On Tuesday 6th June, as the rain poured and the wind blew, four of our six entries qualified for the National Champoinships being held at Hartpury  from 14th to the 16th July.

Amy and Leroy both rode Rosie and Kyle and Jasmine both rode Liquorice, and will now compete in the Countryside Challenge at the Nationals.

The RDA Countryside Challenge is a development of the skills acquired in RDA sessions. the course being focused upon school movements, both challenging and stimulating the rider, but with the focus being on “fun”. During the course, riders have the opportunity to put their skills to the test through challenging tasks, going through a farm gate into the farmyard encountering sheep and hens! Steering, balance and confidence are all put to the test.

We wish all our riders the best of luck.

Horley Lions Horse Showon 28th May. Our volunteers act as Judges and the Lions are very generous with a donation.

East Grinstead Lions Donkey Derby on 23rd July. Little Brook’s Pony Club act as jockeys and we always get a donation.

Six riders will be taking part in the Regional Challenge at The Felbridge Showground on 6th June, hoping to qualify for the RDA National Champoinships in July at Hartpury. They are Erin and Zoe riding Star, Leroy and Amy riding Rosie, Kyle and Jasmin riding Liquorice.

On a dry but chilly Easter Monday we took part in our first Harness Horse Parade at the Ardingly Showground.  Our Dales pony Coke pulled our Fenix disabled driving carriage, driven by our driving coach Steve Dale, and accompanied by Sally O’Neill.  Steve had spent all day Saturday grooming Coke and cleaning the carriage until they shone like new pins, and his hard work was rewarded when we were awarded three rosettes and a First Class Award for the best Newcomer.  We were all absolutely thrilled, a really fantastic result! Our thanks are due to all the volunteers who turned out to offer help and support.

Our bucket collection at Lingfield Park on Good Friday, 14th April, was a great success as the kind racegoers emptied their pockets of £1335!

Dame Judi came along with her family, and was interviewed with Sally O’Neill, for both ITV television and the Racecourse PA system.  Sally presented a prize to a winning trainer, and our volunteers paraded in the ring with the silks placards for several races.  So not only a financial success but great publicity for us as well.

We are very grateful to Lingfield Park Racecourse for giving us this opportunity to fund raise, and also to all the volunteers who turned up on the day to help.