Uralla played host to history in the making at the weekend as Endurance Horse Sports Australia conducted their inaugural carnival.
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Competitors from all different disciplines, as well as experienced endurance participants, took on the 10, 20, 40 and 60 kilometre rides on Saturday and Sunday on marked tracks set on the outskirts of Uralla
EHSA formed to incorporate horse welfare, distance riding as well as competitor skill into one competition.
Each horse and rider began with a set, marked workout before heading out on the endurance tracks and then returning for a heart rate and lameness check on the horse.
Points from the workout and heart rate are combined to place competitors and award the winners.
Uralla Pony Club rider Isabella Brownlie was one who tried the sport out for the first time and, after trying the 10km on Saturday, she was hooked and signed up for the 40km on Sunday.
Brownlie’s experience in the pony club arena as well as her horse’s fitness paid off as she finished in top spot in the 40km.
“After finding the post on Facebook, I really wanted to give it a go,” she said.
“I didn’t know how my horse and I would hold up so I decided to do the 10km and we both held up fine so I decided to do the 40km.
“It was amazing, the people were friendly and supportive. I can’t wait for the next one.”
Organiser Nicole Dookwah said the EHSA committee were thrilled with the Uralla carnival.
“It was very hot, very successful and great fun,” she said.
Another carnival is planned for June.