Chomping at the bit for the 2023 Weddin Mountain Muster
The Weddin Mountain Muster is now only four weeks away and there is much anticipation amongst the riders and committee with the event having been cancelled for the past three years due to COVID and flooding.
Plans are in place and there has been much organisation for the event, planned to run from Sunday 24th to Friday 29th September 2023.
“We just can’t wait to saddle up for the Muster and showcase our wonderful countryside and town to all our registered riders,” said Ashleigh Leibick, Trail Boss for the Weddin Mountain Muster Committee.
“The Muster is incredibly popular. Riders come from several States, with many of them return riders who have developed a deep fondness of Grenfell and cherish the Muster community,” Ashleigh said.
“We have completed all our pre-rides and have been working with local landholders to create some interesting and scenic trails to ride. The landscape is looking spectacular at the moment so our visitors will be in for a real treat,” Ashleigh said.
This year has also seen a heightened number of safety measures put in place for many aspects of the event to keep riders and their horses safe.
“Aside from showing everyone a good time and enjoying the rides, safety is the Muster Committee’s number one priority,” said Karen Casey, Safety Officer for the Weddin Mountain Muster Committee.
“We have been working with Weddin Shire Council, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, Grenfell Show Society, Landholders and Insurance agencies to make sure we have covered everything and riders have been provided with information and tips on how the stay safe on our rides and around the campground,” Karen said.
The Muster involves five days of trail rides, which leave from and return to the Grenfell Showground each day. Riders and their families camp at the Showground for the week, which provides a much-welcomed economic boost to the Grenfell community and businesses. It is estimated that the Muster brings more than $60,000 to the town each year.
For many years, Muster participants have also raised money through donations, raffles and Return and Earn recycling. This money is then given to a local charity or group. This year the money raised by the participants will be going to the Grenfell Pony Club.
“It is very fitting that the Pony Club are the recipient of the fundraising is year as 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of Grenfell Pony Club,” said Ashleigh, who is also the Secretary of the Grenfell Pony Club.
“The young riders at Grenfell Pony Club will be the future Weddin Mountain Muster committee in years to come so to support this community group has special meaning” she added.
The Grenfell Pony Club will be the recipient of additional fundraising efforts conducted as part of the 2023 Weddin Mountain Muster.
Community members can show their support for the Weddin Mountain Muster by being mindful of the horses on the roads during the week of the Muster and cheering on the riders as they ride through town.
“It is always fantastic to ride through the crowd during our fancy dress parade on the Wednesday,” said Ashleigh.
This year, spectators can view the Muster parade from the grassed area in the free camp zone along West Street between the Silo Art and the Railway Station on Wednesday 27th September around 11am. Observers are asked to not congregate near the pathway, on the roadside or at the silos.
“We’re really looking forward to all our hard work paying off this year, enjoying the rides and celebrating with new and old faces during the week of the Muster,” said Ashleigh.
For more information on the Weddin Mountain Muster visit weddinmountainmuster.com.au