Tuesday 31-10-2017 - 10:15

Picture this: hard boots encasing your feet to your knees, the countryside sprawling before your eyes, a hard hat atop your head with its strap around your chin, joggling up and down upon a horse who is clip-clopping along a picturesque lane. It’s idyllic, it’s fun and, to quite a few people, it’s more than just a love of horses.

The GCU Equestrian club adore horses and are making the most of their time in Glasgow, getting to ride regularly whilst still studying. For nearly a decade, possibly longer, this club has allowed students to go riding weekly and gives experienced riders the chance to compete against other universities. The equestrian team train at Busby Equitation Centre, which is a short train journey away.

I caught up with the President Amie after watching two weeks’ worth of their lessons. She told me about the events that the club hosts every year which are very enjoyable – this group meet for socials as well as their weekly riding. Here’s a list of their main ones this year:

• Freshers fayre is big for the club who brought Teddy the horse along to welcome the freshers

• Come and Try taster lesson which this year was on the 26^th September where 44 people came along to give horse riding a go, anyone of any ability can come to this and are encouraged to give it a go, especially those who are curious but have never ridden before

• Team Trials come next for all of those who are good riders. To become part of the team you must impress the team captains and the instructor on the 27^th September

• Welcome Freshers social Night – 5th October 2017

• Bake Sale – 9th October 2017

• Halloween Social – 1st November 2017

• Pub Lunch/Dinner – 9th November 2017

• Cinema Social – 22nd November 2017

• Christmas Dinner – 14th December (dates are subject to change to allow most members to go to the dinner)

This year there is also the addition of two trips. One of these is the 18^th-19^th of November to see Riders of the Storm performing. They are a company who perform riding tricks with their horses. In late March there is a chance to go to Wilderways, a horse holiday and adventure company where you can ride 6 hours a day for a three day period – check out their facebook to find out more!

As well as these events, the club has weekly riding lessons at Busby Equitation Centre for every ability levels. This is also the time that the team train. Every Tuesday evening from 6.50-10pm the group ride on the friendly ponies and the instructor Scarlett teaches each level, helping them progress with their riding abilities. These recreational lessons are a mixture of fun, friendly instruction and improvement on riding technique.

The club has seen a huge growth recently and due to this the riding club has expanded the capacity for their lessons from 26 to 32. The demand for lesson space is high and the lessons are almost always full – this means the lessons allow for a different bunch of people to be there each week.

Lessons are split into ability groups. Beginners who have barely or never been on a horse before are taught how to correctly tack up a horse, riding position and learn how to ride correctly. Within a short space of time, people are walking, trotting and enjoying riding more than ever. Most are led around on their first few lessons, building confidence about being on a horse’s back. New riders are always welcome to the club and if you have even a tiny interest in these beautiful creatures then you should pop along and see what this group is all about.

Amie said: “We would love to have more people coming through the club at this level. Our fundraiser Darryl only began riding with the club last year and has progressed quickly into novice – we would love to see more of this.”

GCU’s novice and Intermediate groups learn more technical skills and honing their riding abilities. Perfecting their trot and improving their canter, while also learning how to jump to various degrees. The intermediates are very skilled riders and anyone looking to ride whilst away from their horses to be at university should join them – these people all thoroughly enjoy and miss riding.

Amie also told me that this year the committee are looking into hosting seminars on horse care and stable management. Although this is still an idea in the works, the committee’s devotion to allowing students to continue their passion for horses and riding is overwhelming and lovely.  

There are two GCU riding teams who compete in the competitions. These are known be the level that they compete in – A and B. As the system is confusing, Amie spoke me through it twice. “A and B teams each compete initially four times a year. Each university gets one home based competition in every league table. Each competition gives the chance to progress to regional and then national competitions for both individual riders and as a team. The four initial competitions are held at each universities stables over both semesters. The level of competition at these are very high but it is a great experience for everyone involved.”

 

The dates for this year’s competitions are:

• B Team Edinburgh Competition – 15th November

• A Team Home Competition – 29th November

• A Team Edinburgh Competition – 24th January

• B Team Heriot Watt Competition – 24th January

• B Team Home Competition – 7th February

• A Team Edinburgh Competition– 7th February

• B Team Glasgow Competition – 28th February

• A Team UWS Competition – 28th February

I asked Amie what makes the riding club special. She replied: “To share something you love and are passionate about with others who also love and are passionate about it is a very special thing. It creates a support network and lifetimes of friendships all over the world.”

After watching two weeks of lessons, I had a chance to ask everyone about the club. These people are so kind and gave me lots of their time, inviting me to photograph multiple events, as well as their lessons. So, from Amie, Justine, Ellie, Sonja, Eilidh, Darryl, Rachael and Zack gave me a few fab tid bits about their time with the club.

