The Wunderful Widgee 2025 endurance event served as a crucial preparatory competition for riders and horses aiming to qualify for the upcoming Queensland Endurance Riders Association State Championships and international events like the World Cup in Romania. Held over diverse trails with improved infrastructure, the event featured seven rides and attracted 100 nominations, including both Federation Equestrian International (FEI) and Queensland Endurance Riders Association (QERA) participants. The challenging courses and veterinary checks every 40km ensured horse welfare while helping riders build endurance and qualify for longer distances. Despite weather-related challenges affecting some regions, Widgee remains a key venue for conditioning horses and riders for major endurance competitions.
Notable performances included Maryborough’s Jarrah Kelly, who won the lightweight division and best conditioned horse award on Bendinni Rafiki in the 120km ride, marking her first open rider victory. Other highlights featured youth riders qualifying for the World Cup, such as Indi Else and Charlotte Williamson, who secured top placements in the FEI two-star youth 120km ride. The event also showcased emerging talent across divisions, with winners like Lee Bannister in the middleweight and Aiden Barker in the junior division. Endurance Australia announced its youth team for the 2025 World Cup, underscoring the event’s role in developing competitive riders for national and international endurance challenges.
