First run since 1988
The midnight, late-July air is dry and crisp as 32 people mount their horses and ride off under the cover of darkness.
The skilled horsemen and women are embarking on one of the toughest rides in the country — a relentless, 220-kilometre journey from Winton to Longreach.
The start of the endurance ride was once signalled by a shotgun when it took place 40 years ago.
Now it’s a gentle “off you go” from the chief steward that sends riders on their way into the barren landscape.
A sense of nostalgia hangs in the air as the competitors are swallowed up by the darkness, with starlight and head torches guiding their way.
In several hours they will emerge at their first stop, before setting off yet again on the rugged-out dirt track until they reach the finish line.
The event looks different to the 1980s, when it first started, but it’s still a show of strength, grit, and horsemanship.
A nod to history
The Winton to Longreach Endurance Ride was once a focal point of the western Queensland calendar, running from 1980 to 1988.
It was created by artist Hugh Sawrey to help raise funds for the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach and attracted names including cattleman RM Williams.
It quickly gained a reputation as one of the hardest rides in the country.
Julia Creek cattleman Jack Makim told a newspaper in 1987 the event was about challenging yourself.
“It reminds people how tough it was pioneering the bush before we had telephones and cars and planes,” he said at the time.
“And it helps to remind them about that old Australian quality we used to pride – that quality of never giving up.”
This year’s event was revived to celebrate 100 years of Queensland’s Country Women’s Association (QCWA) and to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Angel Flight.
Longreach rider Laura Axsentieff said she had been preparing for the event for two years.
“These rides just don’t happen really and there’s a chance we may not run another one,” she said.
“It’s really special. The west was built on horseback.”
The track stretches along the original Cobb and Co route, once used during the pioneering days to deliver mail and supplies to pastoral stations before a train line was established.
With gidgee stones, gullies, and wildlife, the route is technically challenging to navigate for riders and their horses.
“They class this as one of the toughest rides in the world because it’s so long and monotonous. It’s hard work,” organiser Craig Renner said.
Animal welfare is the highest priority.
Riders are obliged to stop at several stops along the way to ensure horses are cared for with vet checks, food, and water.
“Horse welfare is paramount in our sport these days,” Mr Renner said.
“They’re our mates at the end of the day.”
Ride of ‘legends’
Competitors travelled from across Australia to attend the event, with ages ranging from 10 to 70.
While 32 riders entered the event only half completed it, with many withdrawing or failing to pass vet checks.
But there was a sense of respect for anyone who had tackled the challenge.
“Anyone that’s done this ride is a legend,” Mr Renner said.
Kevin Dellow rode the last time the event was held in 1987.
“We found out about this event and there was no way in the world we were going to miss it,” he said.
“When I was competing, [one of this year’s organisers] was a little kid.”
Andrea Laws-King was named overall winner this year, completing it in 17 hours and 10 minutes.
Saasha Gorgan from the Sunshine Coast was named runner up, finishing in 18 hours and three minutes.
Her daughter, Taylor Grogan, was the youngest competitor at just 10.
“She was really good, she didn’t complain at all. She rides along happy and she’s motivating for you to keep going as well,” Ms Grogan said.
Organisers said being part of the event was an honour.
“My father used to say, ‘In the middle of the day you’re mentally tired. It’s just foot after foot’,” Mr Renner said.
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