Annual horse trek's bad weather tested riders

A few of the bedraggled riders return from Owahanga up Tamaki River Rd heading for home.

The annual horse trek to Owahanga Station from Dannevirke to participate in its horse sports finally concluded after a week of unpleasant weather which really tested the resilience of its riders, according to participant Lorraine Stephenson.

Thirty riders plus 30 support crew left Te Rehunga on Monday, January 15 and followed a route which took back roads and crossed farmland over the Manawatu River and passing through Waipekemiro, Waewaepa Station, Waihi Falls and Waione before descending into Owahanga.

Staying in woolshed shearers' quarters and the Waione Hall, the riders experienced four days of heavy rain and wind which was particularly scary on the ridges.

There were 15 riders under 12 in age but the experienced trekkers protected them.

One was 11-year-old Ihaka Marsh who resides in Australia but makes the journey just to ride the trail.

This trek has been going on for at least 50 years that Lorraine remembers. Some years there are 100 in the party.

It is a 200km round trip and teaches the youngsters resilience, according to Lorraine.

She said it teaches them life skills - how to look after animals, get on in the group, survive when the going gets tough.

Owahanga Sports Day was great fun and for once it did not blow or rain.

Then it was off home, some staying for the Pongoroa Sports Day, others returning by road, but for the riders it was again a long and cold trip.

A hangi cooked by Lui Paewai at Lorraine's home never looked so good.

Lorraine says it was the toughest of her 50-plus rides. Will she do it again? "As long as the young ones want to so will I," she replied.