The Association of Irish Riding Clubs was formed by 16 clubs in 1973 and held its first meeting in Portlaoise, under the chairmanship of Eddie Fowler with Helen Mangan as Administrator which has led on to 125 affiliated clubs, 8 regions and almost 3,500 members nationwide today . AIRC is based here in Ireland with the goal of being more Equestrian sport for Amateur riders and leisure riders. Members range from Novice to experienced competitors – there is something for everyone and a whole range of disciplines available such as dressage, show jumping and eventing. 

Riding clubs are a brilliant thing to be involved in, as they provide a warm, friendly environment where competition is a fun and relaxing experience, where riders achieve results as part of a team or as an individual,  where you can meet like-minded people. Riders achieve results as a result of the wonderful educational programs, access to training facilities, schooling support, coaching and social activities provided by the club.

The number of activities has also increased with championships held annually for individual and team show jumping, individual and team dressage, hunter trails, and horse trails. Events are also held occasionally for Trec and other disciplines which gives the riders lots of choice of what to get involved in and also volunteer time to help organise. Each event and training session is created with everyone in mind and there is an emphasis on being part of the team.

As a rider, you are set on course to achieve a result. There is no better place to do so than being part of a community of like-minded people united in their love for the Horses.

In every region there are many clubs depending on what area you are stabled or live and membership is very straightforward. The levels start at Primary where they start with walk and trot tests mainly in dressage and jump xpoles to 60 cm and you can work your way up to advanced open where you can do up to Elementary dressage and 120 cm jump and also have green horse classes and you can jump under or over your grade unaffiliated and try it before you change your grade. The grading is the responsibility of the club grading committee, with the advice where appropriate of a recognised instructor which is done in a fair and sporting manner where both horse and rider is considered and what would be best for them to achieve their goals.

The Riding Clubs Festival is Ireland’s largest equestrian amateur event. Held twice a year, this two-day event features up to 70 competitions and has attracted entries in excess of 2,500. Competitions are held in show jumping, dressage, showing and working hunter.

Education and training are key elements in the success of any riding club. Clubs provide educational lectures, demonstrations, seminars and clinics to improve horse knowledge and welfare in the industry ranging from riding to nutrition and tack selection which boost the rider’s skills as well as knowledge.  The clinics and seminars are led by industry experts and at a discounted rate to members and prove very popular often with repeat of clinics 

To conclude Riding clubs are not just for show, but have a significant role to play in horse welfare and promoting horse riding as a sport. In particular, the AIRC has worked hard to promote within the industry. AIRC clubs are meeting the needs of their members by offering a range of activities, from dressage and jumping to festival days and shows. The majority of clubs have thriving social scenes too, ranging from musical evenings to parties and dinners, which ensure that members make the most of their membership and long-term friendships are made often members will say the best thing apart from the horse activities is the friends that they have made and are there to support each other and be themselves. Riding Clubs are the heart and soul of the sport and the benefits of joining are out of this world.