Latest from Horse & Hound in Riding-clubs-tag

John Whitaker returns to grassroots riding club to present awards again – 50 years on

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:28:23 +0000

Riders and organisers from Ilkley & District Riding Association (IDRA) were delighted to welcome John Whitaker to present their annual awards – 50 years after he last did so.

The showjumping legend, who handed out the trophies at the first IDRA presentation evening in 1973, returned last Saturday (2 December) in the club’s 50th anniversary year.

“He was amazing,” IDRA chair Carol Dawson told H&H. “The fact he came back was fantastic. We had the Duchess of Devonshire at our show in August, and this was the icing on the cake for our competitors.”

Ms Dawson said the club, which was formed to support amateur riders of all ages, has members from five to 75 years old.

Picture by Bobby Jo Imaging (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ms Dawson competed against John in the 1970s, and remembers him jumping the legendary Ryan’s Son at one of his first shows.

“He came in on what we thought looked like a carthorse, won hands down and got 50p and a red rosette!” she said. “And that horse took him to the Olympics, and changed his life. He told me this weekend, he went to the Great Yorkshire Show on Ryan’s Son in about 1974 and felt really outclassed; he told his dad he didn’t think he would go back – but he did, and won the Cock o’the North.

“I said to John that these grassroots clubs are so important and he agreed, it’s where future stars are made.”

John said: “It was so nice to see so many enthusiastic horse people of all ages.”

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(Image credit: Bobby Jo Imaging)

‘They won’t knock me off my perch yet!’ John leads gathering of nine Whitakers at a successful HOYS

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‘It’s a privilege to ride with him’: HOYS roof raised as John Whitaker and Shane Breen win 1.85m six-bar

(Image credit: Bobby Jo Imaging)

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Ban on using whips after refusals, elimination and ‘out of temper’ in competition

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 20:21:38 +0000

A new British Riding Clubs (BRC) rule on whip use has been introduced to help educate riders and improve horse welfare.

BRC’s 2023 rules state that the whip must only be used to support the rider’s natural aids, and never when a horse or pony has turned away after a refusal, or after elimination. Use behind the rider’s leg or on the shoulder is allowed but never on the horse’s head or neck.

Head of BRC Rachael Hollely-Thompson told H&H the organisation, which is part of the British Horse Society (BHS), “takes horse welfare incredibly seriously”.

“Horse welfare is something we talk about every day; it’s always at the forefront of our minds,” she said. “The BHS is in a unique position as it has great links with other welfare organisations continually doing studies and research on whip use.

“We reflected on what we’d like members to be doing and the crux was that the whip has to back up natural aids, but it shouldn’t be used to punish.”

The rules state that appropriate whip use can be to help encourage a horse or pony to go forward, or to stay straight on the approach to a fence. “It must never be used to vent a rider’s temper; any use for such a reason is automatically excessive.”

“As an aid, the appropriate time is when the pony/horse is reluctant to go forward under natural aids i.e. seat and legs,” the BRC rulebook states. “Its use, for instance, after a refusal when a pony/horse has turned away, is excessive. Its use after elimination is excessive.”

Whips must also always be carried in the forehand position, with the handle pointing upwards, rather than backhand.

“To see over-use or the whip used in temper is not something that’s tolerated by the BHS or BRC,” Ms Hollely-Thompson said. “And unless we put that in the rules, we’re not able to educate when people do the wrong thing.”

Ms Hollely-Thompson referenced scientific studies on the way horses learn, “when a horse is in an anxious or stressed state, it reduces learning capacity, and using the whip as punishment isn’t effective”.

“It doesn’t help the horse learn so if it’s not effective, why are we allowing it?” she asked. “We have a huge variety of members, from grassroots to very competitive riders, and some riders need support for their natural aids, and some horses respond better to supportive use of the whip, but it has to be used at the appropriate time.”

If a horse has refused once and is approaching a fence a second time, the whip may be used as back-up to the legs if needed; it is encouragement, not punishment, that is acceptable. Misuse of the whip can mean up to 25 penalties or disqualification.

