Kilkivan Great Horse Ride

KILKIVAN is one of the few towns situated on the Bi-Centennial National Trail, which runs from Cooktown in North Queensland to Healesville in Victoria. The establishment of this wonderful trail, which is now traversed by riders, walkers and cyclists, was the brainchild of the Australian Trail Horse Riders’ Association, with significant contribution from the legendary, late R.M. Williams. This concept inspired, in turn, the inaugural Kilkivan Great Horse Ride in 1986.
The Kilkivan Ride was first suggested by the late Widgee grazier and former Kilkivan Shire councillor, Fabian Webb, who wanted people of all ages and riding abilities, from all walks of life, to get involved with a recreational ride through the very scenic country around Kilkivan. So, in 1988, the Queensland opening of the National Trail was incorporated into the ride and R M Williams was among the riders who followed the trail that year.
For almost all of the last 30 years (except when Equine Influenza, drought and floods have intervened), horses and riders start from three or four mustering points within 35 kilometers of Kilkivan and walk their mounts through some of the most picturesque country in South-East Queensland. The participants then meet up for the Grand Parade through Kilkivan township at approximately 4.00 pm. If you have never seen this massing and parade of horses, you need to put it on your bucket list! It is awesome, especially if about a thousand horses participate. And as a rider, it’s a huge thrill to be greeted by a crowd of locals and visitors after a long ride.

Of course there is much more to the event than this: afternoon activities in Kilkivan’s main street entertain spectators awaiting the arrival of the horses; there’s always a Campfire Concert at the Kilkivan Showgrounds after the ride; and pony club events on the Sunday morning round out this marvellous equine weekend.