Penistone & District Riding Club
(Formerly Penistone & District Young Rider's Club)
In 1977 owning ponies and horses was becoming more and more popular but horseboxes and trailers were few and far between and having a lack of pony club type activities in the area, a small group of parents put their heads together and the club was born under the original name of Penistone & District Young Rider's Club.
The early events were simple - gymkhanas, handy pony classes, treasure hunts etc. Fortunately the membership included some farmers' children who cajoled parents into lending fields and, at a later stage, land for mini hunter trials. A lot of fun and a lot of learning took place in those early years.
The membership grew steadily, shows became more professional and by 1990 out of 150 members 60 were adults so it was decided to change the name to what it is today, Penistone & District Riding Club!
Through the years many shows have been held, the Spring and Summer Shows incorporating showing classes both ridden and in-hand, show jumping, working hunter classes, and the In-hand & Dressage show, but, may be non so memorable as 2001. The Foot and Mouth outbreak put paid to many, many equestrian events. The club ran just the Summer Show that year and that was an eleventh hour decision. Although the recreation ground at Penistone, which is the venue for most of the shows, is quite large, after recent events especially the Spring Show 2002, there is the question of whether it will soon be too small. With such an ideal location and stunning views is there any wonder that these shows are so popular.
Perhaps because of its early beginnings, Penistone is a club always anxious to help and advise the novice rider, therefore, the Tuition Week and schooling clinics are organised and are run through the summer months. It is also deeply committed to maintaining local bridleways. The new Trans-Pennine Trail passes through the centre of Penistone, that's where Georgina Hartley is invaluable. Georgina keeps the club up to date with all that is going on in our area regarding footpaths & bridleways.
Anyone interested in further information is welcome to ring
Elaine Scrivener 01226 765272
