OUR EVENING GAZETTE “YOUR SAY” COLUMN FOR 12 OCTOBER 2022 

 

Hello everyone. 

 

Dare I say the “C” word? Never too early we think! Our run-up to Christmas starts with an Advent Raffle during November.  Prizes include an Aztec Diamond luxury equestrian advent calendar filled with over £280 of gifts and equine clothing from Vivendi Apparel. Tickets will be £1 each and will be on sale soon.

 

Families will be delighted to hear that our ever-popular Pony Rides to Santa will take place on Sunday 4 December.  Children can visit Santa to collect a gift by riding a magical Christmas-themed course on one of our lovely ponies. Children under 5 years will be able to visit Santa on foot. Tickets are £10 each or two for £19, or £5 for under 5’s. Booking is essential, so be quick as they fill up fast!

 

Our Christmas Fair will be on the same day. Potential stallholders should contact the Centre on 01642 576222 for details. 

 

We’re currently advertising for a Fundraiser/Office Manager. This is a p/t post for a committed, hardworking person who has considerable experience in fundraising as well as administration. Have a look at our website: 

Vacancies: Riding Lessons Tees Valley - Riding For The Disabled Tees Valley (rdaunicorncentre.co.uk)

for details of the post.

 

Several local schools have recently started riding at the Centre, with more due to start after half term. So we’re looking for more volunteers to help with riding lessons by leading ponies or walking alongside the children under the guidance of our coach.  Could you help? You need to be fit and active as you’ll be walking for around 45 minutes per session; you don’t have to be horsey, but it helps!  If you’re 14 years or over, we’d love to meet you, so give Denise a call today. You’ll need a DBS check and induction, and then you’re ready to help our riders achieve something amazing! 

 

Our next Tea with a Pony is on Thursday 20 October for people living with dementia or similar conditions and their carers. It’s a good way to reconnect with a past love of horses or animals, plus there’s delicious tea and cake on offer! Call the office to book.  

 

Half term is just around the corner. We’ll be running a holiday Pony Care session on Wednesday 26 October for children aged 5 and over. There’ll be lots of pony-based activities including pony pampering and a short riding lesson, all for £34.50. Booking is essential, so call the office.

 

And a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our recent Just Giving appeals for sponsorship or by attending our hugely successful Fun Dog Show. We raised around £5000 which will help to support ourriding and therapy activities for young people and adults in the Tees Valley.

 

Thank you for everything you do for us.   Jackie.  www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk