Club of the Moment: Hawkesbury Riding Club

If you're looking for a club where you can participate in a variety of equestrian disciplines and have fun doing it - then Hawkesbury Riding Club (HRC) could be the place for you - this Club welcomes any person, of any age and any level of ability who is interested in horses!

HRC, formerly known as Kellyville Riding Club, was founded in 1978 to provide facilities for the many people involved in equestrian activities in the Hills District, NSW. The club is one of the very few that welcome riders of all ages - a fact that they believe is a key to the growth of their membership.

Kellyville Riding Club relocated to new grounds at Clarendon in 2005 and at the 2008 AGM, it was decided by the membership to change the Club's name to Hawkesbury Riding Club.

HRC aims to:

• Promote the development of each individual's skills and knowledge of horsemanship.
• Expose riders and their horses to a variety of equestrian disciplines and activities.
• Provide opportunities for riders with inexperienced horses to expose them to a variety of situations, which they may expect to meet in a more competitive environment.
• Prepare those riders, who are so inclined, for more formal competition.
• Provide an opportunity for people of all ages, with a common interest to interact in a spirit of friendship and good sportsmanship.

The above aims are not just empty promises, HRC has the facilities to back up their aims with considerable infrastructure at their Clarenden site including:

• 4 full size sand dressage arenas;
• showjumping arena;
• sporting area; and
• a 3 level cross-country course that includes a water jump and mound - great for schooling over water!

In addition to these fantastic facilities, the club hosts regular clinics and events that enable members to meet their personal and competitive riding goals and once again back up HRC's aims.

Two training days are usually held each month on every second and fourth Sunday, with open competitions generally on the Saturdays or fifth Sunday.  At the training days riders receive expert tuition from qualified instructors. Three sessions are usually held between 9.30am - 1.00pm.  On each training day, riders may experience dressage, jumping or perhaps sporting. Periodically lectures, seminars and schools are arranged. Interspersed with training days are competition and activity days.

Each year HRC hosts a number of open dressage days, showjumping days and a breed and hack show.

The club endeavours to cater for the expressed interests of the members at the time. Sub-committees assist the executive committee in the organisation of these days. To enable members to get to know each other and to assist in the running of the club they are required to serve on one sub-committee.

The club meets on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, at the club grounds - Gate 5, Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon.  General meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month and all club members are invited to attend.

Regular newsletters help to keep members informed of up and coming events. The HRC website also contains information about activities and events.

HRC's next upcoming event is the Open Dressage Day being held on Saturday 21 May.  Entries are via Global and close on 9 May.

For any membership inquiries, please contact Gail Benson (mgbenson@bigpond.com). A full calendar of events for 2011 is now available. The latest newsletter is available here.

photo courtesy of HRC and Chrissy Johnson