The Watagan Mountains Endurance Ride committee is moving forward with its Lower Hunter event this weekend despite a challenging 2025 season marked by wet weather causing many cancellations. Held at Sawyers Gully, the event offers various ride distances, including a 20km option for casual riders on October 11, as well as longer 40-60km and 80km routes for more experienced endurance riders. The course, set in Werakata National Park, is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for first-timers and novice horses, featuring a mild, flatter track with natural spring scenery.

Committee secretary Alison Hegarty noted that while the rescheduling has limited participant numbers, the event has attracted locals, newcomers, and riders from afar. The ride includes an out-and-back section and a single 40km loop repeated for the longest distance, with ample support such as water and refreshments along the way. For more information or to enter, riders are directed to the official endurance riding websites aeraonline.com.au and nswera.asn.au.