Australia: Endurance riders prepare for their long-awaited comeback

Hawkesbury.yourguide.com.au

Brendan Rhodes

THE NSW Endurance Riders Association will finally make its comeback after the Equine Influenza crisis with a Q60 endurance training ride at Upper Colo Reserve on Sunday, March 16.

The ERA will hold a 40km training ride and 20km social ride on the day and is hoping to attract similar numbers to last year, when nearly 100 riders took part in what is a leisurely non-competitive ride aimed at training horses for longer events or simply a social outing with your horse and friends.

"It's lots of fun and you don't have to be an endurance rider to participate, so come along and take the opportunity to ride part of the historic Tom Quilty track with a group of friendly people," the ERA’s Claudia Reid said.

"Everyone is welcome, including Pony Club members and whole riding groups, and there will be completion prizes and encouragement awards.

"It's great to be back riding again after the long break due to the EI, and getting back on the great tracks through the picturesque Colo Valley, which are ideal for novice riders and horses.”

The Upper Colo Fire Brigade will provide a canteen on the day, which starts with vetting at 7am, with camping available on the Saturday night at a fee of $5 payable to the Ranger in attendance.

Riders are asked to be at the reserve early with their Horse Travelling Statement to allow plenty of time to complete paperwork, with entry fees being $45 for the training ride and $25 for the social ride, while a NSWERA day membership is $10 for trainers and $5 for socials.

Call Reid on 4575 5206 or email ningadoo@hotmail.com for more information, or download a pre-nomination form from www.nswera.asn.au

The form must be signed and forwarded to her either by mail to 191 Lower Colo Road, Colo, 2756, or via email five days before the ride.