A CALL has gone out from the British Horse Society for more riding clubs to be set up in the Vale, the Cotswolds and beyond.

At the British Horse Society's annual conference at Stoneleigh, delegates heard that membership had remained fairly static over the past year, when most activity had been halted due to the foot and mouth crisis.

Established clubs are now being encouraged and supported to promote their activities and run recruitment campaigns.

Members at the conference also discussed the strengths of the movement, including instruction available to help members achieve better riding skills and gain horse welfare knowledge.

They also applauded the range of competitions available from clubs. British Riding Clubs spokesperson Maggie Dyus said: "No other organisation provides such a wide range of competitions in all disciplines for the truly novice right through to international level, with an established set of rules." The major event for BRC in 2002 will be to host the Riding Club European Horse Trials Championships at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, from July 2 to 7. For further information contact Maggie Dyus, at Stoneleigh, on 01926 707700 or e-mail: m.dyus@bhs.org.uk.