 

1) What do you like most about being part of GCU Equestrian?

• Amie - It makes my university experience, I wouldn't have been able to get through my degree without it. Lessons/Training are the best nights for me as there is great club integration between the different levels of riders and everyone is helping each other to improve.

• Justine - It's great having something to look forward to, I've been riding for a while now so already knew how fun it was but it really breaks down my week instead of just been constantly uni/work I get to do something I love and see my friends

• Ellie - What I like the most about being a part of GCUEC is how well everyone gets along and how similar we all are, we have fantastic trips and some of my best memories have been with my fellow members!

• Sonja - Everyone gets along and I have something to look forward to every week. It's great to have a chance to continue the same hobby I've had since I was 4yo and have a break from uni and normal routines.

• Eilidh - Apart from the horses, I enjoy spending time with people that have similar interests to me.

• Darryl – I am a big animal lover so I really enjoy spending time with the horses as well as taking part in a sport. I really love how close knit the club are too.

• Rachael - I love how many friends I’ve made (not just the horses) but how it gives me something to look forward to after uni as well!

• Zack - being a new to the whole uni culture in general, I love how everyone is so nice to each other and get along like a little family

 

2) Other than the horses, what convinced you to join?

• Justine - I wanted to meet new people with similar interests

• Ellie - I was really keen to meet new people and the fact that they were into horses was even better, I wanted the full uni experience

• Sonja - Wanted to meet new people!

• Eilidh – I knew I was going to enjoy before I even started uni! I was a bit nervous but when I went to the stall at freshers fair everyone was lovely and that made me want to join even more.

• Darryl – Coming from college and going straight into third year made me join the club in an effort to meet new people and get really involved in university life.

• Rachael – To improve my abilities and make new friends!

• Zack - the chance to meet new people

 

3) What's your favourite memory from your involvement with the club so far?

• Justine - It has to be our trips last year! Both were absolutely incredible especially our winter trip with Wilderways. I'll never forget how amazing it was galloping through the snow.

• Ellie - My favourite memory from the club so far has to be our second in-house competition!

• Sonja - Can't really pick one to be honest. Probably all the competitions last year, everyone was helping each other and it's a good fun.

• Eilidh - My favourite memory of the club so far is probably galloping through the snow on the 1st trip!

• Darryl – My favourite memory is the trip in the first semster last year. The scenery was stunning and the company Wilder Ways we booked with were excellent. It was amazing value for money.

• Rachael – My favourite memory has to be the GCU sports ball, it was an amazing way to end last year and to see everyone having fun!

• Zack - I’ve only had 2 lessons but would be how nice and helpful everyone is.

 

4) If you were to recommend the club to a friend, what would you say?

• Justine - we are all genuinely lovely and friendly people, everyone is sooo supportive and we all encourage each other. I've never had an issue with bullying/hazing/bitching! I've also met friends for life whilst doing something I have a passion for. Horseriding is a great sport and a really cool skill to have.

• Ellie - I'd definitely tell them to give it a go even if they've never been on a horse because it genuinely doesn't matter. It's an amazing chance to meet fab new people, get involved in some incredible trips and experiences and make memories with such beautifully animals!

• Sonja - I'd tell them to give it a shot, everyone is super nice and you basically have a bunch of people who are happy to help with whatever and share the same passion for horses. An awesome way to make new friends and memories, and to get on great trips!

• Eilidh – It's a great club to enjoy! You make friends for life and get to do something you love.

• Darryl - I would say definitely recommend joining the club to anyone. I had never done it before but honestly, the club are so welcoming and you can start to build up your confidence and abilities in the sport at a pace that suits you

• Rachael – I would say to definitely try it out! Not only do you get to be around amazing friendly people (and horses) but experience fab socials and trips.

• Zack - Everyone is so welcoming and friendly, no one is put aside to favour anyone else, there are great tips year round and there’s no one better to go with than this team! Great place to learn/ continue a skill and passion whilst making new friends.

The club’s incredible love for these animals is very apparent. Every horse and pony at Busby is loved for its individual quirks – the riders chatter about their experiences with each animal before every lesson. Horses bring out the best in people and, even after standing in dubs, stinking of pony and being clarted in horse hair, there’s still always a smile on everyone’s faces.

President Amie told me exactly why anyone and everyone with an interest in horses should join their club and find out more about it: “We are for everyone, whether you have never sat on a horse before or you are an advance rider, we have something for you. You will make friends for life with the kindest of people, our alumni are testament to this with their continued interest in the club.”

If you would count yourself as one of the horse lovers of our society then trot on over to their facebook page and give them a like – find out what they’re about, don your boots and join in the fun!

 

 

Written by Tamsin Ross,

Communications Team Volunteer