Teesdale's riding club saddles up to celebrate tenth anniversary

A GOOD yahoo is what horse enthusiasts do best. Barnard Castle and Teesdale Riding Club (BCTRC) is entering its tenth year and its sense of fun has not diminished.
“We are planning a tenth anniversary pleasure ride – we have not set a date for that yet as we’re waiting for a venue,” says club chairwoman Lezley Aldrich.
“We are going to have a party and we’ll probably do something around Christmas time as well as something to finish off the end of the year.”
From a small core of founders, the group is now 124 members strong and has some grand plans for the year ahead.
Ms Aldrich, 60, was one of three friends who saw a gap for a new equestrian club in 2007.
“It was a tiny idea and it’s just grown out of all proportion – I never envisaged this happening,” she says. “I always knew when I came back to it there wasn't much about to do with horses.
“It feels like it’s for all the horsey people who want to have fun.”
However, while fun might be the main aim, rosettes and recognition have come to the door of many a club member.
Its junior section has flourished in recent years and the club continues to churn out a number of precocious talents.
Ms Aldrich adds: “We have seen a lot of our lead rein children progressing to off the lead rein and into proper careers.
“We’ve got a core of competitive juniors from eight upwards and they are doing very well.
“It’s the way they have grown – that’s the biggest thing. The way that we’ve competed and participated in the area competitions.
“Last year we had representation and qualifiers at both national and regional championships. That in itself shows the work our members put in to get there.”
Summer season for the club starts on April 23 but the dead of winter hasn’t brought a halt to riding.
Winter leagues and trips out tide over club members as the days lengthen.
“We try and cater for anyone,” Ms Aldrich explains.
“If you ever wanted to do a ride up Helvellyn we would try and get it for you.
“We are going to plan a beach ride trip to the seaside because everyone loves a blast on the sands.”
Relationships with neighbouring clubs have to be strong for equestrian sports to flourish in the Teesdale area.
A merger between the North and East Yorkshire Endurance Teams has suited the club’s popular new endurance outfit and shared membership deals have brought value for money.
Ms Aldrich adds: “We work closely with Hamsterley Riding Association – any riding club member can now come to our events. We are all in it together.”
Collaborations and the goodwill of volunteers keep many a riding club afloat and those who give up their spare time are vital for the roster of Area 2 events the club takes on.
“Last year at one event we had to provide ten – it’s a lot when you’ve only got one team of four in the actual competition,” says Ms Aldrich.
“It’s getting those volunteers to help run the events and it’s a real problem across the board.
“If you are not taking part, you might not want to travel up to places like Alnwick.”
One of those vital volunteers, Tony Martin, has been recognised with an award by for all his hard work.
“Tony does an awful lot of volunteering,” says Ms Aldrich.
“Whether it’s poo pick-ups or car parking he is a wonderful member who helps the club out no end.”
Other clubs have struggled to raise half the number of designated volunteers for events at times, meaning BCTRC and others are often left picking up the slack.
Understandably, Ms Aldrich is keen to train up any would-be helpers.
She adds: “We’re putting on volunteer training sessions so don’t be shy. If you don’t think you can do it we will show you.”
Insurance is another tricky topic in riding circles.
BCTRC insurance covers members only and Ms Aldrich explains how some of the conditions can trip up the unwary.
She adds: “Insurance is vital. Our members get public liability but personal accident insurance is riders’ own prerogative.
“All our instructors all have to be qualified and all are insured to give lessons.”
The year has started on the right foot for the club and there’s plenty on the horizon.
Ms Aldrich said the summer camp will be a highlight this year.
“We have already got a camp arranged which is very popular,” she says.
“Junior summer camp is August 7 to August 10 and senior camp will be August 11 to August 13 at Stonechester Equestrian Centre.
“Bring your horses, come along and have fun while you are learning – especially with the adults.
“Not only do we do the usual disciplines, but we do silly things like gymkhanas and we go up the gallops to have a good yahoo.”
For more information go to: http://www.bcandtrc.co.uk/