Bighorn Dam Endurance Ride – 2026
THIS RIDE WILL OFFER A DUAL SANCTIONED ERA/AERC 50 MILE EVENT.
NOTE: This ride requires mandatory hoof protection.
PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR ENTRY: 25 mile event requires that rider must have completed a previous 25 mile event with ERA (or similar) , 50 mile event requires that the rider must have completed a previous 50 mile event, or 2 -25 mile events with ERA (or similar). Due to the remote back country creating a higher risk environment we are requiring all riders to have pre-qualifications in place ahead of entering. Exceptions will be made for Junior/Youth accompanied by an adult meeting requirements (at ride organizers approval).
RIDE ENTRIES WILL BE CAPPED AT 50 RIDERS PER OUR PERMIT ALLOWANCE.
Ride: Bighorn Dam Endurance Ride
Ride Poster: CLICK HERE
Ride Date: June 13, 2026
Registration Opens: May 26, 2026 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration Closes: June 8, 2026 at NOON
Location: Bighorn Dam, AB
Ride Organizer: Jessica Yavis and Jaye Yavis
Ride Manager: Caitlin Shumborski
Ride Secretary: Natasha Dombrosky
Veterinarians: Dr. Nakiska van Bergen DVM (head vet), Dr Jessica Dixon DVM
Ride Distances: 25 miles, 50 miles. Note: there will be no intro distance offered at this event.
Fees: 
Ride Camp: Ride Camp will be in the Bighorn Dam staging area. All Riders, Crew, Guests (18yrs old and over) must have a public lands camping pass that can be purchased at www.alberta.ca/public-lands-camping-pass
The base is hard rock therefore electric fence could be difficult for those who use push-in pegs – panels are recommended. There is also wild horse bands in the area that frequent the area.
Trail Info: Horses must have appropriate hoof protection for the duration of the event, whether by hoof boots or shoes. Horses are expected to arrive at Friday evening vet-in already fitted with their intended hoof protection for competition. Barefoot horses will not be permitted to start.
Directions to Ride Site: From Rocky Mountain House, Alberta – travel west on highway 11/David Thompson Highway
past Nordegg, approximately 23 km. Turn left on Range Road 17-0A. Follow for 3.8km, crossing
a spillway/dam type bridge, turn right into ride camp as per the signage. Look for ERA signs as you get near the destination!
GPS Coordinates to camp are: 52.318472, -116.328494