An artist with Royal seal of approval on board for Ilkley riding club's 50th anniversary celebrations

Her work reached a global audience when she designed the piece called ‘Jubilee Ma’amalade Tea’ last year.

Her work was spotted by Carol Dawson, the chairman of Ilkley District Riding Association (IDRA) who was struck by the nostalgia of the piece and wrote to her, asking if she would help to design the 'outer cover' for the 50th Anniversary schedule.

Eleanor has come up with five designs for five decades that capture IDRA’s core values of family, inclusivity and equine life.

One of the main things that the illustrations get across is how the organisation has almost gone full circle with members that joined as small children having returned with the next generation of members.

The illustrations will provide the basis for mugs and prints and the originals have been donated by the artist so that IDRA can raise money later in the year at its presentation evening.

Ms Tomlinson said: “This project has been a delight to work on as a life-long horse and equine enthusiast, until I was about 13 I would draw nothing else but horses.

“When I was approached about the possibility of working with IDRA by Carol for their 50th anniversary year it had to be an instant yes as I knew it would be a labour of love.

“I have had riding lessons since I was very small and am still a regular rider now, however I never had something like IDRA. I would have loved to be a member of a community and riding club like this with like minded individuals. I hope everyone has a fantastic celebratory year.”

Indeed, IDRA will be starting its 50th celebrations tomorrow with a Points Show.

After the worry of COVID, last year for IDRA saw record numbers of members and show entries.

Throughout 2023, Ilkley will hold six 'point' shows starting from April to September and to celebrate the 50th, it is running two dressage shows.

A presentation evening will be held at the end of the year and is the highlight of the club's calendar, taking place at the Kings Hall and Winter Gardens in Ilkley.

IDRA came to be in 1973 after a notice had been placed in The Ilkley Gazette. It was to see if people were interested in forming a group that promoted safe riding activities.

There was a good turnout and a newsletter has been produced every year since 1974. At the club’s first presentation night, the Guest of Honour to present the prizes was a certain John Whitaker.

He was around 18 years-old at the time and was asked by the late member Bruce Everall who was on the show-jumping circuit himself at the time.

Mrs Dawson joined in the 1970s when she used to compete, and then came with her daughters in the 1990s. She joined the committee in 2004 and has been Chairman since 2008.

She said: “I can honestly say, the fun, laughter and memories are well stored in my memory bank as indeed my childrens! Even though my son never rode, he loved the show for the bacon sandwiches, probably a temptation for many non riders.”

One member and founder, Josie Elsworth, recalls her highlight of the last 50 years and it was when an event was attended by Princess Anne on East Holmes field on June 22 1977 to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee Year. She had the tricky task of hanging on to ponies with their young riders on board when the Royal helicopter was landing. Two members were extremely proud when Princess Anne watched them show jump and another member presented a bouquet of flowers to the Royal guest.

Other members for which extra thanks have to be made are the Freegard family, having been with the club for 45 years and still involved today.

President, Stephen Freegard gave £500 to the club at the beginning and is also now treasurer and, more importantly, car park attendant. His wife, Lorna, comes to the show promptly at 7.15am to start taking entries in the cabin and stays all day. Jenny Keir has been the secretary for 23 years.

Mrs Dawson added: “We had a meeting last night, as we do every month, and we calculated the 'years of involvement' of our existing committee members. We calculated that, between 13 of us, we totalled 350 years. May the next 50 years bring as much friendship, laughter and fun to many more members, spectators and our faithful equines that continue to give us such pride and passion.”