“It doesn’t look good, it’s not helpful to the horse and probably not helpful to the rider,” Ms Hollely-Thompson said. “And it’s probably out of temper rather than what’s best for the horse. Sometimes, I think people carry things on through habit but if a rule’s been there a long time, it doesn’t mean it’s still correct and relevant, and if not, it’s doing something about it.”

Generation game: grandmother, mother and son all qualify for national championships on the same day

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:57:41 +0000

Three generations of the same family are to compete at the British Riding Clubs national eventing championships, as grandmother, mother and son all qualified on the same day.

Louis Stokes won the individual 90cm junior class at the area 12 qualifier held at Pontispool Equestrian Centre on 4 June, on RMS Mont Blanc. Mum Becki Stokes, on Riffeylands Romeo, was on the winning team in the 100cm class and grandmother Denise West, on Emo, was on the team that won the 80cm class.

Becki told H&H this is the first time all three of them have qualified for the championships, although she and Denise have both competed there before.

“It’s an amazing event. We’re just trying to work out the logistics of how we’re all going to get there!” she said.

“My sister [Hannah Payne] rides too so we all go off competing together; Mum usually does the 80cm, my sister and Lewis are on younger horses and do the 90cm and I do the 100 or 100+ so we’re often there from 8am until 7pm, but we all support each other and do all our training together.”

Becki said her mother, who is now 74, started riding when she met Becki’s father, who no longer rides or carriage drives, in which he also competed, but “still helps look after the horses and offers advice!”

Becki and Hannah grew up riding, as did Louis, who is now 16.

She said Louis has had eight-year-old Irish sport horse “Monty” for just over two years, and that the Covid lockdowns were the ideal opportunity for Louis to adjust to his first horse, having come off ponies.

She bought her own horse unseen, from Ireland, as a five-year-old.

“I’d been made redundant and thought I’d buy a project with my redundancy money and sell him on,” she said. “Six years later, he’s still here! He’s absolutely brilliant; we love him to bits.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Romeo has also been competed by Louis, and Becki’s elder son William, and her mother’s ride Emo was also originally her horse.

“I bought Emo for something to ride out with the children and Mum had a pony that kept stopping, and she was falling off,” she said. “I said ‘Ride Emo and get your confidence back’, and he’s never returned! Louis has qualified him in arena eventing, and William for the showjumping championships, Mum’s done the BE80(T) regional finals; she says he’s her horse of a lifetime and she wouldn’t do it without him.”

Becki added that she had not intended to take part last week but when she and ? were coordinating the teams, they realised they needed another combination in the 100cm class.

“She said ‘You’re doing it’!” Becki said. “We weren’t expecting all to qualify, I didn’t expect to as I hadn’t done any dressage training since August, but my boy jumped double clear, Mum had a very successful day and Louis had a 29 dressage, then just one down showjumping. That’s the first time he’d done a sub-30 dressage, which was his aim, and we’re very proud.”

Once the logistics are worked out, the family will be on site at the NAF Five Star National Horse Trials Championships from 5-7 August, representing Quantock Riding Club.

“A friend’s coming with a camper van, and the prosecco, of course!” she said. “It’s an amazing achievement that we’re all going together.”

The only non-horsey member of the family is proud father Paul Stokes — who asked Becki to speak to H&H rather than himself, saying: “That’s probably best as they’ll ask me horsey questions”!

“Most of the time it’s ‘Bloody horses’ and I think he sometimes wonders where he is in the pecking order, but he’s really proud of what we do,” Becki said.

Horse makes comeback after major stifle operation to land two national titles

Martha Terry — Thu, 13 May 2021 12:24:34 +0000

A horse returning from a major stifle operation has landed two championships at British Riding Clubs’ (BRC) first national virtual dressage championships (26 April to 2 May).

The BRC SEIB Novice Winter Dressage Championships and the BRC HorseHage & Mollichaff Intermediate Winter Dressage Championships were staged online for qualified combinations for the 2020 and 2021 championships, after both were cancelled owing to pandemic restrictions.

Kate Heap’s San Francisco PR had surgery on his stifle 18 months ago, but was back to his best to top the medium D25 and the overall individual mixed pick-a-test for 2021.

“His recovery was very slow and then Covid struck, so we haven’t really had an opportunity to test how [he’d cope] until these championships,” said Kate, of Billericay & District RC.

