ENJOY THE TRAILS, THE MATESHIP AND THE JOURNEY.






Why Ride?
Saturday features the iconic trail ride through picturesque countryside, including sections of the historic Old Coach Trail, with riders stopping for morning tea and lunch along the way while taking in some of the region’s most beautiful scenery.
Ride Route
This year the ride will follow the same route as previous years however it will be in reverse. Leaving ‘Turavale’ at 8am following stock routes through the property, crossing the beautiful Wide Bay Creek. Running through multiple private properties with sprawling, scenic open farmland, with a trip down memory lane following along the old railway line. Stopping for smoko and lunch along the way.
Who can Ride?
What experience level is required?
Riders should be confident handling and riding their own horse in outdoor environments and around other horses. Experience requirements may vary depending on the event and terrain.
Ride Date – Sat 19th September
Ride Schedule
Coffee Van & Breakfast available
8:00 AM Sharp START
- Depart from Matthews Property, Turavale, for the horse trail ride
During the Ride
- Morning smoko stop
- Lunch stop along the trail
Approximately 2:00 PM FINISH
Return to Turavale (approximately 5.5-hour ride)
Camping Details
Camping is available from the Friday afternoon through to Sunday.
No power or water connections available.
Yes, Toilets and showers are available.
NO dogs allowed unfortunately event.
Pack it in/out and ensure you leave your campsite as you found it.
Ride Rules & Conditions
Club Plans
- The Club has in place policies and rules which consider the health and safety of the members, volunteers and the general public. These policies/rules are reviewed and amended as required. Details covering the following issues are provided to all members and relevant persons including: –
- Events will be cancelled if the weather is such that it impacts on the safety of the riders or the country which the ride transverses.
- Emergency Disease response – enforcement of the provisions of the Biosecurity Plan.
First Aid & Emergency Response
- Where possible on all rides conducted by the Club, members of the Volunteer First Aid Provider and the State Emergency Services attend and accompany the ride. They are equipped with all necessary equipment including full radio communications to offer first aid and if necessary, evacuate the patient to a point where QAS will be met to further treat the patient and convey to the required medical centre.
- In the unlikely event that VFAP or the SES are unavailable, the Club has members who hold the required first aid qualifications to render assistance.
- A Veterinarian accompanies the full duration on the ride.
- Transport is available to convey horses that are unable to walk out or continue the ride. There are three vehicles with floats provide for this purpose.
- Contact numbers for Emergency Services and Local Medical/Vets are carried by supervising staff.
Communications
- Mobile phones and UHF radios are carried by the Trail Boss, all his Ride Assistants and the support vehicles.
- As the country where most of our rides are held has good service, mobile phones can be utilised.
- Two-way radios are used to control the riders and to keep in close contact with the VFAS and the SES support vehicles. The SES vehicle is equipped with a GPS to give exact locations if required in any emergency.
- A list of way points has been plotted to enable identification of location and progress of the ride.
Rider Responsibilities
- Riders are notified of and are expected to abide by the following requirements. Riders must obey the directions of the Trail Boss, his Assistants and the Veterinarian.
- Riders horses must be fit and healthy and be suitable for the ride. Any horse deemed to be unfit to ride, will not be allowed to participate in the event.
- It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure that his/her equipment is in a safe and satisfactory condition. In the case of persons under the age of 18 years, it is the responsibility of the parent or the person acting in that capacity for that ride. Riders under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the Ride.
- Each Rider or Guardian is to ensure that the Horse Health Dec, the TRA Waiver and the Guardianship [ if applicable] forms are fully completed prior to the Ride. Also responsible for payment of the appropriate fees and to obtain an Armband.
No Armband- No Ride. Armbands will be checked at the point of departure.
- Do not leave the ride without first notifying the Trail Boss or one of his Assistants.
- Be aware of and show consideration towards riders who may not be confident and/or have inexperienced horses.
- Pass vehicles, pedestrians or mounted persons at a safe pace.
- Where possible ride and lunge in an enclosed area away from parked vehicles.
- Ensure horses are tied up safely and securely. Never tie a horse to a float that is not attached to a vehicle.
- Be appropriately attired, including approved safety helmets and riding boots at all times whilst mounted. Boots to be smooth soled and heeled.
- All riders under 18 years must have and wear approved safety helmets. Helmets are recommended for all riders.
- Riders should ensure that they have sufficient drinking water for themselves [ including children in their care] for each section of the ride. Bottled water will be available for purchase prior to the Ride and at the smoko and lunch breaks.
- Riders to respect and keep a safe distance from other horses.
- There are to be NO dogs or stallions on any of the rides conducted by the Club.
- If a horse is unsettled or erratic to the extent that it is affecting the safety of other riders in a group, the rider is expected to remove the horse from the situation.
