https://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/ridingclub/documents/2024-spring-wh-schedule.pdf

The above link contains the Schedule / Entry / Booking Form for our Working Hunter weekend coming up on 4th and 5th May - the Show on Saturday 4th and the Coaching with Jean Gunn on Sunday 5th (not the 21st as printed on the copies at the Riding Centre).  We hope to hold both days outdoors at Gaitnip, although this will be weather permitting and will relocate to the Riding Centre if it's too wet / windy.  

We're delighted to offer BLAIR qualifiers in the Training Stakes and the RC/BHS WH series, and also in Style Jumping.  These all have eligibility requirements, which are listed on the guidance notes within the schedule, please read carefully as the Riding Club is not responsible for checking you are eligible. 

We'd love to see a good turnout of local riders qualifying for the last Blair.

There will be lessons with Jean on the Sunday (5th)  and as she's catching the boat later that day her time will be limited.  Group lesson spaces will get priority, with requests for Privates / Semi-Privates getting spaces after the closing date.  

We are very grateful to Casey Construction and Northvet for sponsoring the rosettes / sashes for the Show.  

Could all Plate / Trophy winners from last year please get them engraved and returned.

https://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/ridingclub/documents/dressage-league-entry.pdf

https://britishridingclubs.sport80.com

BRC has implemented a new Membership Portal, which means the previous method of joining and paying is now defunct, so please do not bacs your membership fee to our account, it must go via Sport 80 - on the link above. 

The old membership year no longer exists as it's now a rolling membership, so whatever month you join, your membership will run till the same date the following year. 

If you are a new member joining could you please confirm you have signed up by emailing:  [email protected]  That way we can add you to our membership email list. 

We had lots of deserving nominations this year, thank you to everyone who put in a suggestion. The winner, with the most nominations for one person we can remember, is the late Christine Harcus, who very sadly passed away at the end of July last year. The nominations for Christine, and the others, are listed below.

Christine's daughter Britt was presented with the trophy, and said that "Mam would have been delighted"

" I wish I had nominated Christine before her passing as she was really one of those unsung heroes who worked tirelessley and with such a positive attitude to the progression, improvements and generally the continuation of all things equine. Thanks so much Christine, we miss you. "

" Christine was a real supporter of all things “Horsey” ever since Britt was a member of the Orkney Branch of the Pony Club. She served on the PC committee and amongst many things, was famed for her contributions to the annual Bonfire night fundraiser – Happy Memories! Latterly she provided wonderful and generous hospitality to visiting coaches and never lost her enthusiasm for the riding fraternity. She would be most deserving of this award and hopefully it would give comfort and pride to her family. "

" Christine was one of those who quietly did things without looking for praise or reward. Even when she wasn't in the best of health, she would be doing a stint at the Blue Door for the Riding Centre or the Marches, and making sure there was plenty of baking every day. She supported all the horsey clubs and loved the Marches. I think it would be a lovely gesture to have Christine's name on the Day Wishart Memorial Trophy. Two amazing horse ladies. "

As well as Christine, we had nominations for the following folk, who are all worthy in their own right, so please do nominate them again next year.

ANGELA DOUGHERTY - Angela has spent many hours/years operating the kitchen at many events, she is always smiling and great with banter over the counter. I think she is one of the unsung heroes and is often the heart of the dining room, helping look after stressed or cold folk with a smile and a hot mug of tea.

DAVINA JOHNSTON – has always been helpful, welcoming and kind. She’s always there for me when I need her. She tries her heart out for ORC. She is one of the most helpful people I know. No one deserves it more in my mind.

GEMMA LESLIE - I would like to nominate Gemma! A worthy winner who has given her time and energy to the riding club for too many years to count!! helps whenever she can and is often in the background doing all the bits that no one sees.

VERA FRASER – she always bakes, helps where needed, and supports many events.