October 21, 2024by Ashley Wingert
Third time was a charm for “iconic buckle 100-milers” with an attempt at both Virginia City and Tevis in the past, but apparently I had to go overseas to begin my 100-mile buckle collection with a finish of Australia’s premiere, national championship ride, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.
How do I even begin to put into words my dream ride at the Tom Quilty? 20 years ago, I got my first real taste of endurance while on vacation in Australia when Dad and I did a bush-n-beach adventure tour weekend with an endurance rider who used his endurance horses for the tours. It got both of us hooked on good Arabian horses and wanting to dive into the sport of endurance, and then later that summer I ended crewing at the Tevis Cup for the first time, which solidified my love of the sport.
Fast forward 20 years and I found myself back in Australia, toeing the midnight start line of the Tom Quilty. This opportunity came about from dear friends Paul and Marty Bryson, who have welcomed me into their home for the past couple of weeks, made me part of the family, and given me the most phenomenal TQ experience I could have hoped for.
The Quilty was held in Wirrina Cove, South Australia this year, in the absolutely stunning Wirrina Cove Holiday Park venue. I am so spoiled to ride venues now, with flush toilets and hot showers, and beautiful grounds with green grass everywhere.
The TQ ride organizing committee did an outstanding job and I can’t heap enough praise on them for how well the ride was run. Obviously this being my first Aussie endurance race, I have no frame of reference for comparison…but I was so impressed with the level of work and commitment that the small but mighty organizing team put in and how outstanding, lux, and next level the ride was, while still maintaining a friendly and helpful atmosphere and vibe and making me feel extremely welcome.
The ride course was TOUGH, and so very different to my usual Arizona trails, but what a difference! I don’t think I’ve ever ridden so many sustained hills at one time — and not technical climbs, but long, rolling hills, many of which were trottable…which is something that I have a hard time training for, so I got an accelerated learner’s course in how to trot down hills in a sustained fashion! But the ocean views from the tops of many of the climbs were sure worth it, and coming in from the last loop with the moon rising up over the ocean horizon was a spectacular way to end the night. The ride saw a 59.4% completion rate, I believe, with 78 completions out of 131 starters.
Miss Dior MI truly deserves a post of her own, which will be forthcoming, but for now, I can say, “wow.” That red mare is all heart and gave so much. I’ve had the privilege of riding some good horses over the years, and she has been one of the best. This is her third TQ completion in a row now, and I could not have asked for a better horse.
There are similarities and differences between US and Aussie endurance…but what is universal is a welcoming spirit, a desire to explore the beautiful outdoors, a love of our magnificent steeds that give and accomplish so much, and a fire for this crazy sport that we willingly and cheerfully sign up for.
I will be leaving Australia with the best souvenir I could hope for — a beautiful Tom Quilty buckle — but even more than that, it’s the new friendships made, future paths to explore, and memories that will last a lifetime.