Bony Mountain on the Darling Downs will play host to five endurance rides this Easter weekend with riders from as far afield as Manilla in New South Wales looking to enjoy the break with their horses and take on the challenging terrain.
The rides — which range between 20 and 80 kilometres in distance — have been organised by the Lockyer Valley Endurance Riders (LoVERs) club which was reinstated to host this event after a 10-year sojourn.
Ride organiser Lyndell Abercrombie said she was delighted to see the club reunited and looked forward to welcoming both new and existing endurance riders to the Darling Downs.
“We’re thrilled to be back in the saddle, so to speak, to host the LoVERs Endurance Ride and welcome scores of families and their horses to Bony Mountain,” said Ms Abercrombie.
“The event will include a 20km ride which will be an opportunity for those interested in trying endurance to come along and give it a go; as well as two 40 kilometre rides and two 80 kilometre rides for the more seasoned riders.”
“Endurance is an exhilarating sport; nothing beats being out on your horse for hours at a time in beautiful landscape and along quiet country roads, and the sense of community amongst riders is fantastic.”
One rider looking forward to the LoVERs ride is Oakey resident Lacee Marquis who will participate in two 40km endurance training rides at the event and believes it’s the supportive and inclusive nature of the sport that makes it so attractive to horse lovers.
“As a newcomer to endurance, there are so many people happy to help with advice and to mentor you which makes it really easy to get involved,” said Ms Marquis.
“The focus is on enjoying the time with your horse and completing the ride together rather than on winning, so everyone is on the same page and willing to share their experiences.”
“I am really grateful to have the opportunity to join in the ride as there are no other events where it’s possible to do two 40 kilometre rides in one weekend. This will help me towards my goal of doing a fully-fledged 80km endurance ride by the end of the year which is really exciting.”
“I am still learning something new every day and even in my role as a volunteer at endurance rides in the past it’s been wonderful to be involved.”
The event will be hosted at the Bony Mountain Polocrosse Grounds which Ms Abercrombie said offers those attending the opportunity to camp with their horses and enjoy the Easter festivities.
“Endurance riding has always been a wonderful sport for families and we have no doubt the weekend will deliver. It’s only been made possible by the generous support of our local sponsors so I’d like to thank Synergy Accountants and Queensland X-Ray as well as the numerous other businesses who have come on board at relatively short notice.”
The ride was a late edition to the 2017 calendar with the Queensland Endurance Riders Association (QERA) endorsing a second ride after the traditional Easter weekend event in Imbil decided to make their ride open to Hendra vaccinated horses only.
“We are very grateful that QERA gave us the opportunity to host this ride given endurance riders have spent so many years congregating for the Easter weekend to enjoy our sport,” said Ms Abercrombie.
“I encourage endurance riders — and anyone considering trying the sport — who have not vaccinated their horses for the Hendra virus to come along and join us for this ride. It’s a wonderful experience for the whole family with a visit from the Easter bunny, an egg hunt and a number of other activities on the program.”
For more information or to find out more about getting involved as a volunteer, visit www.lockyervalleyenduranceriders.weebly.com or call Lyndell Abercrombie on 0407 378 852.
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Media contact: Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing P: 0410 109 102 E: maya@freshprm.com.au
