End of Term at Shelley

           Ebony’s Blog

  Life at The Shelley Centre      

July brings the end of another term and another successful year.  As always, the end of the summer term brings our dressage and Countryside Challenge competitions.  The latter is a test of riding skills and dexterity including riding up and down small slopes, through trees, stopping and getting the horse to move on again and picking up and moving objects.  Due to the very hot weather (too hot for horses, riders and helpers) we did not complete all the sessions and some have been held over until the autumn. Whilst we call them competitions, it is much more about individual achievement with all our riders showing what they are capable of to Mary, our wonderful judge.  Everyone gets a certificate and rosette, which are always received with lots of smiles and satisfaction.  (Photo shows some of the Wednesday morning ladies with their rosettes).  The best in each class will also receive a cup when all the competitions are completed.

At the end of the year we hold our Annual General Meeting and the Trustees provide supper as a recognition of the hard work put in by all the helpers over the year.  It is also a time to issue long-service certificates to our hard-working volunteers and this year we also had to say goodbye and many thanks to two long-serving coaches, Anne MacWillson and Sally Neilsen.  One of Sally’s riders sent her this paragraph which she is happy to see published:

I didn't really want to put this in the piece to be published but when I say riding saved my life I don't think I'm joking. When I first started at Shelley I had nothing in my life and was very low. Riding was the one thing in the week I looked forward to and I managed my energy and pain really closely to be able to make sure I could come on a Tuesday. Riding got me going, it helped me physically definitely as I am a lot stronger than I was and can manage so much more, particularly in my lower body, but it improved my mental health in a way I never expected. It gave me something to talk about, people to talk to and a sense of being wanted and included somewhere. It showed me that my body could still manage something enjoyable rather than just being a source of pain and restriction. Both these physical and mental health improvements paved the way for me to start working, dancing, swimming and generally a change in mindset to be determined to get the most out of my body that I can and take every opportunity despite my limitations. This has led to one of my childhood dreams coming true in my work with the Royal Ballet School which I still can't quite believe is real! I know this is all very cheesy but I think it's sometimes important to get over that and make sure people know the impact that they have had.   Isobel

We have also had to say goodbye to our longest serving horse, Bryn, who has gone for a well-deserved retirement at the age of 20.  He has been with us for nearly ten years and has been very popular with helpers and riders alike.  Whilst he could be a bit cheeky, he was gentle and quietly carried both children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. He was very patient and instinctively accepted everyone whatever their  capabilities. He was a real character and last year was runner up in the BBC Suffolk ‘Make a Difference’ animal award.  He will be very much missed and hard to replace.

At the end of June we held a fundraising ride across the beautiful countryside surrounding Shelley.  It was very warm so riders chose to start at 7am, but we had a great turnout and raised almost £950 for funds.  (Photo shows some of the participants at the end of their 10 mile ride), before enjoying the homemade refreshments provided.

Website: www.shelleyrda.com

Facebook:  Shelley RDA Centre                                           Telephone: 01473 824172

Some Wednesday riders receiving awards at the end of term

riders about to set off on the 10 mile fun ride in June