Last year at this time whilst writing the forward I was full of optimism for the future. Unfortunately events proved otherwise with the result that the club had a disappointing time. Entries were well down on the previous year at every show with one or two exceptions; note ably the One Day Event, Crowland Show and the Area Qualifier. TREC was a money raiser but was hardly supported by any of the club’s members. The second Cross Country at the end of the season was lost due to the freak windy weather .

In hindsight one of the reasons for such an unprofitable time was we underestimated the lasting effect of Foot and Mouth had on the club’s activities. This was particularly felt by the attendance of the Indoor Show Jumping held at Laughton Manor during the first three months of the year. Indoor events at Equestrian Centres were one of the few activities allowed to take place during the crisis so it was surprising at the time there was such a lack of interest.

However the new season is fast approaching and you will see in the schedule there are quite a few changes giving it a new look. As a result of a well attended A.G.M. there was a useful discussion afterwards containing plenty of good ideas, some of which are being put into practise. For starters there are some new faces, we are very pleased to welcome Kate Jackson, Cate Croll, Nicola Moger and Sue Ivens on the committee. Also there is a different look to this year’s events with some new venues.

One of the ideas was that in future all cups and trophies can only be won by members. So if the winner is not a member then the highest placed member will receive it instead. This has come about because many of the winners were not present to collect their prizes, which definitely deflated the occasion. Also it was felt the members deserved the trophies and it would be easier to keep track of them. Some of the cups go a long way back and have some very interesting names on them,, which is all part of the history of the club.

The year starts off with a Sponsored Ride something the club has not done before. Everyone can take part no matter whatever discipline they are interested in. This is followed by a cross country at Sissons Farm, a new venue and it is intended to run the One Day Event over the Festival of the Hunter course at Wittering the week after it takes place. Once again we are hosts to Area 16 Show Jumping & Equitation Qualifiers and it is hoped that the club will put forward in all classes some strong teams to restore Peterborough jumping reputation of former years.

I can’t stress enough how fortunate the club is to have such generous sponsors as we currently have in their continued support of sponsoring whole days and advertising in the schedule. To quote a phrase ‘Every little bit Helps!’ Without their support there would be no Riding Club. These days with ever increasing regulations and the fear of litigation it is not possible to keep going on membership and entry fees alone.

Everything is now set in place for 2003 season, so all everyone has to do is to have their horses ready and go out and make full use of what is on offer. Support your club, enjoy yourselves and make it worthwhile for all the people who have given their time and effort so that you all can have fun.

Chairman: Mrs Joan Departe 2003