“I found the experience of taking part in an online test to be very different to the norm. ‘Cisco’ is a laid-back horse and I rely on the atmosphere and the other horses to give him that razzle-dazzle we all strive for in competition. But it was lovely to have the excuse to get him all dressed up and in show attire, it gave us real purpose and a boost to our daily training.”

Davinia Kickham (Atherstone & District RC) headed the senior novice 2020 with a score of 75.25%, riding Divine San Siro. Davinia was able to benefit from previous virtual competition experience.

“As I competed in the BRC Christmas Cracker event last year, my partner is now a seasoned professional at videoing,” she said. “Getting all dressed up and plaited, and even remembering the test, created the nerves.”

Lilly Tailby was the overall winner of the junior novice 2020 championship, thanks to “two amazing tests from my lovely boy Humbug”. She won a Saddlers Company bridle as well as rosettes and sashes. This is Lilly’s first year as part of BRC and she has been delighted with the competition provision during lockdowns.

“Thanks to BRC for all its hard work to enable us all to keep competing during the tough times,” she said. “I’m looking forward to many more BRC activities now that things are moving again.”

Overall 2020 junior novice winner Lilly Tailby with her pony Humbug. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Rother Valley RC junior monopolised the team competition, finishing first and third in the junior intermediate winter championships 2020. Team manager Caroline Morris was relieved that the “phenomenal work collating paperwork and YouTube links” paid off.

“As lovely as it is to represent your club at a championships in any form, the virtual route takes away the team camaraderie, the excitement of a road trip and there were no chips, cake or gin for the team manager!” she said. “I consider myself incredibly lucky to work with a great bunch of supportive parents and hard-working and talented riders, and to have the backing of a great club and committee.”

The newly formed Flitch Way RC won the 2021 junior novice winter title, at the club’s second championships since it was founded last year.

“The team – Ruby Mae Morgan, Imogen Pohl, Poppy and Mia McDonald – all rode superb tests to produce brilliant scores,” said team manager Rosie Bates.

In the seniors, a busy cohort from Saffron Walden & District (SWDRC) were victorious in the senior novice dressage 2021. The club had lost a few of its usual campaigners owing to lack of access to arenas during lockdown, meaning other members were filming three or four different tests for the two championship years.

“I thought it was going to be an administrative nightmare,” said team manager Claire Engelmann, “but credit to all SWDRC team members, everything was submitted to me as requested, which meant I could send one cohesive document to BRC with all the links in one go.”

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(Image credit: www.sarahfarnsworth.co.uk)

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BRC believes this dual championships is one of the largest virtual equestrian competitions ever staged, with more than 14 hours of competition streamed on the BRC Facebook page.

There were 1,250 entries, 29 judges, 58 arenas and 174 dressage tests from intro to advanced medium, in junior and senior teams and individual. The videos have been viewed more than 6,600 times.

“This has been a huge undertaking and the whole team worked incredibly well to ensure a seamless production for our riding club members,” said BRC head Rachael Hollely-Thompson. “We are thrilled to have been able to run this competition for those riders who had already qualified and hope that everyone enjoyed taking part, we saw some fabulous arenas and backdrops which we would not normally get to see.”

Full results can be found on the BRC website, and all top three arena videos can be viewed on the BRC YouTube channel.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘One in a million’ gelding named inspirational animal of the year

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 16:49:05 +0000

A coloured gelding who not only teaches young people to ride but is also their friend and confidante has been named inspirational animal of the year.

Splash, from Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, was among the worthy winners of the 2020 Daily Mirror Animal Hero Awards.

Ebony general manager Naomi Howgate told H&H that when Splash arrived as a five-year-old, six years ago, he “didn’t know what a cross-pole was and would trip over trotting poles”.

“But he’s absolutely flourished,” she said. “He’s amazing; truly one in a million.”

The award citation states that Splash has “helped to transform the lives of children and disadvantaged young people at a groundbreaking inner city riding club”.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Naomi said when the Ebony team heard about the awards, they were discussing which of their horses they should put forward.

“All our horses are heroes to us because they’re so fantastic but Splash is one who can do absolutely anything,” she said.

