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.