Spring Meadow: Tuesdays 10 - 12pm

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We had a very successful summer term with our riders from both Icknield and Mark Way Schools.  We were blessed with good weather throughout, even managing to escape the torrential rain forecast for our final session.

Four children came from Icknield School and they were all wonderfully enthusiastic and quickly mastered the basics under the careful and enjoyable guidance of Siobhan.  We were thrilled that by the end of term they not only easily passed their Grade One Proficiency Tests in both riding and horse care but three of them also achieved Grade Two level – a first for children from Icknield and a huge triumph for them, Siobhan and our wonderful volunteers. 

Jules coached four new children from Mark Way school in her usual highly effective and great fun way.  The boys were a delight and kept us amused throughout the sessions.  

One of the boys in particular, Corey, is very keen to continue his riding and he showed real talent.  He would like to work with horses in the future and we will be looking into ways that he can gain work experience in a yard when he is a little older.  All the Mark Way children, including those who had come in the autumn term, passed their Grade Two Riding and Horse Care tests with full marks!  We were delighted that Frances Lochrane, acting Chair of National RDA, very kindly came to assess them and was really impressed by their abilities.

Our group of volunteers, both new and experienced, thoroughly enjoyed helping the children and were as proud as the children of their achievements.  Thank you to them and to Jules and Siobhan and to Louise Banbury for lending us the lovely Mickey. 

Alex Hanbury-Williams