It's been a busy start to the 2021 trail riding year with two rides in January, instead of riding on the last Sunday in December.

The club traditionally rides out at Farleigh Beach in early January and 2021 was no exception. A big group of 18 riders included visiting members from other ATHRA clubs, as well as welcoming some new Cowra members making it to their first ride with the club.

As expected it was a lovely warm summers day as riders saddled up and headed off down the road for an easy 10km - just enough to work up a bit of a sweat before returning to the floats.

Once back there was no time wasted unsaddling the horses as the cool river beckoned. Riders swapped jeans and riding boots for swimmers and thongs and everyone headed down the bank for some cooling off fun.

There was lots of splashing and pawing and swimming and rolling from the horses as they enjoyed cooling off.

And it was quite a sight to see 17 horses and their riders spread out enjoying the river - while one notoriously water phobic horse stood on the sand watching with disdain.

Eventually everyone dragged themselves out of the river and horses were tied up and fed while their riders gathered under the shady trees and enjoyed lunch and a good chat about their Christmas and New Year break.

It was a lovely day enjoyed by all and will no doubt be a much anticipated event on the riding calendar for next year.

The last Sunday in January saw the club head to the magnificent Millamolong Station out near Mandurama for a spectacular ride. Despite the heat and humidity 22 riders couldn't resist the opportunity to explore the hills and stunning views on offer.

As expected there were hills, and more hills, both up and down to give the horses a real workout - but the 360 views of the district were considered worth it by their riders, there were plenty of thistles to go through and around as well.

At the bottom of the hills was the Belubula River, and more than a few horses took the chance for a drink and bit of a splash to cool off.

Once again the club welcomed visiting riders from other ATHRA clubs, including Central Tablelands and Orange.

One of the big advantages of ATHRA membership is the ability to ride with any of over 100 ATHRA club's in the country - and what a great way to meet new likeminded friends.

The Cowra club is currently working full steam ahead on preparations to host the NSW ATHRA Regional Rendezvous 2021 in April 2021 - a weekend trail event for 60 ATHRA riders from across NSW.

After having to cancel in April 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, we are working hard to ensure a safe event, and have our fingers crossed there are no last minute flare ups to threaten the event.

While it is a riding event, we are keen to let all participants know about our local area and all the fantastic things that the Cowra District has to offer.

We'd like them to go home thinking they would like to come back and explore a bit more.

It is a huge undertaking for a small club of volunteers, but we have received some awesome support from both local businesses and horse industry contacts in the form of sponsorship and donations of raffle and prizes.

Anyone or any business who would like to support this event should contact Karen on 0427 532 828.

The next club ride is Sunday, February 28 and we'll be heading into the shade of Roseburg Forest, exploring fire trails and single file tracks through both plantation pine and native bush.

For more information on this ride, or if you would like to come along please contact Trail Boss Rachel via email to cowratrails@gmail.com The next club meeting will be Tuesday, April 6, 7.30pm at the Cowra Services Club.

For more information contact Karen on 0427 532 828.