begins with the initial vet check and continues through the final vet check.

      4.1 Stallions shall wear a yellow ribbon in their tails. A horse that kicks must be identified with a red ribbon in the tail.

      4.2 If a horse enters a ride with a pre-existing injury, the injury may be covered with a topical medication after the official ride veterinarian has seen the uncovered injury and determined that participation in the ride will not cause additional damage, and that the injury and medication will not affect the performance of the animal.

      4.3 No drugs of any kind or type may be administered to a competing animal within 96 hours of the pre-ride vet exam. MOTDRA reserves the right to test any animal. Refusal of permission for testing shall result in horse and rider disqualification. Appropriate penalties shall be at the discretion of the MOTDRA board of          directors.

      4.4 The use of water at any time is permitted unless restricted by ride management. You may sponge or pour water on your horse however, hosing during any part of competition is not allowed.  Water carried on the trail may be used at any time. Insect repellents, electrolytes, and feed supplements are permitted however, ice, salt packs, liniments, bandages, splint boots, or any other protective boot that may cover the hairline on the horses hoof  are not allowed in normal competition. Horses may wear protective leg wraps if they are being ridden for completion miles only. Electrolytes may be administered in any form EXCEPT tubing or intravenously.

      4.5 Bandages, splint boots, etc. are not allowed in normal competition. Exception: leg protection is allowed for completion credit only. Any type of shoe and/or pad is permissible as is any type of humane tack or equipment.

      4.6 Hoof boots are allowed but must be removed before the final vet check unless they are below the hairline.

      4.7 A small portable corral or picket line is permitted, provided it is allowed by the local camp regulations. Extra precautions for stallions are recommended.

      4.8 Riders must remain mounted during any forward progress down the trail, but may dismount and rest themselves or their animals at any time, provided they do not advance. EXCEPTION if a shoe is lost, the rider may lead the animal to the nearest access point for a farrier.

      4.9 Pit crews shall not be allowed for competitive trail riders. Courtesies such as holding a horse or assisting in mounting are allowed, but actual care of the animal is the rider’s responsibility.

      4.10 Horses and riders are in competition as a team. Disqualification of one constitutes automatic disqualification of the other.

      4.11 A short riding whip no longer then 36 inches may be carried for in hand presentation of the animal, but may not be used to force a tired animal to trot for judging. Any other whips are not allowed.

      4.12 Trail maps indicating directions and mileage must be provided to all riders.

     4.13 A -   Open milers pulse check will be taken at 10 minutes from arrival at the check point.  Those ready for their 10 minutes pulse take priority over a courtesy check.

         Ride Managers may deduct points to any rider who is later than 10 minutes from arrival time.  Penalties will be assessed at a rate of ½ point per late minute.

 At 10 minutes from arrival if the pulse does not meet the required rate as announced at the riders briefing, a second check will be done 20 minutes after arrival but the 10 Minutes pulse will be the only pulse that is scored.

 A second check will be done 20 minutes after arrival.  This check must be taken by the veterinarian or head of Pulse crew in the vets absence. 

An animal that does not meet the required recovery in 20 minutes from arrival at the check point will be disqualified from further competition. 

 Mandatory hold time for the mid point check for open milers is 30 minutes.

All hold times start at arrival to the check point.

Riders are encouraged to take appropriate measures to insure well being of their horse.

 Exception: At the finish horses will be allowed 30 minutes from the finish time to reach required pulse recovery.

             4.13 B - Limited distance milers pulse checks will be taken at 10 minutes from arrival at the check point.  Those ready for their 10 minutes pulse take priority over a courtesy check.

         Ride Managers may deduct points to any rider who is later than 10 minutes from arrival time.  Penalties will be assessed at a rate of ½ point per late minute.

 At 10 minutes from arrival if the pulse does not meet the required rate as announced at the riders briefing, a second check will be done 15 minutes after arrival but the 10 Minutes pulse will be the only pulse that is scored.

