More than half a century ago several Riding Clubs in the South East of England approached the British Horse Society about the provision of an affiliation scheme.

The clubs wished to affiliate themselves to the main equestrian organisation in the UK but wanted to continue to run their own affairs and maintain their autonomy. The affiliation scheme was set up on this basis - and remains similar to this day.

Over the years the number of affiliating clubs continued to grow and they began to establish an identity together as a group culminating in the name British Riding Clubs.

There are now more than 430 affiliated clubs and 38,000 members.