The Helden Farm venue at Bulls proved a success for the Ruahine Endurance Club for their two day event at Labour weekend. There were many good comments about this new course and the riders certainly appreciated the good footing rather than the mud that many have had to endure while training their horses.
Sixty five combinations competed over distances from 5km to 80km with one of the weekend’s highlights being the 5km dress up lead rein class. The worthy winner of the dress up was Lachlan Boyle riding his pony Optimus Prime. The faces of the riders in this class certainly reflected “miles of smiles”. And a few of the seniors were secretly wishing they could have entered.
There was good competition over all distances. On Saturday Sandie Warren riding Craig Royston Zarita won the senior 80km with Ruth Dawber riding Miro Bonique in second place. On Sunday the tables were turned in the senior 80km with Ruth first on Miro Dusty Trails and Sandie second on Craig Royston Zaria.
It was pleasing to see many riders attending their first ESNZ Endurance event, having a good time and planning on coming back for more events.
Saturday Results
Open senior 80km: S Warren Craig Royston Zarita 1, R Dawber Miri Bonique 2, R Hill Rewa 3, D Owen Miro Lugh
Open junior 80km: J Loveridge Makahiwi Phoenix 1
Intermediate senior 60km: S Trafford Rivergum Dark Knight 1, J Ferguson Daagir 2
Intermediate senior 40km: S Marshall Jamila Two 1, G Haywood Roselea Royal Fire 2, Debbie Davies Arahi Liquid Silver 3
Sunday Results
Open senior 80km: R Dawber Miro Dusty Trails 1, S Warren Craig Royston Zaria 2, L Southon Tararua El Dente 3, C Brown Tararua Diablo 4
Intermediate senior 40km: S Drinnan Charm II 1
Dress Up class: L Boyle Optimus Prime 1