Welcome to Cardiff Equestrian Club!
Owning horses can be expensive, so the university aims to offer a range of equestrian opportunities at discounted prices that would not be possible outside such an organisation. From learning to ride, competing within a team, or simply enjoying a relaxing hack, CUEC provides something for everyone. Inclusivity is our goal!
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Lessons
Riding lessons are open to all, including those who have never tried horse riding before. Riders are categorised according to ability (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and then grouped with others at a similar level to ensure everyone gains the most from their time. Lessons take place at different venues which have been chosen specifically for their quality of horses and teaching. Beginner lessons take place at Cardiff Riding School in Pontcanna. Intermediate and Advanced lessons take place at Liege Manor Equestrian Centre, whilst team training take place at Talygarn Equestrian Centre in Pontyclun. Please note that the riding schools for both the beginner lessons and the intermediate and advanced lessons enforce a weight limit of 12 stone when dressed to ride. Please contact us for alternative options.
We try to accomodate to any additional needs or disabilities. Please don't hesitate to contact us about this before booking.
Refund Policy UPDATED September 2024
The Cancellation Policy is as follows: If notice is given more than 48hrs before the lesson there is no cancellation charge. Within 48hrs of the lesson, the full lesson price will be charged. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LESSON COORDINATOR IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL YOUR LESSON!
To make this clearer, for the Wednesday lessons, if you cancel on the Sunday, there will be no charge. If you cancel on the Monday or later you will be charged the full price of a lesson.
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Hacks
A variety of both long and short hacks are available, some lasting an hour or two whilst others may take all day and include a pub lunch. Places on hacks are highly sought after, in particular, the beach rides and in the Brecon Beacons.
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Competitions
For those riding at an advanced level, there is the opportunity to compete in the BUCS League Equestrian Competitions.
Within the first few weeks of term, team trials are held and teams of 5 (4 members, 1 reserve) are selected with the help of our coaches. Due to the high demand and previous success of the club, Cardiff Equestrian now have 4 teams competing in the BUCS Mini and Trophy Leagues, and a Development Squad for students who show potential to be on a team for the following year.
Each team competes in a league of up to 4 teams, with the best team in each league qualifying for the regional and then potentially the national final. Each team in the league hosts its own home competition (Cardiff home competitions take place at Talygarn Equestrian Centre). The competitions are essentially combined training, consisting of dressage and show jumping.
(We have fortnightly training on wednesday afternoons for our teams at Talygarn Equestrian Centre).
For more information on competitions please look at the BUCS website: https://www.bucs.org.uk/sports-page/equestrian.html
BUCS equestrian is fiercely competitive but Cardiff has an impressive history with teams qualifying for regionals. We aim to qualify again next year, whilst also enjoying the competition experience!
The club encourages anyone who is interested to get involved in competitions. Whether you are competing, helping or just going along for the entertainment, competition days are always great fun and can't run without the support of club members. All involvement is greatly appreciated, whether it be helping to prepare the horses, writing for the dressage judge or timing those crucial 7 minutes!
The Champs team even made it to Regionals AND Nationals 2024! At Nationals 2024 they achieved an outstanding 1st Place in Showjumping, and Overall 3rd Place!
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Varsity
The club is continuously growing, 2014 saw the introduction of the first Welsh Equestrian varsity. Held in the same format as BUCS competitions, Cardiff proudly took home the trophy in 2014, 2015, 2019, 2023 and 2024 beating Swansea by a mile! We are looking forward to competing at varsity again next year in Swansea...where we can hopefully regain the trophy and keep it where it belongs!
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Socials
It goes without saying that no university club would be complete without socials - Cardiff equestrian is no different! Regular socials take place on Wednesday nights, often involving themed nights starting in the Vulcan and ending in the Students Union, culminating in the prestigious balls at Christmas and at the end of the year. A whole host of awards are up for grabs at this black-tie event - some more desirable than others! In addition to nights at 'YOLO', highlights of the social calendar include many themed nights, for example, last year we had some games socials, such as "Baywatch" and "Varisity Army Bootcamp" and of course our annual "YOLOWEEN" and "SNOLO!" socials. We have a bunch of additional events, such as INVADES Chepstow races, Bingo Lingo, and plenty sober socials throughout the year! Have a look at our tiktok @Cardiffuniequestrian for behind the scenes of training, socials etc...
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for up to date information regarding the latest socials, and prepare to get creative with your fancy dress!
We also do Charity events throughout the year to raise money for RDA (Riding of Disabled Association)! Last year we climbed PEN-Y-FAN!
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Club Kit & Sponsors
We have a range of club stash available including coats, fleeces, polos, leggings and bobble hats. Club kit can be ordered directly from the Beewear website: https://beewear.co.uk/product-category/schools/cardiff-uni-equestrian-club/ and Macron website: https://macronstorecardiff.co.uk/cardiff-university/cu-equestrian-club
We are very lucky to have an amazing sponsor, Hatchling Homemade, who kit out our BUCS teams with bespoke stocks and scrunchies, specially made with fabric chosen by the committee.
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Membership
Your membership will cover your insurance for lessons, entry to BUCS should you choose to compete, and access to any club kit that we offer! The membership is a one-off purchase and will cover you for the whole year, and you cannot participate in club activities without one. Membership is NON-REFUNDABLE as is made clear in the Cardiff Students Union Terms and Conditions
We are also offering a social membership as of 2024. This includes access to weekly socials and events throughout the year, such as trips and the infamous balls...
http://cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/gairrhydd/sport/au-matters-equestrian-club/ - Link to Cardiff University's Independent Student Newspaper article on the previous success of the club.
Any queries please don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our committee members. We look forward to welcoming all new faces and hope to be even more successful this year!
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