Approximately 300 riders descended on Harden-Murrumburrah over the weekend to compete in two separate equine events. The Endurance Ride had 3 events on offer, with the 160km portion beginning at midnight Friday night.

At 9am the 80km race started and at midday the 40km version commenced. The winner of the torturous 160km race was Wendy Riha from Bathurst, riding ‘Littlebanks Dizzy’ owned by Frank Mollema. Local entrant Kristie Wright rode a stallion called ‘Kurrajong Blue Jeans’ and was leading the race until taking a wrong turn and having to ride an extra 12km, still coming in 7th place in a time of 5 hours, 7 minutes, and a distance of 92km. Tracy-Lee Feltrin unluckily also rode an extra 6km and managed a time under 5hrs.

Several properties were utilised throughout the event including Thorsby’s, O’Connor’s and Stewart’s, and the organiser would like to thank them for contributing to the event.

Equine flesh was also on sale with several interested parties flying in from the United Arab Emirates to purchase horses. Kristie trains for international clients, many whom were impressed by the local scenery. She said ‘The area is becoming renowned for being the most beautiful ride on the NSW Calendar.’ Kristie also said the event was made possible through the help of Colleen Clancy from Kingsvale who did an excellent job of making the course look beautiful.

Team Penning

Paul O’Connor described the team penning event at the Harden racecourse as a great success. Entries received over both Saturday and Sunday numbered 140 with participants ranging in age from 12 years old to 80. The rain held off however wind gusts were felt over the course of the day.

Paul said that the competition could not have been possible without the genorosity of many local families who transported their own cattle to the arena with the assitance of Bernie Minogue including John and Will Weston and the Weston family, Kevin Bradford, Chris Ward and Darren Maurer of Cootamundra as well as Oxton Park.

The local contingent was unable to secure any prize money however it was evident how much fun they were having by the look on their faces as they left the arena.

Paul said that the weekend went a long way towards raising the amount of money needed to construct new facilities at the course. The horse community is looking forward to the annual polocrosse tournament to be held in June celebrating 60 years of the sport in the town.