Paris Creek/Macclesfield – March 1                                                    

It was the first day of autumn, Judy’s first trail ride and the weather was perfect.  Any trail which takes in open paddocks has to be pretty good and this was no exception.

 There were about twelve riders which included new member Tracy from Cherry Gardens on a little black gelding which behaved beautifully. 

 We took off for our first trot in the paddock only a few minutes after the start which had some exciting moments for those with fresh horses.  Indeed, Amba hadn’t been ridden since the last ride a fortnight ago and I kept a very firm hold.  I have seen her antics when she is free in the paddock at home and I didn’t want to be caught out because I would have certainly dented the ground. 

 After a sojourn around the home paddocks we rode out on the local roads and as there were only a couple of cars that was OK.  It wasn’t long, however, before Judy had led us along a stock road filled with native vegetation (and weeds).  The track followed the ridge so there were frequent glimpses of lovely views in all directions.  Soon we were in open paddocks, again.  These were re-vegetating with yakka, acacia and little eucalypts.  It seems the area was part of a dairy.  We lunched in a gully with plenty of tussocks which made comfy seats.

 We re-traced our way round the dry effluent ponds and followed the roads back to the floats after a deviation through a neighbour’s property instead of returning through Judy’s bushland.  Perhaps we’ll do that next time.

 I had to rush off so I missed the apre-ride hospitality, unfortunately.  There was afternoon tea on the verandah planned so I’m sure it was lovely.

 Thank you Judy for a lovely ride over some new territory and by the way – the signage was good and I found the directions easy.                                                                                                                       Christabel

Kuitpo/Christmas Tree Hill Rd  – 17^th May  -   Drizzle!  Drizzle!  Drizzle!  Nigel and I agreed it was only early morning drizzle and would clear so we rode without our jackets but our prediction proved to be incorrect and when it continued nearly all morning we became quite wet.  It was fortunate it was only a half-day ride.

 There were fifteen riders on horses of all shapes, sizes and colours from a huge appy and Kay’s lovely buckskin on its first trail ride (with ATHRC), to Nigel’s ponies.  Annie was ridden by Sonia who had kindly driven Nigel, his ponies and herself to the ride.

 In spite of the weather, everyone enjoyed the track Kay and Lyn had planned.  There were quiet trots which provided contrast to some steep trails where it was necessary to proceed in single file over an obstacle course.  All good fun!

 Thanks to our trail bosses for being brave enough to host an event when some of the usual crew are away at Barmah.  It was suggested and agreed we should do it again in June when some are away in the Flinders Ranges. 

Christabel

                                Barmah  Forest Ride  -  16^th 24th May 2009

Present. Owen Jenny, Sue, John, Jeanette, Kerry, Sarina, Andrew, Judy, Jules, Vivien, Cheryl, Jane, Hank, Colin, Pauline, Colin w, Bill, Pat, Jenny

What another great week we experienced at Barmah Forest. The weather was perfect, not as cold as last year.  We had great times around our nightly camp fire, of course what would we do without Hank, always around to give a helping hand and keep the fire going, I’m sure everyone appreciated the Billies boiling in the morning.  Jenny B stayed with us for the week, our guide extraordinaire full of local knowledge, and such a lovely person.  We rode out each day except Wednesday when some went to the horse sales and into Echuca doing the tourist routes.

This is just a sketchy Itinerary.

 Saturday, Rode to one tree crossing.

Sunday, Budgee ck  and Paddy Ferals, Cheryl ‘s horse refused to go into the creek, Jenny b finally got it to cross over by backing the horse in to the water.

Monday, Sandridge Track to Pig Hole Yards.

Tuesday, Goose Swamp Fence to Black Swamp.  A visit to Andy Pells finishing off with a fast ride thru the Forest and back down Sandridge Track.

Thursday, my favourite ride we crossed the Lake to Bunny Digger meandering alongside the river, popping over logs and finding tracks thru the bush.

Friday, Sue and her sister joined us today and we rode to Little Rushy Yards via Mc Donald’s water hole. Near the end of the ride we split up into two groups       one for fast riders and the other for the ones who wanted to take in more of the beautiful surroundings.