Over 700 horse riders in Coonabarabran! What a sight to see!!

Almost 2 inches of rain arrived at home over the weekend and we are thrilled. Most of the crop is planted so this is ideal. I was in Coonabarabran when the soft rain was falling at home. One of our daughters was participating in a four day equestrian event. It was a 5 ½ hr trip for us but a nice drive through Forbes, Parkes and Dubbo. This was worth the effort, an incredible opportunity to be a part of something amazing.

This event is the largest secondary school equestrian event in Australia. The sight of all those horses, floats, children, adults, yards, stables and campfires was fascinating. Around 50 schools and over 700 students could choose from a number of events, including cross country riding, show jumping, polocrosse and sporting to name a few.

The rain eventually arrived in Coonabarabran too but no one was really phased as raincoats, umbrellas, tarpaulins and gumboots appeared. The mud underfoot just added to the atmosphere. Like the Albury Polocrosse event earlier in the year I was learning a lot about camping and how it can be so much fun, if your organized.

Tea from the billy tastes fabulous as we wrapped our cold hands around the mugs and put our backs to the fire. After egg and bacon rolls, the horses were saddled and everyone ran off to their first event. I helped as much as I could, carrying feed buckets and ensuring the horses had water and their stables were clean. Parents, grandparents, teachers, judges and helpers watched what they could in between duties. We had great conversations and enjoyed the opportunity to meet people from all over Australia. 

Howard’s dad was a great help. He carted the horses up for us and he had all the things we needed. A camp oven, gas stove, tables, tarps, swags, spare horse gear and an attitude that set the example. He knew camping with horses nearby could be great fun. He was great company and was really in his element in this environment. It will be nice for Howard to have some time with his Dad over the next couple of days. Howard arrives as I head home, as one of the girls needs to do a French exam at the local high school and one of my buddies from the yoga class is having a special birthday! It’s a juggle but we are managing really well.  

During the drive home along the Newell Highway I decided to stop occasionally and photograph the stunning countryside.  The rain clouds were lifting and the wet gum trees were dripping in the sun. I take my time and pull up to see the 64 metre Parkes radio satellite. The rain was falling across the mountains in the background and the freshly worked soil in each paddock made my drive along the little dirt lane delightful. It was easy to forget I was tired and ready for home.

These horse events are a great opportunity to get outdoors and just take it all in, from the stars to the misty mornings but this time it was the people that stood out for me. Great attitudes, great team work, great coordination and yet again a large group of talented young people. If only you could bottle what these people have! Inspiration, adaptability, passion!!