 A second check will be done 20 minutes after arrival.  This check must be taken by the veterinarian or head of Pulse crew in the vets absence. 

An animal that does not meet the required recovery in 20 minutes from arrival at the check point will be disqualified from further competition. 

 Mandatory hold time for the mid point check for limited distance miles is 15 minutes.

All hold times start at arrival to the check point.

Riders are encouraged to take appropriate measures to insure well being of their horse.

 Exception: At the finish horses will be allowed 30 minutes from the finish time to reach required pulse recovery.

      4.14 Surprise pulse/stop and go checks may be taken and scored at ride management discretion. This will be announced at the ride meeting and 15 minutes will be added to total elapsed time.

      4.15 If a rider disagrees with the initial reading at a vet check, he/she may ask for a second check.  It must be done immediately.  The second check is recorded whether it is higher or lower.  If the pulse technician is using a hand held HRM, the monitor should be held on the horse for 15 seconds after the heart rate is obtained and then the pulse is recorded.

     4.17 A Cardiac Recovery Index (CRI) will be taken on every contestant immediately after the post ride 10 minute pulse check of each ride day.

      At the end of each ride day, the 10 minute pulse will be taken as usual. From there, the animal will go directly to the veterinarian for the CRI. It is recommended that a separate time keeper be available for this procedure.

      The vet will take the pulse, then the animal is trotted 125 feet away and 125 feet back (total of 250 feet). One minute (60 seconds) from the start of the trot, the pulse is taken again. Both counts are recorded but the information will be used only to break a tie.

      During the trot phase the veterinarian can evaluate such fatigue categories, as willingness, impulsion, etc. While waiting for the full 60 seconds the vet can also evaluate the metabolic categories such as capillary refill, mucous membranes, dehydration, etc. All of these values will be scored. After completion of the CRI, the animal and rider are free to continue cooling out as usual. They will be called for the final hands on portion of the judging at the ride manager’s discretion, but this will be at least 20 minutes from the time of the CRI.

  Ties will be broken by the veterinarian’s  decision utilizing information from the score sheet  such as CRI, lameness, metobolics, impusion and other information relevant to the equines well being.

       4.18 Score sheets should be checked for correct math and any errors brought to the immediate attention of ride management before leaving the campground.

      4.19 Behavior unbecoming a distance rider is grounds for immediate disqualification by the ride manager or veterinarian.

 5. SANCTIONING

      5.1 For MOTDRA sanctioning, the competitive ride manager will be charged $20.00 per ride, to be paid to MOTDRA before the date of the event.  Elevator rides are considered a 1 day ride.  It can be collected however the ride manager chooses. The ride must use MOTDRA scoring for CTR. The ride manger must be a member of MOTDRA.

 6. PROTESTS

      6.1 Any problems that may warrant an official protest must be brought to the attention of the ride manager within 20 minutes of completion awards, and before leaving the campground, so that all concerned parties may have a chance to speak. If the problem cannot be resolved at that time and the rider still feels a protest is in order, he or she must notify the ride manager in writing before leaving camp of his or her intent to file a formal protest.

       6.2 An official protest must be filed in writing within 8 days of the protested event and be accompanied by a $25.00 fee. The original shall be sent to the president of MOTDRA with a copy to the ride manager. All protests shall be decided by the MOTDRA board of directors, excluding any persons who may be directly involved with the protest. If sufficient BOD members are unavailable the president may appoint a Protest Committee for that particular incident. The $25.00 fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

AWARD AND RECOGNITION PROGRAMS 

 MOTDRA MILEAGE PROGRAM 

      1. The MOTDRA mileage program will record the mileage completed by a horse and / or rider on a life time        basis, as long as the member is enrolled in the program. Awards will be presented at appropriate intervals to properly enrolled individuals.  To enroll the rider must be a member of MOTDRA.

