North Suffolk's new Halesworth and District Riding Club (HDRC) has got off to a flying start. Within just two months of launching, the enterprising club has held two shows and attracted a total of 68 members.

North Suffolk's new Halesworth and District Riding Club (HDRC) has got off to a flying start.

Within just two months of launching, the enterprising club has held two shows and attracted a total of 68 members.

In addition, earlier this month it became affiliated to the UK's official riding club body, British Riding Clubs (BRC).

The latest show jumping show, held at Phoenix Equestrian Centre in Spexhall attracted over 50 entries.

With separate horse and pony classes from 2ft to 3ft 6” there was something for every level of rider from novice first timer to seasoned competitor.

Members already include some local riders with impressive credentials. HDRC committee member Hayley Chilver (pictured) has recently qualified her own Giggy G, a 16hh, 12-year-old warmblood gelding, for the PetPlan Area Festival Open Novice class.

She also achieved qualifying scores with local livery yard owner Rose Hart's talented 12-year-old Welsh Cob gelding Walden Landslide. He won both his novice classes with over 65% at the recent Festival qualifier at Geldeston.

Hayley and fellow HDRC member Rose Hart have recently passed the prestigious level 2 of the new UK Coaching Certificate.

Meanwhile Rose's daughter, 22-year-old HDRC member Emily Hart, has qualified for the British Horse Society (BHS) Young Instructor of the Year competition. The finals will be held in the autumn.

HDRC chairman Nicky Virgo said: “We are delighted that the HDRC has already attracted so many members, including Hayley, Rose and Emily with their admirable talents.

“It confirms that there is a real need for a very local riding club in this area of Suffolk. We are also proud to have achieved affiliation with the BRC so quickly, which means we can now field teams to compete in affiliated competitions.”

HDRC was set up by ten local riders because they were finding it tough to cover the costs of regular travel to their nearest registered British Riding Club around an hour's travel away.

They will be holding a dressage competition on 22 August and a show jumping competition on 19 September.

For further information contact 01986 873810, email hdrc09@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.phoenixec.co.uk to download schedules.