CLUB ACTIVITIES

Our main aim is to provide good consistent instruction at subsidised prices...  We have a full programme of indoor and outdoor lessons throughout the year with rather more in the the winter months and a brak iver the summer.

We have regular lessons available with Chris McGrann. Louise Pearson and Tracy Garside, these lesson are organised in a number of ways to suit all types of people:  from individual single lessons to courses od class lessons with 3-5 people.  Over the years we have found that a course of 3 weekly sessions of 40 minutes in pairs works well.  Riders are encouraged to trun up early, watch the previous lesson, then warm up before their own lessopn so the time can be used to the full.

There have been number of successful lecture / demonstrations given by some of the countries leading equestrians including Carl Hester, Steven, Joe and Ellen Whittaker, William Fox-Pitt, oliver Townend and a previous member Jeanette Brakewell.  Some of these have lead to relatively frequent lessons being made available to those who are interested e.g. Jeanette Brakewell and Joe Whittaker.

Club Competitions. There are monthly weekday (Tuesday / Wednesday) and Saturday dressage competitions these are limited to club members and give a valuable introduction to novice riders and / or young horses in a clam, friendly atmosphere.. to add a bit of a challenge we operate a points system with riders being split into 3 leagues depending on experience with rosettes on the day and a trophy at the end of each club year for the most successful combinations.  Possibly uniquely there is only one 'class' but a choice of tests, Prelim to Advanced, makes for interesting judging! the winner of each league being decided on the best percentage.  Thus, a frequntly happens a more advanced combination can be beaten by a less experienced pair.

HCTG is affiliated to British Riding Clubs and is in Area 4.  Each Area organises a number of annual inter-club competitions culminating in the National Chamionships for qualifying teams and individuals.  We have been successful over the years with both Teams and Individuals competing at and becoming National Champions.

Our annual One Day Event run in April is again aimed at educating the horse and rider, three levels are available:  First-timers, Novice and an Open.  We aim to provide a quality competition with facilities and organisation equal to any affiliated show but without the costs involved.