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History
White Rose Riding Club is one of the oldest riding clubs in the North of England. It was founded in 1965 by the late Mrs Hazel Holmes and supported by a very strong committee of local equine dignitaries, including the President at the time Mr Staveley Stephenson and the Chairman, veterinary surgeon Mr WB Quarmby. The annual show for the Riding Club was, at that time, held at Dalton Park by kind permission of Lord Hotham who is still an active supporter of the club. They organised a large number of inter club competitions alongside club events with the annual show, hunter trials and long distance rides.
When the club had its official opening by Mr Rudi Yurkschat in June 1965, Mrs Hazel Holmes presented the club with a colt foal named ‘Nevada’ (a variety of white rose) as the club's mascot. Nevada was the son of ‘Judy’, a little mare who carried Nigel Holmes from London to Welton during the emulation of Dick Turpin's ride. His Sire was a lovely Arab stallion called ‘Starguard’.
Over the years we have had some very strong teams who have represented the club at Stoneleigh, winning the championships on more than one occasion. Team members including show-jumpers David Walmsley and David Sowersby and Equine commentator Tony Wilson who went on to become members of the committee, Tony Wilson being the club Chairman and later President. Our previous president, BSJA judge The late Mr Albert Grant was President since 1982, being Chairman before that. Other members of our teams included Trish Mason who went on to win the Foxhunter championships at Cheltenham, event riders Alex Hilyard, Carol Gee and Ogin Crane and dressage riders Fran Smith, Jenny Venter and Clarissa Hall.
Our previous Chairperson Jill Banks joined the club in 1969 as part of the quadrille team with Jane Wright, Patsy Haslam and Patrick Burstall. The quadrille team were successful at the inter club championships, making it through the qualifiers at Butlins in Filey to compete at HOYS. Jill Banks has been up until recently an active member of the Riding Club; she was an international show-jumper in the 1950s, has won point to points and has represented the club in National Dressage competitions from 1969 onwards and was Chairperson since 1982.
Our new Chairperson Jonathan Palmer has been an active member of the club since 2007 and came on the committee to help the then Vice Chair David Bull, he follows in the footsteps of his cousin David Walmsley.
Jonathan has fond memories of taking part in riding club competitions staged at Lair Grange over the last forty years.
The record of people who have been regular members, committee and team members is far too long to list, however suffice to say White Rose Riding Club is lucky enough to have a strong committee of excellent equine professionals who are always on hand to help and give advice whatever your chosen discipline.
Our Committee
President (1989-2022) - Jill Banks
Charman - I was fortunate enough to grow up in a horsey family as my parents had a riding school and now I get great pleasure helping other members get the most out of their riding activities. Jono also looks after the jumps and the cross country course.
Secretary of White Rose. I’ve been on the committee for about 15 years, and mine is the number you ring for pre entries for many of our events. I’m a huge supporter of the grass roots type competition so that the less confident rider can also put on the posh clothes and have fun!
Treasurer
Membership Secretary I am the membership secretary and I receive all of your details via the website. I make sure your details are passed onto the BRC to ensure you are fully insured while riding at our training sessions and events
Social Secretary I have had horses all my life. I've not competed for a long time ('97 was my last show)had a couple of gorgeous happy hackers since then. Last year I got Finn. He's feisty, fun, at times a bit of a handful so I started much needed lessons with him. We joined the club in Ja 23 to gain more experience, learn more & have some fun. And it's the best thing we could have done. I feel like I'm reliving my youth.
I am the Training Officer for Senior Training on Thursday Evenings.
I’m the competition secretary. I organise the paperwork for showing, jumping nights and the hunter trials as well as helping with scoresheets at dressage competitions. I relieve you of your entry money on show days, and compile results. So many of you will recognise me! I have been a club member for about 15 years.
I am a BHS accredited professional coach. I have worked in the equestrian industry for over 30 years. I am a BSPS working hunter judge & course-builder. If you see me at an event and you need help or advice (about anything equine related 🤣) feel free to have a chat!
Media Co-Ordinator, Junior Trainer & Safeguarding Officer. Fully qualified & accredited APC, BHSII, FAAW, UKCCL3, Safeguarding & BSc Hons in Equine Sports Coaching. Coaching history includes Riding School Instructor for three years & former College and University Lecturer and Course Manager at Bishop Burton College for over 15 years. I am a keen advocate of an educational path, always learning & grassroot combinations. I remain an active coach & competitor across a variety of disciplines.
Field Maintenance
I am in charge of rosettes and also help on event days. I have been a member of the club since I returned from living in Menorca in 2019. I owned a Menorcan horse (PRMe) there and rode in Fiestas in my village. I now own a 5yr old PRMe mare here in the UK.
Team Manager
Website I am living my childhood dream through my daughter and her pony. We are so grateful to be part of the amazing club who encourage the enjoyment of riding. I look after the website to give everyone the same opportunity we have been fortunate to have.