Andrea Laws-King rides 220km for Angel Flight and RFDS

World-renowned endurance rider Andrea Laws-King is saddling up one more time for the historic Winton to Longreach Endurance Ride on 29th July.

The 63-year-old from Mornington Peninsula also a reproductive biologist, was unable to complete the ride when it was last run in 1995 due to her horse going lame and is keen to tick the ride off her bucket list whilst supporting Angel Flight and Royal Flying Doctors Service. 

In a twist of good fate, Andrea’s neighbour, Peter Moran is an Angel Flight pilot, recently completing 195 missions for the charity and has offered his racetrack as training grounds in the lead up to the 220km ride.   

Peter says he is more than happy to offer his track to Andrea, knowing she is supporting Angel Flight. 

“I’m so grateful to use Peter’s track for training as the grounds are either too wet or too hard at the moment,” said Andrea.  

Andrea is training 15km every second day and 60km on Saturday on her 15-year-old Arabian Chestnut, Flash. 

“It’s quite an ask for a horse to do 180km per day which is what we will do on the first ride day, and I’ve been training hard for the event with the aim of completing it after not completing back in 1995,” says Andrea.

“To finish the ride would be amazing and I’m so glad to be riding for an amazing cause having personally used their services.”  

The ride is being organised by Central Western division of Queensland Country Women’s Association to mark their 100th year. The QCWA has teamed up with Queensland Endurance Riders Association who are instrumental in event logistics.  

The iconic multi-day 220km ride retraces the path of Cobb and Co, a coaching company that connected bush settlements of Australia from 1850s to 1920s. 

Angel Flight CEO, Marjorie Pagani says the ride has significant symbolism for Angel Flight whose mission is also to connect people from the bush with urban Australia to access vital medical care. 

“We are amazed and humbled by the wide-spread involvement in this ride with people like Andrea coming from Mornington Peninsula to Winton to support a great cause.” 

Queensland Country Women’s Association central west divisional president Lyndall Harriman said she the event has changed a lot since it was first established 40 years ago. 

“We are riding with 9 vets and must accommodate them and pay for their services, plus organise lighting at check points and portaloos. A National Park has been created since the ride was last endured which has changed the original route.

“Logistics aside, raising funds for Angel Flight and Royal Flying Doctors is something we are honoured to do as both services are vital part of our communities and those who have signed up are excited about being part of such an iconic event.” 

The ride will conclude with a ticketed dinner for the sore saddlers and more sprightly community supporters, on Sunday 30th July at Longreach Showgrounds.