Main image: Greta and Georgia Johnson competing at Windeyer. Image by Animal Focus.
A few times a year, the small community of Windeyer becomes a hub of activity with horses and riders descending on the village.
The Central Ranges Endurance Club hosts numerous events throughout the year, with participants coming from all over the state. The club has held events in April, May and June of this year and is set to host another on 21-22 September.
It doesn’t matter how big or small both riders and their mounts are, or how competitive you want to be, everyone gets something out of the weekend’s activities. There’s a shorter 20-kilometre introductory ride on the Saturday for those wanting to try the sport for the first time, those who want to try something different, or others who want to spend some time on the back of their horse.
Saturday will also see a 40km ride, which is slightly more challenging but not too daunting. There’s also a second 40km ride on Sunday, while the more serious endurance riders will tackle the 80km course that day. Central Ranges ride secretary Kelly Pilley said the rides themselves will travel through various terrain. “The Windeyer ride is known for varying terrain including some long, open stretches, hills and spectacular scenery,” she said. “There’s something for everyone there.”
The sport of endurance encourages participation and animal welfare, and the added bonus is spending the weekend camping with your best mate. It is an inclusive sport: any breed or style of horse (or pony) is welcome to participate.
The horses are examined prior, during and after the event by qualified veterinarians to ensure they are in good health.
Although it is a participation-focused sport, endurance can also be highly competitive with state, national and international events. The Tom Quilty Gold Cup is a national event that moves from state-to-state each year and is considered the pinnacle of endurance. The Quilty sees competitors from all over Australia, and overseas, ride off at midnight with the aim of successfully completing 160km in 24 hours. South Australia will play host to this year’s event from 18-20 October.
This weekend’s Windeyer ride will see competitors aiming for the Quilty taking their horses around the Central Ranges course for a final hit-out before venturing across the border.
“The Tom Quilty is only one month away,” Pilley said. “Having a ride like ours gives those aiming for a Quilty buckle a solid lead up ride to top off their fitness.”
The Windeyer event will take place from the Windeyer Recreational Grounds. There is camping available on the Friday and Saturday nights, and the committee will also put on a dinner on Saturday night. Prices are $15 to $20. Entries can be done via aeraonline.com.au and close 8pm on Wednesday, 18 September.
For more information on endurance riding in NSW and to view coming rides in your area, visit nswera.asn.au
Contacts for Windeyer:
Ride Secretary:
Kelly Pilley (0488198945 or kellypilley1989@gmail.com)
Organiser:
Shelley Jones (02 6373 8116)
Source: Event press release, written by Ellen Dunger
