May2014_DAYBORO TRAILRIDERS
March Ride Report by Debra Shanahan
On Sunday 23rd March, 22 horses of every breed, age and size accompanied by their enthusiastic riders up to 83 years young, gathered at Dayboro Show Grounds at 8am to head off on a 4 hour ride.
We set off at a leisurely pace with Peter Rudd taking over the reins as our new Ride Leader (while Bob is off on other adventures), Graham Bailey as Boss Drover and Dan Burton as our Tail, not allowing anyone to get left behind.
Our ride took us along the picturesque Dayboro Valley. Being a valley, the only way to go is up, then when you think you’ve reached the top you go up even more. Only on horseback do you get to explore the beautiful cattle properties, see spectacular stands of Gums, hear the whip birds and then come out onto mountain ridges revealing 360o views of Lake Samsonvale, the City skyline, Fisherman Islands and far off mountain ranges.
With our destination of Ocean View reached, it was time to make our descent. All going smoothly until a horse that was trialing a potential new owner, tested her emergency dismounting technique as he dropped for a roll in the soft green grass (maybe he was just excited to see green grass!). Another member was equally mystified as her horse appeared to have a rapidly shrinking neck (double check your girth Peggy!).
A shudder went through the group as we were confronted with a seemingly impenetrable hillside of cobbler’s pegs. Unperturbed the horses blazed a path through, with the lead not being the optimal position to be.
With that obstacle over, a few of our more enthusiastic horses set a crackin’ pace back down the mountain leaving our Trail Bosses trying to give directions from mid field. After a pleasant morning in the saddle we arrived back at the club house to find Peter Norris and Lorraine Bailey with the BBQ fired up and lunch waiting for us.
So, when was the last time you rode the paddock fairy that you have down the back paddock? “Oh, you would if you had someone to ride with” or “I’m getting too old, my horse is too old, too fat, too young, I don’t have time”.
Well don’t make excuses, go catch your equine buddy and join us next time to explore the mountains at a hoofs pace.
TRAIL RIDES: 4th Sun 8.00am, Dayboro Showgrounds, off Mt Mee Road.
Committee
President: Graham Bailey 0418 833 110
Vice President: Peter Rudd 5496 7681
Secretary: Janelle Smith 3289 5082
Treasurer: Lorraine Bailey 3425 3248
For details on the club rides or club events please contact any of the above.