“He’s as solid as anything; the other week a football flew over the fence into the arena and hit him, and he didn’t flinch. We work with children with disabilities and additional needs and he’s great with them, but with our more experienced teenagers, he’ll jump round at a metre and do lateral work, and if we take him to shows, he always gets placed in cob and coloured classes. He’s incredible.”

Naomi said the role horses like Splash play is not just as an animal to ride.

“They’re literally the kids’ best friends,” she said. “When they get here, the first thing they want to do is give him a carrot or groom him; he’s like a confidante to people.

“Some of our kids might have grown up in an environment without much love, or someone to tell secrets to — he’s that for them.”

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(Image credit: THEO MCINNES)

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Splash’s CV also includes work in prisons, and he was the star of a Blue Peter challenge to take a presenter who had never ridden before to jumping a course in six weeks.

“We knew Splash could do it,” Naomi said, adding that the programme is due to be aired next year. “He was brilliant, and totally turned it on for the cameras.”

Naomi said the team was “absolutely over the moon” at Splash’s win.

“It was the proudest day of my career!” she said. “Especially in a year that’s been challenging for everyone but especially heartbreaking for the kids when they were separated from the horses. Most of our kids aren’t from high-income families, they don’t have big gardens or access to open space and during lockdown, they just wanted to see the horses.

“We couldn’t do any of what we do without horses like Splash so for him to get this recognition is super special.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

£200 ‘pony of a lifetime’ wipes the floor at national championships

Lucy Elder — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 14:45:31 +0000

A pony bought for £200 as a companion swept the board at the British Riding Club’s (BRC) National Championships, winning three individual and two team titles.

Melanie Lustead and her 17-year-old 13.2hh Keeshen Jazmine took home three winners’ rugs, seven sashes and rosettes, £140 in NAF vouchers and a selection of trophies from the finals at Lincolnshire Showground (10-11 September).

They scored wins in their riding test arena; the 75cm style jumping; team of six dressage, and their individual arena, team and overall for prelim dressage.

“I bought her as a two-year-old from a local breeder,” Melanie told H&H.

“She was only ever meant to be a companion to my other pony, Sydney, the intention was never to ride her.”

Jazmine as a two-year-old (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Melanie, who works as a freelance groom, decided to break the Welsh section C in as a four-year-old.

“She is very, very naughty — she has been extremely naughty over the years — but she is talented and has turned into a bit of a superstar,” she added.

“It had been a dream of mine to win one individual title.

“Last year we qualified for the championships and I was placed in the top four in everything we did.

“To win three individual titles like that is unbelievable really — it takes a while for it to sink in that we have actually done it.”

Melanie and her “pony of a lifetime” have enjoyed a successful year, with top-four placings at the BRC novice and intermediate winter championships, Festival of the Horse and horse trials championships.

“I absolutely worship her, I really do — I worship the ground she walks on. She is not everybody’s cup of tea but I absolutely love her to bits,” added Melanie.

“She is such an ordinary little pony and yet she does these extraordinary things.”

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(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Height: 15.2hh

Age: seven

Gender: mare

Selling points: “‘Lady’ is a forward going, responsive ride with big, expressive paces. She would suit a small adult looking to focus on dressage. She is working at novice level and has competed at unaffiliated prelim level. Lady has been owned for 18 months by an elderly lady and used for a small amount of flatwork and plenty of hacking. As her current owner doesn’t jump she is green in this regard but has been tried cross-country and is bold and straight to a fence. Lady is a straightforward and safe hack alone or in company, is snaffle mouthed, excellent to box/shoe/clip and lives in or out.”

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6 stunning ponies for sale that are ready for the show ring

6. ‘Absolute gentleman’

Height: 16.2hh

Age: 13

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This horse has been in the same home for eight years and has competed in all riding club activities. He is loving to handle with no vices. He has been regularly placed in unaffiliated novice dressage and riding club area dressage. He has also competed in the riding club showjumping championships at Hartpury in 2013 and attended summer camp in 2014. New baby means he is being wasted at his current home. Five-star home a must for this lovely boy who deserves a forever home.”

