The History of the Mercian Group
Mercian One Day Event
Back in 1984, Jan Williams of Wolverley (then Stourbridge) Riding Club invited representatives from Affiliated Riding Clubs in an area very roughly defined as being 'along the M5' to an informal meeting at which The Mercian Group was formed.
The original aims were to avoid too many clashes of show dates; to exchange schedules and information; and to foster inter-club competition at a level below official Riding Club Area level, which was felt to be getting beyond the reach of many of the average weekend riders that Riding Clubs cater for. Things have changed at Area level since then, with the introduction of Novice Show Jumping and Eventing, but Mercian classes still remain very popular.
Whilst all these original aims still apply, the inter-club competition aspect became paramount. This was formalised when a splendid trophy was purchased, to be won by the Club amassing the greatest number of points in the designated classes held throughout the season. Each of the participating Clubs hosts one team competition every year, and as many disciplines as possible are covered, with the season culminating in a quiz. These are all team classes, no individuals, as it is much more fun to share the thrills and spills involved in representing your Club - or so they say!
Each team taking part earns one point, with additional points being awarded for first to sixth places (12 for first, 10 for second and so on) and points are even available for attending Mercian committee meetings. All classes are aimed at the novice horse or rider, with Dressage Tests being Preliminary standard and jumps restricted to 2'9" maximum. In 2005 a new "novice" section was introduced in various disciplines: in the dressage teams two members ride a PC walk and trot test and two ride Prelim; showjumping, equitation jumping, and cross country are at 2'3". There are strict rules about horses not being registered with the BSJA or Horse Trials or Dressage Groups, and the team manager can give you details of the rules regarding eligibility. Riders must be fully paid up Senior Members (17 years and over). The Mercian Group does not run a Junior Section.
Six clubs currently make up The Mercian Group - Bewdley Bridle Club, Bromyard, Malvern Hills, Shropshire South, Worcester and, of course Cropthorne and Evesham Vale. There is a minimum of seven competitions.
As the Mercian Group represents quite a few Riding Club members, we can also organise collective Grade Tests, where individual clubs may not be able to muster enough candidates to make it worthwhile, and we can also arrange Riding and Road Safety Tests as and when necessary.
In the 1990s Cropthorne was a regular winner of the cup, but has slipped in the placings over recent years. In 2007 CEVRC was placed third in the league and we are hoping for greater things in the year to come. More members, more teams, more points!