NEEEC - Lockhart Challenge

On Saturday the North Eastern Equine Endurance Club hosted the 2026 Lockhart Challenge at Springfield from the North Eastern Pony Club grounds.

The Lockhart Challenge has ran annually since 2013 by the NEEEC. The shield, which is awarded to the first successful rider across the line, was created to honour the dedication to endurance by brothers Doug and Cecil Lockhart. They competed in endurance events from the sports Tasmanian beginnings in 1975, through to the early 2000’s, with Cecil retiring from competitions following the 2005 Tom Quilty in Sheffield. Over their years they travelled to several mainland Tom Quiltys, with Doug also representing Australia in the national team, competing in America in 1988 and 1991. They were part of the NEEEC committee running rides from Lebrina, Lilydale, Scottsdale and Springfield. Doug was on the TEERA committee with his significant contributions to the sport recognised with life membership. The Lockhart Challenges acknowledges the legacy Doug & Cecil had on endurance riding in Tassie.

This year there were 30 entries in the 80km event. The Lockhart Challenge perpetual shield was won by Noel Lockhart (mwt), Shannon Hill (lwt) and Bella Sheean (jnr) sharing line honours and winning their respective divisions with a ride time of 4 hours and 39mins. The hwt divison was won by Allie Bloom.

The highly regarded Best Conditioned Horse awards were won by;

• Middleweight - Lockleigh Park Silver ridden by Noel Lockhart

• Heavyweight - AT Dial Range Farida ridden by Allie Bloom

• Lightweight - Archerville Cimarron ridden by Kirstie Lockhart

• Junior - Woodsong Princess Barbie ridden by Bella Sheean

Overall there was a 87% completion rate, which included most of the potential horse and rider combinations doing their final preparatory event before heading to Queensland to represent Tasmania in this years Tom Quilty Gold Cup. These horses looked fantastic, it is exciting to see Tassie will be very well represented at the National Championship event this year.

Short Ride Success!!

Eight of the Ten riders entered in the 40km event were successful, including “Pony Mums” Chem Russell and Bianca Hill accompanying their daughter’s Indy Russell and Esther & Freya Hill on their Welsh ponies. Well done team on your 2nd successful 40km. You will be entering your first 80km rides before you know it.

There were 7 riders in the 20km ride, who all reported they thoroughly enjoyed the introductory event. Well done to the NEEEC committee and volunteers on hosting a successful, well organised event that was enjoyed by all.

TEERA May SMC Meeting & AERA SGM notice

TEERA May State management Committee Meeting

• Tuesday 19th May 2026

• 6:30pm

• Red Cross Hall, 49 King Edward St, Ulverstone

• This is a regular meeting all members welcome.

The motions for the AERA SGM can be viewed here

Barker Earthworks & Cartage - Bakers Scenic Challenge Ride Report

Idyllic weather, spectacular views and 7km of beach! What more could we ask for?

Riders enjoying the beach. Photo Credits: Roger Nichols

Of the 76 riders entered, 16 elected the full 82km experience. 40km riders were offered a choice of leg one (without the beach) or the 42km leg two, which included the beach. The 20km ride and 6 km rides were particularly popular options with a total of 46 entries.

It was great to see so many young riders, some getting their first taste of endurance. Across all rides there was a total of 23 junior riders, representing Latrobe High, Sheffield School, Geneva College, Reece High, Lilydale District, Port Sorell, Miandetta, Our Lady of Mercy, Andrews Creek and St Patricks Primary Schools. Riders representing their school dressed in their sports uniform for presentations. Their excitement was clearly evident. Congratulations to the Andrews Creek Primary School team, comprising Kenzie Rattray, Evie Hortle, Freya Hill, Esther Hill, Emilia Addison, Frankie Rolls and Leo Hortle on retaining the Perpetual Tasmanian Equine Endurance Riders All Schools Cup.

Leg one of the 82km ride offered varied terrain and challenges, including a notable steep and rough decent and a couple of creek crossings. The weather could not have been better for the 7km of beach, nor for the spectacular views from the high points and ridgeline that followed. This was certainly a challenging leg, involving rough and rocky climbs and descents which tested riders’ patience and horses’ fitness and preparation. While the particularly tough final section of leg 2 frustrated some, 75% of riders successfully completed the 82km ride, with a similar completion rate for the riders who elected to do this leg for their 42 km.