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NB: Horse & Hound has not checked the accuracy of the claims made in these adverts and cannot be held liable if the information included above is inaccurate in any way

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Riding club competitor dies at Jersey show

Horse & Hound — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:09:28 +0000

A woman has been killed while taking part in a riding club event on Jersey.

Sally Amy, who was 56, was competing in Jersey Riding Club’s annual show at Six Roads, St Lawrence, on Saturday afternoon (27 April), when her horse slipped and fell jumping a fence.

Ms Amy suffered fatal crush injuries.

Lynn Petersen, Chief Executive of the British Horse Society, said: “This is a heart-breaking ending to what should have been an enjoyable day of competition. Our thoughts are with Sally’s family and friends at this tragic time.”

No further details are known at present.

Riding club demoted after positive bute test

Madeleine Silver — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:00:16 +0000

A Kent riding club is enjoying delayed celebrations after being crowned British Riding Clubs open showjumping champions for 2012 — six months after the competition was held.

Maidstone and District Riding Club was declared the winner following the demotion of Downshire Riding Club, after one of its horses tested positive for the prohibited substance bute.

“Although we are sad for the other team, we are thrilled to be promoted [from second place] and it has definitely spurred everyone on for the 2013 season,” Jo Cottee, chairman of Maidstone and District, told H&H.

The substance was found in Laura McCann’s horse Audrey after random drug tests were conducted at the championships (15-16 September 2012), at Lincolnshire Showground.

Downshire Riding Club did not wish to comment.

Trophies were presented to the new winners by their president Peggy Skinner, at a ceremony held on 17 March at Findon Stud near Ashford.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (11 April 2013)

Civil Service Riding Club opens its doors to new members

Flora Watkins — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:06:23 +0000

Seventy-five years after it was founded by a small group of public servants, the Civil Service Riding Club (CSRC) is opening its doors to members from other professions.

The club offers affordable riding in London and the south-east, with a heavy emphasis on horsemanship.

Spokesman Nancy Lyndhurst said : “The Civil Service Sports Council has changed its rules and public sector workers can now invite four friends or family,” she said.

“In London you can pay £50 for a lesson but, because we subsidise the riding, members have really good instruction at an affordable price.”

Until 2003, the club had its own horses, stabled at the Royal Mews, but since then has operated as a saddle club.

It has a long association with Hyde Park and helped fund the outdoor arena used by the Household Cavalry.

Members ride regularly in Hyde Park and at riding schools in London and Windsor.

“Everything we do is to get people riding well,” said Ms Lyndhurst. “But it’s very social, too — it’s a club, so when you ride, you get to know people; it’s laid-back and great fun.”

A recent Western and dressage day in Chobham, Surrey, cost £70 rather than the £110 a non-member would pay.

To join the CSRC (£15) you must be a member of the Civil Service Sports Council. Contact civilserviceridingclub @hotmail.co.uk

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (28 December 2012)

British Riding Club BE80(T) eventing champions crowned

Melissa Hawkins — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:46:45 +0000

Gillian Duckworth and Lisa Egan each won a section of the EquestrianClearance.com-sponsored British Riding Clubs BE80(T) Championships at Brooksby Melton College yesterday.

Northamptonshire-based Gillian Duckworth, a veteran member of Cherwell Valley Riding Club, rode six-year-old grey mare Red Bog Lady to finish on their dressage score of 27.5 in section J.

Gillian said: “The competitors were all very diverse [in my section]. Chelsea Round who finished second to me is only 13 and was riding a 14.2hh.”

Lisa Egan and Conrad VI also went double clear finishing on 28pen to claim section K. Lisa rides for Wittering Academy Riding Club and comes from Peterborough.

Lisa said: “It was the first time I’d competed him in weather like that, so I was a little apprehensive of how he would cope. He really rose to the challenge and locked on to every fence with his little ears pricked; the course was inviting, but quite technical, and he just kept trying his best.”

The BE80(T) Championship is only open to BRC members, although non-members can compete in the qualifying classes.

Photo courtesy of Adam Fanthorpe.

Memorial for Dorothy Cook to be held at Hickstead

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:03:25 +0000

A memorial service is to be held at Hickstead showground later this month for a long-serving official, Dorothy Cook.

