Nicola Burke, Chair of the University of Teesside Riding Club, outlines the clubs activities and introduces the committee members...

The University of Teesside is situated in the heart of Middlesbrough in the North East of England. Even though there is not a field around us for miles we still have a very healthy horse riding club. The university has over 60 clubs and societies, but with 35 active members, three BUSA Teams and a very good social life we are one of the larger clubs at the university and certainly don't go unnoticed. 
The club meet every Wednesday to ride at Saltburn Riding School, which has fantastic facilities and is about a quarter of a mile from the beach. We regularly go out for a gallop on the beach and it is one of the most incredible feelings you will ever experience, even better when you gallop through the surf and get drenched!
We are a very diverse club, catering for all abilities. Our more inexperienced riders take their ABRS tests throughout the year and also join in the fun on the beach and in the gymkhana games, while our advanced riders take over the reins in the competitions such as BUSA, Varsity and local shows. We have three BUSA teams, which did acceptionally well last year, and we are hoping to continue this trend. Already our A team has a Team First under their belts and all the riders placed individually. Fingers and everything else possible is crossed for the remaining competitions. 
The social side of the club is very important. We like to make everyone feel welcome and have regular socials which usually involve some form of fancy dress, drinking games, usually followed by some funky dance moves. Our last one was held in January and was pub golf, which turned out to be very interesting as the score sheets can prove! The social events planned for this term include The Wild West, Chicago and Fame. We also have a long held tradition of food and a pint after riding every week, which gets us some funny looks in the union until we get our whips out!
Our club is committed to raising money and doing volunteer work. Last year we raised over £1800 for various charities including our chosen charity the Tickled Pink Breast Cancer campaign, but also to fund our BUSA competitions. We do this by lots of ticket selling for our local night clubs, bag packing, bake sales, raffles and Ann
Summers evenings. In addition to this we interact with all the other clubs and societies (over 60 in total) and have bar crawls, Big Brother and lots of RAG (charity events) campaigns.
Our Students' Union and University are very keen for all clubs and societies to get involved in the local community. SCA (Student Community Action) promotes this and gives everyone the opportunity to lend a hand. The Riding Club regularly help out on a rota basis at the local Riding for the Disabled (RDA) centre called The Unicorn Centre. It is truly one of the most rewarding experiences you could have by making someone smile by doing something as simple as this.
The year has been very busy so far, but it has been fantastic. Hopefully we will continue in this way, make more people feel welcome, do well in BUSA and enjoy our social life to the utmost, making the club a fun and friendly place to be for all.

One of the Club's famous beach rides L-R: Caroline Hunter, Nicola Burke, Lauren Cole and Nicola Pearson (BUSA A Team) L-R: Susan Baker riding Bertie, Kristyn Kemp riding Matilda and Ruth Boomer riding Holly. 

Nicola Burke
Position: Chair 2005-2008, BUSA Team Captain 2006-2008
Course: Crime Scene Science
Year of Study: 3
Horseography: I started riding when I was eight years old and have competed in show jumping, dressage and one day events. I am also a BUSA coordinator and have to organise ten university teams to ensure it all runs smoothly. I hope to one day own my own horse and be able to compete to a high level. Being the chair of the club is so rewarding, I am so proud of every single one of the members and I hope that we can continue to do as well this year as we did last year.
Likes: Shopping, snow boarding, dressage and Midsomer Murders
Dislikes: People who are rude at competitions - it is meant to be friendly! And marshmallows, they are so wrong! (?!? - ED)

Nicola Pearson
Position: BUSA Rep 2006-2007, Team Captain 2007-2008
Course: Psychology
Year of Study: 3
Horseography: Started Riding when I was nine years old and have recently started eventing around the area. I have worked in a local yard since I was 14 and spent last summer in America training horses and teaching children how to ride. The highlight of my riding career has been taking part as a team member in last year's BUSA University competitions. I was really proud to be involved in the competitions and proud of how well both teams did, and I am hoping we keep the same team spirit this year and achieve great success for the University.

Lauren Cole
Position: Treasurer and Social Secretary
Course: MSc Physiotherapy Year of Study: Postgraduate 1
Horseography: I started riding at the age of 11 at my local riding school, where I went on to work, teach RDA and
compete in many disciplines. I currently own a 15.1hh Cob, which I compete in dressage, show jumping and mainly
showing where we have had successes at National level. Being Social Secretary of the club I enjoy organising events that everyone can get involved inÉ and getting everyone very drunk!
Likes: Sambuca (by the bottle!), Cobs and victory dances
Dislikes: Wet socks, people touching my ears and, in the words of Joey, 'I do not share food.'

Julie-ann Pringle
Position: Club Member (former Secretary 2006-07)
Course: Crime Scene Science
Year of study: 3
Horseography: I joined the University of Teesside Riding Club in October 2005 where I started taking weekly lessons. Prior to that I have had very little riding experience. My best friend used to teach me to ride on her two horses, Chuckie and Lizzie, mainly by hacking in the woods and some work in the school. Chuckie was a confidence giver and I enjoyed riding him so much. I have always loved horses and decided that I would join the Riding Club when I came to Teesside. I enjoy the weekly lessons and I'm looking forward to learning to jump. I especially enjoy the beach rides.
Likes: Apart from the club I also enjoy socialising, cooking, shopping, keeping fit and going clubbing. My passions are animals, music, family and friends.
Dislikes: Bad weather and not being able to go for a ride on the beach!

Caroline Hunter (Caravan)
Position: A-Team Rider and Kit Officer
Course: Physiotherapy
Year of Study: 3
Horseography: I started riding when I was nine with an after school club, to the disgust of my mother who would've preferred I chose ballet, and I haven't looked back since! Never owned my own horse but have loaned many, the most recent being a crazy Heinz 57. I also work at my local yard when I'm home from university, as well as competing at local shows and events. I enjoy all equestrian disciplines but the ultimate has to be cross-country - it really gets the adrenaline pumping! I've had many highlights in my riding career but being on the BUSA University Team for the past three years probably comes top because not only have we had successes but also made so many friends and memories.
Likes: Alcohol, red rosettes and nights out which involve lots of dancing
Dislikes: Rude people, rain and spiders

Ben Acaster (Bambi)
Position: Club Member and Supervising Medical Practitioner
Course: Psychiatric Nursing
Year of Study: 3
Horseography: I'd never actually sat on a horse until I came to university, or even thought about it, and then in Freshers week a pantomime horse came up to me with a proposition, 'Neigh, ever thought about trying horse riding?' so I thought to myself... lots of girls, tight trousers, leather boots and whips! The rest as they say is history. (Take note RC marketers! - ED)
Likes: Being a geek
Dislikes: Women smoking in front of their children