Excitement is building with over 100 endurance riders from as far afield as Holbrook, NSW taking on the tracks at Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex this weekend for a number of rides, including a much-anticipated 160km ride heading into the Imbil State Forest at midnight on Saturday 4 May.

This ride ― which will be tackled by riders as young as 13 right up to 73 years of age ― is the last opportunity in Queensland for riders to qualify for this year’s prestigious Tom Quilty Gold Cup, which will be hosted at Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex for the first time in July.

Event host and owner of Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex, Matthew Sample said wet conditions wouldn’t keep people away this weekend with a few still needing to qualify and others wanting a last opportunity to gain experience on some of the tracks which will form part of the national ride in July.

“It is every endurance rider’s aim to complete a Tom Quilty Gold Cup ride so for those hoping to compete in 2019 who haven’t qualified yet, time is running out ― there will be a great deal of commitment, determination and passion on display,” Mr Sample said.

“There’s a reason why our motto in endurance riding is ‘to complete is to win’. It will take some competitors the full 24 hours to get over the line and even the one who gets to hold up the gold cup at the end, will spend at least ten hours in the saddle to do so.”

“The energy when riders set off at midnight is incredible and the excitement between horse and rider is electric. Both know what lies ahead and the partnership that exists when you ride together into the pitch dark with 160km of track ahead is extraordinary.”

This weekend’s event is open to the public. To find out more please visit the website of the Stirling’s Crossing Endurance Club www.stirlingscrossingendurance.asn.au.

Source
Equestrian Australia