Saddling up

THE countdown for the 2009 Tom Quilty Endurance Ride is gaining pace.
Only five months remain until the premier endurance horse ride comes to Tonimbuk.
Organisers are working feverishly preparing for the major event, an internationally acclaimed endurance event attracting riders and horses from around the world.
The event tests the skill and fitness of horse and rider as they compete to finish 160km within 24 hours on 18 September.
It is based at the Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre and the course includes the surrounds of the Bunyip State Park.
Despite part of the track being affected by the February bushfires, organisers guarantee the course will be ready for the September ride.
An experienced endurance ride organiser, Lissy Verity, knows what’s involved in preparing for the premier event.
“It’s expensive, requires many volunteers and consumes enormous man hours to prepare for and to host, “she said.
Organisers are busy preparing for a major fundraising dinner in July to be held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham, in the hope they can raise $25,000.
The Cardinia Shire Council has already committed significant funds and in-kind support for the event.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson says he is looking forward to the event, adding the Tom Quilty Gold Cup will put Tonimbuk – and the Cardinia Shire – on a global stage.
“It will be a fantastic spectacle and we expect thousands of people to be here for what will be one of the biggest events ever staged in Cardinia Shire,” he said.
For details about the fundraising dinner or to book tickets contact Sue Cousins on 5629 2530 or visit www.tonimbukgoldcup.org.au