Maidstone and District Riding Club was founded in 1948 by a few enthusiasts who were anxious to encourage riding in the Maidstone area – by offering instruction at working rallies, visiting equestrian events, and running small shows and social events.

By 1988 it is recorded that the club’s annual summer show – held on the Kent County Showground at Detling - was one of the biggest in the south east of England and attracted international show-jumpers to compete for Wembley qualifiers. Since that time there has been less demand for shows and greater emphasis on other types of competition.

The club is affiliated to the British Horse Society and so run under the rules of British Riding Clubs. Maidstone is within the geographical ‘Area 10’. The Club aims to cater mainly for adult riders (although there is a junior section), most of whom have their own horse. Functions are held at a variety of sites around Maidstone . The majority of members have a horse box or trailer, or share travelling arrangements with other members. The aims are very similar to those originally set out in 1948, but there is now also a strong emphasis on sending teams to compete against other clubs in the area.

Activities

Training is arranged for groups and individuals with BHS qualified trainers in all disciplines. All abilities of horse and rider can be accommodated. Members’ mounts range from thoroughbreds and warm bloods to native ponies and cobs.

The club sends teams to compete in Riding Club Area qualifiers in dressage, show jumping and horse trials. In most years some teams or individuals qualify to compete at the National Riding Club Championships.

Different clubs in the Area run the various qualifying competitions, and in the recent past “ Maidstone ” has hosted show jumping, hunter trials and the quiz.

A “members only” series of dressage competitions are held annually, with particular encouragement for novice riders and horses.A team is regularly entered for the Riding Club show jumping competition at Kent Show. The team is usually placed, and in 2004 and 2005 won the competition.The club also runs training days and an open competition for the newer discipline of BHS Trec.Social hacks (usually with a pub lunch) are arranged in spring and autumn.