Jessica Mannes of Thompson was one of three riders to represent the province as a member of the endurance horse riding team at the 2010 Canadian Endurance Championship held in New Lowell, Ont. July 1, winning a bronze medal with her teammates.

Mannes, riding Justess, along with Prue Critchley of Hamiota riding Fort William +/- and Aime St. Vincent of Ste. Anne riding in the Limelight, were third in the 50 mile endurance event, representing the Distance Riders of Manitoba (DRM), the province's endurance riding organization.

"We are so proud of our team taking the bronze medal at the championship, and to do so after traveling so far to get to the event is remarkable " said Myna Cryderman, DRM president.

The team departed for the race June 24, travelling over 1,900 kilometres to attend.

"Our club has been fundraising for the last two years to ensure that we would be represented at the championship,” said Cryderman.

The long-distance equine championship featured eight events in three sports, including endurance, competitive trail riding and ride-n'tie with Canadian national champions named in each sport.

The Canadian nationals alternate between western and eastern Canada every two years. The first national championship was held in Ontario in 1984.

Provincial teams were formed by provincial organizations nominating riders.