Weddin Mountain Muster, 2019, boosting Grenfell economy

19 September 2019 - Courtesy of the Grenfell Record

More than 100 riders from across the region have registered to take part in this year's Weddin Mountain Muster.

Riders from New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT will attend the horse trail riding event, that is held annually during the first week of the spring holidays.

The Weddin Mountain Muster started from humble beginnings in 2001 with only a handful of riders and five committee members.

It was established with the aim to raise funds for the town's Showground grandstand upgrade.

Eighteen years later it now boasts 110 registered riders and an enthusiastic team of 35 volunteer committee members.

Weddin Mountain Muster secretary Rebecca Maslin said it is a key event on the Grenfell tourism calendar and helps to showcase the community to visitors.

"With the increase in visitors to Grenfell for the week, it is a vital boost for the local economy, especially in a drought year like 2018/2019," she said.

"Participants are encouraged to shop locally, have dinner at our local eateries and pubs, and buy groceries at the local IGA, butcher and baker."

Having grown from strength to strength, the Muster now provides funds for the future development of the Grenfell PAH&I Association and the Grenfell Showground, and makes donations where possible to groups within the Weddin Shire.

Ms Maslin said over the years the event has also helped fund repairs and upgrades to the Grandstand, Pavilion extensions and new amenities blocks.

"In 2019 we are working with the Grenfell PAH&I and Grenfell Showground Trust to build new horse stables,' she added.

The Muster is based at the Grenfell Showground with day rides varying in length up to 30 kilometres for five days, returning to the showground each night.

The volunteer committee host a welcome barbecue on the Sunday night before the ride commences.

On the Wednesday, a shorter 10km town ride is conducted, where participants are encouraged to dress up and help us raise money for a local community group.

This year money is being raised for the Country Education Foundation Grenfell Branch, and the dress up theme is the sixties. In the afternoon, Grenfell Pony Club host an afternoon of sporting for the riders.

The ride is fully guided by horse riding committee members and a road crew team helping to advise motorists that there are horses on the road.

Morning tea and lunch is supplied on the ride and at the end of our riding week a finale dinner is held.

The 2020 Weddin Mountain Muster is set to run from Sunday, September 2 to Friday, October 2.

Those interested in attending need to just search 'Weddin Mountain Muster' on Facebook.