Riders go bush

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 631, 9 April 1996, Page 12

Riders go bush

With the Pony Club competition season drawing to a close eight members of the Waimarino Adult Riding Club had a long-awaited trip into the southern Erua Forest, 17 kilometres north of Ohakune, on 24 March. A great day was had exploring the track systems left over from former logging days. The main track is metalled and services the National Grid, providing access to the power pylons. The riders had lots of fun exploring the side tracks and were lucky to find one circular track which is mainly grass surface with a few boggy crossings and took about 45 minutes' riding. Two horses which were unsure about getting their feet wet had plenty to think about but had no intention of being left behind. A collapsed culvert finally stopped progress, near where the filming had taken place for the "Wild Horses" movie. The riders back-tracked and turned up a lovely umbrella fern-lined grassy track leading to another power pylon near which they had a leisurely lunch admiring the view

towards the Mangaturuturu River hidden in the gorge below. On their return they met three mountain bikers on the main track, and on the last side track found one good jumping log, before arriving back at the transport after four glorious, carefree hours in the saddle. The club has an Adult Gymkhana on Sunday 1 9 May at the Waiouru Saddle Club grounds and offer an invitation to any adult rider. Entry fee is $12 for the day and the programme includes flat events, show jumping, games and a dual hunter trails for both experienced and inexperienced riders. "There will be lots of fun for everyone and with no plaiting allowed there is time for an extra half an hour in bed," said club representative Evelyn Cooper. Information is available from Mrs A Maru, WRC secretary, 61 Grey St, Raetihi. The next meeting is on 2 May at Heather Cooper's, Ballance St, Raetihi, at 7.30pm.