The much-loved Weddin Mountain Muster is set to return from Sunday, 28 September to Saturday, 4 October, bringing with it a week of trail rides, community spirit and a celebration of Grenfell’s unique countryside and heritage.
President Melanie Cooper said anticipation is running high.
“The Muster is always such a highlight – it’s about camaraderie, country hospitality and showcasing our beautiful landscapes. Riders travel from across the State and beyond to be part of it and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Grenfell,” she said.
The week begins on Monday, 29 September with the Eualdrie Ride, a 23-kilometre trek designed to let horses and riders settle in. The route takes riders out along the stock route, past cereal and canola crops, before morning tea with the much-loved vanilla slice and sweeping views of the Weddin Mountains.
On Tuesday, 30 September, the Muster returns to Bogolong, a 24-kilometre ride that hasn’t featured for several years due to wet conditions. Riders will weave through timbered country and rocky ridgelines, pausing at Bogolong Dam for morning tea and later taking in Company Dam Reserve on the way back to the showground.
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Wednesday, 1 October is “Whacky Wednesday”, when riders take to the town in fancy dress under the 2025 theme of Australian Flora and Fauna.
The 10-kilometre ride winds through historic George Street, past Grenfell Hospital and O’Brien’s Hill, before riders make their way down Main Street for the parade. Locals are encouraged to come along and cheer, with the spectacle expected around 11am.
Proceeds from the day’s fundraising efforts will go to this year’s chosen charity, Weddin Landcare.
This year’s big addition comes on Thursday, 2 October with the brand-new Star Gully Ride. Covering 23 kilometres east of town, the ride takes in cropping paddocks, wattles in bloom, grazing hills and views of Conimbla National Park. Lunch will be enjoyed in the shade of trees before the ride loops back into town through Star Gully.
Trail Boss Ashleigh Leibick said the new route is something special.
“We wanted to give riders something fresh and different this year. The Star Gully Ride has everything – safe crossings, open hills, shady trees for lunch and fantastic views. It’s a perfect showcase of what our district has to offer,” she said.
The Muster concludes on Friday, 3 October with the Adelargo Ride, a 20-kilometre loop through timbered hills of cypress pine and ironbark. Farms and grazing paddocks line the route, with plenty of shade at the morning tea and lunch stops before riders return to the showground one last time.
The week will finish with the traditional finale dinner and poetry competition, giving riders a chance to celebrate their achievements and share stories around the table.
Beyond the rides, the Muster continues to deliver for Grenfell, providing a large economic boost to local businesses. Fundraising this year will also go towards Weddin Landcare, supporting their work across schools, farms and the community.
Safety remains front of mind throughout the week.
Treasurer and Safety Officer Karen Casey said the committee works hard to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“Aside from showing everyone a good time, safety is number one. We’ve worked closely with Transport for NSW, NSW Police, Weddin Shire Council and local landholders to make sure every trail and road crossing is well planned," Ms Casey said.
"Riders are also provided with tips on how to stay safe both on the rides and around camp.”
She also urged motorists to take extra care during the Muster.
“We ask all road users to slow down, be patient and take extra caution around horses. A sudden noise or movement can easily startle them, so please give riders plenty of space and allow everyone to travel safely.”
Secretary Rebecca Maslin added that the committee is especially grateful for the generosity of local landholders.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to the property owners who kindly allow us access to their properties. It’s their support that makes the Muster so special, linking our town to the surrounding countryside and giving riders such a unique experience,” Ms Maslin said.
The community is encouraged to support the Muster by being mindful of horses on local roads, lining the streets for Wednesday’s parade and welcoming visitors to town. As the sun sets on Saturday night, riders will leave with memories of camaraderie, scenic trails and Grenfell’s warm country hospitality – proof once again of why the Weddin Mountain Muster remains one of the most cherished trail riding events in New South Wales.