- The rider is to keep his/her horse out of kicking distance of other horses.
- Riders are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the Club and to abide by all reasonable directions of the ride officials.
- The partaking of drugs [ except medically prescribed] or alcohol is not permitted while the Ride is in progress.
- Racing and the jumping of logs by riders is strictly prohibited.
- The ride is to travel at a leisurely walking pace and cantering or galloping of horses is not permitted.
- NO riders are to use any yards or watering troughs on any property or site unless permission is given by the Trail Boss.
- This Ride is organised and manned by volunteers and abuse of any persons will not be tolerated.
- The Committee wishes all trail riders a safe and enjoyable ride.
THESE RULES WILL BE DISPLAYED PROMINENTLY AT THE “SIGN ON” AND WILL BE REFERRED TO IN THE TRAIL BOSS’S BRIEFING. [ Copies are also available from the Registration staff].
Safety Information
Safety Riding Helmet Rules All Riding Helmets must be approved standard AS/NZS3838, or equal Snell E2001, PAS 015 and less than 5 years old, as per manufacturer’s recommendations. All Participants 18 years and younger must wear an approved Riding Helmet while engaged in the Recreational Riding Activity offered by the Provider. Any Participant over the age of 18 who chooses not to wear an approved Riding Helmet while engaged in the Recreational Riding Activity offered by the Provider, shall acknowledge and agree, that upon signing the Liability Waiver they are liable for a personal excess should a claim be filed while taking part in the Recreational Riding activity.
The Woolooga Old Coach Trail Riders Association Inc. has taken all reasonable steps to promote the safety and wellbeing of participants throughout the event.
Emergency services, the State Emergency Service (SES), and designated First Aid Officers have been notified of the event and will endeavour to respond to any incidents or emergencies that may arise in a timely manner.
A qualified First Aid Officer will be present and available on-site for the duration of the event weekend. Participants are encouraged to report any accidents, injuries, or safety concerns to event organisers as soon as practicable.
FAQ’s
Rider – Horse – Camping
What experience level is required?
Riders should be confident handling and riding their own horse in outdoor environments and around other horses. Experience requirements may vary depending on the event and terrain.
What equipment do I need to bring?
You are responsible for supplying all equipment for yourself and your horse, including:
- Saddle and bridle
- Helmet and riding attire
- Lead rope and halter
- Water and feed for your horse
- First-aid supplies (recommended)
- Any horse-specific gear your horse may require
Are there horse health requirements?
Yes. Horses must be healthy, sound, and free from contagious diseases. Organisers may request proof of vaccinations, biosecurity declarations, or other health documentation.
What if my horse is young or inexperienced?
For safety reasons, horses should be reasonably well-trained and comfortable in group riding situations. If you are unsure whether your horse is suitable, contact the event organiser before registering.
Can stallions attend?
Unfortunately, stallions are not permitted at this riding event.
How long are the rides?
The ride is anticipated to take approximately 5.5 hours. However, this may vary on the day and will be determined by a number of different factors.
Refer to the event schedule for details.
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted at this riding event.
Is camping available?
Camping is available from the Friday afternoon through to Sunday.
No power or water connections available.
Are there toilets and facilities on site?
Yes, toilets and showers are available
What should I bring for myself?
We recommend bringing:
- Water and snacks
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Appropriate riding clothing
- Wet-weather gear if required
- Any personal medications
What should I bring for my horse?
- Feed and water containers
- Hay or supplementary feed
- Rug(s) if required
- Horse first-aid supplies
What if there is an emergency during the ride?
- Ride leaders will follow established emergency procedures. Participants should provide emergency contact details during registration and follow all instructions from event staff.
What are the rider responsibilities?
Participants are expected to:
- Ride safely and respectfully
- Maintain control of their horse at all times
- Follow instructions from organisers and ride leaders
- Respect other riders, horses, property, and the environment
- Clean up after their horse and leave campsites and trails tidy
Do I need to bring my own horse?
- Yes. These events are designed for riders bringing their own horses. Horses are not provided.
Rider Registration
Ride Forms
Rider Nomination Form (live will open forms) Health Declaration Upload (live will open forms)
Waiver & Terms (live will open forms
Entry Fees & Categories
Adult (over 18 years) – $60
- New membership or renewal of membership through TRA
Child (under 18 years) – $50
- New membership or renewal of membership through TRA
Family (3 people) – $125
Extra family – $45
- Additional members of families more than 3
Visitor Fee – $20
Special Event/ Charity Ride – $20 (per rider)
- Fee if a rider is not a member of a TRA affiliated club
Thankyou for registering!
We appreciate your support and look forward to riding with you.
Please keep a copy of your rider’s nomination form, horse health declaration, waiver, and payment confirmation on hand for the event.
Please keep an eye on your email for any event updates or additional information.
Thank you for being part of this special event.
