(Photo: kilkivangreathorseride.com.au)
September 26, 2017
The Kilkivan Great Horse Ride will be held again this weekend, later than usual due to long-term drought in the region.
The annual event, which began in 1986, is usually run in April and can attract up to 1100 horses and riders who converge at the end of their rides for a spectacular parade down Kilkivan’s main street.
It has been held every year … except when droughts, floods and Equine Influenza have intervened.
This year riders can choose from four one-day trails and one two-day trail which will all converge on Kilkivan on Saturday afternoon:
- The two-day Widgee Mountain / Hanging Rock Trail which covers 65km over two days, starting at 7:00am on Friday at Widgee Showgrounds and overnighting back at Widgee
- Hanging Rock Trail which leaves at 6:00am on Saturday from the Widgee Showgrounds and will cover 35km
- Kurandah Trail which leaves at 7:00am on Saturday from Kilkivan Showgrounds and will cover 35km
- Cave Hill Trail which leaves at 12:30pm on Saturday from Kilkivan Showgrounds and will cover 15km
- Oakview Carriage Drive which leaves at 9:00am on Saturday from Weier Oval and will cover 25km
The Grand Parade, where the riders travel down Bligh Street, is scheduled for 4:00pm.
Kilkivan visitors who aren’t taking part in the various trail rides will be able to enjoy street entertainment and street stalls in Bligh Street from 11:00am on Saturday.
There will also be entertainment at the Kilkivan Showgrounds over the weekend.
On Friday night, a bar and barbecue will be running with free entertainment.
On Saturday night, a bar and food will be available from 5:00pm, and from 6:30pm there will be a free campfire concert with Tom Grady and Muddy Flats plus a bucking bull and jumping castle.
On Sunday, a Bush Poets Breakfast at the showgrounds will kick off the last day at 7:00am, followed by a Pony Novelties Fun Day from 8:30am hosted by the Kilkivan Pony Club.
The bar at the showgrounds will remain open on Sunday night for visitors to enjoy watching the NRL Grand Final.
- External link: Kilkivan Great Horse Ride website