A founder member of the West End Riding Club, Mrs Cook of Burgess Hill, West Sussex, died earlier this year after suffering a stroke. She was 86.

Mrs Cook was involved with setting up the club in 1972 and served as secretary, chairman and president until her death.

She served as an official at Hickstead for more than 30 years, as well as being a stalwart supporter of local Riding for the Disabled Association groups.

The Hickstead memorial will be on 28 September. All are welcome, tel: 01323 811460.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (13 Septmeber 2012)

Ex-racehorse wins at British Riding Clubs’ championship

Horse & Hound — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:18:47 +0000

Fiona Moore brought Realms Of Glory (pictured) home bang on the cross-country optimum time to win the individual senior intermediate challenge title at the NAF British Riding Clubs’ Festival of the Horse championships at Aston-le-Walls on 4-5 June.

The victory was a “fairy tale” for the combination, who represent Cheltenham Riding Club (RC).

“We’re both veterans — I’m old enough to go on a Saga holiday and he’s 18 and has been in the wars,” said a delighted Fiona.

Ex-racehorse Realms Of Glory “doesn’t do dressage”, so this competition, where riders tackle a round of showjumps before heading straight out on to the cross-country, was ideal.

The questions started early, with the Pink Powder Puzzle at fence four — a step and narrow brush combination — catching out those who hadn’t found their rhythm. Fiona and Realms Of Glory suffered no such problems, with an attacking round, particularly through the EnerG Required complex, where many of their rivals shuffled in an extra stride on top of the bank.

The challenge is scored on proximity to the optimum time and, in the event of a tie, on the fastest showjumping round — which was the decider in this class.

Runner-up Laura Walkden, a freelance groom, had the consolation of being part of the winning team, Longton. Laura has owned eight-year-old 17.2hh bay gelding Buckingham for three years, although he was “originally bought to sell”. Joining Laura on the Longton team was her sister Hannah and fellow sisters Laura and Sam Rippon.

Full report of this championship in H&H, 23 June 2011 issue.

British Riding Club championship winners to go to WEG

Horse & Hound — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:15:38 +0000

The winners of the AmTrust Equine British Riding Club championships at Windsor are all looking forward to an exciting autumn.

Winners Joshua Hill, Sarah Thomas, Amy Purvin, Lucy Graham, Vicky Lawless and Rosie Stevens have all won tickets, travel and accommodation for this year’s Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (27 May, ’10)

Online entry pays off for Aspley Guise & District Riding Club

Horse & Hound — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:33:09 +0000

Aspley Guise & District Riding Club (AG&DRC) is enjoying a phenomenal increase in entry levels since becoming the first club to offer online entry to its competitions through Equine Affairs.

Riders taking part in the club’s shows and clinics on the Bedfordshire / Buckinghamshire border can now enter online through the club’s website (www.aspleyguiseridingclub.co.uk) for just a small booking fee of £1.50 per transaction.

Security, reliability and cutting down on administration were among the reasons behind the riding club’s decision to join Equine Affairs.

AG&DRC committee member Gayle Parnham explains: “The club wanted to move with the times and offer riders greater flexibility in entering our clinics and competitions.

“We were also attracted by being able to offer a more secure payment system, as cheques can go astray in the post, as well as easing some of our administration burden.”

Equine Affairs runs online entry and website management for a number of show centres around the country, but this is the first time a riding club has used their services.

Hayley Sharman of Equine Affairs says: “We are delighted to welcome Aspley Guise onboard as our flagship riding club. Online entry is so convenient and we are certain it is the way forward for all levels and types of competition.”

AG&DRC is delighted with the take up of the new service, which has resulted in a significant rise in entries for its current evening dressage series.

“Since the introduction of online entry we have had a four-time increase in competitor numbers and, as a result, we have had to close entries early for our next competition,” says Gayle. “Running events at capacity helps ensure the club covers its venue hire costs and a strong field makes for a better competition so everyone benefits.”

For more info visit www.equineaffairs.com or www.aspleyguiseridingclub.co.uk

Snowball Farm hosts viewing day for riding club horses for sale

Horse & Hound — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:52:32 +0000

Snowball Farm in Burnham is to host a horse and pony viewing day for potential owners having trouble finding a suitable mount.

