Showtime At Rudgwick Riding Club

The Rudgwick and distict riding club is holding their monthly dressage event at Brinsbury college campus in West Sussex. The event is held as an opportunity to allow riders from around the area to get together and show their true love of horses in the form of friendly competition. The date is much anticipated amongst club members and new competitors alike, earning it a place in many member’s calendars for the past few years.

The testing yet popular discipline of dressage is a firm favourite. It involves a series of basic movements scored by a judge seated at the end of the arena.  In order to achieve the highest level of accuracy it requires sound understanding between horse and rider. Furthermore the club often holds training events and clinics at many different venues. Experience is the key to becoming a rounded and polished rider. Bringing competitiveness to the horse world creates friendships between teammates. Riding clubs are vital to a vastly solitary sport, where ultimately entire focus is on the bond between horse and rider. It can improve happiness and confidence like all other team sports.

Riding clubs can be found in all corners of the UK, from Threewaters in mid Cornwall to South Lammermuir in Scotland. They allow riders of all ages to put their horsemanship to the test in planned and organised events. Rudgwick has been bringing people together for the past three decades from all around the Sussex area.

The monthly Rudgwick dressage event is nothing without the dedicated members who give up their time to ensure the day runs smoothly. Jane is one of those members who took part in the competition. She had plenty to say on the benefits of the club; “Rudgwick riding club is the only place I feel safe to compete. All members are supportive and there is no judging. I don’t think I would be out competing at all if it wasn’t for this riding club.” Other members share the same view of feeling safe and included, which is also displayed through the calm atmosphere of the showground.

Due to major issues in membership numbers and lack of participation at some events, the club has been under pressure with the threat of closing down- as to the horror of dedicated members. However, recently club numbers seem to be on the rise. The future of the club may be secured for now but Rudgwick is always keen to recruit plenty more combinations in the years to come. And why not, if you and your horse are looking for some confidence building or maybe just a weekend of fun, consider joining the club and help continue their great work in the community?

By Eleanor Fitter from Millais School