Last Wednesday (3 April), The British Horse Society (BHS) were honoured to be joined by riding schools from across the country at their annual National Riding School Championships.
Sponsored by Equine Bio Genie, the one-of-a-kind competition offers riders who don’t have their own horse the chance to compete at a national championship.
The event sees equestrians of all ages, who ride at BHS Approved Centres, compete across a range of disciplines, including show jumping, dressage and stable management.
People came from far and wide, with Murton Equestrian Centre travelling from Newcastle to Leicestershire, where the Championships were held.
Lulu Goulden, age 12 and Trinity Reeve, age 11 travelled from Grove House Stables in Nottinghamshire to take part in the day. Their love for horses has flourished during their time at the riding centre and by participating in days such as this one.
Lulu said: “I like the people at the stables; they are nice. It’s been a great place to make friends. And of course, I really like the horses.”
Trinity added: “I’ve always loved horses. I got into riding, and I have never stopped. I’m really looking forward to coming back next year.”
With more than 90 participants qualifying this year, the day is a celebration of riding schools in the UK and the great value they bring to people in the local communities.
For those who don’t have direct access to horses, riding centres help to ensure everyone can benefit from equestrian education, horse care and welfare, practical riding tuition and most importantly, an inclusive and welcoming environment.
As the lifeblood of equestrian participation, these riding facilities are an essential part of the future of equestrianism. They provide unique and truly transformational opportunities for young people, from all backgrounds, to develop the crucial horse/human bond that makes the equine world so special.
Oonagh Meyer, Head of Operations Approved Centres at the BHS said: “We want to offer our congratulations to everyone who competed at the championships and to thank Equine Bio Genie for kindly sponsoring the day.
It really was a fantastic event and it was great to see all those, who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to compete, show off the brilliant skills they have learned at their perspective riding schools.
I’ve been fortunate enough to see hundreds of people’s love for horses grow at centres across the UK. Days like these really highlight how important that unique horse/human bond is, as well as the valuable work riding centres are doing to keep that bond alive.”
[Bio-Genie quote]: “We’re delighted to have been able to support this year’s BHS National Riding School Championships – knowing how important these events and the centres involved are to ensuring more young people can experience the joy of horses.”
To learn more about how you can get involved with our Approved Riding Centres, or how you can support these equine facilities to ensure they’re able to continue to provide people passionate about horses with the best experience possible, visit: www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding
