Hoof over Hills kicks off with the Saturday Ride

Friday was a big day in Flowerdale as not only did the Prime Minister and Premier come to town but also the riders participating in the 2009 Hoof over Hills came into town and set up camp.

Firday night was Riders Night with dinner and entertainment. By all reports it was a great night that really kicked in with about 400 people.

Hoof over Hills started with the 9.00am departure from Kinlochiel, the proprerty of Alan and Debbie Schultz, which had been transformed into a huge camping ground with riders and horses setting up camp for the weekend.



There were 270 riders who rode through the blackened forests and across the hills. The recent wet weather also meant that many of the waterways and small creeks that dont often run in October were running. The fires had also downed many trees so their were plenty of obstacles.

The first stop for morning tea was in the heart of the forest were riders enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee or for those looking for something stronger, a drink from the mobile Bundy Van.

The Bundy Van kept riders hydrated during the ride

The riders headed off for the second stint at about 11.30 coming in for lunch at 1.00pm at the top of on of Flowerdale's many hills giving a great view across the valley.

"Setting out for the second leg"

The last stint was the longest with riders coming back to camp about 4.00pm. Everyone got back safe and sound thanks to the organisation and the official Trail Boss and team of lead riders. There were also paramedics and ambulance staff on the ride in case anything went wrong.