Not only is CURC a way to learn to ride in Cambridge but it is also a way to meet like-minded horsey people and get a much-needed dose of horsey chat between the hours of work. This year we have had lots of great socials for both members of the team and the club. Notable highlights have been our swap with the polo team, a very popular Hawks Christmas dinner formal and some lovely Sundays spent at yoga and brunch. Next year we are looking forward to one of the most important socials of the year – our team post-varsity dinner with Oxford – where hopefully we will be celebrating our varsity win!

I am sure you have fond memories of not only riding but also many an (maybe drunken) evening laughing and spending time with your teammates and club friends. So, as part of our new focus on alumnae outreach we are looking to plan some alumnae socials. We hope this will go on to become a regular occurrence and can be used as an excuse to meet up with your friends and even return to Cambridge. The suggested plans for this year include a formal dinner in either London or here in Cambridge. If there is sufficient interest we would also like to consider organising a summer drinks garden party. We will make sure we email you with further information once these are organised so you can signup to come! However, we have also created a Facebook group for our alumnae where we can give more regular updates and you can reconnect with old teammates. If this is something you would like to be part of please find us at ‘Cambridge University Riding Club Alumnae’ on Facebook.

Sophia Summers

CURC Social Secretary 2023-24

Springhill

2023-24 has been a great year for our beginner-novice riders at Springhill, with many new riders having the opportunity to enter into the sport for the first time, as well as many who started new on joining university progressing through the levels, with our more advanced classes progressing into jumping practice and expanding awareness of dressage movements.

A notable success this year was the introduction of taster sessions during the first few weeks of Michaelmas, allowing complete beginners the opportunity to experience riding for the first time before committing to a full membership, providing a fun and accessible entry to the sport many would not have tried otherwise.

It looks to still be a busy year ahead, and hopefully lots more progress to come!

Katie Bugler

CURC Springhill Lesson Co-ordinator 2023-24

Hill Top

Hill Top has had a busy and exciting start to the academic year, with many new riders from those just starting out to the ex- (and active) competitors. Welcome to all! We are delighted to have you join the club.

Our first internal competition, Dressage Cuppers, was held in Michaelmas and was very well-attended. 11 riders chose between Prelim, Novice and Elementary tests, and performed their hearts out on the very cold day of competition! Well done to all competitors, but especially Isadora on Skylight (first in Prelim) and Eleanor on Oscar (first in Elementary).

Jumping also seems to have picked up! We now hold a set jumping lesson, as well as a second potential slot. Hopefully we will be able to continue beginning jumping lessons for our newer jumpers, when the right horses are available! Cold and dark evenings have made for spicy ponies, and we look forward to warmer weather for our second Cuppers (Le Trec) in Easter term.

Kiah Johnson

CURC Hill Top Lesson Co-ordinator 2023-24