Incorporating Woodhay District Riding Club. Affiliated to the British Horse Society.

 

About the BVRC

  
The Bourne Valley Riding Club was founded in 1966, and received affiliation to the British Horse Society (BHS) in 1967. Originally based around the Andover (Hampshire) area, its name was taken from the Bourne river running through St Mary Bourne. As membership expanded, the club encompassed the second Bourne river running through the villages of Collingbourne Ducis, Tidworth, Cholderton and on to Salisbury.
Hunting

Sarah Peerless and Folkin Philomel (Milly) on their way to victory at BRC National Novice Horse Trials Championships 2004. A performance they repeated in 2006.

Pippa Moon riding "Larkhill" to victory in the Ladies' Hunter class at the 2006 Horse of the Year Show.

Pippa is a great supporter of BVRC instruction classes. She uses BVRC tuition as part of the education of her young horses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Competitions

 

The club runs competitions in every discipline throughout the year:

 

Winter Dressage Feb/March
Winter Show Jumping Feb/March
Dressage April
Combined Training with separate Dressage and Show Jumping May
One Day Event June
Show Jumping July
Dressage July
Novice Show August
Dressage and Show Jumping Sept
Hunter Trial October/Nov

 

Dressage Competitions range from Prelim to Elementary. Jumping heights from 2'3" to 3'6" with Clear Round jumping starting at 2'.

Competition venues are located at Larkhill , Andover, Cholderton, West Woodhay, Over Wallop and Stockbridge.

Reduced entry fees are given to club members.

In each class a rosette is presented to the best BVRC member.

Trophies are awarded in some classes, and these are presented to the best BVRC member.

Competition points are given to the six  highest placed members in each class.

Points are accrued at all competitions and the overall winner receives the Be Fair Cup.

Helpers at competitions also receive points & compete for the Caballine Trophy.

Non-Competitive Riding Events

 

Each year we hold two UK Chasers rides and two or three hacks for members and their friends.

 

As our area encompasses part of Salisbury Plain, we try let members experience the beauty and vastness of the area.

 

Hunting

 

BVRC has a special subscription to the Royal Artillery Hunt - which operates as a drag pack. The subscription enables members to hunt up to 4 times during the season at a reduced cap of £20 (instead of £50).

 

Social Events

 

Social events mainly take place on dark winter evenings; some are educational & some just plain fun. Events include talks by an equine nutritionist, a homeopath, a vet, a dressage to music specialist, a race night, and an equestrian question time and are normally held at the Red Lion Inn, Clanville, near Weyhill.

 

Instruction

Instruction is organised every two to three weeks throughout the year. This is mainly general instruction, flat work with some optional grid work. Specialist dressage, show jumping & cross country instruction are also arranged as preparation for club competitions. Sessions are for 1 hour 30 minutes with groups of 4-6 riders. Cost ranges from £10-£20 per session. Instruction venues vary, but are usually held at Castle Farm (Over Wallop) or Cholderton EC.

Regular instructors include Diana Burgess, Elizabeth Peerless and Sorrel Warwick.

 

Team Competitions

 

As an affiliated BHS Riding Club we are grouped with other Riding Clubs in an area (Area 17), which covers the central south of England. This includes clubs from the Isle of Wight, Petersfield, Blandford & Purbeck & Poole. Each year, inter-club competitions are held in all disciplines, with winning teams & individuals going forward to National British Riding Club (BRC) Championships at Leamington Spa (Horse Trials) or Lincoln (other disciplines).

 

BVRC  BRC Area 17 Team Successes for 2006

Novice Indoor Show Jumping winners.

Open Hunter Trial winners.

Open and Intermediate Horse Trials winners.

Novice Horse Trials second placers.

Riding Test winners.

Residential Camp

In 2006 the club organised its first residential camp at the Stockland Lovell Manor Equestrian Centre. This is a week of equestrian activity for club members with on-site instruction in all disciplines. Stabling is provided together with accommodation and meals for humans. Camp has proved extremely popular - the 2008 allocation was sold out with nearly 40 members attending - 20% of BVRC membership - a remarkable turnout.

 

There are a few places left for 2010 - a good reason to join BVRC now!