A group of riders passionate about long distance events and horse well-being have been given a grant to help support upcoming community events.
Wheatbelt Endurance Riders Inc (WERI) will benefit from the latest round of grants from the State Government's Active Regional Communities program.
Agricultural Region MP Laurie Graham, who travelled to Wilberforce to congratulate the group said WERI were deserving participants of the funds.
"The Endurance Series aims to create easily accessible, international level horse-riding opportunities in Wheatbelt communities and will be open to people of all ages and abilities in the discipline of endurance," he said.
"The series will also promote the health and social benefits of horse riding to the wider population," Mr Graham said.
This year, WERI rides kick off in Talbot on July6 , with further endurance series rides planned for Greenhills on August 3 and Merredin on August 17.
The group involves businesses, property owners and volunteers from the local communities, making each ride an inclusive community event.
WERI vice-president Cara Allen said the group spend considerable time in planning safe courses that show off the Wheatbelt region.
She said the group of eight organisers work hard throughout the year to secure funding for the events that attract more than 100 riders to the area.
"This year WERI's Merredin ride is hosting Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) endurance events with distances of 80km and 120km respectively," Ms Allen said.
"These FEI events provide an opportunity to grow the sport of endurance domestically and are a gateway for riders working at Australian selection to compete internationally".
Mr Graham said the group's activities fit well with the aim of the Active Regional Communities program, to increase opportunities for participation in sport and active-recreation activities in regional Western Australia.