Porlock Vale Riding School 1946-1961

Porlock Vale Riding School played a major part in British equestrianism in the years following the Second World War. Under the auspices of Tony Collings, the establishment pioneered the development of cross-country and dressage. Collings himself was among the earliest competitors at Badminton, the founder of the Horse of the Year Show and trainer of the British 1952 Olympic Three-day Event team. After his tragic death in 1954, the team he left behind at Porlock fought to maintain the high standards he had set and increase the number of courses that he had established. This book presents the history of the riding school in its heyday. It is lavishly illustrated with over 150 images - most of which have never been seen before - which include atmospheric shots of the school and its environs, famous horses and riders, and the 1952 Olympic team in training. Written and compiled by the daughter of the manager of the school, it is essential purchase for anyone with an interest in the heritage of modern equestrianism.