From Miva to Kilkivan: Sunny Coast riders honour 10 years of adventure

On the weekend of 17/18 May, the Sunny Coast Trail Horse Riders Club celebrated 10 years of growth and fun.  From small beginnings in 2015 with 10 members and a ride calendar of 6 rides, the club now boasts 40 members and a ride every fortnight from February to November, including some clinics, weekend camps and new places to ride.  

The highlight of the 10th Anniversary Year so far has been camping and riding a section of the National Trail, from Miva to Kilkivan, notching up 44 kms over the two days.

Riding the National Trail was the first choice to kick off the celebrations as the establishment of the National Trail, originally meant to be a horse trail following old stock trails, crown land, gazetted roads and historic private property, led to the formation of the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association (ATHRA) and the clubs that are the heart and soul of that movement.  It was a way of honouring the club’s history and provide members with the opportunity to ride this iconic trail.

Officially the ride was to start on Saturday.  Unofficially, the ride began on Friday with camping at Miva Homestead on the Bauple-Maryborough Road. Lush paddocks and yards were available for the horses, a hot shower and campfire for the riders and volunteers and outstanding country hospitality from the owners of Miva Homestead.  A little bit of rain that night could not dampen the anticipation of the adventure ahead.

Early rain on Saturday soon cleared to a beautiful sunny day. A quick breakfast then horses were loaded to be transported to the official start at the historic Dickabram Bridge, Miva.  As riders and the support crew gathered at the Section 5 National Trail site, horses were groomed, saddled and excitement rippled through the air.  Horses felt it too and were eager to start.

Word was given to mount up for the photos and the Trail Boss talk.   Formalities over, twelve riders set off, each one feeling part of something really special.

The day’s ride offered a diversity of landscapes, road riding, bush tracks, creek crossings and through private property coming out on Pike Road where the support crew were waiting to transport the horses to the Woolooga Saleyards and camping for the night.  

But the day didn’t end there. Members and supporters were treated to a night of celebration in the Woolooga Hall, with food, drinks, speeches, presentations and a video showing the highlights of the past ten years. 

It was a special night with a representative from ATHRA, the inaugural Club committee (bar one) and others, including Esther Attwell and Kellie Campbell who played  significant roles in developing the Club.  One couple, Jeanne and Steve Robinson travelled from Adelaide. Jeanne was the inaugural Secretary and held that position for four years.

There was a lot to say, to reflect on and acknowledge and Chris Bourne, Club President and one of the founder members, paid tribute to all those who contributed to the growth of the Club.  Chris said that “each one brought their individual skills, experience and personality to the club, complimenting the pool of talent we’ve been lucky to have, all working together for the same purpose”. 

One of the highlights of the night was a song “Oh what a club!” written and performed by Chris and Estelle Hobbins, another of the founder members.  Estelle also performed the  closing item with an emotional reading of Banjo Patterson’s poem “The story of Mongrel Grey”. 

We are so thankful to the President of the Woolooga Hall Committee who was instrumental in getting the sound system and digital videos to work. These were essential to the success of the event.  He also opened the bar and was kept busy all night!

Trail riders are a tough lot and at 9.30am on Sunday, they were ready to go again setting out from the Pike Road starting point to pick up the trail to Kilkivan.  Riders and support teams were treated to spectacular scenery, friendly cattle, a magnificent autumn day with sun shining and blue skies.  Truly a “good-to-be-alive” day.  Everyone felt the vibe.

At the half-way point, the ride split into two groups, with some returning to Pike Road and heading home, with the other group riding through to Kilkivan Showgrounds.

Trail Boss for both days, Megan Robson said “it was a magnificent weekend of riding and fun and a wonderful way to celebrate what we do. We’re so thankful that we live in Australia and can ride our horses in places like this”.

Secretary, Sam Duggan said “Rides like this just don’t happen.  It takes a lot of effort, teamwork and time to organise. 

“We acknowledge and thank Elizabeth Atherton and Dave Allomes, our hosts at Miva Station, Dan Sullivan, Sullivan Livestock, Jeremy Couch, Manager of the Woolooga Hotel, Brad Alder, President of the Woolooga Community Hall Association and Kilkivan Show Society for the final camp at the Showgrounds on Sunday. 

“In particular we owe a huge thanks to Ray Matthews.  Without his local knowledge and contacts the ride weekend could not have happened.  Ray is a busy man well known for his efforts organising the annual Angel Flight fundraiser, which is on again this year in September, which the club will support.

We thank them one and all for the way they welcomed us, helped us and helped make our Anniversary weekend remarkable and memorable.  

We especially thank Tony Nash from ATHRA for his presence on Saturday night and the kind words he had to say about our club and ATHRA for their professionalism, support and leadership.  

Thank you also to our own people, the committee and volunteers who worked so hard to make sure everything was organised, safe and above all, fun.”

The club had special commemorative shirts made for all the riders, along with 10 year badges and stubby holders.  Volunteers were acknowledged and thanked and a special presentation award, the SAM AWARD, was presented to Adrian Vines for his horse Bill.  The SAM AWARD is for the best behaved horse over a year of riding and is named after a horse called SAM, owned by Jeanne Robinson, one of the founder members and Secretary of the inaugural committee.

President of the Club, Chris Bourne said “The club has been active from the start and we’ve stuck to our core values to stay safe, have fun, be welcoming and continually find new places to ride.  Nothing fancy, but we have a club full of people who share those values, love their horses and have a passion for trail riding. That’s why we’ve been so successful.

The National Trail ride is the first of two commemorative rides in 2025, the second being at Amamoor in September.  For more information follow us on Facebook (Sunny Coast Trail Horse Riders Club South East Queensland) or contact us through our email enquiriessct@gmail.com