FMD crisis: Riding clubs appeal for more members

The FMD crisis has taken its toll on British Riding Clubs, with the Novice Indoor Show Jumping Championships, Festival of the Hunter and the Rural Riders European Championships postponed and the Horse Trials Championships cancelled.

A decision will be made on the national championships for dressage and show jumping in June.

While some members are rejoining for 2001, many club secretaries are reporting low numbers and there are concerns about how to keep clubs going through the crisis.

One large club in the Midlands reports that by the beginning of April each year subscriptions usually total £3,000-£4,000; this year, it had taken just £200 by that date.

British Riding Clubs is to run a prize draw for which members will automatically be entered if they have joined or rejoined an affiliated riding club by 30 June.

All 33,000 of last year’s members will shortly receive a letter from the head office at Stoneleigh, outlining how important their subscription and support is to their club and detailing the prizes on offer in the draw

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