SUPPORT NETWORK
JOINING A RIDING CLUB
Want to make like-minded horsey friends? Get more out of your horse? Ride on teams? Then joining a British Horse Society affiliated riding club could be just the ticket, says head of the organisation Rachael Hollely-Thompson
RIDING CLUBS HAVE plenty to offer and they can be great places to socialise and meet like -minded people . I t will be possible to make new friends who live locally and tap in to expertise that will help with a variety of problems riders may be facing with their horse or their technique .
There can be mo re than one riding club in an area to chose from , so it is importan t to consider the key takeaways from this new club . Most clubs cater for all disciplines , although some may be more dressage focused while others will offer more jumping training . It is worth looking at the club ’ s website and social media channels to see wha t ’ s on offer . Some clubs only put on training during week days , but for those who work full time it might be best to find one that organises evening or weekend fixtures .
Some instructor also offer discounted training rates for riding club members and this can be appealing , especially if one is a favourite coach .
There are numerous competitive opportunities , too . Representing a club in a team is grea t fun and it isn ’t as in timida ting as many equestrians think . Clubs are always looking for enthusiastic people to join their teams and there will be a range of jumping heights on offer — and different levels for dressage — to tempt even the most nervous pilot . It really is worth giving it a go . Anyone turning up for the first time will see a h uge range of horses of all shapes and sizes , but they will all be there for the same purpose — for their riders to enjoy themselves , and for the horse to have fun , too .
To find out more , visit bhs .org .uk and click on British Riding Clubs . Most people who join a riding club never look back .
PROBLEM: I really want to have a go at competing, but it’s just too d
