Traralgon & District Horse Trail Riding Club Inc.

President:          Don Evenden      51 661335

Secretary:          Bruce Boucher     51661405 boucher@vic.australis.com.au

Treasurer:          Ken Ludlow          51762632 kenludlow@bigpond.com

Club Post Office Box: 1213 Traralgon 3844

April  Newsletter 2012

March Ride Report

The heavy fog lifted over Ron’s and Margaret’s family farm to reveal a beautiful clear blue sky. Riders were saddling up whilst Ron made several most welcomed brews.

At 9.30am 8 riders, with Ron leading, set out for the Native Forests of Hill End. The first leg leading to the forest was approximately 4 kilometres of Russell Creek Rd. Russell Creek Rd is a slow meandering dirt road overlooking steep green grassy hills, gum trees and lots of healthy cattle.  Most riders and horses appeared quite relaxed as they took in the scenery and atmosphere of this beautiful part of Australia. Riders were spread out and some were so relaxed that they didn’t notice a “Bull” standing still right next to the road in the bushes until they were within 10ft of it. Nobody seemed to care about the “Bull”, not the horses, not even the alleged “Bull”. The “Bull” Don declared, was actually a cow as it had large udders and was probably standing over a new born calf! I have to say I though it did look like a Bull at first!

Entering the forest the track was muddy and wet from recent rains.  Ron led the way showing us the tall gums, gullies and views only a privileged few get to witness from the back of a horse. The scenery and tranquillity of this area is magnificent. After riding up and down some great tracks Ron led the group to the Tanjil River. As we approached the river through the bush it could be heard roaring in the distance and some questioned whether we would be able to cross after the previous heavy rains. On arrival the river wasn’t as bad as it sounded and after a reccy and cheers of “She’ll be right,” the group crossed without incident, though my new boots filled with water!

After the crossing we continued riding through native bush, crossed small creeks and travelled along great tracks until finally we had completed a large loop and returned to the Tanjil River. After a successful crossing, filling my boots again, we headed back to Russell Creek Road.

Again riders were spread out nicely along Russell Creek Rd and all appeared relaxed. The cow (bull) was still standing watching the procession go bye and as we approached Ron’s place the smell of BBQ lunch wafted down the road, excellent!  Margaret had prepared a great BBQ lunch and a fantastic sponge cake which was really appreciated by all. 

Don held the raffle which was won by Carolyn and Chris.

A special thanks to Ron and Margaret for looking after us so well. Thanks for leading us through your neck of the woods and showing us such a great place. Magic Day!                                                          Chris Fredericks

Chuck Wagon

The chuck wagon is now housed in a new shed at the Traralgon Pony Club. This shed was built jointly with the Pony Club. A special thank you goes to Ken Ludlow who spent many hours on behalf of our club contributing to the shed construction. Our club also contributed some funding to assist with this project.

Future Rides

May    Sunday 20th -   Leroy            (Map is attached) Ride out time is 9.30 sharp. A sausage sizzle lunch will be provided.              June            Willung          July            Hazelwood North

August                        Glenmaggie               September            Jeeralang North

Raffle.   Thankyou for supporting our raffle. This is our major fundraising activity.       Last months winners were Chris and Carolyn.  

May Ride 

  Gippsland ATHRA Clubs Annual Combined Ride

JUNE 2^nd - 3^rd 2012

VALENCIA CREEK CARAVAN PARK

Smyths Road Valencia Creek

Join the Stratford and District Trail Riders Club for two full on days of riding in the hills north of Briagolong with a base camp on the picturesque Avon River

Free Camping for Riders

Camp Sites available from Friday pm

 Self Catered

Chuck Wagon and BBQ Facilities Available

 Tea and Coffee Supplied

 Toilets and Showers

Campfire each night

BYO Food and Horse Fencing

All horses should be fit and adequately shod

(Non ATHRA Members who ride will be required to take out insurance @ $20/day with ATHRA)

Ride out Saturday 9.30am and Sunday at 10.00am with horseless briefing on both days at 9.00am

Riders will need to carry saddlebag lunch and drinks on both day rides

ENQUIRIES TO           Sally Bass           51472798

                                  Julie Ludbey       51456824

ATHRA CODE OF CONDUCT APPLIES TO THIS EVENT

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