NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS

           Ebony’s Blog

          Life at The Shelley Centre 

The new school year has begun, and it feels like a new start in many ways.  As well as new riders we’ve got several new horses on trial and there has been lots of improvements to the riding arena and stable yard.  Our returning riders are understandably a bit apprehensive after the long summer break, especially when we have to put them onto a new pony either because they’ve grown too tall or their original ride is no longer with us.   And of course, it takes a while for new riders to get used to the ponies, helpers and all we do.  Some will be reluctant to even get near a pony initially, and that’s where Ebony, the mechanical horse, assists in preparing for riding a real pony.   But with lots of help from all the wonderful volunteers, everyone who comes to Shelley gets lots out of their experience and most make significant improvements to their confidence, health and enjoyment. 

One of our Wednesday morning riders, Poppy, underwent a serious and risky brain operation just before the summer, in the hope of improving her quality of life.  We are delighted to say the operation was a great success and she has now returned to riding with us.  Previously she was only able to go on Ebony but is now able to ride our lovely pony, Ruby.

All our work relies on volunteers, and we are rather short of help with many of our therapy sessions.  We usually need three helpers for every rider so if you are friendly, like animals, willing to learn and you could commit to a minimum of half a day a week (just during term time), we’d love to hear from you.  Get in touch and come and visit to see what we do.

We now have twelve horses at the yard which is a lot to care for –all done by our wonderful yard manager, Abi and her team of ‘horsey’ volunteers.  Several new horses have arrived recently and will be ‘on trial’ to see if they are suitable for our work.  After a few months, if they are suitable for our therapy work, they become regular members of the team.  Thomas (pictured being ridden by Wednesday morning rider, Arthur) is the latest pony to become a permanent member of the team.

As mentioned in a previous blog our cob Bryn was nominated for the BBC Radio Suffolk ‘Make a Difference Awards’ in the animal category. Sadly, he didn’t win but received a lovely certificate as runner up.  We are so proud of him, and he’s definitely a winner in our eyes!

And like any charity we need to keep raising funds.  Below are a list of fundraising events coming up, to which everyone is very welcome.  Details on our website or our new Facebook page (Shelley RDA Centre):

Sunday 13th October  Fundraising Walk.  Starting at 10am take a walk in the beautiful countryside around Shelley, with refreshments in the yard on your return.  Dogs on leads welcome.  £5 entry.  No need to book.

Saturday 19th October  Quiz Evening at Polstead Village Hall.  A relaxed evening quizzing with supper.

Saturday, 16th November Bingo at Hadleigh Football Club. 

Website: www.shelleyrda.com

Facebook:  Shelley RDA Centre                                          Telephone: 01473 824172