History

 

A meeting was called at the Coach & Horses, Rochdale on 14 May 1962 to ascertain if it was possible to form a Riding Club. It was unanimously agreed that a Club should be formed and known as "Rochdale & District Riding Club", with Jim Sommervell as acting Honorary President.

The first show was held on 8 July 1962 at Clay Lane, Bamford, with membership subscriptions of 10/- and 5/- per year for riding and non-riding members respectively, with entries for members 1/- and non-members 2/- per class.

The Club used a number of venues in the area; Oldham Road, Heywood Park, Broadoak, Jericho, Bury and Cronkeyshaw Common. Then in 1971 the Club had the use of a wonderful showground at the Thrum Hall Lane, Shawclough, Rochdale until the ground was redeveloped.

In 1975 we then moved to Bowlee showground and the nearby Silver Birch Stables for Hunter Trials, where we remained until 1980, when we moved to our present location at Roch Valley Way, Rochdale.

The Club became a Limited Company in August 1976, was affiliated to the BHS and became a member of the Northern Liaison Group of Riding Club (Area 3).

Rochdale & District Riding Club is very proud of its past history and looks forward to the future with confidence.