Australia: 80km ride a success

Taree.yourguide.com.au

MICK MCDONALD
22/04/2009

THE Kiwarrak 'no frills' horse endurance ride held recently at Hillville was yet another great success, with 114 riders from all around the State.

Riders came from as far away as the south coast and from the far west to tackle the 80kms ride, while 74 mostly local riders enjoyed the 20km and 40km rides.

By Saturday morning the normal horse paddocks had turned into a city of trucks and horse floats.

Manning Trail Riders Club again turned out in force, this time many of the previous 20km riders had a go at the 40km ride - with great success.

Lake Macquarie Trail riders Club had some members come down from Tamworth, who all say they are now hooked on endurance.

Port Macquarie Pony Club was well represented, with some decorated ponies enjoying the 20km ride sporting pink ribbons.

The 80km ride was won by Terry Wood, a middleweight rider on 'Tallawarra Spy' in 4hrs 34mins.

First heavyweight rider was Peter Strickland riding 'Bara Park Mingara' in 7hrs 36mins.

Carol Layton won the lightweight division riding 'Omani Mr Squiggle' in 5hrs 32mins.

First junior was Alex Jones riding 'A'Landell Rifle' in 7hrs 3mins, closely followed by 14-year-old local rider Shannen Thorsby from Nabiac riding her beloved horse 'Dan' in 7hrs 44mins.

Shannen was attempting her first ever 80km ride. Shannen and 'Dan', could be champions in the making.

With a lot of hard work by a handful of enthusiastic locals and the support of local business and volunteers, the Kiwarrak endurance horse ride is turning out to be another great event.

"To continue this success we need to get bums in saddles, so let's keep up the good work and keep supporting both this great ride and the two other local rides,'' an organiser said.

For more information on endurance horse riding in NSW visit the NSW ERA web site at http://www.nswera.asn.au.