An early drizzle cleared to make way for a sunny day with perfect riding conditions for endurance riders at the latest Mount Linton ride in Southland.
The well-marked track set out from the equestrian centre at Sandy Point last Saturday and took riders through varied territory including a 10km scenic stretch along the beach, to tree-lined forest tracks, and long, grassy gallop areas.
The 80km Open ride was won by Gore's Angela Head, riding CD Fred. In second place was Trevor Copland on Dell Dancer, and third place and best conditioned went to Vanessa Tiffen on Gazzah. Tiffin also won best conditioned at the club's last ride, in late November.
Several young riders had their first taste of endurance riding, and vowed to come back for more and step up to a 40km ride, which is promising for the sport in the region.
The day was a family affair for the three Brown sisters, whose horses were all related. Samantha's ride, Rayjan Daniel (Bremervale Pocohontas x Bremervale Tequila) is the sire of 14-year-old Danielle's ride, Demi, and Demi's dam Leah, was ridden by Rhiannon Brown, 10.
Samantha Brown, 19, trots out Rayjan Daniel (aka Zeus).
Long-time club member Lyn Marshall gives course mapper and 80km rider Jo Elder a wakeup call before the prizegiving.
Rhiannon Brown and Leah.
A horse is trotted out for the vet check past the club's new signage.
Club secretary Lisa Simpson tallies up the scores for best conditioned.
Heading home: Danielle Brown, 14, takes Demi back to the float for a wash after vetting.
Cooling down after the ride.
|
Facebook
Twitter
HOME SITES 