       2. The initial fee into the program is $10.00 for a horse or rider entry. One horse and rider together may be discounted to $15. Thereafter, an annual fee of $5 for each horse and each rider is required.  .  Any ride miles completed before enrollment in the mileage program may be bought back at a $5.00 per ride fee unless this is an initial enrolment.  On initial enrolment MOTDRA will count all MOTDRA back miles completed during that first year.  Any other ride miles that were completed within 18 months need to be bought for a $5.00 per ride fee, with documented proof, if the rider chooses to count them.

     3. It is required that any horse or rider in the program complete one MOTDRA-sanctioned ride per calendar year, any rider in the program enter or work a second MOTDRA-sanctioned ride per calendar year.

      4. Completion miles for any organizations’ sanctioned distance rides, either competitive or endurance, will count in the MOTDRA mileage program

             1st Recognition after            150 miles are completed

             2nd Recognition after           300 miles are completed

             3rd Recognition after            500 miles are completed

             4th Recognition after each 500 miles are completed there after. (1000, 1500, 2000, etc.)

      5. In order to record correct non-MOTDRA mileage, a report form furnished by MOTDRA, must be sent in to the mileage secretary by Dec. 1. All mileage turned in after Dec.1 shall be counted toward the following year.

      6. A MOTDRA ride manager and his/her animal will get mileage credits for the ride he/she manages.

  MOTDRA HIGH POINT PROGRAM

      1. The MOTDRA High Point Program will honor the highest scoring horse of each ride season. Appropriate prizes will be awarded to 1st through 4th places. 

 If three Junior Riders qualify their horses, a High Point Division will be presented to Junior Riders in a separate division.

       1.B  The MOTDRA limited distance High Point Program will honor the highest scoring LD horse of the ride season.  An appropriate prize will be awarded to only one horse with the highest points.  Only MOTDRA sanctioned LD miles will be counted.  LD endurance rides that are MOTDRA sanctioned will not be counted.  Open miles ridden will not be counted.

  (This award is sponsored by – Marjorie Vaughn)

       2. There is no fee for these programs, however only paid MOTDRA members are eligible.

             A. No back points will be counted, i.e., only those points accrued after the dues are paid in full will count.

             B. The horse must enter the designated MOTDRA benefit ride, plus whichever other rides the rider chooses.

 If a horse or rider is unable to compete in the benefit ride, the owner may work the ride (includes trail preparation before the actual ride date), or pay the full open division entry fee to keep the horse eligible for points.

              C. Only rides actually sanctioned with MOTDRA will count. See rule 5.1 of the General Rules.

              D. Each competitor must complete at least one MOTDRA sanctioned CTR and at least one MOTDRA Sanctioned Endurance Ride each year to qualify for high points.  (This applies when a MOTDRA Sanctioned Endurance Ride is available.)

             E.   Points will be counted according to the following table:

      Add 25% for Reserve Champion

These will be added to the placing points before completion points are added.

 All Ride Managers and Co-Manager’s points for that year will be averaged and given to them for their ride or rides they have managed.

 EXAMPLE:  Ride Managers year end Total Points Earned (divided by) Number of MOTDRA Sanctioned Rides for the year  =  Ride Managers Average Points to be given for the ride/rides managed.

MOTDRA TRAIL HORSE AWARD  
      This is a yearly award given to all horses currently enrolled in the mileage program that complete 2/3 of the available MOTDRA sanctioned miles or, 225 miles which ever is the least.  This includes the yearly benefit ride. Ride managers and their horses will be given credit in miles for the rides they manage. These miles will count toward the trail horse award.

 MOTDRA RIDE MANAGER AWARDS  
     This award will recognize all Ride Managers for the current competitive year.

 BUTTERSCOTCH AWARD  
      1. This will be presented each year to the MOTDRA rider who has accumulated the most miles on MOTDRA sanctioned rides in that year. If multiple riders accumulate identical mileage, multiple awards will be presented.