Left to right: =1st Mwt Kaye Mitchell (Beer Street Circe, BC) and Alice Mitchell (Beer Street Dalliance). =1st Juniors Piper Braid (Follydown Albertine) and Bella Sheean (Woodsong Princess Barbie, BC). =1st Lwt Kirstie Lockhart (Lockleigh Park Velocity, BC) and Shannon Hill (Lockleigh Park X’treme). Photo Credits: Roger Nichols & Maggie Brown.

Overall, this ride lived up to its name: scenic and challenging!

Many thanks go to the major sponsor of the ride, Barker Earthworks and Cartage, and all other sponsors including sponsors of the Best Conditioned paddock rugs. This ride required much negotiation and compliance with Parks and Wildlife. Riders appreciate Lydia Rigby’s tenacity, without which we would not have been allowed access to the beach. We are also thankful for the time and efforts of the other committee members, and our Chief Stewards, Andrew Miles & Greg Johnson who, with committee members on base, navigated some unexpected challenges on the day.

TQ26 Teams nomination & support

CCER @ Sassy - 100km elevator, 40km, 20km Ride Report

Collection of short riders enjoying the track. Photo credits to Roger Nichols. (far right photos by Christine Dann)

“A big thank you to both our returning riders and the newcomers to our great sport! What an incredible weekend we had, with the weather on our side. Congratulations to everyone who successfully completed the 100km—an amazing effort. For some of us, it was also a great lead-up to the Quilty. A huge thank you as well to all the volunteers who stepped up. These rides simply wouldn’t happen without your support and Pat Lamprey for ride base.” Post ride gratitude from Christine Dann, on behalf of the CCER ride organising committee.

A total of 50 riders were treated to ideal riding conditions at Sassafras on Saturday. The sun shone, the wind disappeared and the tracks were soft, but not too greasy after rainfall earlier in the week. There were 25 riders in the 100km elevator, which had a 72% completion rate, with 9 riders retiring at the 80km mark and 9 riders completing the 100km course. First across the line, winning Lwt and Best Conditioned Lightweight was Asha Lamprey on Ra-Anji Ragner in 6hours and 22mins. Next home in equal first for the Junior divsion were junior riders Piper Braid and Lauren Rattray, showing promising preparation for their upcoming Tom Quilty trip to Queensland. Best Conditioned Junior was won by Padawan El Adien. The first open rider home was Kaye Mitchell riding Beer Street Circe, winning Mwt and Best Conditioned Middleweight. The heavyweight division was won by Allie Bloom on AT Dial Range Farida, who also won the Hwt best Conditioned Horse Award.

There were 11 riders in the 40km ride, which also had a 72% completion rate. Special congratulations to Maree Thorpe and Sandra Cassidy on successfully completed their second 40km rides.

14 riders enjoyed the 20km introductory ride. It was great to see experienced riders, along with the newcomers participating in and enjoying this event. Warm welcome and congratulations to Lilah Riggall on her first event.

Kentish Ride Report

The long running Kentish ride, held from the Pony club grounds in Sheffield was the third ride on the TEERA calendar. Entries were strong with 30 riders in the 80km, 24 in the 40km and 11 riders doing the 20km. Weather conditions were spectacular, the mix of trails and varying scenery ensured riders enjoyed the kilometres. Riders were also treated meeting Roger and his camera at the mid course checkpoint. Thankyou Roger for all the fantastic photos and the NWARC for covering the checkpoints.

Line honours were taken by Jillinda Aitchison in Mwt and Kassidy Wickham in Lwt, with a riding time of 5 hours 37 mins. Heavyweight was won by Rebecca Ainslie, whilst Lauren Rattray won the Junior division. The highly regarded Best Conditioned Horse Awards were won as follows;

• Middleweight- Beer Street Dalliance ridden by Alice Mitchell

• Lightweight- Ra-Anji Ragner ridden by Asha Lamprey

• Heavyweight- Tomky Candy ridden by Rebecca Ainslie

• Junior- Woodsong Princess Barbie ridden by Laren Rattray

Update from TEERA Management Committee

Dear Membership,

We wish to notify our members that a vote of no confidence of the proposed AERA MC was passed 17/3, 8 in favour, 1 abstained. As such TEERA will not be endorsing the elected MC members at the upcoming AGM. The motion was decided on the basis of the MCs rushed and brutal approach to the recently changed TQ qualification criteria. TEERA believes that the change should be reversed and better membership consultation be sought-after.

