While she was quick to point out that she had been lucky - although she had been without electricity or water before the cavalcade - she was not looking forward to returning home yesterday.
Riding on a wagon with Ian Tooley, of Oxford, on the heavy wagon trail had been a "marvellous" trip.
It was a spectacular sight as riders made their way down the hill at the rear of the racecourse to gather for the noon parade. There were 10 walking, riding and wagon trails, comprising about 420 horses and 100 walkers, and a large crowd turned out to watch their arrival. Inclement weather failed to dampen the welcome.
Long-time trail boss Chris Bayne and her Tussock Creek light wagon trail led the parade, with each trail boss driving a stake, signed by all on their trail, into the ground, in keeping with the Host Town committee's theme of Stake Ya Claim in Oamaru.
Heavy wagon trail boss Tony Cumberbeach described it as a "bloody good" week with a lot of fun and no major hassles.
First-time trail boss Steve Vickers enjoyed the variety of the country, on his ride from Katiki to Oamaru and the "great" people.
Walking trail boss Morley Williams, who was based at the Danseys Pass Holiday Camp, praised his group's caterers, the Duntroon Anglican Church, saying the food was "outstanding". They had beautiful scenery and no blisters.
Jeanette McKay, of Alexandra, has ridden on all 19 cavalcades and will notch up number 20 in Cromwell next year - "God, horse and body willing".
Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust president Martin Anderson declared the event to be an "outstanding success".
"I think the efforts of the Host Town committee have been among the most outstanding of any host town we've been to."
A committee has already started work planning next year's cavalcade finale in Cromwell and there was a high standard to follow, Mr Anderson said.
Cavalcade co-ordinator Terry Davis was relieved all participants arrived "relatively safe and sound".
Mr Davis also made special mention of the landowners who made the event possible.
