Riders take Katanning in their stride

Some of the best endurance riders in the State converged at Creekside Ridge in Katanning on Saturday, August 10, for the annual Katanning Endurance Ride.

More than 70 riders took part in the official 80km endurance ride, the 40km training ride and the more relaxed 20km social ride.

The latter two events were perfect for novice riders and horses, giving people a chance to see what the sport is about.

There were four categories in the 80km ride — the heavyweight, middleweight, lightweight and junior divisions.

Trophies and prizes were awarded to first, second and third-place in each weight division.

In the heavyweight division Peter Farrell took out first place with horse A-Lendell Kazade.

Frances Overheu was awarded first place in the middleweight with Poseidon Moon and Shannon Parker was the Lightweight winner with Tanderra Jordaan. All horses are assessed by two veterinarians before, during and after the ride.

The vets examine each horse’s heart rate, which must be below certain parameters, and also check for metabolic stability and lameness.

Any horse that does not pass the vet check at any stage is disqualified.

The vets also judge the prestigious Best Conditioned Horse Award at the end of the competition. Riders traversed a soft wet track of undulating farm land, roads and tracks while enjoying the spectacular views of sprawling canola fields.

Ride organiser Kristy Rae said endurance riding was an emerging force in equestrian competition and was the second most successful of the equestrian disciplines at an international level.

“We have riders from WA competing on the international circuit including the World Equestrian Games,” she said.

The ride was well supported by local businesses.