Splendacrest Endurance Training has been in operation for 8 years, and was started by Jay Randle in order to address an obvious need in the sport of endurance riding in Australia.  After being introduced to the sport, Jay realised that there were very few opportunities for newcomers to the sport to gain the knowledge and training that would allow them to be competitive.  As endurance riding is quite different from any other horse discipline, Jay wanted to introduce more riders in an holistic and supportive atmosphere. 

Jay Randle with international rider, Sachiko Murai, and Shardell Shahbarnah Golden at the Far-A-Way Easter Endurance Carnival, 2006.       

Jay Randle with Tarnia Kittel on Quick and Easy, and Bridget Nottle on Sahateyn Star Dancer.  

Photos by Sue Crockett, www.suecrockettphotography.com

Anyone who is a competent, confident rider, and who is eager to learn more about the sport, is welcome to apply for a riding position with Splendacrest Endurance Training.  The minimum age is 13 years, with no upper maximum age limit!  You will learn all about the sport, including vetting procedures and general horse husbandry.  It doesn't matter if you haven't ridden for years.... give it a go now!

The Splendacrest Endurance Team at the Peak Crossing training ride, 2004

For more information about the horses of Splendacrest and our breeding program, please visit:  www.freewebs.com/splendacresthorses

The most important aspect of any sport is to develop youth involvement.  No sport can survive unless new members are constantly trained and supported, and in any sport it is the youth that will carry the sport into the future.  Splendacrest Endurance Training is committed to promoting the sport of endurance riding to young people.  One way that this is achieved is by offering an "apprentice" year to prospective junior riders, followed by a "competition" year.  These two years of training are provided free of charge to young riders, and this program has proved to be highly successful since its inception in 2001.  In order to apply for a position, please email your details to:  splendacrest@hotmail.com

The stated goal for these Junior Riders (must be 15 years or under) is to reach the Top Ten in Queensland in successful kilometres ridden in competition (distance).  To then attain points awards, as well as Top Ten placings in Australia, is a bonus for these young riders!  To date, the Splendacrest Junior Riders have been very successful:

2002	Courtney Denning	2nd Junior Distance - Qld 6th Junior Distance - Aust	1325 kms	3rd Junior Points - Qld	23
2003	Molly Hall	3rd Junior Distance - Qld	767 kms	5th Junior Points - Qld	15.5
2004	Bridget Nottle	2nd Junior Distance - Qld 5th Junior Distance - Aust	1081 kms	5th Junior Points - Qld 10th Junior Points - Aust	21
2005	Emilie Barton	8th Junior Distance - Qld	480kms

2006	Tarnia Kittel	10th Junior Distance - Qld	401 kms	8th Junior Points - Qld	12
2007	Tarni Kittel	3rd Junior Distance - Qld 9th Junior Distance - - Aust	754kms	1st Junior Points - Qld 6th Junior POints - Aust	25
2007	Ingrid Ambrosiussen	4th Junior Distance - Qld 9th Junior Distance - Aust	728kms	5th Junior Points - Qld	19.5
2008	Ingrid Ambrosiussen	2nd Junior Distance - Qld 3rd Junior Distance - Aust	1014kms	2nd Junior Points - Qld 4th Junior Points - Aust	73

        Milly O'Shea and Molly Hall on Nazereth                                                Shay Corbett on Murland Park Mikaylah                                                                                                              Emilie Barton on Murland Park Mariah                                                                                                               Eden Creek Endurance Ride, 2005

Although the Junior riders are the priority, the older riders trained by Splendacrest have also been very successful.  Since its inception, Splendacrest has introduced over 30 adult riders to the sport of endurance riding, and most of these riders have gone on to achieve their goals in the sport.  A few of the successes include:

2003	Clio Rauch	1st Middlewt Distance - Qld 3rd Middlewt Distance - Aust	1647 kms	5th Middlewt Points - Qld	40.5
2004	Molly Hall	7th Lightwt Distance - Qld	667 kms
2004	Kristan Kershaw	2nd Heavywt Distance - Qld 7th Heavywt Distance - Aust	909 kms	10th Heavywt Points - Qld	12.5
2005	Bridget Nottle	9th Middlewt Distance - Qld	850 kms

2006	Bridget Nottle	6th Middlewt Distance - Qld	825 kms
2007	John Dugan	10th Hwt Distance - Qld	432 kms	4th Heavyweight Points - Qld	24
2008	Amanda Powell	9th Lwt Distance - Qld	661 kms	17th Lwt Points - Qld	29
2008	Tarnia Kittel	8th Mwt Distance - Qld	803 kms	11th Mwt Points - Qld	37.5

2008	Gerard Bou	10th Hwt Distance - Qld	492 kms	14th Hwt Points - Qld	21.5
	Gerard Bou	22nd Mwt Distance - Qld	500 kms	22nd Mwt Points - Qld	23
2008	Angela Head	11th Mwt Distance - Qld	736 kms
2008	Rod Strahan	12th Hwt Distance - Qld	481 kms	18th Hwt Points - Qld	20

Training places are always available at Splendacrest.  If you are interested in learning about the sport of Endurance riding, you are a competent rider, and you live close to Toowoomba, please email your details to:  splendacrest@hotmail.com

Jay Randle started endurance riding in February 2001, but only rode for 4 months before sustaining a bad injury in a training accident.  During the balance of 2001 Jay concentrated on training a few young riders, and during the first few months of 2002 she again competed a little.  However, by mid-2002, Jay had decided to concentrate on training more young riders and to manage the Splendacrest Team.  Jay's decision to manage rather than ride has seen the horses and riders of Splendacrest excel in all divisions.  Currently it is unlikely that she will return to competitive riding, as the ability to remain at the base camp and manage and strap for all of the Team's riders is far more important to Jay than riding.

