The Radney Riding Club is this week's book. It is the 3rd book in the ever popular Noel and Henry series (also known as the West Barsetshire Pony Club). It was first published in 1951.
The blurb reads:-
RADNEY RIDING CLUB.
Are you interested in forming a riding club to encourage better horsemanship in this district? If so, perhaps you would care to come to Radney Manor on August 5th at 2.30 P.M. to discuss the matter.
Please bring your horse.
This notice, sent out by Henry Thornton, marks the beginning of all the events in this book, which include a gymkhana organised by the club, and their entry in a horse trial.
It has been republished by Jane Badger Books, and at time of writing, is available in both ebook and paperback versions. Both use the full original text. For this review I have used the paperback edition from Jane Badger Books, despite the picture and blurb being from a earlier (edited) reprint.
The first chapter sets the scene, and we are introduced to David Rice-Greene, Christo Carstairs, Alex Turner, Julie Naughton, Paula Swindon, Helen and Jannice Barbersley, plus the Marlowe Children (Fanny, Deborah and Graham).
The second chapter is the link to the Radney Riding Club. Henry (who we met in a previous book) is so appalled by the riding standard he encounters at a local show, decides to form a riding club. There is the usual aftermath of a show, both fortunes and misfortunes included.
In the 3rd chapter we meet Noel again, who has appeared in previous books. There is a brief description of the previous book in the series goings on in case you are reading this out of order as there is a spoiler. Henry makes a reference to his meat ration, making this book set prior to 4th July 1954, as meat rationing stopped on that date. I like to think this book was set in what was, contemporary times. Further on we have an inaugural meeting of the titular Riding Club, and without giving too much away, the reason for it's name. They all try jumping, with mixed results. There is slight discriminatory modern day language: the term "looney-bin" is used once; which of course at the time it was published was acceptable. Thankfully we now live in enlightened times.
The next chapter is taken up mainly by schooling and the various antics of the Riding Club members. It is a good read to know that, without giving too much of the plot away, things don't always go right.
The next chapter is taken by a rally. Once again things don't go right. It is given by a Colonel Sanderson, who doesn't give the greatest of impressions.
The next few chapters are mixed. Henry has an idea to organise a show for members of the Riding Club. Henry organises a instructional rally for the older ones given by a General de Veriac. This chapter is full of tips on riding and is the sort of thing that Josephine excels at. You feel as though you're learning something without turning into a lecture. Yet it does not jar the story at all.
There is a gymkhana in the story which is a mixed affair but overall a success.
The final chapter is the fortunes of the Riding Club in an Event (dressage, cross country and show jumping) organised by a rival Riding Club. Some old faces appear. It is interesting to note that an historical form of scoring is used rather than a modern day one which may confuse the reader.
It is overall a good book. There's enough to keep the average reader interested without being swept away. However it's not so fast paced that you get confused. I really enjoyed this book. Bravo Josephine.
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