Bathurst village is home to a diverse, vibrant equestrian community.
Numerous locals own their own horses and the village boasts a riding school and trail riding establishment, several livery yards, a thoroughbred race horse stud and a top-class showjumping arena.
Bathurst Riding Club
The Bathurst Riding Club (BRC) was established three years ago. 
Its aim was to create a community of “horse people” in the village who would put the fun back into riding. Today, the club convenes at least two graded shows, in addition to several fun shows, annually.
It also organises regular outrides as well as arranging clinics to improve skills in dressage, showjumping and other disciplines.
Members also meet regularly to practice Formation Riding, a display that requires regular consistent training for both horses and riders. The ten-horse team has performed at the Bathurst Agricultural Show and other events hosted by the Bathurst Showgrounds.
The BRC is closely partnered with the historic showgrounds, a heritage site under care of the Bathurst Agricultural Society (BAS). The BRC and BAS work closely together to maintain the spectacular showjumping arena, which forms centre stage during the annual Bathurst Show. Monies raised from entries at this, and other events at the grounds, are utilised for projects ranging from arena maintenance and care to upgrades of stable blocks.
The BRC has also been a long-term partner with the Windsong Event Centre in Kleinemonde. This includes support of fun days and events, as well as sharing of expertise and resources.
The equestrian community has also initiated an outreach component through a youth show programme under the horse category. The programme is open to children of school going age and includes aspects of care, management, grooming and in-hand showing of horses in regional, or even national, Youth Shows. The programme trains young people in the art of many fundamentals of Horsemanship while enabling them to grow as individuals.
Livery in Bathurst
Livery options are offered by several people in the village including House of Horses owned be Shelley Handley 082 457 7943, or the new, upmarket equestrian estate Albury Equestrian on Kowie Road in the heart of Bathurst. There are 6 stables on her 7ha plot with large grazing camps, owned by Lindsay Burrows 071 355 7644.
For those who don’t have their own horses, Horseback Bathurst offers lesson, lease and trail ride options. Horseback Bathurst is owned and operated by Sabrina Dean at the historic showgrounds. Contact Sabrine 082 222 9172 for more information.
For more details about upcoming events, check out the facebook page Bathurst Riding Club.