Main image: Endurance riding encourages camaraderie and friendship. Pictured is Ellen Dunger, Toni Somerville and Shannen Thorsby at the 2023 Watagans at Werakata event. Photo by Sarah Sullivan Photography.
The Hunter Valley is synonymous with horses and there’s no better way to experience that first-hand than on the trails.
Endurance riding in general gives anyone with a horse the chance to explore some of the country’s best spots, and Watagans at Werakata endurance ride (28-29 September) is your chance to explore the Hunter.
The annual ride has set out 20km, 40km and 80km courses for the casual rider or serious competitor. The courses venture through the Werakata National Park, near Cessnock, where there is some spectacular scenery which makes for great riding.
You don’t have to be a full-time competitor to enjoy what the discipline has to offer. It encourages participation and animal welfare. Endurance is an inclusive sport: any breed or style of horse (or pony) is welcome to participate. And there’s no shortage of socialising. You can ride with your friends or just hang out with your equine mate.
If you’ve ever thought about trying out endurance riding, the coming event is the perfect one to try. The course isn’t filled with too many steep hills or overly difficult terrain; the climbs are minimal, and the tracks are wide and welcoming.
“We love it because, to us, it is a nice quiet ride in a beautiful little part of the world,” ride secretary Alison Hegarty said.
“Anyone can come, whether they are wanting to try their first endurance ride or whether it is a team that just wants to see what they can do.”
Last year’s Watagans at Werakata was a return for the event after struggling in the previous five years to get off the ground through floods, fires and Covid.
There were huge entries and plenty of fun had by all. This year promises to be the same.
“Every time we try to improve and try to encourage people to come and try endurance,” Hegarty said.
“Especially where we are, we are we get a lot more pony clubbers, trail riders, who just want to come and have a nice day.”
The ride base is 10 minutes from the Hunter Expressway will see participants camp on site and Snax On Trax will be in attendance to keep everyone fed and provide a coffee fix throughout the weekend.
There will also be trade stalls with The Mobile GG Spot and Saddleworld in attendance.
For more information on endurance riding in NSW and to view coming rides in your area, visit nswera.asn.au
