Are you a talented rider or a complete beginner? Either way you will be catered for in the Bath Riding and Polo club, where we pride ourselves on being a friendly group who cater for all those interested in riding and polo regardless of past experience.
REGULAR LESSONS
For beginners and non-competing members weekly discounted lessons are organised at local riding venues for groups of riders with similar abilities so that each rider can get the most out of their lessons. There will also be opportunities throughout the year to participate in internal show jumping and gymkhana events. Sign up for the lesson tryout taster at Widbrook Equestrian Centre on the 12st October at the sports fair on TUESDAY 4TH OCTOBER.
COMPETITIVE TEAMS
For more experienced riders and those who enjoy competing we have two teams of four riders who compete in BUCS leagues, with riders that have represented the University of Bath up to national level in previous years. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams, each of 4 members, are organised into their respective leagues and each team has four competitions held at equestrian centres across the country which include both dressage and show jumping phases. The league winners then move forward for another round of competition. Discounted team training lessons takes place each Wednesday afternoon at Talland Equestrian Centre with Brian Hutton and Warminster Saddle Club (Oxendene stables Military Unit) with Paula Coward. Riders interested in competing should be happy to jump a course of approximately 2’9’’/90cm show jumps and ride at novice level dressage on a horse they have not previously ridden, be committed to train weekly on a wednesday afternoon and be prepared to pay £15 per training session for 10 sessions and a one-off £35 BUCS competition fee (applicable to any member of any sports team).
Selection of suitable riders will take place at Summerhouse Equestrian Centre on 12th October. Come along to the sports fair to sign up. For those that are not initially selected for the team dont be down hearted, sometimes we get it wrong! Team captains will drop people who fail to attend training and there are those that have to pull out, not realising the level of commitment needed. Many people apply and it is difficult to chose people when they are all competent riders and capable of the competition level required.
POLO
Bath riders also have the opportunity to partake in regular subsidised polo lessons at Lynt Polo Club with Guy Verdon, from complete beginner to regular player. In the 2008 season the Polo team were victorious in the Schools and Universities Polo Assciation (SUPA) League Novice competition and are keen to further develop their membership and skills this year. Whether you want to compete for the University or simply have a go sign up at the sports fair. for a taster session on 15th October.
SOCIAL SCENCE - colts 'n' fillies, bar trot, awards night and many more!
Our Social Sec organises regular club socials throughout the year from nights out to the on-campus sports night at Score, the annual Sports Ball before Christmas, the Snow Ball, as well as nights venturing out into Bath pubs and clubs. They range from informal drinks after lessons, perhaps at a pub on the way back to Uni, to fancy dress themed nights such as the ‘Country Bumpkin Bar Trot’. In addition we have an end of year meal and awards night where we can all get together before the exams begin. Awards include: Member of the year, BUCS rider of the year, Commitment to the teams, Commitment to the Club, Most Improver Rider, Thrills and Spills award, and many Special awards to remember those unusual moments that have happened over the year.
We also run trips out to equine events, such as Badminton Horse Trials and the Monty Roberts tour. We also had a Christmas pub ride last year and organised a short course with Laura Chandi called ‘I am a horse’ where members learned about communicating with horses on their level. We welcome any ideas of horsey events to attend and we will be organising more trips this year.
Interested? Then join now using the link below!
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Dates for your diary 2011-12
Check here to keep up to date with what's happening in the club this year. This will be updated regularly. Please note to take part in any riding club activity including trials and try out session you MUST be a member for insurance purposes.
October
4th - Sports Fair 4pm - 7pm Founders Sports Hall. Come along and meet the committee, ask any questions and sign up for team trials and lesson tryout session.
12th - Team Trials at Summerhouse Equestrian Centre. This will cost £20. Please come along and sign up at the Sports Fair if you are interested in riding on a team to learn more.
15th - Polo taster session at Inglesham Polo Club. This will involve a stick and ball session on the ground to learn swing, then a practice on a wooden horse before putting skills into practice on a real horse. This is £25 (subsidised from £45). Polo beginners welcome, although a little previous riding experience is useful!
12th - Tryout session for lessons at Widbrook Equestrian Centre, 2 - 4pm. Open to all whatever your riding experience or lack of it! Come along, have a ride and meet other people in the club. This session will be used to match people up with riders of a similar ability for lessons. We will be looking for drivers to this event. If you have a car please let us know! The cost of this session is £15 plus £1 petrol money.
19th - Widbrook Equestrian Centre, 2- 4pm. Riding lessons begin.
November
BUCS Equestrian Team Lessons are underway:
1st Team at Talland School of Equitation
2nd and 3rd Team at Warminster Saddle Club (Military Equestrian Unit)
First round team leagues:
1sts vs, Southampton Uni 1sts, Southampton Solent 1sts, Portsmouth Uni 1sts
2nds vs UWE 2snds, Exeter Uni 3rds, Plymouth Uni 3rds
3rds vs Exeter 2nds, Bristol 2nds, Plymouth 2nds
December
Christmas Gymkhana at Widbrook - Fun pack afternoon with lots of rosettes and a couple of unscheduled dismounts!!