G resford News • November
The
2014, p 17
Annual “Trevallyn” to “Riverside” Cattle Drive
The Gresford Pony Club members turned out in great style and numbers to move the 150 head of cattle down Fishers Hill Road and into Summer Hill Road and ultimately through to “Riverside”where the Annual Snaffle Bit and Cutting Competition take place on Saturday 11th October 2014. Confidence was brimming out of the face of Rebekah, the Nurseryman from Duninald, she rode alongside the Pony Club riders each boosting oneanothers horsemanship, great to see. 28 riders made the drive with again the “Master of the Horse”, local identity Brad Brooker, leading and co-coordinating the muster. Former buck jump rider, Denis Jenkins, rode wide on the wing and the former Australian Representative, Shaun Thompson together with Mick, the Union Rep, Holtz kept up the steady pace pushing up helped by Sandra and Emily past riders on the drive. Grant Eldridge, the president of the Pony Club had great assistance from Baily and Jack who both cut a fine figures in the saddle. Local identity Andrew Clode, stood out in a bright green cattleman’s shirt. Horse breaker and President of the Wirragulla Polo Club, Beau Blundell was imacually turned out on a big bay horse and supported by Karla Brown and Beau lent a couple of well prepared and turned out horses to former Australian Gold Medal winning Surf Boat sweep Chris Flemming
who was accompanied by his lovely wife Lyndall both of whom are Life Members of South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club, this really bought the surf to the bush. The spirited horse of the day had to go in a shared prize to local identity Bob Doyle and Courtney Gould both of whom didn’t stop the entire ride keeping their respective mounts under control. All the way from Carlow in Ireland, Elaine Bray and her husband Steve, the Gonze, Bray stayed upright the entire ride which pleased their daughter Caylie, who rode in the support vehicle and helped in serving the morning tea. Former South Sydney forward and Coonamble lad, Mick Ecob had a buster when the girth broke on his saddle suffering a couple of broken ribs but fortunately everyone’s friend and mentor Susan Doyle was on hand and helped Mick into her vehicle and gave him the necessary encouragement to keep his resolve. Former Dubbo footballer and now a Manly tragic Chris Meredith finished the ride despite loosing his mate “Big Mick” but did wish him a speedy recovery with a couple of brown milkshakes at the conclusion of the ride. It was nice see Sophie Falk working the cattle as an experienced horsewoman and Jess Litchfield another of the local girls who helped make the muster what it was.
Everyone’s mate, Jade Cornish who is probably better known as the “Insulguard Insulation Specialist from Lochinvar” was accompanied by his beautiful daughter Tegan, and wait for it, he also bought along his lovely mother in law Brigit Taylor, now that is foresight. Local horsewoman Daisey Brunwin showed a few of the male riders on just how to ride cutting a fine figure in the saddle. Two very experienced horsewomen, Bailey Doyle and Brittney Crouch epitomised just what horsemanship is all about exhibiting good composure and horse control and when inside “Riverside” let their steeds have their head and cantered and galloped without missing a beat. Upon dismounting the ladies of the Vacy P&C, under the stewardship of Lisa Priestly, had lunch prepared for the riders. The day was a great success and showed just how a community is able to work together for a common goal. Well done riders.
Darren Jones
PS. It seems the only person Darren forgot to include was himself but his effort should be acknowledged. Darren is the instigator of the event on an annual basis. On the day, he provided and cooked a fantastic breakfast BBQ at his beautiful property ‘Trevallyn’ for all the riders and their helpers prior to the ride and again provided the lunch at ‘Riverside’ at the end of the ride (via the Vacy P&C). He drove the support vehicle and provided the half way morning tea. As he does each year, Darren donated the cattle for the drive - these were then used in the cutting competition. Editor
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