THE Lakes Riding Club has been a stable part of the equestrian community in south Cumbria for 60 years. 

This year the club, which is based on the Westmorland County Show Ground, is celebrating the anniversary by hosting a programme of events throughout this year. 

This will include a Sash Day and 60th Anniversary Celebration on June 11. 

Hilary Fordham, the Lakes Riding Club secretary said: "The main event is on June 11. It is one of our shows but we are going to do some things that day. We are going to have a board of the things that people have kept over the years. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The minutes of the very first Lakes Riding Club meeting in 1963The minutes of the very first Lakes Riding Club meeting in 1963 (Image: Lakes Riding Club)

"We are going to invite as many older members, particularly committee members, as we can. There will be other things happening through the year as well."

"It is a time to reflect on what we have achieved over the years. The first year the club was running it had 70 members we are now 160 members. There is an awful lot of family connections, we are on three generations of families coming through.

"It's quite a generational and family thing.

The Westmorland Gazette: Jumping in the 1980sJumping in the 1980s (Image: Lakes Riding Club)

"It is also a time for us to look forward and think what we want to do. We have been very successful for a relatively small club. We want to go and develop things further."

The club is not a riding school, nor does it own a stable. Instead, members who have their own horses use it as a place to meet up.

READ MORE: Lakes Riding Club does well at STARS Aintree showing comp

The cost of owning horses has gone up in the last few years, like everything else. However, Hilary said that while the habits of the members have changed the recent years have been the most successful for the club in memory. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Junior 80 cm Horse Trials 2022 ChampsJunior 80 cm Horse Trials 2022 Champs (Image: Lakes Riding Club)

She said: "What we have found is that we have got fewer people who want to do the area events. More people want to stay local. Last year we possibly had our best ever year."

Hilary said that while the club has rules, it is a relaxed environment that is not only competitive. She said that there are activities for people who are new to the equestrian world.