05/08/2026
What a fantastic weekend away for the UHWE crew at MADWE HOTY AUGUST 2026 COMP🐴🎉🏆🦄
A few of us headed over on Friday, enjoying a relaxed setup before settling in for a few drinks and plenty of laughs to kick off what was shaping up to be an awesome weekend.
Saturday – Training Day
The weekend got off to a relaxed and positive start, with Andrew and Helen generously giving their time to every rider in the arena. Each obstacle was carefully explained, demonstrated and ridden, with heaps of encouragement, practical advice and plenty of opportunities for everyone to have a go, practice new skills and build confidence.
One thing we all learned very quickly… if an EXTREMELY loud whistle 😗 echoed across the grounds, something important was happening or we all needed to muster! We never did discover who the mystery whistler was, but wow… what an impressive set of lungs! 😂
Saturday night brought a BBQ burger feast, plenty of laughs and what can only be described as a spectacular cheese board balanced on a horse float wheel arch! 🧀🍔
All enjoyed by a super fire 🔥
Before long, everyone was squeezing in some last-minute study of the dressage tests and obstacle courses. 🤯🤓
Sunday – HOTY Competition Day!
The first challenge of the day? Keeping those white competition pants white while stomping around getting horses ready! 🫣
A special mention has to go to Bronwyn, whose presentation was impeccable. We’re still trying to work out how her horse’s stockings managed to stay whiter than white! ✨👏
The first Ease of Handling round delivered a little bit of everything—some excellent moments, some good moments and a few that we’d all rather forget! That’s horse sport!
The dressage phase was another story, with everyone putting together solid tests. Some ovals instead of circles but 🤷🏼♀️ something to work on.
The judges were absolutely lovely—approachable, encouraging and a pleasure to chat with, helping settle plenty of pre-test nerves. 😬
By the second Ease of Handling round, everyone had found their rhythm. Funny how we’re all a little better the second time around! 🤭
Penny’s speed round was fantastic to watch. It was a very tough field and all riders gave it everything!
Overall, UHWE had an outstanding weekend away. We learned so much, made new friends, shared plenty of laughs and were inspired by the incredible riding in the higher levels. Watching those combinations certainly added a little extra motivation and left us all thinking, “I want to do that too!” 💪🐴
A huge thank you to everyone at MADWE for your hospitality and for putting together such a welcoming, well-run event. If you’re looking for a club to visit, we can highly recommend making the trip!
And finally, congratulations to our UHWE ladies who came home with a collection of ribbons.
🎀 We’re incredibly proud of you all!
Mudgee and Districts Working Equestrian Club Inc
Working Equitation ANWE Ltd
Working Equitation ANWE NSW
Equestrian NSW
Mudgee Region
