The History of the Club and Committee Contact Details!

History Of The Club

The club started from humble beginnings (don’t they always!) with a group of dedicated riders wanting to get together and spread the word.   So in 1980, the Ackworth and District Riding Club (ADRC) was formed and immediately affiliated to the BHS.

At the inaugural meeting, the committee made Ken Dransfield the Chairman, as he had a “nice big field” on Rigg Lane!   The first show was on this field, and the newly painted jumps were not quite dry, so helpers and horses went home with brightly coloured hands and hooves!  The annual show really took off, when Joe Duckitt gave the club the use of his field at Top Farm, which had amazing catering facilities and so was enthusiastically supported. 

Because of the interest in natives (ponies that is!) there was always a “Native Performance Championship” at each show.  Competitors got points for various achievements ranging from Showjumping, Dressage, Working Hunter, Ridden, Family Pony etc…. Some keen competitors entered everything they could and recorded some amazing performances by Shetlands, Exmoors, and Dales in particular.  Another feature of the early days was a trotting race for “Hairy Heavies”, organised by farrier, Clive Holroyd. The emphasis on being able to perform rather than looking good. There was always a regular following who turned up year after year, and as such, Joe’s field was the site of our very famous “Novice Event” aimed at being fun for riders – not those aspiring to compete at Burghley!

A contingent from the Rockwood Pony club were ever present, including the now well known Moody sisters of dressage fame.  Phil Dixon, a well known local vet was a regular, as was an elderly gentleman who never won but always thoroughly enjoyed himself.  One year the Shetland Grand National Team came over from the Shetland Isles, to rapturous applause – now that was a sight to see!  Another year the Marchioness of Hartington – now the Duchess of Devon, attended.

The amazing thing was, that it was all contained in a 10 acre field – XC round the outside, Showjumping in the middle and Dressage in a small paddock with a pronounced slope! Since Joe’s retirement the annual shows have been held at various sites over the years, always well attended and enjoyed by everyone.  Some 25 years later, the club has gone from strength to strength.  Up until the late 90’s the ADRC was considered a bit of a laughing stock at area events.  But with the help of a hard working, enthusiastic, dedicated committee and team of trainers, the ADRC is now a force to be reckoned with.  For the past few years we have had Juniors qualify for the National Championships at Hartpury, Gloucestershire and members qualifying and winning, at the Yorkshire Showground Ulimate Showcase, and many members representing the club at area hunter trials and dressage events.

The club is friendly and enthusiastic, with it’s members as it’s biggest asset, all of which support and help one another in the ADRC aim – to learn about, compete and enjoy our equine friends.

Here’s to our continued success in 2010, our 30th Anniversary Year!!

The Committee

THE COMMITTEE & CONTACT DETAILS.....

Chairperson: Nicola Gundill - 07876507676

Club Secretary: Alison Knox - 07812700301

Vice Chair Person: Sheila Rogerson - 01977 611117

Dressage Competitions & Training Officer: Margaret Smith – 07905692423

Show Jumping Training: Kathryn Parker - 07771872913 

Show Jumping Competitions Co-ordinator: Diane Ridgeway - 07870495868

Treasurer: Chris Derry – 07909690960            

Annual Camp Co-ordinator: Sheila Rogerson 01977 611117

Newsletter & Team Competitions Secretary: Sharon Webb – 07725022785
 
Membership Secretary: Denise & Nigel Robinson – 01937 833379

Events Co-ordinator: Amy Campbell - 07983993167

Website Co-ordinator, Child Welfare & Club Clothing: Judith Fisher – 07745081747

Deputy Website Co-ordinator: Dave Raspin - 07889 886336