By Bob Sample
Heatwave conditions had caused two postponements of this event before ideal weekend weather prevailed on 25th-26th February. The Stirlings Crossing Endurance Club had been formed to conduct endurance events at the newly purpose built endurance ride base.
A very successful Equestrian Australia Championship FEI affiliated event was held in July last year with a total of over ninety horses in 1*, 2*, 3*and AERA 160 km rides. The Far A Way club used the base for its Sparkler ride in October.
A 40 metre x 60 metres covered area is used for vetting and rider camps are located close by. Toilet and shower facilities were newly completed for the event. A feature of the venue is its location adjoining the excellent Imbil Forestry roads and trails.
The education talks had been held on Sunday 12th February, with Peter Toft, Kelsey Irvine, Kim Moir and Bob Sample speaking to the thirty people who attended; many were not familiar with endurance and were grateful for the information conveyed to them. Of course, many questions were put to the speakers.
Entry and pre-ride vetting went smoothly on the Saturday. It was followed by a comprehensive pre-ride talk presentation which included Ride Director Jim Green, Chief Steward Selwyn Nix and Course Manager Bob Sample. It had been decided that the 40 km Training Ride would begin at the earliest safe time, and sixty seven competitors rode away from the base at 5.10 am.
The 40 km course included short climbs and descents as well as long stretches of easy going. Horses in the ride included experienced and quite inexperienced horses. The variation in conditions on the course encouraged them to settle into a good novice time speed. On long sections of the course tall trees kept riders and horses in the shade.
Water tubs for horse were located in four places, two where additional smaller tubs catered for strapping horses later in the ride. Bottled water for riders was available to ward off dehydration. Extended hot and dry condition had caused creeks to dry up, other than Yabba Creek which is kept flowing by release from the Borumba Dam. It is crossed at the beginning and end of each leg from the ride base.
Some competitors in the Training Ride had covered the 40 km quite quickly and consequently spent time moving slowly towards the finish so as not to be under the three hours minimum time. A “sweep rider” kept an eye on the slower horses but these moved along at a good pace too.
The Intro Ride was over an easy 10 km loop, much of it in the shade and on good wide dirt roads. With an experienced pace rider, the twelve competitors chose to ride as a group. They had begun soon after the last Training Riders were on course so they finished well before the first Training riders.
The undercover area was appreciated at the after-finish vetting as TPRs and vets operated in the shade. The trot-out for the vets began under the covered area but went quickly onto manicured turf, returning to the vets undercover. Given this is an early season Queensland event it was well supported and results were excellent. Successful completion rate was over 85%.
The club appreciates the support of the vets, and our Chief Steward did an exception job ensuring the smooth running of the event. As always Kim Moir, our Ride Secretary, was very professional in her duties. Despite the need for postponements, the club was well satisfied with the end results.
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