Following an advert in the Ilkley Gazette in 1973 about horse riding in the district and provisions of spaces to ride in safety, the Ilkley Riding Association was formed and I volunteered to go on the committee. Afterwards in a local public house, “and District” was added (as IRA abbreviated might have upset the gentle folk of Ilkley!).
When the idea of monthly shows was raised, parking of transport was not an issue, local riders could, and did, hack there as I did, complete with grooming kit and squashed sarnies in a back pack! Menston to Ilkley! Clip clopping past Burley Church by 8.00am or else I would be late for the first class! Having competed all day, then hacked back to Menston which was often in the dark. As the shows became more popular, the issue of parking arose and for many years became an issue.
The summer Wednesday evenings, when the field was “open” to members, were good fun, low-key and beneficial and certainly served as an excellent introduction to coloured fences.
Having done most jobs as a committee member (except emptying the loo!) and competing, fast forward 20 years when I was driving my children and their ponies to compete.
I am thrilled that from such humble beginnings IDRA has gone on to what it is today, having helped SO many riders both young and old to achieve success. Praise and thanks must go to the various chairmen and committees for IDRA would not be where it is today without their sterling work. “Trot on!”
Josie Elsworth - committee member in 1973 and one of the original founders
