The club is an ATHRA (Australian Trail Horse Riders Association) accredited club whose members usually get together on the last Sunday of each month to enjoy a relaxing day out with their horses for a trail ride at various locations in and around the Cowra region.

While no-one is complaining about the rain, and it is wonderful to see green pastures and thriving crops, we had twice planned a ride at a member's property out near Koorawatha and twice the wet conditions have meant it was not possible.

We did however manage to get in a great weekend of riding and camping in the Nangar National Park, near Eugowra. Riding in the park is allowed under permit granted by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the club is always happy to comply with the permit conditions.

It was fantastic to see the park so green and the creeks running well and it was perfect riding weather.

Saturday afternoon saw eight riders saddle up for a couple of hour's ride exploring the Glen Echo Trail and surrounding country.

One of the young horses provided a bit of entertainment as he first took a little bit of convincing to cross the creek, which was actually running pretty fast, and then getting spooked by a couple of low flying ducks!

Back at our base and horse yards were set up and beds made in horse floats just in time to gather around the campfire and watch the sun go down.

It was a lovely evening and everyone enjoyed just being able to catch up and socialise a bit- while appropriately socially distancing of course. Toasted marshmallows finished off the night and everyone turned in looking forward to a big ride the next morning.

Sunday was another stunning day as we said goodbye to winter.

Again eight riders saddled up and set out along the main trail that runs through the park. The creek was definitely running well and as the trail crosses it many times, that also meant the horses all got lots of practice with water crossings, and by the end of the day none of them even noticed the water.

The spring like weather also brought out plenty of campers and visitors to the park, and we came across many walkers who were also enjoying the trail. And there were of course plenty of vehicles on the first part of the trail too- though the second part was closed to vehicles due to wet weather in the previous few weeks. Fortunately National Parks allowed us to use that part of the trail and we made the most of it.

After about 10km we found a great spot for a break -tied the horses for a rest and enjoyed the snacks we had carried in our saddle packs before turning around and heading back to the floats. It was great to see Dripping Rock was doing a lot more than dripping after it had been totally dry last time we visited.

We have some great rides planned for the rest of the year and hope that the lovely spring weather we are experiencing continues! Once again the club will be hosting Dan Steers from Double Dan Horsemanship for a 2 day Horsemanship clinic and a 1 day Long Reining Clinic on 5-7 December. Rider positions are currently booked out but we will have a waiting list, and fence sitters are most welcome, however, as part of our Covid Safety Plan you will need to prebook and prepay of you want to fence sit. For more information on the clinics please contact Kate on 0427 827 758

The club has recently held the Annual General Meeting. President Tony Lofthouse thanked everyone for their efforts and support during these challenging times to keep the club running with a few events. There was no change to club executive positions so things will just keep rolling along.

Our next club ride is Sunday, October 25 and we'll be heading out to a lovely grazing property out near Woodstock that we haven't visited for a couple of years. It will be a nice ride with nothing too taxing for horses or riders. For more information please call Leonie on 0431 961 416.

The next club meeting will be Tuesday, December 1 at 7.30pm Cowra Services Club. For more information about Cowra & Districts Trail horse Riders Club contact Karen on 0427 532 828.