EVENING GAZETTE “YOUR SAY” COLUMN FOR 11 OCTOBER 2023 

Hello everyone.

It’s a really busy time at the Centre as we’ve starting planning our Christmas events. Never too early we think!

Families will be delighted to hear that our ever-popular Pony Rides to Santa will take place on Sunday 3 December.  Children can visit Santa to collect a gift by riding a magical Christmas-themed course on one of our lovely, safe ponies accompanied by an Elf. 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 held on the same day. Potential stallholders should contact the Centre on 01642 576222 for details.

Our next Tea with a Pony is on Thursday 19 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 Halloween themed Pony Care session on Wednesday 1 November for children aged 5 and over. There’ll be lots of pony-based activities including pony pampering and a short riding lesson, all for £38.00. Booking is essential, so call the office.

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 on 01642 576222. You’ll need a DBS check and induction, and then you’re ready to help our riders achieve something amazing!

Our hugely successful Supported Volunteer Programme is growing quickly. We accept placements from people of all ages who would like to volunteer but need assistance to do so. Activities are largely horse-based on the yard, but we also offer additional ones such as cooking, art, gardening, sewing and trips out.  Some of our volunteers also help with our riding lessons, and ride themselves. If you would like to know more about this award-winning Programme, call us or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

And a huge thank you to everyone who supported our hugely successful Fun Dog Show last month. We raised around £700 which will help to support our riding and therapy activities for young people and adults in the Tees Valley.

Thank you for everything you do for us.   Jackie