SEVENTY-four horses entered the Wilga endurance ride at the weekend.
With grey skies and cool wind, it was perfect weather for the first ride of the season.
Entrants came from GinGin, Albany, Denmark, Margaret River and everywhere in between.
The friendly, laid-back atmosphere at Wilga is always enjoyable and the beautiful wooden trophies created by Collie wood turners were well received by the riders.
Course markers Mario Martin and Jim Poole did a great job with no one getting lost.
Chris Martin and Helen Shield kept the timing desk, Lorraine Bruyn counted the money and a steady band of helpers produced fish and chips and 'beast'-sized burgers.
The heavyweight section was dominated by the men, with Michael Blight from Highbury taking first, Jeff Gates from Bullsbrook second and Bruce Hullett from Gidgegannup third.
In the middleweight section, equal first went to Frances Overhue and Susie Anderson and equal third went to Susan Goodwin and Kevin Dilley.
In the lightweight section, first place went to Steph Cornu, second to Liz Mulcahy and Jamie Crooks.
The 40km riders took home Wilga tee shirts, and the 20km riders were awarded a certificate.
A steer in camp caused some interest during the night, and despite Mario's warning of all types of wildlife that could be encountered including deer, there were no mishaps or lost riders.