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.