Easter Time at the Centre

      Ebony’s Blog

      Easter Time at The Shelley Centre 

The end of the Easter term brought lots of fun for our riders, searching for eggs and enjoying games on horseback.  Pictured is one of our newer riders, Poppy, trying her hand at egg and spoon.  Two of our lucky volunteers, Lesley and Jon, won a huge chocolate egg, kindly donated by Linden Lady from Hadleigh, in the Easter Raffle (second picture).

Spring is a busy time at the stables for everyone. The volunteers who undertake maintenance around the centre have been busy tidying up and improving the paddocks.  The stable volunteers have been busy trying to judge the weather and when to put on or take off the horses rugs, as well as lots of grooming to remove the ponies’winter coats.  All our ponies live outside all year round, wearing rugs in the winter and have shelters in their fields.  They are given extra hay and food in the winter, but survive on grass alone in the summer. 

Our riders returned to start practicing for their dressage and countryside challenge competitions later in the term.  Everyone takes part no matter what their ability, with help from the volunteers as needed.  Rosettes and cups are awarded for the various classes at the end of term.

Spring is also the start of our Fund Raising activities.  First of all we have the Fun Walk on Sunday 5th May.  £5 entry, children free.  Dogs on leads welcome.  No need to book, just turn up at The Centre between 10am – 11 am.  The walk is about 6 miles long around the beautiful Brett Valley countryside. 

Our next event is a stall at Hadleigh Show on Saturday, 18th May.  We are Stand One, Row X, near the Countryside Ring and will be selling homemade bakes and garden plants.  If anyone would like to help us by donating plants (not houseplants) and cakes (labelled with ingredients) we would be very grateful.  Donations to the Centre by Friday 17th or we may be able to arrange collection if you ring us.

Would you like to help the Centre by volunteering?  As you can see from above, there are all sorts of ways you can help us.  Please ring to arrange a visit so we can talk to you about how you could help.

Website: www.shelleyrda.com                                             Telephone: 01473 824172