East Grinstead and District Lions held a Donkey Derby in August, but were short of Jockeys. In stepped Little Brook Equestrian and their Pony Club riders, seven of whom volunteered to ride the donkeys for a day. They had a very jolly day, and in return East Grinstead Lions very kindly made a donation of £500 to East Park RDA.
We were delighted to receive a donation from one of Little Brook Equestrian’s clients, Graham Keetley, of As Good As New (Sussex) Ltd. Graham kindly gave us £300 as an end of year donation towards our running costs from his company. Graham also acts as our photographer at events, and many of the photos on this site were taken by him.
As the first Show Jumping Centre in the South East, we are delighted to welcome a new rider to our team. Simon Blight is a Kent based Para-Equestrian who started riding at the age of three at his local riding school. Falling in love with horses and jumping, Simon pursued his dream of becoming a successful show jumper. As a young man Simon competed while managing yards specialising
in horses with behavioural problems. Then, in his mid-thirties, Simon unexpectedly developed Multiple Sclerosis and nearly lost everything. Simon’s family and some very good friends rallied round and between them they have helped Simon to get back in the saddle. Starting slowly, he began competing in local dressage shows. Having bought a young dressage horse, Don Rico, Simon competed in Para-Equestrian classes and qualified for the winter championship. In June this year Simon and Don Rico were selected for the Home International and were highly placed. Also in June Simon started jumping again and with his old show jumper, Causeway’s Carrick Boy, competed in the National Para Club Championships in August, taking first place in the 80cm Category 2. Simon and his team are now aiming for the GB squad. They bought another horse, Don Fernandes, last Christmas with the dream of making the next Paralympics in Rio.
We are hugely fortunate to have a local community who support us generously. Horley Lions gave us £1,750 from the proceeds of their horse show at Felbridge and Felbridge Parish Council gave us £100 towards the cost of a new saddle for one of our new ponies. Thank you to both organisations.
We have also received two grants towards our annual costs from charitable trusts. The Henry Smith Charity has given us £2,000 and the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund has given £1,000. These grants will enable us to continue to fund the eight riding sessions we run each week and we are very grateful to both Charities.
Having qualified at the Regional Championships, our rider Adam Lester took part in the National Championships on one of the hottest days of the year. Riding our pony Liquorice, Adam came 4th in the Show Jumping, 3rd in the dressage, 2nd in the Countryside Challenge, and 2nd overall. It was 34 degrees in the arena, and in a jacket and tie it must have been exhausting. Well done, Adam!