DATE	RIDE	DISTANCE	HORSE	TIME	PLACE	COMMENTS
25/2/01	Eden Creek	80km	Pacific Porsche	8:26	6th Hwt	Novice horse
10/3/01	Warwick	80km	Romina	8:00	15th Hwt	Novice horse
31/3/01	Great South Easter	80km	Bozrah	6:14	8th Hwt
14/4/01	Far A Way	120km	Bozrah	12:56	Completion
27/5/01	Charleville	80km	Shakira	6:18	1st Hwt	BC, Novice horse
9/6/01	Kilkivan	80km	Bozrah	6:04	1st Hwt
17/2/02	Eden Creek	80km	Bozrah	8:58	7th Hwt
9/3/02	Warwick	80km	Bozrah	6:10	7th Hwt
23/3/02	Charleville	80km	Hussein	6:39	3rd Hwt	Novice horse
5/5/02	Cooyar	116km	Hussein	9:54	6th Hwt	Novice horse
14/7/02	Lake Manchester	80km	Silver Progress	6:52	4th Hwt	Novice horse

Endurance riders are required to start their endurance career by completing two (2) rides of 40km in length at a restricted pace.  Once these two rides have been successfully completed, then the rider is able to compete in 80km - 120km rides, again at a reduced pace.  After the successful completion of three (3) rides of this length, then the rider is considered to be at "Open" status, and may compete in rides of longer distance, and at a faster pace (depending upon the level of the horse, its fitness, and its ability).

Splendacrest Endurance Training relies on the expertise of several valued businesses in and around Toowoomba.

VET 1

South Toowoomba Veterinary Surgery, Stenner Street, Toowoomba.  Phone (07) 4635 6844.  South Toowoomba Vet Surgery is owned by Dr Hugh McIntosh, a well-respected and very experienced Vet.  Hugh's primary specialty is embryo transfer in cattle, however as an 'old' polo player, his experience with horses is invaluable to Splendacrest.  This surgery is located only about 5 minutes from us here at Splendacrest, and Hugh is always willing to attend emergencies immediately.  The staff at South Toowoomba Veterinary Surgery are always professional and kind.

VET 2

Equine Breeding Solutions, Southbrook.  Max Wilson and Celia Dodd are very experienced equine Veterinarians, and are definitely the best people to call when the circumstance warrants it.  Celia is also a very experienced endurance Veterinarian, and is always friendly and approachable.

SADDLERY

Edwards Saddleworld, 152 Taylor Street, Toowoomba.  Phone (07) 4633 1111, Fax (07) 4634 1480.  Email: edwards.saddleworld@enter.net.au    Edwards Saddleworld is owned and operated by Ros Lipp.  Ros and her sister Jill are ably backed up by Mandy Rundman in rug repairs, Willie in saddlery repairs, and a great staff of friendly people in the shop.  Edwards Saddleworld stocks a wide range of items suitable for endurance riding, and Willie is always willing to make any special orders I require. 

PRODUCE MERCHANT

Queensland Farmers Warehouse, Alderley Street, Toowoomba.  Phone (07) 4635 0088. Fax (07) 4635 4488.  Email: qfw@hypermax.net.au    Queensland Farmers Warehouse is centrally located and easily accessible.  They stock a wide range of products, including the Prydes EasiFeed range, which is what we use exclusively here at Splendacrest.  QFW also delivers bulk orders.

FARRIER

Bill Cook, phone (07) 4637 4254, mobile 0427 870 051.  Bill is the only farrier that Splendacrest uses.  Bill is based at Withcott, and has many years experience.  He is reliable and professional, and listens to his clients.

EQUINE THERAPY

Kerri Jones, phone 0400 076 607, email iandkjones@aapt.net.au .  Kerri works well with Arabians, and has really helped me out many times.  She is professional, yet low-key, and is a real find!

HORSE BREAKER

Renae Kuhns, phone 4691 0155.  Renae is located at Southbrook, is an endurance rider in her own right, and knows exactly what young and inexperienced horses need to learn in order to go into the sport of endurance. 

EQUINE DENTIST

Merv Mangan, phone 0412 690 629.  Merv is located in Warwick, but travels extensively to service his clients.  I have been using Merv for over 16 years, and have never been disappointed in his work.

HOLIDAY CARE

R & R Farm Care, phone 4691 0155, mobile 0407 583 709.  Rob and Renae run a service that every small rural business cannot survive without!  They will look after your animals of all sizes while you are away, and they are experienced in all farm duties.  Contact them at randrfarmcare@bigpond.com

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