THE Eyre Peninsula Western Riding Club held a meet on Sunday, June 8 at Mortlock Park in Tumby Bay.

The morning threatened rain but turned out to be a beautiful day for the 10 riders who enjoyed practicing the can and bending race, barrel and keyhole race for the Port Lincoln Show.

Di McLachlan and Sandi Burke’s horses were newly broken and were very brave, and well behaved.

Hannah Burke participated in the games on her trusty old pony, Narelle, with thanks to Glen Searle who ably jogged the different races with Hannah and Narelle in tow, allowing Hannah’s Mum, Sandi to concentrate on her youngster at his first meet.

This trio competed well with another youngster, Molly Hill, on her beautiful buckskin pony, led by her Mum, Andrea.

After games, the group enjoyed lunch and a chat, and then seven riders went for a casual beach ride.

The Mother’s Day ride on Sunday, May 11 was held from Rob and Sandi Burke’s property.

Fifteen riders and two escort cars for the Lincoln Highway section into Louth Bay, enjoyed perfect weather and excellent spirits for their ride along the beach.

New riders to the club were welcome, and Kate Heinrich enjoyed her first large group outing on her newly broken mare.

Milton Stevens showed all there are ways and means to get a horse safely across a creek crossing, with Kate Heinrich’s youngster wanting to back away from it, he decided to about face, and let her back over the creek. Bravo.

She was happy to cross over the right facing way after that.

Refreshments were made available at the beach before turning back, with riders choosing between some fun in the sand, and a more leisurely pace along the shore.

On returning to the hosts’ property, those who were able to stay enjoyed a relaxed barbecue lunch, thanks go to Rob for his skill at the hotplate.

The new home ground, Mortlock Park, is a great set up and there will be a working bee on June 29 at 10am. Bring gloves and a pooled lunch.

The next committee meeting is on Wednesday, June 25 at Hill’s home, starting at 7.30pm. All financial members are welcome and encouraged to come along to discuss what they would like to see included in the calendar of events.

Don’t forget the next meet at Mortlock Park, Tumby Bay, on Sunday, July 13 at 10am for Port Lincoln Show training. A morning of fun and games for everyone, followed by a BYO lunch.