A more detailed motion and rationale will be submitted to AERA in the coming days.

Comments have been turned off on this post as we do not feel debate on social media is productive. Please send any further communication to the secretary directly.

Kindest Regard,

TEERA MC

Update: 20 March 2026

The following correspondence has been sent onto the AERA secretary

STER Lovett’s Flat ride - a great event….

STER’s 14 March ride needed to have a venue change because of unexpected logging activity near its Glenelg ride base. A huge vote of thanks from STER to the Three Rivers’ crew who offered STER the use of its Lovett’s Flat ride base and track, where a ride had been held a fortnight earlier. The change of venue meant that the many southern folk who usually come to the southern ride to do a 20km ride chose not to trek north, particularly in light of the current fuel costs. On the other hand, it gave northerners another ride opportunity without incurring the fuel cost of a trip down south.

Online entries were average (40) however a number of late entries brought the total to 49 with 13 15k’ers, 17 40k’ers and 19 80k’ers starting the ride. The 80k’ers started their ride at 6.00AM which meant that they were riding in the dark for about 40 minutes. The 40k’ers started at 8.00AM and the 15k’ers started at 10.00AM. Ride conditions were excellent – the weather was perfect (fine and cool as is mostly the case in March in Tasmania) and the track was dry and. According to riders, perfectly marked. The early start to the day led to an early finish with the last 80k rider crossing the line at 2.30PM. The completion rate was excellent with all 20k’ers and 40k’ers successfully completing. The completion rate for the 80k’ers was also excellent with 17 of the 19 starters successfully completing.

STER is also grateful to the many people who came along to help on the day (TPRs, checkpoint people, water carters and more), both Three Rivers people and others. STER is confident we will be able to return to our Glenelg ride base in 2027.

Mark Dunn

Top: 15km horse and ponies cross the dam wall on the gun club loop. Photo Credits: Toni Sheean

Middle: Janine Parr with Junior riders Piper Braid, Emerald Rigby and Lauren Rattray shared winners of the Perpetual Junior Trophy. Jack Jarman successfully vetting through his 2nd 40km ride- 80km next for Jack! Southern riders Janine & Halla Parr completing the 80km. Photo Credits: Robyn Nibbs

Bottom: Tassie legend Samson of Glendu taking Frankie Rolls around her first big 15km ride. Kiana Nutting winning her first ride in the Hwt division. Dylan Stevens overall winner of the 80km event. Photo Credits: Robyn Nibbs

TEERA State Management Committee Meeting - Tuesday 17th March

The monthly SMC meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday 17th March at the Lifehouse church in Wivenhoe. This is a regular meeting, all members are welcome to attend.

TEERA SMC are aware of members concerns around the TQ qualification changes and there will be an opportunity for constructive respectful discussion on the matter.

3Rivers Ride - Lovetts Flats - An idyllic start to the Season

The 3Rivers club has opened up the 2026 season with an idyllic new ride base and a fantastic new track. Well done to Toni Sheean, Todd and the rest of the committee for pulling together the perfect start to our season. Without a doubt I’m certain most of the 67 riders enjoyed the effort that was put into the tracks and we are all very grateful to the landowners for allowing access to their properties.

The 80km event had 20 starters head off in the dark at 5am to cover some ground prior to the heat of the day. The low vet out rate of 15% could be attributed to the kind terrain selected for the course. Following several withdrawals, for various reasons (Tony Purton did put in writing the track was great or something to that effect), the 65% completion rate doesn’t seem a true reflection of the calibre of the course.

Piper Braid riding Orabanda Dancing Jessica was first across the line in 5 hours and 11mins, winning 1st Junior and Best Conditioned Junior horse. Jillinda Aitchison riding Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta was 1st Middleweight and also won Middleweight BC. Allie Bloom riding AT Dial Range Farida was 1st Heavyweight and also won Heavyweight BC. Southern riding mother and daughter duo, Janine and Halla Parr were equal 1st in the Lightweight division, with Janine’s mount, Van Dieman Sanity winning the Lightweight Best Conditioned Horse award.

Special mentions for Asha Lamprey clocking up 2000km and congratulations to Angie Hawks with her boy Ra-Anji Ragnar reaching the 1500km milestone, ridden by Jess Goulding in the event.