The home counties equestrian centre will showcase 50 to 60 horses, owned by individual sellers, on one day. But it is only a viewing day — any purchases must be made between the seller and buyer externally after the day.

Melanie Western-Kaye from Snowball Farm told H&H: “I’ve recently heard of many people struggling to find a suitable Pony Club or riding club-type.

“They travel the country to look at one horse, but it is often not what they are expecting, so we are trying to give a solution.”

The event on 22 September will let buyers watch the horses in action as well as try them.

Helen Owens from British Riding Clubs said: “This is the first event of its kind that I’ve heard of. It is a good idea but I’d want to ensure all safety precautions were taken.”

Ms Western-Kaye confirmed St John Ambulance will attend.

“Vettings can be arranged post-event, but we will have vets on call in case of emergency.”

The Pony Club declined to comment on whether people have problems finding suitable ponies, but a spokesman said: “We feel this is purely a venture for Snowball Farm and the individual buyer. In most cases, Pony Club ponies are passed on between members.”

www.snowballfarm.co.uk

Riding Club members appeal for change to flu vaccination rules

Horse & Hound — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:34:58 +0000

Riding club members in East Sussex are campaigning for a change to current British Riding Club (BRC) rules on equine flu vaccinations, claiming they are unfair and outdated.

BRC operates a “zero tolerance policy”, sending home any horse entered for a BRC competition that does not have up-to-date flu vaccinations.

But Rother Valley Riding Club members say this rule is too harsh for amateur competitors and want rules brought into line with other major organisations such as British Dressage and the British Show Jumping Association.

These organisations recommend horses are vaccinated because some venues require it, but do not make it compulsory.

Lapsed flu certificates have resulted in several Rother Valley RC competitors being turned away recently.

Sarah Baldwin, vice-chairman of the club, said: “Vaccination is something we all believe in, but the rule is outdated and it is frustrating to have to start the whole programme again because of a minor discrepancy years ago.”

Vet Karen Coumbe told H&H: “If your horse’s vaccination goes over its due date, you will need to start the course again if you are competing and will incur costs and extra injections.

“Medically it may make little difference if a vaccine is administered a few days over the calendar year, but organisations must have rules and set cut-off points.”

She advised all riders to check their vaccination records.

Since February, 120 members from 10 riding clubs mostly in areas 10 and 11 and organised by Rother Valley, have written to BRC to appeal for a change to the rules.

Lesley Reed of Rother Valley RC added: “We are not saying people should not vaccinate — merely stating that the requirements in order to compete at BRC area competitions are frankly ridiculous in this day and age.”

But BRC chairman Laurie Punnett told H&H: “Only a small group disagrees with the rules.

“Every couple of years the subject is discussed with experts to ensure our rules are appropriate. With 475 clubs, the fairest way to operate is to remove any grey areas.”

Two weeks ago the British Horse Society and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science issued a warning to horse owners in central Scotland to be vigilant and vaccinate their horses due to an increased number of reported flu cases in the area.

British Eventing insists all horses who compete are fully vaccinated, and horses competing in International Equestrian Federation (FEI) competitions must be vaccinated every six months.

Racehorses also have to be vaccinated to comply with British Horseracing Authority rules.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (26 June, ’08)

Lancashire riding club seeks old members for golden anniversary

Horse & Hound — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:08:29 +0000

A Lancashire riding club is looking for past members to help celebrate its golden anniversary.

The Leigh and District Horse and Pony Club, started in 1958, plans to compile a yearbook of old tales and photographs to go on sale in June at their special anniversary show.

Past and present members are being urged to contribute to the book.

Club treasurer Sally Whitter said: “It would be great to hear from our old members on this exciting anniversary.

“It is fantastic that the club has made it to its 50th birthday, and we want to make sure that the celebration is a very special occasion.”

Club president Norman Gleave is a founder member.

“I’ve been on every committee ever since and judged at nearly every show. I get so much enjoyment out of watching my children and their children compete in this Pony Club,” he said.

In fact, the club is going from strength to strength with recent successes at the UK showing supreme riding club championships at Myerscough and the North-West Championships at Accrington.

