For some time we have been searching for a new, larger, pony or horse to carry our older riders, whilst fundraising for the money to buy one. Our ponies need to have a very special temperament and good RDA ponies are very hard to find. Three organisations were kind enough to make grants totalling £10,100 to purchase a pony: The Royal Warrant Holders Association; the East Grinstead Common Good Trust and the Gatwick Airport Community Trust. They have all been very patient while we have been tracking down the right one.

We are delighted to announce that we have finally found our pony. He is a 12 year old 14.2 hand Welsh cross piebald gelding, with lovely manners, known as Alfie. His full name is Pentregwyn Ashley and he came from Luke Tomlinson in Rochdale. We have had him on trial for a week and he has settled in well, ready for the new term which starts in September. We are enormously grateful to all three sponsors who enabled us to purchase him.