The results from the 40km event represent the course better, with 100% completions for the 20 horses and their riders. Amongst this group there were two first time endurance riders, Jack Jarman and Ines Renouard Mansier - with such an awesome first experience one would bet they will have caught the endurance bug. Special mention to Kurtis Rigby stepping up and completing his first 40km at age 5, noting big sister Emerald did her first 40km aged 6, also note he has now firmly changed his mind and he will be doing another endurance ride.

The 15km riders represented the largest group with 26 riders. The more civilised start time of 9:30am meant these riders got to enjoy the summer riding, and unfortunately for a few, the heat may have contributed to some elevated heart rates, dropping the successful completion rate to just below 85%. Congratulations to Mara Hofmann on her first successful completion.

One of the many appeals of endurance riding is that it is accessible and welcoming of riders of all ages and experience. This was showcased beautifully at the ride with at least two families participating with 3 generations or horseman. Shout out to Phillip, Tim and Lilah Davey along with Mandy Brazendale who rode with her daughter and granddaughter, Alyssa and Evie Hortle.

Top- Piper Braid & Orabanda Dancing Jessica, first across the line, 1st Junior & BC jnr.

Middle- Jillinda Aitchison and Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta, 1st Mwt & BC Mwt

Bottom- Allie Bloom and AT Dial Range Farida, 1st Hwt & BC Hwt

Not Pictured- Janine & Hall Parr =1st Lightweight, (Janine & Van Dieman Sanity Lwt BC)

Top L to R: Kurtis Rigby 1st 40km, Jack Jarman 1st endurance ride, Asha Lamprey reaching 2000km, Jess Goulding on Ra-Anji Ragnar 1500km milestone.

Centre- Lovetts Flats Ride Base- Photo Credits Roger Nichols

Bottom L to R: Sisters Freya & Esther Hill enjoying a play in the Mersey River on their welsh ponies. 3 generations of riders, Amanda Brazendale with daughter and granddaughter, Alyssa & Evie Hortle. Vet Jack Robinson at work in the vet ring after volunteering to provide vet gate to hold.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

2025 Annual Awards Night

Congratulations to the annual awards recipients for the 2025 Tasmanian Endurance Season. Along with the awards for points and distance riders & horses in each division, there were also 15 horses which earnt red badges for 100% completions over the season.

Well done to Jillinda Aitchison & her mare Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta who won the memorial shield for the most kilometres completed by the One horse / One rider combination. Their successful year seen them also win middleweight points & distance horse & rider in Tasmania, also making the podium in the National competition.

Pam Shadbolt was recognised for her extensive commitment to the sport over the past 15+ years, with many a day and night spent in the secretary office amongst other organisational roles. A well deserved recipient of TEERA honorary life membership.

TEERA State Management Committee Nominations

Once again it is the time of year when we need to consider next years State Management Committee.

Do you have an interest in how our sport runs?

Do you have the time and interest to help manage our sport?

Each year 5 of the 10 committee members complete their 2 year term and there is the opportunity for 5 new people to join the committee.

Jess Goulding, Christine Dann, Pat Hodgetts, Pat Lamprey and Andrew Miles are the 5 completing their current term.

If you are interested please download and complete and return the Nomination & motions form. If there are any motions you would like to move or topics you would like to add to the AGM agenda, please also download & complete the form above.

The 5 retiring members can be re-nominated, as well as any other member. If more than 5 nominations are received there will be an election held at the AGM in Feb.

Nomination forms to be returned to the TEERA secretary secretary@teera.asn.au by midnight, Dec 31st, 2025

Thrilling Conclusion to the 2025 Endurance Season

The 2025 Build Tech Supplies P/L & TEERA State Championships provided a somewhat dramatic conclusion to the 2025 TEERA and AERA seasons, with some late changes to nominations, including interstate entries seeking national podium points, followed by a wrong turn for the front running horses early into Leg 1, creating plenty of speculation as to how the day would pan out.

23 horses set off at midnight in the 160km event, following a technical and hilly course which consisted mostly of a re-combination of tracks from the Tom Quilty Gold Cup course earlier in the year. The challenging nature of the tracks, on top of the extra 15ish km travelled by one third of the field were recognised with the low 56.5% completion rate.

