Australia: Local riders make up strong representation at Woodstock ride

Cowraguardian.com.au - Full Article

30/10/2009

For many horse riders, endurance riding conjures up the idea of tolerating long distances in the saddle.

However, as members of the Gooloogong Trail Riders Association and Canowindra Pony Club found out last weekend at Woodstock, it means a great deal of fun and achievement, enjoying the privilege of riding their horses through beautiful countryside on a marked course, without having to open a gate!

Of the 57 riders who started the 40km and 20km rides on Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18, 26 were local riders.

The local competitors came from Woodstock, Cowra, Canowindra, Blayney, Mandurama and Forbes.

Some of these riders included Ann-Maree Watson, Vicki Doyle, Jenny Birch, Karen Gerdes and Garry Birrell from the Gooloogong Trail Riders.

From Canowindra there was Anna Ross, Phil Tucker, Kylie and Penny Whatman.

Naomi Seaford-England came from Forbes and Tim Stevens was very local from Woodstock.

Travelling a little further was Duane Blandford and Megan Blunt from Mandurama as well as Julie Dixon, James Ryan, Karyl and Stephen Bennett from Blayney.

Riding along with the training and social riders were experienced endurance riders, all locals as well, including Chris Bailey, Annette Bailey, Donna Tidswell, Nikki Tucker, Barry Blinman and Erica Allan.

Other local riders to feature in the 80km event were Mary Symons riding Ralvon Vim (12th middleweight), Andrew Jonkers Giriliambone Comet (equal fourth heavyweight), Robin Gossip (equal second lightweight) riding A’landell Sarlee and Dannielle Beard riding Botusa Park Spirit (fifth lightweight).

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