THE twenty-fourth Wilga Endurance Ride was held on Saturday March 14.
52 Riders started after the forecast warnings of unfavourable weather, with 25 riders making the decision not to attend. Those who rode had perfect conditions, with rain holding off until after the event. The rain the night before was just enough to settle the dust and provide a beautiful aroma throughout the bush.
Riders travelled from as far as Badgingarra to Esperance for the first ride of the year. This year the Wilga Endurance Ride also had its first rider from Boyup Brook, with Melissa Waller completing the 25km social ride.
Thanks to Jim Pooley and his helpers no one got lost and all but two horses completed, with no mishaps. Everyone felt the course was cleared and marked extremely well.
Wilga’s famous fish and chips were well received on Friday night thanks to Chris and Sharon Martin who can still do a great cook up.
On Saturday Elly Moir and her team of workers kept everyone fed with hamburgers, rolls and toasted sandwiches.
A special thanks to Leva Peters, who travelled from Perth to help Louise and Janelle with the data entries of all the horses and to all the other volunteers who manned the ride desk, radios and water points. This event raises much needed funds to maintain and improve the 106 year old Wilga Hall and could not happen without the continued support of the Wilga community.
Results:
80km Heavy Weight Winner 5hrs 57min
No. 5 was first heavyweight and fittest heavyweight horse-rider John Anderson on horse Ruoak Wholly Smoke
80km Middleweight Winner 5hrs 57min
No. 8 was first middleweight and fittest middleweight horse-rider Frances Overheu on horse Poseidon Moon
80km Light weight Winner 6hrs 37min
No. 9 was first lightweight-rider Claudia Seke on horse Alcedo Mystique
40km Best Time
Kieran O’Driscall 3hrs
25km best time
Claire Beavis 2hrs 2min