British Riding Clubs

Severn Vale is a BHS affiliated club, and as a member you are part of the National British Riding Clubs structure, and will receive the quarterly “Rider” magazine. Britain is split into different Areas. We are in Area 12, which covers Bristol, Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire, with around 30 clubs. From October 2011 we will be in a new Area - Area 9, which will be more local, stretching along the M$ corridor from Bristol to Swindon, so Area events will not be so far away. If you enjoy competing, there are opportunities to represent the club in different disciplines – Dressage (prelim, novice, elementary, medium), Dressage to Music (novice, elementary), Showjumping (from 80cm to 1m10), Hunter Trials (85cm/1m), Horse Trials (85cm/1m/1m10). Each year there are Area Championships which include the chance to qualify for the National Riding Clubs Championships. If like many club members, your sights are set a little lower than this, you can still share the glory when the club does well, or use the rallies and competitions we run to improve your skills and confidence to go for a team place in a year or so – plenty have achieved it, so don't be afraid to give it a go.

As a BRC member, you also have 3^rd party equine insurance cover through the BHS, and all our events and rallies are covered as well. An added bonus is discount at the BHS bookshop .

Riding Club Examinations

Through the club you can prepare for and sit Horse Welfare and Equitation exams. Levels 1 and 2 are a fun way to improve your knowledge of Stable Management and riding, but if you are thinking of a career with horses, then level 3 will exempt you from Stages 1 and 2 of the BHS exam system. Plenty of Club members have taken the exams, and you can request a copy of the syllabus if you are interested in finding out more.