Have you heard the rumour going round Bangor? 2012/2013 is the year to learn how to horse ride, because this year Bangor University Riding Club is hotting up! So try something new, jump in the saddle and Shout TALLY HO as you gallop down the menai straits!
So what does riding have to offer? From lessons to beach rides, jumping to hacking, volunteering opportunities and qualifications to social nights, there’s never been a better time to saddle up in Bangor! We cater for all riders, from complete beginner to advanced, and with the help of the great team at Anglesey Equestrian Centre there really is something for everyone and the superb indoor school means that the Welsh weather doesn’t stop us and neither do those winter evenings.
BURC is free to join for the 2012/13 year, so there’s never been a better time to take up the reins! Our taster sessions for Beginners is on Friday 5th October and the advanced taster session is on Friday 28th September, come sign yourself up to a session at Serendipity!
Working together with Anglesey EC, BURC can provide lessons at a discounted rate throughout the week, both privately and in groups, on a range of well-schooled, friendly horses and ponies. We can also offer hacking for beginners through to experienced, with grassy canter tracks or thrilling beach gallops for the brave!
If competing is your thing then our BUCS team is the place for you! Our team will be competing against Manchester and Chester this year, completing a Novice level dressage test and then jumping a course of up to 3ft, to be marked on style – and all that on a strange horse with a 7 minute warm-up. Last year we came second in our region, with one of our riders qualifying for the individual regional finals and several team members attaining their AU Colours and Half-Colours for their achievements throughout the year. And that’s not all- we were the first club to get a win on the board against Aber at last year’s Varsity as well! Team Tryouts will be on Wednesday 3rd October 12pm onwards contact Amy Galvin on bangorriding@hotmail.co.uk for more details.
However if BUCS seems a bit much for you, there are competition opportunities for all, no matter how long you have been riding. We regularly run dressage, showjumping and gymkhanas (and often fancy dress on ponies as well) which everyone is welcome to take part in.
Like team sports? BURC can help out there too! This year we will be offering our riders a chance to have a go at the exciting discipline of POLOCROSSE. Described as a mixture of lacrosse and rugby on horseback, this game combines riding skills with team play and loads of fun – be warned though, it is VERY addictive and before you know it you’ll be galloping in for your next ride off or tackle!
If you are looking to get a bit more ‘hands-on’ with horses, we are able to offer exciting opportunities this year. Our proud association with the Anglesey RDA means that anyone who would like to volunteer with the Riding for the Disabled is very welcome. Sessions run weekly and leaders, sidewalkers and helpers are all greatly appreciated. Full training will be given so if you would like to help give something back then please contact our RDA Officer Rachel Holt. There is also the chance to complete qualifications.
But of course, no AU club would be complete without a roaring social life, and BURC has a cracking one! Last year we partied every Wednesday night (here’s a tip, don’t book a lesson for Thursday mornings). Our ‘Pub Showjumping’ night is now legendary – can you handle the ‘shots Chase-me-Charlie’? How good is your fancy dress making skills? Can you scrub up for the AU dinner? Will you survive a night out in Bangor wearing your jodhpurs and long leather boots?!?!
If you want to find out more, then kick on and contact Bangor Riding Club on Facebook, Twitter or via email on riding@undeb.bangor.ac.uk
