July2015_NEWS FROM DAYBORO TRAILRIDERS

MAY RIDE REPORT:

by Lisa Schuhmann

Our 19 horses and riders left the showgrounds a little late after waiting for poor stressed Julie who had floating issues with a borrowed horse and float then finally getting to the showgrounds to find she had a missing girth.  Lucky there was a spare one in the shed that fitted, so with Julie all saddled up we were away.  Our usual trail leader Bob was away so this time our trusty leader was Dan who led us along at a nice pace with Peter at the back closing gates. 

We went out through Stewart’s paddock and followed the short ride from the Big October Ride last year.  Our first hurdle was a creek crossing that a few new horses were a little unsure of, but all made it across safely.  We were asked if possible to slowly move some cattle into the yards.  At first all went well until we got near the yards and the cattle decided to break free and run back at us in all directions between the horses.  For a little while all chaos broke out with riders hanging onto spooked horses and one horse and rider going down.

  

Anyway all horses settled down and we carried on through some lovely green country with grass as high as the horses, up and down hills and through lots of water crossings.  We came back down through the old car paddock where the cars breed quicker than we ride through and there is nearly always a new car to look at.  We weren’t disappointed this time with a shiny red ute hiding in the lantana.

Poor Julie just wasn’t having a good day when we were close to home and her hat blew off into a dam just out of reach.  Riding crops were used, short sticks and branches until in the end Peter Norris decided to entertain us and came to the rescue with what we could only call a log.  While just balancing on the edge of the bank and the log trying to pull him in the water he saved the hat.  Pretty funny!!!  With the waterlogged hat being carried we rode off again and headed for home.  Then after a slight detour around some motorbikes we were back at the showgrounds but unfortunately for Julie she realised that she had lost her $10 note that was in her pocket.  There was only one thing to do and that was get a drink and have a lovely BBQ lunch.

DAYBORO DAY PARADE REPORT

by Lisa Schuhmann

We were a little low on numbers for the parade this year, with everyone busy and even our president Bob was away at the Clydesdale show in Boonah to promote TRA.  Anyway we all met at the showgrounds to saddle up and collect flags, neck ties and saddle cloth covers.  We rode over through the park to await the start of the parade from behind the pub where the horses all had a short rest and munched on the grass.

Then we were off following behind the Pony Club.  We had Graham walking, leading us carrying our metal banner.  Kayleen and Mel also did a great job walking and carrying flags for us whilst keeping an eye on the horses.  We rode behind them in pairs with myself and Debra in front, Peter Rudd and Janelle in the middle, then Peter Morris and Freya at the end.  Actually . . .  the clowns were at the real end, picking up poop for us!  Thanks guys!

There were lots of familiar faces in the crowd and so many people lining the street to watch the parade in the beautiful warm weather and sunshine.  Peter Morris kept a few of them entertained down the main street with his spinning grey horse.  Then suddenly the parade was over and we rode back to the showgrounds along Mt Mee Road where most horses went home except Lady, who went to the yards for a few hours.  Being the only horse there she got lots of attention from passers-by while I walked around the festival and stayed to watch the entertaining raft race.

MUNDOOLUN CAMP – June long weekend:

by Bob Ebert.

The club enjoyed a camp away at Mundoolun on the Albert river over the June long weekend, arrived Friday, set up camps, yards, fed and watered the horses, collected firewood and had the fire going under the donkey so we had hot water for the shower, then happy hours started.

Saturday morning ride with 28 taking the plunge, some excited horses forced us to lead 3 or 4 for parts of the ride.

There were 2 rides each day, Saturday and Sunday, each one to different parts of the property which is scenic, with a lot of history.  They even have their own Anglican church and cemetery with headstones dating back to the 19th century.

Camp fire and happy hours every night, tall tales and great company.  Dayboro, with 9 members, helped to keep the party going till late.

We had a short ride Monday – that was not so short – packed up and headed for home.  It sure was a long weekend, hosted by Mudgeeraba Trail Club.