Riding

Find out more

• Training

  Recreational

  Riding Club offers lessons at 2 different yards. We currently offer intermediate and advanced lessons at Drumcarrow Equestrian on a Monday and a Friday. Our beginners and intermediate riders tend to ride at Edenside Stables, although the decision of which yard to ride at is ultimately yours to make. Lessons at Edenside run on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Both of these yards can be accessed by car or taxi, and Edenside can also be reached on the 99 Bus heading to Dundee. Riders are welcome to sign up for as many or as few lessons as they would like, and these lessons should be paid for on a lesson-by-lesson basis. Lessons are usually in groups of up to 3 at Drumcarrow and up to 4 at Edenside, but private lessons can also be organised.

  Hacks

  We organise hacks (trail rides) at Barbarafield Riding School, in Cupar, where we ride in the fields of their farm. These hacks can be grouped for riders of all abilities, but we recommend that all riders learn to trot before participating.
  Hacking is a great way to enjoy time in the saddle outside of the lesson environment and take advantage of the beautiful scenery of Fife. For those new to riding, it is a relaxing way to get used to being on a horse, whist also getting to know other members in the club. Barbarafield can be accessed by the 64 bus from St Andrews, or by car or taxi.

  Hacks will be run throughout the academic year, but they will be run to meet demand, so frequency of hacks may fluctuate based on interest.

  BUCS Team Training

  Team training takes place on a Wednesday afternoon, and team members are required to ride at least once a week. But, additional riding is encouraged.
  Our competitive teams are coached by Angus Lohoar and Stephen Lohoar at Drumcarrow Equestrian. Angus and Stephen are competitive showjumpers and have trained and competed across Europe. They have successfully coached our BUCS teams for a number of years, in both dressage and showjumping.

• Competition

  We have 2 competitive teams: our A team has 4 members, and the B team has 8. 4 team members compete at each show, and each of the teams has 3 competitions throughout the year – 2 held at other universities and one home show, hosted at Drumcarrow. There is also the possibility of competing at Regionals and Nationals.
  BUCS competitions do not require you to have your own horse, as the horses are provided by the venue of the hosting university at each competition. Each rider draws the name of a horse from a hat.

  After a short warm-up period, riders are expected to be able to complete a simple dressage test (walk, trot and canter) and jump a course of show jumps around 80cm on an unknown horse. Team try-outs are usually held towards the end of September to select the teams for the upcoming year. If you would like more information about the riding team, please get in touch.

• How to get involved

  Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced rider, already attend the University or if you are thinking about attending, please get in touch to register your interest and find out more about our club.

  The University hosts a Sports Fayre at the beginning of each academic year during Orientation Week, giving prospective members the opportunity to talk to club members and sign up to ‘Give It A Go’ sessions.

  Please email the club to register your interest: [email protected]

  Club Membership

  All matriculated students at the University can join the Riding Club.

  Please visit the Saints Sport website for a full list of club membership options, prices and information on how to purchase your membership.