The weather was idyllic, with clear blue skies and no wind.

More than 270 horse riders from all over NSW, Victoria and Tasmania made the trip to the Highlands to test their endurance and horsemanship at the annual Wingello Forest Endurance Ride.

There is something for everyone at Wingello, with ride distances from 5km all the way through to 80km.

Every horse undertakes the complete endurance test - starting with a pre-ride vet check, passing through checkpoints out on course, and then finishing with another vet check.

In endurance, your horse must pass the vet checks or you are disqualified.

The trails are fabulous, undulating through pine forest, eucalypt woodland, ferny gullies, and open farmland, with occasional glimpses of far off views.

Slippery conditions from recent rains slowed the competitive riders a little.

The winning time for the 80km ride was shared between Andrew Bailey and John Robertson.

Bailey, riding Bullio Solute, and John Robertson on his horse Karabil Asis finished in four hours and 35 minutes.

It was great to see so many newcomers and juniors out and about on the trails, just simply having fun with friends and family.

For more information, visit www.highlandsendurance.com, or search for Wingello Forest Endurance Ride on Facebook.

By Bec Hogan