Over 150 endurance riders saddle up at Imbil this weekend

Endurance event at Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex

This Sunday over 150 endurance riders from as far afield as Osaka in Japan and Mt Martha in Victoria will saddle up in Imbil and take on the diverse forestry terrain around the Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex over 40km, 80km and 120km distances.

The Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA) event is expected to attract up to 450 visitors to the region thanks to families and support crew members joining the riders, adding about 50 percent to Imbil’s population for the weekend.*

Event host and owner of Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex, Matthew Sample said the event had been oversubscribed with nominations closing ahead of schedule thanks to the large number of registrations.

“We are delighted with the response and are looking forward to welcoming riders for a fantastic weekend.  The tracks are in excellent condition and the surrounding landscape is looking lush and beautiful,” said Mr Sample.

“I feel like endurance riding is certainly seeing somewhat of a revival as riders who take on the incredible challenge of long distances on horseback realise what a wonderful bonding experience it is with their horses.  Once you’ve felt the exhilaration of completing 80km, 120km or even 160km of diverse terrain with your horse ― who really is like your best friend ― it becomes addictive!”

The list of participants is impressive including the current QLD champion, Kaylea Mayer, the 2016 Pat Slater Cup winner, Kelsey Irvine and Tom Quilty Cup winners Brook Sample and Jessica Langridge.

Those completing the challenging 120km ride will set off at 2 am on Sunday morning with the first leg being completed entirely in the dark.  Riders return to the complex for vetting every 30-40 kilometres so vets can check on the horses’ wellbeing before setting off on further legs.  Those entering the 80-kilometre ride have the option of ‘elevating’ to the 120-kilometre distance if both horse and rider feel up to it.

“Elevator rides are a great opportunity for riders wanting to complete the longer distance rides to evaluate how they are travelling at the 80-kilometre mark before having to commit to the 120 kilometres.  For many riders this will be the first time they take on the longer distance and the excitement for both horse and rider really adds to the energy of the event,” said Mr Sample.

“Endurance riders have the utmost respect and admiration for their horses as the sport requires the horse to have exceptional athleticism, intuition, intelligence and a very competitive nature.”

“We have some tough contenders in all the rides and we’re looking forward to a very competitive day of riding on Sunday.”

The event is open to the public. To find out more please visit the website of the Stirling’s Crossing Endurance Club, which is hosting the event ― www.stirlingscrossingendurance.asn.au

Tarome resident Kathy Drew on her stallion, Warrawee A’Bandom, who will be competing in the 120km ride at Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex in Imbil this weekend

Photo credit Sue Crockett