      2. Miles completed before membership dues are paid will not count.

      3. This award is sponsored by Patti and Sam Crawford. Any changes to this award will be determined by the sponsor.

 CARRIE MARIE AWARD
         1. To be given to the horse who, in its first year of long distance riding competition, has earned the most points at any distance during the current competition year. The horse, owned by an active member, must have entered and completed a minimum of two approved MOTDRA events. Points will be accrued on the same basis as is used for all other MOTDRA awards. Ties will be broken by flipping a coin to determine the winner of the material award, but will be reported

in the newsletter, etc., as equal ties. If no horse is eligible, the award will be carried over to the next competitive year.

      2. Points accrued before membership dues are paid will not count.

      3. This award is sponsored by Dwight and Marybelle Cooper. Any changes to this award will be determined by the sponsor.

 BOB CLUTTER AWARD
      1. This award is in recognition of the MOTDRA member who, because of various reasons, chooses to work MOTDRA sanctioned rides, instead of riding those rides.

      2. It will be awarded to the member who works the most MOTDRA sanctioned rides in the competition ride year. This will be determined by each ride manager creating a list of workers to be handed in to Pat Gifford and by sending a list of workers to the newsletter to be printed.

      3. This award is sponsored by Pat and Doug Gifford. Any changes to this award will be determined by the          sponsors.

All ride managers need to send a worker list to the newsletter editor.

 STARMAN AWARD
   This award will be given to the grade (non-registered) horse that completes the most MOTDRA-sanctioned miles in a ride year. If two or more horses have the same mileage, the award will go to the horse with the highest points, using the MOTDRA high-point system.

This award is sponsored by Chris Anton at BayRab Acres.

  JUNIOR RIDER AWARD

   These two awards are sponsored by Larry and Bev Chesnut and Soft Touch Pet Grooming.  One will go the one MOTDRA member under 18 who earns the most miles in limited distance.  The second award will go to one MOTDRA member under 18 who earns the most miles in the open division.  Tie breaker will be determined by the junior with the most points in their division.

  REVISED: November 2007 Note: the yellow highlights show the rewording and changes that have been revised from 2006

MOTDRA Bylaws

ARTICLE I Title and Purpose      Revised 2/2002

Section 1: Title: The name of the organization shall be the Middle of the Trail Distance Riders Association (MOTDRA), Inc. a nonprofit organization. The official address of organization is located at: 3322 N.W. Rochester Rd., Topeka KS.

Section 2: Membership is open to riders of all ages.

Section 3: The Object and Purpose: To promote and develop knowledge in the care, training and breeding of quality long distance horses. Long term use of the horse is of primary importance.

To promote an interest and educate the public in the recreational benefits of the use and/or ownership of horses for distance riding purposes.
 
To promote friendly relationships with organizations and individuals of similar interests.

To coordinate and/or help organize various distance riding competitions, both endurance and competitive, for the benefit of all horse people, and to establish uniform requirements and rules to govern such competitions.

To provide a master organization in our geographical area to maintain records of the competitions.

To provide a rider and/or horse mileage program for all members.

To do everything possible to achieve the above objectives, providing it is not unlawful and is in keeping with the tradition of good distance riding practices.

ARTICLE II Membership

Section 1: Membership: Applications for membership shall be made to the secretary. Single memberships are for individuals. Family membership includes spouses of members and their children under 18 years of age.

Section 2: Dues and fees: A yearly charge of $30.00 for a family or $20.00 for individual (adult or junior) memberships will be made. Dues for the coming year are due by February l of that year. Failure to pay dues automatically deprives the person in default of his or her membership, voting privileges and privileges of the organization.

Section 3: Transfer of membership: Membership in the Middle of the Trail Distance Riders Association is not transferable or refundable.
 
ARTICLE III Meetings

Section 1: The annual meeting of the members of this organization shall be at such place as the Board of Directors may designate. It shall be held in January of each year. At such annual meeting, the members present shall elect, by ballot, by simple majority, the officers and directors provided for in the bylaws and transact other business that may come before the meeting.

