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.
Approximately $760.
When do I need to be where? Meeting after 2pm on Sunday the 26th February 2023 at Kawarau Station, Bannockburn.
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 Bannockburn then 3 nights Knobby Range). 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?
Monday: A steep uphill ride to get everyone into the swing of the trail, then we will see the amazing countryside with views we all wish for and the historic ‘Young Australian’ water wheel used in the goldmining times.
Tuesday: Another good days ride taking in the original Bannock Burn.
Wednesday: Shorter ride on Carrick station before we pack up and move to our next camp, Knobby Range.
Thursday: An awesome ride up the range with great views over Roxburgh and the Hydro Dam.
Friday: Cheeky wee ride down to the river and surrounding countryside.
Saturday: move in to Millers Flat 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