EVENING GAZETTE “YOUR SAY” COLUMN FOR WEDNESDAY 12 JULY 2023

SUMMER PLANNING

 

I hope you’ve been able to enjoy this lovely summer weather!  It won’t be long before the summer holidays start and our schools finish riding until September, so we’re planning alternative activities to fill some of the gaps in our diary.

 

We’re offering Pony Care Afternoons every Wednesday in the holidays for pony-mad youngsters.  These are fun sessions where children can get involved in pony-based activities such as grooming, (maybe adding a bit of glam and glitter?) a riding lesson, games, and possibly even a bit of mucking out! These are extremely popular and soon get booked up, so I suggest you call us to book now on 01642 576222.

 

We’re also inviting our own adult participants to join us for a weekly Monday morning session all about Horse Care. This will be a great chance to get hands on with our ponies and learn all about what it takes to care for them. Again, these sessions must be pre-booked as numbers are limited.

 

In the last two weeks of August we carry out our annual maintenance and deep-clean programme. We’re looking for local workplace teams who could come and help us by spending a day or two with us to do a big clean, painting, tidying, gardening and field maintenance. And if any companies can help us with supplies of paint, varnish, brushes, cleaning materials, loppers and saws we’d be so grateful. If you can help as part of a team or as an individual we’ll be so happy to hear from you.

 

Is there anyone out there who could help with leading in our hay into the barn soon?  The more hands we get, the easier it will be!  And we need to ensure it gets in the barn while it’s dry. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the date.

 

Acer, our therapy pony has recently enjoyed a Curriculum Enrichment Day at the Dales School in Bedale.  As usual, he didn’t put a hoof wrong, and the children really enjoyed patting him. He really enjoys meeting new people, and always enjoys being the star at our Tea with a Pony sessions.

 

The next one is on Thursday 20 July at 1.30pm for people living with dementia or similar conditions. This is a great opportunity to share a past love of horses with our Supported Volunteer team, meet some of our wonderful ponies and have a cup of tea with cake. Please pre-book by calling us. 

 

We currently have some vacancies on our Supported Volunteer Programme. They’re a great bunch of young people who carry out lots of volunteering and social activities at the Centre and in the community, supported by a caring and professional team of Support Workers. Do get in touch to find out more.

 

Thank you for your support. 

 

Jackie, Chair of Trustees.  01642 576222. www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk