Welcome to the GVRDC riding and driving challenges for 2026. These challenges are for club member AND non-club members. All are welcome to participate in the fun. These challenges are for equestrians and horses of ALL ages, breeds, disciplines, and ability levels. That means it is for the young and old, for miniature horses all the way up to draft horses, and for any discipline:
eventers
jumpers
hunters
dressage
fox hunters
endurance
equitation
polo
pleasure
saddle seat
combined driving
therapeutic
rodeo
ranch
vaulters
reiners
cutters
trail
obstacle
gymkhana
Activity & Mileage Challenges are available for the following dates:
Activity Challenges:
Winter Activity Challenge: January 1 - March 10th
Spring Activity Challenge: March 11 - June 10th
Summer Activity Challenge: June 11 - September 10th
Fall Activity Challenge: September 11 - November 10th
Year-End Activity Challenge & Reflection: November 10 - December 1st
Mileage Challenges:
Spring Mileage Challenge March 11 - June 10th
Summer Mileage Challenge June 11 - September 10th
Fall Mileage Challenge September 11 - November 10th
Sign up for all mileages & activities for the year & receive a discount!
Our four different seasonal challenges (winter, spring, summer, fall) are challenges that you and your horse complete within a certain time frame. Riders and drivers must complete 30 activities and keep a log sheet with dates and a brief description of activities completed. Once you have completed your log sheet (downloadable) you will take a photo of it and email it to MickeyTheBelgian@AOL.COM.
What counts as an activity? You choose your own activity. Since our challenges are open to all disciplines and ability levels, we won't set specific activities to complete. If you are working with a trainer or instructor, you may want to ask them what your activities and goals should be. For each seasonal challenge we will send out an email with suggestions on what you could work on or even a list of activities for you to choose from and complete. What could you do as activity? Some ideas are (but not limited to) training, riding, driving, long lining, trick training, hand walking or rehabbing an injured horse.
What doesn't count as an activity? Day to day tasks don't count as an activity. Feeding, grooming, mucking, turnout and other daily tasks don't count. They can count if your horse has been injured and is on stall rest or for participants who are volunteering at equine rescue.
Do I have to use my horse? Do I have to use only one horse? The horse you use doesn't have to belong to you. You can use a friend's horse or a lesson horse. You can use one horse or multiple horses. We do ask you to limit your activities to two a day though.
What do I get? Once you have completed your log sheet and have emailed it in you will receive a beautifully themed 18-inch rosette style ribbon with the GVRDC club's logo. You will also have access to the GVRDC Challenges Facebook page. You can post pictures and updates on how your challenge is going. We also have cover photo contests for each seasonal challenge. The photo with the most likes becomes our cover photo for the season.
How much does it cost? The cost for our challenges is $40 and includes shipping. These challenges are a club fundraiser to make improvements on the driven dressage ring. If you prefer to participate but forgo a ribbon award or would just like to support our dressage ring improvements, we welcome donations and sponsorships. GVRDC is a 501c3 organization, and your donations are tax-deductible.
The spring mileage challenge is a challenge to complete 30 miles with your horse from March 11 to June 10. The summer mileage challenge is a challenge to complete 30 miles with your horse from June 11 to September 10. The fall mileage challenge is a challenge to complete 100 miles with your horse from September 11 to November 10. This last mileage challenge can include the spring and summer miles if you completed those challenges. If you participated in those challenges, then you would only have to complete another 40 miles to complete the 100-mile challenge. When you have completed your miles take a picture of your log sheet (downloadable) and email it to: MickeyTheBelgian@aol.com.
What counts as miles with my horse? You can ride, drive, hand walk, or long line your miles with your horse. You may use multiple horses. You may also log as many miles within a day as you like.
What do I get? Once you have completed your mileage log sheet and email it in you will receive a beautifully themed 18-inch rosette style Ribbon with the GVRDC club's logo. You will also have access to the GVRDC Challenges Facebook page. You can post pictures and updates on how your challenge is going. We also have cover photo contests for each seasonal challenge. The photo with the most likes becomes our cover photo for the season.
How much does it cost? The cost for our challenges is $40 and includes shipping. These challenges are a club fundraiser to make improvements on the driven dressage ring. If you prefer to participate but forgo a ribbon award or would just like to support our dressage ring improvements, we welcome donations and sponsorships. GVRDC is a 501c3 organization, and your donations are tax-deductible.
What is the Year-End Activity Challenge & Reflection?
To participate in the year end activity challenge, you must have participated in at least two of the activity challenges. From November 10- December 1 you will log (downloadable) 10 activities with your horse. You will also be emailed a special list of reflection questions to answer. There is a special rosette ribbon awarded to participants with complete all activity and mileage challenges.
What do I get? This activity award is our big finisher reward/award for a yearlong challenge with our equine(s). Participants will have a choice of at least two awards to choose from. It could be a trophy, plate, or a garment. Your name, your horse(s) name and the club's logo will be on the award. To see the type of awards that have been given out in years past check out our Facebook page for the Gvrdc Challenges. We give out top quality awards.
How much does it cost? The cost for the year end award challenge is $50. These awards do not get mailed out unless you pay the extra shipping cost. The awards will be given out at the GVRDC Award Banquet. You may attend the banquet or simply come and pick up your award. We hope that you would like to attend the banquet and enjoy great food and other fun equestrians such as yourself. Bring your spouse, family member or friend with you. All are welcome. Questions? Contact: mickeythebelgian@aol.com
The GVRDC Challenges are a fundraiser for improvements to our driven dressage ring for the club’s 2025 Combined Test and Continuous Drive.
If you prefer to participate but forgo a ribbon award, or would just like to support our dressage ring improvements, we welcome donations and sponsorship. GVRDC is a 501c3 organization, and your donations are tax-deductible.