Our History

A meeting was called at the Coach and Horses, Rochdale on 14th May 1962 to find out whether it was possible to form a Riding Club. It was unanimously agreed by the attendance that a Riding Club should be formed and be known as “The Rochdale & District Riding Club” with Mr Jim Sommervell as acting Honorary President.

The first show was held on 8th 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 had the use of a wonderful showground at 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 Roch Valley Way, Rochdale until a weight restriction was imposed on the bridge in 2017.

After a difficult start to the 2017 season we moved to Croft Top Equestrian Centre in Accrington and look forward to long future at this venue.

The Club which became a Limited Company in August 1976 was affiliated to the British Horse Society and a member of the Northern Liaison Group of Riding Clubs Area 3.

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

By Vera Buckley