This year’s weekend of events is going up a notch. In addition to the usual 7, 20, 40, and 80-kilometre events (with 120km event added this year), there are also international-standard FEI-level rides.
With more endurance riders registered worldwide than the Olympic discipline of eventing, the Tooraweenah Club partnered with Canobolas Endurance Riders to give Australian competitors the opportunity to qualify for overseas international events.
It is the first time FEI events have been staged at Tooraweenah and ride secretary Sonia bonham said the inclusion has bolstered entries, with an additional 32 nominations coming from as far afield as southern NSW and Queensland.
“It is our 49th year and we are runnng our first FEI event.” she said. “We have run national rides there before. It’s nothing off our backs — we just need to add a couple of extra legs. We are providing the track, the venue, and the infrastructure, while Canobolas is funding that part of it.”
Although the FEI divisions add an extra element to the event this year, all endurance participants get to still experience the same Tooraweenah they have come to know and love.
The shorter, AERA-governed rides up to 120km still go through private property and national park tracks in the Warrumbungle region.
There will also be the same relaxed, friendly country atmosphere, quality amenities and traditional catering horse riders are used to.
Bonham said the hard-working club, along with the CWA ladies, have come togetehr to put on another fantastic event.
“We get to ride through some of th emost amazing country, into the national park,” she said. “Most people enjoy it. It’s a hard ride’ the horse can move along, but you just have to ride over the rocks.”
“We have the CWA ladies catering again. They have catered as long as the ride has been on so it is their 49th year as well.”
The Tooraweenah Endurance Club is made up of locals from a range of backgrounds — teachers, nurses, farmers, and more. Over the years, the club has donated funds back into local projects, including upgrading the showgrounds and sponsoring community events.
For more information on endurance riding in NSW and to see upcoming rides in your area, click here.
