Tambo Upper Trail Riding Club will host a weekend camp at Valencia Creek on Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3.
The rides will be led by local club members Caz Driscoll and Karen Brown.
Caz and Karen with the assistance of Sally Bass and other club members have mapped out an interesting ride which takes in a variety of terrain with great views. A huge amount of work has gone in to checking the tracks after the recent rain and wind events.
The camp will be based at the Avon – Mt Hendrick Natural Features Scenic Reserve on the corner of Wombat Road and O’Keefe Road, Valencia Creek. Camping is available from the Friday, participants should self-cater and bring suitable yards for their horses.
The ride is medium to hard and horses will need to be shod or wear boots as the terrain is steep and rocky in sections. Horses should have a medium to good level of fitness.
Ride out time both days will be 10am sharp. Saturday will be a full day with riders required to carry a saddle bag lunch. Sunday will be a half day ride with lunch back at the camp. There are a number of routes to reach the starting point. Use Google maps and enter “Avon – Mt Hendrick Natural Features Scenic Reserve” to get directions from where you live.
The February ride was held in the Melwood area. Sixteen riders set out led by stand-in lead rider Sue Cullinan. The horses moved along calmly, handling the bush tracks with ease.
Of particular interest were the old gold diggings and the gorge on Boggy Creek. Time was taken for riders to dismount and have a good look at these sites.
Danja Ypelaan from Sale was welcomed along on her first club ride. Danja made a great team with her black gelding “Bandit” on their first outing in the bush.
The return trip after lunch threw up a couple of unexpected challenges. A large black snake caused some excitement and the group gave it a wide berth for safety. Shortly after a large bull on the fenceline posed a challenge to the riders. Thankfully he took out his wrath on a nearby tree allowing the riders to pass by his paddock nervously.
The group arrived back at the floats and tended to the horses before enjoying a delicious shared afternoon tea.
Tambo Upper Trail Rides are held in different locations on the third Sunday of every month. New members are always welcome and children are also welcome but must be able to ride independently.
Ride calendars are available on the club Facebook page or at your local saddler. For further details contact Caroline Driscoll or Sue Cullinan.
