Trail Boss: Jane Whitmore. 6 Days based from 2 different ‘base camps’. Each ride is a loop out, around and back to camp . Fully Catered. Horse ‘n riders welcome. Ride out by 9am, typically in by 3pm. Good days riding over high country/farm 4WD tracks and cross country.
$760.
When do I need to be where? Meeting after 2pm on Sunday the 28th February 2021 at Ashridge Downs, owned by Hamish Thompson, Cochranes Road (it is the only property on this road ), it is at the end of the road. Hakataramea Valley. It is 33km up the valley turn right onto Scotts Bridge road (after Cattle creek Hall ) then right onto Menzies road approx 1.9km onto Cochranes road.
How hard will the days be? about 30km per day. This is one of the easier rides on the Cavalcade. Starting and finishing from a base camp (3 nights up the Hakataramia then 3 nights near Twizel). Can take a day off and stay in camp here and there without being left behind! Good honest day rides over some steep and interesting country. A good level of fitness and experience required.
What can we expect en route? AMAZING VIEWS, GOOD FOOD, Very capable and experienced Trail Boss and Wranglers! And a great bunch of other like minded horse enthusiasts! Really bloody hot temperatures! 30 degrees plus. Freezing cold temperatures! -5 degrees maybe colder with the wind chill factor – You can get all sorts of weather in these Central Otago Mountains. At this time of year it is typically warm/hot but southerly storms can blow through (short lived) at any time.
What do I need to bring? A horse!
Waterproof coat/jacket, leggings & hat
Jersey, balaclava, socks, longjohns, gloves
Hot weather gear e.g shorts & T shirt
Gaiters are a good idea to keep rubbish & rain out of boots
Riding boots or boots with a heel suitable for walking
Plate/bowl, cutlery, drinking vessel, tea towel.
Towel & toilet articles
Sleeping bag & mat / stretcher
Sunscreen & insect repellent
Personal items and a roll of loo paper
Small first aid kit for you and your horse
Camera & torch
Don’t forget a wee treat for yourself and your horse
Water bottle
Personal medications
Money for the bar and Host Town
Baby wipes are handy when hand washing difficult
Small ground cover to put down in yards to put your gear on
Where are we going? Exact details still being confirmed, but…
Monday: A great ride to see the awesome countryside keep your eyes peeled for wallabies.
Tuesday: Great hill country with amazing views to the coast from the Hunter hills and up the valley.
Wednesday: shorter ride before we pack up and move to our next camp near Twizel.
Thursday: New camp at Totara peak station on the lovely shores of lake Benmore. with more amazing views to Mt Cook and even a few wild stags to be seen.
Friday: Great wee ride meandering up the river that feeds lake Benmore.
Saturday: move in to Twizel for the final ride in to the parade.
We have the awesome team from the Strath Taieri Primary School catering for us again. They will be providing a bar. If there is anything in particular you would like available, please let us know.
Questions specific to this trail? Ask Jane Whitmore the trail boss. jm.whitmore@hotmail.com
Questions about the Cavalcade in general and entry process, support… Ask the organiser terry@cavalcade.co.nz Or call the office 03 445 0111