Lightweight rider Angela Hawks riding Beer Street Tarkine took line honours with a riding time of 11 hours and 34 mins. Next in was junior rider Lauren Rattray on Beer Street Bewitched in 12 hours and 26 mins, followed by 1st middleweight rider and the winner of the 2025 Tasmanian State Championship, Jillinda Aitchison riding Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta with a time of 13 hours and 21 mins.

Congratulations to Jillinda, her success on the weekend also earnt her and Tasmanian middleweight points and distance rider of year, whilst her mare ‘Netti’ has finished not only as Tasmanian middleweight points and distance horse of the year, but also as the Australia middleweight points horse of the year. Go TASSIE!!

Jillinda Aitchison and her mare Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta. Photo Credits Roger Nichols and S.R Photpgraphy

Angela Hawks on Beer Street Tarkine (photo credits Roger Nichols). Lauren Rattray on Beer Street Bewitched and Piper Braid on Padawan El Adien

The 100km elevator, beginning at 4am was a little less eventful, with 80% of the 20 riders having a successful completion. Junior rider Emerald Rigby on Lily T.E. took line honours with a riding time of 7 hours and 22 mins. 1st middleweight was interstate rider Susan Woodward on Kalody Park White Feather in 7 hours and 29 mins. Interstate rider Allix Jones riding Ra-Anji Ragner came in 1st lightweight, cementing her place on top of the AERA podium for points and distance lightweight rider of the year. In the heavyweight division Sky Muir riding Marlou Stoik the Vast was equal first with Allie Bloom on AT Dial Range Farida. Meanwhile interstate junior rider Sanjay Nix rode Foley-Jones JJ around for a 3rd placing, elevating Sanjay to the top of the AERA podium for Junior points rider of the year.

100km Division Winners; TL: Emerald Rigby on Lily T.E. BL: Allix Jones on Ra-Anji Ragner, Susan Woodward on Kalody Park White Feather, Sky Muir on Marlou Stoik the Vast, Allie Bloom on AT Dial Range Farida. Photo Credits Roger Nichols.

TR: 100km Winner Susan Woodward & Kalody Park White Feather- Photo Credits S.R Photography

In respect of the sports motto ‘To Complete in to Win’ the junior riders were by far the winners of the weekends events. With 100% successful completions across all rides, these young guns stood out. Special mention to Piper Braid who successfully completed every ride on the Tasmanian calendar this season, totalling 1,129km topping TEERA leader board across all divisions & finishing 4th AERA distance junior, followed by Alexa Parker 5th AERA junior distance rider. Other noteworthy milestones included Kiana Nutting who was elated to earn her first Best Conditioned Horse Award, Kenzie Rattray and Maci Brownrigg successfully completed their longest ride distances to date, along with Esther Hill, Freya Hill and Indy Russell who all successfully completed their first 40km rides. Every kid in this event achieved their goals, what a ride to be proud of!

Collage of Junior riders. 100% successful completions. 3x 160km, 5x 100km, 3x 40km. Photo Credits Roger Nichols

Hope to see everyone at the 2025 TEERA dinner and Awards Night, being held at the Sheffield RSL on 13th December. Make sure to RSVP by Saturday 6th.

Countdown for Tassie State Championship

The countdown for the 2025 Build Tech Supplies & TEERA State Championships has began. Nominations are closed for the final event of the 2025 AERA calendar.

There are 20 horse and rider combinations entered in the 160km event that will begin at midnight on 29th December from Pat’s Paddock at Smith & Others Rd, Sassafras. This years line up is full of experience, with all riders and 14 of the horses having successfully completed 100milers previously. There are 12 nominations in the Middleweight division looking to be crowned the 2025 State Champion. This field includes ten Tasmanian riders; Debbie Grull, Halla Parr, Janine Parr and Matilda Rockliff, all of which are riding horses which successfully completed the Tom Quilty at Sassafras earlier in the year. Deb Wyllie and Angie Clarke are also returning after successful Quilty completions in May with fresh horses, whilst redemption is on the cards for Jillinda Aitchison, Jack Robinson, Jaz Hutchins and their horses. Noel Lockhart will be riding Lochleigh Park Silver, the 2024 Tasmanian State Champion. Also in mix are interstate riders Amelia Heafey and Celia Hodgson. There are 6 nominations in the lightweight division; Kirstie Lockhart, Shannon Hill and Toni Sheean on Lochleigh Park horses, along with Kaye Mitchell, Lydia Rigby and Angela Hawks. The final two 160km riders are Junior’s Alexa Parker and Piper Braid, who were the 1st & 2nd Junior riders at the Tom Quilty in May.

