Does anybody remember the riding school run by Bob Charles, a former Australian jockey. My memory is from pre- war (late 30s) when we went somewhere near what I believe was Tai Hang when I served in HK in the late 60s.
From the late 1930s, mention is made here in the Hong Kong Daily Press 20 March 1939 of the Hong Kong Riding School being located on Tai Hang Road between Stubbs Road and Broadwood Road.
Seems my memory is not too bad! My younger brother, Colin, and I were taught to ride by Bob in the years just prior to the war. It is also my impression that the horses were retired racehorses from the HKJC. I also believe my dad drew a pony in the draw but it was blind in one eye so couldn’t race and mother rode it in drag hunts at Fanling.
I recently stumbled upon this site and your post about Bob Charles. Bob (Pa Robert) was my grandfather. He had 2 children (now deceased) one was my mother Greta. Mum told us lots of stories about the riding school and her dad. He owned the riding school and was also a writer for a newspaper (unknown) although I believe it was to do with horse racing. Does anyone know exactly where the riding school was located or have any information in regards to my Grandfather?
In 1939/1940, the Hong Kong Riding School was located on Tai Hang Road between Broadwood Road and Stubbs Road.
Sports Day Event: see here, Hong Kong Daily Press 20 March 1939 refers. An excerpt of the same event also appears in United Services and Empire Review, Vol 77:
"Hongkong Riding School held its annual sports meeting at Tai Hang School yesterday, when all kinds of jumping and riding events were keenly contested and some excellent riding displays given by competitors. Mrs. John Fleming presented the prizes and afterwards the judges, Col. Dowbiggin, Capt. Reidv, Capt. A. H. Potts and Major Hogg, highly congratulated the riders, young and old, and also Mr. and Mrs. Bob Charles (principals of the school) on the great progress the school had made."
Hong Kong Riding School
(Updated link 1 December 2025)
From the late 1930s, mention is made here in the Hong Kong Daily Press 20 March 1939 of the Hong Kong Riding School being located on Tai Hang Road between Stubbs Road and Broadwood Road.
Bob Charles
Seems my memory is not too bad! My younger brother, Colin, and I were taught to ride by Bob in the years just prior to the war. It is also my impression that the horses were retired racehorses from the HKJC. I also believe my dad drew a pony in the draw but it was blind in one eye so couldn’t race and mother rode it in drag hunts at Fanling.
Bob Charles Riding School
I recently stumbled upon this site and your post about Bob Charles. Bob (Pa Robert) was my grandfather. He had 2 children (now deceased) one was my mother Greta. Mum told us lots of stories about the riding school and her dad. He owned the riding school and was also a writer for a newspaper (unknown) although I believe it was to do with horse racing. Does anyone know exactly where the riding school was located or have any information in regards to my Grandfather?
Hong Kong Riding School
In 1939/1940, the Hong Kong Riding School was located on Tai Hang Road between Broadwood Road and Stubbs Road.
Sports Day Event: see here, Hong Kong Daily Press 20 March 1939 refers. An excerpt of the same event also appears in United Services and Empire Review, Vol 77:
"Hongkong Riding School held its annual sports meeting at Tai Hang School yesterday, when all kinds of jumping and riding events were keenly contested and some excellent riding displays given by competitors. Mrs. John Fleming presented the prizes and afterwards the judges, Col. Dowbiggin, Capt. Reidv, Capt. A. H. Potts and Major Hogg, highly congratulated the riders, young and old, and also Mr. and Mrs. Bob Charles (principals of the school) on the great progress the school had made."