In 1997, Jill Sheean passed away suddenly while attending the Oss Foley memorial endurance ride. In honour of her memory and her passion for horses, local family, friends and members of the endurance riding community established the Jill Sheean Memorial Endurance Ride in 1998. A favourite of many riders over 20 years, Toni Sheean, supported by a dedicated committee were proud to bring the ride back on to the calendar...
A total of 66 riders enjoyed the pleasant weather, trails of the Sassafras forests and the endurance community gathering together in the familiar comforts of Pat’s paddock. Worth noting 17 junior rider amongst the field. Most seemed to agree the course was more challenging than anticipated. Riders and horses rode to the conditions, taking more time on course, resulting in an overall completion rate of close to a 90%.
There was 100% successful completions for the 2x 10km and 11x 20km introductory riders. With one vet out, the 42km intermediate ride had a 94% completion rate for the 18 riders. Whilst the 80km ride had 34 riders with an 82% success rate.
Congratulations to;
Laurie Vagneur, Ellie Weller and Robyn Lebnan, recorded as completing their first endurance rides.
Alyssa and Evie Hortle completeing their first 40km rides
Georgie Jones & Hayley Dawkins completing their third 80km rides to become qualified endurance riders.
Zak Neilley on starting and finishing his first 80km ride, great effort despite the result.
Kassidy Wickham and Maci Brownrigg who were equal first across the line and winners of the lightweight and junior divisions, with a riding time of 5hrs and 46mins.
Alice Mitchell and Jack Robinson joint winners of the middleweight division.
Allie Bloom winner of the heavyweight division.
The highly regarded Best Conditioned Horse Awards were won by;
Heavyweight - AT Dial Range Farida ridden by Allie Bloom
Middleweight- Brookleigh Dela ridden by Jessie Mihocek
Lightweight- Archerville Cimarron ridden by Kirstie Lockhart
Junior- Shanadarr Pirouette ridden by Emerald Rigby
Gratitude to the committee, volunteers and sponsors for the event.
Divisional winners leading from early on
Jack, Allie, Maci with Alice & Kassidy leading as they passed Roger Nichols and his camera at the first checkpoint. Right: Best Conditioned winners Kirstie Lockhart & Emerald Rigby passing through shortly after.