The Bourne Valley Riding Club was founded in 1966, and received affiliation to the British Horse Society (BHS) in 1967. Originally based around the Andover (Hampshire) area, its name was taken from the Bourne river running through St Mary Bourne. As membership expanded, the club encompassed the second Bourne river running through the villages of Collingbourne Ducis, Tidworth, Cholderton and on to Salisbury.
Competitions
The club runs competitions in every discipline throughout the year:
| Winter Dressage | Feb/March |
| Winter Show Jumping | Feb/March |
| Dressage | April |
| Novice Show | April |
| Combined Training with separate Dressage and Show Jumping | May |
| One Day Event | June |
| Show Jumping | July |
| Dressage & Showing Show | July |
| Novice Show | August |
| Dressage and Show Jumping | Sept |
| Hunter Trial | October/Nov |
Dressage Competitions range from Intro to Medium. Jumping heights from 2’3″ to 3’6″ with Clear Round jumping starting at 2′.
Competition venues are located at Larkhill, Andover, Amport, Over Wallop, Redenham and Tidworth.
Reduced entry fees are given to club members.
In each class a rosette is presented to the best BVRC member.
Trophies are awarded in some classes, and these are presented to the best BVRC member.
Competition points are given to the six highest placed members in each class. Points are accrued at all competitions and the overall winner receives the Be Fair Cup.
Helpers at competitions also receive points & compete for the Caballine Trophy.
Non-Competitive Riding Events
Each year we hold a number of rides for members and their friends. As our area encompasses part of Salisbury Plain and the New Forest, we try let members experience the beauty and vastness of the area.
Hunting
BVRC has a special subscription to the Royal Artillery Hunt – which operates as a drag pack. The subscription enables members to hunt up to 4 times during the season at a greatly reduced cap.
Social Events
Social events mainly take place on dark winter evenings; some are educational & some just plain fun such as our Christmas meal and annual quiz. Events have included talks by equine nutritionists, homeopaths, vets, farriers, dentists, saddlers and dressage to music specialists. Our socials are normally held in the Andover or Amesbury area.
Instruction
Instruction is organised every two to three weeks throughout the year. This is mainly general instruction, flat work with some optional grid work. Specialist dressage, show jumping & cross country instruction are also arranged as preparation for club competitions. Sessions are generally for between 1 and 2 hours with groups of 4-6 riders. Cost ranges from £20-£30 per session. Instruction venues vary within our area. Regular instructors include Diana Burgess and Elizabeth Peerless.
Team Competitions
As an affiliated BHS Riding Club we are grouped with other Riding Clubs in an area (Area 17), which covers the central south of England. This includes clubs from the Isle of Wight, Petersfield, Blandford & Purbeck & Poole. Each year, inter-club competitions are held in all disciplines, with winning teams & individuals going forward to National British Riding Club (BRC) Championships.
Residential Camp
In 2006 the club organised its first residential camp at the Stockland Lovell Manor Equestrian Centre. This is a week of equestrian activity for club members with on-site instruction in all disciplines. Stabling is provided together with accommodation and meals for humans. Camp has proved extremely popular with it normally being sold out with up to nearly 40 members attending on some occasions.