Move ’em out

By Kelly Yates
MORE than 160 horse riders saddled up for last weekend’s Riding of the Bounds.
The riders took about two and a half hours to complete the 15 kilometre ride on Sunday 18 April, starting and finishing at Akoonah Park in Berwick.
Riding of the Bounds has been held in Casey’s Sister City, Berwick-Upon-Tweed in the United Kingdom, for more than 550 years and, since 1988, the City of Casey has held a re-enactment of the event.
Matthew Shannon won the King Robert The Bruce Trophy for the mayor’s choice award, with Luke Smithard taking home the Hotspur Trophy for champion rider.
The Grace Darling Trophy for best horse-drawn vehicle went to Peter O’Hagan and the Ned Kelly Trophy for the most Australian rider was presented to Stewart Turner.
Megan Black took out the award for the best western turnout and the Kay Irving Trophy for the best presented group or pony club was won by Luke Smithard, Gabrielle Lovett and Bridgette Thompson.
River Gum Ward councillor Wayne Smith took part in the event with fellow Casey councillors Amanda Stapledon and Geoff Ablett.
“The ride was fantastic. We had perfect weather,” Cr Smith said.
“And we got to see some impressive and beautiful scenery in the City of Casey.”
Cr Smith is encouraging others to take part in the annual event.
“I’m already booked in for 2011,” he said.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said Riding of the Bounds was a highlight on the events calendar every year.