New riding club formed in Suffolk

A new riding club has been formed by riders in North Suffolk, who were tired of travelling long distances to compete.

Halesworth and District Riding Club was started by 10 riders in May in order to cut down the time spent travelling to ride.

Founder member Sarah Shephard said: “To get to the Beccles and Bungay Riding Club, where we used to compete, took me over an hour.

“Now, since we’ve started the club, at the Phoenix Equestrian Centre, Spexhall, it’s only 4 miles away. Some of us live in the middle of nowhere out here, so it made sense to start a new club.”

So far the club has 30 members and has issued an open invitation to anyone interested to join.

Sarah said: “We want to create a very friendly and nurturing environment for new riders and provide sufficient affiliated competition for more experienced riders.”

The club has applied for British Riding Clubs affiliation.

The club’s inaugural dressage competition, at Phoenix Equestrian centre on Saturday 20 June, was hailed a great success.

And here are three further competitions this year, show jumping on 25 July and 19 September and dressage on 22 August, at the same venue.

Club membership for 2009 is £5. For more information, contact the membership secretary on 01986 873810, email doogbaldry@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.phoenixec.co.uk.

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