Section 2: Special meetings shall be called when deemed necessary by the president or upon the written request of 10 members in good standing. Business transacted at special meetings shall be restricted to those items of business indicated in the notice of such meetings.

Section 3: In all matters requiring the vote of the members only those members in good standing may vote. If it is a family membership, it will be limited to 2 adults’ (18 and over) votes for the entire family.

Section 4: Notice of annual and special meetings shall be given to members stating the date, time and place of these meetings with one months notice for the annual meeting and five days for special meetings.

ARTICLE IV Officers and Duties

Section 1: A person being elected to one of the five main offices (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Points Secretary) of the Middle of the Trail Distance Riders Association must be a member in good standing at least two years before becoming an officer.

Section 2: President: Will be chief executive officer of the organization and shall preside over all meetings including the meetings of the Board of Directors. He/she shall enforce the bylaws, rules and regulations of the organization, or see that they are enforced. The president shall only vote if there is a tie.

Section 3: Vice President: In the absence of the president shall have the powers and perform the duties of the president. He/she will maintain the association’s ride supplies, i e. time cards, vet score sheets, placing ribbons, etc.

Section 4: Secretary: Shall record minutes of all meetings and send a copy to the newsletter for membership review. He/she shall be custodian of all documents and records of the association. He/she, or a designated representative, will file the annual incorporation documents

Section 5: Treasurer: Shall collect all monies due the association and disburse the same, but disbursements shall be only in payment of itemized demands after the approval and order of the board of directors. He/she shall account for all monies received and disbursed by him/her by itemized statement at each annual meeting of the board; and he/she shall account to the board of directors upon demand. He/she shall provide a midyear report of finances to the membership via newsletter to be printed in June.

Section 6: Points Secretary: Shall be in charge of documents, records and correspondence pertaining to the MOTDRA awards programs and will be responsible for acquiring and presenting these.

Section 7: Vacancies: Any vacancy among the officers shall be filled by presidential appointment. The appointed person shall serve until the next annual meeting. Any officer or director missing three meetings (unless due to work or approved absence) will be dropped from office and a replacement appointed by the president.

ARTICLE V Directors and Duties

Section 1: Directors and their duties. The property, funds and affairs of the organization shall be managed and controlled by the board of directors consisting of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, points chairman, and three other directors (one of which will be the past president unless elected to office). Each director shall be a member in good standing with the organization. All officers and directors are elected for a one year term (with the exception of the past president), annually. All officers and directors shall be elected by a majority vote of the members present.

Section 2: Meeting of the board of directors will be called by the president or a majority of the board of directors on 5 days notice to each director.

Section 3: Meetings may be held at any place designated by the president and at such meeting all business may be transacted.

Section 4: A simple majority of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 5: The board of directors shall have the power to make such rules and regulations as they deem necessary for all activities of the association and for the safety of the members. These rules and regulations shall be brought to the entire membership for a vote except in an emergency.

ARTICLE VI Order of Business

Section 1: Order of Business: The regular order of business at all meetings shall be as follows: 
   Meeting called to order 
   Reading of Minutes - last meeting 
   Treasurers Report 
   Report of Special committees 
   Old Business New Business 
   Election of Officers (Annual Meeting) 
   Adjournment

Section 2: Robert’s Rules of Procedure shall govern unless they are inconsistent with these bylaws.

ARTICLE VII Liabilities

Section 1: Restrictions: No participant shall be permitted to use any unruly horse or unsafe equipment in any organized ride.

Section 2: Participants agree to assume the risk of injury to themselves or their property. The participants agree to sign and deliver a release to the Middle of the Trail Distance Riders Association (MOTDRA), Inc. releasing it as an organization and releasing individual members from any liability for accident or injury to themselves, their families, their guests, their horses, or other property while on organized MOTDRA rides.

Section 3: The association is not responsible in any way for accidents occurring to guests or spectators.

Section 4: Participants must provide supervision for their children left in camp. Ride personnel and other members are not responsible for unattended children.

Section 5: All participants shall abide by the rules and regulations of the association and conduct themselves accordingly. Any participant refusing to abide by such rules shall have charges brought before the board of directors for possible dismissal from the organization.

Section 6: KSA 60-4001 through 60-4004 under Kansas law, there is no liability for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in domestic animal activities resulting from the inherent risk of domestic animal activities, pursuant to sections I through 4. Participants are assuming the risk of participating in this domestic animal activity’.

Section 7: MOTDRA will provide limited liability insurance for the members of the group for MOTDRA sanctioned rides.

ARTICLE VIII Amendments and Changes

Section 1: The bylaws may be repeated, modified, altered, amended, or new bylaws may be adopted at the annual meeting or board of directors meeting when deemed necessary.

Section 2: There shall be a board meeting held every November. At this time board members will review the bylaws, rules and any written proposals of change to or addition thereof. These will be presented for vote to the members through the newsletter.


Appendix

Glossary:

AERC: American Endurance Ride Conference. The sanctioning organization in North America for endurance rides.

Best Condition: An award given in endurance rides to the horse who finishes in the top 10 time-wise who has the best veterinary score at the end of the ride. Rider and tack weight and ride time are figured into the score.

CTR: Competitive Trail Ride - a timed event with a set pace or speed and distance. For example, a 30 mile ride at 5 mph. Riders would have 6 hours of ride time to complete the ride plus a 30 minute hold for a total of 6.30 hours. A “window” of time is allowed such as 10 minutes fast or 20 minutes slow. There are numerous distance organizations, such as MOTDRA.

CRI: Cardiac Recovery Index - a test done at a vet check. The vet takes the horse’s heart rate, then the horse is trotted out for 125 feet and back 125. At the end of 1 minute, the heart rate is taken again. It gives the veterinarians information about the horse’s metabolic state. It is done at all vet checks in endurance. It is done in MOTDRA rides at the end of the competition and is used only for a tie-breaker in CTR scores.

Criteria: The maximum heart rate established by the veterinary judge. This is the rate at which a horse will be allowed to continue to compete. Usually 60 or 64 beats per minute.

ECTRA. The Eastern Competitive Trail Ride Association. Sanctions competitive trail and endurance.

Endurance: This is a ride of 50 miles or more in a day sanctioned by AERC. Some riders may actually race. Others will ride more slowly for the mileage credit and for fun.

GLDRA. Great Lakes Distance Riding Association. Sanctions competitive trail and endurance.

Limited Distance: A ride of 25 to 35 miles in a day sanctioned by AERC.

LSD: Long Slow Distance. This is a training method for distance riding, gradually increasing distance as stamina increases, then adding speed work.

MOTDRA: Middle of the Trail Distance Riders Association. A Kansas distance riding club recognized by breed organizations who offer distance riding awards to their members.

NATRC: North American Trail Ride Conference: A CTR sanctioning organization.

OOATS. Ohio Arabian and all breed trail society, sanctions competitive trail and endurance. OCTRA. Ontario Competitive Trail Rides Association. Sanctions competitive trail and endurance.

Resting Heart Rate: The pulse of a horse at rest. Usually 32 to 44 beats per minute.

Recovery Rate: The pulse of a horse as it comes in from a ride. In CTR, the pulse is taken 10 minutes after timing in to the vet check. If the pulse doesn’t meet criteria, it is taken again in 10 more minutes. If the horse’s heart rate does not meet criteria within 30 minutes, it will be disqualified. In endurance, the pulse can be taken immediately or up to 30 minutes after arriving at the in-timer. However, longer than 30 minutes and the horse is disqualified if it fails to meet criteria.

SEDRA. South Eastern Distance Riding Association, sanctions competitive trail and endurance.