After a 17-year break, the Megalong Valley Bush Gymkhana is back.
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It will be held on Saturday, October 13 from 9am at the Megalong Valley Sportsground.
One of the organisers who has worked to bring the riding event back to the valley, Claudia Abbott, said the event started in 1953.
“It was a huge annual – and bi-annual for a time – event that brought people from near and far.
“People came from all over NSW,” she said.
“It grew to be one of the biggest sporting and family fun events in the Mountains.”
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Ms Abbott can still recall how much fun she would have at the event as a kid.
“It was a big part of my childhood,” she said.
“I would look forward to it every year. I want to bring it back on an annual basis.”
This is the first year it has been run since 2001. As well as the riding events and demonstrations, there will be whip cracking, sack and flag races, egg and spoon race, a BBQ, campfire, market stalls and a licensed bar. The famous tug-of-war competition between locals of the valley and visitors will be reintroduced.
Small Icelandic horses will also be on show, demonstrating their unique “tolt” gait – described as a cross between a trot and a canter.
“It’s [tolt] very smooth, you can hold a glass of beer while you ride,” Ms Abbott said.
Blackheath Golf Club will also have a putt putt competition.
For more information or to register as a rider, visit the website www.megalonggymkhana.com.