After cancelling the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride due to drought and high fire danger this year, organisers are making plans — in the midst of a pandemic — to return the event to its former glory.
The ride has also been plagued in the past floods, problems with mobile phone network outages and delays in construction of the equestrian centre, culminating in last year's event having fewer than 500 riders.
"It was still a successful event — a little bit disappointing — but still 100 per cent successful, so we're just going to make it better," said committee secretary Belinda Smith.
Hilary Smerdon, who serves on the Gympie Regional Council, said despite the problems the event brought a lot to the community.
"It's still a good event," he said.
"When it first started it was one of very few trail rides in Australia — there are now quite a number — but it's still held in high regards by a lot of the riders."
Building new trails
Ms Smith said everything was on track for the 35th anniversary in April next year.
"We would like to bring a full main street parade, entertainment at the showgrounds, bands on the Friday and Saturday night," she said.
Work is already underway to build new trails.
"We have actually been able to create two new trails that people have never done before — we are looking to create more," she said.
"Basically be able to give people a new experience for the ride so if people have come before — they're not just doing the same old ride."
While organisers are making plans, the unpredictability and uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic adds another level of difficulty.
"We have a number of guidelines that we have to follow," she said.
"We will make sure that everybody attending is able to enjoy themselves in a safe and happy manner.
"We want to make it special for people to come — Kilkivan's an amazing town and to be able to have that special atmosphere of riding down the main street it's just magic."
