Home of the Tenterfield Endurance Riding Club.
Home of the Tenterfield Endurance Riding Club.

History

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The Tenterfield Endurance Riding Club was formed in 1986 to run an endurance ride over some of the pioneer trails on the Eastern Fall. Sandy Watt was appointed to start organising the event. A planning committee was formed and advice sought from long time residents of the area.
Our first ride was a training rife in 1986 an was followed by an 80km event in 1987. By which time a keen group of local riders and other interested people had been added to the committee.
Sponsorship was sought and fund raising began with the aim of making the 1998 Bi-centennial 160km Queensland State Championships and event to remember.

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Denis Smith riding the Legendary Torremolinas won the event with First Heavyweight and First Open. He collected two saddles for his effort.

In 1988 we were lucky to have Michael Combe as District Forrester in Tenterfield. He suggested we develop the old bullock paddock at Girards State Forest as a base for our local rides/
This was a paddock where teamsters would put the bullocks to rest the night before hauling logs out of the forest the next day. Two thousand plus manpower hours clearing, burning, slashing and with the help of Dick Atkinson and his bulldozer we were ready to make improvements. With help from the NSW Forestry we built a pit toilet and double shower block, a gazebo and a large framework to put tarpaulins over. A bridge was also put across Crooked Creek to allow extra access to the grounds.

The original committee consisted of:

  • Sandy Watt - President
  • David Caldwell - Secretary / Treasurer
  • Bruce Everson
  • Barrie Rhodes
  • Stuart Jeffrey
  • Anne Tink
  • Pat Watt
  • Sandra Smith

In ensuing years water has been piped around the area and power made available. In 2009 the club built an extra double toilet block.
The club holds an Occupational Permit over the base and is responsible for the upkeep of the area. The ride base grounds are available to community groups for hire.

 

 

 

Tenterfield Star Newspaper clippings for 2015 ride

From the Tenterfield Star Newspaper, June 12, 2012

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Tenterfield Endurance Riding Club held its 26th ride on May 19 and 20 with the theme of “Step Up”, encouraging riders to elevate to a greater distance.

The theme was carried through with the last riders in the 100km rewarded with a small stepladder kindly donated by Pat O’Brien, a new member with a great sense of humour.

This year’s ride followed on from last year’s successful Hi Ho Silver 25th Anniversary Ride.

Tenterfield is well known to endurance riders both north and south of the border as a challenging and fun ride operated in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere from its unique bush setting in Girard State Forest...