RIDERS of all levels are being encouraged to join the area’s newest riding club. The Mercian Riding Club, which opened this summer, is based at Coppice Gate Farm on the edge of the Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

The club has excellent facilities for members and non-members who wish to learn about every aspect of equestrianism, with visiting trainers, lectures and demonstrations.

Theresa Simkins founded the new club with Bev Doherty and Justine Proctor and her partner Azzedine Azamoun, the international show jumper.

Theresa said the club is designed for riders who may not want to compete but who like to train consistently and improve their own standard.

“We have access to some highprofile trainers which gave us the idea to encourage riders from all levels and abilities to come and train and achieve their goals,” she said.

“The centre has six indoor stables with a large lecture and talk area with tea and coffee facilities, as well as an all-weather arena with a multitude of jumps and full-width dressage mirrors for position training.

“We can also provide stabling for those who want to stay for our two-day clinics.

“We are fortunate that Azzedine has also become our resident flatwork and show-jumping instructor for the club.

“Azzedine also teaches clinics for starting young horses and problem horses and we will hopefully be putting some of these on throughout the later months.”

The club is fortunate to have a list of visiting trainers which includes David Pincus, Lionel Dunning, Leonie Smith and Emily Richards. There are also visiting equine practitioners such as equine physios and masseurs Michelle Burton, Sue Palmer and Liz Launder.

Master Saddler Melanie Isaacs is also on the list, as well as visiting equine vets, dentists and farriers, who are all planning to give talks.

“We will be holding talks on taking your horse on holiday, held by Equine Escapades and improve your horse’s way of going, with Michelle Burton in August,” said Theresa. The club is running competitions at Gracelands Equestrian Centre near Droitwich, which will enable riders who have trained with the club (or not) and may want to have a go at low-level competitions to get their confidence.

“Our first dressage competition takes place tomorrow, which we are all looking forward to as it has some fabulous prizes and rosettes, all of which have been sponsored by local supporting companies,”

said Theresa. “We will also be holding social evenings as the nights start to draw in and we want to encourage riders and friends to come along and have some fun too without the horses.”

The next dressage show is being held on September 9. Details can be found at the centre’s website themercianridingclub.co.uk or facebook page the Mercian Riding Club. The club can also be contacted on 07545 222871 or 07731 459041.

CHANCE TO LEARN: Grand Prix
trainer/rider Leonie Smith, (Picture 1).
Young horse trainer and showjumper
Azzedine Azamoun with Soxs Amazing
Grace, owned by Mrs Mundie. (Picture 2)
Above: Azzedine Azamoun on Zamar
with international dressage trainer
David Pincus. (Picture 3)