The main ride covered 80 kilometres of scenic Dungog countryside with a 40km training ride and a 15km social ride.

The course was both spectacular and challenging with the highlight being the climb to the top of McDougalls hill with views out to the Stockton sand dunes and across to

the Barington Tops.

An impressive 137 horses lined up for the 2.30pm start. Many of the sports leading horses and riders travelled from across the state to attend.

Fifty eight riders started the 80km ride, 47 the 40km training ride and 32 the 15km social ride.

Despite very hot conditions and a difficult course an 83 per cent completion rate was attained.

Three vets including Clarence Town’s Peter Fortunaso worked tirelessly into the night to care for the horses.

All riders did a magnificent job in managing and strapping their horses with no horses requiring treatment for metabolic compromise.

Four riders took out line honours in the 80km event in a total riding time of five hours and 52 minutes.

First local rider home was Paul Monger from Vacy on his Arabian Oak Glen Dark Sequel.

Equal fifth place was taken out by Clarence Town rider Melanie Anderson on her Arab gelding Ausden Kon Tiki and Newcastle rider Sophie Babic, riding Lyn Dillon’s Banfield Paris.

Gil Stevenson riding Thalaba Touch of Gold and Lorna Stevenson riding Thalaba Jack Silver from Flat Tops both completed in the top 12.

Many novice riders lined up for the 40km training ride and managed their horses superbly in the heat.

Glen William local 14yo Sarah Gornall took out the youngest rider on her tough little barefoot Appaloosa Misty.

Hannah-Rose Shilcock from Glen Martin riding Brad Dillon’s Ningadoo Kadette,

Clarence Town’s Gennie Purcell riding Bonnie, Jess Hopkinson from Gresford riding Redleaf Raj, Jackie Richardson from Seaham riding Monty, Sarah Richardson from Seaham riding Jay and Luke O'Brien from East Seaham riding Knighty all successfully completed their first 40km ride.

Many local riders lined up for the 15km social ride with special mention going to youngsters seven-year-old Grace McDougall from Glen Martin riding Blaze

and eight-year-old Josh Haskins from Glen William riding Indy who did a great job to complete.