If you have a story to tell or a photograph to show, contact Sally Whitter. Tel: 07817648424. Email info@leighponyclub.co.uk.

Setting up a riding club

Horse & Hound — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:12:48 +0000

If you have been inspired by Horse & Hound’s special feature on work-based riding clubs (15 November, ’07), here is some advice to help you set up your own.

Contact any other existing sports and social clubs in the company for advice. Also try your HR department, if your firm has one
Start small with email correspondence to one or two people and watch it grow
Use the company communications system or intranet to publicise your intention to start the club
Contact local BHS riding club area representatives for advice on affiliation, insurance etc
Establish a network of riding centres willing to provide discount group sessions or loan horses
Form a committee
Don’t limit membership to just horse owners — provide alternative activities for all
Link up with other clubs for events, competitions and social gatherings
Be self-funding initially and then demonstrate the advantages when making a case for company funding, however small to start off with
Londoners: email Janet Coe janetmcoe@hotmail.com Regions: British Riding Clubs for area representatives: enquiry@bhs.org.uk

Amateur eventing championships for 2007

Horse & Hound — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 15:33:45 +0000

The inaugural amateur eventing championships will be held in Yorkshire next August. Organised by UK Amateur Eventing (UKAE), the competition intends to give amateur riders the chance to demonstrate their prowess at a national unaffiliated championship event.

Qualifying competitions are to take place throughout the country from 1 September this year, and those who finish either in the top five or 10 placings, depending on the venue, will be eligible for the final.

Those who qualify will be asked to register with UKAE for a one off payment of £15. The eventing final will be held over four days (24-27 August) and the cross-country final over three (31 August-2 September).

There will be four levels of competition, Junior 1, Junior 2, Senior 1 and Senior 2, for over and under-18s, and the fences will range from 65cms to 105cms.

The venue, near Harrogate, will have several dressage and show jumping arenas, two purpose built cross-country courses — able to run simultaneously — stabling, acres of land for parking, a shopping area and evening entertainment.

A spokesman from UKAE told HHO: “The idea actually came from the Horse & Hound letters page… everybody was complaining about how expensive eventing is. In dressage and show jumping they have alternatives to competing professionally, but there is no proper structure in place for people who want to event.”

He added that they are carefully working out how best to arrange the qualifiers: “Centres are signing up for the qualifiers, and since they will be this autumn and next spring we want them to be evenly distributed throughout the UK, and not to clash. Once we know more the information will go on our website.”

It was decided that the event should be held somewhere quite central so people from all over the country could get there, and the Harrogate location also reflects the fact that the majority of events which already exist are in the south east. “If you are down south the chances are you have lots of competitions to pick from, and you won’t have to come all the way up if you want to compete that weekend,” he explained.

The final looks like being a large event: “We are planning for 800 to 900 horses. We’ve done the timings and we know that’s how many we can realistically handle.”

In an effort to encourage spectators, organisers plan to charge £10 entry per car rather than charging a fee per head.

“We want it to be affordable, and achievable, for riders and spectators alike. It’s atmosphere we’re looking for, not big profits,” he added.

For further details about the competition, and to find out when the qualifiers are announced, visit the UKAE website at http://www.amateureventing.co.uk

Boost for BRC championships

Carol Phillips — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 14:24:42 +0000

The British Riding Clubs (BRC) National Championships will have a title sponsor for the first time in 2004, thanks to Derby House Saddlery.

The two-day show will take place at the Lincolnshire Showground on 11-12 September and include dressage, show jumping, veteran, riding tests, pairs and equitation classes for BRC riders.

The championship is thought to be the largest event of its type attracting more than 1,500 competitors who have all qualified at area shows throughout the UK.

Last year’s event saw record numbers competing, with 16 dressage arenas in action on the opening day, as well as four jumping rings.

Derby House marketing director Paula Burrows says: “Riding Club members are very supportive of Derby House and we are keen to put something back into their sport.

“The national championships are always a lot of fun and we are very much looking forward to being a part of the team in 2004.”

Emma Spivey of BRC says: “To have an overall sponsor such as Derby House for the national championships is a major boost for the Riding Clubs movement.”

For more information about British Riding Clubs visit: www.bhs.org.uk and click on the British Riding Clubs link.