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Saturday 24 Meeting at Rex and Hilary Evans Mt Peel Station Mandeville.

Sunday 25 Our ride begins by travelling out from the Homestead around the back of Mt Peel and onto The Retreat Station. Climbing up, we get to look out into Central Southland . We then head  across the Hokonuis to North Peak and are rewarded with a contrast of great views of Northern Southland and the Waimea Plains before riding back to Mt Peel.

Monday 26 First thing this morning, we drive our floats to just before Gore, where we will then be bused back to the Station, Riding from Mt Peel we will travel along the Hokonuis and are really spoilt for choice of the views laid out before us. Coming down off the Hokonuis, we will load up and drive to Jeff Farm on the Old Coach road ( Butch’s country) our home for the night. This is the venue for our Fancy Dress party . The theme this year is “P” party (as in things beginning with  the letter P).

Tuesday 27 Travelling south, through the rolling country of Jeff farm, we climb to a high point over-looking Southland  with Stewart Island bold on the horizon. On a clear day you can see the smoke from the pot belly at Scott Base . If it’s not a clear day we won’t be hanging around at all. A wee bit of forestry riding on the way to  our hosts for the night, Dave and Diane Story of Venlaw  Station out the back of Wyndham.

Wednesday 28 We climb out of Venlaw Station and enter the Catlins, coastal country. Our destination for this evening is the back woolshed on The Wisp Station. This will be a big day with lots of ups and downs so I thought we could wind down at the end of the day with a bit of horse racing. I’ll provide “the horses” you provide “the competitive spirit”.

Thursday 1st Our ride today will take us into the heart of the  Catlins. We ride along The Wisp and Rata Ranges through native bush and rolling farm land, with amazing character that can only be found in the Catlins . We end up at the home of some real Catlin’s Characters Warren and Steph Burgess, our hosts for the next two nights.

Friday 2 Off to the seaside.  We explore some coastal riding with the best wild beauty the Catlin’s coast can offer. Then return back to the Burgess property for our last night. We will have a band to help us celebrate another great week on Cavalcade.

Saturday 3rd We have a reasonable ride into Owaka . Last chance to enjoy the terrain of this very special part of the country.

All horses must be fit and freshly shod. Good wet and warm riding gear is essential. Tents are not essential as we have woolsheds each night but you are most welcome to bring them along .We have our excellent caterers back again, The Alexandra Lions so you will be well fed .

Look forward to seeing you all soon for a “Positively Perfect” ride.

“PPPPProfessor Bill”

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