SJ series supports injured riders
Riding clubs around the country are being invited to run charity classes as part of the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund (MDIRF) unaffiliated show jumping series, which has been set up to raise funds for the charity.
Delph Riding Club in Cheshire established the series in the north-east last year and raised more than £800 for the charity, which offers help and support for injured riders.
Any club can take part in the series, under the agreement that all entry fees from the class will be donated to the charity. All clubs hosting a class are eligible to field one or more teams of four riders for the MDIRF unaffiliated show jumping championships, which are to be held at a prestigious venue in 2004, subject to sufficient levels of support.
Series organiser, Heather Williamson, explains: “There are two ways in which the series can be run. Delph ran its MDIRF series as a points league for individual riders across the summer, with the four most successful riders representing the club at the finals.
“Some other clubs which took part last year ran a single MDIRF charity class at one show, with the four highest-placed members forming the team at the final. We have made the series fairly flexible to try and make as much money as possible for the charity.”
The series was the brainchild of Delph Riding Club secretary, Tina Dutton, who was keen for the club to support the vital work done by the MDIRF.
“There are lots of charities doing important work to help the welfare of horses but the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund is the only one I know set up to help riders,” she explains.
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“We are keen to expand the series nationally and all riding clubs are welcome to take part. We are hoping to at least double the number of clubs taking part this year, but our ultimate aim is to get every club in Britain involved.”
For more information on how to get involved in the MDIRF unaffiliated show jumping championships, contact Heather (tel: 01785 607344).
For more information about the work of the MDIRF visit: www.mdirf.co.uk
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.