Challenge returns in honour of founding rider

The Hauraki Western Riding Club’s Western Up Triple Challenge returned this year on November 22-23 with special significance.

The event, first held in 2024, was created by three friends – Maxine Roberts, Annelies Resink, and Laurie Webb – who shared a passion for Western riding.

The idea was born during a trip to Melbourne, where the trio attended the Australia’s Greatest Horsewomen competition in the small town of Tatura.

Inspired by the five-day showcase of skill and versatility, the friends decided to bring a similar concept home.

After a few planning sessions – and matching horseshoe tattoos – the Triple Challenge was launched.

Maxine, who was battling cancer at the time, attended the first prize giving at the inaugural event in 2024 and thankfully got to see the idea come to fruition.

Staying true to its origins, the event proudly celebrates its motto: three friends, three disciplines.

Riders compete across a range of events, including the Obstacle Challenge, Ranch Riding Pattern, and Cattle Boxing, highlighting the versatility of the Western horse and the human and horse partnership.

Points were collated across all three disciplines to determine the overall winner.

This year’s Triple Challenge carries extra meaning, as sadly Maxine lost her battle with cancer in July of this year.

The event was held in memory of Maxine, whose love for Western riding, horses, and the HWRC community left a lasting mark.

This year, the Maxine Roberts Memorial Trophy was presented for the first time to the overall Rookie Champion, marking a heartfelt tribute to her legacy.