About the W A Horse Trekkers Club
The club was formed in 1990/91, following the Mundaring to Kalgoorlie Pipeline Trek in 1988. It was incorporated in May 1992. At present, the club has approximately 35 members from areas north of Perth to Manjimup and Scott River in the south.The club runs non-competitive trail rides and is open to both horse riders and harness drivers. You can use any breed of horse that is sound and sensible and any saddle or gear that you find comfortable and is safe. In the past the club has been an adult club, but from 2003 children over 12 have been able to join in some of the shorter weekend events. Rides are generally run from a private property or a place where vehicles and floats left behind are secure. Trails are generally through tracks in the bush, through private property or along quiet back roads. Tracks and roads are often gravely and it is preferred if horses wear boots or are shod.
WHAT DO TREKKERS DO?
An annual trek of two weeks is usually organised each year. Depending on the location, it is held between August and November. Average distances covered would be generally 300-400 kms travelling 30-40 kms per day with some rest days incorporated. Annual treks have been held as far North as Mt Augustus/ Gascoyne Junction, East to Kalgoorlie and South around Hopetown, Bremer Bay.
Because of the widespread area members come from, rides are held in different locations in the Perth Regional Area and southwest of WA on each long weekend over 3-4 days, to allow for travelling time and some shorter rides over normal weekends are also held.
Weekend rides usually include a half-day ride (12-20 km) commencing after lunch on the first day, to allow everyone time to arrive and set up. A full day ride (25-35 km) is run on the middle day/s with a picnic lunch out on the trail. Often, though not always, someone in a support vehicle accompanies the ride to bring along the lunches, gear, etc. On the last day, a morning ride (12-15 km) is held allowing time for everyone to travel home after lunch. Evenings are usually spent around the campfire (in season), camp cooking and telling yarns and relaxing. You can also join in for one or two days if you aren’t able to stay a full weekend. The pace is generally slow, mostly walking and trotting, and participants spread out along the trail in pairs or small groups.
WHAT DO I NEED?
All participants are usually self sufficient on rides. You will need
· Your horse, of course, although support people are appreciated.
· All riding and driving gear including spares of essentials.
· Camping gear including Swag or tent, gas stoves etc
· Electric or steel yards
· Horse food and bins for water and food
· Spare horse shoes/boots, all horses should be shod or have boots.
· Horse nose bags, saddle bags and water bags are helpful too.
· Sun and/or Rain protection.
· Food for all meals unless otherwise advised
· No dogs or stallions are allowed at rides.
· It is recommended all adult participants wear helmets but it is not compulsory and everyone is asked to sign a declaration they accept the risks in the event of injury. Helmets are compulsory for children.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Membership fees each year (1st Jan – 31st Dec) are decided at the AGM and are currently $60.00 per year, with a joining fee payable in the first year of $20.00.
Weekend rides are run at minimal cost, usually only $5 -$10. More is charged for longer treks depending on how they are organised.
A new member joining after 1st Oct is current until the end of the following financial year. Non-members are also able to participate, but must become members after attending two rides.
OTHER INFO:
Club windcheaters and shirts are available in dark green with the club logo screen printed in white on the front. Newsletters are posted out at intervals advising members of coming events with venues, times, and any other club news.
The club is affiliated with the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association and all members automatically become a member of ATHRA and receive a membership card. All insurances of the club are with ATHRA. ATHRA website www.athra.com.au