The weather forecasters got it right for a change, predicting 32 degree celcius heat and no rain.

A 5am start saw 33 riders head out at first light into the wilds of Morton National Park.    

The first riders returned to the ride base in two hours and 12 minutes.     After these 33 riders vetted, only 28 headed out for the second leg in the rising heat.

First across the line was Shelly Ison riding Aloha Fabian, and Peter Norman riding Tallaganda Downs  Natifa, in a ride time of five hours and six minutes.

Next was Jenny Shepheard riding novice gelding Currowon Starlight, who was having his second run and first completion in a time of six hours and six minutes. The junior rider winner was Sorsha Stuart-Rokvic, riding Blake’s Heaven Angelico, in a ride time of six hours and eight minutes.

A special mention and pat on the back to Robert Catlin, who stopped and assisted another competitor who had succumbed to the heat.

The highlights of the weekend was a visit by Santa on the Saturday night, the Nerriga Progress Association’s food and cake stall, Shelly and Peter’s equal first place, Jenny Shepheard for best managed horse, and Geoff  Cochrane  riding his mule, Jonny James, in the social ride.

Hope to see you all around the ridges.