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.