On Wednesday 19th February, Solihull Riding Club welcomed hundreds of showjumpers,
owners, businesses, sponsors and spectators to a special event to mark the end of its winter
British Showjumping season.
The show included classes from an 80cm Clear Round right the way up to 1.25m/1.30m,
and boasted a fabulous £4,000 prize money pot. Top riders Michael Whitaker, Jack
Whitaker, Joseph Trunkfield, Simon Grieve and David Coombs were among the names who
joined us, along with some of their owners who were provided with hospitality.
In the morning, the Club also hosted a business breakfast networking event in its on-site
conference facilities with viewing of the main indoor arena to ensure no one missed any of
the action. A proud member of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together
more than 50 representatives from local and regional businesses, with plenty of opportunity
for conversations to spark ideas for future collaborations.
As a Community Amateur Sports Club, Solihull Riding Club already has established
partnerships with two organisations focused on diversity and inclusion within the equestrian
industry: an on-site presence from Summerfield Stables, a charity that works to increase
participation in equestrianism amongst disadvantaged communities, and a strategic
partnership with RMF Group, an adult education provider who train and upskill individuals
from all backgrounds to help develop their career in the equestrian industry.
Wednesday’s event was a further demonstration of Solihull Riding Club’s commitment to
strengthening its business partnerships and the work it does in support of the local and
regional community.
Ellie Spelman, Chairman of Solihull Riding Club, said, “Today has been a really important
day for Solihull Riding Club, demonstrating our commitment to supporting our local
communities, developing partnerships with businesses and showcasing the incredible
facilities that we have to offer. It’s also been great to have had such a well-supported day of
British Showjumping to help us celebrate the end of a fantastic season. We’re really
passionate about the opportunities for collaboration that exist within the equestrian sector
and are always looking to work creatively with new partners to drive Solihull Riding Club
forward. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and were excited to run more events like
this in the future.”
Member Sophie Wooster who competed in the British Novice class with her horse Rafa
(Amethyst Limited Edition), said, “There was a fantastic atmosphere at Solihull Riding Club
today and I really enjoyed the course. I’m very proud to be a member of the Club and have
the opportunity to compete at premier events like this one.”
International Showjumper Joseph Trunkfield said, “We’ve had a great day – the courses have
been really good, there’s lots of room and a nice big warm-up which makes a big difference
for the young horses. The lorry park is big, clean and well lit, and the venue has been really
welcoming with a great spread on with the food which was a nice touch for the owners. I’d
definitely recommend it, it’s really nice to come here and we’ll definitely be coming more in
the future.”
As a not-for-profit community amateur sports club, Solihull Riding Club works to promote
opportunities to become involved in equestrian sport at all levels. Run by a volunteer
Executive Committee and supported by a dedicated team of office and grounds staff, any
profit made is reinvested back into the Club to ensure its longevity and continued operation.
For more information on supporting Solihull Riding Club, visit www.solihullridingclub.co.uk
