Ebony’s Blog Life at The Shelley Centre
- Deborah Bennett
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
It won’t be long before the new term begins with new riders and new volunteers joining us. We’ve also got new horses on trial to add to the hardworking team of various sized ponies and horses. Photo shows Taric, a lovely natured 13.2hh, cob who joined us at the start of the summer and is now a valued member of the team.
Our returning riders can be a bit apprehensive after the long summer break, especially when we have to put them onto a new pony either because they’ve grown too tall or their original ride is no longer with us. And of course, it takes a while for new riders to get used to the ponies, helpers and all we do. Some will be reluctant to even get near a pony initially, and that’s where Ebony, the mechanical horse, assists in preparing for riding a real pony. But with lots of help from all the wonderful volunteers, everyone who comes to Shelley gets lots out of their experience and most make significant improvements to their confidence, health and enjoyment.
Sadly, in order for there to be vacancies it means the loss of another rider, as was the case with Freddie, one of our young Wednesday morning riders (photo attached). Patricia, his coach, had this to say
“Freddie came to the Shelley Centre in April 2024 at the age of six and a half years. He had a diagnosis of autism, was non-verbal and could become anxious in some circumstances, for example if he had to wait to start his ride. We started him on Ebony, the mechanical horse, adding a short ride on a pony. He took time to settle and gradually became calmer with the motion of the horse and activities which caught his attention. Each week we introduced a small change, adding a new person to the team, encouraging him to support himself, taking him out on a hack after his Ebony session. We found the things that stimulated him and made him happy which he indicated by humming and singing and he loved listening to the bird song. Freddie became more confident, sometimes able to wait, made choices and take part in activities at his level. His posture on the pony was excellent and he was able to stay on for longer rides. After a time he began to relate to the team as individuals and enjoyed playing with them - it was a joy to see his progress! Sadly we had to say ‘goodbye’ to Freddie as he and his family were moving away this summer. We will miss him and his family who were very supportive of everything we did and delighted in his progress. We gave him a framed photo of himself with the ‘biggest smile’ as a memento. He was delighted with this and held onto it giving his helpers a hug in thanks. When you see such progress in a rider over a relatively short time it brings home to you all the benefits and therapy of Shelley and how it can affect the whole family as well as the team of helpers We wish Freddie and his family all the best for their new life!”
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All our work relies on volunteers, and we are rather short of help with many of our therapy sessions. We usually need three helpers for every rider so if you are friendly, like animals, willing to learn and you could commit to a minimum of half a day a week (just during term time), we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and come and visit to see what we do.
As with any charity we need to keep raising funds. Our next event is a Fun Dog Show on Sunday 7th September at The Shelley Centre, IP7 5QY. 11am-4pm. Everyone welcome.
Website: www.shelleyrda.com
Facebook: Shelley RDA Centre Telephone: 01473 824172
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