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FEB 6 FINNIS 2011 - by Sue Moore
Sarah & Dennis McMahon provided us with one of our most different and varied enjoyable rides across vast open sandy paddocks with scrub here and there and the occasional picturesque dam with only one bitumen road to cross on the big loop home.
Leaving at 10am, 28 riders arrived back at 1.45pm after an approx 30 mins stop at a winery. Dennis was there to take our purchases back home. (I didn’t buy so I can’t plug the winery). I’d sat down in the shade with pony and Nigel Brookman but one of the boys walked down with a large taste of a lovely Rose’. Kingston and Rogan certainly did their bit here offering around tastes. These lads of about 10 and 8 (sorry boys if I’ve got it wrong) were fun to have on the ride. Always refreshing to have some young blood! A lot of us being grandparents we are growing more used to young company again. I love it and it keeps us young.
We had a few new riders and for one it was her first club ride. I noticed Nigel riding one horse in front ducking foliage before I could warm him despite his poor eyesight. But the last stretch of the ride was through thick low scrub alongside a fairly straight long stretch of railway line heading back to Gilbert Siding. This was a bit tricky for taller horses as you had to duck quickly under very low branches and we had a couple of minor incidents. I find this quick thinking riding a challenge eg. Flinders Ranges, but it comes with constant trail riding.
While the boys were radioing or phoning Dennis for help, I had to take the lead along the railway line the rest of the short ride home with plenty of time to see a Steamranger approaching. My little 13’3” strode it out enough to keep in the lead at a walk. Sarah was on a fraction smaller delightful forward going bay pony. Can’t beat some of these sturdy ponies with two others being Coffin Bays.
We arrived back to a great barbeque cooked by Dennis with our additions of a sweet or salad.
Jeanette Bromilow is always el supremo with some home made creation. Such a change from the familiar Aussie lamington. At her ride two weeks later we had two gorgeous home bakes. And this she does with a semi invalid husband and walks to keep fit. Her day ride is another exciting one I wouldn’t miss for the world. But that’s another story.
Thanks again Dennis, Sarah, Kingston and Rogan.
11th to 15th SEPTEMBER - Flinders Ranges - Peterborough Ride
The Willangi Ride is a four night bush camp 15kms north of Peterborough. Our camp is accessible by two-wheel drive & floats. This ride presents the opportunity to experience the serenity and great picturesque riding that the Southern Flinders Ranges offers, a little more than two hours from Gawler. We will be riding over gradual rolling hills, tree covered ranges and mallee - but don't be fooled as Willangi offers some challenging tracks for riding and the scenery from the tops of the hills is uniquely beautiful.
Our hosts are Neil and Antoinette Sleep.
Riders and campers must be totally self-sufficient for yourselves and your horses.
I am told that a hot shower will be installed at the camp by the time we go. There is a clean long-drop toilet at the camping area and plenty of easily accessible good horse water. The two acre camping area is securely fenced but you need to bring your own horse yard.
If you have any questions or are an intending camper and rider who has not yet expressed interest you MUST contact Sandra or Peter Russell on 8568 2937asap.
Strictly No Dogs and No Chainsaws, firewood is provided and campfires will be permitted subject to fire restrictions if any.
Cost will be very reasonable, details will be provided to all nominees including a full ride itinerary, maps etc.
Please contact Sandra or peter Russell (asap) on 8568 2937 if you wish to ATTEND.
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