Good luck to all 160km riders and especially sending some extra luck Jillinda’s way, where a Top 5 finish would see Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta finish as the AERA Middleweight point horse of the year. Come on girls, lets claim that one for Tassie!

In the 100km elevator event, which will start at 4am Saturday, there are 23 entries, consisting of 4 heavyweight, 5 middleweight, 8 lightweight and 6 junior riders. The field is composed entirely of qualified endurance riders, including two from interstate. It looks like the 100km event will also be quite competitive, with only five novice horses working towards qualifying along with two on 13 month rule restrictions.

The 40km intermediate ride has 14 nominations. Super encouraging to see young riders Indy Russell, Esther Hill and Freya Hill set to attempt their first 40km events, along with Chem Russell. Good luck also to junior rider Sophia Stansbie, along with Steven Hudson, who are undertaking their second and qualifying 40km rides.

A selection of 2025 State Championship entrants. Top Right: Kirstie Lockhart and Lockleigh Park Silver, the 2024 State Champions. Middle: Tasmanian Junior riders Alexa Parker and Piper Braid returning for the 160km after successful Tom Quilty rides (photo credits Sarah Sullivan). Bottom: Jillinda Aitchison and her mare Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta who is in contention of winning AERA middleweight point horse of the year (photo credit Roger Nichols). Freya Hill, Esther Hill and Indy Russell on their welsh ponies will be stepping up to attempt their first 40km ride this weekend.

2025 Build Tech Supplies & TEERA State Championships

Entries are now open for this years State Championships on the weekend 28th to 30th November, 2025.

The Build Tech Supplies & TEERA State Championships will include the 160km State Championship Event, along with 100km elevator and 40km rides, at Pat’s Paddock, Smith and Others Rd, Sassafras. Riders will get a glimpse into some of the tracks ridden at the recent Tom Quilty Gold Cup, alongside some new ones.

Ride base will open at Noon on Thursday 27th, no access to ride base or reserving of campsite prior to this. Ride Office will open Noon on Friday, with vetting to follow, times tbc. Food and Coffee will be available from lunchtime on Friday.

Rally Safe will be used throughout the event. Please contact contact Deb 0408177206 or Anita 0417549046 if you have any concerns.

Entries and full ride details on AERAonline. Entries close Sunday Nov 23, Midnight.

Shout out to all the event and prize sponsors!

NEEEC Legends & Oss Foley Memorial Ride

It’s been a busy few weeks for Tasmanian endurance riders with the NEEEC Legends Ride at Springfield on the 25th of October followed by the Oss Foley Memorial Ride at Gowrie Park a fortnight later, the final two rides of the TEERA calendar in the lead up for the upcoming State Championships.

There were 51 riders at the Springfield Ride. Ideal weather conditions saw a 77% success rate with 24 completions in the 84km endurance ride, and 100% successful completions for the 11 riders in the 42km intermediate ride and the 9 riders in the 22km introductory ride.

The inaugural Legends Shield was won by Anita Hutchins riding Tora Adele in 4 hours and 24 mins. They were also the Best Conditioned Lightweight winner.

Jillinda Aitchison on Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta were 1st Middleweight and won Best Conditioned Middleweight. Shane Neilley on Woodsong Indiana Rose were 1st Heavyweight and won Heavyweight Best Conditioned. Piper Braid riding Padawan El Adien won the Junior Best Conditioned. A special congratulations goes to Kristy Brownrigg on successfully completing her 3rd and qualifying 80km ride.

Top: Anita Hutchins with Tora Adele First across the line & Lwt BC.

Bottom (L to R): Jillinda Aitchson with Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta- Mwt Bc. Piper Braid with Padawan El Adien- Jnr BC

A fortnight later 53 horses arrived in very wet conditions at Gowrie Park for the Oss Foley Memorial Ride. As forecast the weather cleared for ideal riding conditions on Saturday. Completion rates were consistent across the rides. There was a 75% success rate with 21 completions in the 80km. 75% success rate in the 40km with 9 completions and 77% in the 20km with 10 completions.

