Burbage Riding Club, located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has been a prominent presence in grassroots equestrian shows for over 60 years. Their main shows are held at Stoke Lane, offering a convenient and picturesque location for riders and spectators alike. For dressage shows, the club moves to Lakeside Equestrian at Hall Park Farm in Thurlaston.
The club is known for its inclusive approach, catering to novice and nervous riders as well as more experienced equestrians. Historically, shows have taken place on Sundays, but for the 2022 season, the club decided to switch to Saturdays, which proved to be a great success. This change will continue for the 2023 season. The shows run every fortnight from April 1st to the end of October, ensuring ample opportunities for riders to participate and compete.
Burbage Riding Club offers a wide range of classes to suit every discipline of rider, including Showing, Fun showing, Dressage, Gymkhana games, show jumping, and mini show jumping. From very young riders just starting out to experienced and competitive riders, the club provides a supportive and friendly atmosphere. Competitors have the opportunity to receive advice, gain experience, and build confidence, all while boosting their self-esteem.
The show ground at Burbage Riding Club provides ample parking space for visitors, and the large warm-up arenas and well-maintained flat rings ensure optimal riding conditions. The club also offers onsite toilet facilities and outside catering services during shows. Additionally, a photographer is present at most shows, allowing competitors to purchase photographs from their website.
The dressage shows at Lakeside Equestrian take place on a large 40 × 20 sand mnage with good parking and warm-up areas. This allows the club to continue running shows throughout winter, weather conditions permitting.
None of these shows would be possible without the ongoing support of the dedicated and hardworking committee. Each year, the committee takes on various responsibilities, including organising shows, setting up and packing up, maintaining the facilities, judging and running shows, and handling the administrative tasks that allow the events to take place.
The 2023 committee is composed of Chair Sue Toach, Vice Chair Ryan Ward, Treasurer Helen Ward, Secretary Lydia Brockwell, Safeguarding Officer Sue Toach, and First Aiders Sue Toach and Ryan Ward. Show Jumping Coordinators are Sue Toach and Ryan Ward, Mini Showjumping Coordinators are Victoria Scarlett and Melissa Sarson, Main Showing Coordinator is Caroline De Freyne-Shrubsole, Fun Showing Coordinator is Amanda Collier, Gymkhana Coordinator is Angela Harriman, and Dressage Coordinators are Amanda Bristow and Becky Smith. Kate Bristow serves as the Area 5 Coordinator, and the general committee members include Shaun New, Georgie Cutling, Mandy Gill, Jodie Atkinson, and Rob French.
Burbage Riding Club maintains a strong commitment to safety and provides rules and guidelines to ensure the well-being of all participants. Members can access the club's constitution, show rules, internet, and social media policy, health and safety policy, safeguarding and welfare document, complaints process, and privacy policy on their website.
Join Burbage Riding Club and be a part of a thriving equestrian community that values inclusivity, personal growth, and a love for horse riding.