After unfortunate weather events and M. Bovis concerns resulting in cancellation for the first two calendared Wairarapa club rides, it was with a sigh of relief that beautiful weather dawned for the always enjoyable Pirinoa Station on the 7th of October. This is usually an endurance track, but CTR classes were also available to give riders looking for champs qualifiers and season points a leg up after missing out on Clareville and Waireka.

A last-minute change of ride base and track at our long-standing landowner’s request meant classes on offer only went up to 40km, but there was a lot of work in the track and this was an excellent fitness run for all regardless.

Recent good weather meant the footing was as dry as I’ve ever seen it, but Pirinoa is renowned for offering very scenic views down to Lake Wairarapa and the coast, and a really enjoyable mix of terrain from rolling farmland, air strips (gallop anyone?), creek crossings, and stunning pockets of bush. We always get good support from the local riding community in the shorter distance classes who love the opportunity to ride over such fantastic country.

Riders rode to the conditions on this technical track, and there were very few vet-outs, though a few riders withdrew due to their horses expressing too fulsomely the ‘joys of spring’. It was fantastic to see some new smiling faces out on course and we hope to see you all back again at Tinui in a month’s time.

  • The intermediate senior 40km was won by Sandy Marshall on Jamilla Two who was looking a picture on track
  • The open CTR by Paula Watson who is delighted to have Tres Bein LS out again after a lengthy break
  • The intermediate CTR by Gemma Haywood and Roselea Royal Fire who was feeling a tad keen after a gear malfunction
  • The junior CTR was a royal tussle between Emma Watson and Grace Blyth who finished on the same score; under CTR rules, the win went to Emma being slightly closer to optimum time.