The Oss Foley Memorial Shield was jointly won by Kirsty Neilly and Piper Braid in a ride time of 4 hours and 32mins. Kirsty riding Woodsong Princess Barbie were also the winners of the Best Conditioned Middleweight Horse, whilst Piper riding Kasdell Khali were the winners of the Best Conditioned Junior Horse. The lightweight division was won by Kaye Mitchell riding Beer Street Dalliance, they also won Lwt Best Conditioned.

The Best Managed Horse Awards, chosen by the veterinarian team went to junior riders Maci Brownrigg and Kenzie Rattray. Maci successfully managed her pony Valor Park Princess Sparky around her 3rd qualifying ride, whilst Kenzie completed her 3rd ride to become a Qualified Endurance rider. Well done to these young, up and coming riders, who made up the total of 8 Junior riders who successfully completed the tough Oss Foley ride, making the Juniors the biggest division for completions.

Top: Joint ride winners Kirsty Neilly & Piper Braid

Bottom (L-R): Best Managed winners Maci Brownrigg with Valor Park Princess Sparky and Kenzie Rattray with Orabanda Dancing Jessica

Recently qualified Endurance riders Kenzie Rattray and Kristy Brownrigg. Photo Credits Roger Nichols

Bakers Scenic Challenge

By all accounts the Bakers Beach ride delivered on its name with a challenging yet scenic bush ride. With the addition of the Inaugural School Cup along with the OTT prizes the event was a buzz with lots of new faces amongst the 75 entrants.

There were 14 riders in the 6km event, 13 representing local schools. For 8 of these little riders this was their first endurance event. With thanks to support from Mark Dunn all riders completed and vetted successfully.

The 20km ride had 25 entrants with 21 successful completions, of which 8 riders were representing their school, including 4 riders competing in their first 20km event. Well done Zak & Olie Neilley and Devonport Christian School representatives Tyla O’Toole and Giselle Porter for riding your first 20km events.

The 42km ride had 12 entrants with 10 successful completions. This included Sophia Stansbie (12) from Andrews Creek, as well as Nicole Bozoky and Corinna Taylor who completed their first 40km rides. Whilst Grace Mead and Sharky Roberts completed their 2nd 40km rides, qualifying for 80km events. Also noteworthy the return of Brandon Foley with his first successful completion in over 7 years.

The 85km endurance ride had 24 entrants with only 15 riders successfully completing the hilly course. The ride was won by Junior riders Piper Braid (13) from Sheffield School and Emerald Rigby (12) from Latrobe High, holding hands to cross the line with equal placing in 6 hours and 12 mins. The Middleweight division was won by Jillinda Aitchison. Sister Kirstie Lockhart and Shannon Hill were equal first Lightweight winners. Heavyweight was won by Sheleah Astell in 8 hours and 3mins, which was also her mare Shardell Lady Lily’s 3rd and qualifying ride. It was great to see Janine Parr’s return to endurance after a serious incident earlier in the year. Whilst Jessie Mihocek successfully completed reaching her 5000km milestone.

Jessie achieving her 5000km milestone. Grace & Sharky completing their 2nd qualifying 40km. Nicole, Sophia & Corinna completing their first 40km. Janine back in the saddle. Brandon’s return after a long hiatus. Photos: Roger Nichols

The highly regarded Best Conditioned Rugs were won by:

• Junior - Kasdell Khali ridden by Piper Braid

• Lightweight- Lockleigh Park Tempestuous ridden by Kirstie Lockhart

• Middleweight- Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta ridden by Jillinda Aitchison

Photos by Roger Nichols

The Inaugural School cup was won by Andrews Creek Primary, represented with Kayden, Leo, Esther & Evie in the 6km, Evie & Freya in the 20km, Sophia in her first 40km, whilst Kenzie rode the 80km. St Patricks Primary came in a close 2nd with 7 riders and Lilydale in 3rd with 4 riders.

6km & 20km School Cup Riders

The perpetual Claude Filleul Memorial Junior Award was won for the third consecutive year by Emerald Rigby riding Lily T.E. with a perfect logbook of A’s & 1’s.

The track may have been tough but these horses still made milestone. Shardell Lady Lily qualifying. Brookleigh Finn first 80km. Faith, Mi Guardian Angel, Highland View Caspian & RA-Anji PJ completing their first rides. Photos: Roger Nichols