ASHFORD VALLEY RIDING FOR THE DISABLED GROUP

 

We started with a sunny Spring Ride at Sheerland Farm on 20^th May.   Again this ever popular event attracted a good number of riders and the six ponies were kept busy.  There was a picnic after the ride and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day.  Thanks to everyone who helped and/or provided food.  This year’s ride is next Sunday and we cross our fingers that the weather will hold.

 

Our big fund raising event was the Charing Horse Show on 3^rd June. On the Saturday many of us gathered at the Racecourse in brilliant sunshine, albeit a bit windy, to get the ground ready for Sunday.  As well as my usual stalwarts of the past 22 years, committee members plus husbands rallied round and we completed the job in record time.  Sunday dawned fine and sunny.  I think we had the only weekend of sunshine on both days in the whole summer and certainly several other shows had to be cancelled.  The show was a great success and raised just over £4,000.  I have to thank all those who helped, particularly the ladies in the hospitality marquee.  After 22 years of running shows and raising somewhere in the region of £80,000 for various charities I decided to hand up my organiser’s hat and there were a few tears when I shut the gate to the ground for the last time.  This year we are holding our own show at Blue Barn on Sunday 22^nd June.  This is kindly being organised by Jenny Bourne and we need as many of you as are free to come and help.

 

On 7^th June 5 riders competed at the Regional Dressage at Hickstead, Philip Coles, Laura Poole, Duncan Rogers, Jonathan Burrow and Paul Montgomery.  Philip and Paul qualified for the National Competition at Harpbury College where they were each a very creditable 10^th in their respective classes, Philip riding a horse new to him, Ru, who was kindly lent by Ruth Mabb.  I would like to thank Ruth for not only lending Ru but also taking time off work to attend the Nationals to help Philip.  This year we again have several riders going to Hickstead on 4^th June.  Sadly one rider who will not be going is Philip who unfortunately due to ongoing health problems has had to hang up his riding boots for this year.  He is now mastering a new “steed” in his motorised scooter, but unfortunately these are not permitted in dressage classes.

 

On 14^th June I had the honour of attending Jonathan Burrow’s wedding.  The sun shone, the bride and groom shone and it was a truly lovely day.

 

Saturday 8^th August was the date for the very popular summer barbeque again kindly hosted by Julian Thorn at his home in Pluckley.  It was much enjoyed by all who attended.  The weather was fairly kind until later on in the evening. I must thank those who worked so hard in getting the event set up, Joan for doing the cooking and to everyone who contributed the lovely food.  The committee has decided not to have a barbecue this year.

 

On 9^th September 11 riders from Ellison Court enjoyed what has now become an annual outing to Hemstead Forest and once again the weather smiled upon the Group.  Thanks go to helpers Keith, Jim, Brenda, Philip, Maureen, Angela, Brian, Laura, Becky, Sylvia, Pam and Lyndsay.  The more energetic parents walked out with the riders and it was quite a large party who at the end had tea and cakes at the base by the lorry.  Everyone enjoyed the change of scene, especially the horses, Moss, Rosie, Sooty, Albino and Sam. Unfortunately I was away on holiday so could not take part in the lovely day. 

 

 

Saturday 2nd September saw the gymkhana held at Wallfield Farm, Pluckley.  I think Ashford Valley RDA Group must have some influence with whoever controls the weather as it was again a lovely sunny day.  Brigitte and Sue had thought up some great games for the riders and there was much enjoyment and hilarity.  I had the honour of presenting trophies at the end of the day before dashing off to pack for my holiday.  This year the gymkhana is on Sunday 7^th September at the same venue.

 

Our last session at Blue Barn before the winter break was held on 26^th November and was another great evening.  The Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Mrs Rita Hawes, and her husband kindly braved the very cold evening to judge the decorated hats competition, and there were some wonderful ideas.  Jacky Elford and Mark Goodwin were the winners and each received a big box of chocolates.  The Mayor stayed for much of the evening and was very impressed by the work of the Group.  It has been decided that to avoid the cold evenings the sessions should finish at the end of October with the last one being on 27^th.  As it is so near 31^st we are going to have a Halloween theme and the new Mayor of Ashford is being asked to come and judge the costumes.

 

Thanks to Brigitte the Group was given £1,000 by Ward & Partners to fund a trip for riders, carers, volunteers and helpers to the Christmas show at Olympia.  We were slightly disappointed by the take up for this trip but on 22^nd December 32 of us boarded the coach at 9.30 am at Blue Barn and thanks to the excellent knowledge of our driver, Roger, we were at Olympia by 11.15 am.  As ever the show was magical.  We were back at Blue Barn by 7.15 pm with everyone having thoroughly enjoyed themselves and wanting to go again.  We are therefore planning another trip this year.  Thanks to a substantial legacy we have sufficient restricted funding to pay for it but nevertheless the committee will try and get sponsorship for the trip.  Further details will be available shortly.  As last year tickets will be allocated on a strictly first come, first served basis – so if you want to go don’t delay in booking your place.

 

As you all probably know Heather Button resigned as an Instructor with the Group but Brigitte is now trained and Sue is well on her way, so there was no loss of continuity in the sessions at Blue Barn.  The Group also decided that it was time to sell Ivy, she really did not like working in the school and was not an easy ride.  Luckily one of her sharers was in a position to buy her. 

 

The saddest loss to the Group the year was having to have Pedlar put to sleep.  Nobody is quite sure how old he was but he had served the Group well and is much missed.

 

The sessions at Blue Barn are going from strength to strength.  Both Brigitte and Sue are very popular with the riders.  We have our own wonderful Moss and Rosie and here I must compliment both Brenda and Karen on the exemplary way that these two are turned out for every session and event.   We also hire Hugo, a patent safe little cob, and Woody, a super little New Forest pony both of whom are proving to be excellent RDA ponies.  However, we do require a larger, weight carrier and if anyone knows where there might be one that is suitable whose owner would be prepared hire it to the Group for the Blue Barn sessions then please contact Brenda.

 

Once again thanks must go to so many people not least my Vice Chairman, Brenda, for both another year of support and her work as Group Organiser at Blue Barn.  Also thanks to all the other committee members who work so hard for the Group, Karen, Philip, the Edwards Family and Jackie.  To our instructors at Blue Barn Tim, Brigitte and Sue, Heather Nestle at Ellison Court and overseeing Blue Barn plus all our super volunteers and helpers who give up their spare time for the Group - whether at Blue Barn or Ellison Court.  Without you the Group would not be able to function.  If I have forgotten anybody then I apologise.

 

 

 

Chairman’s Report for 2007 ...