Four children and two ponies went to Hartpury to compete in the National Championships on an extremely hot weekend in July. Star and Guy went with them and between them they did very well with the following results:
Oscar – Countryside Challenge Junior National Qualifier – 5th
Erin – Countryside Challenge Junior VI National Qualifier – 4th
Zoe – Countryside Challenge Junior VI National Qualifier – 3rd
Tyler – Countryside Challenge Junior VI Regional Class – 5th
Four of our riders from St Stephen’s School, Zoe, Erin, Tyler & Oscar, competed at the Regional Qualifiers at Felbridge and all four qualified to compete at the National Championships in July.
The ponies, Star and Guy, were beautifully turned out and behaved themselves impeccably.
Our thanks are due to all the team of volunteers and supporters who made this such a special day.
Meet our new pony, Leo.
The newest member of Team East Park is a beautiful 10 year old skewbald 14.1 gelding. Leo arrived at Little Brook early May and has been getting used to the routine of his new home.
Despite coming with excellent references as a terrific general all-rounder, Leo has been checked out thoroughly before being used in RDA group sessions, which he has started this week, and it is expected he will now be taking some of the workload off our older ponies.
Leo was funded by donations from Thursday volunteer leader Nick Fieldhouse, East Grinstead Lions (including the remaining funds donated in memory of respected member and East Park Volunteer Rob Holwell) and Redhill Redstone Rotary. Our grateful thanks go out to them all.
Our generous friends at the MG Car Club Sussex Wanderers came to visit on Thursday 10th February, bringing with them a couple of their beautiful cars. They had the opportunity to watch one of our riding sessions, for the visually impaired children from St Stephen’s School, South Godstone, and to see how we use the funds they raise.
They brought with them a cheque for £1,050, of which most is cash donations allowing another £236.62 to be reclaimed. Each month in the spring and summer they organise a run out for their beloved vehicles, followed by a lunch, and then pass round a hat on our behalf.
We are enormously grateful for their continuing support, particularly to David and Ursula who do all the organising.
Our riders must have all been very good over the past year because at the final sessions of the Autumn Term a very special visitor came to every lesson. Santa somehow found the time to bring gifts for every child!
