The Tambo Upper Trail Riding Club recently took to the tracks for a successful two-day May trek, navigating the scenic and diverse landscapes of the Colquhoun Forest.
Led by Jackie Whiting on her bay mare, Autie, the group departed from Ms Whiting’s property adjoining the forest in Swan Reach.
Pauline Garry assisted in organising the event, having helped meticulously map out the weekend’s routes.
Club members were treated to two full days of trail riding on Saturday and Sunday, complete with an overnight camp.
On Saturday evening, participants made use of the local courtesy bus for a trip to the Swan Reach Hotel to enjoy a social dinner together.
The trek took riders along a mix of single tracks and thick bush, challenging combinations of short, steep gullies, and brief sections of gravel road, showcasing the lovely ferny gullies the Colquhoun Forest is known for.
The ride welcomed several notable participants, including eight-year-old Chelsea Lawson, who rode independently and did a wonderful job handling her small white pony, Burgy, alongside her mother, Rebecca Lawson, on Trevor.
Club members thoroughly enjoyed having a younger generation represented on the tracks.
The event also saw Katie Wells complete her first club ride on her Arab mare, Rusty, while Kate McNab joined for her second outing riding her Australian Stockhorse, Murphy.
Both riders handled the terrain expertly and look forward to future club events.
The club’s next monthly ride will be led by Gill Renshaw on Sunday, July 21.
Set to be shorter than a standard club outing, this event will see riders return to the floats for a group barbecue lunch.
The trail will depart from the corner of Pipe Dump Road and Brooks Road in Bruthen.
While the route includes some hilly sections, regular breaks will be built in to rest the horses.
The course will feature a variety of terrain, including single tracks, gullies, and thick bush.
A compulsory unmounted muster is scheduled for 9.45am, and participants must arrive with enough time to saddle up beforehand.
The group will ride out at 10am sharp, carrying a saddlebag lunch, with a planned return to the floats by 2.30pm.
Drivers should travel north through Bruthen on the Great Alpine Road, pass the Bruthen Cemetery, and take the next left onto McLeans Road to reach the staging area.
Participants are advised not to stop at the walking trails carpark and instead continue straight ahead on Pipe Dump Road to the Brooks Road intersection.
Tambo Upper trail rides are held on the third Sunday of every month and cater to most riding standards.
Visitors are welcome, and juniors are highly encouraged to attend, provided they can ride independently and are accompanied by a guardian.
Participants are reminded to monitor local weather conditions and consult internal club communications for any last-minute scheduling changes.
For further information or ride inquiries, community members can contact Caroline Driscoll or Sue Cullinan.
